-Infinity Heart

-Pairing(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.


Epilogue:

"..If You're not with Me"

"..And if you lose yourself,

I will find you.."

~Find You, Zedd ft. Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant

Rhodes' voice filled the room from the tv fixed on the wall of the lounge room. He currently lied to the large group of press about the incident from yesterday night. While everyone there gave him their full attention, two of the main witnesses were occupy by other things—mainly making the billionaire look presentable.

"Iron Man. That's kind of catchy." Tony read casually from a newspaper, "It's got a nice ring to it. I mean, it's not technically accurate. The suit's a gold-titanium alloy—" His easy tone took on a slight sound of pain as Pepper ripped off a bandage from his nose with a hint of joy. He continued, "But it's kind of evocative, the imagery, anyway."

Coulson came to join them then. "Here's your alibi." A few index cards were handed over before a brief review was given also. "You were on your yacht. We have port papers that put you in Avalon all night and sworn statements from fifty of your guests."

"See, I was thinking maybe we should say it was just Pepper and me alone on the island." the other man teased, earning another painfully removed bandage and glare from same person.

"That's what happened." Phil smirked.

"All right."

"Just read it, word for word."

"..There's nothing about Stane here." Stark noted after skimming the cards.

"That's being handled. He's on vacation." he was told, "Small aircraft have such a poor safety record."

"But what about the whole cover story that it's a bodyguard? He's my..I mean, is that—that's kind of flimsy, don't you think?"

"This isn't my first rodeo, Mr. Stark. Just stick to the official statement and soon this will all be behind you."

"I highly doubt that." said a new voice. The three looked towards the doorway to find Hayes leaning against it. She was dressed in her usual attire—a worn band tee, jeans, and converses—and her brown hair spilling over her shoulders. The young woman's face had been nicely covered in makeup to hide the bruise that formed there. A please smile immediately showed on Tony's face upon seeing her. He hadn't seen her since last night before he was taken away by SHIELD agents. She'd been crying over him and when he came to, called him an idiot over and over again. All Stark could do was smile and say 'I know.' Even now, under the makeup and sarcastic smirk, he could tell she had slept at all from worry. It made fear creep up inside him at the thought that she no longer wanted to deal with his antics and continue on with Joven instead.

"You've got ninety seconds." the SHIELD agent informed them before excusing himself after receiving thanks from Potts. The woman then went to grab her boss' suit jacket but was stopped by Tegan.

"I'll handle the rest." she told with a kind smile, "You could use a break, Pep."

She was about to protest, only to sigh. "That's true. I'll leave him to you and see you guys out there." Once gone, a moment of silence fell between the two which was oddly tense. The female genius stayed in the doorway not meeting his eye. If she had, she would have seen the fire burning in them. Tony wanted nothing more than to toss those stupid cards and across the room, pulling into a kiss that told how much he missed her and was sorry for causing her concern. Just when it became almost overbearing, Hayes broke the quiet as she picked up his jacket.

"Let's get this show on the road, Iron Man."

He joined her side with a chuckle, "So you saw that?"

"Kinda hard not to when it's plastered just about everywhere." she remarked in a dead tone.

"You know, it's actually not that bad. Even I don't think I'm Iron Man."

"But you are. Have been since day one."

"True." he agreed, shrugging on his jacket. "Because if I weren't Iron Man, I wouldn't have this girlfriend who knew my true identity." He turned to face the young woman then. "She's also a wreck 'cause she always worries that I'm going to die yet so proud of the man I've become. She's wildly conflicted which only makes her more..crazy about me."

She quietly fixed him up some before responding, "..You sure know how to hit the nail on the head, huh?"

A brow raised in question. "So, you're agreeing to be my girlfriend now?"

"Before I even answer that, let me tell you what I did before coming here."

"Okay." he said with confusion.

"So, I was at home cleaning up as best as I could," she began nonchalantly, "When Joven showed up. He came inside and hugged, saying he had been so worried and glad I was alright. And I was really glad to see him too. He's my best friend after all. He then went to kiss me.." Stark grimaced, already preparing for the seemingly obvious rejection; only to be surprised by her next words. "But I stopped him."

"What?" her caregiver exclaimed, getting slapped hard on the arm for interrupting. He apologize while rubbing the sore spot, letting her continue since it wasn't everyday she was expressing her feelings.

"I told him finally what I meant to last night and instead of getting completely mad like I thought, he instead was very understanding. He told he had always known how I felt." Tegan then laughed softly, "Then said I should hurry my pale ass over here." That whole time talking, they hadn't met eyes. But now, those grey eyes he fell in love with looked at Tony finally and were filled with absolute fondness and fresh tears.

"Because, since our first meeting, I was meant to be by your side whether as your lover or friend or both." she proclaimed, cupping his face in her hands. "And I always will for as long as you want me there. So, yes, I'm your conflicted, lovestruck, annoyed girlfriend and you better get used to it, Mr. Stark." He wasted no more time then and gave into his needs, kissing her hard. She gladly accepted with a grin. The two kept at it until air was greatly needed. As they pulled back, the new lovers noticed their bodies had moved against the wall and were pressed impossibly close with hands become woven into each other's hair. They glanced at each other and burst out laughing like teenagers.

"Okay, so should I add announcing you as my girlfriend as part of my bogus speech?" the genius joked, resting his head against her shoulder.

"Oh god, no!" she laughed in horror, "Let's just take it slow first."

"Slow? I don't do slow." he told huskily with a nip to her neck, making her let out a sweet gasp in surprise.

"Well, you're gonna have to and you need to go meet the press right now."

"I can be late for a few more minutes. I mean it wouldn't be surprising seeing as it's me." Tegan pushed him back then with a shake of her head and grabbed his hand, leading Stark into the elevator. He grumbled loudly like a child not given the toy they wanted the whole way. When inside and button pressed for the lobby, the two stood quietly still holding hands for the ride, not caring that their hair was somewhat a mess and lips kiss-swollen.

"..You're not really going through with that crap speech, are you, Tony?" Hayes questioned, suspicious. A simple shrug and cryptic grin was given along with a nonchalant answer.

"Who knows." Grey eyes stared at him, searching. His darker ones glanced to the side before winking. She looked away after a moment and chuckled, not shocked her care giver, now lover had a trick up his sleeve that would no doubt change the course of their lives from that second onwards. Gripping her mother's ring—the very item that brought them closer together and much luck—Tegan hoped for the best as she prepared for the sure wild ride to come.


And that's a wrap for Infinity Heart! It's been fun writing this story and making new friends and fans from it. Thank you all for the crazy support too. I never really expected this to become so well-liked by so many people but I'm glad it did. And don't worry, there will be a sequel which is to be called Pinky Swear that's hopefully planned for sometime next year. So expect to see more of our genius lovers in the near future!

Farewell for now and much love- Lovely

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(Check my profile for music playlist to IH, updates, & etc.)