Tony blinked at her. Where the hell did that come from? Then he shrugged. "The bigger piece, or whichever she wanted." He shifted uncomfortably, because that really kind of meant "whatever made her happier", because even he could be a sap sometimes.

Pepper smiled at the answer.

"Then I think you're going to be alright," she said. "I don't think this one will blow up in your face."

Tony huffed. He was still not really convinced, but Pepper thought it would be okay, and that went a little way to reassure him. So he'd think about things for a bit.

Pepper could tell he wasn't completely convinced, but there wasn't much more she could say that he wouldn't learn on his own.

"Now, why don't you go clean up a bit and tinker in your workshop for a while?" she suggested.

Tony grumbled a bit, but it was more his normal grumbling rather than actual unhappy grumble.

"Fine, fine, I'll go boss Dummy around for a while."

Pepper smiled.

"Boss Dummy around and play with Rotom," she said. She knew that always made him feel better.

Tony nodded, huffed once more for good measure, and headed for the door. But he paused before he left.

"Thanks, Peps," he said quietly.

"My pleasure, Tony," Pepper replied, smiling a bit.

Tony nodded and headed back down to his lab to tinker for a while, waiting to hear from Maeve.

Once Maeve was settled back in her apartment and being fussed over by Gardevoir and Ditto-Chansey, she used her personal phone to text Tony.

I'm home now. They gave me the good painkillers.

Ah the good stuff. Tony grinned. So are you sleepy, loopy, seeing things, or some combination?

Best two of three and say I'm definitely ready to just turn on mindless TV and sleep in front of it. Maeve grinned a bit even as Gardevoir tucked a blanket around her.

I bet your pokemon are fussing now huh? Tony grinned at the mental image.

Gardevoir is, she convinced Ditto to be a Chansey to fuss as well. Maeve rolled her eyes and settled back further into the couch.

Tony snorted. Well, best to get your rest. You'll feel better in the morning.

I won't be as high in the morning. Right now I'm high enough not to care that my shoulder is screaming at me. Maeve yawned a bit. But sleep sounds good, so I'll go.

Good. I'll hear from you tomorrow. Tony set his phone aside again, grimaced because he had it so bad, and then got back to tinkering.

Maeve didn't even reply, she'd fallen asleep on the couch. The next morning though, she was up and about in her apartment, just trying to take it easy without going stir crazy.

Tony was still up and working on various things, including an upgraded version of the suitcase armor.

Once Maeve managed to make herself breakfast, she sat down and pulled out her personal phone.

Remind me never to get shot again. I hate just sitting around like this.

You could come here and help me out, Tony texted back without his brain's express permission. If you're that bored.

You sure? She knew he was picky about who was in his workshop.

Yeah, sure, Jarvis is just getting snarky with me and I know I didn't give him that mouth. Tony grinned.

Well, I've heard he does take after his creator, and didn't you give him learning protocols? Maeve couldn't help but grin as she let Gardevoir gather her things and usher her out the door.

Tony huffed. Even with those protocols he should not be this snarky.

Ninetails just snorted at him.