"I am Iron pateriot. It really sucks. That's why I didn't let you use my new armor."
Rhodey: "Listen. War machine was a little too aggressive. And I'm still pissed that you took the new armor. It was very useful in the war." - "Get rid of the new paint job and name and you'll get it back." - "That's not up to me."
.
"So, what's really going on? With the Mandarin.
You know that's why I called you here. What can you give me on this guy?" - "It's classified information, Tony.." I gave him a look. "Okay, There have been nine bombings." - "Nine." - "The public only knows about three." So like the original timeline. Wonder if anything changed.
Rhodey: "Here's the thing, no one can ID a device. There's no Bomb casings." - "Let me help. I've been busy. Just say the word and I'll jump in." - "When was the last time you got a good night's sleep." - "Is that how we're going to play this? I've been having a little bit of trouble staying asleep, that's it." - "People are worried about you. I'm worried about you. I even have Jessi calling me asking about you." - "She did? The pot calling the kettle black. Ignoring her for a moment. Why are you changing the subject? I'm just trying to help and you're coming." - "Look, Tony, I'm not trying to be a dick." two children walked up a girl and a younger boy. "Tator."
Girl: "Do you mind signing my drawing."
"If Richard doesn't mind.. Are you alright with this? Dick?" - "Yeah it's. Fine." - "You sure?" - "Just sign the thing." - "What's your name?"
Girl: "Erin."
I looked at the little boy with glasses. "I loved you in a Christmas Story, by the way."
Rhodey leaned close to me. "listen, the Pentagon is scared. After New York, aliens… come on. They need to look strong. Stopping the Mandarin is a priority, but it's not.." - "Ironman business." - "No, it's not, quite frankly. It's American business." - "That's why I said I'd help. Aren't I American?" I looked at Erin. "You think I'm American?"
Erin: "I do Mr. Stark."
"See. I'm American. I can help." - "Tony! Listen." - "One second." I handed the drawing to the boy. "Here you guys go. I loved the drawing. Keep it up and I might even buy one of yours one day."
Erin: "Thank you, Mr. Stark. Thank you for your help in New York War Machine."
"It's Iron Patriot now."
The boy made a sour face as Erin spoke. "I think War Machine is better."
"Thank you. Wait a second." I pulled out a hundred and handed it to her. "You guys are the best."
When they walked away I looked at Rhodey with a smile.
Rhodey: "Did you seriously just give that girl a hundred dollar bill." - "I did. now, where were we? Right. I'm an American. Why can't I help? It can't be because I'm a hero. You helped in New York just as much as me, which makes you one as well." - "I'm also a member of the Air Force, and I'm that before a superhero any day." - "Fine." - "Come on Tony. Don't be like that." - "No. it's fine. I won't help. But if it comes to me I won't back down. But I have a feeling you guys will come to me before that happens. I think I should go." - "Don't be like this." - "Rhodey. It's fine. I promise. I just want to go home. I'll see you around."
I walked out of the bar and after I went through the front door my suit formed and I flew off."
.
.
After a short video call with Happy, I sent an Iron bot to watch after Happy knowing he won't listen to me and keep away from Killian's 2nd in command.
.
.
When Pepper and Jessi walked in I thought it'd be funny to recreate the original scene slightly so I had my Mark 85 on, while I was sitting on the couch.
Pepper: "Sorry we are late. I had a. What? Why are you wearing your suit around the house." - "Why not? You have a suit. You know it's surprisingly comfortable." - "You're not wrong. What Mark is that anyway?" - "Well you have to remember I've been making these for many years. On another note. Did you see my Christmas present? I'm really happy about that. I went all out."
Jessi: "Smooth transition Dad." - "Thank you. Hey, why don't you go to your room." - "I'm going to the kitchen." - "No, go to your. Never mind , bye."
Pepper: "I love the giant gift but I'm worried about it getting into the house." - "I actually want to see if Jessi can portal it inside. It's practice." - "I see, I know she can do."
My gauntlets disappeared, and I started to massage her shoulders.
"Don't worry l'll make sure the Rabbit doesn't get hurt. Because I know you love it so much." She spun around in the chair to face me. "Oh, I do." She stood up and leaned against me. "So, why don't we start by getting rid of this helmet so I can show you."
My helmet disappeared and she sank a long hard one.
Jessi: "Gross. Get a room you two."
I pulled back and smiled. "I did tell you to go to your room."
Pepper: "You should be happy we are like this towards each other. That means we are happy."
Jessi: I'm going to go and gouge out my eyeballs."
"Make sure to wash your hands first. Don't want to get an infection." She let out a grown as she walked away.
My suit fully disappeared and I pulled Pepper against me. "Now where were we?" - "I was about to go take a shower." - "Oh." - "And you're going to help." - "I love your line of thinking." I picked her up in a Princess Carry and made a portal straight to the bathroom.
I sat her on the sink and took off her jacket. "Now that we are alone, I'll make sure you're squeaky clean."
.
After we had some.. fun. I put on the device I've been working on to use a spell to put me in a forced sleep. The bad thing about that spell is only the counter will wake me up so I added the counter in as well.
Unfortunately, I didn't even get a full night of sleep due to Jessi waking me up because we got an emergency call. Happy got attacked.
Jarvis told me that he tried to get Happy away but the Ex-soldier exploded too quickly, turning the drone to rubble.
.
Me and Jessi sat in Happy's room in the corner looking at Happy. I healed him a lot, but I couldn't heal him all the way with this event being so Publicized. Happy healing all the way from something like this would have the wrong people asking questions.
When the nurse came in to check on him Jessi scared her. "Hello." She jumped and turned to face us. "Oh, hi."
"You mind leaving that on?" - "Sure." - "Sunday night PBS. Downtown Abbey." I stood up. "It's his show."
Jessi: "He's weird and thinks it's elegant. But it's Happy, so we deal with it. So please put it on."
Nurse: "I will."
"Thank you. Oh, one more thing. Make sure everyone wears their badges. He's a stickler for them and my guys won't let you in if you don't have them. Thank you."
I ran my hand along the bed pissed that I didn't go myself.
I should've gone myself, but instead, I just sent a drone to protect him.
.
.
Female Reporter: "We are hoping to get a reaction. His reaction to the latest attack.. Mr. Stark."
I walk outside The hospital to be swarmed by reporters. I immediately put Jessi Behind me to block her from the view of the reporters as I make my way to my car.
I open the door to the driver's side to let Jessi in since the passenger side is completely covered when someone said the words.
Male reporter: "Mr. Stark. When is someone going to kill this guy?"
I closed my eyes and tried to not do something stupid.
I turned to face the reporter. "I'm just saying."
Fuck it. I need a really good reason to attack him anyway. Plus I've prepared my house for this. "Is that what you want? Someone to kill him? Well, it's your lucky day. Merry Christmas, I'll do it." I spoke louder so all the cameras could hear. "I have a holiday Greeting for the Mandarin. I've just decided. You've died." I looked right at the camera. "I know who you are. I might not know where you are but I'll find you. I was nice back in the day, but apparently, you can't take it. You want revenge, you have it.
So guess what? I'll come pick up the body, but if you're man enough to come and face me yourself, and not send your expendables here's my address. 10880 Malibu Point. 90265. I'll be waiting."
I got my car and sped off.
Jessi: "That wasn't smart." - "Not at all. But, he's my target. Hopefully calling him out well bring him to me, and this won't be dragged out." - "Let me at least dream that everything will be easy. And anyway. I've prepared the house for a moment like this." - "I should sent my stuff to the tower." - "You have no faith in me." She looked at me for a moment then look back to the road. "Nope."