A Hero's Journey

Rushman and a Russian

He was leaning against the wall, watching Tony box Happy. Pepper was off dealing with business while Ghost watched with interest, knowing damn well that Happy could probably beat Tony's ass in a fair, one-on-one fight.

But Tony would never play by a set of rules like in boxing, so Tony would win in an overall fight. Too bad none of that would fare well against Ghost at all.

Pepper walked out from a hallway while Tony and Happy were striking each other. "The notary's here! Can you please come sign the transfer paperwork?" She said, walking to the seat next to him and sitting down. He was on the far end of the entrance, facing the ring.

"He's a bit busy, Pep. You know him." Ghost remarked.

Pepper sighed, "Yeah. How have you been recently?" She asked.

"Good. My friends don't like me right now, and I got my own knife thrown through my arm. Other than that, I'm doing great." Ghost answered.

Pepper nodded. "Oh, well, I hope your friends situation gets better."

"Me too."

Tony pushed a punch away and landed an elbow into Happy's face, staggering him back.

"Sorry." Tony apologizes, but doesn't mean.

"What the hell was that?" Happy questioned.

Tony hopped in place. "It's called mixed martial arts. It's been around for... three weeks."

Ghost piped in, "Technically, yes. But in this situation, it's dirty boxing."

Tony waved a hand. "What do you know." He dismissed.

Ghost raised an eyebrow. "A hell of a lot more than you do?" The man in white answered.

Ghost heard footsteps and turned to look at the new entrant, and froze upon spotting the red hair. When those green eyes turned to look at him, he lost the breath in his lungs.

What the hell was Nat doing here?

Pepper said something as she stepped closer, Ghost pushing off of the wall to come stand next to Pepper, where Nat was moving. He needed answers. He didn't pay attention to what Nat said, watching her lips move simply as she went about her cover.

He wasn't dumb. He knew she wasn't given an option in being here. But the question was what her assignment was so he didn't step on her toes. He heard a crash from the ring, then turned to glance at Tony.

"What's your name, lady?" Tony asked.

"Rushman. Natalie Rushman." She said, and he hummed.

"Caity?" He whispered.

"Bringing up details on her cover now." The AI responded.

"Front and center. Come into the church." Tony instructed, pushing the rope down.

"No." Pepper denied. "You're not seriously gonna ask-"

Tony cut her off, "If it pleases the court, which it does."

Nat turned to Pepper. "It's no problem."

"I'm sorry. He's very eccentric." Pepper apologized, and Ghost hummed.

"I'm sure she'll be fine." Ghost stated, knowing what she's capable of. She was the only person other than his sisters who could possibly go toe-to-toe with him.

She stepped in between the ropes, and the two made eye contact while Tony took a drink of his chlorophyll.

After a very long second of silence, Tony questioned, "What?" After getting no response, Tony turned to Happy. "Can you give her a lesson?" He asked, then stepped between the ropes.