No-One But You (The Zephyr Endeavor) - Part 2
Chapter 59: Extra Dry, Extra Olives (Part 9)
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"Do you want to see your boyfriend Ezekiel? He's requested a double date, and we're happy to oblige."
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Boyfriend? How funny. Ezekiel Stane heard the words that Tony Stark finally decided to use, and his mind pondered over the title that he decided to give Wade Wilson.
Perhaps the word… companion, or maybe describing the aloof mercenary as his partner was a better fit. Ezekiel never really cared for the word boyfriend, but… at the same time, he never really thought about it.
The White Jackal didn't answer right away, and he noticed Tony as he composed a message with his hand and sent it away. His response to Steve Rogers was sent off toward Brooklyn, then the other inventor looked over his vital signs once again.
As he thought over the question, the baby Jackal glanced down at the device that was recently constructed to adorn the top of his head… his crown.
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Did he want to see Wade Wilson in that moment? Ezekiel refrained from responding for a bit, then he started thinking about their last conversation. They had the best kiss ever before they walked out of the S.H.I.E.L.D. base, then… all of a sudden, everything went horribly wrong.
It all went to shit, actually, so Ezekiel had to stop and fully process what took place. Sooooooo much was said between them, and it happened fast. Their connection seemed to turn on a dime and lure out a much needed conversation, but, Ezekiel was bound and determined to work all of that out in the long run.
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"I always want to see him, Tony Stark… The only hesitation I have is with you."
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Ezekiel glanced down at that crown again, then he recalled the fact that Anthony Edward Stark referred to him as the "prince of darkness." That nickname definitely felt like a cheap shot, so Ezekiel wasn't sure about interacting with Tony and participating in some sort of "double date."…
Wade's intentions always came from a gentle place, so Ezekiel wasn't necessarily upset with him…. He was mainly caught off guard, and he kinda overacted to what the mercenary was trying to accomplish.
Despite all that noise, the baby Jackal didn't stir up any effort to leave the room he was in. Let's just say he was bound and determined to work everything out with Tony as well…
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"Your hesitation with me is noted, and I'll counter that remark by saying the same exact thing. I don't trust you. Logically, I can't trust you, and I won't do it… but, I'm willing to coexist with you. I'm willing to monitor all of your wonderful progress too. My goal and agenda is to help you transition out of the role as the prince of darkness, while I remain on your Surveillant Council…"
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That was the truth of it. Tony Stark had trust issues to the max, and he wasn't going to allow anyone connected to Obadiah Stane in close. Ezekiel's gotten close enough, and that's as far as the baby Jackal was going to get. His father betrayed Tony in so many ways… in ways that were considered to be irreparable.
The somber Jackal listened to Tony's response, and his initial reaction was to think back on the other inventor's behavior while he's "served" on the Council. It's been a long journey, so going down that road felt like more than a chore.
In Ezekiel's mind, that's really all that needed to be said. There was no need to dig any deeper than that, because he didn't expect any level of trust out of anyone…
The damage was too deep, but you can't stay fucked up forever…right?
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"I appreciate that agenda more than you could possibly imagine, but… are you doing all this to spite my father?"
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The elephant in the room was finally mentioned, but Tony Stark didn't budge from his composure at all. Was he helping Ezekiel Stane transition out of the realm of darkness just to spite his dear dead daddy?.. You better believe he was.
The brunette took a quick glimpse at the time, then he gave the insinuation a small nod of approval.
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"Yup. You guessed it. So, are you ready for this… double date?"
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Tony felt ready to go, and truthfully speaking… he had nothing more to add to the subject. What happened between him and Ezekiel's psychotic father was none of his business, even tho the 'quiet coyote" was along for the ride the entire time.
It was wayyyyy too dysfunctional, disturbing, and traumatizing for Tony to rehash in that moment, so he looked up from his workspace.
That big beautiful sky was calling his name, and deep down… Tony felt like playing a game of chase.
He began to wonder how fast the infamous "Zephyr" had become, and Ezekiel started catching onto that sentiment after some time. Tony's armor began to form over his skin too, and he playfully asked Ezekiel if he could actually keep up with him.
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Oh, Zephyr was much faster than he let people think. The baby Jackal had to smirk at the thought as Tony Stark shot off into the sky above him. The Iron Man told him to put his crown on, and try to keep up.
Hmm, well, the idea of wearing a crown… or being labeled a "prince" was beginning to grow on Ezekiel.
He let Tony take off toward the heavens, then he picked up that crown and held it in his hands. Ezekiel inspected it for a good while, then the younger inventor took a risk and put it on. That interesting looking metal seemed to click into place after the baby Jackal slipped down over his forehead.
Something clicked within the frame of the crown, then suddenly all of Ezekiel's technology came back to life. He was able to hear Zephyr's voice, and the "quiet coyote" was informed that he had an unread message from Sevgili.
Wade's brief message was officially delivered, and Ezekiel had to playfully roll his eyes after he read what it said…
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Chapter: END
Thanks for reading.