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22 Stark Expo
🕑 Added 2024-09-09 18:15:01 +0000 UTCHarry Potter felt the tension building around him, his opponent had cornered him and there was no clear escape available to him. The room was cool, yet beads of sweat had formed on his forehead, a testament to the mental strain of the challenge before him. He had considered every possible permutation and combination of moves available to him, leading him to the same grim conclusion: he would have to give up.
Like everything that she did in her life, his opponent moved her light-squared bishop by one square to the right to F7, gently. Harry scrutinized the chessboard, searching for an opportunity to turn the game in his favour. His eyes lit up as he spotted a potential breakthrough. He reached out and moved his untouched queen diagonally to G6, announcing "Check" with a growing sense of confidence.
The pressure was mounting on Harry. He was on a losing streak of 99 games against this opponent, and the thought of reaching a disheartening 100 losses loomed over him. He did not want to make it 100 and 0 for him. His opponent had only four possible moves: advancing the C pawn to block the queen, repositioning the dark-squared bishop to E3, or shifting the king to either F1 or H1. Harry evaluated the situation, sensing that victory was tantalizingly close.
His opponent chose to move the king to H1, effectively cornering it, just as Harry had anticipated. With renewed determination, Harry captured the pawn at B2, feeling the sweet taste of victory within reach.
But then, his opponent, with a calm and measured demeanour, studied the board for a few moments before making her move. She slid the dark-squared bishop to F8, a move Harry hadn't foreseen. "Discover Check and Mate," she declared, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
Harry was baffled by the loss. "How did I even lose?" he asked, still processing the outcome. With a casual wave of his hand, the chessboard began sorting itself back into its designated rack, while Yao calmly poured tea for them both.
"This one was a close game," Yao replied with a serene smile. "I thought you had won, but I managed to sneak in that final move."
These meetings had become regular for Harry. Despite coming from different worlds, he and Yao had bonded over their shared experiences of being out of place in this universe. Yao, with her vast knowledge accumulated over centuries, shared stories of ancient magical practices and philosophies that resonated with Harry's own understanding of magic. In return, Harry offered insights into the magical world he grew up in, including tales of his own adventures and the different magics he had encountered. Their bond was further strengthened by their mutual respect for the power of magic and their dedication to understanding it more deeply.
As the chess pieces settled back into their places, Harry leaned back in his chair to think about the strange world that he was currently inhabiting. Yao poured the tea, the warm, aromatic steam rising gently between them. As he took a sip of the soothing brew, his encounter with Iron Monger, lingered in his mind. The quiet moment of reflection provided an opportunity for Harry to voice a concern that had been growing within him—a concern about his place and power in this increasingly complex world.
"The fight with Iron Monger has me questioning my own capabilities," Harry remarked, his brow furrowed as he sipped his tea.
Yao looked up from her cup, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Harry sighed, placing his cup down on the table. "This world is so different from mine. The existence of aliens, super soldiers, your order, extra-dimensional threats that you are protecting the world against, and now the innovation of superhuman mech suits. All of these have me wondering if I should do more. Should I train under you to improve my skills in magic? Or maybe even ask Tony for a mech suit of my own to help protect the world?"
Yao listened intently, nodding thoughtfully before responding with a calm smile. "Oh, you needn't worry about that. You will gain a power-up soon, one that will prepare you for the challenges ahead."
Harry blinked, taken aback by the unexpected response. "What do you mean?" he asked, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his voice.
Yao's eyes twinkled with a knowing smile, his tone reassuring yet enigmatic. "You'll understand when the time comes," she said, her words carrying the weight of unseen knowledge.
Harry sighed, a familiar sense of frustration bubbling up. Conversations with Yao often had this quality—Due to her ability to glimpse into the future caused her to speak in veiled riddles and ambiguity. It was both intriguing and maddening, especially knowing that Yao's knowledge of the future was deliberate and withheld to avoid disrupting the timeline.
A comfortable silence settled between them again as they sipped their tea. Harry's mind, however, was still churning with thoughts of his last encounter and how Yao had restrained him. He couldn't shake off the feeling of gratitude for Yao's guidance, which had proven invaluable to let Tony become the man he was supposed to be.
"Thank you," Harry said, breaking the silence. He looked at Yao with a sincere expression, his voice carrying a note of appreciation.
Yao tilted her head slightly, curious. "For what?" she asked, her eyes softening as she waited for Harry to elaborate.
Harry took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, "For stopping me and my hero complex. I see now why you asked me not to interfere with Tony's situation. If I had intervened, Tony might never have become Iron Man, and he wouldn't have had the chance to learn from his experiences. His time in captivity has changed him, made him reflect on the impact of his actions and the weapons he once created. It helped him grow as a person."
Yao gave Harry a gentle smile. "You are welcome," she replied, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding. They continued to chat for a while, touching on various topics with an ease that spoke of their growing friendship. As their time drew to a close, Yao glanced at the wall clock and signalled the end of their meeting.
Before they parted ways, Yao offered a final piece of advice, her voice soft but laden with meaning. "Be mindful of your mate's feelings. She may appear strong, but beneath the surface, she is vulnerable. Remember, true strength often lies in understanding and compassion." Her words lingered in the air as Harry nodded, a confused expression crossing his face.
"Huh!" Harry said. It seemed like confusion had become his default expression when hanging out with Yao. She, however, as usual, decided to stay quiet about the details. Shrugging, Harry headed out of the New York Sanctum to find Natasha driving around the corner in her Ferrari. With a smile, Harry climbed into the passenger seat of the car.
“Thank you for picking me up,” Harry said as he fastened his seatbelt.
"So, where next?" Natasha asked.
Harry noticed the eagerness in her voice. It had been a rough week for Natasha. She had started a new job at a corporate office, a stark contrast to her previous life as a super spy. The mundane routine of desk work felt excruciatingly dull for someone accustomed to high-stakes missions and constant adrenaline. He could sense her need for a break, a chance to escape the monotony and reconnect with the part of herself that thrived on action and excitement.
"We're going to the Stark Expo," Harry explained. "The gates open in three hours, and Tony's set to kick things off in two. I want to check in on Pepper and make sure she's handling everything okay. Plus, it'll be nice to explore a bit before the crowds show up. I am sure that the two of us can find something fun to do out."
Natasha nodded and started driving toward Queens, her smile masking the flicker of jealousy that stirred within her. The mention of Pepper Potts had brought an unwelcome pang of insecurity. It wasn't that she had any real issue with Pepper; in fact, she respected the woman greatly. But Harry's growing closeness with Pepper was hard for Natasha to ignore.
Whenever Harry talked about his day, he often shared stories involving Pepper. They had a friendship that was evident in the way he spoke about their adventures—whether they were discovering new spots in Los Angeles or spending time together doing fun activities. It reminded Natasha of the times she and Harry had shared in London, moments she had always considered special and exclusive to them.
Seeing Harry share similar experiences with Pepper unsettled her. Those moments, those little adventures—they were supposed to be theirs. It wasn't about mistrust, but rather a nagging fear that she was being replaced or that her own unique bond with Harry was somehow being diluted. As much as she tried to rationalize her feelings, the jealousy lingered.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry gently took her hand, his thumb drawing slow circles on the back of her palm. "How's your job going?" he asked, his voice laced with hope. Ever since they had left London, their time together had dwindled, with each successive visit feeling shorter than the last. Harry cherished the moments they could spend together and was grateful that her new assignment allowed her to be with him and not be travelling the world.
Natasha turned to him, her smile warm and genuine. "I'm extremely happy that the best part of my job is coming home to you every day," she said softly, her words causing Harry's face to light up with a radiant smile. "It might be dull and boring, but getting to hang out with you every day, sleeping in the same bed, and waking up next to you makes it all worthwhile. I think I can bear anything if it means I get to spend time with you."
Harry's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his joy evident in his eyes. His smile was as bright as Times Square, a reflection of the warmth and happiness her words brought him. It touched Natasha deeply to see how much her simple expression of love and contentment meant to him. Seeing Harry's radiant smile, Natasha also felt a pang of guilt over the secret she was keeping from him. It was a topic she knew they would need to discuss eventually, but the thought of it filled her with fear. She resolved to broach the subject delicately, trying to mask her hesitation.
"Harry," she began cautiously, "Clint mentioned that he and Laura are thinking about having another child.
"Really? That's fantastic!" Harry replied, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "I didn't realize Laura was expecting."
"She's not pregnant yet," Natasha clarified, her voice softening. "But they're trying to have one more."
"That's wonderful," Harry said, his excitement undimmed. "I hope we get to hear the good news soon."
With a bit of nervousness in her voice, Natasha broached the topic she had been dreading. "What do you think, isn't three kids a bit much?"
Harry looked at her thoughtfully before responding, his voice gentle and affectionate. "Not really. I mean, Ron had six siblings and seeing them all together made me a bit envious. There's something special about having a big family."
"How many kids would you want to have?" Natasha asked, trying to keep her tone casual.
"I think three would be perfect," Harry said, his eyes softening as he spoke. "Two boys and a girl, maybe. But, you know, I'd be happy with whatever we decide together."
Natasha hesitated, "Really?"
Harry quickly continued, sensing her unease. "But I understand if three sounds like too many. I mean, if you only want to have one kid, then that’s fine too. I mean, I won't be the one who will have to carry the baby around for 9 months. You will have to do most of the heavy lifting. I can take care of them once they are born but carrying them in the womb and giving birth is all you, and I don’t think I can help you with that in any other way. So, what I mean to say is, I will be happy with as many kids that you can give me.” Harry rambled
Natasha felt like her voice was stuck in her throat. Harry's words were filled with such love and understanding, making it harder for her to confront the truth she had been avoiding. His gentle and considerate response only deepened her internal struggle, making the weight of her secret feel even heavier.
“How do you envision our future together, Harry?” Natasha asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Harry hesitated for a moment, then began to speak, a shy smile spreading across his face. “Well, I don’t want you to take this literally, but I've always imagined us living in the countryside, maybe somewhere peaceful and quiet, close to Laura and Clint as neighbours. Our home would be a classic American house with a charming front porch and a beautiful lawn where flowers bloom year-round. The backyard would be spacious, with a large pool where we could spend sunny afternoons with the kids, having fun and teaching them to swim. We'd host weekly barbecues, a tradition where family and friends gather, sharing laughter and stories under the stars.”
He continued, his voice filled with warmth and affection. “In this dream, we have three kids. Two sons—one with an adventurous spirit, always curious and seeking new experiences, perhaps a bit of a troublemaker but with a heart of gold. The other is more studious, a bright child who loves books and learning, always asking questions and eager to discover the world. And then there's our daughter, our little princess. I picture her with your fiery red hair and my green eyes, a perfect blend of the two of us. She’d be strong-willed and kind, the heart of our family.”
Harry's eyes glowed with hope as he spoke, painting a picture of a future filled with love and joy. “I see us growing old together, exploring the world even in our later years, never losing our sense of adventure. We’d go on dates all over the world, discovering new places, and making memories that would last a hundred lifetimes. Our home would be filled with love, laughter, and the joy of watching our children grow, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. It’s a simple dream, but it’s one that feels so right, so perfect.”
As Harry spoke, Natasha felt her heart swell with emotion. The future he described was beautiful, full of warmth and love, and she wanted it desperately. The vivid imagery of a life filled with family and happiness resonated deeply with her, making her yearn for the possibility of such a future. But as much as she wanted to embrace this dream, she knew that her reality made it impossible, at least not in the way Harry envisioned. The contrast between his hopeful vision and her hidden fears left her feeling torn and conflicted, her smile masking the heartbreak she felt inside.
“It sounds wonderful,” Natasha said, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty. “But how can you be sure that we’ll be around to grow old together? With our line of work, anything can happen.”
Harry looked at her, his eyes filled with unwavering belief. “Because I believe in us,” he replied softly but with a deep conviction. “From the moment I first saw you, I felt something different. My magic... it’s like it sings when you’re around. It feels more alive, more complete. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s as if my magic is telling me that we’re meant to be together, that you’re my partner in every sense.”
He continued, his voice steady and reassuring. “I know our lives are dangerous, and there are no guarantees. But I also know that we’re stronger together. My magic has always been a guide for me, a way to understand things that are beyond just logic and reason. And it’s never felt more certain about anything as it does about us.”
Harry gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I believe that we’re destined for a future together, to build the life we want, to grow old side by side. No matter what challenges come our way, I trust that we’ll face them together and come through stronger. Because I love you, and I believe in the strength of our bond.”
Natasha faked a smile, her heart swelling with emotions that she did not understand or want to face right now. They drove in silence for a moment, Harry understood that it might not be easy for Natasha to process her feelings. This was the first time that they had had such an intimate talk about their future.
But soon, the quiet intimacy of the moment was replaced by the distant hum of activity. The sounds of construction, the chatter of workers, and the fluttering of banners in the breeze began to fill the air. As they neared the Stark Expo grounds, the vibrant energy of the event surrounded them, pulling them back into the present.
Harry’s eyes brightened as he noticed the bustling preparations ahead. He gently released Natasha’s hand but kept close to her side. "Looks like everything's coming together," he said, a note of pride creeping into his voice as they approached the main entrance.
As they arrived at the Stark Expo grounds, the bustling preparations were in full swing. Bright banners fluttered in the wind, and workers hurriedly set up booths and displays for the various exhibits. After parking the car, Harry led Natasha through the main walkway, pointing out the different pavilions and exhibitions that were being set up. "We've got representatives from some of the biggest tech companies in the world, all here to present their latest innovations." Harry said with pride in his voice
He paused in front of a pavilion with a holographic display of eco-friendly vehicles. "This is one of my favourites," Harry said, smiling. "It's a collaboration with some of the best minds in sustainable technology. We had to negotiate a lot of deals to bring these brands on board. Stark Industries has been pushing for greener technologies, and this exhibit is a big part of that initiative."
Natasha listened attentively as Harry continued to describe the behind-the-scenes work that had gone into organizing the expo. "It wasn't easy," he admitted. "There were a lot of late nights and tough negotiations, especially with some of the more traditional companies. But in the end, it was worth it. The expo is not just about showcasing Stark's tech; it's about bringing together the best and brightest minds to inspire and create a better future."
As they continued their tour, Natasha could see the passion in Harry's eyes as Harry talked about the various collaborations that he had worked with and the behind-the-scenes story that Natasha was not privy to. It was clear that he was deeply invested in the expo's success, not just as a business endeavor, but as a vision for the future. She admired his dedication and felt a surge of pride to be by his side. His work with Stark Insustries had shown a side of Harry that she had never known that he had. Working on strategy and helping Stark Industries to steer itself in a new direction showcased his skills in strategy and planning. No matter how much Harry whined that he liked to be ‘just Harry’, Natasha knew that Harry was special.
As they reached the main stage area, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity. Workers hurriedly placed decorations, adding splashes of colour and banners emblazoned with Stark Expo logos. The air buzzed with the sound of power tools and the occasional crackle of walkie-talkies as coordinators communicated to ensure everything was on schedule.
On the stage itself, a dance team was in the middle of a spirited rehearsal, their movements synchronized with the beat of energetic music blaring through the speakers. The dancers moved with precision and flair, practising their routine to perfection, their risqué iron-man inspired costumes catching the light and adding to the vibrant energy of the scene.
Nearby, the sound and lighting crew were working hard, running final checks on the equipment. Technicians adjusted spotlights, tested microphones, and coordinated with the control booth to ensure the lighting cues were perfectly timed. The dazzling array of lights, from spotlights to strobes, flashed in rhythmic patterns, casting dynamic shadows and highlights across the stage.
At the centre of this organized chaos stood Pepper Potts, surrounded by a flurry of assistants, technicians, and staff members. They swarmed around her, seeking instructions, approvals, and guidance on a myriad of details. Despite the overwhelming number of people vying for her attention, Pepper maintained her composure, her expression calm and focused as she handled the multitude of questions and decisions with practised ease. Her voice was steady as she delegated tasks, her demeanour exuding a quiet authority that kept the situation under control. However, a keen observer could detect the faint signs of stress in her posture, and the subtle tightness in her smile, as she endeavoured to manage the countless moving parts of the event.
"Pepper!" Harry called out, catching Pepper's attention as she turned to see Harry and Natasha approaching. A genuine look of relief washed over her face, and she quickly instructed her team to continue their work before making her way over to them.
"Where have you been? I needed you here two hours ago," she said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
"Hey, I told you I'd come over after my meeting with a friend," Harry replied defensively. Then, with a smile, he pulled Natasha closer. "And I brought someone you've been wanting to meet for a long time. Pepper Potts, meet Natalie Rushman, my girlfriend."
Pepper's eyes lit up as she looked at Natasha, her smile warm and welcoming. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Natalie. I've heard so much about you. I just wish it could be under less hectic circumstances," she said, gesturing to the bustling activity around them.
"It's okay," Natasha replied with a smile of her own. "It's great to finally meet you too. Harry talks about you all the time, so I've been looking forward to this."
"Does he now?" Pepper teased, glancing at Harry with a playful smirk. "Well, I always thought he had eyes for only one woman in this world. When he's with me, he never talks about anything else but you."
Both women laughed, easing the tension and making the introduction feel more like a meeting of old friends.
"I'm sorry I can't chat more, but I need to borrow your boyfriend for a bit if you don't mind," Pepper said, turning to Harry with a sense of urgency.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"Has Tony talked to you about how he's planning to start the show?" Pepper inquired.
"No, why?" Harry replied.
"He wants to make an entrance as Iron Man, jumping out of a plane over the Expo, navigating through the fireworks, landing on stage, and then taking off his suit to give a speech," Pepper explained, her voice filled with concern.
"That sounds like a cool idea," Harry exclaimed, intrigued.
"Don't you go supporting him too!" Pepper exclaimed. "I need you on my side to talk some sense into him. Stark Industries is already in a mess, and Tony's focusing all his energy on either saving the world or building more Iron Man suits. If this keeps up, the company could go broke. And on top of that, we're doing this Expo for an entire year. Do you know how expensive that's going to be?"
"I know," Harry said, trying to reassure her. "I've seen the reports. This isn't an expense we should be taking on right now. But I'm sure Tony has a plan."
"Yeah, well, I don't think he has a plan this time. I think he's just showing off," Pepper retorted, clearly frustrated.
"But hasn't Tony always liked being in the spotlight?" Harry countered, trying to find a middle ground.
As Harry and Pepper continued their conversation, Natasha felt increasingly sidelined, like a forgotten piece of a puzzle. The jealousy she had tried to suppress began to swell, festering in a quiet corner of her mind. She knew it was irrational, but she couldn't help but feel a surge of possessiveness. Harry was hers, and the easy way he allowed Pepper to pull him into the chaos of the Expo made her stomach twist.
Who the fuck does Pepper Potts think she is, taking him away so easily? And why didn't Harry consider her feelings, even for a moment? Natasha thought, her heart heavy with the growing sense of distance between them. She had long been accustomed to being in control, to understanding her place in any given situation. But here, amidst the noise and bustle, she felt like an outsider looking in.
Despite the turmoil brewing inside her, Natasha forced a smile and took a step back, letting Harry and Pepper continue their conversation. She knew she had no right to demand his attention at that moment, yet the sting of being sidelined was undeniable. It wasn't just Pepper's presence; it was the symbol of something deeper, a chasm opening between the life Harry was building and the one she feared she couldn't fully share.
The more she watched Harry and Pepper interact, the more Natasha felt an ache deep within her. It wasn't just about being left out of a conversation; it was the inception of the idea that she was an outsider in this part of Harry's world. As they discussed business strategies and the future of Stark Industries, she felt a growing sense of inadequacy.
Natasha’s mind raced, filled with questions she dared not voice. Would Harry prefer this life over the one that she could provide with being a weapon who kills?
Comments
Sky Pheonix
😰😰😰 (hehehehe! 🤐)
Jas
Hopefully natasha and harry talk soon about their issues.
