Curiosity Killed the Cat...

The plane began its descent, the hum of the engines growing deeper as the wheels prepared to touch the tarmac. Stephen sat quietly in his human form, the Cloak of Levitation still draped over his shoulders like a protective shield. But as the landing drew closer, he let out a sigh and stood, brushing a hand over the cloak's fabric.

"You know what this means," he murmured softly.

The cloak rippled faintly, almost in protest, as if it didn't want to part from him.

Yinsen glanced up from his seat, his brow furrowing slightly. "You're going to transform again, aren't you?"

Stephen nodded. "A lot of people saw me board this plane as a cat. If I step out now in my human form, it'll raise too many questions."

Tony leaned back in his seat with a smirk. "You mean to tell me you care about what people think? I thought you were above all that mystical nonsense about blending in."

Stephen gave him a flat look. "I care about not causing a scene that ends with the goverment interrogating us. That's what I care about."

Rhodey chuckled. "Honestly, I think you're just trying to avoid another round of Stark's PR circus."

Stephen rolled his eyes but didn't dignify the comment with a response. Instead, he focused on the cloak, which seemed to shimmer faintly as he whispered a quiet spell. The rich crimson fabric began to shift, folding and twisting in on itself until it reformed into a simple red bandana.

The bandana floated gently in the air before tying itself neatly around Stephen's neck as he transformed back into his feline form.

Tony's eyes lit up as he leaned forward, grinning like a child on Christmas morning. "Oh, now this I like. A little splash of color. Very stylish. It's your new collar."

Stephen's ears flattened, his eyes narrowing at Tony. "It's not a collar."

"It's totally a collar," Tony said, ignoring the glare. He reached down and scooped Stephen up before the cat could protest, holding him securely in his arms. "Come on, buddy. Time to face the world."

.

The plane came to a halt on the runway, the stairs lowering as the cabin door opened. Outside, a flurry of reporters, paparazzi, and photographers had gathered, their cameras already flashing in anticipation of Stark's dramatic return.

Tony paused at the top of the stairs, Stephen still cradled in his arms. He looked down at the cat, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Stephen's tail flicked sharply. "Whatever you're thinking, don't."

Tony grinned. "Too late."

Before Stephen could react, Tony lifted him high above his head, holding him aloft like Simba in The Lion King.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of camera flashes and murmurs, the sight of the eccentric billionaire holding a black cat with a red bandana proving to be a picture-perfect moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Tony announced loudly, his voice dripping with mock gravitas, "I present to you: my emotional support cat. His name is Stephen, he's very grumpy, stylish, and he's single-handedly responsible for keeping me sane."

Stephen let out a low growl, his eyes glaring down at Tony. "You're insufferable."

Tony chuckled, lowering him slightly but still keeping him in view of the cameras. "And yet, here you are."

Rhodey, standing a few steps behind, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Stark, you're unbelievable."

Yinsen, however, simply smiled as he followed them down the stairs. "At least Stephen's helping you enjoy the moment."

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Tony finally brought Stephen back down, cradling him in one arm while gesturing grandly to the press with the other. "Alright, that's enough of a show. No more questions. Stephen and I are off to solve the world's problems, one grumpy glare at a time."

The paparazzi shouted questions, cameras still flashing, but Tony ignored them, striding confidently toward the waiting car with Stephen in his arms.

Once inside the car, the frenzy of the press safely behind them, Stephen let out a long, exasperated sigh. "You're impossible, Stark."

Tony grinned, adjusting the cat in his lap. "Yeah, but you're starting to get used to it, aren't you?"

Yinsen chuckled softly, his gaze warm as he looked at Stephen. "I think the bandana suits you. It's a good compromise."

Stephen huffed, but his tail flicked lazily, betraying his resignation. "I suppose it's better than nothing."

Rhodey shook his head, leaning back in his seat. "You know, Tony, one day your antics are going to come back to bite you."

"Maybe," Tony said, leaning back with a smug smile. "But until then, I'm going to enjoy every second of it."

Stephen, despite his annoyance, allowed himself to relax slightly. The cloak—his cloak—rested comfortably around his neck in its new form, a quiet reminder that even in this chaotic new world, some things could still feel right.

"Put me down, Stark. You've got your fun."

Tony grinned but ignored the command. "Not until the press gets a good look. You're a star now, buddy. Own it."

Rhodey groaned from behind him. "Stark, I'm begging you. Just walk down the stairs like a normal person for once in your life."

Before Tony could reply, a familiar voice cut through the commotion. "Tony!"

Tony froze mid-step, his smirk faltering slightly as he turned his head. Pepper Potts was standing at the base of the stairs, her usually composed expression softened by relief—and something else. Her eyes glistened faintly, the redness around them betraying tears that had been hastily wiped away.

"Pep," Tony said softly, lowering Stephen to chest level as he descended the stairs.

Pepper moved toward him quickly, her heels clicking against the pavement. She stopped just in front of him, her gaze scanning his face as if to confirm that he was really there. For a moment, she seemed on the verge of saying something, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she let out a shaky breath and managed a small smile.

"Welcome back," she said, her voice steady but gentle.

Tony grinned, his usual bravado slipping back into place. "Miss me?"

Pepper's smile widened slightly, though her eyes remained glassy. "I've have hated to search for a new job."

"Sure, you did."

Her gaze then flicked to the black cat in his arms, her brow lifting in quiet curiosity. "And this is…?"

"Stephen," Tony said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "He's been keeping me company. Saved my life, actually."

Pepper tilted her head, clearly confused but willing to roll with it. "Of course he did."

Stephen, for his part, let out an annoyed meow. "Can we finish the reunion later? This position is starting to get uncomfortable."

Pepper blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "Did the cat just—?"

"Yes," Stephen said flatly.

Tony chuckled. "He's a talker. You get used to it."

.

The paparazzi continued to clamor as Tony, Pepper, and the rest of the group made their way to the waiting car. Happy Hogan stood by the door, his ever-practical expression softening slightly as Tony approached.

"Boss," Happy said, his tone gruff but warm. "Good to see you back in one piece."

Tony grinned, passing Stephen off to Pepper briefly so he could clap Happy on the shoulder. "You didn't miss me too much, did you?"

"Not a chance," Happy replied with a smirk.

Pepper handed Stephen back to Tony, shaking her head slightly as she slid into the car. Yinsen and Rhodey followed, leaving Tony and Happy to take the last seats.

As the car pulled away from the chaos of the press, Tony leaned back with a sigh, adjusting Stephen on his lap. "Alright, Pepper," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Call for an official press conference. We've got a lot to talk about."

Pepper nodded, already pulling out her phone. "When do you want it?"

"Soon," Tony said. "Tonight, maybe. I'll leave the details to you, but make sure everyone's there."

Pepper glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "You sure you're ready for that?"

Tony's grin returned, though it was softer now. "Ready or not, it's gotta happen. I've got plans, Pep. Big ones."

Happy glanced at Tony through the rearview mirror. "And where to in the meantime, boss?"

Tony's eyes lit up with mischief. "Burger joint. I need a cheeseburger. A big, greasy, American cheeseburger."

Happy sighed but didn't argue, turning the car toward the nearest fast-food spot.