Doctor James Rhodes

“I-what?” she snorted, shaking her head. “There will be literal masterpieces on the wall. They can not look at me for like ten minutes. And I’m pretty sure there will be other attractive people to look at there.” she was blushing nonetheless. “Ah, you don’t get to keep it all. I’m taking like seventy five percent back after this is over. My money.” she was pouting but only a little.

“And out of all of the people in that room I can promise only about three of them will give a shit about art. This is going to be about showing off how much money people have, and just how amazing they are. It’s only a certain type of person who goes to an early, donation based, preview gala.” He laughed “Spoil spot... and here I thought I was going to get my own Harry Hart wardrobe. What a shame...”

“So I’m cute?” He laughed “Fluffy and cute. Am I a puppy?” He asked teasing gently “But it’s cool... that you’ve got adopted brothers. I sort of wanted a brother when I was younger. It would have been cool. Plus, then my sister would have had two of us to look after her”

“Wonderful, that makes two of us.” Ellyn nodded and turned, waiting for the traffic to slow a bit. Glancing at him again, she giggled. “Tea, usually. And I loooove the berry tart. If it’s strawberry today I’ll fight you for it and win and get chocolate drizzled on top. That’s only ‘if’ it’s strawberry.” The fae winked at him then before starting to cross the road.

As they waited for the traffic to slow Jamie offered Ellyn his arm. This day was going rather better than expected “Tea it is then. I’ve never gotten the taste for it. I’m sort of a coffee junkie.” He laughed “And I’m glad someone appreciates pasty like I do. Though... it does make me wonder what happens if it’s blueberry? Or mixed berry?” he smiled as they walked opening the door the the quiet cafe. He love it because it made people watching exceptionally easy with it’s large open front window. “Mind if we take a table by the front?”

“Yeah... you say that until the power goes to your head and you realize just how easy it would be to subjugate the humans...” He smiled “And good, I like the safety net. Have you ever listened to or watched the Flight of the Conchords?”

“Just what problem do you think I am offering to solve, hmm, do you think it is out of my capacity to handle?”

“Oh I can think of all sorts of problems to throw at you” He shrugged “And a lot more I would be interested in you... handling” He tried to keep a straight face but ended up laughing. “Why? What exactly do you think I need your skill in... uncorking?” 

She held out her hand, giving the other a small grin.

“ –Valeria Dvornikova. It is nice to meet you. You are doctor, da? ”

“See, I’ve seen that one, and it was actually a pretty effective ice breaker.” He laughed “but then. I don’t think I have the usual acquaintance circles” He shrugged. 

He took her hand shaking it firmly before bowing forward and kissing the back

“It’s nice to meet you too, and yes... One of the doctors around here. Though I’m usually not in this particular office, I sort of come and go”

Her brows furrowed at that. “Why?” she didn’t understand why she’d be a ‘noticeable absence’. “I mean, if anyone asks then we can just tell them I went to the bathroom or something. No big deal.” she shrugged slightly as her fingers grazed over her tablet. “All right, funds have been transferred. Congratulations on becoming a billionaire you sexy thing.” she said it in such a perfect deadpan that even she had to crack a smile at it.

“Yeah... because no one is going to notice the pretty young blonde leaving the room” He shrugged “And if I say you’re going to the bathroom... it’s going to turn into the largest pee-break of all time. Though... I suppose it would explain why I would need to go find you” He laughed “Okay... not as difficult as I thought. and I was sexy before. Now, I’m basically a God” He teased “Wanna go shopping after this?”

“It’s fine. I expected it. It’s just the price of being first.”

“You made it through the next time too though. Plus it was one of the most extreme situations I’ve ever heard of” He reminded her remembering her part in the V-day recovery and dismantling “And we don’t put agents into situations alone where they are incapable. You wouldn’t be Lancelot if you were someone people couldn’t depend on. Perhapse the hesitation is proof of consideration and threat analysis. That’s rather useful”

“Price, sure... but again, not something you have to pay alone.”

“You’ll hear no arguments from me.” Jamie could be very charming when he wanted to be.

“Now you must wear one. It’s settled, I’m finding you the cutest sundress I can. Christmas will be amazing this year.” Letting out a giggly sigh Roxy relaxed, her hand idly rubbing her leg as she took in his words. “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh... I will... give me time” He laughed “I’m charming... but eventually, I’ll turn my powers for darker purposes”

“You buy it, and I’m going to feel obligated” It was a great thing Jamie had very little shame “And, jot that down as a poor comment” He blushed slightly feeling like he crossed a line. “But, there are plenty of agents around here that y ou could show up in a t-shirt around, and they would still think you were the best looking person around. And intimidating none the less. Plus, I don’t think any of us have seen you casual”

*no caption needed*

“Was my pleasure. I just needed to be around someone else.” Deciding to bite the bullet she picked up the file. She didn’t open it but she did tease the edge, preparing to open it as she read the cover of the file. “Some late night reading Doctor?”

Jamie tried to maintain the half smile as Roxy sat on his desk, but it dropped almost immediately when her hands fell on his file. His body tensed further hoping it was just a coincidence that her fingers had fallen on it’s manilla cover. 

“Well, you know when I don’t have a patient my....” he was going to say my door is always open, but it died in his throat as Roxy picked the file up. Her fingers traced the edge and before he could react he snatched it out of her hands roughly his heart hammering. That was personal. The no redacted file of his past. Things Arthur knew, but were not on the main databases. It was no one’s business but his own “That’s not for you” He nearly growled “If you’re going to come to this office, you can’t touch files. You know what I do, it’s confidential stuff. I can’t compromise that. It’s Doctor Patient confidentiality” He grumbled still aggressive, but he had started to feel bad. He tucked the file into his desk drawer haphazardly, and hoped she didn’t see the Rhodes, James imprinted on the tab.  Then he sighed and returned his eyes to her... feeling more guilty. “I... it’s just... important” He studied her hoping he hadn’t sent her into super spy mode and wasn’t heading for an ass-kicking.

“Years of practice and two degrees. One in Engineering and one in Computer Sciences.” she replied with a wink. “Honestly, when you know what you’re looking at its easy.” she wasn’t sure how to explain since it all just flowed so easily with her. “Working on a robotics degree right now too.”

“Oh is that all. I mean, if I would have known it was that easy I would have been doing this a long time ago” he teased watching the letters and numbers trying to see a pattern “And please remind me never to piss you off. Because when the robots you create decide to take on your enemies, I want to be on the right side of the fight”

“Are you a youngest child then?” He laughed enjoying the fact that she related to his history. “I mean, I could make a bunch of little sister cracks, but I’ll feel bad if I should actually be making middle child jokes” 

“Most people have” Jamie smiled “Still... not the ideal. I’m James by the way, James Rhodes. I don’t think we’ve met yet”