-Infinity Heart
-Paring(s): Tony Stark/OC
-Rated: T for language and slight adult situations
-Movie-based
Disclaimer: I don't own Iron Man. The characters belong to Marvel studios and Stan Lee. I only own the OCs used
Chapter Two:
"Promise Ring"
"..How does it feel to be,
Different from me,
Are we the same.."
~How Does It Feel, Avril Lavigne
The first thing that Tegan expected when returning home was a greeting from the AI.
"Welcome home, madam."
"Good morning, Jarvis." she greeted back, shuffling to close the door and not drop her things. "Is that woman still here?"
"I am afraid so. Actually, she is about to stumble into the main room." he informed. The young woman sighed heavily. That was the second thing she expected; for Miss Everhart to walk in wearing Tony's shirt from the night before or either wrapped in his bedsheets still. For someone who seemed to not stand her guardian, she was quick to sleep with him. Did she not know the reputation he had with women? But now that the female prodigy thought about, she probably did and was secretly hoping he would take home if she approached him. Right on cue, the blond came strolling in. Not wanting to deal with her, Hayes hid in the one of the alcoves by the front door.
"Tony? Hey, Tony?" she called, looking around the living room. When she didn't find him, the journalist wandered and observed the main floor. The prodigy bit her lip to keep herself from shouting, 'Get the hell out already.' Sneaking a peek, Tegan saw that the reporter was now standing not too far from where she stood but luckily her back was towards her. Everhart was now observing curiously the security keypad on the wall there. The other woman reached out to touch it to see what it would do, activating the alarm instead.
"You are not authorized to access this area." She jumped in surprise at the sudden voice. The heiress couldn't help but smirk since she knew that would happen.
"Jesus." the blond uttered, backing away.
"That's Jarvis. He runs the house." came another voice that Tegan was also familiar with. Christine turned to face Pepper Potts—the executive assistant to Tony Stark.
"I've got your clothes here. They've been dry-cleaned and pressed, and there's a car waiting for you outside that will take you anywhere you'd like to go." she finished, using the usual spiel told to all the girls the playboy brought home.
"You must be the famous Pepper Potts." the journalist noted, walking towards her.
"Indeed I am." the strawberry blonde assured before handing over the clear bag with the other woman's clothing.
"After all these years," Everhart began, sounding sassy. "Tony still has you picking up the dry-cleaning.
"I do anything and everything that Mr. Stark requires," Pepper stated in a polite tone, not having batted an eye at the rude remark. "Including, occasionally, taking out the trash...Will that be all?" The female genius had to hold back her laughter as she watched the blond stomped off back to Tony's room to get dressed. That was Pepper for you. Just because she did everything Tony asked her, didn't mean she couldn't hold her own against sassy and bitchy women. She wasn't a push-over. And that's what the younger woman liked best. She also admired Pepper for how level-headed and determined she was. Once the reporter was gone, the prodigy stepped out of the alcove and towards her good friend.
"I never get tired of seeing you do that."
Potts sighed before giving a warm smile. "Welcome back home. Did you manage to sleep well at Joven's?"
"Yeah, a lot better than I would have here. Even if the walls are sound-proof, just the idea of Tony shagging would have had me a bit restless." Tegan cringed, walking by and tossing her stuff on the white circular couch.
The assistant gave a short laugh. "That's good to hear. I had figured when I didn't see you in your room this morning, you had to be with your best friend. How is Joven by the way?"
"He's good. Had to go to the gallery this morning but said he'd stop by later today."
"As close as you two are, I'm surprise you haven't gotten together." the older woman commented, "You'd be cute."
The brunette blushed before waving a hand dismissively. "Me and Joven? Psh! He's like a brother to me, you know that."
"Even so, I'm keeping my fingers crossed." her friend noted.
"Anyway, getting off the topic of my dating life," the prodigy smirked, "What about you, Pep? Got a hot date today, birthday girl?"
It was her turn to blush. "Unfortunately, no. But I plan on still spoiling myself today." she said.
"What'd you get?" the female genius asked.
"A very expensive dress." Pepper replied with a wink.
Tegan smiled, strolling back to her and looping an arm with hers. "Oh, lovely. Now, to make sure you have a peaceful birthday, we have to get a certain philanthropist on a much belated flight."
As Tegan had suspected, Tony was down in his man-cave and working on his father's old hot rod with the help of Jarvis and rock music blaring. On the way down, Pepper had gotten a phone call and was currently speaking with the person—having returned to her 'business-mode.' The younger woman typed in the pass code to get inside and turned down the music for her. The assistant gave her a silent thank you before brushing by her.
"I'm gonna try again, right now."
"Please don't turn down my music." Stark told, continuing his work on the car. Tegan went over to the small lounge chair and quietly watched the exchange. Their bickering conversations never unamused her.
"I'll keep you posted." The call was ended and Pepper's full attention was on her difficult boss. "You are supposed to be halfway around the world right now."
"How'd she take it?" he asked indifferently.
"Like a champ." she replied with a sigh.
"Why are you trying to hustle me out of here?"
"Your flight was scheduled to leave an hour and a half ago."
"That's funny, I thought with it being my plane and all," Tony stated, "That it would just wait for me to get there."
"Tony, I need to speak to you about a couple things before I get you out the door." Potts said, opening her schedule book.
"Doesn't it kind of defeat the whole purpose of having your own plane," he continued on, not listening to her. "If it departs before you arrive?"
"Larry called. He's got another buyer for the Jackson Pollock in the wings. Do you want it? Yes or no?"
"Is it a good representation of his spring period?"
"No. The Springs was actually the neighborhood in East Hampton where he lived and worked," she explained, "Not 'spring' like the season."
"So?" the genius said, wanting her to get to the point.
"I think it's a fair example. It think it's incredibly overpriced."
"I need it. Buy it. Store it." Tony stood then and walked over to where Tegan was.
"Okay. The MIT commencement speech—" his assistant carried on down the list.
"Is in June. Please don't harangue me about stuff that's way, way, down." he interrupted before noticing the younger woman lounging in his chair like a house cat. His dark eyes then took in what she was wearing. The white tank top was a bit snug and didn't cover her all the way; evident from the bit of her abdomen and cleavage showing. The shorts were too small for her liking; he knew that much. She usually wore clothing that was comfortable to her—like shirts two sizes, too big or sweatpants—not 'showy' like what she currently had on. That's when he remembered Tegan hadn't come home with him last night but went to her friend's place instead.
"Hey, kiddo. Had fun at Joven's place again?" Tony teased, ruffling her brown hair as he walked by. "You used protection, right?"
She scoffed in disgust, fixing her hair. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? Everhart may not be a hooker but you never know." Pepper coughed, hiding her laugh. The billionaire smirked. He enjoyed the girl's snarky comebacks.
The other woman composed herself and continued, "Well, they're haranguing me, so I'm gonna say yes." Tony stopped at his espresso machine, taking a cup before turning back to her.
"Deflect it and absorb it. Don't transmit back to me."
"I need you to sign this before you get on the plane."
"What are you trying to get rid of me for? What, you got plans?" he inquired.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Pepper said.
"I don't like it when you have plans."
"I believe she's allowed to have plans on her birthday." Tegan piped in casually, strolling over to the fridge for something to drink.
Tony glanced at his assistant. "It's your birthday?"
"Yes."
"I knew that. Already?" he said, playing it off like he remembered.
"Yeah. Isn't that strange? It's the same day as last year." the strawberry blonde smirked.
"Get yourself something nice from me." the playboy offered.
"She already did." the female prodigy grinned beside them.
"And?"
"Oh, it was very nice from what I hear." the younger woman added.
He smiled at the older woman, "Yeah."
Potts smiled too, "Very tasteful. Thank you, Mr. Stark."
"You're welcome, Miss Potts." She tapped on his cup of warm coffee, reminding him to drink it. He listened and handed her the empty cup before walking off.
"Your turn." Pepper said to the heiress.
"On it." she saluted with her water bottle, following him.
The female prodigy now stood in front of her caregiver's bedroom; having changed into a simple off-the-shoulder grey shirt and loose yoga pants. She held a prepacked overnight bag in one hand and a picked out suit in the other.
Tegan didn't go in just yet. "..Should I even ask him?"
"Madam, Mr. Stark has finished bathing and clothing. It is safe to go inside." Jarvis informed.
"Uh, right." she said, pulled out of her train of thought. Finally opening the door, the young woman found him walking out of his closet, shrugging on his favorite leather jacket.
"So, I packed some stuff already and picked out a suit for you." the heiress stated, strolling over to his bed and placing said items down. "Check them to see if I forgot anything or add what else you need."
"Thank you, mini-Potts." he said, looking them over. Tegan sat on the edge and watched. He nodded his head as he quietly approved of the things that she picked. Mustering up as much courage as she could, she spoke.
"Hey, Tony?"
"Hm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
The billionaire paused, peering over at her. "I've told you before—If it's something really expensive but you want it, go ahead and buy it."
She shook her head. "No, I don't want to buy anything. I wanted to ask if I could come along with you?" He stared at her for a moment.
"Sure, why not." he answered with a shrug, "I don't see a problem with that."
"For real?" The heiress jumped up and did a victory yes. "Thank you so, so, much. I promise I won't get in the way."
"Haha, you're welcome." Tony laughed at seeing how much she looked like a little kid.
"Okay, I'll go pack a few things and meet you at the car." She went to turn but was stopped.
"Whoa, whoa. You don't need to pack for a car ride."
"A..car..ride? But I thought.." Tegan said, confused. "Wait, I was asking if I could come with you on the plane."
"What? No, you're not coming with us." he said, "That's out of the question."
"Oh, come on. This isn't like the other times I asked to come with you. I'm twenty-four, not twelve." she exasperated, "I know how to behave. Plus, this is essential for me to learn if I'm suppose to take over Stark Industries someday."
"You're still not coming." Tony said adamantly, zipping back up his night bag. "Plus, you have said yourself you hate the weapons I sale which is what this conference is about." He picked up his stuff then and headed for the door.
"That's not the point! Stop treating me like a child!" the young woman shouted at his back, "Or do you not want me to go because you don't want someone else to trample on your 'fun time?'"
Her caregiver turned back to her with an annoyed glare. "Well, you're acting like one right now, so I'll treat you like one. And for your information—no, that's not why."
"Then why?"
"Because—" He paused and instead just shook his head in a miffed fashion. The male genius moved back towards the door, tossing over his shoulder before leaving. "That car ride offer still stands. Take it or leave it."
Tony's Audi R8 flew to a halt in front of Stark Industries with his bodyguard Happy pulling up right beside him. Waiting on the steps of his private plane was Rhodey, who currently was not pleased with having to waiting on his friend for as long as he had.
The billionaire stepped out of his car, laughing. "You're good. I thought I lost you back there."
"You did, sir. I had to cut across Mulholland." Happy told, retrieving his items.
"Ah, I got you. I got you." his boss continued to laugh. Tegan stepped out of the passenger seat of the Audi; having indeed taking his offer anyway.
"Ugh..I think you gave me whiplash.." she muttered, rubbing her neck.
"No pain, no gain, Turtle." he said, tossing the keys over to her. "Take care of it riding back or else you're dead." The young woman came around to the driver side, waving her hand.
"Yeah, yeah." She then leaned against the door, sighing. "Hey, look..I'm sorry for how I acted back home. I just..really wanted to go. We don't hang out together much like when I was younger."
"It's okay, kiddo. But you're right." Tony sighed, scratching the back of his head. He then snapped his fingers. "How about I take you to that water park you've been dying to go to when I get back, huh?"
"Tony, I asked you about that when I was fourteen." the female prodigy stated blankly.
He grinned his million dollar smile. "It's never too late."
She let out a tiny chuckle, shrugging. "Sure, why not." Her face grew serious. "But if you break your promise, be prepared to lose Jarvis for a week."
"You wouldn't.." the genius said gravely.
"You know well what I'm capable of." Tegan smirked evilly.
"Alright. Water park, this weekend. You and me." he agreed, raising his hands in defeat.
"Good. Oh, one more thing," She reached up towards her neck and pulled out a thin chain from under her shirt. On the chain rested a silver wedding ring with green engravings of the infinity symbol in a heart around it. Unfastening it and grabbing his hand, the heiress placed the necklace in his palm.
"I've seen this before.." Tony said, trying to figure out from where.
"It was my mother's, goof. Been a good luck charm for me." she stated; a warm smile gracing her pale pink lips. "Now, I know you don't need any good luck because this deal is in the bag already but I still want you to take it." Tony peered down at the band in the middle of his palm. He nodded and placed in his jacket pocket.
"Sure thing, Teg. I'll take good care of it."
Said person poked him in the chest playfully. "You better. Go on, I've taken up enough of your time and Rhodey looks like he wants to kill you." Dark eyes glanced in his best friend's direction briefly before turning back.
"Yeah, he does. This trip is gonna be fun, haha." the billionaire laughed, ruffling his successor's hair as he walked off. "See you in a few days!" The young woman waved goodbye with a slightly sad expression, watching him board the plane.
"What's wrong with you?" James questioned angrily.
"What?" Tony said.
"Three hours."
"I got caught doing a piece for Vanity Fair."
"Oh dear god." Tegan thought, hopping into the Audi with a roll of her grey eyes.
Thanks to those who reviewed, alerted, and favorited! I really appreciated it and it means a lot to me :)
To answer Imitation Paranoid Marionette's question, I'm going my the storyline in Iron Man with my character just mixed in. So there will be slight differences because of that. Hope that answered your question!
Alert, Review, & Fave if you want more of Infinity Heart!
