The automatic doors of the workshop slid open with their usual metallic hiss, revealing Tony Stark stepping in with the restless energy of someone who had slept little, thought too much, and still refused to stop.
The bluish glow of the holograms reflected in his eyes, while the soft hum of machinery and fans created an almost constant soundtrack — the beating heart of the billionaire genius.
"JARVIS, how's the system vulnerability scan going?"
The question came even before he removed his sunglasses or set down the cup of coffee — or rather, the horrible green juice — on the workbench.
[I have detected several vulnerability points, including the one that was breached last night, sir.]
[I'm currently correcting the flaws. The estimated time for a full repair is at least three days.]
Tony grabbed the chlorophyll drink and took a sip.
He immediately grimaced.
"This stuff tastes like radioactive grass," he muttered, pushing the cup away.
He sighed, leaning back against the table and crossing his arms.
"Three days is good enough. I didn't like what happened last night, and I'd rather make sure it doesn't happen again."
As he spoke, his mind drifted back to the previous night.
The bald intruder who had shown up at his house — hacking into his systems as if he were dealing with an amateur — wasn't an enemy, but an unwelcome guest.
Someone who thought it was a good idea to appear in the middle of the night to talk about "a special initiative."
Nick Fury.
Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., boss of Agent Phil Coulson, and possibly the most mysteriously irritating man on the planet.
Tony snorted, remembering the conversation.
"Super friends…" he murmured in a bored tone.
He didn't even bother recalling all the details. He preferred to erase them from memory.
Shaking his head, he approached one of the work tables covered in tools, placed his hands on the holographic keyboard, and spoke with renewed enthusiasm.
"Let's get to work, JARVIS."
"I've got a great idea for a new armor."
[A new armor, sir?]
"That's right. I need something portable — easy to wear, but with enough combat power for emergency situations."
"I'll call it the Mark V."
[Mark V armor database created. Please input design parameters, sir.]
[Keep in mind that with current materials, prioritizing lightness means sacrificing some firepower.]
Tony was already typing at impressive speed, gesturing, expanding three-dimensional models, and redrawing components in midair with his fingers.
The glow of the holographic interfaces projected across his face like a blue mask of light.
"I know that, JARVIS. This armor doesn't need to be a war tank — it just needs to give me time to fight back."
A crooked smile appeared on his lips.
"The next time that cue-ball invades my house, I want to be able to give him a proper beating."
[Understood, sir.]
[Ah, sir… you mentioned yesterday that you wanted to talk to Mr. Arthur. How's that going?]
Tony paused for a moment, grabbed the chlorophyll cup, and finished it in one go, his face twisted in regret.
"Forget it, JARVIS. Honestly, it's better to leave things as they are — for now."
He clapped his hands, regaining his enthusiasm.
"Okay, let's work!"
The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of holograms, calculations, and his classic AC/DC album playing in the background.
There were several miniature parts on the table; alloys were being virtually tested; and the draft of the Mark V was starting to take shape — a compact, foldable armor ready to deploy in seconds.
---
Two hours later…
[Sir, Miss Potts is here.]
"Send her down, JARVIS."
[Actually, sir… she's already downstairs.]
"Tony, don't bother. I knew you'd be here."
Pepper's calm voice echoed through the workshop before JARVIS could even finish.
She appeared at the top of the stairs, elegant and composed, observing the organized chaos of the lab.
Blue lights danced along the walls, and dozens of 3D armor models spun in the air like technological sculptures.
"You called this 'a bit of work'?" she said with light irony, crossing her arms.
Tony spun his chair around, smiling.
"It's a complete mess, I know. I promise I'll clean it up… someday. What's up?"
"A small argument between shareholders about the future of Stark Industries," she replied casually — though her tone made it clear it wasn't small at all.
Tony glanced briefly at the experiment with the new element — the same one that had been keeping him awake at night — and took a deep breath.
"Pepper, how about we go out for dinner? We can talk about it properly at a decent restaurant."
She raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"The great Tony Stark inviting me to dinner? What an honor."
"Yes, and don't tell me you're going to refuse my invitation."
Pepper looked down at her outfit and laughed.
"I'm still in work clothes, Tony. I need to go up and change. Does the room you prepared for me still exist?"
"Of course. And the clothes there are all custom-made."
Tony's smile was light, but there was something quiet behind it — an old memory, maybe even a feeling he preferred to ignore.
Pepper nodded.
"All right. Book the restaurant. I'll be right back."
"No problem. I'll be waiting."
As she climbed the stairs, Tony's eyes followed her, and for a brief moment, the confident spark in his gaze dimmed.
Silence filled the workshop.
He picked up the test box on the table and pressed his finger against the energy meter.
[11%]
Tony stood still for a few seconds, staring at the display.
"JARVIS… it feels like my life is on a countdown."
[Sir, don't lose hope yet. We still have many experiments pending with new elements. We might find an alternative soon.]
"Maybe…"
But deep down, he knew.
No element on Earth seemed capable of replacing the reactor in his chest.
He was a man trying to defeat the inevitable — and laughing as he fought.
Straightening up, he took a deep breath and returned to his light tone.
"JARVIS, look for restaurants with Michelin ratings. Nice atmosphere, good view…"
A dramatic pause.
"And book the entire place."
[Understood, sir.]
Tony looked down at his clothes and murmured with a half-smile:
"Maybe I should change into something more appropriate… something worthy of a date."
The blue light of the holograms shimmered in his eyes for a moment — and for the first time in days, Tony looked genuinely excited about something.
---
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."
Do reviews of what you think of the fanfic so far and what you think I should improve compared to the previous version, besides what I am already doing obviously