Chapter 109: Studying Quantum Science

[Third Person's PoV]

Tony and Melissa were casually flying in the air, with the private jet carrying the President between them.

With nothing else to do, Melissa began talking to Tony through their comms. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"I'm actually studying while we fly..."

"Are you serious right now?" Melissa asked in a deadpan tone.

"Melissa, there's literally nothing to do, and I'm bored out of my mind."

"Tony, we just left the airstrip 5 minutes ago."

"I know, and this could take a while. We have to go at a certain speed, so I decided to use this time to study."

"..."

"You know, that's actually very smart. What are you studying?"

"Quantum Science. Your suit motivated me to revisit it. I'm curious about what other types of suits we could create using quantum science."

"So, you really like my suit, huh?" Melissa said proudly.

"Yeah, yeah, gloat all you want. I'll be making a suit ten times better than yours," Tony scoffed.

Melissa sighed. "It's sad that I don't doubt that in the slightest."

"Well, I appreciate your confidence in me nonetheless," Tony said with a smirk.

Melissa started pressing her fingers together nervously. "So... do you mind if I study alongside you?" she asked, a blush growing on her cheeks.

"Not in the slightest," Tony said with a smile.

"Is it alright to leave the plane unsupervised?" Melissa asked uncertainly.

"Don't worry about that. Friday is keeping an eye on everything. She'd spot something before we did and let us know."

"I suppose you're right," Melissa said, letting go of her worries and joining Tony in his study of Quantum Physics.

Whenever Melissa didn't understand something, she'd ask Tony, and he'd explain it, which helped reinforce his own knowledge of the subject.

They spent the entire flight talking and discussing multiple topics and theories about Quantum Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanics, and even the Quantum Realm.

"I don't normally curse... but holy shit, Tony! If we could actually navigate the Quantum Realm, we could end up in an alternate reality! That's insane!" Melissa exclaimed in awe.

Tony chuckled. "Crazy, right? Honestly, all of this is making me want to abandon this mission, go home, and lock myself in my lab... Uh, Melissa..."

Hearing Tony's sudden shift, Melissa looked at him in confusion. "Yeah?"

"I think we might've gotten too excited and forgotten something..."

"What is it? I'm pretty sure we packed everything we needed. Even if we're missing something, Friday can deliver it."

"It's not something, it's someone..."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Oh my god, Mei!" She facepalmed.

"Why did you have to get an intern as well, Tony? Just why?"

"Mei's a lovely girl who loves inventing. I couldn't let go of such talent. She's a diamond in the rough."

"Be honest. If Mei was a boy, would you have helped?"

"That question is irrelevant."

"Oh no, it's very relevant—to me, at least. So don't dodge it, Tony!"

"I plead the fifth."

"You can shove your fifth amendment right up your @$# and—@$#%#$#$ @%%#$@ $#$#@% @@$@!"

"Melissa!" Tony gasped. "Wait till your father hears about this. He'd be so disappointed."

"Are you going to answer the question or not?"

Tony cleared his throat. "I won't answer directly, but I'll say this: there are already enough male inventors. As a great feminist, I want to give the ladies a boost, give them opportunities they might not get in this unfair world."

"..."

"If this plane wasn't between us, I would blast you out of the sky for that comment."

Tony sent her kissy faces through the comms. "Love you too."

Melissa rolled her eyes, "So what are you going to do about Mei, I feel kinda bad." 

"The best I could think of is letting Friday be the one to start teaching her while we're not around. And Friday isn't a bad teacher all things considered, for one she's an A.I and secondly she's watched me work through mostly everything, so she would be able to teach Mei plenty"

 but before she could retort, the jet began to descend. They realized they had spent the entire flight bickering and studying together without noticing how much time had passed.

Tony and Melissa descended alongside the jet as it landed on the runway. A line of black cars waited in the distance.

As the jet came to a full stop, Tony and Melissa stood by the opposite side of the jet door as it opened. First came the President, followed by the First Lady, and behind them was Star and Stripes.

The President looked at them and smiled. "Thanks for the escort, you two. I never did get your hero names."

Tony flashed a peace sign. "Iron Man."

Melissa subconsciously saluted and clicked her heels together. "The Iron Maiden, sir."

"Aww, matching hero names! How adorable," said Evelyn, the First Lady, smiling.

The President nodded with a smirk. "Thanks for the escort, Iron Man and Iron Maiden," he said, leading them toward the cars.

Tony glanced at Melissa in confusion, mouthing, "Why did you click your heels and salute?"

Melissa looked mortified and on the verge of tears. "He asked for my hero name, and I panicked!"

Tony had to cover his mouth to stop from laughing.

Star and Stripes then motioned for them to follow as they all got into the same limousine as the President. President Johnathan and First Lady Evelyn sat on one side, while Star and Stripes sat on the other.

As they settled in, Melissa looked confused. Evelyn noticed and smiled. "If you have a question, please feel free to ask. No need to be shy."

"Ah, well, wouldn't it be better if we sat in different cars to guard you properly? It's fine for Star to be here, but wouldn't it be better if Tony sat in the front while I sat in the back?"

"It doesn't really matter," Tony said, leaning back and closing his eyes.

Melissa looked at Tony in confusion, while the others smiled.

"We're not actually here to protect the President," Tony continued. "The guards around us are more than enough. They're highly trained, and they have powerful quirks. Star is more of a show of power. We're here for the same reason—to show off, but through our technology. We wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for that."

Melissa blinked in surprise. Tony patted her head. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it. Politics isn't your strongest subject."

President Johnathan laughed. "You're a Stark through and through, kid. Pretty smart, eh?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

The President laughed heartily at Tony's response.

*********************************************

+31 advance Chapters on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3