As Tony appeared back in the R&D section of his private suite, Pepper approached him quietly. She had been watching from the sidelines, concern etched clearly on her face.
"Are you really alright?" she asked softly.
Tony paused, then nodded. "I am."
But Pepper could see it—he was shaken. His words were calm, but his eyes told another story.
"It's not your fault," she said gently. "The weapons you made… you couldn't have known they'd be used like that."
Tony looked away for a moment, then let out a slow breath.
"Still… they were weapons I designed for peace. And they ended up fueling terrorism." His voice was low, heavy with guilt. "I can't ignore that anymore, Pepper."
Pepper hesitated for a moment, then added gently, "By the way… are you hurt? There's a rumor going around—about a powerful doctor who's been making waves in high circles. They say he's a mutant… with healing abilities."
Tony glanced at her, surprised by the sudden change in topic—but also curious. As she leaned in a bit closer, placing a hand near his chest as if feeling for any hidden wound, he gave her a tired smile.
"Well, then… call him," Tony said simply.
Pepper nodded. "I'll set it up."
Meanwhile – At Alex's Clinic
The soft hum of healing wards filled the air as Alex moved through the quiet corridors of his private clinic. The waiting room outside was calm, filled with the scent of antiseptic herbs and subtle energy fields that soothed the soul as much as the body.
Inside the main treatment chamber, Alex stood over a middle-aged man with burn injuries. Golden threads of energy flowed gently from his fingertips, weaving into the man's damaged skin. The patient winced—but then gasped in wonder as the pain faded.
"There," Alex said calmly. "Your nerve channels are stable again. Don't lift anything heavy for two days."
The man gave a stunned bow of gratitude, but before Alex could say anything more, he heard the door chime.
His assistant stepped in, eyes wide. "Um… Alex? You have a guest. Very high-profile."
Before he could ask who, a familiar, poised voice echoed through the hallway.
"Dr. Alex?" Pepper Potts entered the clinic, dressed in a sleek cream coat and sunglasses. She looked around, clearly impressed by the calm, refined environment.
Alex raised an eyebrow but greeted her politely. "Miss Potts. This is a surprise."
Pepper offered a soft smile. "Sorry to drop in unannounced. I know you're busy, but I was hoping we could speak—privately."
Alex nodded and guided her into his office.
Once the door closed, Pepper got straight to the point.
"I'm here on behalf of Tony Stark. He's recovering physically… but he's not quite whole. There's damage—internally. Mentally, emotionally, and yes, physically too."
She hesitated, then added, "We've heard rumors. About you. About what you can do."
Alex folded his arms, thoughtful. "Rumors have a way of exaggerating things."
Pepper met his eyes. "Maybe. But Tony trusts very few people… and for some reason, I think he might trust you."
A moment passed.
Alex nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll come."
Pepper exhaled, relief flickering across her face. "Thank you. Stark Tower is ready for your arrival. A car's waiting downstairs."
Alex turned back toward the clinic. "Give me ten minutes. I just need to finish up with one more patient."
Pepper gave him a nod and left quietly.
As Alex prepared his tools and grabbed a sealed case filled with restorative items, he whispered to himself, almost amused—
"So… finally, we meet, Tony Stark."
Alex turned, his coat brushing against the polished floor as he walked toward the clinic's front desk. Maria was already waiting there, having overheard part of the conversation.
"Maria," he said calmly, "I'm leaving the clinic in your care for now."
She nodded firmly, eyes full of understanding. "Of course. Everything will be taken care of here."
With that, Alex exited the building, his long coat trailing behind him. Just outside, a sleek black car awaited—its windows tinted, its design unmistakably high-end. A professional chauffeur stood by the open rear door.
Without a word, Alex stepped in and sank into the leather seat. The door shut behind him with a soft click, and the car rolled away, humming smoothly as it glided through the city streets.
The skyline shifted as they drove, buildings giving way to the towering silhouette of Stark's private estate—Stark Mansion. Gleaming glass and steel rose against the blue sky, standing like a monument to progress and power.
Alex stared out the window as they approached, fingers loosely steepled, his eyes thoughtful.
The car pulled to a gentle stop at the foot of Stark Mansion's front steps. A moment later, the door opened, and Alex stepped out—his presence composed, calm, yet quietly commanding. He took in the towering structure with a brief glance before Pepper greeted him at the door.
"Glad you came," she said with a professional smile. "Tony's expecting you. He's… well, tinkering. As usual."
Alex gave a slight nod. "I'd expect nothing less."
She guided him through the sleek, open halls of Stark Mansion—glass walls, arc-reactor-powered lighting, and minimalist furniture that somehow still screamed wealth and genius.
As they approached the lab area, soft mechanical whirrs, electric beeps, and the faint sound of holographic interfaces filled the air.
Tony was seated on a stool near his workbench, surrounded by partially assembled tech—gauntlet pieces, micro-servos, and arc-cell blueprints floating in midair. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing grease-stained forearms, and he was adjusting a delicate component with the precision of a surgeon and the speed of someone used to saving lives with a screwdriver.
He didn't look up right away.
"Pepper, if that's another investor wanting reassurance, tell them to get in line behind the lawsuits."
Pepper smirked slightly. "Not exactly. Your appointment's here."
Tony paused.
He looked up, eyes meeting Alex's with subtle curiosity. For a moment, nothing was said. Then Tony set his tool down, stood, and walked over.
"You're the one with the reputation," he said, giving Alex a once-over. "Doctor. Healer. Rumored mutant. Clinic tucked into a corner of the city where even politicians make quiet visits."
Alex simply nodded. "And you're the genius billionaire who nearly died in a cave and came back trying to change the world."
Tony blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Fair enough."
He extended his hand. "Tony Stark."
Alex took it with a firm grip. "Alex."
Their handshake lingered a half-second longer than normal—measured, assessing, but not hostile.
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