#lab time

He was also excited to show off his lab to be honest. It wasn’t everyday that he met someone who was interested in that side of himself. He had a feeling Peyton would be interested, considering their last conversation.

The phone rang and he ignored it, focusing instead on some last minute touches to her suit. It rang again and Tony sighed before accepting.

“Tony Stark can’t come to the phone right now. You may not leave a message.”

“Damn it, Stark. This isn’t a joke. We have a serious problem on our hands and it had better be fixed soon.”

“Now, now Ross. Is that anyway of talking to the man you are resting your hopes with?” It was always fun to see if Tony could get a rise out of him. And true to form, Ross didn’t disappoint.

“See here, Stark. I have been very patient with you. Giving you time and letting Captain America run amok but now I’ve come to collect. I expect…” and Tony hung up on him.

Yes, it was amusing to get Ross all riled up but Tony wasn’t in the mood to listen to another lecture. He knew what he had to do and, if he had bothered to let Ross know, was actually working on a plan as they spoke.

“Boss, a Miss Peyton is here to see you.” Just in time, he thought. A grin came over his face and he started toward the elevator.

The elevator doors opened and there she was, sitting down on one of the lobby couches. Her hair was bunched in a ponytail, sitting at the top of her head. Because it was so short little wisps were escaping on the bottom half, curling around the nape of her neck. Her eyes were focused on the giant fish tanks in the middle of the lobby, slowly following a suckerfish cruising around the bottom.

Walking over he noticed the dark circles under her eyes but thought that she looked much more relaxed than before.

“Hey Kid. How’s it going?” She glanced at him, eyes widened and a blush formed over her cheeks.

“Hi, Mr. Stark. I’m okay. How are you?” They started walking back towards the elevator.

“Just great kid. Living the life and all that. Going to test the new gear. Maybe get some shawarma later. Friday take us to the lab, please.” He decided not to think on the fact that he almost never allowed anyone into his personal lab.

Peyton looked around the elevator. “Mr. Stark, um, who are you talking to?”

“I’d like you to meet someone. Friday this is Peyton Parker. Peyton this is Friday.” He made a vague gesture toward the air.

“A pleasure to meet you, Miss.”

“Oh, uh you too Mrs. Friday.” Peyton turned her head downward.

“You okay kid?”

She looked back up and Tony couldn’t tell whether she was going to laugh or tear up. Maybe both.

“Where are they?” She whispered.  “I thought they were someone who worked for you when you mentioned them before.”


“She’s the AI I built. She is programmed into the building. So I guess you could say she is everywhere. She’ll tell you she does most of the work around here, but don’t be fooled.” He said with a wink. “If you ever need anything and I’m not around, just ask her.” Peyton nodded.

“I am always here Miss.”

Peyton’s brow furrowed and she hesitated a moment. “Please just call me Peyton Mrs. Friday and if you, um, if I can do anything too, let me know.”

“Thank you Peyton.”

Tony grinned at Peyton. Most people just ignored Friday, took her for granted and Tony appreciated that she didn’t; even going so far as to offer assistance if needed. That would win points with Friday. The elevator doors opened, “And here we have arrived.” Tony’s arms lifted from his side as he spun around to face his sanctuary.

“A word of warning. Watch out for Dum-E” Pointing to the side of the room the robot was at. “He’s that shifty looking one over there. Always causing trouble.” And what would you know, as soon as they entered the lab Dum-E dropped a broom and darted away from a pile of broken glass.

Silence met his words and he turned back around. Peyton stood at the entrance of the room, looking as if she just entered Disney World.

Thanks :)