“Why not you?” He tilted his head a little with a soft frown.
Was Mr Stark really asking that?
“I… uh, b-because you’re… I mean, I’m just me. And uh… I haven’t been on a date in ages – real or otherwise.”
Tony just shrugged a little and smiled softly to him. “Then I guess you’re over due and no one is just them.”
Carlos laughed nervously. “Compared to you, Mr Stark, I absolutely am ‘just me’.” Carlos still wasn’t convinced that Mr Stark was being serious – at least not about bringing him in on this scheme.
Tony chuckled softly and shook his head a little. “Everyone seems to think I’m this great person. I’m not always.” He replied before he lay a hand on his shoulder. “Come on, have some fun.”
That was because Tony Stark was a great person – especially in Carlos’ book. But he could sense that there might be an argument to be had if Carlos insisted that point so for now he was willing to let it drop.
“What… what is this even about, Mr Stark? What’s the reason for the… pretense?”
“Because I wanted someone to be my ‘partner’ for an event and everyone knows Pep is just my CEO at that point.” He replied and chuckled softly when he watched the other trying to think through his answer. “Just come with me for one night, will be a great time I promise you.”
“I… I don’t doubt it’d be,” Carlos said, which was a lie – he did doubt that he’d get over himself just enough to relax and have a good time. “I guess I just… don’t get it.” He knew he was being difficult, but Carlos couldn’t help it.
The Perfect Scientist 