For the next few months, Roy spent much of his free time sparring with Natalie. Each session was intense but controlled, and Natalie could feel her strength and skill improving with every correction Roy offered. Slowly, she began to realize that she was falling for him, drawn to his confidence, precision, and calm guidance.
Meanwhile, Pepper approached Roy one afternoon with a concerned expression.
"Roy… Tony's been selling parts of his painting collection—to the Boy Scouts and some collectors," she said.
Roy raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his drink.
"I'll handle it," he replied, a subtle glint in his eyes, leaving Pepper relieved but slightly unnerved.
A few days later, Roy heard a commotion at Tony's villa. Rushing over, he entered the training room and froze for a moment at the scene: Tony and Rhodey were both in their Mark suits, trading punches at full speed.
Roy calmly stepped between them. With just two fingers, he caught both of their fists mid-strike, holding them effortlessly. Tony and Rhodey stared in shock.
"Roy… what the—?" Tony stammered.
Roy tilted his head, his eyes calm but piercing.
"Rhodes… what's happening here?"
Rhodey swallowed and explained, "The military's pressuring him to hand over the suits. They want Tony to give in."
Roy pondered silently for a moment, then finally said,
"You can take the suit you're wearing… but only you are allowed to use it."
Rhodey nodded, understanding the subtle weight behind Roy's words, and left with the suit.
Roy turned his attention to Tony, his gaze sharp.
"Tell me… how much palladium poison is in your body?"
Tony froze, eyes wide. "How… how do you know that?"
Roy didn't answer. He snapped his fingers, and immediately Tony felt a sudden rush of vitality, as if the poison had been neutralized.
"You're alive," Roy stated simply. "I've removed the palladium poisoning completely. But… you'll need to find a new element to power your suit."
Tony, still catching his breath, could barely respond. "H-how… how did you do that?"
Roy smiled faintly, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"I'll tell you in a few days. For now… focus on finding the new element."
Tony nodded, still in shock. "I've tried every combination… nothing works."
Roy leaned slightly closer, a faint smirk on his face.
"Really? Then check the Stark Expo model. You might find what you're looking for there."
Tony's jaw tightened, realizing Roy already knew more than he could even imagine. He nodded once again and left to inspect the model, leaving Roy standing silently, calm as ever, with a faint glimmer of amusement in his diamond-blue eyes.