Marvel: Playing Iron Man, Falling In and Out of Love with Jinx

Bilgewater, on the streets.

"Ah!!!"

"Holy, who's that madman, confidently streaking through Bilgewater?"

"I know this place is wild, but when did it get this perverted?"

"Eyes, avert your eyes, I can't watch this!"

"Naked in broad daylight? Who's that bold enough, damn, it's a pervert!"

Graves dashed through the streets, his Fate slung over his left shoulder, his exoskeleton bundled in his right arm. He blazed forward, flames of embarrassment scorching his face as the crowds gasped at this spectacle. But he couldn't stop, because Duke, via remote link, was zeroing in on him.

"If you don't make it back to the Siren before sunset, I'll have you paraded like a circus freak!"

"No face to show anyone!" Graves cried internally. Duke's calf-shaking taunt blared in his mind. It's not like he didn't earn it: they had a contract, and he chose to break it.

"But how am I supposed to survive in Bilgewater after this?"

"Then come with me to Piltover!"

Onboard the Siren, in the galley:

Duke guided Neeko in frosting the cheesecake, peeling an orange while communicating via the magic link in Graves's mind.

"I'm an outlaw, the toughest damn man around. You can't break me," Graves snarled in Duke's head.

"But I found every tavern in Bilgewater. I'll open new doors for you," Duke replied coolly.

"You devil!"

Graves raged internally. Duke looked up at the sky. "Ten minutes left. Better hustle."

"Miss your deadline, and I'll hang you on the mastpole, and invite Twisted Fate to laugh at you!"

Graves screamed silently as Duke abruptly ended the link. His mental leash was snapped, at least until Twisted Fate laid eyes on him.

Back in the galley, Neeko hollered while scooping sugar.

"You're using way too much sugar! It'll turn into diabetic sludge!"

"Neeko likes it sweet!"

"You'll rot your teeth!"

"Neeko isn't scared!"

Surrendering with an exaggerated sigh, Duke returned the spoon and left to catch some fresh air. Even though he wanted to savor his slight sadistic pleasure, he knew Graves would pay, later.

On the deck:

Crewmen bustled about, greeting Duke with respectful nods. He dropped his cigar, leaned on the rail, watching the sun dip lower. Spotting a streaking figure below, he signaled Raven quietly.

"Raven, get Graves a pair of pants."

Suppressing his laughter, Raven saluted. "Right away, sir!"

Above, Neeko slid the cake into the oven, sweet victory (for her) in progress.

Moments later, Graves staggered up the gangway, exoskeleton in hand. Duke, still holding his cigar and a pair of freshly supplied trousers, addressed him with measured calm.

"Well, well, nice color in your cheeks!"

"You bastard, you set me up!" Graves barked, bristling.

"What did you just call me?" Duke's voice turned ice-cold.

Graves flushed, swallowing down a lifetime of humiliation. "Boss... can I have those clothes? I... I've gotta, "

"We'll talk future first," Duke said, lightning-fast. He dangled the pants.

Graves stared at them like a lifeline. Duke hung patiently.

"Fine, fine," Graves mumbled. "What's the plan?"

Graves realized this was his moment to win back favor. "Boss, anything you need, just say the word. I won't run again!"

"Really now?"

"Really, man, ask anyone!"

"And if you slip?"

"Throw me in the sea to feed fish!"

"In that case," Duke smirked, tossing him the pants, "you get strapped to my operating table for experiments."

Graves snatched the trousers. "Yes, sir!"

Now confident once more, he straightened his chest.

"Actually," he began, pausing, "can I make a request?"

"Go ahead."

"Can you also hire Twisted Fate? He's clever, a real asset."

Duke couldn't help but smile.

He knew all about Graves and Fate's legendary rivalry, and he planned to use it. One brains, the other brawn: a perfect duo.

"I'll bring him aboard later. For now," he turned to Raven, "you guard Jayce. Pyrotechnics attract attention. We can't let anything slip after Gangplank's downfall."

"Understood, sir."

Graves, now sweaty yet steady, retreated to his quarters, likely too embarrassed to show himself again.

Duke dismissed Raven and returned to the deck breeze, pondering his next "original sin" design.

His plans followed the deadly sins: Pride was already built. Six more remained: Lust, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Sloth, Greed. He had borrowed Iron Man's blueprints, but now he'd forge his own path.

Boldly, uniquely his.

Suddenly, a wail from the galley.

Duke snapped to action, rushing in with martial grace. He found Neeko collapsed, devastated, next to the empty cheesecake tray. Her cheeks were wet, her twin blossoms wilted.

"What's wrong, Neeko? Who hurt you?"

She tugged at Duke's coat, tears rolling down. "Neeko not bullied... Neeko got heartbroken!"

Cliffhanger ending.

End of chapter...

To be continued...

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