Echoes

by Khadrimx

Tony Stark is struggling. He's not the man he used to be. After the Battle for New York, things changed. For the first time in his life, he's scared. Scarlett Damien is the head of the newly founded developmental corporation, Refuge, she's filled with mystery and intrigue. Together they may save each other, but may be torn to pieces in the process.

3. Black Magic Woman

Tony wasn't listening.

He didn't even hear the invitation to meet up again. Instead, he was enraptured by something far more interesting. The news was covering a story about a pretty woman he didn't recognize. Judging by how she was spoken of, he seemed to be the only one who didn't know who she was. Tall, curvy in all the right places, and wearing a classy little black dress, she ignored the press and their questions while leaving an official building in Boston. The media couldn't get enough of her. They followed her every move- just like they used to do with him.

They were sharks and she was chumming the waters with her mere existence. Just as interesting, once Tony pulled his eyes away from her curvy body, was that there were bodyguards on either side of her. On their vests, partially hidden, was a familiar logo with an eagle. SHIELD agents. Interesting. Why did this woman have SHIELD agents escorting her in and out of an official building? And why would it make national news? The stories scrolling on the ticker along the bottom were local and unrelated. The news itself was too quiet for Tony to hear.

The screen transitioned away from the reporter and focused again on the woman and her bodyguards. She was making a statement to the press, camera bulbs flashing all around her. From the very few words Tony could make out from reading her lips she was talking about a place called 'Refuge'. He tugged on his collar. Reading her ruby red lips was far too pleasantly distracting.

Who was she? Why had he never seen or heard of her before? There'd been a time when Tony made the rounds through the Hollywood socialites. Even then, he'd never seen anyone quite like her before. Long, curly brown hair beneath a black hat that matched her dress. While her eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses, he caught the occasional flash of sparkling blue when she turned the right way.

"Everything okay? Should I be worried?" Rhodey waved his hand in front of Tony's face, snapping him out of his reverie.

"Pause!" Tony spoke but the TV did nothing of the sort. He'd forgotten where he was. Jarvis couldn't help him here. No way to pause. No way to rewind. Or turn the volume up. He'd never know who she was at this rate! Or why she was with SHIELD. What was Refuge? What was her name? He needed to know. It was the first thing in months that caught his interest. Like he'd been walking in a fog until now. Rhodey laughed and turned to catch the news story.

"Don't think that'll work here."

"Who the hell is that?" Tony peered around Rhodey who was blocking his view of the commanding woman. He strained to try and make out some of the dialog to no avail. The volume was too low. Funny that Tony could hear every word of the crappy commercial moments before but now he couldn't hear a damn thing. Go figure. Reading lips wasn't working either. They weren't talking about giant juicy melons, as much as he hoped they were.

"You don't know?" Rhodey chuckled in amusement.

"Don't act like you have some big secret. Just tell me who she is."

"You really don't know?" Rhodey turned sideways in his chair and pointed at the television in disbelief.

"Sometimes I think you're going senile, Rhodes. I said that already. Who is she?"

"She's been all over the news for the past few months."

"She's got a great rack." Tony nodded in approval and strained to see the footage that had shrunken into the corner of the screen and gone back to the reporter. "Can't tell anything else because they aren't giving me angles to work with."

"It's a true travesty that the news isn't concerned with a successful businesswoman's ass."

"Should be. Pressing matter if you ask me." Tony peeled his eyes away from the television as the news transitioned to something that interested him far less. "Haven't really watched much news lately." Pepper used to brief him on news stories that pertained to him and current events each morning but since she no longer served as his assistant he'd had to rely on Jarvis for the news. He'd stopped requesting it for the past few months. He suddenly regretted it. Apparently he'd been missing some very interesting things.

Well, at least one interesting thing.

"Shocked. You used to be on top of that." Rhodey scowled, the worry thick in his gaze. Tony knew what Rhodey was thinking. He used to find it funny when he was mentioned in the news. Now he didn't want to know. That part of Tony had been lost in the last few months. He loved attention. He was sure he still did somewhere deep down. But right now he didn't want it on him so much. He didn't want Rhodey worrying about him either. He appreciated it, but he didn't need it. He was already feeling much better.

"Are you going to keep staring at me like I'm a lost puppy or tell me who she is? I need to know and if you don't tell me then I'm going to have to start Googling and you know how I feel about that." Tony wasn't ready to return to reality quite yet. He was very, very interested in the woman on television and this Refuge thing. He longed to chase the high of curiosity.

"That's Miss Scarlett Damien."

"Oh, that's a nice name. Very nice. Femme fatale name." Tony smirked. "Miss too. Means she's not married. Why is the media stalking her?"

"She's like you."

"No she's not." Tony shook his head. "No one's like me."

"She's a genius. Like the stupid ridiculously smart kind. Like I said. Like you."

"Geniuses don't look like that." Tony narrowed his eyes incredulously.

"Some would say the same about you."

"Flattered, Rhodes. I didn't realize you thought I was pretty."

"Don't get cocky, pretty boy."

"It's these damn eyelashes. I can't help that I'm beautiful." Tony grinned. Rhodey turned in his chair and reached into the briefcase he kept at his feet. "But you know what I mean. You expect something much different when you heard the word genius."

"Hold on." Rhodey dug around in his bag before withdrawing a thick magazine. He then laid it in front of Tony, keeping his hand on top of it. Plastered on the magazine cover was the face of the same woman from the television. Scarlett Damien. Now that Tony could see her up close, he could see just how lovely she really was, at least to him. Her eyes were blue, he'd guessed right. On the bottom of the magazine, in bold letters, it read Finding Refuge. At least he'd gotten one word right. "I told you. She's everywhere right now. Magazines, newspapers, television, blogs, socials. Everywhere." Hastily, Tony snatched up the magazine and flipped through the pages to the article from the cover.

"You said she's a scientist?" Tony asked, paging through the article. He stopped and turned his head to admire a photo on the left side of the page. A flattering picture of her walking away and looking over her shoulder. "And that answers the question about her backside. Very nice."

"Genius can be sort of vague, I suppose." Rhodey watched Tony in amusement. "She's a medical marvel, they say."

"Yeah?" Tony finally turned his attention back to his friend. "How's that? Did someone build her? Because if I were to build a woman…"

"No, Tony. She's changed the world of medicine. That's what I meant. It's all about prosthetics." Rhodey laughed. Tony rolled the magazine so it was folded in half and turned it so the picture of Scarlett was facing Rhodey.

"Those are not prosthetics." Tony pointed to Scarlett's legs. Rhodey tried to snatch the magazine away from Tony but the billionaire pulled it out of his reach and dared him with his eyes to try and take it again.

"She doesn't have prosthetics." Rhodey laughed. "She's developed prosthetics. It's been all over the news for the last month."

"Then she's not a medical marvel." Tony set the magazine down but didn't let it go. "Prosthetics, right." He muttered and flipped through the article. "Implants, maybe, but not prosthetics."

"They're not implants." Rhodey held his hand up to stop Tony before he could ask. "How did we even start talking about this?"

"You lied to me about her being a medical marvel. You should have said she created a medical marvel."

"What, are you the grammar police suddenly?"

"Since the grammar gave me the wrong idea, yeah." Tony waved him off. It was difficult to read the article while listening to Rhodey. For now he would ogle the glossy photos that went along with it.

"You knew what I meant."

"Are you going to tell me about the medical marvel thing or are we just going to argue about how bad your grammar is all afternoon?" Tony tapped the picture of Scarlett.

"You could just read the article."

"Or you could tell me."

"Or I could tell you since you don't have any patience."

"And I'm the one who isn't chivalrous?"

"Quiet." Rhodey continued. "She came out of nowhere with this technological advancement in robotics. Apparently, she was an engineer overseas. Worked in small medical facilities in Africa lending her skills to lesser fortunate places. They don't say much about her history but she's traveled quite a bit and developed a number of advancements in medical technology. Her credentials are wild. The magazine narrows it down. I was blown away. But the prosthetics are what's made her a household name. They work with the human body without brain surgery. Don't ask me how because it's all way over my head." Rhodey gestured dismissively. "I had one of the med tech guys try to read me in on it and my brain boiled."

"Fascinating." Tony skimmed the article. "Without brain surgery?" That was impressive. Tony didn't know what to say. Prosthetics technology had made leaps and bounds over the last decade but even the most advanced available involved brain surgery. Not to mention it was insanely expensive and not always guaranteed to work. There was speculation that the technology had reached its peak. Apparently not.

She'd change a lot of lives with this. Refuge was suddenly a fitting name.

"That's right. Something about fusing artificial nerves with existing ones. She broke it down to a cellular level, treating the existing body like a machine that needed rewiring. Even the bloodstream is connected through the prosthetic. The work that went into this technology is incredible, Tony. They even bleed when cut. It's going to change lives. Even more remarkable is that her company is giving away prototypes to injured veterans free of charge."

"Smart move for a new company. Refuge, right? Otherwise they're using this word way too much for my liking." Tony looked back to the magazine. Rhodey's version of the story was more entertaining.

"That's right. She claims the name was inspired by her belief that people should take refuge with the help of technology not from it. It's brilliant. People have really warmed up to her even with her reputation…" Rhodey was excited to gossip. It was kind of funny.

"No, that's not it." Tony closed the magazine, unable to concentrate on the contents of the article with those pictures alongside them. He was certain it was all very interesting but if they wanted people to focus on the article then they shouldn't have put such lovely pictures of her alongside it. Then again, when the Founder and CEO of a company looked that good there was no reason not to exploit it. It certainly got his attention. He would've picked up the magazine right away if he'd passed it at a stand.

"That's what she said."

"That's a terrible joke. You do understand how that joke works, right? I don't think that's what she said at all."

"No, I'm saying that's what she actually said in an interview." Rhodey rested his chin in his palm. "Prosthetics was what made her big but from what I understand she's no one trick pony. Apparently there are many more developments in the works. Yesterday morning her company went public on the trading floor. The company was private for a time with investors but it's been so successful and garnered such public interest that it's officially on the stock market. From what I saw on the news this morning, it's doing remarkably well."

"Yeah, I'm sure her presence at the exchange in that skirt had nothing to do with it." Tony muttered.

"As I was saying, that's why she's doing all this press right now." Rhodey spoke over his friend. "And there's the rumors that she's seeing this hotshot British fellow who was an early investor in her company. Big theater guy or something. Popular over there because he's good looking. There are pictures of them all over the gossip blogs."

"Speaking of, when did you become such a delightful gossip?" Tony couldn't hide his amusement.

"When the gossip got this good. Her history is definitely something interesting too. The press is eating it up. TMZ is all over her. It's next level spy stuff. Classified from what I hear. She doesn't talk about it with the press so there's all sorts of crazy conspiracy theories as to what it was. I doubt that we'll ever know. I couldn't get any access to it either."

"Sounds like a publicity stunt to me." Tony laughed but he wondered if that was why her bodyguards were SHIELD agents. It would explain why he hadn't heard of her before. If she was a scientist or engineer then they would have traveled the same circles. It was all very interesting. The most interesting thing he'd heard in months. "Am I to believe that you used your security clearance to look into her then?"

"She has a contract upcoming with the US military so it was job relevant."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Couldn't get anything about her before the last year when she founded Refuge and filed about fifteen patents. I guess I'll be working with her. Really looking forward to it. From what I hear from the higher ups who have already met her, she's far different than her reputation lends to."

"Really? What kind of work?" Tony placed the magazine on the table.

"One of those patents is for a new kind of body armor. New kind of material that works on absorbing the shock of the impact. More reliable than Kevlar. I've seen a demonstration of the prototypes. It's pretty impressive. I looked into her because we would be working together."

"Uh-huh."

"Since you don't work with us anymore it's the most interesting thing that's happened to me since you let me use the War Machine." Rhodey reached for his magazine but jumped back when Tony swatted his hand away.

"Since you stole the Mark II, you mean."

"From what I understand, you let me take it because you thought you were dying. Remember? Your memory seems to shift on that one depending on your mood." Rhodey challenged. Tony smiled but said nothing on the matter.

"What's with the SHIELD detail?" Tony nodded toward the television that was no longer on the news but rather a sitcom. "If she's working with the military then why SHIELD? Why not you guys?" Rhodey's eyebrow cocked curiously and he turned to look at the television even though there was nothing left to see.

"Can't say I noticed."

"They didn't want to be noticed. Have that little pin though. That eagle symbol is unmistakable." Most were blissfully unaware SHIELD existed. Very few would recognize the symbol.

"Maybe they're interested in her for the same reason the military is. Either that or something to do with the classified history." Rhodey shrugged. "I'm not surprised, is what I'm saying. From what I've read? She's worth making deals with. You don't understand, Tony."

"Enlighten me."

"The prosthetic technology is unreal. I watched the demonstration online. I can't really even do it justice. You're going to have to see it for yourself. It's the coolest thing I've seen since you became Iron Man. Nothing like this has happened in years, man." Rhodey practically had stars for eyes.

"You've painted quite the picture." Tony did not like hearing that something was more exciting than technology he was developing. He'd discovered a new element! He'd changed the way energy worked. He'd created the first fully armored suit capable of flight! There was little more impressive than Tony Stark. And yet, he was more intrigued than jealous. A strange feeling. Usually Stark Industries led the way in technology. Now it seemed like Refuge would overshadow his company and quickly at that. Then again, it wasn't like he'd worked very hard at his company for the last four months.

"She's incredibly wealthy now. I don't know if she was before this but I'm guessing she didn't have much to start with because of all the private funding but… yeah, in ten years she might rival your fortune."

"Not possible." Tony dismissed the idea. He'd inherited the wealth and company from his father. It took generations to build that sort of wealth. That and because of his wealth he didn't care how much money someone else was making. It didn't impress him. How had she managed to get past the obstacle of brain surgery with a fully integrated prosthetic? He wanted to see how it worked firsthand. There was really only one way he could. Well, two ways, but one would be illegal and the other involved meeting the brains behind the creation. And as much as he had ogled her, he was also incredibly curious to meet another brilliant mind. So he preferred the legal option in this case.

"Jealous, are we?"

"Not at all."

"Don't lie."

"I'm more curious than anything."

"Really? Because you look mostly jealous."

"No, I think it's great that she's created something so revolutionary for the field of prosthetics. I'm not the type to be angry when other creators succeed. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if she could help me with a project of mine." Tony grinned. Maybe her insight was just what he needed.

"Are you planning on losing a limb?"

"I'm pretty sure that's not something you plan." Tony continued. "The suit I was telling you about, my newest… this technology I'm working on requires something similar to the central nervous system implants used with modern day prosthesis. The implant is inserted into the brain and creates a wireless link to the prosthetic making it possible to control it the same way you would the limb you're born with. However, brain surgery is… well, brain surgery. It's dangerous and I'm not willing to do it to myself. I've tried other methods. None have worked and it's been a real treat testing it. The bruises I have, let me tell you."

"How are you doing these… tests?" Rhodey grimaced and then held up his hand. "I take it back. I don't want to know."

"Good call, Rhodes. But I wonder if this technology she's developed could be the answer. It's possible she could help with the armor more than I expect too. Another brilliant mind looking at my work. Could be useful. I'm sure I could offer her something in exchange that would make it worth her while."

"Don't go there." Rhodey warned.

"Go where?" Tony looked back to Rhodey and laughed at the implication. "Fun, but not what I was thinking. I meant professionally speaking. An endorsement from Stark Industries. A collaboration. Something other than that."

"Just the way you said it. Not like it would be the first time." Rhodey narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"I'm proud of you, Rhodes." Tony considered the idea. Not the one Rhodey had, but the one he had. The more he considered approaching Miss Damien, the more he liked it. He'd never needed a second opinion on his suits before- by design. He didn't want anyone to know how the reactor worked or how the suits worked. He didn't want the technology to be used for nefarious means. But he could have her sign non-disclosure agreements and write in clauses about using the technology for any other means.

If she was as brilliant as the press and his best friend claimed then it could be well worth the work it took. He'd contact his lawyer and have contracts drawn up on the way home. Tony had a good feeling and that went a long way. It'd been a long time since he'd had a good feeling amongst all the bad. The deal was already sealed in his mind.

It was too long since Tony made anything happen for himself outside of his armor. He did have to consider the publicity of it all but it also excited him. The idea of having a media rival, the idea of having a business rival? It was fun. Fun he hadn't had in ages. The press would, of course, ask where he'd been and what he'd been up to but he could cause enough of a stir that it wouldn't matter where he'd been. If she was as much a media darling as Rhodey said then it would be the distraction he needed to keep his missing time out of the papers.

And if they didn't ignore it? Who cared? He'd never let bad press bother him before. And if he was seen by her side there would be rumors and all of that, but he could write that off too. Maybe offer her a contract as a consultant for Stark Industries. Make it all official so it was an excuse to see her. It was a smart move for both him and his company. Give him good press to counter all the bad. Sometimes Tony couldn't believe how brilliant he was.

"I can see the gears turning, Tony. You going to share those ideas or do I have to sit here bored while you figure it out? Besides that, I have a hot date tonight. Can't stay here forever. Can't get shit-faced either." Rhodey yawned, feigning boredom.

"Right, right. The mysterious Olivia-woman that I'm not allowed to meet. If you don't at least show me a picture soon, Rhodey, I'm going to find one myself and you won't like the way I plan to do that." Tony threatened and before Rhodey could argue, continued. "You remember the energy project, right?"

"Yeah, the one that's going to revolutionize the energy industry as we know it? The one that's going to make clean, efficient energy that will replace nuclear power all around the world? That will make electricity clean and affordable?"

"Yeah, that one." Tony tapped his fingers on the magazine cover. "The reason it's not in its first phases of testing are because I'm working on something to convert the power source from the new element to something compatible with the current infrastructure we use here in the States. Once that's done it's just a quick adjustment to other countries. But there's been a snag. Can't seem to make that happen. I sit and work on it and nothing I come up with succeeds. Testing on different conversion techniques and amplifiers has continued but the success rate is… not great. The last attempt blew up part of the building. Not sure how the papers didn't pick it up." He continued quickly when Rhodey looked alarmed. "No one was hurt, but having to rebuild the lab was a setback." Tony drifted off.

"You think Damien could help with that too? It's not exactly her line of expertise. Energy technology and all that. I think she's more robotics and such."

"It's not about the specialization, it's about the creative mind. If she's like me? She'll be excited to explore the possibility of change in the field of energy. I was a weapons guy before this, remember? Changing the energy industry will change the future of the planet. It'll give her a boost in popularity that she can't deny. With all that mystery surrounding her, I'm sure it's brought her some negative press too. I can help her learn to manage that." Tony explained.

While Rhodey was witness to the insanity in Tony's life for years he didn't always understand what it was like to have every moment of his personal and professional life scrutinized by the public. Everyone in the damn world had an opinion on everything he did warranted or not. Public approval was part of the key to success. Sure, he wasn't the greatest guy but he was charming, so it worked out for him. Tony could help Miss Damien learn to deal with that.

"Well, I think you should go for it. The worst she can do is say no." Rhodey shrugged. There was risk in everything they did. Tony's reputation was already suffering because of his disappearance. The speculation was through the roof, so much so that Tony stopped listening. This would be good for him. It gave him the motivation to get out of the house. It gave him the need to be in the public eye again. For the first time in forever he wanted to do something other than be in his basement. Tony missed, suddenly, being the center of attention.

"You think so?" Tony was surprised by Rhodey's approval nonetheless. He'd half-expected Rhodey to remind him that he wasn't single. He knew what being seen with a woman like Scarlett Damien would do. Especially to a man like him who took a different woman to every event for years. But he wasn't single and while he absolutely thought about how fun it would be to take a woman like Miss Damien to bed, he also was intrigued by the fun they could have working together. He lingered on the first thought. Okay, maybe it was still something he very much wanted to do. But he was faithful to Pepper despite that all going sour. There was no harm in daydreaming. It was like his libido had awoken from a very long slumber.

"Yeah. Why not? She's smart. Innovative. If she offers you some insight into what you're working on both publicly and privately then what's the harm? Even if she can't help you? The press will be good for you. Refuge is hot and she's hotter. It would do you some good to be near her. Tony Stark and Scarlett Damien teaming up? That's one hell of a story. Can't think of better press for Stark Industries. Let's be honest. You could use some good press."

"They still theorizing I'm dead and my double's been walking around?" Tony laughed. He'd ignored the press for the past few months but he was excited to see the wild theories that were flying. It would be nice to catch up on them. For the first time, they didn't intimidate him.

"Oh yeah. It's a government conspiracy, apparently. One of my staff sergeants asked if it was true you'd been abducted by the gray the other day." Rhodey chuckled heartily at the memory. "I assured him that you were simply enjoying a well-deserved break. After he left I made sure someone setup a psychiatric review for him."

"Wow, aliens. The tabloids must be desperate."

"Or he's in need of psychiatric help. Either is possible. I never put much weight in what I hear about you unless there's some proof. Most of it's garbage." Rhodey pushed his half-empty glass away. "But this thing with Refuge? It's a good idea."

"You really think so?" It was weird that Rhodey agreeing with him so readily. But Rhodey was beaming.

"Yes! Go to Boston. Talk to her. Make a gesture of goodwill and she might just buy into it before realizing what she's gotten herself into."

"I think I will do just that." Tony leaned back in his chair and turned his attention to the magazine. It was his now. Sorry Rhodes. He'd get a proper read of the article without being distracted by the woman it was written about. He'd do his research before he made his way to Boston.

"Before you fly out, I have one suggestion." Rhodey winced as if to brace him for something.

"What's that?"

"Talk to Pepper." Rhodey made it sound so simple.

It wasn't simple.

"Why should I? She's my girlfriend, not my mother. I don't have to tell her every little thing I do. She doesn't even bother talking to me about what she's up to half the time. I don't need permission to talk to another woman." Tony was defensive and he knew it. Of course he knew he should tell Pepper! He just didn't want to! Every conversation, even just about how they were or what they had for breakfast, became a fight. He didn't have the energy to fight with her anymore. This was the first thing he was passionate about in a long, long time. He wouldn't give it up just because Pepper might end up a little jealous.

"Tony." Rhodey frowned in disapproval. He snatched the magazine and held it up so that the cover was looking back at him. He didn't have to say anything because Tony got the point. He had to talk to Pepper. One look at those dangerous blue eyes assured him of it. Scarlett Damien was beautiful and obviously had a reputation for trouble. He sighed. Sometimes he hated not being single.

"Point taken." Tony pouted. Even if it became a fight, he had to tell her. It was better she found out what he was planning to do before he did it rather than in the papers after the fact. Especially if Rhodey was right about her and the way the press was hounding her every move. Tony wanted to know more, of course. He hoped it was risque. He hoped there were pictures.

"Well, let me know how it goes." Rhodey stood and buttoned his coat. Tony left some cash for the drinks along with a gracious tip. He was always a generous tipper. People treated him better if they knew they were appreciated. He hoped the bar would continue to allow him a place to drink without being hounded by people.

"Will do." Tony picked the magazine up and Rhodey sighed. "I paid for drinks. I'll take the magazine."

"Fine. Keep it. I already read it. Just don't tell me if you do something gross with it."

"I'll buy you new one." Tony joked and tucked the magazine beneath his arm as he stood. Rhodey had somewhere else to be and Tony wouldn't keep him. It was nice to get out of the house and spend time with someone who wanted to be around him. Rhodey got him out of his head. It was just what he needed. He couldn't thank him enough. He felt like himself for the first time in months.

"Gross, Tony."

"Well, just being honest."

"I've got a date. I have things to do." Rhodey gestured behind him. "As much as I hate for that to be the last thing we talked about…"

"We should do this again soon, right? You suggested that. Or was I making that up?"

"Oh, you were listening to me. I thought you were too distracted by the time we got to that."

"I listen more than you think I do."

"Not in my experience."

"Go on. Go impress Olivia. Show her you can dance. Women like men who can dance." Tony pulled out his cellphone and let his car know he would be ready to go. Jarvis would be behind the wheel since he'd been drinking. Usually he'd have Happy take him home but Happy was driving Pepper around for the day.

"I'll call you soon. Before you know it. Think about what we talked about, yeah?" Rhodey started out the door.

"I will." Tony didn't much want to think about any of that right now. Not when he finally felt good.

"Oh and if you try to find Olivia before I agree to let her meet you? You'll be sorry." Rhodey spoke without turning around. Tony smirked and watched his friend leave.

The drive home was over too quickly as Tony read through the magazine. Everything Rhodey told him was accurate according to that article. It didn't say why she was surrounded by SHIELD agents or anything about her past but it did talk about Refuge, her company going public, her plans to continue her technological advances, and even some of her sordid dating life. It mentioned the British actor it was rumored she was dating. Tony made a point not to remember his name. It was asked why so little was known about her. She said there was nothing worth knowing until then. Tony highly doubted that. She followed it up by saying that what mattered was what she did now and what she would continue to do. It was smart. She was savvy.

By the time he made it back to the Malibu mansion, Tony was convinced that he had to work with her. She was brilliant. If anyone could solve the riddle that was the energy conversion project and his suit, it was the two of them combined.

Pepper was nowhere to be found. He was relieved. Probably not the best thing to feel about someone he was dating. Jarvis filled him in on missed messages and how boring it was without him there. Tony threw the magazine onto the coffee table in the living room next to his pile of pillows and blankets that were neatly folded nearby.

"Jarvis?"

"Yes, sir?" The voice followed Tony as he made his way down the stairs and back to his lab. The mess from earlier was still there. He'd never told anyone to clean it up, he supposed. It all made him a little sad. What broke in his head to make him feel like this?

"Put together an email for me. I don't have the contact information so we'll have to get creative."

"It's never stopped us before. What sort of email are we writing today? Are you perhaps angry that CBS has canceled yet another clever show? Or for replacing a main character and thinking no one would notice?"

"Nothing like that." Tony couldn't help but laugh. Even in his worst moments, Jarvis was there for him.

"That's a shame. I rather liked that Matthew Perry show."

"I need to write up a request to have a meeting with one Scarlett Damien. CEO and Founder of Refuge. In Boston. Tell her that I have a business proposition for her."

"Is that what they're calling it these days, sir?"

"Very funny. Tell her I look forward to her quick response." Jarvis said nothing so Tony fiddled around with the mess on his desk, trying to make sense of it. "And that show was on ABC and it was years ago. Get it together, Jarvis." Tony added the monitor to the pile of junk he set aside to be disposed of later. As he frowned at the pile it occurred to him that it was the first time in months that he gave a damn about the cleanliness of things. He'd have Jarvis take care of it later.

"Done, sir. Address obtained. I can have it to her office as soon as possible and a copy emailed to you once you give me the go ahead."

"You're the best, Jarvis."

"I know, sir." Jarvis showed him a copy of the letter and Tony gave it the once over. "For the record, there have been so many canceled shows that I have forgotten which station that one aired on."

"Touché. Get this cleaned up, will you?" Tony gestured to his desk. "You know what? Get all this cleaned up."

"Sir?"

"Let's get our shit together, Jarvis."

"Yes, sir."