The Impossibility of Reason (February 1987)

The doctors worked on tony and it was another day before they allowed him visitors. James spoke with him often and he had told Tony about Frank leaving Isabella, about her likely losing her job and about how she refused to leave until she either found him alive, or dead. On the third day he was allowed to sit in a chair and he had asked Isabella to come and talk to him. He was in a burgundy robe with light blue pajamas. He was playing a card game called solitaire.

“Oh there you are, James said you were still lurking about though I suppose you need a ride home?” he asked as he looked down at the cards. “He told me that Frank left you and that you might be out of a job...not much of a home to come back to. I may be able to help you with that if you’re interested,” but he didn’t exactly say with what. Did he mean the ‘not having Frank’ part or the ‘Not having a job part?’ or ‘both?’

Isabella had been trying to arrange a flight back to New York when James informed her that Tony wanted to see her. She went down to the infirmary and was relieved to see him sitting up and appearing to be doing better. She took a seat next to his bedside and saw him playing Solitaire. She wasn’t surprised when Tony told her what James had told him. However, she was surprised by his response. She hesitated because she wasn’t sure what exactly he was speaking to.

“I’m sure I can find a new job,” she finally said, assuming that was what he was talking about. “Actually Agent Coulson from SHIELD approached me about possibly working there.”

Tony did not look at Isabella directly. In his present state he felt vulnerable. He didn’t like feeling that and seeing how Isabella looked...very nice right then it only made him feel worse.

“Someone once told me that loyalty was something money could buy. But if someone else was able to pay more than that loyalty was being paid than it actually never existed. I...appreciate what you did Isabella,” he said and he looked up at her and leaned back in his chair. His eyes focused on hers and for a brief moment he wanted to pull her onto his lap and kiss her. That urge was strong and his hands gripped the edges of his robe in order to keep them to himself. It was clear she didn't really want him though. At least not in that way so he decided on the next best thing.

“You stayed and you never gave up or lost hope. I’d like to...repay you for that if you’d let me. Obviously those that could have listened to your concerns about my safety did not and it was a direct result of that that I was able to be captured. Would you consider being my security advisor?” he asked. He did have happy but he was more of a security guard, not an advisor. He needed someone that worked as his own voice when it came to his safety. His own voice with his own authority. She was completely competent and she would add to his collection of ‘beautiful’ things’ in his possession. He didn’t know how Pepper would react to that but he needed someone to do this...obviously, and he owed Isabella...what? What ‘did’ he owe her? Nothing? Everything? He wondered as his dark eyes looked into hers.

Isabella was floored by Tony’s offer. He didn’t owe her anything and yet he was offering her an incredible job. She hesitated though. She feared working for Tony would only complicate her feelings for him and make things worse. She suddenly desperately wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to know what his lips might feel like against her own and what he might smell and taste like. Her eyes slowly met his and she held his gaze. She opened herself up to him and let him see exactly what she felt for him. Her feelings for him went beyond lust and was something far deeper.

“Tony,” she said softly, “I’m not sure working for you would be a great idea because...because of my feelings for you.”

Tony’s eyebrows drew up in surprise and only his forehead stopped them from going any further. Isabella who he could have sworn hated him. She spurned his advances, grew annoyed at his innuendo and treated him like a bite-me that constantly annoyed her. Isabella who was engaged to another man, who wanted to be married and who wanted children. Tony knew those things were not what he wanted. He did have feelings for Isabella though. He could not decide how strong those feelings were but the newest of them were far greater in his heart than his feelings for Pepper were though he did miss Pepper.

“Isabella You know who and what I am, I don’t want marriage or children, where do you think getting together would lead? You’d not be satisfied with that I think,” he said. “But I do need you Isabella,” he said plainly. "And i 'want' you too," he said. And he did want her. Wanted to feel her flesh. Wanted to be inside of her. Wanted to make her cum over and over until she begged him to stop. And that thought was not fleeting. He knew once it began he would not want it to end. Isabella, if dressed up was as beautiful as a model and who and what she really was made her even more irresistible.

Isabella looked at Tony and considered what he said. For a moment she thought about just telling him that she was fine with a purely sexual relationship, but she knew that she wouldn't be. She would only get herself hurt again. She was quiet for a while before finally speaking.

"I can't deny that I do need and want you too Tony and part of me wants to just tell you that I'm fine with a purely sexual relationship, but I would be lying to you and to myself. I do need something more and I know that you and I don't ultimately want the same things. I've already had my heart broken multiple times...I don't think I could handle another one."

Tony just looked at her for a moment. ‘Why did she have to be so...difficult and beautiful at the same time?’ he wondered.

“Well I intend to find something for you Isabella. I won’t let you get screwed over because you wanted to see something through. I promise you that,” he said and allowed his desire for her to wane in him. It wasn’t easy by any means but he did it.

“I spoke to Gerald he would take you in DC or you could work for SHIELD. I know about that as well but I don’t want you to take something because you have nothing else. You do have something, just give me time. In the meantime I’ve paid up your rent and Gerald had you rback pay and combat pay. I know you didn’t need that but I wanted to do something for you. And...I’m sorry about Frank,” he said softly. And he was though he didn’t know the man.

Isabella was stunned to hear from Tony that he had paid up her rent. How he even knew where she lived was beyond her, but he was Tony Stark and could probably find out anything. She was grateful to him though. She didn't know what she was going to do just yet, but she knew that the right opportunity would come by. She had options, but she wasn't sure about any of them just yet.

When Tony apologized about Frank she glanced at him and then shrugged a little. "I do love him, but it just wasn't going to work out. It was better to just go ahead and end things before he and I grew to hate and resent each other."

She became quiet for a moment before glancing at him again and then looking down at the floor. "I just don't understand why I keep falling for the guys where it isn't going to work out." Tony might guess that he had been grouped into that category.

Tony had already told her that the world was changing and they either had to change with it or get caught in the smoke and fire. He really could use her with him.

“Isabella, why do we ‘have’ to be together for you to work with me? You have your own place and I have work you could do. Why do we need to complicate it? We want one another so we act on that when we have time, I’m thinking casual and do what we need to do. Change is in the air and as soon as I can get out of this...chair, I’m going to make some changes,” He said.

Isabella sighed and looked away as she considered Tony's offer. She had a strong suspicion that Tony wasn't going to be letting her get away anytime soon. Why fight it? Why not just let things happen and see what would actually happen. However, it was something else he said that really caught her attention.

"Changes? What kind of changes are you going to be making?"

Tony was caught off guard for a moment but recovered quickly. “Oh, so you want a sneak peak is that it?” He asked and waggled his finger. “ Oh no, You’ll have to wait like everyone else….unless of course you can get me a bourbon?” He asked. When she gave him a withering look he sighed. “Well princess, we’re headed back tomorrow, I know how you woman like to pack so will a day be enough?” He asked musingly.

On his plane it was just the two of them and they sat across from one another at the small dining table. Like everything else, his plane was extremely well outfitted with comfort and finery. The Flight Attendants were extremely good looking women and where they had come from was anyone’s guess. She had been telling him about Frank and more than once he had offered her a tissue. A Flight Attendant came up to them. “Would you like anything to drink with your sushi...Mr. Stark? She said in a very sultry fashion as if Isabella wasn’t even there. “Hmm, how about some warm saki...you like saki? Yeah, warm please,” He said and she made certain he saw her ample cleavage when she winked at him and sauntered off. Tony was focused on Isabella though.

“Thats a tough break Isabella but you know its for the best. Things like that just work themselves out over time. Good thing it didnt happen when you were say pregnant with your second,” He said.

Isabella had never been on a private plane before and Tony's was quite impressive, though she never would have expected anything less. There was a dining table and she was seated across from him. He had asked her about Frank and she had been telling him about their breakup. She hadn't realized how upset she still was over it until she realized Tony was handing her a tissue for her tears. She lightly dabbed at her eyes as as one of the female flight attendants came over. The woman spoke only to Tony and never once addressed her, which irritated Isabella. Not to mention the fact that the woman was doing everything she could to get Tony to notice her. However, much to Isabella's surprise Tony's attention remained on her.

"Frank and I just had so much history together. There was a lot that happened to bring us together and I really thought he was the one. I do still love him though and want him to be happy."

“Well that’s pretty noble but if he believed in what you were doing…” He began then gestured. “As I said, things just seem to work out in the end,” he said, The warm saki came but they also brought champagne and filled 2 glasses of each. Tony picked up the champagne and then when she did he clinked her glass with his.

“Change is inevitable but I’m still glad we’re away from the place. The sand gets everywhere,” He said and smiled as he drank the champagne with her. The sushi came out and there was lots of it and they were once again left alone. THey talked about her parents and her brother a bit more and Tony talked about his father. Before they knew it the champagne bottle was empty and they had started on the saki that was no longer really warm. The sushi was delicious but Tony kept filling the small japanese wine cup when hers was gone.

“You know if I was feeling better you likely be in alot of trouble. These seats fold out into a bed,” He said and smiled warmly at her.

Slowly, Isabella began to relax. Tony was easy to talk to and he really seemed to care about what she said. He was interested in knowing more about her family and he told her about his father. She could sense that there had been unresolved issues between them, but she hoped that he might eventually let go of that anger.

Isabella was so relaxed that she wasn't paying attention to how much she was drinking. Very soon the entire champagne bottle was empty and they were drinking more saki. Tony kept refilling her saki cup even though the was trying to get him to stop. She smiled and laughed at what Tony said. She was feeling good from the champagne and saki and it made her feel rather bold. She smiled at him.

"You can just kiss me if you would like."

“Well, bring it on hotstuff, show me what ya got,” he said haughtily. When she stood and leaned over the table he did as well though his leg hurt like hell to do it. He stood, leaned over the small table and leaned in. Finally their lips met and it was every bit as good as she had wondered about. Tony knew how to kiss and his lips were warm and soft and they were firm and delicate at the same time. Isabella’s lips were moist and warm and he felt her tongue seek his out boldly. He could tell he could have her if he wanted her and he did want her but wasn’t certain if she’d even remember the experience and he wanted her to remember it. “Your lucky there is a table between us,” He murmured as he breathed into her mouth.

When Tony kissed her she felt her knees go weak. She had though that Frank was a wonderful kisser, but it didn't compare to Tony. She felt her cheeks begin to flush and every part of her body began to ache for him. She hadn't had sex in months and she suddenly wanted to. However, she knew that she was drunk and therefore that wasn't a good idea. She wanted him though...and she knew that he wanted her. She just hoped that when he finally had her that he would still want her.

...Isabella blinked and shifted and realized that she was laying down on a bed. All of her clothes were still on, although her shoes had been removed and a blanket was on top of her. She must have passed out at some point. She had slept for a few hours but she knew they would be getting into New York soon. She got up and went into the bathroom and changed and then brushed her teeth and fixed her makeup.

When she stepped out she found Tony awake and he looked over at her. She could still remember the kiss and it caused her to smile a little. "I can't believe we are almost home."

“Well you slept through most of the trip...You my dear can not hold her liquor,” He said and smiled at her. If she hadn’t fallen asleep, very likely that something would have happened. As it was just the memory of her lips made his mind wander to grander and softer places.

The plane landed and as they disembarked she noticed 2 cars were there on the tarmac. He handed her his business card. “The driver will take you home but I plan on holding a press conference tomorrow. I’d feel safer if you were there with me,” he asked without really asking. Tony did that so well. He stepped up to her and surprised her again by kissing her. “I do hope you’re there,” He whispered as he touched her face. “You are quite the woman Miss Corsetti,” He whispered and kissed her once more then got into his limo.

As Isabella got into the other car she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized she was smiling and almost blushing. Tony had caused that and she knew then that she was in deep. This was likely not going to end well for her, but at this point she didn't care. Tony made her happy and made her feel incredibly special.

The driver took her home and helped her take her bags up to her apartment. She opened the door and as soon as she stepped in memories of herself with Frank came flooding back. She could see the broken phone receiver and she thought back to their last phone call. She didn't know where he was, but she hoped he was alright at least. She knew she was going to have to move. There were just too many memories of him here, especially in the kitchen.

The following afternoon, Isabella headed to the address on the business card Tony had given her. There were already dozens of reporters gathered inside. She looked around for Tony and when she spotted him she walked over. "What is this all about Tony?"

Tony was dressed in a blue pin striped suit with a patterned tie His arm was still in a sling and he was extremely uncomfortable on his feet for long periods. Dozens of reporters were already there and James Rhodes and Obediah Shane were waiting to announce Tony. Ultimately Obediah introduced him though he didn’t really need to be introduced. Tony munched on a cheeseburger as he approached the podium but as his leg ached he decided to make the press conference less official.

“Ok, can you all just come down to me? I’m somewhat uncomfortable…” He said and gestured for them to come down to sit with him. As Obediah sat down next to him he looked over at him. “I never said goodbye to my dad,” He said then looked at the crowd. “I never said goodbye to my father,” He said louder so everyone could hear.

“There are questions I would ask...about what this company did. If he was as conflicted as I am now.,” He said as he looked at the crowd of reporters. “I watched young men, our soldiers die at the hands of the very weapons that my company produced,” He said and then he shifted and stood. His face took on an irritated determined look and his eyes shifted around to find Isabellas. He didnt find her though, not yet. “So, with that said I’ve decided that from this day forward, Stark Industries will no longer produce weapons,” he said just as his eyes found hers. Just as he did what he said filtered to the reporters and the room exploded with questions for him that he ignored.

Isabella had no idea what this press conference was going to be about. She could tell Tony was still in pain as he made his way towards the podium. When he asked everyone to sit she slowly sat down on the floor with her legs tucked to the side. She watched Tony and listened as he began to speak. At first she didn't understand where he was going with his speech. She could see him looking around, though she wasn't sure who he was looking for. However, as he announced that Stark Industries would no longer be producing weapons his eyes found her's and she knew then that he had been looking for her. He was ultimately telling her this and while the rest of the room was in shock she was proud of Tony and he would see a smile tug at the corner of her lips. In that moment her feelings for him grew even deeper.

Tony looked at Obediah and then stepped back away from the podium and head toward the exit. The press crowd began to throw questions out at Obediah as he attempted to do some damage control. In the anteroom Pepper was there. “I can’t believe what you did Tony,” She said and she came up to him and put her hand on his face. “Well I think maybe Obediah and the shareholders aren’t going to like that,” He said as he smiled and looked at her. Her strawberry blonde hair was up but some of it had laced down the side of her neck. She wore a dark skirt with a light blue blouse. “I’m proud of you anyway,” she said and she was very close to him right then. “I...I think you should take it easy for the rest of today, ok? Go get some rest Tony,” she suggested. When she saw Isabella move into the room she pulled back and her eyes flashed angrily for only a moment than she was able to regain control of her expressions.

“Miss Corsetti, I didn’t know you were here, I could have gotten you a VIP pass,” she said cooly.

Isabella could tell from the look on Obediah's face that he was not happy with the announcement Tony had just made. Isabella, however, was thrilled. Tony had finally seen what destruction his weapons could cause and he was going to make changes...just like he had promised her.

She stepped into the anteroom where she had seen Tony go and she saw Pepper there with him. Pepper was touching Tony's face and Isabella was surprised to find a feeling of jealousy rise up inside of her as she watched them. Pepper soon spotted her and she could see the look of anger in her eyes as she looked at her, though she attempted to regain control of her emotions.

"Tony invited me," she told her as she glanced at Tony. "He told me he was going to be making some changes and that he wanted me to be here with him."

Pepper’s eyes shifted over to Tony. “Well, that was nice of you,” she said and her hand came back up and she brushed a finger across his lips. “I said rest Tony, the fallout from this is going to require your attention,” she said then leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be at the house later,” she said then flashed Isabella a smile that did not touch her eyes. She stepped toward Isabella and narrowed her eyes at her as she passed her and left the room. Tony turned and faced Isabella.

“I’m glad you came, I wasn’t certain that you would,” he said.

Isabella watched Pepper with Tony and knew that she was in love with him. However, judging by Tony's complete lack of reaction to what she was doing he clearly didn't feel the same way. For some reason knowing that brought her a sense of relief. She watched Pepper leave before walking over to stand closer to Tony.

"Well, you said that you wanted me to be here so here I am. I'm really proud of you Tony. This was a big step for you. You made the right decision though. You are so smart and talented. I know there are other things you can be doing that can perhaps help the world instead of destroying it. Do you know what you are going to do instead?"

Tony looked at Isabella and his eyes scanned over her shape before they came back up to her face. “I do have something I’m working on but if I tell you then before you know it everyone knows,” he said with a smile. He wanted to put his arms around her but since one of his arms was in a sling he just remained a comfortable distance from her.

“What happened on the plane…” He began. “Well I don’t want things to be awkward between us ok? It was just a kiss alright?” he said and made a soothing gesture as if he was concerned that she might have just been playing with him and really didn’t want him to do what he did. He knew she was drunk and he wasn’t and that made all the difference in his mind. He was trying to respect her wishes and keep himself in the ‘friend’ zone. Not an easy thing to do when he wanted to find any secluded spot he could and just fuck her brains out. How she had gotten so far under his skin he didn’t know but she had.