Chapter 28: Unexpected Visitor

As Tony and Ethan worked tirelessly in the lab at Stark Industries, their focus was unexpectedly interrupted by JARVIS.

"Sir, Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. is on the line," JARVIS's voice interrupted their work.

"I'm not in. I'm actually out," Tony replied with a playful grin.

JARVIS persisted, "Sir, I'm afraid he's insisting."

Tony considered his options for a moment before dismissing the call with a casual wave of his hand.

In the lab, Ethan glanced up from his work as Tony entered, the holographic displays flickering to life around them. The two men exchanged a nod of acknowledgment before diving back into their research.

"Levels are holding steady, I think," Ethan remarked, his attention focused on the intricate schematics before him.

Tony approached Ethan, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "What do you have for me, Ethan? Anything groundbreaking?" he inquired.

Ethan looked up, a spark of excitement in his gaze. "I think we're onto something," he replied, gesturing towards the holographic displays. "Take a look at this."

As Tony examined the holographic projections, Ethan explained the latest developments in their research, his words filled with enthusiasm and conviction.

Just as they were deep in discussion, JARVIS's voice interrupted once again. "Sir, the telephone. I'm afraid my protocols are being overridden," the AI announced.

Tony grabbed the phone, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the joys of being a celebrity," he quipped before answering the call.

Agent Coulson's face appeared on the screen, his expression serious and urgent. "Mr. Stark, we need to talk," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Tony's smirk widened as he leaned back in his chair. "You have reached the Life Model Decoy of Tony Stark. Please leave a message," he joked, clearly uninterested in a serious conversation.

But Coulson's tone brooked no argument. "This is urgent," he insisted.

With a sigh, Tony relented, knowing that Coulson wouldn't be deterred. "Then leave it urgently," he replied before ending the call.

As Coulson's image disappeared from the screen, Tony turned to Ethan with a knowing look. "Looks like we have an unexpected visitor," he remarked, a sense of anticipation in his voice.

Tony and Ethan exchanged a knowing glance as the call with Agent Coulson ended.

"So, what's the deal with Agent Coulson?" Ethan asked, curiosity evident in his voice as he turned his attention back to Tony.

Tony leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Coulson doesn't just call for chit-chat," he replied, tapping his fingers against the table. "Whatever he's got, it's big."

Ethan nodded in agreement, "Should we be worried?" he asked, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

Tony flashed him a reassuring smile. "Nah, nothing we can't handle," he said confidently, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "But let's hear him out."

Just then, the lab door slid open, and Coulson stepped inside, his expression grave. "Mr. Stark, Mr. Grayson," he greeted them with a nod, his tone serious.

Tony raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "To what do we owe the pleasure, Agent Coulson?" he quipped, though there was an edge of tension in his voice.

Coulson wasted no time with pleasantries. "I'm here about the Tesseract," he said bluntly, his gaze locked on Tony.

Tony's expression hardened. "What about it?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Coulson hesitated for a moment before continuing. "It's gone," he replied simply, his words hanging heavy in the air.

Tony's eyes widened in disbelief. "Gone? How is that possible?" he demanded.

Coulson shook his head, his expression grim. "That's what we're trying to figure out," he admitted. "But we need your help, Tony."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author - here I'm trying to keep some part of the story as it is. Why?? because this scene of Tony is just that good.