章 128: Chapter 128: Going Home
[Third Person's PoV]
Melissa lay sprawled out on the bed, arms and legs spread wide as she gazed at the ceiling, a look of utter boredom plastered across her face. She huffed, exasperated, her fingers tapping against the bed rhythmically.
In front of her, Tony stood with his hand on his chin, deep in thought. His mind raced as he considered his next project. 'Should I go full liquid metal Symbiote?' he mused. 'No… I promised Melissa I'd be more careful. Better to start with a regular biological symbiote, something manageable. Once I figure out the symbiote aspect, I can work on perfecting it. If it turns out bad, I can just destroy it before it develops consciousness.'
His thoughts were interrupted by Melissa's tired voice, snapping him back to reality.
"Hey, Tony…" she said, her tone drenched in exhaustion.
Tony glanced over at her, his eyebrows raised. "Yeah?" he responded, seeing the way she looked seconds away from dying of sheer boredom.
"What are we still doing here?" Melissa asked, propping herself up on her elbows. "Star put the internship on hold, and tomorrow's our last day. So what's the point of us staying here? Wouldn't it make more sense to send us home?"
Tony furrowed his brow. "Wouldn't it look bad if we just up and left without saying anything to the President?" he asked, though he sounded unsure himself.
Melissa let out a groan and rolled her eyes. "Look bad? Tony, we literally risked our lives to protect him. If anything, he should be giving us a medal of honor, not keeping us here like this!" she grumbled, clearly irritated.
"Friday, call Star," Tony instructed, and one of the room's large screens flickered to life, showing a ringing video call. After a few moments, Star's face appeared on the screen, seated in what looked like a car.
"Tony?" Star asked, tilting her head, clearly confused. "Is something the matter?"
Tony sighed heavily, his voice tired. "Star… what the hell are we still doing here?" His usual energy was drained, his frustration evident.
Melissa rolled over to the edge of the bed so Star could see her too, her face equally filled with boredom.
Star blinked, trying to process the question. "What do you mean?"
Tony exhaled sharply. "Why are we still here? If we're too injured to continue the internship, why not just send us home instead of keeping us on house arrest?"
Before Star could answer, another voice interrupted from off-screen. "Hm? Is that young Stark? Pass me the phone, I have a few words for him," said a familiar voice, one that belonged to none other than the President himself.
Star shifted the camera, and the screen revealed President Jonathan sitting beside his wife. His expression was calm but serious.
"Mr. Stark," the President nodded in acknowledgment.
"Mr. President," Tony responded with a respectful nod, arms crossed, his expression stoic.
The President smiled kindly. "First of all, on behalf of the United States of America, I want to thank you for your service. Star, along with my security, has informed me of what you and Ms. Shields did to ensure my wife and I were kept safe. Your bravery is greatly appreciated, and I want you to know that once this situation is resolved, you will both be highly compensated for your efforts."
Melissa, now sitting upright at the edge of the bed, listened intently, her previous boredom now replaced with curiosity.
"I wanted to personally thank you earlier, but I was told that you both needed rest," the President continued. "It's unfortunate that your trip had to end this way. I had hoped you could have joined us, but given the circumstances, that isn't possible. That said, I am officially relieving both you and Ms. Shields of your duties. You are free to return home and recover as you see fit."
Tony nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Mr. President. It's a shame we have to cut this short, but we understand."
The President gave him a warm smile. "I hope this experience doesn't deter you from future collaborations with us."
Tony grinned, flashing two thumbs up. "Nah, I'd be losing out on profit if I did that. And we both know I'm all about that money."
Melissa groaned, rolling her eyes before playfully kicking him in the backside. "Tony, seriously?"
The President burst into hearty laughter at Tony's comment, wiping a tear from his eye. "Ah, I needed that. I truly hope you two make a full and swift recovery."
Both Tony and Melissa gave small, respectful bows, their time in Japan influencing their mannerisms.
The President handed the phone back to Star, who was about to speak when Tony snapped his fingers, ending the call abruptly.
"Tony…" Melissa raised an eyebrow, looking at him incredulously. "She was about to say something. Did you really have to hang up?"
Tony shrugged nonchalantly. "Hm? Was she? Didn't notice."
Melissa gave him a disapproving look. "You know, being nice and forgiving wouldn't kill you."
Tony smirked smugly. "Neither does being petty. So, I'll be as petty as I please."
Melissa sighed and rolled her eyes at Tony's smug response, leaning back against the bed again. "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?"
Tony just grinned, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "And yet, here you are, putting up with me."
She smirked at him, shaking her head. "Yeah, well, you're lucky you're cute."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Melissa laughed softly before stretching out on the bed once more, her earlier boredom slowly fading after the call with the President. "So... we're going home now, right?"
"Yep, all we need to do is pack and we'll be ready to go." Tony said, pushing himself off the wall and looking around the room. "Finally, no more being cooped up like prisoners. I can actually get back to working on the project."
After changing into something less revealing, Tony and Melissa packed their clothes into their luggage. Once everything was ready, Tony walked toward the window, suitcase in hand.
"Where are you going?" Melissa asked, watching him curiously.
With a smirk, Tony put on his lantern suit and pointed upward toward the roof. "We're heading up."
Melissa frowned. "Are we seriously flying while carrying all this? The suitcases would burn from the friction."
Tony chuckled confidently. "Melissa, you're forgetting that since we fly, we also own a jet capable of going beyond hypersonic."
Melissa blinked, realization dawning on her. "Ah, right…" With that, they both flew out of the hotel window and up to the roof, where they landed on a helipad.
Setting their luggage down, Tony held out his ring. "Friday, bring forth the Stark Jet."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, giving Tony a weird look. "The Stark Jet?"
Tony shrugged. "Yeah? What else would I call it?"
Melissa scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I should start naming my inventions Shield this and Shield that."
Tony made a face of distaste. "Shield this and that sounds like a horrible name."
Melissa playfully glared at him. "Tony, as much as I love you, you really know how to get under my skin sometimes. You're lucky I don't punch you."
Tony just grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. A moment later, they noticed a ripple in the sky as the Stark Jet descended onto the helipad, its thrusters aimed down.
They boarded, secured their luggage, and strapped themselves in. Tony sighed contentedly. "Now, let's go home. I miss my Baymax."
With that, the jet blasted off into the sky, carrying them swiftly toward home.
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