Prime spent a bit more time at Tony's house. Although his visit primarily aimed to present the products of the company he was starting, Prime also had a personal interest in the interaction. Even though it didn't seem like it, both had become quite "friends" recently, considering Tony's standards of what it means to be a "friend".
"By the way, what are your plans for next week?"
Upon hearing Ryan's question, Tony momentarily stopped savoring his wine. Then, with a questioning and confused look, he asked Ryan.
"Why do you want to know? Are you trying to spy on me now?"
Prime noticed that Tony's words carried no hostility. Furthermore, during the short time he had spent with Tony, Prime had understood that much of Tony's personality was playful; he joked about almost everything. Prime found this aspect of Tony unique, so he never commented on it.
"Why would I do that? I don't care about you enough to go to such lengths. Unless, of course, something interesting happens"
Prime spoke with a strange and mysterious smile on his face, causing Tony to feel a slight chill down his spine. Although Tony had felt this before, Prime seemed to view everything as a form of entertainment. Of course, Tony was partly right but also partly wrong.
Instead of saying that Prime saw everything as a form of entertainment, it would be more accurate to state that currently, very few things could genuinely amuse Prime. After all, technically, he was already a being with power beyond comprehension. Even Sara, who discovered she was a mutant, could say the same, although Prime didn't like to use that term to refer to her.
"I plan to go to Monaco this weekend, along with Pepper"
After saying this, Tony resumed drinking his wine. Prime was aware of the party happening in Monaco and had also received an invitation, but he wasn't sure if he should attend. His status, so to speak, was quite reserved; most people did not know his identity or face, and even minor details about him remained unknown.
"What a surprise! I didn't expect you to go as well"
Upon hearing Ryan's words, Tony raised an eyebrow and stared at him for a moment. Tony had a sense that Ryan would also be invited, as he always was. The issue was that Ryan rarely attended these events.
"Why did you decide to go so suddenly? Are you trying to provoke me? From what I can see, 90% of my complicated situations always happen when you're around"
Hearing Tony's words, Prime raised an eyebrow and responded with a disdainful expression.
"Isn't it because you make enemies wherever you go?"
Upon hearing this, Tony paused and remained silent for a moment, as if contemplating a response. However, in the end, both he and Prime knew there was no denying the truth.
"I can't deny that... but, you know my way of being"
Prime sighed, deciding to drop the subject. He knew he wouldn't change Tony's opinion and, in fact, he didn't really want to. Although Tony had his flaws—many of them, in fact—it was precisely these aspects that shaped him into the person he was today.
***
The week flew by, and Prime's day to travel to Monaco arrived before he knew it. At the luxurious hotel, Prime, Sara, Annie, and Ema were enjoying the delicacies served by the waiters. Around them, many familiar faces were present.
Although most people tried to approach Prime, their efforts were thwarted by the girls, who seemed, from the others' perspective, to control Prime's actions.
Obviously, since it was Prime's first public appearance, everyone was surprised at how young he looked. To most, Prime seemed to be between 28 and 30 years old. Additionally, there were questions about the girls' mother since Prime was alone. However, no one managed to ask, and even if they did, Prime would not have answered.
Suddenly, loud noises echoed from outside the hotel, similar to the ones that occurred when Prime arrived. As the noise repeated, Prime had an idea of who might have just arrived. Although he sensed Tony's presence from meters away, it had nothing to do with the commotion.
"It looks like he's here"
Upon hearing Sara's comment, who was eating a piece of crab, Prime simply nodded as he was thinking the same thing. Then, a familiar figure entered through the door, drawing the attention of several people.
His distinctive figure exuded such intense charisma that it drew people closer. Prime had previously joked that if Tony had any power, it would undoubtedly be his charisma, which seemed almost supernatural.
"Is the table available?"
Hearing the voice, Prime looked up and saw Tony watching him from behind his glasses. Prime didn't respond, merely gestured for Tony to sit down, which Tony did, followed by Pepper.
"Hi, girls, how are you?"
A pleasant conversation began between Sara, Ema, Annie, and Pepper. Meanwhile, Prime and Tony had to get up momentarily for a photo. Prime was clearly uncomfortable, a feeling that had followed him since his past life; he was never a fan of taking pictures.
"Smile"
At Tony's comment, Prime forced a smile and murmured just loud enough for Tony to hear.
"I'm trying"
After the photo, both returned to their seats at the table. Tony was teasing Prime, an alien being who could dominate the world if he wanted to but was uncomfortable with taking pictures. In the end, Prime replied to Tony, saying that at least he wasn't known as the "supplier of war".
Minutes passed as conversations flowed until suddenly, Tony said he needed to step out to the bathroom. Prime immediately noticed it was an excuse. Additionally, he sensed something strange about Tony; more precisely, it seemed like his body was slowly weakening.
Prime had a hunch about the cause but couldn't think of an effective solution to help. In short, Prime's medications could relieve symptoms, as he had observed when Tony first tried them, but the effects were temporary and the symptoms returned quickly.
Moreover, Justin Hammer had briefly appeared at Prime's table, wanting to talk to him and Tony. However, the content of the conversation didn't seem to be anything particularly significant, so Prime simply forgot it seconds after Justin Hammer left.