Loki's Pain

Chapter Twenty-Nine- Tony Troubles

Tony stood watching behind the glass, growing ever more impressed by how Strange handled things, though his regard was a grudging one. Strange never even needed to touch Bot and got far more out of him than Tony had managed to, though part of the reason for that seemed to be magical, which was far outside of Tony's talents. Tony considered that to be cheating, so when Strange grinned at him he growled at Strange's arrogance.

Especially considering that if Strange had known what Stark was thinking, however, he might not have been so amused. Stark wasn't entirely opposed to what Bot might represent, and Pepper had been distant lately, saying she needing something to spice up their relationship and keep it interesting. He honestly wondered if Bot might be exactly what their relationship needed to keep them together.

So Stark's mind had already been reeling with all the possibilities of how to make Bot "fully functional" by the time that Strange had truly caught on to what Bot was feeling. Stark's only real hesitation with it was when he wondered if he might be taking advantage of Bot by going along with it. Bot was practically brand-new, so couldn't he be considered a child for all intents and purposes? That idea actually left Tony a tad nauseous. Also, since Bot had been threatened with pain, even if he was mentally and emotionally mature enough to choose, couldn't that still be considered coercion?

So Stark slowed down, and wondered how best to handle things from then on, so as to not take advantage. The last thing he would want to do was inadvertently rape someone, especially since he didn't seem anywhere near as well developed as Vision was. Deciding to discuss the situation with the only other autonomous AI Stark knew helped to settle Tony's nerves for the moment. He also realized that he needed time to talk to Pepper about things as well, to make sure he wasn't getting ahead of himself. If Pepper freaked out at the suggestion than it would be a moot point to start with.

Leaving the Bot in Strange's capable hands for the time being, Stark went to track down Pepper. He figured that should be his first stop, or everything else was pointless. When he proposed the idea to her, however, her reaction was far more aggressive than he had expected. She actually punched him.

He took that as a "Hell No". But then she also accused him of cheating due to what had happened, which led to a massive fight when Tony tried to defend himself. Tony was left completely confounded, and would have been less confused if she had been upset over Bot's questionable status as a current prisoner.

Not long after, she had packed a bag and left for her cousin's place, and Stark was soon after to be found drowning his sorrows in his kitchen. Thor met him there a few minutes later, and joined him for a few drinks.

"What is the occasion today, friend Stark?" Thor asked, trying to project cheer and failing miserably.

"I think Pepper just left me for good..." Tony stated bluntly, not even trying to be anything but morose.

"Why would you think so?" Thor asked curiously.

"She packed a bag and left...it isn't usually a good sign." Tony quipped back sarcastically.

"But why would Lady Pepper leave? Was she not happy here?" He asked the depressed billionaire, genuinely sympathetic.

"That I'm not entirely clear on, actually..." Tony answered seriously, turning towards Thor with his current drink paused halfway to his lips, "She'd already become distant lately, and when I asked her about it, she said she was bored.... That she needed something to spice things up... But then, when I make a suggestion, she accuses me of cheating and packs a bag..." Thor looks at Tony with a bit of confusion evident in his eyes, "Spice things up?" He asked, needing clarification. "In the bedroom..." Tony said, hoping that would be enough, but by the expression on Thor's face he knew he would have to be more descriptive and grew a bit embarrassed before responding, "It is a vague slang term for needing more variety during certain activities, in this case, during sex..."