10973/The Wick

The Wick
Date of Scene:	30 April 2022
Location:	The Wick
Synopsis:	Tony and Mike get a drink, Pepper appears, and Tony runs after her.
Cast of Characters:	Tony Stark, Michael Hannigan, Pepper Potts

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Tony Stark has posed:
     Midtown New York, theres a couple places where you can go and have a drink. But theres only one where you can find certain celebrities. One is The Wick, and the celebrity, Tony Stark.

  While the seats around may be more appealing to others, the bar itself had enticed the Raven haired tech mogul. Seated about 2/3rds down the bar, Tony made himself familiar with the bar's brown liquor selection. "The Lagavulin, and a drop." He asked, looking at the rest of the list of liquors.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
It is generally a universal truth that when one lives in Midtown Manhattan that the phrase 'It's been a week' could be utilized at any moment when someone asks the person how they are doing. So, yes. How is Mike? See the previous statement. Is there room for much more detail than that? Perhaps. Is it necessary to provide it for the current task being performed? Not at all.

Despite the general events that have led to Mike being here. He IS here. And he's still dressed pretty casually. His hair is secured into a pony tail with the tip tucked into the shirt to give the illusion of a shorter cut of hair than he really has.

Stylish? No. Effective? Eh...depends on what you want to accomplish. For this particular celebrity it's to cut down on the recognition and it seems to be doing the trick so there he goes.

Glancing about the Wick, he finds his usual table occupied by a somewhat boisterous group. This provides sufficient motivation to seek a place to sit elsewhere.

And so Mike finds an open spot, about 2/3rds down the bar with some dark haired main perusing the drink menu. He walks over, not seeing the man's face yet. "Seat taken?"

Tony Stark has posed:
     Tony's pondering his scotch when Mike chimes in, and almost immediately responds. "Its your seat."

  The tech billionaire hadn't had the same week Mike has, but there is definitely some fatigue from the long week in his eyes. A fatigue that was somewhat alleviated when he took a healthy tug on the tumbler.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
With the general acceptance to Mike taking the seat, the musician hops up and leans forward. Resting his forearms against the bar, he turns his head, looking to the direction of the bartender. When they turn around, he lifts up his right hand in greeting before lowering it. The mirror to the back of the bar briefly betrays the old scar on the arm before it is obscured once again by bartop.

"Thanks." Mike states to Tony, glancing over to what bit of the reflection's not obscured by the overflowing wax of the bar's namesake. Brow raising he turns his head fully to get a full glimpse of the face. Huh. "...Tony?"

Tony Stark has posed:
     A deep breath taken, his eyes closed in reflection. Tony had found a little solace in that glass. Though the solace was interrupted by his neighbor recognizing him. Mike's voice hadn't been recognized before. "Yeah." He adds, slowly opening his eyes and raising his brow in anticipation of the coming conversation. "Listen, I will be down for a selfie after a couple drinks, promise."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Hearing the billionaire's reaction to his first name being uttered. Mike bites back his initial comment. There is no hiding the flash of amusement to his features and the look of conflict as the angel and devil upon his shoulders flip a coin to determine the best manner to react to this. Does he explain what's going on or ride this out?

The coin is flipped and it comes out tails.

Yep. He's going to be an ass.

"Aw man. But it'll only take a second." It's a sheer miracle that he manages to avoid laughing as he pulls off the tone of voice he's heard one too many times before.

Mike holds up a finger before gesturing to a Guinness logo on a nearby wall for the bartender's benefit. Getting a nod from the server, Mike grins. Plenty of time to see how long it takes for Tony to catch on.

Tony Stark has posed:
     A sigh of giving up soon follows the fan-tone of speech. "Okay okay. Let's do this." He offers up before he tips the glass right into his mouth and swallows the rest of the scotch. "Another, please." He turns around to make it easier for Mike to take a selfie, sharply breathing in and adopting a jovial face.

  It was practiced and nearly flawless, like the man never could take a staged photo badly.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
And yet. No phone comes up to take the picture. Instead when Tony turns, what he sees is Mike simply smiling at him. It appears the angel won the coin toss this time around. Seeing the reaction, Mike glances over to the Bartender, "That one can go on my tab."

Does Tony really need someone to get his drink? Nope. But it's still a gesture. Of sorts.

"Sorry Tony. I couldn't resist." The smile fades as he tilts his head curiously, "You doing okay?"

Tony Stark has posed:
     A split second passes before Tony realizes just who has bamboozled him. "Oh, you're gonna get a receipt for that." He comments, looking, well, like he'd been had. which he did.

  "So, sorrows appropriately drowned. Nicky, how about you?" The second glass of scotch caringly delivered to Tony, as he continues to contemplate it.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"I figured as much," Mike replies, "Which is why I am keeping it to just the ONE." Mike looks to the drink and the manner in which it is set down before the bartender turns around to check on the beer that is currently resting, "Think of it as a bit of karmic justice for giving you a hard time."

Taking a general que that Tony's having a bad week. He glances aside, "Well. Nothing to complain about on my end." If anything Tony's lack of situational awareness made him feel a bit better of his own just a bit ago.

Tony Stark has posed:
     "Okay, I know you pulled the woolover my eyes earlier but that trick isn't working a second time." A tug on the glass before continuing on. "I saw you put elbows on the bar."

  It isnt a normal thing for people to pullone over on Tony, unless he doesn't mention it, which can be often. "Not that I am going to pry. I just wanted to point that out.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
A brow lifts to the observation thrown in about how the musician got settled into the seat beside Tony. Eyes glance over to the mirror confirming there's enough of a gap between the over dripped wax and register to allow for a reflection of the placement of his arms. "So I did." Mike confirms, giving a sigh.

A glass of dark liquid is set before Mike. Giving a glance to the Bartender, he gives a nod of thanks before reaching to the glass. "And now they aren't. Ever the miracle worker, Tony."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Saturday night. There's always something going on, always something to see, something to do. When one is graced with, gifted with ability, a little bit of money (understatement) and a little bit of star power, it's compounded.

There is a saving grace to being in NYC, however; no one cares. A wave, a smile, a nod, and even the odd request for a selfie is the word of the day, as it were, and there is some peace to be gained in an old, timeless pub. Not for Pepper, however. Not somewhere she'd go 'alone', and when she'd gone out for drinks with someone? Nope, still not here.

Pepper is dressed 'down', that is, a touch less than business functional; her hair is down, makeup impeccable, and she's in slacks, button down shirt and a cardigan to keep out the evening's beginning chill. In hand, a clutch purse, as revealed by the opening of the rear passenger side door by the indefatigable Happy. One high heeled foot emerges, the other, and with a smile and a quick glance at the tavern, the pair speak softly, ending with nods before Happy moves around the car to get back in, and Pepper strides to the front door to enter.

The dim of the room is still in some contrast with the setting of the sun, and she blinks to acclimate her vision to the interior before she looks around. She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and begins a slow move down the bar. The bartender is attentive, of course, and is quick to both welcome her and ask her what it is she would like. Heads, too, do turn, but quickly are back to what they'd been doing. Hooray for NYC!

Tony is found, and it's obvious by the lightening of her expression, the warmth in those green eyes. It's the person he's sitting with that looks oh so very famili- Ah!

It takes a moment, but recognition strikes her expression, and if there was any hesitation, it's gone. She approaches, and reaches to put a hand on Tony's shoulder in affection before she greets the pair, "Tony.." Why does it sound like she's got that //laundry list// of things he needs to do? Probably just a vestige of days past.. but there's no missing the fondness. A couple years on, and it's obvious she's still in that 'new car smell' phase of her relationship. "Mr Hannigan." A smile is offered in the other man's direction, "It's been some time."

Tony Stark has posed:
     "Yes, oh yes. That's me. Tony the miracle man." He comments before taking another sip from that glass.

  But there was a moment where a certain lady walked in, and out of the corner of his eye there was a twinkle. An instant of recognition that made him smile just a little. "Pepper." He responds, but he definitely was expecting something more than just a subtle hello.

  "Oh you two know each other?" Obviously facetious. "Mister Selfie-fakeout pulled one over on me. You missed a perfectly good opportunity to laugh at my expense, Pep."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Hearing a familiar voice speak up, Mike turns his head to see Pepper there. "Good evening, Miss Potts." He returns the greeting, smile a bit more authentic than the practiced one he would be giving to those he HAS to be nice to. He thinks back to when he last saw her. Which, would be the last time he saw Tony in passing, "Yes. The last time I saw you would have been- at the museum for the Heroes and Villains exhibit. Hopefully tonight won't be as eventful."

Mike looks over to Tony. "I played at the Bushwick benefit that she organized." He offers as a bit of context for the why they know each other enough to Pepper using his legal name instead of the stage name. The stuff involving magic and zodiac monsters, eh. That can probably be skipped.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Truth be told, Pepper also keeps the public displays of overt affection to a minimum, though there is always a point of contact, a warm, affectionate glance, a smile... there are so few things that are private in Tony's life, and this? This is all theirs. It doesn't belong to anyone else. As a result, her hand doesn't move from his arm even as she slides around, the contact still so very present, unless he moves from it. Brows rise at Tony's words in prelude to her words, "Oh?" She holds that fond, if not a touch amused expression, "Sorry I missed it." She's teasing; she'd never get a laugh at his expense. Pepper Potts is his stalwart supporter.

Pepper nods at Mike's recollection, a soft "Mmhmm. Ruined my dress that night, too." She'd gotten good swings at the bad guys with a piece of wood, however; fighting the same baddie that Tony was on. "It was a very good turnout, too. The Bushwick benefit." There's the casual, conversational pause before she follows it up with, "It's good to see you again. I've been a little remiss following your tours. I hope everything has been going well for you?" Is that a touch of gratitude that he //hadn't// mentioned her foray into magic, even if it was side by side with her collegiate best friend?

Tony Stark has posed:
     "Was that the white Valentino? That was a good look on you." Tony offers, before sliding his barstool away from the bar just a smidge.

  "So, what's new?" He asks, relaxing in that chair, his suit still being crisp and clean. "Buy you a drink, Mizz Potts?" He asks, a slight chuckle in that.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
To the mention of the tour, Mike's smile falters for a moment before it pops up again. "Well, we hit a few delays in the tour due to some odd reasons." Mike admits, "But with the exception of one place, we finally got the locations of the main tour taken care of. All that's left is another round of Ireland and Italy and it's back to US based locations."

He drifts back to silence, letting Tony greet Pepper properly.

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Green, Van Dyne," Pepper reports, though there really is no mistaking that ghost of a smile when looking at him. "We never did get a new showing of the museum, come to think of it." She does close in, and if he allows for it, she does lean in to give him a quick, but most decidedly fond kiss, and a soft whisper at his ear. She pulls away soon enough with the smile playing on her features as she accepts the seat beside him, though she more perches than sits for comfort. A woman on a mission, is in her manner and mien. "White wine, please.. and thank you."

Her attention is properly given to Mike as he explains, her expressions shifting appropriately, from concern to that unshaken belief that it'll work out. "Oh dear," she begins, "if there's anything that I can help with, just let me know. I might be able to open a few doors. But that does sound like you've got it in hand, and I'm glad."

Tony Stark has posed:
     Tony's faint smile grows while reciprocating the kiss, and his eyes drift to the right as she whispers into his ear. "I'll take care of it." He comments, before nodding and settling back into the chair.

  "Who's turn is it to pick a charity anyway?" He asks, unsure of the more mundayne details of the operations at the Avengers.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike gives a slight smile. "The offer's appreciated, Miss Potts. Fortunately, I got my own miracle worker in Wade so hopefully I won't have to impose on that." He lifts up his glass, "He's just rolling with everything being thrown at him." There's a chuckle before he sips his beer.

Pepper Potts has posed:
The way Pep perches on the seat, it doesn't look like she'll be remaining long, and she shakes her head, bringing her free hand up to wave her choice away, "On second thought, no wine. I should go. Happy is waiting around the corner for me, and if you were coming home, us." There's no demand in those tones anywhere, however. Not in public. Ever.

"It's our turn to choose," she adds, "I'll have the list after checking their filings." Widows and orphans tend to take top spot; something they can't do with the MSF monies. This is a completely different line item!

She takes to her feet once more, and she leans over to give Tony another kiss, this time her words may be slightly different, "Don't come home too late, please?" is murmured before she straightens.

"It was a pleasure seeing you again, Mr Hannigan, and we shouldn't be strangers. It really was good to see you." There's the genuine warmth in those tones; something all those in the public eye can recognize. There's the 'public' for show, and then there's the 'private', between, if not friends, then good acquaintences. "If I don't see you before you're gone again on tour, be safe."

Turning now, Pepper navigates the short distance towards the door, and she's out.. and soon enough, that same black sedan pulls up, Happy gets out and opens the back, passenger side door for her before getting back in behind the wheel and pulling out into NYC traffic.

Back to Stark Tower.

Tony Stark has posed:
     "Just roll with it. That's the million dollar strategy." Tony comments, as a hand reaches towards his goatee, at least he is able to relax after the long workweek.

  The kiss is reciprocated, and another chuckle at the plea. "I'll certainly try." He bids her, with a slight wave at Happy before he comes back to the current bar topic. "Its always widows and orphans."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike watches as Pepper heads on out, looking back to Tony as he makes comment about the possible benefits. The glass sets back down on the bar. "Not a bad option to go with," He admits, "Shaw Studios tends to focus on Homeless shelters, including toy drives. Although, there have been a few that deviated from that path."

Tony Stark has posed:
     Tony's mind made him chuckle at deviance. But he quickly recouperates. "I'll probably do whatever she wants to go with. She's much better at picking out that stuff than I."

  There was a sigh there, not sadness, much the opposite.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Nothing wrong with that," Mike comments, "It's good that she's there to handle stuff like that. That frees you up to think of other things." He picks up the glass, "Hell. There's a lot of things about touring I sure as hell don't want to manage. I'm glad Wade's there to handle it."

He takes a large sip of his beer, setting it down once more.

Tony Stark has posed:
     Tony's eyes get that thousand yard stare for a moment as Mike comments about Wade, a sort of reflective moment. "Yeah, you're right." He comments, before he takes out a $100 bill and sets it on the counter. "Speaking of...I think I should get over there and say something to that effect." He hops up from the barstool, and offers up. "So from one guy to another, thanks for that." He sIs with a wink before opening the door to the outside.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Seeing the extra spring that should not be present in a man having the demeanor Mike earlier encountered, the rocker tilts his head curiously. Upon the thank you, both corners of the mouth snake up before he gives an audible laugh. AH!

"Alright. Good." Mike responds between chuckles, "Have a great evening."

As the billionaire heads off, Mike turns back to the bar, finishing up his own drink.