Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 30: Catch Two to Take a Look

The awkward meeting finally wrapped up with Stark's apology.

Stark, tough as nails, wasn't yelling or anything. He just clutched his aching right hand with his left, resting it on the bar, and kept sucking in air through his teeth.

Alvin, being considerate, handed him an ice pack for his hand and didn't forget about his bodyguard, "Happy." Seeing Happy's busted nose and swollen face, Alvin couldn't help but think his parents must've had a twisted sense of humor naming him "Happy."

Stark slapped the ice pack on his hand, shot a sideways glance at Alvin, and said, "Kid, you're in deep trouble. Your restaurant's in big trouble."

Alvin grinned, giving Stark a look that could drive anyone nuts, and said, "You gonna sue me? Because you harassed a waitress and then almost got your pants wet from a nineteen-year-old waitress? Ha! Mr. Stark, you sure about that? I don't mind at all. We've got surveillance and recordings. If you wanna go to court, my restaurant's gonna get famous."

Stark, not used to taking such a hit to his pride, couldn't let it slide. He snapped, "Kid, I don't bully women, but I'll teach you a lesson. One-on-one. My bodyguard's a pro boxer, and I've trained with him." He paused, eyeing Happy's sorry face, "I'll sign up for a judo class, and when I'm healed, I'll come back and teach you a lesson. One-on-one."

"You sure about that?" Alvin asked with a smirk.

Stark glared at Alvin and shouted, "I'm sure. I'll beat you so bad you'll be picking your teeth off the ground."

Chief George wiped his forehead, wanting to say something but holding back. He looked at Stark, this awkward, stubborn genius who sometimes acted like a kid. George shook his head and kept quiet. If Stark wanted trouble, that was his business.

Alvin nodded with a smile and said, "No problem, the Peace Hotel always welcomes you!"

Pepper, standing nearby, knocked on the bar. Like a worried mom, she glanced at Stark, who was glaring at Alvin like a kid, and said to Alvin, "I'm here to discuss something. Can we start?"

Alvin shrugged, pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, sat down across from Pepper, and said, "Alright, tell me about the vampire you saw and let's see if it matches what I know."

Pepper thought for a moment and recalled, "They look just like regular people, but with super pale skin. I ran into one at a nightclub. It's really fast and can climb walls. It has two long fangs. One of my bodyguards got killed, drained of blood while saving me. Oh, and these things have almost no body heat."

Stark, with his annoying tone, butted in, "Nightclub? No body heat? Pepper, how do you know? You never told me this! You need to give me a full report on this no body heat thing when we get back!" Despite his annoying tone, he couldn't hide the jealousy in his voice.

Alvin raised his eyebrows at Pepper. This capable and tough blonde blushed, avoided Alvin's gaze, glared at Stark, and said, "You don't even believe in this stuff. What should I tell you, Tony? Every time I mention vampires, you laugh at me and say I'm delusional!"Stark, clearly ticked off, tossed his sunglasses on the bar and yelled to Jessica, "Hey waitress, get me a beer for my injury. Let's hear what your scam artist boss has to say."

Alvin put away the paper and pen, smiled at Pepper, and said, "I think I know what those things are! Thanks for the info. By the way, Miss Potts, ever thought about switching jobs? My community school is expanding and we need top-notch female leaders like you. Way more fulfilling than babysitting a spoiled big kid."

Pepper chuckled dryly and said, "Thanks! I'll think about it." She paused, "If you go after those things, be careful."

Alvin smiled, shook hands with Pepper, and raised his eyebrows at Stark. He held her hand a bit longer, just until Stark looked like he was about to blow a fuse, then let go and said, "Seriously, think about my offer. You can visit my school anytime. Our doors are always open for you."

Pepper found the whole scene amusing, watching the two grown men compete, and just shook her head without saying anything.

Ginny, who had been lying on the bar with her chin in her hands, watching the adults talk, curiously looked at Stark's right hand wrapped in an ice pack and said, "Cold, uncomfortable."

Stark, with his quirky personality, surprisingly had a soft spot for Ginny. He made a funny face at her and said, "Your waitress is too wild!" Then he blew on his right hand, showing it hurt a lot.

Ginny giggled at Stark's expression and said, "You, Nick, fool, same, Jessie angry, hit you."

Stark, not quite used to Ginny's way of speaking, was stunned for a moment and said, "Hey~ little beauty, I'm not a fool. I'm a genius inventor."

Ginny nodded seriously and said, "You, Nick, fool, same."

Stark, frustrated, looked at Alvin and said, "Who is this fool named Nick?"

Alvin, enjoying Stark's frustration, shrugged and said, "Nick's a second-grade troublemaker, but you can't call him a fool. His old man has quite a temper."

Stark, annoyed, waved his hand and said, "This is the worst day of my year!" He turned and walked out of the restaurant first. Pepper nodded to Alvin and followed him out, not paying attention to Alvin's words about the vampires.

At the door, Alvin heard Stark complaining to Happy, "You couldn't even beat two big dogs? Find me a judo or martial arts teacher, whatever. I want to beat that guy inside. Just looking at his face makes me want to punch him."

Seeing Stark and his crew leave, Chief George breathed a sigh of relief. He was really worried Stark and Alvin would clash. The current outcome wasn't too bad.

Chief George looked at Alvin with a questioning look and said, "Do you have any idea about those things?"

Alvin thought for a moment and said, "I think I know what they are. I need to verify it. If I'm right, Chief, you're in big trouble."

Chief George asked irritably, "How do you verify it?"

Alvin smiled mysteriously, spread his hand, and clenched it tightly, "Catch a couple and see, then we'll know."