specification | Heart In a Knot

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Heart In a Knot - PREQUEL for Stark

As far as Arthur saw it, being home for two weeks was a week too long. He had caught up with the friends and family members he cared to see and catch up with. He ran. He slept. But now, that itch was creeping up again - wanting to get out and do something, travel somewhere.

It was with a grain of hope that Arthur picked up the phone when Mal called. He hoped she would have a job or have heard something. Besides, it was wonderful talking to her, as always. "Good evening, Mal," he smiled, looking in the fridge for something before taking out a bottle of water.

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Tony was quiet a long moment, considering that. "She told me you would be calling. Of course, she told me to stop calling Ms Miles too and I refuse. Might be why she foisted me off on you and didn't take the job herself. Dom can't stand me," he said cheerfully, settling back on his stool in the lab.

"She tells me you're the best at this."

Despite himself, Arthur found himself chuckling. "I'd say it had more to do with Dom above all else," he said and stood from the couch to walk over to the balcony window. "I am the best at what I do, I can assure you. I can be in town by the end of the week, Mr. Stark. When would work for you to meet and get started?"

He looked over the New York City skyline as he awaited for the answer.

"Yes, he's horribly possessive. I have utter respect for Mallorie." At least as much so if not more that he had for a handful of women in his life. By handful, of course, meaning one. Pepper.

"I have a small get together on Friday night. Why don't you attend."

Arthur didn't mention that Mal had told him about their past 'friendship' but he could see why the two had had their fling. His eyebrows rose at the invitation, not having expected that.

The traditional phrasing of 'small get togethers' usually included close friends, spouses etc. They didn't exactly include men you don't know who will be delving into your subconscious. Besides, he was a professional. "In that case, Mr. Stark - let's start on Monday."

"Don't do that. One, it's Tony, not Mr Stark. Two, you would abandon me to another of these damn tribute dinners when I could entirely beg off because you showed up and I have to work," he asked, treating it as if this was a long standing thing between them.

Despite himself, Arthur chuckled. "When you put it that way," he said, his tone dry. "You act as though it's horrible to go to one." Though, he could imagine they were horribly boring.

"Several thousand people expecting me to be social and smile sweet and stay sober and then make a speech about how it's them and not me that's wonderful," he said with a snort. "It's horrid."

"Small little gathering, he said," Arthur muttered dryly but couldn't keep the smile from his lips. "Ah, yes - I can imagine how dull it would be to not talk about yourself for an evening." Still, he hadn't exactly said no or yes to attend this gathering with Tony. "Don't you have someone to attend these evenings with already?"

"Yes well, likely it's only about a few hundred. Does that make it better," he asked, honestly not even sure because he wasn't sure which one this was. "See, I knew you'd understand."

He was quiet a minute and then grinned. "Asking to be my date?"

Arthur narrowed his eyes at the window in front of him. "I see what you did there and of course not, Mr. Stark." It hadn't even crossed his mind until now that that's what it had come across as. "You did the inviting first, in any case."

He was not flirting with Tony Stark.

He shook his head and walked away from the window. "We'll start on Monday if that works for you," he said, returning back to his normal train of thought before whatever not-date event Tony had planned for Friday night.

"Of course I did. I have to meet the man that inspires that sort of devotion from Mallorie," he admitted.

"So you won't be attending Friday, even without work?"

Arthur was silent for a long minute. It might be good to meet the man first and that way, over the weekend, Arthur could have a better idea of what would work in this situation. "I'll think about it," he said.

"Is it a formal affair?"

"Not if you don't want it to be," he said with a chuckle. "I suspect some will. I'm wearing slacks and a shirt and Pepper will just be glad I showed up. How about this. I'll make you a deal. You go, and I'll show up on time. You could get in good with Pepper before you even meet her."

Arthur arched a brow as he considered that. "Alright," he said, finally. "What time and where?"

It would be worth getting in someone's good graces while he did this job.

"New York City. The opening of the new Stark Towers there. You really can not miss it," he vowed, chuckling.

"Is that right? In that case, it appears I wouldn't have to leave for California until afterward. I was under the assumption you lived in Malibu," he said, considering that. He moved back over to the window and looked over the city. Ah, yes - that tower.

"I do live in Malibu. I also recently had issues which destroyed my house in Malibu," he said brightly. And it had been his own fault. "So while that was being rebuilt, I built Stark Towers as well. Figure I should dominate both coasts," he said, loving his life right about now.

"Then my jet, private of course. You and Pepper and I to Malibu. How does that sound," he asked, not making it sound like he was giving him any choice. "And possibly Rhodey is he isn't pissed at me at the moment."

He wasn't sure whether he should be amused or not by the mere fact that Stark was fairly nonchalant about destroying his home in Malibu. Having as much money as he did, money wouldn't be much of an issue. So despite himself, Arthur chuckled.

"Ah, I see," he mused. His eyebrows rose at the offer and subtle telling that he would be taking Tony Stark's private jet with him to Malibu. "Do I have an choice," he asked with a teasing tone. But if Tony was offering and they were going to the same place, he would accept. He would make his hotel arrangements as per usual when he had a clearer idea of when he would be in Malibu and rental car of course.

"You of course have a choice. You can fly in a state of the art jet or commercial. And I will judge you for flying commercial," he said with a laugh. "Friday. Eight. Bring a flask because Pepper will likely check me for one."

Despite himself, Tony just couldn't wait to meet the man that Mallorie thought so much of.

Arthur chuckled. "Right then, jet it is." He usually wasn't like this but in spite of himself, he was amused and couldn't wait to truly meet this man that Mal thought highly of.

"Friday at eight," he agreed. "Poison of choice?" Just because he asked didn't mean he would bring a flask. Still, it was handy to know the alcohol preference of a client's choice. "And at Stark Towers, right?"

"That's a good man. Knew you'd see it my way. Of course, Pepper will be with us so no strippers. I do apologize for that, but the pole is always open if the spirit moves you," he teased, figuring he wouldn't need to worry about this man selling his silly comments to the press.

"Scotch preferably but, honestly, I don't play favourites too highly. Yep, Stark Towers, Eight. Is there a last name or is it just Arthur. Like Cher and Madonna?"

Arthur stood there silent for a moment before he just shook his head. "No, I'll be just fine without the strippers or using the pole for my own need," he said, not able to keep the smirk from his lips. "When do you plan to return to Malibu?" This way he would have a better idea for hotel accommodations.

"Arthur Marino," he said. It was his true last name but it was an identity he hadn't used in a while so it should be cleared.

"Let's call it Sunday morning, possibly late Saturday. Depends on when I get out of bed after this party. I am leaving it to you to ensure the night goes well," he said, amusing himself further.

"Your name will be at the door then."

Arthur made a mental note to himself about the date and couldn't help but chuckle at that. "I can ensure the evening goes well but that's not taking into consideration what you may or may not do at this event." Still, Arthur was more amused by the entire conversation than he would let on.

"I will see you on Friday, Mr. Stark. Have a good evening," he said. Whether or not Arthur called Tony 'Mr. Stark' just to be contrary or professional remained to be seen. He was greatly amused though.

"Now you're sounding entirely like Pepper. Completely. Are you a redhead too," he asked curiously.

"Good night, Arthur," he said, hanging up the phone.

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specification - 2012-05-22 05:18 (UTC) - Expand

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