"Sir, Mr. Levi sent a thank-you letter," Jarvis reported to Tony Stark, devoid of emotion.
Tony, feeling hot, had unbuttoned his suit and looked slightly disheveled. Jarvis's defeat had gotten to him, yet Jarvis, being AI, remained indifferent.
"Why!" Tony sighed, waving dismissively. "That guy just irritates me."
"I should charge him for advertising. I showed up at his press conference and gave him free publicity!"
When it came to shamelessness, Tony was no slouch.
Jarvis asked, "How much do you want?"
Seeing Jarvis so serious, Tony pondered it.
"At least 10 million dollars!"
After a moment, Jarvis replied emotionlessly, "Sir, Mr. Levi's response: Get lost."
Tony laughed it off. "Let him go too!"
This darn capitalist!
"Jarvis, ask if he's interested in collaborating on the brain-computer interface."
Despite his arrogance, Tony Stark was a businessman. Money needed to be made.
---
Italians, like people from the East, value family greatly. Italian cuisine is delightful, and Gwen particularly loves pizza.
Levi took her to a restaurant, reserving a window seat. Gwen eagerly began ordering.
Levi, however, isn't fond of pizza. It's fine occasionally, but too much is cumbersome.
Gwen preferred fast food, and pizza was perfect for on-the-go.
Levi ordered steak and authentic pasta, thicker sauce, and red wine.
He'd planned meticulously for this.
But after ordering, he noticed Gwen seemed distracted.
"Gwen, what's wrong?"
Gwen gazed out the window, watching police cars race by.
"Woo woo woo!"
Cars quickly made way.
Though New York is a metropolis and economic hub, it's also home to many homeless people.
No, they're 'unhoused.'
America is concerned about its image.
Thus, New York's crime rate is high.
Many super criminals are drawn to New York.
"Gwen!" Levi gently tapped her.
"Oh."
Gwen Stacy snapped back, nervously apologizing, "I'm sorry."
"Anything I can do?"
Levi asked deliberately.
"Boss, I... I just remembered something at school."
Gwen looked down, embarrassed.
Levi sighed inwardly but didn't show it. "It's okay, need to go now?"
"Yes, it's important."
Gwen nodded.
"Take the pizza, don't go hungry."
Seeing her order arrive, Levi had it boxed.
Gwen appreciated his thoughtfulness, feeling warmed.
She promised: "Next time, dinner's on me."
"Good."
Levi watched her leave with her bag and pizza.
What was a dinner for two became a solo meal.
Levi, feeling a bit bored, looked out the window.
A black and white figure appeared on a nearby wall—Ghost Spider-Man.
She climbed and vanished, munching pizza.
"Mr. Levi, isn't dining alone lonely?"
A beautiful figure appeared uninvited, sitting opposite Levi.
She had short hair, an elegant blue evening dress, exuding both beauty and poise.
Levi believed beauty wasn't everything; temperament mattered.
The woman before him had both.
"And you are?"
Levi asked, intrigued.
"Maria Hill, Deputy Director of the Strategic Homeland Defense and Logistics Agency."
Maria Hill extended her hand.
Levi, recognizing the long name, realized this was S.H.I.E.L.D.'s predecessor.
He shook her hand politely: "That's quite a mouthful."
"I think so too. We're considering a change."
Maria Hill smiled.
They released hands tactfully, but their eyes conveyed mutual interest.
"What brings you here?"
Levi asked, neutral about S.H.I.E.L.D.
Though he knew its Hydra ties...
As a capitalist, allegiances didn't matter—only value did.
"Let's not talk shop."
Maria Hill suggested. "Let's enjoy the evening."
"You're right."
Levi agreed, ordering a meal for Maria Hill.
Steak and red wine arrived quickly.
Maria Hill avoided work talk, enjoying life instead.
Everyone deserves to savor life.
The two shared wine and hobbies.
Levi and Maria Hill discovered mutual interests.
They both loved sports.
After dinner, Levi invited, "I have a gym at home. Want to work out?"
"I could use some yoga practice."
Both adults, Maria Hill accepted.
Sometimes, a reason is all you need.
In America, visiting someone's home is significant.
Levi paid the bill, taking Maria Hill to his car.
Maria noticed 2B, sitting like a machine, asking, "Is she your driver?"
"Yes."
"Strange! Doesn't she watch the road?"
Maria was initially concerned.
But she realized 2B's driving was incredibly stable.
Maria found Levi intriguing.
Even S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't figured out his driver.
Soon, they arrived at Levi's Long Island home.
Maria eagerly entered the gym, followed by Levi.
Shortly, the sounds of their workout filled the air.