A/N: Bow? Tied. Nicely wrapped? Check. Easy out? You bet'cha!
I think I've dragged this one out long enough. Here's an all-encompassing 'sorry!' for any slights any of y'all may be feeling - not my intention. Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, and/or commented. It was an interesting experience throwing a story on the internet like this and seeing the results. Wouldn't have been possible or completed without all of you. Enjoy and many thanks! -SPS
Disclaimer: For the final time, they are not mine.
Is it appropriate for adults to skip?
Tony had his patent-pending, cocky-as-shit smirk plastered on his face, sunglasses firmly secured upon his nose, and a swagger in his step as he stepped off the podium, having finished his announcement on yet another new product from Stark Industries. The media loved it every time SI began a new quest to help out mankind that wasn't military related.
Today, Tony had presented the world with the newest and best alternative to cochlear implants that had less negative side effects and more hearing range as well - all thanks to one Doctor Ryker Sawyer, who was now on staff. And, most importantly, Tony had given the announcement sans any drugs of any kind in his system! His voice felt strong and back to normal, his body was recuperating splendidly, and his hand was feeling stronger and better every day as well. His doctors had even told him earlier that they were optimistic that he would regain full function and mobility in his hand, so all systems were a go!
Thus the almost insatiable urge to skip. He was so doing it when he got back to the Tower. Maybe pick up some daisies on the way home and throw those from a small basket around the penthouse while skipping in circles. Or... maybe have sex with Pepper.
Yep, definitely that last one.
He sighed in contentment as the elevator door closed behind him. Leaning back, he couldn't help but think his recovery wouldn't have been possible - or at least not as quick - had Ryker not shown up.
The man had been at his wit's end by the time the gala had come around. He and his wife had lost a child a couple years ago. She moved out, he delved into his work. By the time he came up for air, he was close to losing his house, car, and all other forms of property. The months of trying to get an audience with Pepper and SI throwing more tension on an already strained situation. The man had used his absolute last penny for a ticket to the gala in the hopes of getting the slightest chance to talk with Tony. He had to admire the man's courage and tenacity.
The interview hadn't really gone Pepper's way, but he was still the owner and could throw his weight around - oh, and this other, little title of Director of Research and Development, which meant he could and did hire Ryker because of his research.
Initially, he proposed that they conduct a trade: Ryker could begin production of his new hearing aid prototype in exchange for helping Tony and Bruce find a cure for Tony's vocal cord impairment. It couldn't hurt to have the world's leading ear, nose, and throat doctor (with a specialty in vocal cords, he later recalled) helping the two other geniuses. The math seemed to add itself up with that one.
When Ryker balked at the offer, Tony threw in free room and board at the Tower while they worked together. The man pretty much agreed after that and when Tony learned via Bruce about his life story - and because his hearing aid was actually pretty advanced and awesome! - Tony hired him on full-time.
It had taken the three of them four months to find the solution. It had driven Tony nuts but it was all worth it as he hummed to himself now; the simple action drawing another smile from the energetic man. Jarvis stopped the elevator, letting him off at his lab so he could work while Pepper finished up her CEO-ing duties.
Walking in, he snapped and smiled even wider, commanding his bots to "Wake up. Daddy's home!" Rolling up his sleeves, music blaring without a hint of an ear or headache, Tony delved into upgrading Clint's bow.
"Sir, Miss Potts is finished for the day and on her way up."
"Thanks, J. Do me a favor and continue running these tests, will ya?"
"Certainly, sir." Throwing the towel he had used to wipe his hands off, Tony skipped - finally - to his elevator. Pepper was home and he was ready for some loving!
Jarvis stopped him on the communal floor.
"Uh, J, what's up?"
"Miss Potts requested I bring you here."
"Okay, sure." Walking out of the elevator, Tony turned towards the kitchen where he could hear his team talking with Pepper.
"Tony!" They all chorused as he entered the room.
"Team." He looked over at Pepper. "Why are all these people in my Tower? Don't they have homes somewhere?"
"Tony!" The admonishment was half-hearted, as was the slap to his shoulder.
"Fine, be that way. We'll just take our cake and leave."
"Whoah, whoah, whoah, Katniss. Did you say 'cake?' Maybe you guys could stick around for a few minutes." The group laughed at the easy banter. "But seriously, what's the occasion?"
"Well, you're finally back to normal - well, what's normal for you." Tony tilted his head in confusion at that, Natasha shaking her head to dispel her own at the words. "So we can properly celebrate your and Steve's recoveries."
"Wait. My recovery?" Steve's bewilderment signaling he had been told this little shindig had been solely for Tony. "I had a bout of withdrawal that was significantly reduced because of the serum. Tony had a much harder and longer struggle." Tony vividly remembered their incarceration and knew that he and Steve still needed to have a proper talk about what happened; Steve's experience and addiction was in no way easier or less painful than Tony's - well, not any easier anyway.
"No, I was there too. You deserve this as much as I do, Spangles." Tony voiced, hand gently squeezing the man's shoulder.
"Yeah, but, Steve. Next time..."
"I really hope there is no next time!" Steve moaned.
"I second that," Tony raising his index finger to emphasize his point, nods accompanying their sentiments.
"Next time someone offers you drugs, Steve, it's okay to just say 'no!'" Groans echoed throughout the room at Clint's terrible joke, his cackle doing nothing to abate them.
"That's it. I'm taking your cake and kicking you out. Bad puns are not allowed here." Clint continued to laugh, a few more joining in this time.
A sudden explosion shook the floor and all playfulness vanished.
"What was that?"
"Sounded like it came from within the Tower."
"Are we under attack?"
"Tony, where are you going?" Tony faltered as Pepper's question attracted the others' attentions.
"Uh, nowhere."
"Tony, what was that?"
"Nothing." A glare. "Might have miscalibrated a little." Bruce closed his eyes, shaking his head knowingly. "I'll just..." Another, smaller explosion. "...check that out." He backed up a few paces. "Might need to, uh, hold on to your bow a little longer, Logolas."
He turned and fled toward the stairs, a strangled "I'm going to kill you, Stark!" and archer thudding down after him.