and he's back.

[shaves]

That was a little abrupt. Not that I'm complaining, a short leave of absence to recharge your batteries or more specifically, mine, can't argue with the logic behind that if it puts me in the long-term penthouse. You could still make it up to me, obviously. Those little Twisties things they sell near you? Toss a dozen in a box, send them my way and we'll call it even. You should probably send some to Pepper and Bruce, too. Add red and green sprinkles respectively, they'll love that. It won't look too Christmas-y, will it? Actually, scratch that, get the red glaze and make the topping yellow, nobody can complain about Sorry I Vanished gifts that present the universally delicious task of licking Iron Man themed pastries.

Arguably, I could have been doing something more constructive with my time than spending it in the garage for a couple of months. I've been relaxing, cut me some slack. Look what's coming up for me! I think I deserve a Get Out Of Jail Free card before the whole messy business hits home.

This was not my fault, you can't blame a guy for holding him in indentured servitude. Where are my chocolate Twisties?

Comments

[efficacy]

Think so, do you? It's called prioritizing. Someone had to cover for you for the few months you were off and away, you know, so my schedule is a bit full at the moment.

[shaves]

You did? Of course you did, thanks. Thank you. Did anything interesting happen?

[efficacy]

Interesting by your definition? Probably not. And you're welcome. Besides, I already know exactly how you can repay me for all of that. Isn't it nice to be back?

[shaves]

It is, I have a few ideas myself. What were you thinking?

[efficacy]

No doubt the exact opposite of anything you have in mind, Mr. Stark.

[shaves]

That's not a very encouraging outlook, Ms. Potts.

[efficacy]

But it is realistic, in this case.

[shaves]

Name your realistic fun, then. What's cooking?

[efficacy]

Next shareholders' meeting. In person, on time and on your best behavior. Or the closest approximation of it, for the latter.

[shaves]

I would love to, I really ... can't wait to go to that, it's on the top of my list of priorities, there's just a few things I should probably see to first, maybe six or seven details to do with the suit. Seriously, cannot wait to make those meetings, though. I'm stoked.

[efficacy]

Oh, yes. I can tell. I'll practice my "Mr. Stark is busy saving the innocents and regrettably couldn't join us" argument, then. Something tells me there'll be an unexpected mission that day.

[shaves]

I would like to be there, really, I just have a lot on. You know what those guys are like. If I try and explain what I'm doing it'll go straight over their heads and they'll assume I'm being an ass, which'll just make me want to be one and then nothing will end well. When I have time to do it, I will!

In the meantime you're better at this, it's why you're CEO. You're at the front of my ... chariot.

[efficacy]

I understand, Tony, I really do. But when you don't explain to them what you're doing, they get all anxious and frankly, they're a pain in the neck when they're anxious. Well, I'll sort it out.

Chariot, huh? How very Roman of you.

[shaves]

Sure you don't want to go to Italy? Take some time off? This segue is flawless, say yes.

[efficacy]

I would love to, actually. But what will you do in the meanwhile?

[ Not smiling, not at all. ]

[shaves]

[ Shot through the heart!! ]

I guess I'll be flying there all alone, right after you.

[efficacy]

[ And she's to blame. ]

Hm. Well, I suppose in that case we could share the jet, then.

[shaves]

Are you absolutely certain? No second thoughts? What if there's no chef, we could starve.

[efficacy]

When has there not been a chef? I think we'll be okay, as long as you don't try to cook yourself.

[shaves]

Would you eat whatever I cooked if Bruce taught me first? Random question.

[efficacy]

Sure. Would you try it sometime if Bruce agreed?

[shaves]

Maybe. How hard can curry be?

[efficacy]

Well, for what it's worth, I think that if you'd put your mind to it, you'd do just fine.

[shaves]

That's why you're my girl. [ Sliding a hand around her waist, he smooches her temple. ] You believe I can fry a hunk of damn chicken without burning it.

[ It's the stuff that queens are made of! ]

[efficacy]

Well... [ Leaning into the touch, she teases affectionately, ] I like to think that brain of yours is good for other things than just making my life more difficult.