The Invention Left By A Little Stark | Book 2

18) The Press Conference

Anxiety levels were high at Town Hall.

On the streets it was an ordinary day, with many people rushing past in an attempt to get to work or meet up with friends. But behind those ornate doors and inside the grand building it was as if a royal was being crowned.

Taking advantage of the outside since it was a hot day, journalists were crowded in chairs in the gardens with their cameras and their notepads at the ready, at the edge of their seats as they awaited the story this surprise meeting would bring.

It was practically breaking news when sources reported that Agent Maria Hill formerly of SHIELD, CEO of Stark Industries Pepper Potts, famed scientist Bruce Banner, and Black Widow herself all showed up for the conference. It was whispered and discussed among the attendees if any more famous people would be turning up, and just what kind of mayoral announcement warranted such a guest list.

Behind the scenes, Mayor Williams himself was conversing in hushed tones with Pepper and Hill about Tony's appearance - or lack thereof. She was trying to justify the wait but was becoming more and more impatient with every passing tick of the clock.

"He said he'd be ten minutes!" She exclaimed as she ran a stressed hand through her hair. "I know he likes to make an entrance but this is ridiculous."

"My concern is the media." The mayor replied, sounding just as on edge as she did.

Hill nodded in agreement. "They're vultures."

"I know." Pepper said. "I'm so sorry, Mayor Williams."

He held up a hand. "No, no, it's not your fault, Ms. Potts. I'll need to start this thing soon, though."

She nodded as well, briefly facing away from him as she placed her hands on her hips. A very heavy sigh escaped her lips as she cursed Tony under her breath.

Happy stood to the side with an empathetic look on his face. He knew all too well the anxieties of waiting for Tony Stark since half of his life had been spent running around after him. Not that he minded of course, Happy loved his job, he was just getting a little old for it now.

He moved his gaze toward a spot by the wall where Bruce and Natasha were discussing the same thing, only they seemed a lot more lighthearted.

"Someone's sleeping on the couch tonight." Natasha mused, obviously amused by it all.

Bruce frowned, unsure. "She doesn't look that mad."

Her smile only became more evident. "You poor, sweet thing. Don't you know how to see behind a woman's stare? She's furious."

"I'm not the most well-versed in those things."

"You've dated before, haven't you? That's all the experience you should need."

"Not all women are as complicated as you make it seem."

"No, we're not. Men are just dull."

With the conversation steering away from the topic at hand, Happy tuned it out. He agreed with Natasha about Pepper being upset. He actually felt sorry for Tony, knowing that the punishment for his lateness was likely to be subtle but impactful.

With not much else to think about, he decided to reminisce on the holiday he'd just returned from. It wasn't particularly eventful in Hawaii, but it was the break he needed. He hadn't met any women for the long term, but there had been one incident in which he'd drank far too much and ended up in a one night stand. Tony obviously teased him about it at every chance he got, but Pepper was just glad he got to unwind after so much dutiful service.

Happy then found himself back in reality when Pepper walked over with the mayor to talk to him.

"Any news?" He asked hopefully.