290/Ground Zero at Stark Tower

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Ground Zero at Stark Tower
Date of Scene: 05 May 2017
Location: Stark Tower, New York City
Synopsis: Secrets are hinted at and finally revealed in Stark Tower.
Cast of Characters: Iron Man, Black Widow (Romanoff), Pepper Potts, Cyberdragon, Scarlet Spider




Iron Man has posed:
Friday night at the Stark Tower. There are certainly expectations, and sadly, at the moment the great Tony Stark isn't actually living up to them. It's Cinco de Mayo, and there isn't an amazing party going on right at this moment 50 floors down. Or even in this Penthouse.

It really doesn't matter, however. Tony is, indeed, getting ready for a party. He pads barefoot across expensive marble and rug to make it to his bar in order to pour yet another scotch, neat, into his tumbler. He's at least got most of his suit on; pants, belt, button down shirt. His tie hangs limply around his neck, as of yet un-Windsor'ed, his hair is mussed. The *clink* of the top of the decanter sounds in the room, and Tony picks up from where he'd obviously left off in what would a one-sided conversation for anyone but him. He has an Artificial Awareness that talks back (literally and figuratively).

"And I need you to make my apolog-- no. Screw that. Their product sucks. I wouldn't even put it in LexTech if they begged me. Like, seriously. If they send me something like that again, I swear to all that is holy that I will buy their sorry asses just to bury them so deep into the ground, archaeologists in the next thousand years won't find them."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natalie Rushman, legal consultant employed here at the fancy Stark Tower, ascended in the elevator to the Penthouse level. Her firey red hair was straight and laying quie nicely down to her shoulders. She was wearing a black longcoat that hung down to her ankles and her hands were stuck in the pockets of it at her hips.

"Expecting bad weather, Miss Rushman?" A man beside her asked who'd boarded the elevator a few floors down. Since it was a warm day out today, he considered it slightly odd to see the redheaded legal counsul wearing a coat such as that.

Natalie glanced over at him with her green eyes, she stared at him for a flat few seconds before she summoned a small friendly smile. "The worst." Was her simple answer... which got a slow nod of confusion out of the man who seemed a bit put-off by her response. When they reached his floor, he said his goodbyes and then the Lift continued upward.

At Stark's Penthouse level, the Lift paused and the A.I. asked her to announce herself into the holo-projection screen.

"Rushman." She said. "Here to see Miss Potts. Its urgent." She said in her dry and husky voice.

Pepper Potts has posed:
While there had been plans on MAYBE having a party here, Pepper actually managed to talk Tony out of them with the consideration that they now have a teenager living in this house and having an all night rager was probably not the wisest idea. And there would be OTHER parties around the city which they could attend. Many of them. Tony never goes elsewhere, he should gift his company on others. So, after some buttering of the ego, and a promise to join him in 'something like that one blue dress', they had decided to go to another party.

Pepper has been talking to him through JARVIS most of the night, because she's still getting ready and getting ready takes a lot of effort for Pepper Potts. Still, her voice easily echoes into the front room as Tony goes for the drink. "...Tony, are you drinking already? It doesn't even start until 8. No one will be there until 9. And I already made your apologies because I knew you'd hate it but it's not worth pissing them off. They're a start up and they are trying. Maybe they'll do better next time. You never know." Pepper echoes to him from the overhead.

Then the woman comes down the hall, her voice echoing after with her high heels. "I don't even know where we are going first..." She looks stunning. She's in a blue dress which skims every curve and bares her shoulders and back but then has light sleeves that start halfway down her arm. It leaves everything and nothing to the imagination. She smells like a brush of vanilla.

Cyberdragon has posed:
John and Cyber have for the most part managed to get the issue with schooling sorted out. So he goes back to Highschool monday morning. The Fiasco with being merged with Cyber, the tests by Tony, The Court issues concerning his cousin, and Tony Stark And Pepper assuming legal guardian ship of him. It has been a murderous week and right now. John is in Stark's Penthouse, doing what? Cooking himself some dinner.

John doesn't really mind staying in, and of course John explained his absents to his friends as best he could, that he got a part time john as a private cook for someone wealthy. He hasn't told them who, begging them to keep it a secret.

For the most part He knows Tony and Pepper want to keep this low key, both for his protection and Cyber. John's cooking some Flambe, and using a little bit of High proof Whiskey to start the fire. John of course doesn't drink it, he knows he's not legal age.

Well it's one Benefit with Tony he can try those Recipes that require those items that would be illegal for him to get. His companion Cyber is currently resting on the floor near the kitchen in his dragon form. Hoping that JARVIS will alert him to the arrival of anyone who doesn't know who or what he is so he can Assume the form of that Tibetian Mastiff.

Scarlet Spider has posed:
The elevator dings again and a young man of maaaaybe 25 steps out, having caught another one after Natalie. Wearing his weekend jeans, a pair of Tabi shoes in black, accented with a robin's egg/teal color. This is paired with a light hoody in black. Mild brown hair, eyes and slender but muscled. "Mr. Staaaark!" He calls out, not immediately seeing the man who have him.. well.. everything. "Oh.. uh... Hi there." He says with a small smile to Natasha, a smile that grows wider the longer he's looking at her. "I Uh.. here to see Tony. " He tells her and turns to find the man, pulling a small black box from his hoody pocket. It looks almost like.. black velvet?

Iron Man has posed:
*clink*

The sound of glass upon glass now, and Tony's got his (re)fill. He doesn't turn around when the first arrival comes in, asking JARVIS as to Pepper's whereabouts and attention. Someone that is obviously familiar, then, with the workings of Stark Tower.

"Miss Rushman. She is currently preparing for a party with Mr. Stark. They are expected to be attending a party thrown by Senor Camacho, and then Senor Crespo y Martinez.. and then.." A door opens regardless, however, allowing entrance for the Legal Department 'representative'.

Ben Reilly has very much the same greeting; a clipped, polite English Butler sound. "Mr. Stark can be found preparing for the party as well, though he is less ready than Miss Potts. Perhaps you can encourage him."

A swallow of Scotch is taken, and Tony turns slowly around at the sound of *click*click* of expensive heels upon the floor. The glass, thus lifted to his lips, remains there for a heartbeat before he raises it a touch more to take a swallow. After that, he finds his response, "Yes, well... this is a game of 'try harder'. I gave them specs, and.. you have to admit it, Pep. It's cr- John, let me know if you run out. I'll have someone go for more for you." He pauses before looking at Pepper again, "Or wasn't I supposed to say that to him? I'm still new to all this."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha locked eyes with Ben when he boarded the Lift and she stared right back at him, though she was devoid of a smile for the first several moments. "I gathered." She replied to him saying he was going to speak to Tony, and then did she show a small half-smirk. "Its like he's the Wizard. If only I'd worn my ruby shoes." Slippers, Natasha, they're Slippers... she wasn't very good with movie trivia.

When the doors opened, the woman in the black coat stepped out while listening to the A.I. give her a sit-rep on Stark and Pepper's plans for the night. She didn't respond to the A.I.

Instead, Natasha's eyes started to look about and she followed after the much more energetic Reilly as he lead the way. Nat's eyes befell the impressive canine... and that got a lingering stare whilst she walked further into the Penthouse.

Nat would catch the end of what Pepper was saying and she'd stop movie then, hands in her coat pockets she'd just offer a smile to Pepper. Spoke when spoken to, kind of thing.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper's mind is going about a thousand miles an hour, as normal, but the one thing she wanted was the look on Tony's face. The one he gave her that first night, the night that felt like ages ago, in that old backless blue dress. And it's not there. He's in his cups again and half dressed. The redhead stands there for a few heartbeats, her brow furrowed, and she tries to swallow back the flicker of disappointment behind her eyes. She's mostly good at hiding it by now. Her fingertips reach down, absently scratching behind Cyber's ears.
"John, we... won't be out too late, though I should go change. This... dress isn't...working the way I thought it would now that I see it in the light." She breathes out simply, dismissively, before turning about to realize JARVIS is emitting others to the room. Ben gets a blink, her picture perfect, professional smile dancing across her face, wiping away all disappointment she can manage as those bare shoulders stiffen, "Good evening. I didn't know we were expecting company. And... Miss Rushman, goodness, are you working this late? You should be home? What's wrong? Here... do you want to come back to my room? We can talk while I change." Multitasking, as ever. Nat might read something awkward behind her smile, but most others probably miss it.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper's mind is going about a thousand miles an hour, as normal, but the one thing she wanted was the look on Tony's face. The one he gave her that first night, the night that felt like ages ago, in that old backless blue dress. And it's not there. He's in his cups again and half dressed. The redhead stands there for a few heartbeats, her brow furrowed, and she tries to swallow back the flicker of disappointment behind her eyes. She's mostly good at hiding it by now. Her fingertips reach down, absently scratching behind Cyber's ears.

"John, we... won't be out too late, though I should go change. This... dress isn't...working the way I thought it would now that I see it in the light." She breathes out simply, dismissively, before turning about to realize JARVIS is emitting others to the room. Ben gets a blink, her picture perfect, professional smile dancing across her face, wiping away all disappointment she can manage as those bare shoulders stiffen, "Good evening. I didn't know we were expecting company. And... Miss Rushman, goodness, are you working this late? You should be home? What's wrong? Here... do you want to come back to my room? We can talk while I change." Multitasking, as ever. Nat might read something awkward behind her smile, but most others probably miss it.

Scarlet Spider has posed:
Ben gives Natasha an odd look after her almost reference to the Wizard of Oz. But no comments. Instead he's off to find the Stark. Turning the corner, the shaggy one does get a look, but hey.. Stark owns the building. If he wants fleas thats his business.

"Mr. Stark?" He calls, then sport him pseudo dressed. And spots Pepper. "Evening Ms. Potts. I just came to drop this off. "He says, raising the box a bit. " It's uh.. for you I believe. I don't see Tony wearing it." He tells her giving her a smile.

Tony then, has his full attention. "As requested. Emerald and gold. I finally got the formulae right, so thats in there.. and I reshaped the darts. All of them are now just flat discs, unlike the previous model. Also.. with Jarvis assisting.. Each one is now a tracker too. GPS and high freq. For finding people after the fact. Y'know.. in case." He says and hands Tony a black satin jewlery box.

Cyberdragon has posed:
John offers Tony a Salute. "Not an issue Tony, This will feed me most of the night." When other people besides Tony and Pepper are here, as per John and Cyber's request he can shift his look and appearance. To that of a massive dog, a Tibetan Mastiff. As his form Ripples and shifts before anyone else knows of Cyber's default form to that of the large dog.

He doesn't have the puffy fur as that would be unhealthy with the approaching summer so he has a short cut. But the size of the Dog is massive and his apparent muscles under his fur. When Pepper reached down to scratch those ears he whines happily and pushes his head into it whining for more scritchings. For something that doesn't like being treated as an object, Cyber sure loves acting like an over groan pet.

"You don't mind if I crash in the Penthouse while you two are out. It's been a murderous week. And thanks for helping me get those statues back Tony. And you Too Pepper for dealing with my cousin." John says.

If John is given permission to stay here while Tony is out. He'll ask JARVIS to call up the ORGINAL Muppet show. He's gonna enjoy this he loved the Orginal on reruns.

The Massive Dog does look at the newcomers, eyes look over at Natasha as the head tilks in that inquisitive canine way as he starts to get up, but a word from John has him lay back down. Apparently the dog is well trained.

The Dog's eyes turn to look over at Ben head up laying on his belly keenly watching the new arrival.

John tends to try and turn out the talk as he goes back to cooking, the smell of Steak Flambe in the air. Almost heavenly!

Iron Man has posed:
Tony looks at Pepper, watches her for that long moment as the vision in blue turns into.. something else. Though, in his little world, just as cool is the presto-chango from dragon to dog that happens just in the flicker of light, almost making it seem as if it's always been there. "Yeah, sure..." He sounds distracted, though he shakes himself from it. He draws his attention from Pepper in that dress and turns to look at the newly arrived.

Head quirking, Tony pushes himself off from his spot at the barn and takes those couple of barefooted steps towards Natalie, his hand extending, "I don't think we've met. Tony Stark. And you are...?"

It's when Ben arrives, however, and mentions... no, opens his big mouth! Tony turns around to stare at the other man, his brows rising theatrically, his jaw clenching. In the next breath, 'Ixnay on the .." and he gestures toward the box. His voice lowers, "C'mon. Work with me, dude. There are ladies present."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha's attentin when to Reilly when he spoke of what he'd brought Tony, which was quite intriguing to her... But Pepper pulled Nat's attention away and she gently would shake her head to the woman. "Thats not necessary." She said to Pepper. "I'm here to see Tony, actually." She used his first name as though were old friends. "You look wonderful tonight, by the way, Pepper." And that would be the first time that Natalie had referred to Virginia with anything other than 'Miss Potts' up until now.

When Toiny approaved and inquired for her name, the redheaded woman just looked over (and up) at him, as she stood there in all her glorious towering height of 5'3" or 4" off the floor.

"Gone are the days of chivalry, it would seem." She replied to Tony in a quiet and sultried tone. A second later and she stepped forward, and removed her coat, letting it slide down off of her shoulders. Beneath it she wore a black SHIELD uniform jumpsuit that clung to her form. The suit was easily ID'd by the notorious badges on the shoulders.

Draping the coat over her left forearm, Natasha looked around the Penthouse, scanning it with her green eyes, before she glanced at the Mastiff once more and then spoke again while staring at Ceasar. "Didn't know the two of you had a dog."

Natasha had not yet given her name, and she had no visible weapons on her body, though her utility belt around her waist did have some unidentifiable objects attached around her waistline.

Pepper Potts has posed:
The commentary about that black velvet thing being for her makes Pepper's eyes go momentarily wide. It's a flash of something very female, very hopeful and very shocked. Boxes like that generally have rings, but surely not... And then Ben is going on about disks and Pepper quickly dashes it all down. Especially as Tony is trying to dismiss it all away. She gives them both a flat look and a good smirk from perfectly glossed lips before ruffling Cyber's ears one last time and standing straight. "John, of course, you KNOW you can stay here any time. We welcome it. You're family." She walks over, as a mother prepping to go out for a gala would, to give him a quick, protective kiss against the temple. If he allows, that is. It's casual, but earnest affection. "And thank you, Natalie." She echoes to the compliment with a half smile, though it wasn't her assistant she was trying to impress.

Pepper's green eyes trail over Tony a moment, trying to decide exactly what that look, and that velvet piece, is about. She can't read it, though, not right now with a rush of emotions she doesn't like and too much business flying all around her. She does march over to him, though, and begins to at least button up his shirt. "Can you finish getting dressed? I'm going to be changed out of this thing and ready again before you are even totally clothed." She chides gently, but there is no real anger in it. She then blinks back to Natalie, "To see Tony, Miss Rush..." But then it's not Natalie. Well, it is, but Natalie is dressed very, very differently.

Pepper is very glad she's not holding anything, because she'd have dropped it if she was. She stares at her assistant, blind shock on her pale face, utterly forgetting what she was doing. "...man..." She finishes for lack of any other sounds to make. //What in the world is going on in this HOUSE?// She abruptly turns on the ball of her high heel, stalks over to Tony's side, bringing that heavily brush of amber and vanilla with her. She steals the glass of something right out of his hand and knocks the whole rest of the thing back. Better.

Scarlet Spider has posed:
Ben Reilly startles a bit, obviously Tony has forgotten to tell Pepper about this.. So.. Now not being a good time. Ben shakes his head at Tony, both in a 'Really.. you haven't brought it up yet?' look and for everyone else. "Y'know.. Just forgot.. It's not .. uh.. not ready yet.." He offers, tucking the box back into his hoodie pocket. Best he can do. Smooth talking is not one of HIS superpowers. "It'll be in my lab when you want it Mr. Stark." He tells him and turns away, even as Pepper stalks up and steals Tony's drink. But upon seeing Natlie in shield attire. "Tony.. Something I should know?" He asks him, eyes on the Widow.

Not so idly wondering if Tony spilled the beans and now Shield wants him.

Cyberdragon has posed:
Of course John accepts the kiss. Still getting yes to the idea of Pepper being a legal guardian of his. The Blush on his cheeks apparent, but says nothing as he starts to get the details of what is going on with Ms. Rushman. The moment he sees the SHIELD Crest on her jacket he is a little shocked but then seems to get a little nervious as he is turning his meal off as it is finished and he is assembling his plate for the evening.

As he does so, the Dog doesn't seem to be that interested, it's only when the tension in the room from pepper being so close that the dog reacts with a whimper to Pepper and then turns it's attention to the Shield Agent.

"Ceaser is mine." John says and then looks to Tony and then the Agent as he says. "Um I'm done cooking, If I need to get lost for a little while." John might not be in the know, but he does know somethings about SHIELD from what Tony shared with him. Including that Patch. John is playing the part of a Civilian who should keep his nose out of the business. Ceaser the dog responds to John's motions as a quick look over to him and the dog rises toit's full height as John says firmly. "Ceaser, Heel!" and the Dog walks behind the counter to join John sitting on the ground.

Iron Man has posed:
They're long gone, those days of chivalry. Mostly. Though they do appear at the strangest of moments. Now, however, isn't one of them. As Natalie's coat drops to the floor, Tony's eyes follow it when the jumpsuit is revealed. It's when his eyes rise again to catch the SHIELD logo upon her shoulder, that oh so familiar stylized eagle that his jaw clenches again. He extends his hand for Pepper when she makes her rounds, as it were, and it's a protective move; there's no subtlety there. He doesn't even put up much of a 'fight' when Pepper takes hold of what's left of his scotch and downs it. "I think you should wear that dress," is murmured before he straightens to look at Natalie. "G'head, John. It's okay. I'll let you know when we head out to the parties." There's a pause before, "Good boy, Caesar."

Now Nat has Tony's full attention, though he does spare a glance to Ben. "I think you should go, Ms.... who are you again?" He takes a step forward, in bare feet, and his gaze is locked. "I don't recall SHIELD having an interest in what sort of animals I own. Do I have to tell you about a little dairy ranch out in Montana? Or the dude ranch I was going to buy for a little girl in St. Jude's for her Make a Wish? How about the sheep that are used in my pharmaceutical subsidiaries? I mean, if we're going full disclosure on my animals, I can give you a list of my lab rats, too. They all have names. Malcolm, Angus, Phil, Simon, Mark, Cliff..."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha hadn't let the jacket fall to the floor entirely, she had it draped over her left forearm and when she reached a piece of furniture nearby she let it lay across that then before she turned around to see John when he informed her that the dog belonged to him. "He's beautiful. I've never seen that breed before." Natasha replied to the young John, who she was well aware of had been legally guardianified by Stark.

Natasha looked then to the three others, Ben, Pepper (drinking) and Tony (spouting off seemingly random names of his lab rats.

The super spy looked at all three faces, they looked disturbed. "Relax." She told them all. "I'm only here on behalf of Director Fury." Natasha's forearms then crossed over her stomach and her posture seemed to relax a bit as her weight shifted onto her right leg and her left extended out to the side a little.

"I apologize for misleading you, Pepper. But its the nature of my work." She said to Virginia and then to Tony she regarded once more. "I'm Agent Romanoff, and I've been sent here because its come to our attention that you may have recently claimed technology bound for the Triskelion, bound for SHIELD." She exhaled softly. "Technology that doesn't belong in the hands of any civilian, not even wealthy ones."

Cyberdragon has posed:
John stands up as he does his best to ignore what is being said as he will put Ceaser on a leash to head out, a bit on the quickside. As if he doesn't want to hear anything that might very well be considered so secret that it warrents his disposal. Thank GOD he had his back to Natasha when she mentioned the technology as his eyes are wide open as he leads Ceaser out of the room to the elevator. With Ben here he can't actually ask JARVIS to keep him appraised of what they are tyalking about. The dog seems to eagerly follow his owner.

Pepper Potts has posed:
The strawberry blonde really has no clue what is going on here. Well, she's catching up, but she's also confused and clearly worried. "Technology? What... kind of technology? What in the world? Miss Rushman... Romanoff... Whomever you are. We're a technology company. We're filing new patents every week, you understand that. Hell, you've seen most of the paperwork!" Pepper huffs out, her cheeks heating a bit, partially in embarrassment that she's had the wool pulled over her eyes, partially from the scotch. Her eyes flicker after John, a trace of worry under that green gaze, but she doesn't move to follow him. She lets him sneak out as quickly as he possibly can. Then a look to Ben, the man she doesn't know, and he gets a skeptical brow. "Do YOU know anything about this? Is that what's in the velvet box?"

Scarlet Spider has posed:
Hearing Agent Romanov talk about tech.. the clone is off the hook. "I think that's my exit Tony. I'll catch you later. I don't know anything about a Try-skeleton." He says. Purposely mangling the name to appear dumb. It works sometimes. The twenty something punk in Tabi shoes starts to make for the door, letting the grown-ups handle this one.

But Pepper beats him to it. "Nope.. No fancy tech in the box. Nothing earth shattering or Shield worthy. Promise." He tells her with a smile.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony can see the evening taking a nosedive. His departure from the Tower is going to be delayed, most definitely, but there is no way in hell that he's going to miss the celebrations completely. Lifting the now empty glass from Pepper's hand, he really wants a refill. "Good night, John. I'll let you know when we head out. Of course you can stay up here tonight. Just let JARVIS know your plans."

Now, Tony puts a light hand on the small of Pepper's back in a gesture of contact before he heads towards the bar to refill his scotch. "Director Fury can go to hell for all I care. Any bit of technology that he might be interested in sure as hell doesn't belong in his hands. So, now that we've got that out of the way..." He reaches the bar and pulls the decanter of scotch down and uncaps it with a glassy *clink*. "So, Agent... Romanoff, was it? Agent Romanoff, there's lots of technology that I make that'll never, ever see the civilian market, so exactly why is SHIELD so interested?"

It's Pepper's question that brings a brief fall to his expression and he shakes his head. "No, Pepper. That is something completely different. I'll explain that later, I promise."

When Ben begins to make his exit, the billionaire has the box in his possession now, and he pockets it. "I'll talk to you later, buddy. Bright and early Monday morning. We'll go over the specs and our processes for unveiling new ideas." Tony's taking the lack of surprise now with a bit of humor. Ah well.

"Can I get you a drink, Agent Romanoff? Scotch?" Tony's got his decanter still in hand, but in that well-stocked bar, there are some rare and very fine bits of alcohol.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha watched the interaction between Pepper and Ben, she could tell that Pepper was flustered nearly beyond words and she'd expected it. But this time was coming, her position in the legal department wasn't a permanent job by any means and if Pepper never spoke to her again, well... that'd be one more person in a field of many, many others burned by the solitary Agent.

She continued to stand mostly motionless and watched Ben prepare to leave, then Tony move toward the bar for his comfort water. "I'm fine." She replied in regards to a drink. She seemed very unimpressed with is response as well. "Shield cares because its the agency's duty to protect the world from such technologies. Not... figure out how to turn it into a money making cash cow, to milk until the teets run dry." Was her respond to Stark, laced with boredom and disinterest through her tone of voice.

"Stark." She started again, a split second after she'd finished speaking. "Shield works hard to keep a quality relationship with you. A... mutually beneificial relationship... This, thing, that you've acquired." She leveled her gaze at him. "You need to be upfront with us about it. Not hide it in your glass tower. We're on the same, side."

Pepper Potts has posed:
While Pepper can't exactly read minds and body language the way Natasha can, there is a trace of something she catches in all of this, and it echoes the heartbreak she feels herself. It'd been a long time since she had a female friend and they were just on the edge of that. She watches Natasha sadly, finally having given Tony back his glass. She's also given up on the idea of changing, or maybe even going out tonight. Ben is given a small wave and a nod because it's polite and Pepper is ALWAYS polite, even as things are cracking all around her, but then he's out the door and she's left alone in this trio of discomfort.

"...Natali... Agent Romanoff. It's... not like that. It's not. I promise you. It's not about money or patents on this one. Tony's not like that. And if you've ever trusted me at all. If... any conversation we ever had meant anything or was real in any way..." Pepper's slightly cracking voice is almost begging for it to have been real. Were they friends at all? She still has this sick hope behind her eyes, "You... will believe me when I say that. Yes. This is a business. But... what... What you're talking about now isn't business and it's best left there."

Of course, Pepper isn't used to espinoage. She entirely doesn't realize she's now completely exposed herself as knowing this secret as well and if SHIELD wants to dig into her brain and torture or question it out of her, they very well could. She just spills her heart right from her sleeve to floor and the damage is now done. Hopefully it will have been worth it.

Iron Man has posed:
"Bullshit."

Tony has the glass refilled, and he turns around to stare at Natasha. "SHIELD needs me. They //need// the relationship. I mean, seriously. If it wasn't me?" He chuckles, the sound scoffing, "Let me guess..." Tony begins to pace in his barefeet, and he's not taking his eyes off Natasha, "Lex Luthor. Oh, that'd go great. SHIELD and Luthor. You think I'm a jackass?" The glass rises to his lips and he takes a good swallow. "Pepper's right. I'll let you in on a little secret. It's not always about the money. Or the fame. Or the prestige. Or what I can get out of it," is accompanied with an offhand, light shrug, "Though I'm not always averse to it."

Tony's concerned for Pepper, and he crosses the short distance back to her, putting his hand on the small of her back once again.

"You can't begin to convince me that we're all on the same side and that Fury is about to break out in a rousing rendition of Kum-bye-yah. He works like I do, and it's called 'Enlightened self interest'. And, we both happen to have a bigger case of it because of who we are."

Cyberdragon has posed:
Having finally gotten to a private area free of being seen. John Coltan is almost in a cold sweat. He had expected this day to come, having prepaired for it. He thought he was ready, he wasn't."

His companion Cyber knows what John is feeling, the fear, his concern. And to help liven up John's mood, to help release the tension, Cyber then pounces john acting like and over ground dog knocking john to the ground to attack his face!

the doggy tongue comes out as he begins to lick John playing and wrestling with his host.

The attack caught John off guard but soon breaks into a laugh and says, "Of course you realize this means WAR!" and he starts to play wrestle back.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha was well aware of the condition that Pepper was in, but in her line of work it wasn't about consoling other people's emotions. She was almost one hundred years old... she'd had friends live and die beside her countless times... make new ones was nigh-on-impossible at her age, even if people looked at her and thought they saw some young woman in her late 20s that probably had no such problems.

At Tony, is who she watched and stared upon, arms still crossed over her textured black bodysuit that zipped up her torso to her neck.

Natasha let Tony's words settle in the air for a lingering handful of moments and then she glanced between he and Pepper when they were close to one another gain.

"Imagine how much, I wouldn't even have to be here... if you'd just communicate with us." She finally said, voice soft and even toned. A second later and she was turning to pick up her coat off the back of that fine piece of furniture.

"You claim its not as we've perceived it... but you've given us nothing to believe otherwise. Remember that." And with that said, the slim redheaded Agent Natashalie Rushmanoff (?) turned toward the Lift to leave.

"I'll inform Director Fury that you're not interested in sharing information on what you've acquired." She said whilst moving to leave.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper is trembling, ever, ever so finely beneath Tony's touch. Whether it's actual fear or anger, it's hard to tell. Probably a mix of both and what happens when someone clamps it down and holds it back SO DAMN TIGHTLY that they are near ready to burst. But that's what business has trained her for all these years. She does instinctively lean in a bit to his touch. For all of Tony's poor qualities, it's clear the redhead trusts him, body and soul. She might be blind to some things, but she must see some good in him to be here so stalwart and loyal.

"...good bye... Miss Rushman. You can clean out your desk on Monday. Tell Mr. Fury he is welcome to contact *me* if he wishes to discuss this further." Pepper states flatly, trying to keep all this calm and neutral as possible, but it's a fight. Then she just leans in a bit closer to Tony, looking up to his handsome face quietly, most of the color gone from her's. "...I don't want to go out tonight. Let's just give apologies. I hate this dress anyway."

Iron Man has posed:
"Sir," there is a softly spoken distinctly British voice that makes he presence known, "I have been in contact with this entity Agent Romanoff speaks of. He wishes to communicate directly with the Agent, if that is acceptable to you." It's JARVIS.

Tony takes another swallow of his scotch, and he's watching Nat closely, his expression holding steady in this game of high-stakes poker. "It wouldn't be the first time I've pissed him off," comes offhandedly. "I think he's come to expect it. Who am I to disappoint?"

His head drops slightly as he looks back at Pepper, brown eyes softening as she speaks to him. "We don't have to. I'll blame it on something.. explosion in my lab or something." Tony looks back up, and he's more listening to JARVIS now, and he nods. "Let him know he's welcome. I think I'm going to turn in." It's been a couple of days since he's gotten any sleep. Just in case Pepper's wondering, he's more than willing to remain behind. "Doesn't matter. I don't have too much invested in Mexico anyway." He ducks his head just a little, his voice soft, "I like the dress. A lot. Other than the green one you have? Probably my favorite."

Cyberdragon has posed:
As John gets the Alert from Jarvis Cyber pushes his head into John's hand. //We have to do this at some point. I am your strength and power.~// The dog says turning back to his default form. and then finishes.

"While I am your heart and soul." And then standing up he says. "I am gonna want a shot of something when this is over." and then he says, "Merge!" And in one word a flash of light two become one as Cyberdragon lifts his head up walking to the Elevator.

Getting into it Cyber convinces John to let him to the talking and movement control as john relaxes allowing cyber to become the dominate of the pair.

Level by level Cyberdragon accended to the Penthouse and finally.

DING!

The Elevator opens up as slowly inside of it appears a red and black object. At first glance it might appear that it is one of Tony's suits.

But as it opens the Bipedal dragon stands there with glowing orange red eyes. Wings on the back move as the creature begins to walk into the penthouse.

Metallic footfalls land on the floor as the tail moves behind it, the dragon is not organic.

But some form of Biomechanical constructed as it moves into the Penthouse. Movements measured, calm, as he looks down at the Agent. "You are the Shield Agent JARVIS mentioned?" he says in a metalic organic voice.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha glanced back at Stark and Potts, realizing that she'd ruined their night... Tony losing a night didn't really bother her that much, but she did feel remorse for Pepper losing a potentially good night.

When the Lift doors split apart and the 'thing' inside it was visible, Natasha paused (still several steps away from the lift). She watched it emerge from inside and walk toward her... Eight foot tall robot dragon with red eyes... staring down at a 5'3" tall SHIELD agent with green eyes.

This wasn't what she'd been expecting tonight... SHIELD's intel on this had been wrong... If this was even related to what she'd been sent here for tonight...

"I would assume so." Natasha said up to the metal beast. "And you're... what? A child from the Eighties greatest wish come to life?" She quipped, because when she had little else to go on, why not?

Pepper Potts has posed:
A slight nod, "Mexico will be fine. I'll smooth it over." Then the words die on Pepper's lips as she sees the Dragon in the elevator. Her stomach goes into her shoes but she stops herself, taking a deep breath. "...I told you it wasn't about the money. This... it's the tech. Thinking, feeling... breathing... And it can speak for itself. Neither Tony nor I *own* it. You cannot own a sentient creature." Pepper states firmly, giving her last word and thought on the matter.

She then loops her arm through Tony's and she tugs him back down the hall. "Let...let's let them speak. We'll get changed and just relax. We actually deserve that. For one night." Pepper needed it, if nothing. "Dragon... let me know when this is done, that you are... alright, okay?" Otherwise, she trusts the thing, it seems. Having said that last bit, Pepper leads them both back towards the master bedroom. Not a whirlwind of clothes and passion. They look more like a tired, slightly beaten old married couple who just came from a long fight. It's been one of those nights.