After Washington — A Quieter Evening
The tension of Washington faded behind them.
Alex and Veronica arrived at Tony's mansion, Alex holding two cups of slush he'd made himself.
Veronica took a sip and smiled.
"…This is really good."
Alex nodded casually. "Improved the balance."
Inside—
Tony was in the training area, practicing kickboxing, sweat on his brow, focus sharp.
Veronica went to sit beside Pepper, who had just arrived with a woman walking slightly behind her.
Pepper gestured.
"This is Natalie Rushman."
Natalie looked up.
And froze.
First Impression
Alex turned slightly—
And Natalie's breath caught.
His hair shimmered like molten silver streaked with cosmic gold and void-black, faint arcs of restrained thunder moving along each strand.
His eyes—
Solar gold with a swirling void core, ringed by ancient silver.
They weren't just beautiful.
They were… aware.
Natalie's heart skipped violently.
Focus. Compose yourself.
She forced calm back into her posture.
"…Nice to meet you," she said, just a little too quickly.
Alex nodded politely. "Likewise."
Veronica noticed.
She smiled faintly.
The Ring
Tony clapped his hands.
"Alright, who's next?"
Like canon—
Natalie stepped forward.
Happy went down fast.
Pepper sighed.
Tony blinked. "…Huh."
Natalie turned toward Alex.
"Care to spar?"
Alex handed his slush to Veronica.
Tony frowned. "Hey, where's mine?"
Alex handed him another cup.
Tony took a sip.
"…Okay, that's really good. What flavor?"
"Orange and strawberry mix."
Tony nodded approvingly.
Alex stepped into the ring.
A Lesson
Natalie moved fast.
Precision strikes.
Professional form.
Alex didn't block.
He wasn't there.
Each strike missed by inches as he shifted effortlessly.
Natalie grew more serious.
Then—
Alex vanished.
She blinked.
Too late.
He reappeared behind her, flicked her forehead gently.
"Never take your eyes off the ring, princess."
Natalie froze.
Then nodded.
"…Yes."
Her face turned bright red.
Tony stared.
"…What just happened?"
Alex stepped out calmly, took his slush back, and resumed drinking.
Leaving Quietly
Veronica stood and joined him.
They walked toward the exit.
"Goodnight," Alex said evenly.
"Night," Pepper replied.
Happy waved.
Natalie watched silently—still flushed.
Tony shook his head.
"…I need better security."
Alex and Veronica left together, walking back toward Ashborn Mansion.
The night felt calm again.
And Natalie Rushman—
Was already rethinking everything she thought she knew.