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synthneon2025-07-27 08:24 pm
bubblesong) wrote in synthneon2025-07-27 08:24 pm
Entry tags:
🫧 mcu/nikke || ❝ i'll send an sos to the world. ❞
Good morning everyone. What should we do today?
[ The familiar squished and squeaks fill the room. The white room with three walls, a roof, and floor. The remaining wall is more of a window that can be shielded and shielded at will from those on the other side. An observation window. Like she is an exotic animal at a zoo.
Maybe... she really is nothing more than that.
She looks down at the bouncing bubbles at her feet. Different sizes, different colors, faces. They have a life of their own to a degree. Otherwise she may have lost her mind years and years ago. Not that she hasn't had guests or visitors. They've all been from the man's company. Testing her bubbles, testing her, trying to force her into doing things for them. Every time she refused and they returned her to her room. That might be for the best.
NIKKEs have been forgotten about after all.
Little Mermaid stands. She stretches. The bubbles around her roll away. Her eyes land on the bubble decorations she has used to make the room feel something like a home. Bubbles like seashells that string across the room. Bubbles that look like plants. Bubbles she can dissolve the moment the men return to try and force her to work with them. She will refuse again and again. It's why she has the device that looks like a mask around her mouth. A device used to stifle her voice and paralyze her if needed. She's fought against it and had disastrous results. The blood dried to her ears as the high frequency rang in her mind and she was rendered unable to move.
Stane had said it was the price for not helping them--helping progress. He said they had something else now and that her services would most likely not be required anymore. Except, in case, "it couldn't be powered." Then her heart would be the key to leading them down the road they "needed to correct." She had no idea most of what it meant, but her hands curl over her chest.
Her core.
Though... she would admit... a small part of her does wonder if it would be better if she...
No, I can't. The promise we made was to rewrite our ending. I can't give up. It would put all those words to waste. It would hurt Cinderella's dream. I can't.
A deep inhale and she closes her eyes.
Sometimes the deep abyss of loneliness is consuming.
I hope they're okay. My bubbles haven't brought any of them here... I hope Levi got away safely. That she's had a good life. That she found people to make her smile.
She has those thoughts often. The same ones. Over and over.
Little Mermaid sighs then and turns to her bubble creations. Eyes glance up at the ceiling to see that she hasn't over slept the timing. A certain pause is made in the fans and cooling systems. She uses that small window to send out bubbles. Bubbles that she hopes could lead her friends to her. She can't break out from the inside and if she uses her kotodama or even speaks too loud the paralyzer sitting next to her ear goes off. She can't even remove the mask and she has tried. ]
Okay... let's get ready to make bubbles again today.
[ Maybe these bubbles will finally reach her friends.
Her hands extend to form Spindrift as normal.
Then, she stops.
There's an unfamiliar sound on the other side of the blocked observation window that acts as a door. Footsteps. Different than the ones she knows. They're distinct and somehow have an echo of power to them. Stane's footsteps had the same emotion behind them. The way people walk when they are in full control.
She feels panic grip her. The extended hands move to her sides and all the bubbles in the room break down and roll back to her hands. They create two large bubbles that she combines into one between her hands. She bends over to be ready to shoot Spindrift forward and use it as a weapon. She can't command her bubbles like normal--not without setting the device attached to the "mask" over her mouth off--but she can still shoot her weapon if needed. Especially if Stane has returned for what he swore he would if "things didn't work out."
Her fingers curl into Spindrift.
It's been a long time since I fought... ]
[ The familiar squished and squeaks fill the room. The white room with three walls, a roof, and floor. The remaining wall is more of a window that can be shielded and shielded at will from those on the other side. An observation window. Like she is an exotic animal at a zoo.
Maybe... she really is nothing more than that.
She looks down at the bouncing bubbles at her feet. Different sizes, different colors, faces. They have a life of their own to a degree. Otherwise she may have lost her mind years and years ago. Not that she hasn't had guests or visitors. They've all been from the man's company. Testing her bubbles, testing her, trying to force her into doing things for them. Every time she refused and they returned her to her room. That might be for the best.
NIKKEs have been forgotten about after all.
Little Mermaid stands. She stretches. The bubbles around her roll away. Her eyes land on the bubble decorations she has used to make the room feel something like a home. Bubbles like seashells that string across the room. Bubbles that look like plants. Bubbles she can dissolve the moment the men return to try and force her to work with them. She will refuse again and again. It's why she has the device that looks like a mask around her mouth. A device used to stifle her voice and paralyze her if needed. She's fought against it and had disastrous results. The blood dried to her ears as the high frequency rang in her mind and she was rendered unable to move.
Stane had said it was the price for not helping them--helping progress. He said they had something else now and that her services would most likely not be required anymore. Except, in case, "it couldn't be powered." Then her heart would be the key to leading them down the road they "needed to correct." She had no idea most of what it meant, but her hands curl over her chest.
Her core.
Though... she would admit... a small part of her does wonder if it would be better if she...
No, I can't. The promise we made was to rewrite our ending. I can't give up. It would put all those words to waste. It would hurt Cinderella's dream. I can't.
A deep inhale and she closes her eyes.
Sometimes the deep abyss of loneliness is consuming.
I hope they're okay. My bubbles haven't brought any of them here... I hope Levi got away safely. That she's had a good life. That she found people to make her smile.
She has those thoughts often. The same ones. Over and over.
Little Mermaid sighs then and turns to her bubble creations. Eyes glance up at the ceiling to see that she hasn't over slept the timing. A certain pause is made in the fans and cooling systems. She uses that small window to send out bubbles. Bubbles that she hopes could lead her friends to her. She can't break out from the inside and if she uses her kotodama or even speaks too loud the paralyzer sitting next to her ear goes off. She can't even remove the mask and she has tried. ]
Okay... let's get ready to make bubbles again today.
[ Maybe these bubbles will finally reach her friends.
Her hands extend to form Spindrift as normal.
Then, she stops.
There's an unfamiliar sound on the other side of the blocked observation window that acts as a door. Footsteps. Different than the ones she knows. They're distinct and somehow have an echo of power to them. Stane's footsteps had the same emotion behind them. The way people walk when they are in full control.
She feels panic grip her. The extended hands move to her sides and all the bubbles in the room break down and roll back to her hands. They create two large bubbles that she combines into one between her hands. She bends over to be ready to shoot Spindrift forward and use it as a weapon. She can't command her bubbles like normal--not without setting the device attached to the "mask" over her mouth off--but she can still shoot her weapon if needed. Especially if Stane has returned for what he swore he would if "things didn't work out."
Her fingers curl into Spindrift.
It's been a long time since I fought... ]
no subject
Stane's been loyal, and he was a friend of his father's, but something has been setting off warning bells for Tony, and he can't shake the feeling that someone is hell-bent on keeping him in the dark. So, under the ruse of inspecting Stark Industries facilities, Tony goes for a little walk one day.
Everything seems normal enough, but something about it still makes him squint as he makes his way down corridors and opening doors and having a look around. It's almost too normal, as if someone went out of their way to make the various parts of the facility he's in appear as if it's merely business as usual.
He turns another corner, still thinking that this is all conveniently made to look unobtrusive, when he spots something that catches his eye: a door, or is it a window that's been blocked? That strikes him as odd, so he moves to get closer but he finds himself startled as he trips on something that's in his way and nearly crashes into the door-window-thing. A loud curse escapes him, and once he rights himself, he tries lifting the offending object but it's a little too heavy for him, so he drops it again with a loud clang.
He glares at the thing he tripped on, and then he moves over to the door. It looks like a blast door and it appears to be thick, but he thinks he can hear something strange coming from inside it. ]
What the hell are they keeping here...? [ If he had his suit with him right now, JARVIS could help scan what's inside the room, but he came here as himself.
Instead of relying on JARVIS to scan the door, he steps closer to it and presses both hands to it. Of course it doesn't budge; he didn't really expect it to. Stepping back slightly to examine it, he spots the handle that he missed the first time he looked at it.
Well, here goes nothing. He pulls on it, and of course it doesn't budge either. ]
So, we're going to be like this, huh? [ Good thing he has a master key of sorts on him. He pulls out his phone, pushes a few buttons, and he holds it up to the door. He knows that it looks as though there's no visible lock on this door, but he also knows that's by design. Only a few people know how to get this door to open. Luckily he's one of those people.
After a few more seconds, there's an audible click and the door starts to swing open. ]
no subject
Her fingers flex slightly into Spindrift as the door opens. No, she has to be faster. She has to move first. Dying isn't an option. Not when Cinderella and Abe are still out there--somewhere--looking for her. They have to be. They can't be dead too.
The light from the other side of the door doesn't take her back or surprise her. The cage, for lack of better term, is bright inside as well. What takes her by surprise is the man on the other side. This man isn't Stane, or anyone she has ever seen with the man.
Not that she could possibly know that Stane died months ago. ]
Ooh?
[ Spindrift remains between her hands. Maybe someone sent him to pretend to be a friend... only to lead her straight to the man that imprisoned her.
Amber eyes remain locked onto the man now standing in the doorway. Somehow, she can tell by looking at him he isn't with Stane. He seems too powerful and too confident in himself. Something about him tells her that he would walk around as if he owned wherever they have been keeping her for years. Maybe it's the fact he holds a device in his hand similar to what she has seen Stane hold. The key to her prison.
And... he's handsome. It almost takes her back how much that fact alone stands out to her. His hair is cut in a relative familiar fashion with styles facial hair. He's not in a lab coat, and she finds herself relaxing more than she should be at that revelation.
Who is he?
Her mouth opens underneath the skin tight atheltic like mask and she feels the sonic taser press against the space between her head and the back of her ear. A warning. Her mouth closes again and instead she simply blinks a few times, expecting whoever this man is to disappear.
There's also just something about him--whoever he is--that strikes her that he isn't there for her. She can just tell. At least, not to kill her or take her core.
So, Spindrift begins to shrink between her hands. ]
no subject
He can't be sure that Stane is behind whatever this is, but Tony's intuition is saying he might have been. He never really got to have a lengthy interrogation with the man, although he's imagined how that would have looked. Still, imagining doesn't tell him what he might have been hiding or what he got up to during Tony's absence.
But what he sees as the door swings open is the last thing he expected. He sees a girl... a lady? He can't really tell because something is covering her face, but he can tell that she has long hair and eyes that somehow draw his attention even though he's never seen her before. And it's not just because he appreciates an attractive lady; there's something really eye-catching about her, something that draws him in.
But then he looks closer and his eyes narrow and he feels a stab of anger that's not misplaced, because he knows what this is. Once he gets a better look, he knows what the covering over her mouth means. For one thing, it means that whoever put her here wanted to keep her silent. For another, it reminds Tony of how people tried to silence him too. Well, he's not having that.
He steps closer slowly, not wanting to disturb her, keeping his hands in view so that she doesn't get startled and think he's going to attack her. She could attack him, for all he knows, but at the moment, he's playing it cool. If he needs to, he'll go on the defensive, but that instinct of his that's gotten him in trouble before is telling him that's not needed. ]
You know, I'd ask what you're doing down here and how you got here, but I'm guessing you didn't put yourself here. Just a hunch.
no subject
Her gaze drifts to the side. No, she didn't put herself here... not exactly. She gave herself up to save a friend. This is where they put her after that. So, in a way, she did? Maybe just not in easy way to understand or explain. ]
No... [ Her voice is very gentle and soft, trying not to move her jaw much to trigger the taser behind her ear. She frowns, not that he can really see. ] They did.
[ It's difficult to explain who "they" are, or well, really anything with how tight the mask is around her jaw. Then again, that is all by design. Little Mermaid notes the attire the man is wearing. It's not too formal but not too casual either. Almost like he took a stroll and wasn't expecting to find anything or anyone.
He really does seem like he owns the place.
Her shoulders curl slightly as she hugs the bubble closer to her.
Now what? ]
no subject
They, huh? Do you know who "they" are?
[ He glances around at the place, and not just the room either, but the entire setup. Of course he recognizes his own company's technology, but what he doesn't recognize is why someone apparently representing his company would lock someone up down here. Motive, obviously. There's always a motive, just like there's always a story. ]
Well, whatever's going on around here, that thing's gotta go.
[ He steps a little closer, then lowers himself into a crouch looking at the mask that looks as though it's been strategically placed on her. ]
Want some help getting rid of that? [ He didn't expect to find someone locked up down here, and he definitely didn't expect to be offering to spring them, not when he has no idea who this person is. ] And by the way, who are you, anyway?
[ He stares her down again, looking at how she holds the bubble closer to her. ] I figure I should at least get your name, not that that's going to help if you decide to take me out the second I move a finger.
[ Yeah, maybe he really should have come down here with the suit. Oh well, too late for "what if". ]
no subject
He can't be hurt just because he found her. He can't become collateral damage because of her. It's not fair to him. Besides, she was supposed to fight on humanity's behalf.
Her mouth opens once more to answer and the rounded corners of the taser press against her once more. She could say least tell him her name. In fact, she fully plays to do just that, when a new set of footsteps ring through the air. ]
"Mr. Stark? You shouldn't be here! These are things way below you and the new CEO..."
[ Little Mermaid's eyes dart to the new voice. She knows him and it shows in her gaze. Her hands press into the bubble before shoving it off to the side. It hits the ground and breaks into smaller bubbles on impact. She holds her hand up and the bubbles pool into her hand pointed at the researchers feet.
Then, her other arm raises. Without a second thought she moves the new man behind her. Protecting him. Putting herself in danger. He is the first person who has even cared to ask her what her name is in years. The first person who was kind, even if it's been a handful of minutes. That alone deserves to be protected. ]
Stay away! [ Her voice rings through the room. Not that the kotodama is active. Just a demand.
That, however, is alone enough to trigger the taser. It presses to her ear and a high frequency sound fills her earing. Her body goes rigid and the hand that was extended curls. Her eyes widen in pain and in an instant she has crumbled down to the ground. Between Tony and the researcher. Her knees go first then she slams to her side. Her hands and feet twitch in pain. She has gone pale and blood trickles down from her ears.
The researcher can't get to the man she's just met...]
no subject
She does something with the bubble she'd been holding, causing it to break apart into smaller ones, and suddenly she's moving him behind her and standing in front of him. What the hell?
It doesn’t make any sense.
And then the sound: sharp, shrill, almost surgical cuts through the air like it did all those years ago. The scream of it isn’t hers. It’s mechanical. It's the exact pitch of a memory, and a bad one, at that.
He remembers when the device was used on him, and now someone has been using it on her. This is another instance of someone not him misusing his technology. It's enough to make Tony want to gather up all of the Stark technology that he can find and destroy it all. Smash it, hammer it to pieces, and then light it on fire. Maybe he should just stop inventing if this is what people are going to do.
Oh, he's not stupid enough to think that just because one inventor stops inventing, that'll solve the whole problem. But Stark inventions have gotten into the wrong hands one too many times for his liking. He has to do something about it sooner rather than later.
Tony’s moving before he even thinks. He's not dumb enough to think that he can make up for all his bad decisions by doing one or two good, heroic things when a situation comes up. But this... this is unacceptable. Whatever reasons were behind locking up whoever Little Mermaid is, Tony doesn't care. Maybe he will care if it turns out that she's some kind of destructive weapon, but right now? He just sees someone who's been restrained and had the sonic device that he was so pleased with when he finalized it and actually had it work used on her. He makes a mental note to find the blueprints and destroy that too.
But right now, all Tony is looking at is Little Mermaid, who's just crashed to the ground, thanks to the taser that's doing its work too well. He glares at the researcher, who decides that now is a really good time to get the hell out of here. Once he's gone, Tony gets down on the ground and starts trying to shut off the taser and then once that's done, get the thing off along with the mask.
... Except just how is he going to do that?
The mask looks like it’s all one piece: molded around her head, covering her jaw, part of her neck, maybe a little past her neck. Then he spots the compact panel with the wiring for the taser; this would be a lot easier with precision tools, but he doesn't have those right now and he doesn't have the time to get them. Once the panel's open, he finds a mess of delicate wiring inside. Red to blue, blue to... no, wait, don’t cross the blue. He yanks the red instead, and the taser shuts off. ]
Hey. [ His tone is sharper, more pointed. ] You still with me?
no subject
The researcher leaves, but she has the feeling it has nothing to do with her silent pleas.
He called the man "Mr. Stark", didn't he? Why does the name sound familiar?
Her body refuses to move no matter the thoughts she gives it. She supposes that means some part of her is still human--more than just her brain. She pales and veins come to the surface around her ear and both sides of her face. Fear nor panic is the expression on her face. Acceptance would be what one could describe it as.
This hasn't been the first time the taser has been used on her. She has lost count how many times Stane used it on her if he thought she was stepping out of line.
Her eyes slowly move to Tony and meet his gaze. The look in her eyes is one that's tired, pained, but very much alert and aware of everything around her. She doesn't expect him to understand the question in her eyes, but, she can't help but try and communicate it with her gaze:
Are you okay? ]
no subject
He exhales slowly and moves forward a step. His voice stays quiet, like he's worried about causing something bad to happen if he speaks too loudly. ]
That guy called me Mr. Stark, so you probably know who I am. Probably. I don't know how much they've told you.
But this stuff? That taser they put on you? I built that; designed it, set it up. God, I'm going to sound ridiculously naive, but I never wanted it to be used for something like this. Defense? Yeah. This? Hell, no. [ No, he's convinced he's still stupid and still very naive. Clearly he didn't learn anything from when his weapons were sold off to terrorist groups. ]
Well, looks like I have to do cleanup again. Not you, just... This situation. Actually, cleanup's already started. [ Since Stane is no longer in the picture. ]
I don’t know what they did to you yet. But I know what it looks like when someone’s been through hell. So, how about it?
[ He finds himself slightly taken aback when her eyes meet his and he can see everything contained in them. He feels a spark of rage at whoever put her here and made her look like that. Of course he's not an idiot; he knows that the world can be harsh and difficult and people do terrible things to each other. But that doesn't mean he's okay with it when the evidence of people being terrible to each other is right in front of him. ]
Want me to spring you out of here? I'll even do the whole dramatic carry thing. [ His lips turn up into a slight smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, because he's actually really angry with this whole situation. ]
no subject
What it's like to have someone genuinely worry and be kind.
He has no reason to be so kind to her. Everyone in the building has only wanted to know more of what she can do--what she is asking a NIKKE. She isn't human, and so everything about her had to be studied. How she made bubbles, what the liquid metal could do. Her kotodama was dangerous and that had to be taken care of as soon as it could. Not that it mattered if she only used it on her bubbles and not any researcher.
Her gaze softens at the man the researcher called Mr. Stark. He doesn't need to be so kind or even worry. She'll be fine! This has happened before. She'll be okay. Then, she'll find a way to repay his kindness.
I waited so long for someone to come find me. It's been so long since I could just talk to someone, even if I can't right now. That's okay. I can soon, and I'll thank him. I'll repay him somehow.
Water comes to her eyes as a smile seems to form. She knows he can't understand what she's communicating because he never answered her question. That's okay. He doesn't need to understand the words, just the basics of what she wants to say.
Thank you.
She blinks at his questions. Yes... I want to leave.
Levi, Cinderella, Abe. She has to find them. How long has she been here? Do they still remember her? Are they even out there still? Did... did S.H.I.E.L.D. find them and... is she the only one left? No, she can't be. They made a promise to rewrite the story--to change their fate. They were going to find a happy ending.
Little Mermaid suddenly tries to move. A burst of desperation hits. If she can push her body to at least get up for the man who found her? That will make it easier. It will be a start. The strain is obvious as she simply tries to will her body through the paralysis to move.
I want to leave. I want to see everyone again! I want to keep teaching Levi how to make bubbles... I want to hold Cinderella's hand and be the friend she deserves... I want to make Abe proud of making me... I want to repay him... I want to live again.
A strained sound leaves her with a tone of frustration and pain. The door has stayed open now for the first time in so long. What if it closes again? What if Stane shows up to hurt Mr. Stark? She can't let that happen. ]
no subject
Okay, I'm getting it loud and clear.
[ He steps a little closer, moving like he's just walking down the red carpet at a fancy function. He wants to appear relaxed so that she might relax too; if he looks like he's on edge, then she might mirror his appearance, or something like that. Really, he has no idea how she'll react. She doesn’t know him, and he doesn’t know her. But she’s alert and aware and there's obviously something in her that's still kicking. That's more than enough to go on. Aware. ]
I don’t know who you are or what they’ve done to you, but you don’t belong here. That much is obvious. You know, you really gotta wonder what it is with people who like sticking other people in places they don't belong.
[ He's thinking back to that cave with the Ten Rings and Yinsen and everything that happened there. Yinsen deserved to walk out of that cave. Sometimes Tony still thinks he didn't deserve it. ]
We’re getting out. You can give me the explanations and the details later when you're not locked up here with a taser pointed at you.
Oh yeah, and if you can’t walk, I’ll carry you. But if you can move even a little, now’s the time to try. No pressure if you can't, and this stays right here. Although, if it got out that Tony Stark carried a girl out of a cell, the press would have a field day with that. [ And he really does get a kick out of playing Stump the Press, otherwise known as "What Will Tony Stark Do Next?" ]
So, you up for trying, or are we going to see your best sack of potatoes impression? [ Maybe now isn't the time for jokes, but it's just Tony trying to break up some of the tension. ]
no subject
Tony Stark...
Her eyes narrow slightly in one last attempt to will her body to move. If only she could pull herself forward and make it easier for him. The strain is obvious on her paled face with veins coming to the surface of her skin. It must make her look ghastly with her black hair framing her pale face. The teal to purple undertones of her hair can't even be seen with how much of her hair fans around her body on the ground.
Once he finally kneels down to help her, Little Mermaid once more locks her eyes with his. Another attempt is made to ask him her question without words: Are you okay?
It hardly matters if she is unable to move or how ghastly she looks. She'll be fine. It matters if he is okay. ]
no subject
Hey. Don’t give me that "I'm fine but are you okay" look. You're the one doing your best impression of a marble statue right now.
[ His gaze flicks over her pale face, the veins, the way her hair fans out against the ground. He swallows whatever flash of alarm tries to rise. He's Tony Stark. He doesn't panic, he doesn't get scared. This is all fine, right? Right. ]
You’re gonna be fine. Fifteen minutes, right? Twenty at the most. I’ll wait right here. I’ve got nowhere else I need to be, and if anyone else comes, well, I'll get rid of them. Perks of being the one with his name on the building. Besides, who else is gonna keep you company while you do your Sleeping Beauty routine? You're nailing it, by the way.
[ Maybe Sleeping Beauty isn't the right analogy, but it's the first name that popped into his head. ]
But since you seem so worried, I’m okay. I'm totally fine. So you can stop worrying about me and just focus on breathing until you can move again, deal?
no subject
The one with his name on the building? She's in a building?
A look of acknowledgement crosses her eyes then. She had thought it was in a bunker somewhere buried deep away. Maybe they had moved her at one of the various points they rendered her unconscious. That would explain why someone other than the research team under Stane could find her.
His name on the building...
Oh!
Realization comes to her eyes. Stark Industries--Mr. Stark. She'd make one of her customary oooohs if she could move. So, for now, the expression will have to suffice. Her eyes slide back to look at him and there seems to be a sort of smile in her gaze. If he's found her here and asked all these questions? He never knew. Which means Stane did everything underneath everyone's noses....
Ooh.
Sleeping Beauty? Another look of amusement in her eyes. He is oddly on the mark about fairytales even though he has the wrong one. It's endearing in a way that only she would understand.
An attempt at a nod. As long as he's okay and she protected him as best she could. Okay. She'll focus on breathing. ]
no subject
Yeah, so, we're in a building; specifically, a building that houses some of my stuff. It's kinda hard to miss unless you've been locked in a room without windows for who the hell knows how long. I'm gonna want to know how long, by the way. How long, where you're from, what the goal of keeping you in here was. But more importantly, I think you need to know that whatever this is? It's not your fault. [ Unless she turns out to be a crazy murderbot or something, but if that was the case, she would've already taken him out. ]
Was that a nod? I’m gonna call that a nod. We’ll figure out a better system once you’re not like this. For now, just stick to breathing. I’ve got the rest. [ He glances at her with an appraising eye, and he adds: ] If anything of yours needs fixing, you've met the right guy for the job.
Not to brag or anything. Now, how about we actually get you out of here?
[ If she agrees, and maybe even if she doesn't, he's dialing Happy and having him pick both of them up. ]
no subject
It is her fault, isn't it? She gave herself up to protect Levi.
If anything needs fixing...
Oh, those things he can't fix. He can't change the opinion of the world when it comes to NIKKEs. He can't change the fact they were all labeled as failures. Fixing her heart (not her core) and all the pain and sadness in it? That isn't for an engineer or a builder. If anything? She has to fix it on her own.
Still, she appreciates the offer and tries to smile to show that.
Her gaze shifts towards the entrance. Can she... really leave? Will it really be that easy? No one will be on the other side with guns or anything else to stop her? That had been how she had the mask and taser placed on her originally. She tried to break free. That... didn't get very far.
She tries to nod again with her eyes on the open door. ]
no subject
Wow. Look at you, eyes on the exit like you’re planning a full-scale jailbreak and still somehow managing a sad little smile. You’ve got a flair for drama, I’ll give you that. Well, here's a little secret: so do I.
[ Watching her as she shifts her attention to the door, asking a question without words, and then nodding, still looking at the door, Tony adds: ]
Yeah, you can go. Totally. Screw this joint. Outside that door, there's no guns, no masks, no traps. You're probably not going to believe me until you see it for yourself, but hey, no one's gonna blame you for being this side of paranoid.
That said: want me to carry you out, or should I just stand here looking heroic while you risk face-planting on the floor tiles? Because honestly, watching you trip is not on my list of things to do today.
no subject
She supposes so.
A smile can be seen in her eyes even if she can't make it on her face just yet.
Little Mermaid does her utmost to extend her hand out towards Tony as a signal for him to pick her up. She knows she can't move just yet. There have been too many experiences with the taser. Even if she did nothing to escape or even fight back. Sometimes? It was used just to make her understand "her position." That she truly had no footing to fight back or even bargain for things.
She gave herself up after all.
Amber eyes move back to him with a determined look in her eyes. She is ready to go and see the outside world again. It's more than that. She's ready to trust him. He's done nothing wrong to her thus far and has only offered to help. He's even made her smile--even though the taser limits it. She tries to show it in her eyes instead. He's funny, and, it's been a long time since someone made her laugh.
"I want to see the world again." ]
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You want to see the world again? Lucky for you, giving guided tours is sort of my specialty. Private jets, skyscrapers, maybe a little chaos if you’re into that. Actually, after all this, you're probably not into that, so scratch that idea.
[ He steadies her against his chest, one hand at her back, the other supporting her carefully under her rather long legs. His tone shifts slightly, playful but gentle. ]
But let’s keep it simple for now: just me, you, and the outside world. No armor, no press, no explosions... well, probably.
[ He tilts his head down just enough to flash a smirk, the kind that says he’s half teasing, half serious. ]
Step one: the front door. Step two: maybe sunlight. Step three: figuring out what you actually want to see. How’s that for a plan?
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Maybe even a tad of fear. Not of Tony... but the outside. What has changed? How long has she actually been locked away in facility after facility? Is it dark and dreary with no hope left in it? Is it bright and sunny and the sort of world her squad wanted to make? Has nothing changed at all?
She rests her head against his chest. The motion is controlled as best she can with the paralysis still majorly gripping her. A brief pause happens in her mind with all the thoughts rushing through it. A single one comes to the front. She feels safe right now. Protected. Almost like a hero has come and saved her when she couldn't save herself.
It's almost like a real fairy tale... with the prince saving the princess... and the dragon gone.
Except, is the dragon gone? He might be Tony Stark with his name on the building and everything belonging to him. He might be in charge. But, Stane is...
She'll have to find a way to protect Tony from him. It's the least she can do to repay him for freeing her.
"No armor"?
Little Mermaid raises her eyes to his at his last question. Something of a nod manages to happen then. Yes, she agrees to the idea. ]
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Maybe now isn't a time for showing off, but he's still Tony Stark. He still likes to grandstand and preen a little, even if no one's really watching. ]
But you know, it'd be a really bad look if I dropped you, so- We're just going to go with good old fashioned carrying, okay?
[ He smiles a little when she rests herself against him. He really has no idea who she is or what her story is, but this is nice. Well, "nice" considering she was locked up in his facilities, and he still needs to figure out just who was behind the whole thing. He already has some theories, but he won't be able to chase those down until he's seen her put somewhere safe.
And, well, he can't think of anywhere safer than his own mansion. Maybe she won't want to stay there, but she gets to make that choice too. He'd have to be a total idiot to think that she's been given a lot of opportunities for making her own choices. ]
Look, I'm not so good at the whole inspiring pep talk thing, but right now, you only need to know one thing: you’re not locked away anymore. And I’m not putting you back there.
[ Maybe it's not remotely the same thing, but for Tony, locking her back up would feel like locking DUM-E up and forgetting the key. As annoying as DUM-E can be, he wouldn't do that. ]
Normally, this is the part where I cue up some music and show you a whole new world. Magic carpet, fireworks, questionable vocal range.
[ He pauses for a few seconds, pretending to think, and then he just grins. ]
Oh, wrong fairytale, my bad.
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Even though she already feels safe and protected.
So much so that she leans more against him. The expression in her eyes turns fond and grateful.
"You're not locked away anymore. And I'm not putting you back in there."
Her eyes widen.
It feels as if her heart flutters. Water pools in her eyes and she closes them. Her head rests entirely against his chest as a way to say "Thank you."
Her head tilts down slightly as if she is laughing. She's not sure which fairytale he means, but, Mr. Stark is very funny.
Outside her locked room--container--is nothing like she thought it would be.
The architecture is entirely different from what she knows. It's certainly a scientific facility, but not a bunker or anything that she is familiar with. Nothing militant.
Her hands flex slightly as the paralysis begins to wear off. Amber eyes dart side to side to take in all the details. There are stairs and then out what she would assume is a backdoor. She winces slightly at how bright the sun is--how long has it been since she's felt the sun? It feels like it would be evening. ]
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Not locked away anymore. Definitely not putting you back.
[ He decides that her movements are her way of saying "thank you". Maybe he's way wrong, but what else can he do but guess? ] You're welcome. And, for the record, I have no idea which fairytale I just ruined. Probably Aladdin. Wrong carpet, wrong princess. Yeah, I bet that's it. You're Little Mermaid, because she couldn't talk for awhile. I bet you'll be able to talk just fine once all that wears off.
[ They make their way along with Tony navigating stairs and hallways until he reaches one of the back doors of the place. He figures it makes more sense to go out through the back than waltzing out the front door like this is a normal, every day occurrence. ]
Sun's a bit bright, huh? Haven't seen it in a while? Yeah, I know that feeling. [ He remembers how that went when he was in Afghanistan; there's really not much sunlight inside caves. ]
Don't worry, princess, there's no alarms, no walls, no stasis field. Just sunlight, stairs, and maybe a coffee if you're lucky. Or tea if you're a tea kind of lady.
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Free...
How long has she been kept away?
Oh! Aladdin. The story about the forty thieves! She doesn't know much about it, but, she does recall it being mentioned when the discussion of the origins of their names came up one day. She always thought hers fitting because of her love of the sea.
The sea... she hasn't seen the ocean in so long.
"You're Little Mermaid..."
Little Mermaid's eyes immediately open, despite how bright it is, and focuses intently on his face. She can tell by the tone of his voice he simply was joking, amused by the string of fairytales he could bring to mind to lighten the mood. However, he found onto her name. Not even the nickname that she goes by because her name is so long. Her real name.
The name she's had since she first woke up as a NIKKE.
And he... mamaged to guess it? ]
Huh huh! [ She forces her voice to at least make her usual vocalizations--not that Mr. Stark would be familiar with them. Another strained nod. Yes! That's my name. I'm Little Mermaid. ] Oooh!
[ She wishes the paralysis would wear off faster. It's why her hands curl and she tries to gesture to herself to make her point even clearer.
He really is like a prince coming to save her. Which means she has to protect him from the dragon! Stane is nothing like an evil sea witch.
Something about how he says that he knows what the feeling is like makes her pause her excited attempts at communication. A tilt of her head as she watches his expression. He's funny, and strong to be able to carry her, but there's an under current of something else. That something that makes her feel he doesn't like the idea of things being locked away. People being locked away. ]
Aoou? [ Are you okay? It's okay now. No one is locked away anymore! You made sure of it somehow. Didn't you?
Then, she hears it.
The sound of mechanics. It comes from his chest... along with his heartbeat. A gentle whirling sound of energy. She doesn't point it out or ask about it. That's none of her business. Something mechanical inside him... her heart squeezes and she isn't sure why. Not that she has long to mull over the thoughts as she hears a car turn and stop a little ways from them.
Her amber eyes snap towards the car. She's never seen one like it before. A few blinks and a heavier set man is stepping out from the driver's side of the car. ]
"Boss, you gotta be more specific in your texts! What does 'saving a girl' even mean? I don't speak superhero! Hang on, whose the girl? Is she okay? She looks like a wreck!"
Ahh? [ Texts? Superhero? Mr. Stark is a hero? Like Captain America...? ]
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Wait, so I actually guessed right? Little Mermaid... Okay, guess I got lucky on my first try, but then again, I'm kind of a genius.
[ The way she tilts her head at him makes him pause, though. He's still holding onto her, still very aware of the way she's trying to move against the paralysis. She's trying to ask him something without words, and while it takes him a few seconds to try and understand it, he just rolls with it. ]
Yeah, I'm okay. Or, you know, my version of okay. Which means walking around with spare parts in my chest and bad habits in my head. Lots of bad habits, actually.
[ If he hadn't been watching her so closely, he would've missed how the constant faint hum of the arc reactor catches her attention. He doesn't even notice it anymore, not really, but someone tuned into sounds would probably pick it up. Or maybe all it takes is just being really dialed in and perceptive, which he says he is, most of the time.
He keeps watching her, looking for her reactions, not wanting to miss one, since that seems to be her primary mode of communication right now. But before he can say anything more, the sound of tires crunching on gravel catches his attention. ]
Of course. Right on time.
[ Tony rolls his eyes before tossing back a retort: ]
More specific texts? I was a little busy, Hap. You want me to send you a full PowerPoint next time? Title slide: Hero Stuff, Try to Keep Up.
[ He shifts his hold on Little Mermaid slightly, glancing down at her again before returning his attention to Happy. ]
She's fine. Now, that is. Not 100% yet, but she will be. Just had a rough time, but she'll bounce back. [ He's not entirely certain just why he's so confident, but something about her tells him she's not a quitter. ]
Since you’re here now, think you can clear some room in the backseat? Because apparently I'm in the business of picking up fairytale royalty now.
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[ Yes! That's me. I'm Little Mermaid.
A genuis? Oh. He runs a company, that makes sense! Especially one like Stark Industries. Every piece of technology she has seen for ... however long it has been was made by his company. He must be a genuis to make some of these things!
Spare parts in his chest?
The man he refers to as "Hap" stops on the side of the car facing them. He wears a suit and looks annoyed beyond measure, but, she gets the feeling this is almost normal? Maybe people don't keep up with Mr. Stark very well? ]
"Hero Stuff? I thought we were past all that in house! You cleaned it all up after, y'know." [ Hap makes a weird gesture that makes her smile. Still, he's opening the back door and getting one the request. ] "What the hell does fairytale royalty even mean?"
[ Royalty...
Little Mermaid tenses slightly. Her hands are curled. She doesn't think Mr. Stark would harm her--he would have already--but where are they going? ]
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Relax, Mermaid. He's just busting my chops. [ He gives a small side-eye at Happy, his tone dry but not at all that serious. ] And FYI, Happy, she's not literally royalty. But queen or no queen, we should be treating her like royalty. [ Except the only problem there is, Tony's way of treating women isn't exactly what one might call the royalty treatment. He doesn't treat women badly, but maybe Mermaid wouldn't like being lured in with seductive talk bordering on dirty.
... He can't remember the last time he had to stop and think about something like this. ]
I'll let you know what it means when I've figured it out, okay?
[ But then he turns his attention back to her. ]
Where are we going, you might ask? Not a dungeon, not a palace, unfortunately. Just home base: My place, my rules, and Happy's security standards. Which, luckily for you, includes no bowing, no crowns, and no getting locked in towers. Unless- well, unless you want all that, then I'm sure I can pull a few strings to make that happen.
[ Then, louder, with a smirk aimed at Happy, just with no edge to it: ]
Drive, would ya? Before she starts thinking you're my evil vizier or something.
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It sounds so strange to hear someone say even part of her full name. They had always called her "Siren." Not that Mr. Stark would know! They've just met. Still...
Something about him saying even part of her full name makes her feel warm. Almost like she's in one of her bubbles. The smile widens underneath the mask.
A shake of her head. No, they don't have to treat her like royalty! It's okay!
"My place"... so, where he lives then?
His vague references to princess movies never truly land in her realm of knowledge. Her attention turns to the inside of the back seat. Of course, a car is still a car, and it's easy enough to tell what belongs where. Happy sits in the driver's seat and turns his head to look at Tony. ]
"C'mon, Tony. You gotta give me something! How do you walk into your own building and come out with a girl? No, I know how it sounds! You come out with a woman on your arm, not IN your arms wearing a mask she hasn't taken off."
[ The car turns over and begins to pull out and onto the streets and eventually the freeway.
Little Mermaid feels herself slide slightly down into the backseat. She decides that's okay. She can see parts of passing buildings and scenery as they keep going. A part of the sky is even visible.
Her eyes widen.
The sky...
It's sunset and the light is fading fast. Blue is changing into purple. Her eyes transfix on the sky as they continue their trip. It's been so long since she has seen the sky. Clouds. The fading sunlight still feels bright to her. Her hands curl as more of the paralysis wears off. She's not afraid... she's in awe.
Not that she would expect the men in the car with her to realize as they talk to one another.
Mr. Stark seems so different from Stane. No, not seems. He is different. He's treated her just like a normal human woman. Then again, he hasn't seen what she can do. He's barely heard her voice. Maybe he has no idea she's a NIKKE. Just... some random human woman that had been locked up. Someone who made a bubble appear.
She feels Happy glance at her several times in the mirror. Her gaze doesn't change.
For a moment, her eyes close and she simply enjoys the movement the car makes. The sounds of engines she doesn't recongize.
The car slows down and comes to a stop. The engine cuts.
Her eyes open again. Where are they now? ]
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[ He leans back against the seat while shoots Happy a look. ] Also, don't make it weird. Seriously. She doesn’t need the running commentary right now. She’s had a day. Probably several days. Months. Years. Who the hell knows?
[ His eyes flick back to her, then down to her hands for a second like he's trying to clock if she's holding together. ]
They called you Siren, right? Yeah, I heard it once or twice. Dunno who thought that up; was that you? That what you want to be called? Between you and me, you don't look like someone who lures sailors to their doom. You look like someone who deserves to breathe actual air again. Maybe you look like someone who does the whole "I wanna be part of your world" thing.
[ The car quiets for a moment, and he notices how her attention seems to briefly lock onto the sky. Her eyes look wide, like it's the first real sky she's seen. He doesn't say anything at first, choosing instead to just watch. It reminds him of the cave: of the first time he walked out, squinting against the light and thinking the sun had never been that bright in his life. He clears his throat before that thought sticks too long. ]
You're looking at it like it's brand new. Which, honestly? It might be. The sunset in Malibu, one of the few things in life I'll vouch for personally. Ten out of ten, no room for variation. You'll get used to it. In a good way.
[ As the car rolls to a stop, he straightens a little, forcing some of the weight out of his tone. Back to control, back to forward momentum and action. ] Let's get you inside. You're safe now, and whatever came before? That's done. [ Maybe he shouldn't be making promises, and maybe he can't promise safety, but safety seems like one thing she really needs, and for reasons he hardly understands, he wants to give that to her. ]
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[ Happy Hogan may seem just as eccentric and unable to follow simple things, but, he is very perceptive. He's noted that Tony seems oddly protective of the mysterious woman--and Tony Stark doesn't do protective. Well, not publicly anyways. He's protective of his circle. That circle is Happy, Pepper Potts, and James Rhodes. It stands out that he's this way over someone he just met inside his own building. Someone that none of them seem to know about. Someone that Happy isn't entirely sure can be trusted--but that bit of paranoia is part of why he was head of Tony's personal security detail for so long. Before transferring to Pepper.
Also perceptive enough to know when to shut up because Tony's giving information in that typical quip manner of his. Seems like their mystery woman has been locked away for potentially a while.
Little Mermaid's eyes never leave the sunset. However, she gives a brief nod to his question. Yes. "Siren" had been her idea because it was her nickname. A name her squadmates had given her because it was easier to say than her full name. In a way, it had become her name, because they never used another name. It had made sense to introduce herself that way to not only Levi but to Stane.
How did Mr. Stark hear about her name?
Her gaze finally turns back up to him once the car stops and her arms begin to move as if to try and push herself up from his lap. Oh, his lap. The realization dawns on her that she had her head there the entire time. She stops mid motion and glances back up at him shyly, apologetically, and with her arms shaking under her weight.
I'm sorry.
Not that she can fully move her mouth just yet.
The door is opened by Happy who motions for them to step outside. He helps Tony out then helps him get Little Mermaid out of the vehicle. With a few steps he is then at the front door of the rather large breathtaking building that seems to be oddly circular and yet straight at the same time. It almost seems to defy the notion of how buildings should even look in some ways...
Little Mermaid's attention however is quickly taken back to the sky. Amber eyes once again transfixed on the colors of the sunset spreads across what she can see beyond the impossible building. Mr. Stark had said Malibu, hadn't he? She's not entirely sure where that is, but it definitely wasn't where she was before she had been taken.
The fading sunlight hits the teal undertones of her hair and almost seems to make her glow. Color slowly starts to return to the once pale skin. A hand raises against Tony's chest. Just so she can have a moment more to look into the sky before he takes her to where he believes is safe.
"... whatever came before? That's done."
The hand curls into his shirt. Amber eyes turn to look up at him once more. ]
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Is that what that's called? Yeah, sure, we'll go with that. Effective immediately, you have now been promoted. Call it an executive decision made during extenuating circumstances. You’re head of the Stark Industries “Weird Stuff Division” now... Head of Security on paper. And on the badge, since you'll probably be wanting one of those. Congratulations, Happy; by the way, the benefits package includes chronic confusion and hazard pay in the form of migraines.
[ His glance travels back over to Little Mermaid. ]
You haven't seen her go in because my guess is, she wasn't supposed to be seen. As far as I can tell, she's not one of Stane's board members, she's not another investor, and she's definitely not one of those influencers trying to sell me skin cream. She's under Stark protection officially. So you keep an eye on her and me, got it?
[ He figures Happy will get it, especially when he fixes him with a look and adds a certain tone to his voice, the kind of tone he gets when he's dealing with something personal, something he's decided is his to fix. ]
Besides, you know me, or you should, by now. If I'm promoting someone, it's either because I've hit my head one too many times or because I trust them not to screw it up. 10 points if you guess which one applies here. I'll give you a hint, it's actually not the first option, believe it or not.
[ When the car stops, he starts to move, because getting Mermaid out of the car and inside where he can do a proper examination is more important right now. ]
Hey, maybe don't move so much. You just survived who knows what; I think you earned the right to use my lap as a pillow, or whatever the hell you want. First we get you inside and comfortable, then... I don't know, we'll play it by ear. That's always worked for me in the past. [ Spoilers: no it hasn't. ]
Starting now, you're safe. [ He ignores the voice in his head telling him he can't guarantee her safety. Maybe he can't, but maybe he can do something to keep unwanted company away. That's something, right? ] Why? Because I said so, that's why.
[ He looks down at her slightly as if giving her a brief once-over. ] Bedroom or workshop first... And don't look at me like that, Happy, you know what I mean: rest or examination? I'm thinking rest first, work later.
[ And by that, he means she can rest while he heads to the workshop to... well, work. ]
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"Weird Stuff Division."
A smile touches her face under her mask. Mr. Stark really is funny. ]
"Oh, I already have the chronic confusion and migraines. No one ever understands what you're thinking, Tony. Most of us are just trying to keep up with you!"
[ That sounds lonely...
Happy glances at Tony in the driver's mirror. The look in his eyes says he can keep the joking atmosphere rolling, but he gets the seriousness of it all. It isn't difficult to see the appearance of this woman has rattled his boss. Just not in the usual sort of rattling.
A blush spreads on her face at the idea of using his lap more. It was nice, but, she won't impose! She doesn't want to be a burden or a bother. He's already done more than enough by taking her out of her prison and the building. He could just let her into the wilds and she would be fine from there! Maybe
... she could take Stane on her own.
If only she knew he was dead now.
The sun starts to disappear behind the unsual shaped mansion. A sigh leaves her. She closes her eyes. After a moment she looks back up at Tony. A nod is given to whatever he feels is best. If he wants her to rest in a room? She can find a way to get her bubbles to break the taser mask. If he wants to take her to a workshop? She'll hold still the best she can for him.
She tilts her head into his shoulder as another gesture of thankfulness.
Happy rolls his eyes and makes for the main door. He hold it open for the two. The lights in the house come on as soon as Tony steps in. ]
Welcome home, sir. I see you've brought company. Do you need me to prepare anything?
Ah, Mr. Hogan as well. Official Stark Industries business, then?
"Something like that. "
[ Her head tilts back to try and find the source of the voice over ... speakers? ]
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But hey, if he's constantly going and constantly busy, he doesn't have time to be lonely, right? ]
Now that you mention it... I think we better get that thing off her first. JARVIS, you know what to do. Wake up the workshop, the robots, the whole shebang.
Happy... [ He glances at the other man who's way more loyal than Tony deserves. At least, he'd be the first person to say that, knowing he really doesn't give him enough credit. ] Get yourself dinner on me. [ He doesn't often do things like that, but he figures sometimes he can do something not assholish. ]
Yeah, that's what I want you to do: get dinner and I'll see you in the morning. That okay? [ It might seem as though he doesn't always treat Happy that well, but he's one of the few friends he has. ]
This might end up being an all nighter. [ But then he smiles at Mermaid. ] For me, that is.
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[ Little Mermaid watches the back and forth before Happy seems to be sure things will be alright. She tries to smile with her eyes for him as he leaves as a way of thanking him. Then, she looks back up at Tony when she feels his gaze back on her.
Oh! She can stay up all night too. It's okay!
She nods. ]
Of course, sir. The workshop is ready. Do you need me to prepare anything?
[ A shaking hand reaches out to the railing on the staircase that descends down into... at first she thinks it's a garage. There are more than just a few cars parked there. Then, she sees the computers and tools. Oh! He makes what he invents!
Once they are inside the workshop, she helps settle herself down onto a stool. She can sit up right now, despite a shake in her hands still. They lift to pull her large amount of hair away from one side of her head so he can look at the taser. ]
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Yeah, yeah, I know. Some of us are responsible adults who sleep. Thanks, Mom. [ He waves a hand dismissively. ] Go home, get horizontal. Not like that; don’t wink at me on your way out. Unless it is like that. What you do at home is your own business.
[ He can't stop himself from smirking at the other man. It's friendly ribbing, something he's done with Happy for years. If anyone can take it, it'll be him.
Tony watches Happy leave, then glances down just in time to catch Little Mermaid's expression. ]
He worries. It's his hobby, you know. Sometimes it's like having a dad who's actually around. But I know what you're thinking, and you don't have to be like me. I'm a terrible role model for anything involving rest, self-preservation, or common sense. Why's that? Because common sense can sometimes be boring. Note that I said sometimes.
[ He watches her reach out for the railing, staying just close enough that if her hand slips on the rail, he's already in reach.
He keeps watching her as he notes how she looks around, taking in the cars, and then his computers and his tools. ]
Yeah, I have a routine, kind of. Ideas get stuck in my head so I come down here to work on them before I forget what they are. It's kind of a nightly thing, and it drives Happy nuts. And just so you have plausible deniability, this is me warning you that it's a vicious cycle. Don't get into it if you can help it.
[ Once she's on the stool, he moves to quickly adjust it without making a production of it, one hand steadying the base so it doesn't wobble under her.
With that done, and with the taser exposed, Tony steps in to get a look at it. ]
Okay, let's see what we're dealing with here. Oh, and by the way, if anything stings, or buzzes, or feels wrong, poke me or something. We need to figure out how bad this is and how fast I can fix it, because it's been stuck on you long enough.
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So, Tony and his father didn't get along very well. It's not just the words he uses. The way he phrases it and the tone. Maybe people would over look it, but, she's noticed it. She won't point it out though! Just, make a note to herself not ask about the family.
A shake of her head. It's fine! Her concept of time--night and say cycles--is all wrong anyways. What may feel like day time could be the middle of the night for all she knows. Not to mention NIKKEs don't really need to sleep often.
He really is an inventor then! Just like Abe was. She would be up at all hours in making things for them and improving their weapons. Well, Cinderella's Hansel and Gretels weapons. Hers... well, Tony has already seen it in action to some extent. She doesn't need a gun or anything like that.
A firm nod is given to his terms. She can do that if anything happens! That won't be hard at all. Though, now, she isn't even sure how long it's been on her...
The design itself is rather crude for a Stark Industries standard. The prototype taser itself that Tony designed, attached to the mask that covers her jaw and neck to halfhazardly connect to the almost diving like suit she wears. A simple detection mechanism to detect when movement has breached the "allowed" distance. Which she demonstrates by opening her jaw, but stopping just short of triggering it again. She can feel where it presses into the skin back behind her ear. Her mouth remains slightly open, covered by the almost skin tight mask, amber eyes reaching his.
She is very calm despite the circumstances. Not to mention a look of complete trust is in her gaze. She knows he can find a way to take it off. He said he designed it! Which means Stane stole it and used it for his own purposes. That's not Tony's fault. ]
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You probably figured it out; family's complicated for most people, but it's definitely complicated for me. Let’s just say my dad showed up more in theory than in practice. Oh, he tried, and I guess he did his best, but- yeah.
[ He shifts slightly, leaning forward just enough to tilt his head, amber eyes scanning the mask and the taser connections. ] Honestly, I figured you'd be more worked up. More freaked out. This could backfire if I touch anything the wrong way; I won't, by the way, because it's me, but how would you know that? [ He dismisses the idea that she trusts him, because why would she? She doesn't know him at all. ]
I get it though. My job is figuring this out and getting you out of this alive. And I will, don't get me wrong. [ But if he doesn't, and she ends up fried, that's on him, like it's always been.
After a few minutes of near-silent tinkering, minus the occasional thinking sound from Tony, he exclaims: ] Aha, I think I got it. [ He always knew he would, but tech has a funny way of being complicated; maybe that's why he likes it so much. ]
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Mr. Stark isn't a real prince, but he is certainly charming. He also saved her like a prince saves a princess! There is a thought that she wishes she looked less ghastly for him. Pale skin, the veins slowly returning to normal, red around the eyes. All thanks to the taser of course.
Still, she can't help but wish she looked prettier.
Little Mermaid glances to the side with a blush and tries to ignore the thought. He wouldn't be interested in her that way! He has been kind enough to save her without knowing more than her name.
She sits still as he works. Eyes glance to him out of the corner. Her fingers knot nervously together. Not out of a lack of trust, but more, what should she say? He already guessed her name! Introductions seem a little pointless...
The click activates behind her ear. Eyes widen. She feels the athletic fabric around her neck and her mouth lax. It hangs limp at the top of her suit. She reaches up with her shaking hand and gently pulls it down all the way.
A long moment passes as it settles in that for the first time in so long she can speak freely.
What should she say first? Words are powerful things. Things she couldn't always express. They have meaning and purpose.
There's only really one thing to say!
Little Mermaid turns on the stool to face Tony. A wide beaming smile takes her face, and she realizes this would be the first time he has seen it without a making the few hours they're known each other. He has only heard sounds and a few words.
With her voice a little hoarse from everything she says one simple tjing: ]
Thank you, Mr. Stark!
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Hey, you’re welcome. And you don’t have to call me Mr. Stark. Makes me feel like I should be signing permission slips. Just Tony is fine.
[ He shifts slightly, giving her space now that the collar’s down, making sure she’s really okay before continuing. ]
For the record, you don’t look ghastly. You look like someone who’s been through hell and came out the other side still standing, despite someone's best efforts to keep that from happening.
[ And then, almost as if he's suddenly feeling awkward, he starts fiddling with his tools to buy himself some time. ]
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Hehe, [ a small giggle comes from her, ] I didn't mean just for removing the mask.
[ Thank you for saving me.
It's okay if he doesn't understand what she isn't saying. She doesn't expect him to anyways. ]
Just Tony... [ a "oooh" slips from her in understanding. Okay. Just Tony! ] Most people call me just Siren, because my full name is long.
[ Which he already knows from guessing it. How he heard the name "Siren" is still something she wonders. ]
I'm sure I don't look very nice... but, I should be back to normal soon.
[ She then tugs the mask out from under the armored wet suit she wears. A long stare at it for a moment before she looks back at Tony. What should she do with it? He made it, right? It wouldn't be right for her to be the one to decide what to do with it! ]