The three of them entered the villa together, but Tony didn't lead them straight to the basement lab. Instead, they went into the living room.
Once seated, Tony took a bottle of Highland Knight 50-year single malt whisky from his liquor cabinet.
He poured a glass of juice for Bulma first, then uncorked the whisky and poured two glasses, placing one in front of Smith Dole while keeping one for himself.
"Cheers."
Bulma clinked her juice with their glasses playfully before taking a sip.
Smith tasted the whisky — it was excellent. But what surprised him was Tony tossing his back in one gulp and immediately pouring himself another.
Watching him knock back the liquor and reach for more, Smith realized something was off about Tony's mood.
Wasn't this supposed to be Tony's triumphant moment, unveiling his new Mark armor? Or… had he already uncovered Obadiah's betrayal?
"Tony," Smith said at last. "Weren't we going to have a little sparring match? You planning to fight drunk? Or did you build your suit to fight like a drunken master?"
Tony set his glass down and glanced at Bulma."Some things aren't really appropriate to say… in front of kids."
Smith almost rolled his eyes. Clearly, Tony was still a little sensitive about being called "uncle."
"Tony, Bulma is one of us. As long as it's not a dirty joke, there's nothing she can't hear. Don't tell me you're worried about feeling old now."
Tony gasped dramatically."What are you talking about? Don't you know? Men stay boys till the day they die! I've got at least twenty years left of fun in me!"
Then he wrapped an arm around Smith's shoulder and said to Bulma:"Next time, don't call me uncle. Just call me Tony."
Bulma smiled sweetly."Okay, Tony."
With the "uncle" issue resolved, Tony's smile faded and he finally said grimly:"Yinsen is dead."
Smith immediately remembered the man — the doctor who'd helped Tony escape his captivity. But that wasn't supposed to happen yet."I thought he went back to his hometown?"
Tony's face was dark."His hometown was Gulmira.""Last night I saw him on the news, being executed by hanging by a Ten Rings warlord. I went today hoping to bring his body back… but a tank shell blew him to pieces before I could."
He didn't finish the sentence, but Smith understood.
This was more brutal than even the original timeline. Neither of them had known Yinsen's hometown was Gulmira.
Smith raised his glass."My condolences."
He drained it in one go. Tony followed suit.
Two glasses in, Tony was visibly flushed. He leaned back and said bitterly:"You don't understand… I was holding him in my arms, ready to take him home. And then the tank shell hit. There was nothing left but a mist of blood and a chunk of flesh in my hand…"
Smith could feel the simmering rage in Tony's voice.
"I came back and read about your philosophy," Tony added."Justice… has to be done with our own hands. I like that."
Smith nodded."But be prepared to bear the glory — and the tragedy — that comes with it."
Tony nodded solemnly.
At that moment JARVIS's voice chimed in:"Sir, the Mark armor is fully repaired."
Bulma's eyes darted around curiously at the disembodied voice.
"That's Tony's A.I. butler, JARVIS," Smith explained.
Bulma nodded, still observing her surroundings.
Tony stood and said:"Smith, since the armor's ready — shall we?"
He led them downstairs to the lab.
Smith added as they walked:"By the way, Bulma, most of the equipment in your lab was arranged by Tony."
Bulma turned to Tony."Thanks, Tony. But I still have a lot of equipment on order… I'll count on you."
Tony looked at her in surprise."I thought you were another superhuman, like him. Didn't realize you were a scientist."
Then he shot Smith a sharp look."You don't mean to tell me… all those machines I shipped were for her?"
Smith nodded calmly."Exactly. Her personal lab.""Don't underestimate Bulma — she's my chief scientist."
Tony's eyebrows shot up. Chief scientist was no small title, especially coming from someone like Smith.
He and Bulma started talking shop, and Tony quickly realized how impressive she really was."Not bad, kid… but still a little behind me at her age," Tony said, smirking.
Smith chuckled."I wouldn't be so sure. When you were her age, I doubt you were anywhere near her level.""The product we're about to launch? She's the lead developer."
Tony scoffed."You wouldn't understand the gap between scientists — you didn't graduate from MIT."
Smith grinned darkly."Oh, don't worry. I'll make you pay for that one when we spar."
Bulma just watched the two of them banter, thinking to herself: So this is what boys' friendships are like…
Smith changed the subject."Tony, why don't you show her your suit? Maybe she can build me one when we get back."
Tony snorted."Without my arc reactor, it'd just be a glorified mannequin."
He stepped into the armor station."JARVIS!"
At his command, robotic arms rose from the floor and began fitting the Mark III armor onto him.
Smith couldn't help but admire the elegance of it — mechanical beauty at its finest.
Bulma watched, eyes bright and curious, memorizing every detail.
…
(End of Chapter)
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