Post by ♬Astra♬ on Nov 3, 2010 22:41:02 GMT -5
Iron Man/HoN Crossover
Tony was working on his Iron Man suit, fixing it up and repairing it. He liked doing it himself sometimes, it relaxed him. Oil fell onto his crescent mark on his forehead and he closed his eyes to keep the oil from them. Tony grumbled and grabbed a rag to wipe it off when he heard someone chuckle slightly. He looked away from the suit to see Tabrett standing there with a package and smirk on her dark lips. Her cold dark eyes looked at him slightly but he knew her real eyes. The brown was just a shield, her's were a beautiful deep purple.
“Tab this happens every day and you decide now to laugh at my expense?” Tony asked, moving away from the Iron man suit and looking at her. His brown hair was falling over his eyes and mark, but that didn't cover it, no, the mask of his suit was his Mark. When he made the change he didn't really have any other mark besides his crescent, when he made his first Iron Man suit he gained more marks in the shape of his current Iron Man mask. “What's that?” Tony asked, wiping his hands on the rag he used to clean his face.
“Oh just a little thing from work, now to stop the oil leak you need to do this.” Tab put her stuff down and walked over to the suit; she grabbed the screwdriver and tightened a few bolts, stopping the oil leak. “Done.”
“What would I do without you?” Tony asked, flirting very slightly. Tab's eyes turned deep purple and she smiled a little at Tony.
“You'd be nowhere and you were supposed to be at the House of Night in Tulsa an hour ago.” Tab said. Tony chuckled. Why he agreed to go there he had no idea. Oh yeah, because that was where the Brat Pack had defeated Kalona, well he had to give some thanks to the man, without that black feather of his Tab wouldn't be able to go out in the sun. She died and became a red vamp; she only became a black one for the power.
“Oh was I? What plane am I taking?”
“Private jet.”
“That thing only takes off when I'm on it so technically I'm not late. I'll just take my suit.” He said.
“Uh huh, your suit's in pieces.” Tab said, pointing to it.
“Not this one.” He said, holding up a briefcase. “This is my travel Iron Man suit when I'm not in Malibu.” Tony said, he put it down on the ground and pressed a button, it opened up and he grabbed to handles which lead into gloves, he pulled it up to his chest and it fit over his chest, he then pulled his arms out and armor began to form around his arms and legs (after stepping into the briefcase), his Iron Man helmet formed over his head and he smiled inside the suit. Tab clapped halfheartedly and rolled her eyes.
“Nice show Tony but the House of Night?” Tab said. Tony nodded and started walking outside the house. “Tony they're expecting you to take your plane.”
“Well I'll give them a show then.” Tony said, his voice sounding more electronic. Tab shook her head and pressed a button, making the suit come off and turn back into the briefcase. “What the hell?!”
“Plane, now!” Tab said, grabbing his hand. “Get dressed in your suit, the gray one with the Chicago pinstripes and blue tie, got it?” Tab said, thrusting him into his room.
“Fine fine.” Tony said, grabbing his towel to shower up. He turned on the hot water and let it run for a few minutes as he pulled off his gray tank top and black workout pants, he pulled off his boxers and hopped into the shower, letting the hot water hit his muscles and relax them. Tony groaned happily as the hot water ran down his back, relieving the tension in his muscles, he turned the shower head to massage and it relaxed him more. He set the shower head back to normal and grabbed his shampoo, after lathering it up in his hands he ran it through his hair, massaging his scalp.
He finished his shower thirty minutes later, after stepping out with a towel wrapped around his waist he saw Tabrett standing there. Usually it would have surprised him, but this was Tabrett, she did that often and he didn't mind, their relationship was one of flirting, the occasional bites on the neck and make out sessions. “You're gonna be late.” Tab said again.
“I know that Miss Benson, let me get dressed.”
“Your suit's on your bed.” Tab said, turning around so she wouldn't have to face him when he got dressed. Tony chuckled and saw she was facing a mirror, so he kept his back to it as he got dressed. His towel fell to the floor and he grabbed new boxers and put them on, then put on his suit, he turned around, his white shirt unbuttoned all the way, Tab turned back around, smiling. She buttoned up his shirt and ran a finger around his arc reactor, the glow looking abnormal on her dark skin. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. He kissed her temple and all the way down to her neck. He felt his teeth scrape her neck but she pulled away. “Not now Mr. Stark.”
“Ahhh but I'll go to the House of Night faster.” He knew that wasn't true, so she finished buttoning him up and tied his tie right. She helped him with his jacket and then kissed his forehead. “Make up?”
“Yes, here.” She grabbed the bottle of makeup specifically for vampyres and put it on his face, covering up his marks, he grabbed hers and put it over her marks. “Done.”
“Yes...Tab, you... You doing anything tonight?” Tony asked. Tab laughed slightly and shook her head.
“Tonight we're going to the House of Night's banquet in honor of the defeat of Kalona and your advancements in technology at the House of Nights around the globe.” Tab said, finishing his tie. Tony rolled his eyes and pretended to choke when Tab did one more tug at the tie. “Nice joke, didn't work.”
“Ah come on that's my best one.” Tony said, chuckling. Tab rolled her eyes and checked her watch.
“Time to go Mr. Stark.” Tab said, leaving the room. Tony followed her and took her hand. She didn't pull her hand away, which made Tony smile, but when they got outside the house she pulled her hand away and Tony's smile faded, she got into the car where Happy (his driver) was driving, but he wanted to go into his other car. Tab grabbed his jacket sleeve and pulled him into the car, the privacy glass was up and music was blasting. Tony smirked and put his hand on her cheek.
“You sneaky devil.” Tony said, kissing her lips gently. Tab kissed back, licking his lower lip slightly, he opened his mouth and let her tongue into it, fighting for dominance. He moved forward, putting his hand on the seat behind her and pushed her down. He cursed in his head because she was wearing pants and not a skirt, but he didn't let that stop him, instead, he let his hands go under her shirt and back up, pushing her to him, feeling her chest press against his, he pulled away from her mouth and kissed and sucked lightly at her neck. “I'll do it.”
“Go ahead.” Tab said, her head arching backwards, showing more of her neck. He felt his teeth scrape against her neck again and he bit down, feeling blood rush into his mouth. He drank deeply, feeling her hot, spicy blood run down his throat. He licked her neck and stopped the bleeding slightly. Her hands wrapped themselves into his hair and keep him to her neck.
“Goddess you taste so good.” Tony moaned, drinking deeper from her. He stopped and licked her neck, fully healing her neck and kissed where he bit her.
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Bite me first.” Tony said.
“It'll ruin your shirt.” Tabrett said, her forehead against his.
“I don't care, bite me.” Tony said, Tabrett shook her head and kissed his neck, she made a small incision with her teeth and lapped up a few drops of blood, she licked his neck again and then kissed him. To her Tony's blood tasted like sweet, spice and confidence, and a hint of narcissism. Tab smiled and pulled away from Tony, sitting right next to him, her hands in her lap. Tony chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. He kissed her head and she smiled a little. Soon they arrived at the airport, where Rhodey, Tony's best friend from MIT (Where he graduated after the House of Night and the Change), was standing.
“I've been standing here for an hour Tony.” Rhodey said, he was also a vampyre, blue to be exact, but he joined the Army after MIT and the House of Night.
“Well you won't have to wait any longer, Tab and I are here.” Tony said, his arm around Tab's waist, she tried to pull away but Tony kept his hold on her. She groaned and quickly entered the plane, the sun bothering her skin, Tony was glad for his suit and sunglasses but the sun still bothered him. “Sorry about the wait in the sun Rhodes.”
“Oh sure no problem, Tony next time you decide to leave me, a fellow vampyre, out in the sun for an hour, call a brother won't you?” Tony laughed and entered the plane, sitting down on the seat across from Tab. It was easier to pull off the “Boss/Assistant” relationship when there were others around, although there were occasional slips. “So what's the briefcase for?”
“My travel Iron Man suit.” Tony said, “Tab wasn't impressed.”
“I've seen many things in my life Mr. Stark, trust me, your suit is not that high on my list of “Impressive Things”.” Tabrett said, pulling out her electronic clipboard and started working.
“Better turn off all electronics, Miss Benson, it interferes with the signal.” Tony said, chuckling.
“I'll turn mine off when you turn yours off.” Tab said, smiling. She meant his arc reactor and his ear piece that kept him connected to Jarvis when away from the house. He sighed and turned off the ear piece, after telling Jarvis he was on the plane, and then he pointed to the arc reactor.
“Do you want me to go into cardiac arrest?”
“No but its fun to tease you about it.” Tab said, smiling. She then turned off the clipboard and put it back into her bag. Tony relaxed on the seat and saw one of his flight attendants, of course, a hot sexy blond, bring him a glass of some drink, he looked at it and in his head, grimaced. Chlorophyll. Ever since he put the arc reactor into his chest his blood had been slowly being poisoned. He didn't tell Tab because he knew she'd freak out, of course she'd try to help but he had plenty of time to find a suitable replacement. He grabbed the green drink and drank it, as much as he didn't want to, it kept his blood toxicity levels low...for now.
“When will we land at the House of Night?” Tony asked, sipping on the disgusting drink.
“We'll land in about an hour or so, we'll land right around nighttime, the students will be up and you better be on your best behavior, you can't get drunk and sober up on this flight.” Tab said.
“I've already had my blood for today Miss Benson, besides I think I'll enjoy this House of Night.” Tony said, finishing the drink and relaxing on the seat. Rhodey chuckled and looked at Tony.
“Hey Tony, why don't you sing a few bars for us?” Tony looked up and raised his eyebrow.
“I don't sing.” Tony said.
“Ah come on Tony your voice is great! It's got that smokey feel to it like Louis Armstrong, a voice that makes women swoon. Come on Tony.”Rhodey said, chuckling. Tab looked up and rose her eyebrow.
“Mr. Stark you sing?” Tabrett asked Tony shook his head.
“No I used to but I don't anymore.” Tony said, but Rhodey chuckled and put up a karaoke screen and tossed him a mike. “Rhodey I do not sing.”
“Just a couple bars of “Wherever you Are” by Jack Ingram, your voices are pretty similar.”
“His voice is deeper.” Tony said, he tossed the mike back and turned off the screen. “I'll sing when I feel like it. I-Whoa!” The plane took a sharp right and it flew Tab across the cabin to Tony. He caught her and their foreheads smacked together.
“OUCH! You have a hard head!” They said at the same time. Tony pushed her off and grabbed his briefcase.
“Jarvis what was that?!” Tony yelled, the earpiece turning back on.
“Something is attacking the plane sir, I suggest we land quickly.” Tony had his suit halfway on by the time Jarvis finished that answer. He was fully dressed when he said to open the door. He turned to Tab who was keeping her and Rhodey in a shield to keep pressure the same. Tony lifted his face plate and put a hand on her cheek, metal against warm flesh. He bent down and kissed her deeply.
“Stay safe Tabrett. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Tony said, kissing her forehead then putting the faceplate down and opened the door to the plane, he flew out and closed it again before flying in front of the plane. He saw another missile coming to the plane and he held out his hand and shot at it, exploding it before it could reach them. “Jarvis how many?”
“They're all coming from one location sir, destroy the location and the plane will land safely in Nevada.” Tony grunted and saw where they were coming from. He shot them as he was going down to face them. He landed with his fist punching the ground and looked up, and his eyebrows shot up in his helmet as his eyes went wide. Black fledglings, few of them red fledglings, others mostly humans turned black. “Sir it appears we're being attacked by Tabrett's species of vampyre.”
“Jarvis Tabrett is nothing like them.” Tony said angrily, he then stood up and held up both his hands. The familiar power up sound came from them as they glowed, he then released the energy and it shot at most of the fledglings, he then looked at the missile launcher and destroyed it with another blast and a few punches and metal shaping. “Look a dog.” He said, making the missile launcher look like a very big dog. He felt something tackle him from behind and he went down, he grabbed the fledgling and flipped him over, only to realize it was a she! “I'm not gonna hit a girl, but you look more like an evil fledgling so I'm gonna bend the rules.” He punched her in the stomach and she flew backwards into a stone, he heard a bone crack and he nodded.
“Tabrett and Lieutenant Rhodes landed safely at the Las Vegas airport, sir.” Tony nodded and started attacking more fledglings. He hated doing it but they didn't worship Nyx, they worshiped a man with black wings, he wasn't Erebus, Nyx's consort, just a power hungry man that looked like Ben Barnes. Just like Tony looked like Robert Downey Jr.
“Thank the Goddess now how many fledglings are around me?”
“Ten more sir.” Tony nodded and grabbed the “dog” and swung it around him, he let go and it hit a group of them. “Four more to go sir.” Jarvis said through his helmet, Tony nodded and jumped to the four. He stood again after landing and pointed his hands at them. They started running away but Tony shot them before they could get far. He flew back into the air after blowing up the camp and flew to Las Vegas. “Sir I thought you said the black fledglings were limited in numbers?”
“They are, Tabrett is one of the black fledgling to turn into a vampyre, but why are there more?!” Tony said, soon his helmet started ringing and he saw that it was Tabrett calling him. “Talk to me Tab.”
“Tony you son of a bitch you better be alright!”
“I'm fine Tab, we were attacked by a group of black fledglings, I'm sorry that I had to kill them but they were mostly humans turned fledgling, just a black feather, few were rogue red fledglings.” Tony said, hoping she wouldn't get mad.
“Tony I just want to know if you're OK....Please tell me you're OK?” Tab said, she sounded...worried and scared. Tony sighed and smiled a little.
“I'm fine Tabrett, I promise, you can look me over when I get there, speaking of I'm almost there I'll be there soon.” Tony said, he dove down and started gaining speed; he arched up and landed on the runway next to his plane. The stairs were all set up and the door was open. “Shut down.”
“Yes sir.” Jarvis said and the suit started coming off. Tony smiled and was glad to be out of his suit. He saw Tab run down the stairs and hug him after he was out of the suit. He hugged her back, using all his strength to hug her, he knew she'd be alright; she hugged him tight as well. He desperately wished he could kiss her and tell her he loved her, but he knew her past relationship with Dr. Benson made her scared of love, and he didn't want to scare the most important woman away from him.
“Tony I started to freak out on the plane... I didn't want to lose you.” Tab said, looking up at him. He smiled and used a finger to trace her tattoos.
“Tab you will never lose me. Now do I need to take care of your freak out?” Tony asked, she nodded and he picked her up and carried her back into the plane. He held her close on his lap. Tab sometimes felt her humanity slip from her, and she needed him when that happened, so he held her close and sometimes they kissed, that was the occasional make out session, most of the time. “Tabrett,” he kissed her head, “you are the bravest woman I know, the smartest and you always can help me when I need it. I trust you completely.”
“Please tell me we're not going to get all lovey dovey mushy are we? I'm not in the mood to talk that deeply.” Tab said. Tony chuckled and shook his head.
“No, I just wanted to see if you were better, you are. Pilot we can refuel here and we can take off again?”
“I'm sorry Mr. Stark but we have some damage to our wing, we need to repair before we continue onto Tulsa.” The pilot said. Tony sighed and nodded.
“Fine, how long will it take?”
“About a week, maybe more.” Tony cursed and sighed, of all places to be stuck in for repairs, they had to get stuck in Sin City. Wine, women and gambling, Tony would have to watch the women part, but Tab didn't mind his flings with women, it was the Imprinting that Tony had to be careful of, but...He didn't want any other woman than Tab, so women shouldn't be a problem, wine was another, he was sure there was a vampyres only gambling casino somewhere.
“Fine, make sure we are notified of all the repairs, I would fix it myself but I didn't expect to be here without my tools.” Tony said, looking at Tab when he said that.
“What?! How was I supposed to know about this?!” Tab yelled. Tony chuckled and smiled at her.
“Calm down Miss Benson, we can go shopping here can't we? I'm sure there's a normal store around here.” Tony said, “In the meantime I think we should find a hotel and stay there until we can leave for the House of Night. Call them and say we ran into a problem and explain the situation to them, I'll go find us a hotel.” Tony smiled and went to his phone. He knew the perfect hotel. He grabbed his phone and dialed the number. “Hi is this the Luxor Hotel? This is Tony Stark...Yes I want a three bedroom, three bath hotel room for one week, starting tonight and going until next Sunday...Money's no object....Really? Perfect. Thank you we'll be there around six o'clock....Thanks, Bless- I mean goodbye.” Tony hung up and chuckled. “I have got to stop hanging around so many vampyres. I almost said 'Blessed Be'.” Tab and Rhodey laughed a little but they stopped and Tony checked his watch. “We've got a few hours to kill before we'll be at the hotel, how about we go shopping for clothes?” Tab nodded and so did Rhodey. Tony smiled and called for a limo to take them to Las Vegas.
“Tony our Marks.” Tabrett said, grabbing her makeup, which Rhodey could use thanks to their matching skin tones, and she handed Tony his. He grabbed it and started covering his marks. After a few minutes he looked like Robert Downey Jr. He looked up and saw that Tab and Rhodes were done as well. He smiled, Rhodey didn't have much to cover, neither did Tab. Tony on the other hand had a lot. Soon the limo pulled up and they entered, it drove them down to Las Vegas and parked along a shopping strip. Tony gave Tab a wad of cash and told her to go buy whatever she wanted. Tab ran off and Tony chuckled, he knew where to find her. Rhodes and Tony entered Old Navy and just grabbed a few shirts (3 or 4) and a couple pairs of jeans, underwear and so on. They also bought pajama bottoms and when they exited the store they saw Tab coming out of one with a few bags in her hands.
“Tab, over here!” Tony called; she walked over to them and smiled sunglasses over her eyes. “We've got about an hour or so until we have to get to the hotel. Dinner?”
“I'm fine with dinner, just no fish.” Rhodey said. Tony chuckled; it had to be better than the dried crap the Army ate. Tony took Tab's free hand with his and smiled a little at her. She smiled back and they started walking to an Italian restaurant. Tony slid the host a 50 and he led them to a semi-private table, a booth, and Rhodey let Tab and Tony sit next to each other. If Tony didn't know it any better he'd say that Rhodes was trying to get Tab and Tony together. Tony took a minute to look at the menu and knew what he was going to have. Tab looked it over and knew what she would have; it took Rhodey a few minutes.
“Hello I'm Carrie and I'll be your waitress this evening, can I take your drink order?”
“Glass of water please.” Tony said, he usually drank at dinner but he didn't want to lose his clear mind in Sin City of all places.
“Water as well please.” Tabrett said.
“Make that three.” Rhodey said, he never drank while on the job. Tony chuckled as the waitress looked rather disappointed at Tony, ah so she had heard of his, ahem, womanizing ways. Too bad Carrie! Tony wrapped an arm around Tab's waist and she let her head rest on his shoulder. He smiled and kissed her head lightly.
“If you want to sleep you can.” Tony whispered. She shook her head and sighed. Tony saw that Carrie was still there. “We're also ready to order. I'll have lasagna, Tab will have...”
“Caesar salad with chicken.” Tab said. Rhodey looked over the menu again and smiled.
“Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and a side salad, house dressing will do.” Rhodey said, Carrie took their orders and left in a huff. Rhodey chuckled and looked at Tony. “I don't think I've seen a woman that threw herself at you that upset since you turned down that girl in New York.” Tony chuckled and nodded slightly. Tab rolled her eyes and sat up properly. She saw that Carrie brought bread sticks to the table and she grabbed one, tearing a piece off and putting it into her mouth. Tony realized how hungry he was and grabbed one himself, finishing it in a few bites. Rhodey chuckled and shook his head. “You two are funny to watch.”
“Why is that Rhodey?” Tony asked a mouth full with half eaten bread.
“Because you both bicker and tease, your personalities are similar and yet you two are complete opposites.” Rhodey said.
'Maybe that's why I love her.' Tony thought, looking at Tab. Rhodey sighed and smiled a little.
'I know man; just...tell her soon, OK?' Rhodey said. His affinity was telepathy but only when he was within 50 feet of the person he wanted to talk to, that's why when Tony was kidnapped he couldn't talk to him, and he was way farther than 50 feet. Tony nodded slightly and sipped water that Carrie brought for them.
“Food will be ready shortly, sorry for the wait.” Carrie said, Tony shrugged it off and watched her go, but kept most of his attention on Tab, who was drinking the water in big deep gulps. Tony chuckled and smiled a little at Tab. Tony wished his affinity wasn't just for technology, and he sometimes wished hers didn't include just shields.
The food arrived later and Tony started devouring the pasta dish in front of him. There was a lot of food on his plate, enough for 3 people, but he was starving. Being Iron Man took a lot out of a vampyre! Tab was eating her salad gracefully, as she does everything with grace. Tony thought she was very graceful, she could sneak into any room without being noticed, she loved stealth, Tony was thinking of making her a suit with all the necessities she needed, not an Iron Woman suit, but more along the lines of Black Widow. Rhodey was devouring his pasta and salad, like a boy. Well what they went through today Tony wasn't surprised they all weren't bone tired.
Oops he spoke too soon. Tony yawned loudly and saw Tab chuckle a little bit. He smiled and yawned again. “Waitress Carrie, We'd like the check now please.” Tony said, she nodded and handed them the check. Tony looked at the price, over 150. Tony put down two one hundred dollar bills. “Keep the change.” He looked over to Tab and saw that she finished two thirds of her salad, Rhodey finished half of his pasta, and Tony's was gone. “We'll just take a box for his food, salad doesn't keep well.” Tony said, she nodded and went to get a box for the food. “Tab why don't you wait outside we'll be right out.” Tab raised her eyebrow but left anyway. “Rhodey I don't know how to tell her.”
“You have to tell her soon, you've known her since you taught at the House of Night for that semester-”
“So many girls in one class...”
“Focus, Tony! You love her and have loved her since you first met her. She was your assistant and made the Change right in your classroom. You've loved her every since you saw her eyes. Now when will you tell her?”
“I'll tell her soon, I promise.” Tony said, the waitress boxed up Rhodey's pasta and Tony and he left the restaurant and noticed that Tab was missing. “Tab, Tabrett!!” Tony called, but no answer.
“She's still in my range Tony, she's headed to the Luxor.” Rhodey said, Tony nodded and started running to the Luxor.
Tab didn't leave like Tony wanted, instead she hid so they couldn't see her but she could hear and see them.
“Rhodey I don't know how to tell her.” Tell her what? Fire her? No, Tabrett, Twenty-Three, knew that Tony wouldn't fire her.
“You have to tell her soon, you've known her since you taught at the House of Night for that semester-”
“So many girls in one class...” Tabrett smirked but what were they talking about? She leaned in closer and tried to hear a bit more.
“Focus Tony! You love her and have loved her since you first met her. She was your assistant and made the Change right in your classroom. You've loved her every since you saw her eyes. Now when will you tell her?” Love? He loved her? Fear shot through her body (though she'd never admit it) and she felt tense, she wanted to run.
“I'll tell her soon, I promise.” Soon? No! No no no no! Tabrett didn't know what to do, did she love him? She didn't know but she started running to the hotel and she didn't stop. She needed to think...the man that saw her at her weakest, saw through her shields, trusted completely, so much that she couldn't get her shields up no matter how hard she tried, his beautiful chestnut eyes....delicate goatee, his mechanical blue marks across his face.......his laugh, his sense of humor....
Tabrett felt herself run faster until she felt familiar strong arms wrap around her body and hold her to him. She struggled, using her black vampyre strength, much stronger than blue vampyres, and broke free from his hold.
“Tabrett please stop!” Tony said, grabbing her hand. She felt electricity shoot up her arm, didn't he feel it too? She looked at him, shields going down as she looked into his eyes, worry looking into slight panic, but under the worry was slight narcissism, arrogant, but he did care for her, she knew that much....but did she care for him the way he did for her? “Tab why did you run off like that?”
“None of your business Mr. Stark. Now please get our room so I can go to bed.” Tabrett said coldly, but her eyes didn't say that. She was...confused. Very, Tony didn't ask any questions, thank God, but she knew they'd talk about this later. Tony walked up to the front desk and talked to the person behind it, after a few minutes he came back with three keys, he handed one to Tab and one to Rhodes, then went to the elevator and pressed the up button. After a few minutes the doors opened and out stepped a tall ish man with a few people with him.
“Hey Criss good luck tonight.” Tony said, Criss smiled and nodded.
“Thanks man.” Criss said, walking away, after Tab and Rhodey were in the elevator Tab looked at Tony.
“Who was that man?” Tab asked. Tony smiled.
“That man was Criss Angel, he's a vampyre and magician, a pretty good one at that.” Tony said. Tab nodded and looked at the reflective surface of the elevator. Tony pressed a button and the elevator went up a few floors and stopped, the doors opened and Tony led them to a room, after swiping his card he entered the room and smiled. “Pick a room, make yourself at home.” Tony said, going straight for the master bedroom. Tab shook her head a little and smiled, then chose the room closest to his. The rooms all looked the same, mostly, so when Tab chose hers it had all four walls standing straight, the living room, Tony's bedroom and Rhodey's all had one wall slanting toward the ground, after all, the Luxor was a pyramid shaped hotel. Tab landed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She didn't know how long she laid there for but Tony came in later, wearing gray pajama pants and no shirt. She looked up and saw the soft glow of his arc reactor in his bare chest. She saw him leaning his arm on the doorjamb, his signature smirk on his face, eyes playfully smiling.
“Hey.” He said, “Can I come in?” He asked. Tab nodded and checked the time. Wow it was getting late. She grabbed pajamas from her clothes bag she just bought and entered the bathroom. She quickly showered and dressed, she came out with her hair dry, thank God for hair driers. Tony smiled and she sat down next to him on her bed. She was wearing black shorts that ended past her butt and a skin tight black long sleeved shirt with a not so low neckline. She looked at him and saw him looking at her with the emotion she now knew he held for a long time, love and still that hint of his arrogant personality. “Tab-”
“Don't say it Tony...I heard everything at the restaurant.” Tab said, still looking at him. Her hands itched to touch his chest, run her fingers over his toned muscles. Tony took her soft hand in his rough one and he looked at her, using his other hand he pushed back a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
“I know you're scared of love-”
“I'm not scared!” Tab yelled. Tony put his finger to her lips and she went silent. He was touching her....but she knew that it was fine, still her muscles tensed slightly.
“Tab, you are, ever since Dr. Benson I'm sure you've been scared to love. I'm not Dr. Benson, Tabrett, I'm Anthony Edward Stark, I wouldn't dispose of you once you became useless, you aren't useless, and you never will be, Tab you are the most important thing to happen in my life, I don't ever want to lose you.” He said, his hands holding her face, making sure she looked at him. “I... I love you, Tab, I love you more than anything, please, just think about what I said, if you want to quit I understand, but please, I love you too much to lose you.” Tony said his eyes now painfully vulnerable. He just poured out his soul to her... She didn't know what to do.
Tony watched her face, eyes held slight fear and anger at what he told her about being scared. He just watched her, waiting for her to say something. When she didn't say anything Tony gently tilted her head up and brought his down to her, his eyes closed and he kissed her. It wasn't passionate, just his lips against hers, he sucked lightly on her bottom lip as he pulled away. He watched her face but it stayed the same, only the fear was replaced with longing. He felt her hands run up his stomach and to his chest, her hands on either side of the arc reactor. He pulled her close and she placed her ear right above the arc reactor. He smiled and lied down on the bed, just holding her. The arc reactor hummed softly in the silence. He just listened to her breathing and soon he fell asleep.
Tab listened to the arc reactor for a while. It sounded a little different, but she didn't care about that at the moment, she cared about what he just said. Tony just poured his heart out to her and she said nothing to him. She didn't confirm nor deny that she loved him, in fact, she wasn't sure of her feelings at all. She didn't know if she loved him as a lover or as a brother or as a boyfriend or as anything, she honestly didn't know. She knew she trusted him, respected him, and thought of him as a good friend, but love?
Twenty-Three knew love and look where that got her.
Look at where that got Dr. Benson.
Tabrett closed her eyes and listened to the hum of the arc reactor, lulling her to sleep like her breathing lulled Tony.
The next morning Tony woke up to something on his chest. He opened one of his eyes to see dark brown hair cascade around her head and down to the bed. He let one of his hands softly run through it; the strands fell through his fingers as smooth as silk. He smiled a little and continued to let his hand run through the soft, silky strands. He was careful not to wake her, she looked peaceful sleeping. He saw Rhodes standing in the doorway, watching him. Tony pretended not to notice, he just kept letting his fingers dance through her hair.
“Gotta admit Tony, never thought I'd see you like this.”
“Haha, well we just were talking, I told her last night.”
“That's great! Did she tell you?”
“No... I'm fine with it, she can tell me when she's ready and she's not right now.” Tony said, letting hand stop near her waist, where his other hand was keeping her to him. He put one hand above the other and closed his eyes again, feeling sleep claim him for another hour or so, after all, it was daytime.
After a few more hours sleep Tony realized Tab wasn't on his chest anymore. He sat up and saw a note next to him; he picked it up and smirked. So she decided to go down to the pool? Fine. He got up and walked to his room to dress. He grabbed his t-shirt and jeans and put on his shoes. He grabbed the makeup and put it on, then walked down to the pool to see Tabrett relaxing under an umbrella, wearing a black bikini. He walked over to her and under the umbrella. She had her arms next to her, almost like she was sunbathing in the shade. He cleared his throat and she removed her glasses from her eyes.
“Ah you got my note Mr. Stark? I'm not resigning; just know that I do care for you.” Tabrett said, replacing the glasses and closing her eyes. “I bought you swimming trunks in case you wanted to go for a swim later tonight.” Tabrett said. Tony smiled and chuckled a little.
“You think of everything don't you Tab?” Tony said.
“Always do.” Tabrett said a smirk on her face. Tony chuckled and walked back into the hotel, he grabbed his new swimming trunks and tore off the tags and stuff and then put them on, he grabbed his shirt with a hole cut for the arc reactor and chuckled, everyone knew who he was, then grabbed a towel and called out to Rhodey.
“Rhodes I'm going for a swim.”
“Tony be careful, the makeup will wash off.”
“I'm bringing my waterproof one, thank the Goddess I invented that.” Tony said, and then left the room. He disguised the makeup as “sunscreen, SPF 45”. He chuckled and walked back out to the pool, it was getting late, sunset, and Tony smiled, tonight was the full moon, he wondered if there would be a ceremony somewhere tonight, if not he'll just do it in the hotel room with Rhodes and Tab. He set his stuff on the ground next to the lounger and set the lounger so he could feel most comfortable. He moved it under the umbrella so he wouldn't feel that burning sensation on his skin, the sun was uncomfortable, and he lied down, his arms behind his head. Tony sighed and smiled, finally relaxing.
“Welcome back Tony.” Tab said eyes still closed. Tony chuckled and looked at her through his red tinted sunglasses.
“Well you said you were down at the pool, why not join you?”
“No suit?” Tab asked.
“It's in the room. Besides I think Iron Man and I have gone on vacation.” Tony said, closing his eyes. Nobody could mistake that it was Tony Stark and Tabrett; he couldn't hide his glowing chest unless he was wearing a suit and tie, but he wasn't. Soon he knew the sun set and he opened his eyes to an orange ish sky and mostly dark blue and black with very few stars, he was in Las Vegas after all. He took off his shirt and looked at the arc reactor. It was giving the area around him a slight blue tint. He took off his sunglasses and set them down on the ground, replaced the makeup on his face with the waterproof stuff and then got into the pool. Not many people were around so he was swimming to his own pleasure. He chuckled and splashed Tab, who was still relaxing. She opened her eyes and took off her sunglasses, glaring at Tony. She then jumped into the water next to him and pulled him under.
He opened his eyes to see a blurry Tabrett staring at him with her purple eyes. He swam up for air and only got in a couple gasps before Tab pulled him back under and kissed him. He kissed her back but went up for air because he was NOT going to drown that night. He laughed and she giggled a little as well. He put his hand on her cheek and kissed her crescent mark. “Your Mark is showing.”
“Eh let it show, I don't care.”
“The humans do, Tab.” Tony said, he swam to the edge and grabbed the bottle, he swam back over to Tab and smeared it on her Mark, then put it back where he found it. After a few hours of swimming around they got out and dried off, then walked back to their hotel room. Rhodey had the candles set up and had a lighter in hand. Tony went off to shower up and get dressed in dark clothing. Tab did the same, though her closet had dark, tight clothing all the time.
Tony was working on his Iron Man suit, fixing it up and repairing it. He liked doing it himself sometimes, it relaxed him. Oil fell onto his crescent mark on his forehead and he closed his eyes to keep the oil from them. Tony grumbled and grabbed a rag to wipe it off when he heard someone chuckle slightly. He looked away from the suit to see Tabrett standing there with a package and smirk on her dark lips. Her cold dark eyes looked at him slightly but he knew her real eyes. The brown was just a shield, her's were a beautiful deep purple.
“Tab this happens every day and you decide now to laugh at my expense?” Tony asked, moving away from the Iron man suit and looking at her. His brown hair was falling over his eyes and mark, but that didn't cover it, no, the mask of his suit was his Mark. When he made the change he didn't really have any other mark besides his crescent, when he made his first Iron Man suit he gained more marks in the shape of his current Iron Man mask. “What's that?” Tony asked, wiping his hands on the rag he used to clean his face.
“Oh just a little thing from work, now to stop the oil leak you need to do this.” Tab put her stuff down and walked over to the suit; she grabbed the screwdriver and tightened a few bolts, stopping the oil leak. “Done.”
“What would I do without you?” Tony asked, flirting very slightly. Tab's eyes turned deep purple and she smiled a little at Tony.
“You'd be nowhere and you were supposed to be at the House of Night in Tulsa an hour ago.” Tab said. Tony chuckled. Why he agreed to go there he had no idea. Oh yeah, because that was where the Brat Pack had defeated Kalona, well he had to give some thanks to the man, without that black feather of his Tab wouldn't be able to go out in the sun. She died and became a red vamp; she only became a black one for the power.
“Oh was I? What plane am I taking?”
“Private jet.”
“That thing only takes off when I'm on it so technically I'm not late. I'll just take my suit.” He said.
“Uh huh, your suit's in pieces.” Tab said, pointing to it.
“Not this one.” He said, holding up a briefcase. “This is my travel Iron Man suit when I'm not in Malibu.” Tony said, he put it down on the ground and pressed a button, it opened up and he grabbed to handles which lead into gloves, he pulled it up to his chest and it fit over his chest, he then pulled his arms out and armor began to form around his arms and legs (after stepping into the briefcase), his Iron Man helmet formed over his head and he smiled inside the suit. Tab clapped halfheartedly and rolled her eyes.
“Nice show Tony but the House of Night?” Tab said. Tony nodded and started walking outside the house. “Tony they're expecting you to take your plane.”
“Well I'll give them a show then.” Tony said, his voice sounding more electronic. Tab shook her head and pressed a button, making the suit come off and turn back into the briefcase. “What the hell?!”
“Plane, now!” Tab said, grabbing his hand. “Get dressed in your suit, the gray one with the Chicago pinstripes and blue tie, got it?” Tab said, thrusting him into his room.
“Fine fine.” Tony said, grabbing his towel to shower up. He turned on the hot water and let it run for a few minutes as he pulled off his gray tank top and black workout pants, he pulled off his boxers and hopped into the shower, letting the hot water hit his muscles and relax them. Tony groaned happily as the hot water ran down his back, relieving the tension in his muscles, he turned the shower head to massage and it relaxed him more. He set the shower head back to normal and grabbed his shampoo, after lathering it up in his hands he ran it through his hair, massaging his scalp.
He finished his shower thirty minutes later, after stepping out with a towel wrapped around his waist he saw Tabrett standing there. Usually it would have surprised him, but this was Tabrett, she did that often and he didn't mind, their relationship was one of flirting, the occasional bites on the neck and make out sessions. “You're gonna be late.” Tab said again.
“I know that Miss Benson, let me get dressed.”
“Your suit's on your bed.” Tab said, turning around so she wouldn't have to face him when he got dressed. Tony chuckled and saw she was facing a mirror, so he kept his back to it as he got dressed. His towel fell to the floor and he grabbed new boxers and put them on, then put on his suit, he turned around, his white shirt unbuttoned all the way, Tab turned back around, smiling. She buttoned up his shirt and ran a finger around his arc reactor, the glow looking abnormal on her dark skin. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. He kissed her temple and all the way down to her neck. He felt his teeth scrape her neck but she pulled away. “Not now Mr. Stark.”
“Ahhh but I'll go to the House of Night faster.” He knew that wasn't true, so she finished buttoning him up and tied his tie right. She helped him with his jacket and then kissed his forehead. “Make up?”
“Yes, here.” She grabbed the bottle of makeup specifically for vampyres and put it on his face, covering up his marks, he grabbed hers and put it over her marks. “Done.”
“Yes...Tab, you... You doing anything tonight?” Tony asked. Tab laughed slightly and shook her head.
“Tonight we're going to the House of Night's banquet in honor of the defeat of Kalona and your advancements in technology at the House of Nights around the globe.” Tab said, finishing his tie. Tony rolled his eyes and pretended to choke when Tab did one more tug at the tie. “Nice joke, didn't work.”
“Ah come on that's my best one.” Tony said, chuckling. Tab rolled her eyes and checked her watch.
“Time to go Mr. Stark.” Tab said, leaving the room. Tony followed her and took her hand. She didn't pull her hand away, which made Tony smile, but when they got outside the house she pulled her hand away and Tony's smile faded, she got into the car where Happy (his driver) was driving, but he wanted to go into his other car. Tab grabbed his jacket sleeve and pulled him into the car, the privacy glass was up and music was blasting. Tony smirked and put his hand on her cheek.
“You sneaky devil.” Tony said, kissing her lips gently. Tab kissed back, licking his lower lip slightly, he opened his mouth and let her tongue into it, fighting for dominance. He moved forward, putting his hand on the seat behind her and pushed her down. He cursed in his head because she was wearing pants and not a skirt, but he didn't let that stop him, instead, he let his hands go under her shirt and back up, pushing her to him, feeling her chest press against his, he pulled away from her mouth and kissed and sucked lightly at her neck. “I'll do it.”
“Go ahead.” Tab said, her head arching backwards, showing more of her neck. He felt his teeth scrape against her neck again and he bit down, feeling blood rush into his mouth. He drank deeply, feeling her hot, spicy blood run down his throat. He licked her neck and stopped the bleeding slightly. Her hands wrapped themselves into his hair and keep him to her neck.
“Goddess you taste so good.” Tony moaned, drinking deeper from her. He stopped and licked her neck, fully healing her neck and kissed where he bit her.
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Bite me first.” Tony said.
“It'll ruin your shirt.” Tabrett said, her forehead against his.
“I don't care, bite me.” Tony said, Tabrett shook her head and kissed his neck, she made a small incision with her teeth and lapped up a few drops of blood, she licked his neck again and then kissed him. To her Tony's blood tasted like sweet, spice and confidence, and a hint of narcissism. Tab smiled and pulled away from Tony, sitting right next to him, her hands in her lap. Tony chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. He kissed her head and she smiled a little. Soon they arrived at the airport, where Rhodey, Tony's best friend from MIT (Where he graduated after the House of Night and the Change), was standing.
“I've been standing here for an hour Tony.” Rhodey said, he was also a vampyre, blue to be exact, but he joined the Army after MIT and the House of Night.
“Well you won't have to wait any longer, Tab and I are here.” Tony said, his arm around Tab's waist, she tried to pull away but Tony kept his hold on her. She groaned and quickly entered the plane, the sun bothering her skin, Tony was glad for his suit and sunglasses but the sun still bothered him. “Sorry about the wait in the sun Rhodes.”
“Oh sure no problem, Tony next time you decide to leave me, a fellow vampyre, out in the sun for an hour, call a brother won't you?” Tony laughed and entered the plane, sitting down on the seat across from Tab. It was easier to pull off the “Boss/Assistant” relationship when there were others around, although there were occasional slips. “So what's the briefcase for?”
“My travel Iron Man suit.” Tony said, “Tab wasn't impressed.”
“I've seen many things in my life Mr. Stark, trust me, your suit is not that high on my list of “Impressive Things”.” Tabrett said, pulling out her electronic clipboard and started working.
“Better turn off all electronics, Miss Benson, it interferes with the signal.” Tony said, chuckling.
“I'll turn mine off when you turn yours off.” Tab said, smiling. She meant his arc reactor and his ear piece that kept him connected to Jarvis when away from the house. He sighed and turned off the ear piece, after telling Jarvis he was on the plane, and then he pointed to the arc reactor.
“Do you want me to go into cardiac arrest?”
“No but its fun to tease you about it.” Tab said, smiling. She then turned off the clipboard and put it back into her bag. Tony relaxed on the seat and saw one of his flight attendants, of course, a hot sexy blond, bring him a glass of some drink, he looked at it and in his head, grimaced. Chlorophyll. Ever since he put the arc reactor into his chest his blood had been slowly being poisoned. He didn't tell Tab because he knew she'd freak out, of course she'd try to help but he had plenty of time to find a suitable replacement. He grabbed the green drink and drank it, as much as he didn't want to, it kept his blood toxicity levels low...for now.
“When will we land at the House of Night?” Tony asked, sipping on the disgusting drink.
“We'll land in about an hour or so, we'll land right around nighttime, the students will be up and you better be on your best behavior, you can't get drunk and sober up on this flight.” Tab said.
“I've already had my blood for today Miss Benson, besides I think I'll enjoy this House of Night.” Tony said, finishing the drink and relaxing on the seat. Rhodey chuckled and looked at Tony.
“Hey Tony, why don't you sing a few bars for us?” Tony looked up and raised his eyebrow.
“I don't sing.” Tony said.
“Ah come on Tony your voice is great! It's got that smokey feel to it like Louis Armstrong, a voice that makes women swoon. Come on Tony.”Rhodey said, chuckling. Tab looked up and rose her eyebrow.
“Mr. Stark you sing?” Tabrett asked Tony shook his head.
“No I used to but I don't anymore.” Tony said, but Rhodey chuckled and put up a karaoke screen and tossed him a mike. “Rhodey I do not sing.”
“Just a couple bars of “Wherever you Are” by Jack Ingram, your voices are pretty similar.”
“His voice is deeper.” Tony said, he tossed the mike back and turned off the screen. “I'll sing when I feel like it. I-Whoa!” The plane took a sharp right and it flew Tab across the cabin to Tony. He caught her and their foreheads smacked together.
“OUCH! You have a hard head!” They said at the same time. Tony pushed her off and grabbed his briefcase.
“Jarvis what was that?!” Tony yelled, the earpiece turning back on.
“Something is attacking the plane sir, I suggest we land quickly.” Tony had his suit halfway on by the time Jarvis finished that answer. He was fully dressed when he said to open the door. He turned to Tab who was keeping her and Rhodey in a shield to keep pressure the same. Tony lifted his face plate and put a hand on her cheek, metal against warm flesh. He bent down and kissed her deeply.
“Stay safe Tabrett. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Tony said, kissing her forehead then putting the faceplate down and opened the door to the plane, he flew out and closed it again before flying in front of the plane. He saw another missile coming to the plane and he held out his hand and shot at it, exploding it before it could reach them. “Jarvis how many?”
“They're all coming from one location sir, destroy the location and the plane will land safely in Nevada.” Tony grunted and saw where they were coming from. He shot them as he was going down to face them. He landed with his fist punching the ground and looked up, and his eyebrows shot up in his helmet as his eyes went wide. Black fledglings, few of them red fledglings, others mostly humans turned black. “Sir it appears we're being attacked by Tabrett's species of vampyre.”
“Jarvis Tabrett is nothing like them.” Tony said angrily, he then stood up and held up both his hands. The familiar power up sound came from them as they glowed, he then released the energy and it shot at most of the fledglings, he then looked at the missile launcher and destroyed it with another blast and a few punches and metal shaping. “Look a dog.” He said, making the missile launcher look like a very big dog. He felt something tackle him from behind and he went down, he grabbed the fledgling and flipped him over, only to realize it was a she! “I'm not gonna hit a girl, but you look more like an evil fledgling so I'm gonna bend the rules.” He punched her in the stomach and she flew backwards into a stone, he heard a bone crack and he nodded.
“Tabrett and Lieutenant Rhodes landed safely at the Las Vegas airport, sir.” Tony nodded and started attacking more fledglings. He hated doing it but they didn't worship Nyx, they worshiped a man with black wings, he wasn't Erebus, Nyx's consort, just a power hungry man that looked like Ben Barnes. Just like Tony looked like Robert Downey Jr.
“Thank the Goddess now how many fledglings are around me?”
“Ten more sir.” Tony nodded and grabbed the “dog” and swung it around him, he let go and it hit a group of them. “Four more to go sir.” Jarvis said through his helmet, Tony nodded and jumped to the four. He stood again after landing and pointed his hands at them. They started running away but Tony shot them before they could get far. He flew back into the air after blowing up the camp and flew to Las Vegas. “Sir I thought you said the black fledglings were limited in numbers?”
“They are, Tabrett is one of the black fledgling to turn into a vampyre, but why are there more?!” Tony said, soon his helmet started ringing and he saw that it was Tabrett calling him. “Talk to me Tab.”
“Tony you son of a bitch you better be alright!”
“I'm fine Tab, we were attacked by a group of black fledglings, I'm sorry that I had to kill them but they were mostly humans turned fledgling, just a black feather, few were rogue red fledglings.” Tony said, hoping she wouldn't get mad.
“Tony I just want to know if you're OK....Please tell me you're OK?” Tab said, she sounded...worried and scared. Tony sighed and smiled a little.
“I'm fine Tabrett, I promise, you can look me over when I get there, speaking of I'm almost there I'll be there soon.” Tony said, he dove down and started gaining speed; he arched up and landed on the runway next to his plane. The stairs were all set up and the door was open. “Shut down.”
“Yes sir.” Jarvis said and the suit started coming off. Tony smiled and was glad to be out of his suit. He saw Tab run down the stairs and hug him after he was out of the suit. He hugged her back, using all his strength to hug her, he knew she'd be alright; she hugged him tight as well. He desperately wished he could kiss her and tell her he loved her, but he knew her past relationship with Dr. Benson made her scared of love, and he didn't want to scare the most important woman away from him.
“Tony I started to freak out on the plane... I didn't want to lose you.” Tab said, looking up at him. He smiled and used a finger to trace her tattoos.
“Tab you will never lose me. Now do I need to take care of your freak out?” Tony asked, she nodded and he picked her up and carried her back into the plane. He held her close on his lap. Tab sometimes felt her humanity slip from her, and she needed him when that happened, so he held her close and sometimes they kissed, that was the occasional make out session, most of the time. “Tabrett,” he kissed her head, “you are the bravest woman I know, the smartest and you always can help me when I need it. I trust you completely.”
“Please tell me we're not going to get all lovey dovey mushy are we? I'm not in the mood to talk that deeply.” Tab said. Tony chuckled and shook his head.
“No, I just wanted to see if you were better, you are. Pilot we can refuel here and we can take off again?”
“I'm sorry Mr. Stark but we have some damage to our wing, we need to repair before we continue onto Tulsa.” The pilot said. Tony sighed and nodded.
“Fine, how long will it take?”
“About a week, maybe more.” Tony cursed and sighed, of all places to be stuck in for repairs, they had to get stuck in Sin City. Wine, women and gambling, Tony would have to watch the women part, but Tab didn't mind his flings with women, it was the Imprinting that Tony had to be careful of, but...He didn't want any other woman than Tab, so women shouldn't be a problem, wine was another, he was sure there was a vampyres only gambling casino somewhere.
“Fine, make sure we are notified of all the repairs, I would fix it myself but I didn't expect to be here without my tools.” Tony said, looking at Tab when he said that.
“What?! How was I supposed to know about this?!” Tab yelled. Tony chuckled and smiled at her.
“Calm down Miss Benson, we can go shopping here can't we? I'm sure there's a normal store around here.” Tony said, “In the meantime I think we should find a hotel and stay there until we can leave for the House of Night. Call them and say we ran into a problem and explain the situation to them, I'll go find us a hotel.” Tony smiled and went to his phone. He knew the perfect hotel. He grabbed his phone and dialed the number. “Hi is this the Luxor Hotel? This is Tony Stark...Yes I want a three bedroom, three bath hotel room for one week, starting tonight and going until next Sunday...Money's no object....Really? Perfect. Thank you we'll be there around six o'clock....Thanks, Bless- I mean goodbye.” Tony hung up and chuckled. “I have got to stop hanging around so many vampyres. I almost said 'Blessed Be'.” Tab and Rhodey laughed a little but they stopped and Tony checked his watch. “We've got a few hours to kill before we'll be at the hotel, how about we go shopping for clothes?” Tab nodded and so did Rhodey. Tony smiled and called for a limo to take them to Las Vegas.
“Tony our Marks.” Tabrett said, grabbing her makeup, which Rhodey could use thanks to their matching skin tones, and she handed Tony his. He grabbed it and started covering his marks. After a few minutes he looked like Robert Downey Jr. He looked up and saw that Tab and Rhodes were done as well. He smiled, Rhodey didn't have much to cover, neither did Tab. Tony on the other hand had a lot. Soon the limo pulled up and they entered, it drove them down to Las Vegas and parked along a shopping strip. Tony gave Tab a wad of cash and told her to go buy whatever she wanted. Tab ran off and Tony chuckled, he knew where to find her. Rhodes and Tony entered Old Navy and just grabbed a few shirts (3 or 4) and a couple pairs of jeans, underwear and so on. They also bought pajama bottoms and when they exited the store they saw Tab coming out of one with a few bags in her hands.
“Tab, over here!” Tony called; she walked over to them and smiled sunglasses over her eyes. “We've got about an hour or so until we have to get to the hotel. Dinner?”
“I'm fine with dinner, just no fish.” Rhodey said. Tony chuckled; it had to be better than the dried crap the Army ate. Tony took Tab's free hand with his and smiled a little at her. She smiled back and they started walking to an Italian restaurant. Tony slid the host a 50 and he led them to a semi-private table, a booth, and Rhodey let Tab and Tony sit next to each other. If Tony didn't know it any better he'd say that Rhodes was trying to get Tab and Tony together. Tony took a minute to look at the menu and knew what he was going to have. Tab looked it over and knew what she would have; it took Rhodey a few minutes.
“Hello I'm Carrie and I'll be your waitress this evening, can I take your drink order?”
“Glass of water please.” Tony said, he usually drank at dinner but he didn't want to lose his clear mind in Sin City of all places.
“Water as well please.” Tabrett said.
“Make that three.” Rhodey said, he never drank while on the job. Tony chuckled as the waitress looked rather disappointed at Tony, ah so she had heard of his, ahem, womanizing ways. Too bad Carrie! Tony wrapped an arm around Tab's waist and she let her head rest on his shoulder. He smiled and kissed her head lightly.
“If you want to sleep you can.” Tony whispered. She shook her head and sighed. Tony saw that Carrie was still there. “We're also ready to order. I'll have lasagna, Tab will have...”
“Caesar salad with chicken.” Tab said. Rhodey looked over the menu again and smiled.
“Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and a side salad, house dressing will do.” Rhodey said, Carrie took their orders and left in a huff. Rhodey chuckled and looked at Tony. “I don't think I've seen a woman that threw herself at you that upset since you turned down that girl in New York.” Tony chuckled and nodded slightly. Tab rolled her eyes and sat up properly. She saw that Carrie brought bread sticks to the table and she grabbed one, tearing a piece off and putting it into her mouth. Tony realized how hungry he was and grabbed one himself, finishing it in a few bites. Rhodey chuckled and shook his head. “You two are funny to watch.”
“Why is that Rhodey?” Tony asked a mouth full with half eaten bread.
“Because you both bicker and tease, your personalities are similar and yet you two are complete opposites.” Rhodey said.
'Maybe that's why I love her.' Tony thought, looking at Tab. Rhodey sighed and smiled a little.
'I know man; just...tell her soon, OK?' Rhodey said. His affinity was telepathy but only when he was within 50 feet of the person he wanted to talk to, that's why when Tony was kidnapped he couldn't talk to him, and he was way farther than 50 feet. Tony nodded slightly and sipped water that Carrie brought for them.
“Food will be ready shortly, sorry for the wait.” Carrie said, Tony shrugged it off and watched her go, but kept most of his attention on Tab, who was drinking the water in big deep gulps. Tony chuckled and smiled a little at Tab. Tony wished his affinity wasn't just for technology, and he sometimes wished hers didn't include just shields.
The food arrived later and Tony started devouring the pasta dish in front of him. There was a lot of food on his plate, enough for 3 people, but he was starving. Being Iron Man took a lot out of a vampyre! Tab was eating her salad gracefully, as she does everything with grace. Tony thought she was very graceful, she could sneak into any room without being noticed, she loved stealth, Tony was thinking of making her a suit with all the necessities she needed, not an Iron Woman suit, but more along the lines of Black Widow. Rhodey was devouring his pasta and salad, like a boy. Well what they went through today Tony wasn't surprised they all weren't bone tired.
Oops he spoke too soon. Tony yawned loudly and saw Tab chuckle a little bit. He smiled and yawned again. “Waitress Carrie, We'd like the check now please.” Tony said, she nodded and handed them the check. Tony looked at the price, over 150. Tony put down two one hundred dollar bills. “Keep the change.” He looked over to Tab and saw that she finished two thirds of her salad, Rhodey finished half of his pasta, and Tony's was gone. “We'll just take a box for his food, salad doesn't keep well.” Tony said, she nodded and went to get a box for the food. “Tab why don't you wait outside we'll be right out.” Tab raised her eyebrow but left anyway. “Rhodey I don't know how to tell her.”
“You have to tell her soon, you've known her since you taught at the House of Night for that semester-”
“So many girls in one class...”
“Focus, Tony! You love her and have loved her since you first met her. She was your assistant and made the Change right in your classroom. You've loved her every since you saw her eyes. Now when will you tell her?”
“I'll tell her soon, I promise.” Tony said, the waitress boxed up Rhodey's pasta and Tony and he left the restaurant and noticed that Tab was missing. “Tab, Tabrett!!” Tony called, but no answer.
“She's still in my range Tony, she's headed to the Luxor.” Rhodey said, Tony nodded and started running to the Luxor.
Tab didn't leave like Tony wanted, instead she hid so they couldn't see her but she could hear and see them.
“Rhodey I don't know how to tell her.” Tell her what? Fire her? No, Tabrett, Twenty-Three, knew that Tony wouldn't fire her.
“You have to tell her soon, you've known her since you taught at the House of Night for that semester-”
“So many girls in one class...” Tabrett smirked but what were they talking about? She leaned in closer and tried to hear a bit more.
“Focus Tony! You love her and have loved her since you first met her. She was your assistant and made the Change right in your classroom. You've loved her every since you saw her eyes. Now when will you tell her?” Love? He loved her? Fear shot through her body (though she'd never admit it) and she felt tense, she wanted to run.
“I'll tell her soon, I promise.” Soon? No! No no no no! Tabrett didn't know what to do, did she love him? She didn't know but she started running to the hotel and she didn't stop. She needed to think...the man that saw her at her weakest, saw through her shields, trusted completely, so much that she couldn't get her shields up no matter how hard she tried, his beautiful chestnut eyes....delicate goatee, his mechanical blue marks across his face.......his laugh, his sense of humor....
Tabrett felt herself run faster until she felt familiar strong arms wrap around her body and hold her to him. She struggled, using her black vampyre strength, much stronger than blue vampyres, and broke free from his hold.
“Tabrett please stop!” Tony said, grabbing her hand. She felt electricity shoot up her arm, didn't he feel it too? She looked at him, shields going down as she looked into his eyes, worry looking into slight panic, but under the worry was slight narcissism, arrogant, but he did care for her, she knew that much....but did she care for him the way he did for her? “Tab why did you run off like that?”
“None of your business Mr. Stark. Now please get our room so I can go to bed.” Tabrett said coldly, but her eyes didn't say that. She was...confused. Very, Tony didn't ask any questions, thank God, but she knew they'd talk about this later. Tony walked up to the front desk and talked to the person behind it, after a few minutes he came back with three keys, he handed one to Tab and one to Rhodes, then went to the elevator and pressed the up button. After a few minutes the doors opened and out stepped a tall ish man with a few people with him.
“Hey Criss good luck tonight.” Tony said, Criss smiled and nodded.
“Thanks man.” Criss said, walking away, after Tab and Rhodey were in the elevator Tab looked at Tony.
“Who was that man?” Tab asked. Tony smiled.
“That man was Criss Angel, he's a vampyre and magician, a pretty good one at that.” Tony said. Tab nodded and looked at the reflective surface of the elevator. Tony pressed a button and the elevator went up a few floors and stopped, the doors opened and Tony led them to a room, after swiping his card he entered the room and smiled. “Pick a room, make yourself at home.” Tony said, going straight for the master bedroom. Tab shook her head a little and smiled, then chose the room closest to his. The rooms all looked the same, mostly, so when Tab chose hers it had all four walls standing straight, the living room, Tony's bedroom and Rhodey's all had one wall slanting toward the ground, after all, the Luxor was a pyramid shaped hotel. Tab landed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She didn't know how long she laid there for but Tony came in later, wearing gray pajama pants and no shirt. She looked up and saw the soft glow of his arc reactor in his bare chest. She saw him leaning his arm on the doorjamb, his signature smirk on his face, eyes playfully smiling.
“Hey.” He said, “Can I come in?” He asked. Tab nodded and checked the time. Wow it was getting late. She grabbed pajamas from her clothes bag she just bought and entered the bathroom. She quickly showered and dressed, she came out with her hair dry, thank God for hair driers. Tony smiled and she sat down next to him on her bed. She was wearing black shorts that ended past her butt and a skin tight black long sleeved shirt with a not so low neckline. She looked at him and saw him looking at her with the emotion she now knew he held for a long time, love and still that hint of his arrogant personality. “Tab-”
“Don't say it Tony...I heard everything at the restaurant.” Tab said, still looking at him. Her hands itched to touch his chest, run her fingers over his toned muscles. Tony took her soft hand in his rough one and he looked at her, using his other hand he pushed back a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
“I know you're scared of love-”
“I'm not scared!” Tab yelled. Tony put his finger to her lips and she went silent. He was touching her....but she knew that it was fine, still her muscles tensed slightly.
“Tab, you are, ever since Dr. Benson I'm sure you've been scared to love. I'm not Dr. Benson, Tabrett, I'm Anthony Edward Stark, I wouldn't dispose of you once you became useless, you aren't useless, and you never will be, Tab you are the most important thing to happen in my life, I don't ever want to lose you.” He said, his hands holding her face, making sure she looked at him. “I... I love you, Tab, I love you more than anything, please, just think about what I said, if you want to quit I understand, but please, I love you too much to lose you.” Tony said his eyes now painfully vulnerable. He just poured out his soul to her... She didn't know what to do.
Tony watched her face, eyes held slight fear and anger at what he told her about being scared. He just watched her, waiting for her to say something. When she didn't say anything Tony gently tilted her head up and brought his down to her, his eyes closed and he kissed her. It wasn't passionate, just his lips against hers, he sucked lightly on her bottom lip as he pulled away. He watched her face but it stayed the same, only the fear was replaced with longing. He felt her hands run up his stomach and to his chest, her hands on either side of the arc reactor. He pulled her close and she placed her ear right above the arc reactor. He smiled and lied down on the bed, just holding her. The arc reactor hummed softly in the silence. He just listened to her breathing and soon he fell asleep.
Tab listened to the arc reactor for a while. It sounded a little different, but she didn't care about that at the moment, she cared about what he just said. Tony just poured his heart out to her and she said nothing to him. She didn't confirm nor deny that she loved him, in fact, she wasn't sure of her feelings at all. She didn't know if she loved him as a lover or as a brother or as a boyfriend or as anything, she honestly didn't know. She knew she trusted him, respected him, and thought of him as a good friend, but love?
Twenty-Three knew love and look where that got her.
Look at where that got Dr. Benson.
Tabrett closed her eyes and listened to the hum of the arc reactor, lulling her to sleep like her breathing lulled Tony.
The next morning Tony woke up to something on his chest. He opened one of his eyes to see dark brown hair cascade around her head and down to the bed. He let one of his hands softly run through it; the strands fell through his fingers as smooth as silk. He smiled a little and continued to let his hand run through the soft, silky strands. He was careful not to wake her, she looked peaceful sleeping. He saw Rhodes standing in the doorway, watching him. Tony pretended not to notice, he just kept letting his fingers dance through her hair.
“Gotta admit Tony, never thought I'd see you like this.”
“Haha, well we just were talking, I told her last night.”
“That's great! Did she tell you?”
“No... I'm fine with it, she can tell me when she's ready and she's not right now.” Tony said, letting hand stop near her waist, where his other hand was keeping her to him. He put one hand above the other and closed his eyes again, feeling sleep claim him for another hour or so, after all, it was daytime.
After a few more hours sleep Tony realized Tab wasn't on his chest anymore. He sat up and saw a note next to him; he picked it up and smirked. So she decided to go down to the pool? Fine. He got up and walked to his room to dress. He grabbed his t-shirt and jeans and put on his shoes. He grabbed the makeup and put it on, then walked down to the pool to see Tabrett relaxing under an umbrella, wearing a black bikini. He walked over to her and under the umbrella. She had her arms next to her, almost like she was sunbathing in the shade. He cleared his throat and she removed her glasses from her eyes.
“Ah you got my note Mr. Stark? I'm not resigning; just know that I do care for you.” Tabrett said, replacing the glasses and closing her eyes. “I bought you swimming trunks in case you wanted to go for a swim later tonight.” Tabrett said. Tony smiled and chuckled a little.
“You think of everything don't you Tab?” Tony said.
“Always do.” Tabrett said a smirk on her face. Tony chuckled and walked back into the hotel, he grabbed his new swimming trunks and tore off the tags and stuff and then put them on, he grabbed his shirt with a hole cut for the arc reactor and chuckled, everyone knew who he was, then grabbed a towel and called out to Rhodey.
“Rhodes I'm going for a swim.”
“Tony be careful, the makeup will wash off.”
“I'm bringing my waterproof one, thank the Goddess I invented that.” Tony said, and then left the room. He disguised the makeup as “sunscreen, SPF 45”. He chuckled and walked back out to the pool, it was getting late, sunset, and Tony smiled, tonight was the full moon, he wondered if there would be a ceremony somewhere tonight, if not he'll just do it in the hotel room with Rhodes and Tab. He set his stuff on the ground next to the lounger and set the lounger so he could feel most comfortable. He moved it under the umbrella so he wouldn't feel that burning sensation on his skin, the sun was uncomfortable, and he lied down, his arms behind his head. Tony sighed and smiled, finally relaxing.
“Welcome back Tony.” Tab said eyes still closed. Tony chuckled and looked at her through his red tinted sunglasses.
“Well you said you were down at the pool, why not join you?”
“No suit?” Tab asked.
“It's in the room. Besides I think Iron Man and I have gone on vacation.” Tony said, closing his eyes. Nobody could mistake that it was Tony Stark and Tabrett; he couldn't hide his glowing chest unless he was wearing a suit and tie, but he wasn't. Soon he knew the sun set and he opened his eyes to an orange ish sky and mostly dark blue and black with very few stars, he was in Las Vegas after all. He took off his shirt and looked at the arc reactor. It was giving the area around him a slight blue tint. He took off his sunglasses and set them down on the ground, replaced the makeup on his face with the waterproof stuff and then got into the pool. Not many people were around so he was swimming to his own pleasure. He chuckled and splashed Tab, who was still relaxing. She opened her eyes and took off her sunglasses, glaring at Tony. She then jumped into the water next to him and pulled him under.
He opened his eyes to see a blurry Tabrett staring at him with her purple eyes. He swam up for air and only got in a couple gasps before Tab pulled him back under and kissed him. He kissed her back but went up for air because he was NOT going to drown that night. He laughed and she giggled a little as well. He put his hand on her cheek and kissed her crescent mark. “Your Mark is showing.”
“Eh let it show, I don't care.”
“The humans do, Tab.” Tony said, he swam to the edge and grabbed the bottle, he swam back over to Tab and smeared it on her Mark, then put it back where he found it. After a few hours of swimming around they got out and dried off, then walked back to their hotel room. Rhodey had the candles set up and had a lighter in hand. Tony went off to shower up and get dressed in dark clothing. Tab did the same, though her closet had dark, tight clothing all the time.