We didn't speak too much after that he later excused himself under the pretense of an important business meeting. The event was to take place in about three days at a museum featuring various artifacts from around the world. I wondered why many countries felt secure enough to send such priceless artifacts to the crime capital of America.
During the event, many of Gotham's elite would gather some bigwigs from around the globe to rub elbows. After which there was an auction that was to help raise money for the children or some other do-gooder cause. I honestly didn't know or care what it was for I just wanted to see who would show up to the event. Barely a day later Fury contacted me saying that since I was already on the guest list I could assist Shield.
Fury: It hasn't been that long since you've moved out of Shield's base and you are already mingling with the elite.
"What can I say I'm very charming"
Fury: Sure you are it had nothing to do with the fact that you instantly transformed your home in less than an hour and have a super advanced AI
"All part of my charm"
Fury: Then maybe you would like to share some of that charm of yours
"Can't I'm waiting for the rise of a new god emperor of mankind to emerge and lead humanity into a new golden age"
Fury: Don't hold your breath most people on this earth don't like the idea of kings as for gods they exist but aren't strictly followed
"Then it's no surprise as to why humanity hasn't conquered the stars you have no direction"
Fury: We have freedom
"That seems very moronic you've chosen stagnation in exchange for the illusion of freedom"
Fury: It isn't an illusion...
"Really? Then is it possible for everyone to live comfortably and do what they want whenever they want?"
Fury: No because of the laws and systems in place...
"All I'm hearing are chains created by the powerful to prevent the weak from rising above"
Fury: I won't argue that the system isn't perfect but at least we have a choice in it
"Not really but at least you think so and I am not complaining I'm just stating facts about what I see"
Needless to say, Fury wasn't too happy with our conversation and eventually decided to stick with the mission. According to what I was told the original plan was to have a few agents infiltrate and monitor the event as staff. This hasn't changed except since now that I would be attending as a guest I will be taking Ms Romanoff as my plus one.
The night of the gala lots of pomp and circumstance with reporters crowding the entrance and a red carpet was rolled out. Guests arrived in various high-end vehicles dressed in ridiculously expensive clothes that cost more than most people make in a year. Shield was generous enough to provide me with a high-end custom-made suit complete with bulletproof protection and handy gadgets.
Needless to say, when we arrived Natasha was mostly the center of attention as people everywhere knew who the Avengers were. This is why people became interested in me as it wasn't well known that I technically worked for Shield. Most thought I was some sort of politically connected guy that pulled strings to get her as my date. While a few assumed I was a nameless agent acting as her escort or someone lucky enough to somehow convince her to do so. Most people thought she was using me in some way while I was just a pretty face. It wasn't exactly wrong but I still didn't like the thought of me being considered a tool to use and toss aside. Fortunately, I didn't have to dwell on this for very long as Bruce Wayne himself came to greet us.
Bruce: Julian! Glad to see you could make it and I see that you wasted no time finding a beautiful date for the evening.
"I don't know how I got so lucky"
Natasha: Don't be modest Julian many things about you can easily get my attention
Technically she didn't lie but she did imply that there was something there. Not that I could trust what she said as she was a famous super spy/assassin. Still, it was nice to hear even if she didn't mean it the way she made it seem.
While we chatted I noticed Tony Stark wave as he approached. I should have known that he would be here as well considering his status. Apparently, he got together with Pepper Potts a lot sooner as she was his plus one and he barely paid any attention to the pretty girls here.
Tony: Julian! I didn't know that you would be here! If you told me we could have come together then I would have someone interesting to talk to. I see you mingling with Bruce Wayne should I be jealous that you are seeing other billionaires? Although I always thought that you and Nat had something going on between you. How long has this been going on?
"It's brand NEW Tony and is still in the testing phase so we didn't make it official yet tonight is our first public date together"