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Chapter 32 - Piano and Vulcans

The Doctor stood under a palm tree, facing the ocean, on his island. He was wearing football shorts and trainers. The wind from the ocean blew in his hair as the afternoon sun hung low in the sky. He was wet from the sweat and had clearly been working out. He stood with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.

Tony Stark, wearing sunglasses, swim trunks and a t-shirt, walked until he reached his side. He stood quietly for several moments, not wanting to disturb him. He looked at the ocean and crossed his arms to wait until the Doctor noticed he was there.

The Doctor opened his eyes and looked beside of him, "Oh. Hey."

"I didn't want to interrupt you in case you were….doing some weird alien shit."

The Doctor smiled, "Thanks."

"You alright?"

"It feels like we're on the edge of a storm. I don't know. It's just …odd."

"Are you being metaphoric or speaking about meteorology?"

The Doctor ran his hand through his hair. "I was just out for a run."

"You don't run."

"Yes, I do-"

"No, you don't."

He laughed, "Yes, I bloody do-"

"When did you start doing that?"

"When people started chasing me!"

Tony laughed and pointed at him, "That's a good time to start, then."

He rolled his eyes at his friend. "How's Pepper?"

Tony grinned as he looked at the ocean, "Oh wow. She's….."

He waved his hand. "Don't tell me. I can smell it."

"You can smell that?"

"I have a very strong sense of smell. It's all over you, man. Must have been good."

Tony shook his head and moaned, "Oh my God. We had a…long lunch break. Until the housekeeper got to the penthouse. It's amazing. She's just….trashy enough that it's surprised me."

"Don't want to hear this."

"Well, not trashy…just….oh….dirty. Just…."

"And you dig that, shit."

"Oh, I do. I never would have thought she would be like that. I thought she would be….hiding under the covers…..but, no. Wow. A freak."

"Really, don't want to hear this-"

"And hot. Just, from every angle. Even her-"

"Ah!" He looked at Tony and put his finger over his lips. "Shhh!"

Tony looked confused at him. "What the hell is that?"

He tossed his hands up. "I finally met someone that doesn't work on. Damn it."

Tony crossed his arms and laughed. "Yeah, keep your freaky alien shit to yourself, Cornflake."

He laughed and shook his head. "Cornflake."

"Nah, I need to talk to you about something. We're here by ourselves."

The Doctor closed his eyes and groaned. "Oh man. I really don't know about this-"

"It's different. I….do it ….different with her. Does that make sense?"

"There's really just one way to do it. Need to borrow some movies, mate?"

Tony smacked his chest. "No! Idiot. Listen, I kiss different. I've noticed. It's been since you copied that fighting program in my head."

"So, you think you probably kiss like…."

"Well, how does Rose kiss?"

He laughed, "I'm sorry, I'm not going to show you that."

"Ugh. It's….am I crazy?"

"No. You're not mad. It's in the same part of your brain. I didn't realize I had copied that, too. Huh. That means everyone kisses like Rose that has had that program."

Tony counted on his fingers, "Logan, me, short Tony-"

"Genie."

Tony put his hands on his hips, "You put that in Genie's head?"

He nodded, "Yes. And Rose will find out about it. I should just tell her. She's going to be proper pissed."

"Just don't tell her-"

"Easier said than done."

Tony looked confused, "This has to do with her….being….weird…."

"She took us to the Prime Dimension yesterday. Just popped us there, and back. I couldn't believe it."

"What? Cannon free?"

"Just her. She's …..and I saw the other version of myself."

"Really? Punch his ass out?"

"Three times. Well, I hit him. Didn't knock him unconscious."

"Further proof, that you need to step into the church and box with me. It will be good for you. You seem to be right on the edge of just….exploding-"

"Nah, I'm not like that."

"Say what you want man. It's usually people like you that have their names read on CNN. Just saying."

"I can control my temper."

"Sounds like it."

"Anyway. You. Kiss different-"

"I kiss different. I really do. It's like….I kiss her and completely forget everything going on around me. My mind goes completely into bliss. Just…nothing else exists. Just me and her. I've never had that happen."

The Doctor smiled, "You are kissing like me. That's what that is."

Tony groaned, "I'm kissing like an alien. Alright. Why? That was from Rose's head."

"It's in her head. That's how she prefers to be kissed." He laughed, "I wonder what else you're doing like me?"

"She's not complaining."

"Rose doesn't either, in fact….she told me she wants another child this morning."

"Really? Already?"

"That's what she said."

"Huh. Another kid. Better you than me, man."

"You told Pepper about that, didn't you?"

Tony bit his lip and nodded, "I was able to tell her it as fact. I found the recipe and files Dad used on me. It was, written in there, that it was a side effect with everyone else. Rogers can't, either. Same stuff."

"How are you with that?"

He looked at the ocean and shook his head. "Jury's out."

"What did Pepper say?"

"It's not a big deal to her. She actually told me….that she's not able to….either."

"Really? Why?"

"She wouldn't say. She doesn't want to talk about it. She did tell me it was something ….a sickness, and she had opted to have things removed…..does that make sense?"

"Yeah. But, that could be several different things."

"Could you look and see?"

"Not unless she asks me."

"Right. You're right. It just…. Nevermind. I can't anyway. She's said it's not a big deal. Anyway. Nevermind-"

"You kiss different. And your sex is different. You were sleeping with her before we copied the program in your head. In fact, you told me that first night we met, that you had a girl. You wasn't talking about her, were you?"

Tony grinned, "I was. I just….well….she didn't know about it. I was….working up my nerve."

The Doctor nodded, "I can respect that. I've been there. Has she said anything?"

"No. But…it's….umm…."

"Just tell me man-"

"Animal. We didn't even make it to the bed this afternoon."

He laughed, "Oh yes. You, would really benefit from this course Logan is taking."

Tony groaned and put his hands on his hips. "Some….freaky…..alien sex class."

"Oh, yes. I'll give you the basics. You'll thank me. Hang on a bit, let me gather it…."

Tony looked confused. "What?"

The Doctor turned and looked at him. Tony rose his eyebrow as he felt the Doctor push two fingers on his forehead. A wave of information seemed to rush into his head. It disorientated him briefly.

The Doctor grabbed his shoulders and steadied him on his feet. "Alright?"

Tony slowly exhaled. "Yeah. What the hell was that?"

"A data transfer. Give it a minute. It should all be there."

He returned to looking at the ocean as Tony seemed to collect his new thoughts. "Oh, John. That's fucking cool. Wow."

He turned to him and nodded, "Oh yes. Easiest way to explain something."

Tony laughed. "Wow. I feel….enlightened. I can't wait to try this shit. Thanks. Wow. Friends with a freaky alien does have its benefits."

The Doctor laughed under his breath. "There are worse things."

"Okay, hmmm…. Before I forget…Soli."

"He's back at the house."

"Yeah. We're thinking about going someplace this weekend. Just me and Pepper. Could you keep up with him for me?"

"Sure." He put his hand on his shoulder and walked back towards to the house with him. "I'd be happy to. Where is this recipe your Dad used?"

"I've got it, why?"

"I'd be interested to see it."

Tony stopped walking and held up his hand. "What? You think it's something you can reverse?"

"Tony. Don't limit your thinking to just medicine that is known now. Here. There are all sorts of-"

"But, she can't. I don't know man. I don't think I want that."

"Alright. Well, if you decide."

"I'll let you know and you can work on my plumbing." Tony insisted as he pushed his sunglasses back on his face. "I'm looking forward to the day I can stop taking all of this damn medicine. This shit I have to take at night. John."

"I mixed something that won't be so strong. Exton has it. Take it tonight and let me know how it does."

They started walking again, "Cool. Thanks. And this shit with Legate. How did you never tell me he was a Prince?"

The Doctor chuckled. "He's a survivor. And that's something I should tell you. Never trust a survivor unless you know how they survived."

Tony nodded, "That's damn good advice. Are you saying, Legate….?"

"Legate moved over 2,000 people in his ship. You've seen it. How did he do that?"

"Hell. I have no idea."

The Doctor chuckled, "It was clever as hell. You would be impressed. He transported them into the computer. The computer saved them until he could get them to the other world. I've only ever seen that once before, but it was a computer that had taken over and saved everyone during an emergency. Amazing."

"You are the only survivor of your people, do we need to chat?"

He groaned and started to walk back toward the house. "Tony, you're just too damn clever."

Tony laughed, "You brought it up, freak."

They continued to discuss a few things and arrived at the pool. Tony Tyler, Jacob Shepherd and Soli were all in the pool together. Legate and Lance sat with them. Logan was in the pool throwing them into the air. Genie, stood next to the pool wearing a skirt over her swimsuit. She ran towards them. "Daddy and Tony! I didn't know you were here!"

Tony picked her up and kissed her cheek. "I just got here. What are you doing with a dress on?"

"It's a skirt. It's twirly." She told him.

"Twirly?"

"Yes. Let me down, I'll show you."

He sat her down and she twirled around in a perfect ballerina spin. The dress flew out. The Doctor grabbed her around the waist and picked her up again, "You make your Daddy nervous spinning that close to the edge of the pool."

Tony laughed, "And what are we doing in this pool, gentlemen?"

Tony pointed up at him, "Mr. Stark. You should come in and have Logan throw you!"

He shook his head. "I don't let men toss me around."

Logan laughed at him. "Come on in. You can help me throw these children in the air."

Soli clapped. "Yes. Come on, Tony!"

"You're alright with this?"

"Sure!" Soli told him.

Tony grinned.

Lance walked over and shook Tony's hand. "Hey, man."

Tony smiled, "How did the date go?"

Lance nodded. "Good. Thanks for-"

"Yeah. Anytime."

Tony took off his shirt and jumped into the pool.

Logan and him took turns throwing the children into the air, and letting them drop into the pool. Lots of laughing and fun were had by all.

Howie Shepherd walked out to the pool with Pete. They stood on the edge, under an umbrella, watching them. Legate and the Doctor got in and put a child on each of their shoulders to have a four way chicken fight.

Just as Tony and Soli were winning, Lewis walked down the path with the small Quauhtin, Chiron. Tony's look of shock, told the Doctor he needed to turn around and look. He quickly put his hand over Tony's mouth. "Shut it, Tony. Don't say anything."

"Fuck. Fuck! Fuck!" He laughed in surprise, "He's a-"

"Arov. " He insisted.

Tony laughed hysterically.

"I knew he would react this way. You owe me some money, Legate." Logan told him.

Legate rolled his eyes.

Tony watched as they walked to Howie and Pete. Howie pointed at Stark. "I've had you subpoenaed. It's easier to just put chaw in this senator's mouth, than a bridle."

"Why? I didn't call him anything! John told me not to!" Tony insisted.

Howie looked confused until he looked beside of Lewis. The Doctor groaned and swore.

Tony turned to look at him, "It's sad that the only words I know in your language are swears from you."

Lewis pointed at Tony. "Good. You're here. John. Ashena just rang. She wants you to come back to the Quauthin homeworld with some of us. She needs a meeting with you and Lartius. And she doesn't want you anywhere close to Andromeda."

He groaned and looked back at Tony. "Brilliant. Why?"

Lewis smiled proudly, "Because I was right. They showed up this morning. I damn knew I was right."

Chiron nodded and spoke in his high pitched voice. "That's right. They were stopped this morning by a patrol lead by Primus Summus. The Queen Ashena also asked for a Ton…."

Tony was laughing so hard he couldn't speak.

The Doctor looked back at him and smacked his chest. "Stop it." He looked back at the Arov. "Chiron. This is Tony. That's who she's asking for."

Tony, still with Soli on his shoulders, moved to the edge of the pool. "Nice to meet you. Chiron?"

He shook Tony's hand. "Nice to meet you."

Lewis continued, "John, we're not expected there until tomorrow afternoon. So, I don't see the need to warm the engines until then. Thoughts?"

The Doctor nodded. "I agree. Tony. I can take Soli tonight if you want."

Soli's eyes grew huge. "Take me where?"

Tony laughed with Soli on his shoulders. "It's an expression. Would you like to stay here with John tonight?"

Soli held Tony's head, "Why don't you want me to come back to your castle?"

"You can come back to my castle if you want. I just thought you might want to stay here and play with the other children."

"I want to stay with you. I won't be any trouble. We need to practice some more."

Tony grinned. "You're lucky I like you, kid."

The Doctor smiled back at Tony. "I think he's tired."

Tony cleared his throat. "Tell me, Chiron. Do you box?"

He nodded, "I do. I'm not bad."

"I'd like to ask for a training session with you."

"Are you a Quauhtin?"

The Doctor shook his head. "No, he's a Primary."

"Oh. Then, I'll have to ask my Primus for permission, first. Primus John?"

The Doctor, still with Genie on his shoulders, fell backwards into the water to avoid the question.

"Daddy!" Genie complained to him.

Lewis laughed, "Oh, yeah. It's fine. He might teach you a few things, Stark."

XxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxx

Pepper was on her way back to the penthouse that evening with Exton and Arcite. She leaned on Exton's shoulder as they rode up in the lift to take off her heals.

"How was your first day?" Pepper asked Arcite.

Arcite nodded, "Splendid. All of the Primaries in my care are well."

She nodded, "Well, I haven't heard from Tony and Soli…"

Exton chuckled, "Oh, I hate that we missed that."

"What has he done?"

"Oh, you would prefer him to tell you, Pepper. I assure you."

She groaned as the lift door dinged and opened.

As soon as the doors opened, she heard Soli playing a guitar. Tony was encouraging him. "That sounds good. Yes. Great job."

She walked into the room, "What is going on, guys?"

Soli, sitting on the sofa with Tony wearing his fedora, smiled at her. "Lartius sent me this guitar! It plays whatever song I can think of."

Tony sat behind Soli, "It has a telepathic field to it. I am a bit late giving it to him. Sorry, about that, man."

Soli shook his head. "It's alright. Oh, I love it! I love music."

Tony smiled proudly and kissed Soli's head.

"Pepper. I'm sorry, but …..John had plans tonight. And I need to talk to you about this weekend. We will probably have to go out of town tomorrow." Tony told her.

She stood behind him and pat his shoulder. "It's alright. Tell me later. I need some water." She walked to the kitchen.

Tony's attention was on Soli, "Next, I'll teach you how to play the piano. You actually have to practice with it though. It's not like this."

Soli nodded, "I can't wait to learn! Who taught you to play the piado?"

Tony chuckled, "Piano. My mom did. She played, too."

"So, you learned to play from a Queen?"

Tony took a deep breath and nodded, "I suppose I did. She really was a Queen."

Pepper stood in the kitchen and smiled at their conversation. She poured herself a glass of water. "Exton. Arcite. There are drinks if you want something."

Tony rubbed the side of his head. "Yeah. I ordered dinner already. Happy is bringing it up."

"Happy?" Pepper asked.

Exton smiled, "I need to review some stuff with Arcite. We'll just be in the other room if you need us."

Tony didn't look up and waved his hand. "It's just Happy. He's barely a threat."

Exton nodded and walked away with Arcite.

Pepper walked over to sit next to Tony on the sofa. He looked up at her and she immediately noticed the huge black eye.

"What in the hell happened to you?"

Soli continued to play. "He trained with Chiron. He did good."

She looked at his face and caressed close to where it was swollen so badly. "Who is this Chiron?"

"One of the new guys." Tony told her. "We had a bet that any marks we left on one another, we have to wear for the next twelve hours."

She looked him up and down. "You're not moving. What else?"

He shook his head, "Oh, I'm fine."

Soli continued to play, "He twisted his knee, and has a large bruise on his chest."

"Your chest! Tony, your heart!"

"The reason one has a rib cage. John said it was fine. It's part of the bet. I can't do anything about it until this time tomorrow. Well, unless you are angry. Then I get a free pass to use the dermal regenerator. You're angry, aren't you? I have a meeting in the morning."

She groaned. "If you need to use me an excuse, go ahead."

He smiled and looked pleased, "Yes! Thank you, Pepper."

"This must have been a huge guy."

Tony rubbed his face and groaned.

Soli spoke, "He's an Arov. They are all really small."

Pepper rose her eyebrows at Tony. "He's really small?"

"He looks like a midget to me. John told me not to tease him-"

She grinned, "But you did-"

"I didn't!"

She laughed, "And he beat your ass."

"That, he did. I didn't get one punch in."

Pepper laughed, "Tony. Why do I let you out?"

He smiled up at her and she noticed his lip was busted, too. "I keep things interesting for you."

She laughed under her breath and kissed him. "Without a doubt."

Jarvis spoke, "Happy Hogan is here."

Pepper said, "He can come in."

The elevator doors opened and Happy walked in with several bags. "And dinner is here. I didn't check it, but if it's wrong, I'll just go back downstairs and get them to fix it."

Pepper smiled, "Thank you, Happy. I didn't expect you."

Happy pointed at Tony. "Tony and I had to have a chat."

She pointed at Tony. "Have you seen this black eye?"

Happy sat down the bags of food and laughed, "Yeah. He said he went head to head with a bodyguard. If it's one of these guys, I'm surprised it's not worse."

Tony nodded and held his hand out. "See! It was one of those bodyguards."

Pepper rolled her eyes. "I'm going to change. I'll be right back. Soli, eat something."

Soli didn't look up from his guitar. "I will, Princess."

Pepper went up the stairs, and Tony walked over to the bar to sort through the food with Happy. Happy grinned at him, "So, how's your pretend love affair going?"

Tony rolled his eyes at Happy as he pulled out a container of angel hair pasta with lobster. He sat it down and pulled out another container of linguine and pairs the sea vegetable samphire with king prawns. "It's going good."

Happy chuckled, "You are so full of shit."

Tony opened the top of the container and sat it down on the cabinet. "You think?"

"Well, Tony. I've thought about it. Pepper wouldn't go for a guy like you-"

"No?"

"Nah, I really don't think so."

"Hmmm…" Tony walked over to the refrigerator and opened a bottle of wine. He poured a glass and sipped it. "You really don't think so?"

"I'm a good judge on things like this. I can call it."

Tony nodded his head. "Hmmm. Interesting. I didn't realize you had this….freaky sixth sense."

They both turned to watch Pepper walk down the stairs. She was wearing a blue blouse and a pair of jeans. She was still in her bare feet.

Tony called up to her. "Barefoot, huh?"

She smiled, "It's safer on these stairs."

He smiled proudly. "Yeah, I know the real reason."

She nodded and giggled as she walked to the kitchen, looking back at Soli who continued to play his guitar. "Is he going to eat?"

Tony shook his head. "It's all still hot. Let it cool down and then I'll get him over here."

She sat down at the bar. Tony sipped the wine and then handed it to her. "This….wine….tastes…..I'm not sure."

She reached her hand out, "Let me try it."

Tony looked smug back at Happy as Pepper tasted the wine. Happy shook his head and mouthed, "Means nothing."

Pepper sat it down. "Tony, it tastes fine. Happy do you want a glass?"

"Nah. I'll just have water."

Tony sat the container in front of her of angel hair pasta with lobster. "You have the choice. This, or linguine with king prawns-"

"With what? Prawns? What is that?"

"Nevermind, that's for trying. Or chicken Caesar salad, that might be shrimp." Tony looked in the bags.

She pointed at what she had. "This is sounding better-"

"Or….pizza. I think that's probably Soli's."

"There's a hamburger in there, too." Happy told her.

She opened the plastic tray and Tony and Happy's heads immediately snapped to her when they heard her gasp. She put two of her fingers in her mouth and closed her eyes tightly.

Tony rushed to the other side of the bar to her. "What is it?"

She didn't speak and continued to hold her fingers in her mouth. She shook her head.

"Let me see it." he told her.

Happy stood and watched as she let him slowly pull her two fingers out of her mouth. She didn't open her eyes. Tony looked at them and saw where the plastic had cut them both. He immediately reached into his pocket to look for something. He kissed her forehead. "It's alright. I know it hurts."

She breathed in, speaking in a high pitched voice, "There is vinegar or something in it."

He quickly put her bloody fingers in his own mouth and continued to dig in his pocket. She covered her face with her other hand and willed herself not to cry. "Oh, Tony. It really hurts."

He finally found what he was looking for. It was a small, skin repair kit. He pulled her fingers out his mouth and held the device to them. "I know. It's alright. Just a quick pinch-"

"Awww." She said as the device took a tissue sample.

Soli sat on the sofa and watched them. "Is she alright-"

Tony reassured him, "She's going to be fine." Then he whispered to her as he ran the device over her cuts and healed them. "You're going to be fine. It will be like it never happened. Shhhh…."

He finished and sat the device on the bar, then rubbed where the cuts had been. She opened her eyes and looked at her fingers.

Tony kissed it. "John sent me home with one of these things. In case you were pissed about my face."

She kissed his lips, "Thank you."

"Okay?" He asked and wiped the tears that had formed in her eyes.

She nodded, "I'm alright. Yes. It was just a …." She looked back and saw Happy's stunned face. "Happy! I completely forgot you were here."

Tony grinned smugly back at him.

Happy groaned, "Well, ummm…"

Pepper looked back at Tony, who quickly changed his facial expression to concern. "More wine? That might help."

She nodded her head. "Yes, I suppose."

Tony went back to the other side of the bar and refilled her glass. Happy reached into the fridge and took out a beer.

Exton yelled down the hall. "Tony. Do you have a minute?"

Tony pointed down the hall, "I'll be-"

"It's alright." Pepper told him.

"Soli. Eat, or Happy is going to eat it all."

Soli walked over, grabbed the pizza box, and sat down at the bar next to Pepper.

Happy drank a long sip of his beer. "So. You and Tony, then?"

She covered her face and nodded, "Yes. Me and Tony. We're trying to keep it a secret, so please don't tell anyone."

He nodded, "How long?"

"Not very long-"

"Since we went out?"

"It was a bit before that."

He took another long drink of beer. "I have to ask, what do you see in him?"

She shook her head, "Don't Happy-"

He shrugged his shoulders, "No, I'm curious. I'm not angry."

"Tony is a really thoughtful, romantic, nice guy."

Happy looked surprised, "Are we talking about the same guy? I'm asking about the one who was just kissing you."

She nodded. "Yes."

"How serious is this?"

"Rather serious."

Happy shook his head. "Tony's never serious about any girl. Nah."

Pepper took a bite of her pasta dish as Tony walked back into the room. "Alright. Soli is eating. Good. Happy, eat something. The guys said they will call down something else later."

"Well, I have plenty here."

"It's…Arcite. He's….weird. Don't worry about it." Tony insisted.

Happy groaned. "Fine."

Tony leaned against the cabinet and ate his pasta dish.

They all ate without speaking, unsure of what to say.

Soli looked at the men. "Tony. Are you angry?"

"Do I look angry?"

Soli shook his head. "Tony, you've asked me that before. I don't know what you look like when you are angry."

Tony smiled, "Alright. I'll try to do an angry face. Pepper, tell me if this is right." He made a growl and showed his teeth.

Pepper nodded, "That's pretty close to it, Soli. If he looks like that, then he's really angry."

Soli smiled, "I've never seen you make that face."

Tony shook his head. "Why do you think I might be angry now, Sparky?"

"You are just quiet."

"My mouth is full of pasta. Do you want to try some?"

He shook his head. "No. I would like to go play my guitar some more. May I?"

Tony looked to see he had ate half of his small pizza. "Yeah. Wash your hands so you don't get grease everywhere."

Soli washed his hands quickly. Then he stood on the side of Pepper's stool and kissed her cheek. She smiled back at him. "Well, thank you, Soli."

He smiled at her. "May I please play you a song? I think I can remember how it sounded. I've only heard it once."

She wiped her mouth and nodded. "I would love you to play me a song."

Tony pointed at her. "Do not touch that woman cutting plastic. I'll take care of it."

She smiled, "Thank you, Tony."

He pointed at his dish he ate, "Did you want to try this?"

She shook her head, "Thank you, no. That's too….."

"What?"

She shook her head and joined Soli on the sofa. He played a song on his guitar.

Happy turned around and crossed his arms. He asked quietly, "So, how long?"

Tony grinned, "Oh, I'm pretty, damn long. Imagine, a third leg. Ask the lady. She loves it. I tuck it in my sock and pray I don't get excited. Makes it fucking hard to walk."

Happy rolled his eyes. "No, how long as this been going on?"

Tony shook his head. "Not long. Well, long enough."

Happy looked back at Soli and Pepper, then at Tony. He moved closer to him. Tony rose his eyebrow at him. "Are you planning on giving me another black eye? Go on, man. Do your worst."

Happy told him quietly, "No. I'm not going to hit you about this. I just….Tony. She's not like other girls."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you just….use them and toss them-"

He shook his head and sat down his container. "I'm not doing that to her."

"But, that's what you do. You can't do that to her."

"I've not done that in a long ass time, and you know it." Tony pointed at Happy.

"And her? Have you managed to sleep with every other available woman in New York? Is that it? You need her for some sick, score card?"

Tony got into his face, "You know. I don't remember this being any of your business."

Happy didn't back down. "I won't let you do that to her."

Tony became furious. It was taking everything in him not to punch Happy out. "Don't make me hit you, man."

Pepper noticed their quiet argument and walked back over to the bar. They both stopped talking, stepped back, and cleared their throats.

"Guys? Everything alright?"

Tony nodded, "Happy was just leaving."

Happy groaned, "Yes. I was. Thank you for dinner. And Tony, I'll think about it. Well, if the offer-"

Tony nodded, "Yeah. Think about it."

Pepper looked curious at him as he walked towards the elevator and left. She pointed back, "What did you say to him?"

Tony walked to her, "I'll tell you later. Don't worry about it." He kissed her quickly.

Soler continued to play and Tony recognized the song. He took Pepper's hand in his and started to dance with her. "I know this one! It's an old one!" Tony asked, "Sparky, where did you hear this song?"

"At John's. He was singing it to Rose."

Tony smiled at Pepper. "This song sounds better on the piano." They danced over to the piano, and she sat down next to him on the bench. He started to play, 'You Go to my Head' and sing it. He felt her hand on his thigh almost immediately. As he finished the song, he looked back at her and was surprised to find her crying silently. He held her and called to Soli. "Sparky. Would you go ask Exton who Sir Issac Newton is?"

"Sure, Tony!" Soler ran down the hallway to Exton.

Pepper sat up and smiled through her tears, "Who Sir Issac Newton is?"

"It got rid of him for a few minutes. That's one of the songs he played, isn't it?" He wiped her tears.

"I've not heard it since he played it. I didn't realize that's what it was on the guitar. But, the piano was very clear. I can't believe I'm crying. I'm not usually such a mess."

He kissed her forehead. "It's alright. I won't play it then, if it upsets you-"

"No." She pat his thigh. "Just….play it without singing it for me. Just….so I can hear the music."

He nodded and put his fingers back on the keys. She laid her head on his shoulder, held him around the waist, and closed her eyes as he played the song for her. When he finished playing that song, he began to play another one.

She smiled, "He played that one, too. What is it?"

He smiled as he continued to play, "This one is called, 'The Very Thought of You.'"

"I love to hear you play, Tony. It just makes everything seem, alright."

He kissed the top of her head and continued to play. "There's only one drawback to it."

"What's that?"

"My hands are busy with the keys, and not with you." He smiled as he continued to play.

She laughed quietly and relaxed, "Tony. Thank you for this."

"Anytime you want me to play something, just ask me. Or if you don't want me to play something, just tell me."

"What did Happy say?"

He groaned as he continued to play. "You are right. He is like everyone else. They only remember me….being a pig."

She continued to hold him. "I know you aren't. That's all that matters."

"That's not all. I can see why you want to keep this secret. Everyone is going to be that way. This is going to be hell for you."

"We don't need approval from a majority. It's up to us."

He nodded, "It is. But, I don't want anyone thinking that."

"I don't think that and I believe I'm the only one that matters."

He smiled and looked back her. "You are the only one that matters."

She smiled, "The second in command-"

"First, if we're honest."

She giggled and laid her head back on his shoulder as he continued to play.

Soler walked down the hallway with Arcite. The young Quauhtin had his hands behind his back and the familiar serious expression on his face. "Mr. Stark, sir."

Tony stopped playing and looked at the pair. "Yes, Arcite."

"Young Soler has asked me who Sir Issac Newton is, and I regret to inform you that the proper wording would be, 'Who Sir Issac Newton was'."

Pepper covered her mouth and tried to keep herself from laughing.

Tony looked shocked, "You don't say! When the hell did this happen?"

"Scholars are unsure. March 20th of either 1726 or 1727. However, to answer your modified question, Sir Issac Newton was an English mathematician, astronomer, and physicist. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time and a key figure in the scientific revolution of Earth."

Tony continued to look shocked, "I had no idea!"

Arcite continued, "Indeed, sir. His works are quite impressive. I would recommend you speak to Rose Smith, the Primus John's wife, about his subject in history if you are more interested. She speaks of him in her books and lectures."

Tony nodded, "I'll do that. Thank you, Arcite. I am now, enlightened."

Arcite bowed his head. "I'm happy to be of service, sir." He turned and walked back down the hallway.

Tony looked back at Pepper and laughed hysterically. She laughed and shook her head at him, "I can't believe you."

"Oh, I'm asking John if we can keep him. He's fucking entertaining."

"He's…..strange!" Pepper insisted.

"I think he's a Vulcan. Sparky. Are there Vulcans? Like in real life? I really don't know."

Soli shook his head. "I've never heard of one. Where are they from?"

"The planet Vulcan. They have pointed ears."

Soli thought for a moment. "I don't think so, Tony. Should I go ask, Exton and Arcite?"

Pepper covered her mouth and laughed under her breath. "Oh my God."

Tony pointed at him, "Yes! Go ask. A Vulcan. Ask him that."

Soli practiced saying it, "Vulcan. Alright. I'll go ask." He ran back down the hall.

Tony laughed and began to play the piano again. "Oh, I fucking love this."

Pepper laughed, "My sides are hurting from laughing at you."

He laughed as he played the theme to Star Trek, causing Pepper to laugh with him some more.

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