-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 Three:
"Onslaught"
"..I want to have the same last dream again,
The one where I wake up and I'm alive,
Just as the four walls close me within,
My eyes are opened up with pure sun light.."
~The Adventure, Angels & Airwaves
The much belated private plane had well taken off, currently high in the sky and set on course. Tony now sat comfortably with his friend seated across from him. Rhodes was giving him the silent treatment which he hated and decided to break it as much as he could.
"What you reading, platypus?"
"Nothing."
"Come on, sour patch. Don't be mad."
"I told you I'm not mad." the colonel said, looking at him. "I'm indifferent, okay?"
"I said I was sorry."
"Good morning, Mr. Stark." greeted a stewardess.
The playboy smiled at her. "Hi, I told him I was sorry but he—"
"You don't need to apologize to me. I'm your man." his friend told, "I'm just indifferent right now."
"Hot towel?" the stewardess offered her boss.
"Yes, thank you." he said, taking one as Rhodey continued speaking.
"You don't respect yourself, so I know you don't respect me."
"I respect you."
"I'm just your babysitter. So, when you need your diaper changed, let me know and I'll get you a bottle, okay?" Tony didn't want to listen to his bickering anymore. He wanted to clear his mind of incumbent things that were bothering him still in the back of his head..like a certain sad face that he caught before leaving.
"Hey! Heat up the sake, will you?" he requested to one of the stewardesses. He glanced at his friend afterwards. "Thanks for reminding me."
"No, I'm not talking—We're not drinking." James disapproved, "We're working right now."
"You can't have sashimi without sake." the genius noted.
"You are constitutionally incapable of being responsible."
"It would be irresponsible not to drink. I'm just talking about a nightcap."
A different stewardess brought their drink. "Hot sake?"
"Yes, two please."
"No. I'm not drinking. I don't want any." Rhodey pointed at him. "You're only doing this because you want me to not be mad anymore and there's something bothering you."
"Something bothering me?" Tony scoffed, rolling his dark eyes. "No, I'm just trying to get you to relax."
"I know you and there definitely is." the other man said, looking him right in the eye. The billionaire stared at him for a moment before raising his hands in defeat.
"Okay, maybe there is but it's not that big."
"What is it?"
"It's just.." He sighed heavily, taking a sip of his sake. "Tegan wanted to come along and I told her no. She got upset. When I was leaving, she seemed fine but I know she's still annoyed about not coming."
"That's understandable." the colonel nodded, "Tegan wants to be a part of the business now. But seems to me like someone is holding her back."
"Holding her back? I'm not holding her back. I just don't think she's ready to handle the business yet."
"That's only because you won't let the girl! She's old enough and capable of doing so. I say test her with a small project, see how it goes, then decide if she's not."
"I'll think about it. Now, drink." the genius told blankly. His friend listened and before Tony knew it, he was able to finally distract himself.
Tony placed on his shades before giving himself the once-over. As always, he looked great but the reassurance was always nice to do. Feeling satisfied, he was about to leave the bathroom when noticing the small ring on the sink. The billionaire picked it up and peered at it. He remembered now that Tegan always wore the necklace ever since meeting her. She told him once that it was special when he asked about it. Though he didn't really need it as his successor said, Stark placed the ring into his pants' pocket anyway before leaving finally. On the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, several other officers of various ranks stood waiting for him.
He stopped in front of an older gentleman, shaking hands. "General."
"Welcome, Mr. Stark. We look forward to your weapons presentation."
"Thanks." the billionaire smiled. Once introduced, they all headed to the missile launching area for the demonstration. Tony stood before them as they gathered around and began his spiel.
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" he stated confidently, "With that in mind, I humbly present the crown jewel of Stark Industries' Freedom Line. It's the first missile system to incorporate our proprietary repulsor technology."
"They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once." Tony continued, "That's how Dad did it. That's how America does it. And it's worked out pretty well so far. Find an excuse to let one of these off the chain and I personally guarantee you the bad guys won't even want to come out of their caves." He then gave the okay to launch the missiles. They got positioned before firing, exploding apart to release more but tinier explosive devices.
"For your consideration, the Jericho." Stark raised his arms to the side slowly and gallantly as the missiles landed to the ground and burst. A shock wave of sand and dust came at the people watching; so powerful that it blew off some of the officers' hat and almost knocked Tony over. But he managed to recover and walked away proudly to the mini bar he brought along.
The playboy took a glass filled with scotch already. "I'll be throwing one of these in with every purchase of five hundred million or more." He raised his glass, heading to the military Hummer waiting to take him back to base. "To peace!"
His cellphone vibrated then, answering to see Stane's face. "Tony."
"Obie, what are you doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep 'till I found out how it went." he responded, "How'd it go?"
"It went great. Looks like it's gonna be an early Christmas." the genius told.
"Hey! Way to go, my boy! I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"
"Why aren't you wearing those pajamas I got you?" teased Tony.
"Goodnight, Tony." Obadiah deadpanned before hanging up. The other man smirked, stepping into the vehicle.
Rhodes came over then. "Hey, Tony—"
"I'm sorry, this is the 'fun-vee.'" his friend joked, "The 'hum-drum-vee' is back there."
"Nice job." James finished his sentence.
"See you back at base." Stark replied before sitting back. Once everyone was back into their own vehicles, they left. Three soldiers had been assigned to Tony's. The drive was quiet of talking; the only sound coming from the small stereo radio which played classic rock currently. The billionaire glanced at the soldier beside him. They made eye contact briefly before the other turned away.
"I feel like you're driving me to a court-martial." Tony stated, "This is crazy. What did I do? I feel like you're going to pull over and snuff me. What, you're not allowed to talk?" He looked at the soldier beside him again. "Hey, Forrest!"
"We can talk, sir." the young man replied finally.
"Oh, I see. So it's personal."
"No, you intimidate them." told the female soldier driving.
"Good God, you're a woman. I honestly..I couldn't have called that." the billionaire said, surprised. "I mean, I'd apologize, but isn't that what we're going for here? I thought of you as a soldier first."
"I'm an airman." the woman stated.
"You have, actually, excellent bone structure there." he complimented, becoming flirty. "I'm kind of having a hard time not looking at you now. Is that weird?" The soldiers and him laughed at that. "Come on, it's okay, laugh."
The older man in the front seat spoke then. "Sir, I have a question to ask."
"Yes, please."
"Is it true you went twelve for twelve with last year's Maxim cover models?"
The playboy removed his shades. "That is an excellent question. Yes and no." he answered, "March and I had a scheduling conflict but fortunately, the Christmas cover was twins. Anything else?" He looked around the vehicle, spying the young soldier raising his hand nervously. "You're kidding me with the hand up, right?"
"Tegan Hayes, your, uh, successor..is she single?"
"Very much so. Why? You like her?" Tony gave him a scrutinizing gaze. Truth be told, he didn't really know if she was at the moment. He would usually hear something from Pepper or Happy about that. Lately, Tony really didn't like knowing about her dating life..for reasons also he didn't like to discuss.
The younger man shook his head. "Oh! Oh no, sir!"
"Come on, you do. It's fine. You seem like a strapping kinda guy." the genius smirked, "She'd like you. You want her number?"
"T-That's okay. I was just wondering. Also..is it cool if I take a picture with you?"
"Yes, it's very cool." The young soldier pulled out his camera from one of his pockets and handed to the guy in the front seat. Then he and Tony got close for the photo.
"I don't want to see this on your Myspace page." Stark joked, "Please, no gang signs." The man placed down his peace sign. "No, throw it up. I'm kidding." He listened, putting it back up with a smile. "Yeah, peace. I love peace. I'd be out of a job with peace." The soldier up front was struggling with the digital camera.
"Come on. Hurry up." the young soldier said, "Just click it. Don't change any settings." But before he could take the picture, the Hummer in front of theirs' exploded. They screeched to a stop as gunfire ensued.
"What's going on?" Tony asked in panic. "What have we got?"
"Contact left!" the woman shouted at the man beside her before jumping out of the vehicle.
The other man looked to the younger. "Jimmy, stay with Stark!" He then jumped out.
The young soldier, Jimmy, pulled Stark onto the floor. "Stay down!" The billionaire watched at the other man who stepped out positioned himself and his gun on the hood. But he never got a chance to fire as he was suddenly hit with bullets.
"Son of a bitch!" Jimmy cursed, readying his gun before leaving too.
Tony sat up and reached out towards him. "Wait, wait, wait! Give me a gun!"
"Stay here!" Jimmy ordered behind the door. He then turned and was hit with by something; the shrapnel causing holes in the armor of the Hummer. The sound from it left Tony dazed. Dark brown eyes looked around, seeing the American soldiers with the group dying left and right. Deciding it wasn't really safe in the vehicle by himself with no weapon either, he jumped out. Dodging around the explosions and bullets until hiding behind a large rock that gave enough coverage for the time being. He pulled out his phone then, inwardly glad for service still, and dialed the first number that came to his panicked and overwhelmed mind.
"It's just not fair." Tegan exasperated, burying her face in a fluffy tan pillow. She was once again back at Joven's loft. He sat causally beside her on his blue couch, quietly listening to the young woman's retelling of the day.
She lifted her face, continuing. "I mean, I know I tend to complain like a kid still but that's only because I just want to be considered as equals.."
"I'm sure Tony will get the point sooner or later." her best friend reassured, "You just need to be patient."
"But I've waited long enough!" The female prodigy fell back onto the couch with a huff. The young man chuckled at her childish behavior. Grey eyes peered around the living room space as the two sat in silence for a few moments.
"Maybe I should just give up." she noted softly, "Move out and get my own place finally. Then I wouldn't have to deal with Tony as much.."
"If you did that, we wouldn't see each other as much either."
The young woman waved a hand dismissively. "That's not true."
"Is it?" The artist raised a brow. "Seems like the only time you come over is either to getting away from Tony or your problems that usually involve him somehow." She stared at him before sitting up, shocked.
"Oh, man..I do." Tegan scooted over towards Joven and hugged his arm. "I'm sorry. I'm a terrible, horrible friend."
"No, you're not and it's fine." he said casually, patting the top of her head like a parent would to their child.
She buried her face in his shirt sleeve. "..I still feel like crap.." Her best friend curled his hand under her chin and made her look at him reluctantly.
He smiled with warmth. "You're a great friend and I should apologize for what I said. I'm glad you confide in me..It's just.." Joven removed his hand and glanced away with a sigh. "I guess I get kinda annoyed when you talk about Tony alot..It sounds like sometimes you're in love with him or something."
"What!?" Hayes blushed brightly, "That is ridiculous!"
"You sure?" the young man questioned, dubious.
"Of course I'm sure." she repeated mockingly, "And I can't believe you would think—" Her words were cut off by his lips covering hers. She blinked, unable to move from shock for a moment. Finally, her brain seemed to register her panic signals, allowing her to pull away.
"W-What the hell?" Tegan stammered, scrambling backwards until hitting the arm of the sofa. Joven followed, trapping her between his arms. She was cornered like a mouse by a hungry cat.
"Teg..I like you." he calmly stated, "For long time I have."
"And you couldn't just tell me that right from the start?" she cried, "God! You gave me a heart attack almost! I like you too but you can't—"
McBride raised a brow. "You like me too?"
The female prodigy blanched. "Is that what I said?"
"Yes, you did." grinned the artist.
"Hehe..slip of the tongue." she laughed uneasily, doing her nervous habit. "Sorry.."
"..Don't be." The young man said nothing more, pulling down her shirt collar and moving close until their lips met once more softly. They stayed in that chaste kiss for a few moments before he cupped her face and pressed harder. The female genius's eyes started off wide but then drifted half-closed the longer they kissed. It wasn't bad. Their kiss fell under her categories of 'Pleasing & Tender.'
Tegan had been kissed several times by guys she either liked or dated. But her many make out sessions never went further than her shirt coming off and a few gropes here and there. Many thought because she was the adopted kid of the playboy billionaire, the young woman was the same way. But they were wrong. She was still pure at twenty-four, waiting for the right partner.
"Joven could be him.." she briefly thought. He had all the right qualities she would look for in a man usually. It was bonus that he known her forever. Her mouth parted then and as the artist was about to give in to her invitation, ACDC's 'Back to Black' suddenly was heard. It was the personal ringtone she used for Tony.
Hayes broke the kiss, looking annoyed. "That's Tony..Even miles away, he ruins the atmosphere."
"Tony? Then let it go to voice mail." McBride told, moving back in to continue their kissing. Slender fingers rested on his lips.
"It's rare when he calls me while on business. It might be important." she stated, pulling her phone out her back pocket with her free hand. "Let me see and then—" Her voice and expression grew alluring. "We can continue on." He nodded and sat back. Tegan sat up and finally answered. The call was a video one. Expecting to see Tony lounging in his private plane, she was shocked to find him in the desert, appearing panic-stricken with explosions and gunfire audible all around him.
"Tony! Are you alright?" she shouted; grey eyes full of concern. "What's happening?"
"Something bad! We were attacked!" he exclaimed to be heard, "I need you, Tegan—" Something whizzed by then and sounded to have landed near him. She watched helplessly as he glanced away to see what it was. Saw his eyes widen as he scrambled up, making the image blur from his erratic movements. The last thing the female genius heard was him crying out 'Whoa!' and the dissonance of a close bomb exploding before the signal went dead. She stared at her iPhone in shock. Tears pooled in her eyes while her breath became shallow and hurried and hands trembled.
"Tegan?" Joven called. She dropped the phone, grabbing her chest. The young woman was hyperventilating now. Her best friend acted quickly, turning her body forward and down; her head between her legs.
"Slow, deep breaths." he told soothingly, rubbing circles in her lower back. "Take slow, deep breaths until they're normal. I'm going to call Pepper for you and tell her, okay?" He received no answer. Hugging and kissing her head, the young man took her cell and left the room to dial Pepper. Tegan all the while was still in a haze. Soon, her breathing regulated. She closed her eyes then and gripped her hair tightly before letting out a heart wrenching scream that had been stuck in her throat, building until finally spilling out like an over-filled cup.
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