This was why Tony was fond of Felicia. She didn't scowl and get all cranky when Tony decided to throw a few lines her way. She stood her ground, gave him a little cheek, and they both walked away winners. It was nice knowing that not every person in the world had a terrible sense of humor. “I think that would make you tenfold more prepared than you were,” Tony declared smugly. “What kind of hostess doesn't plan ahead for attacks via archangel in the middle of an apocalypse? Honestly, woman, it's like you've never done this sort of thing before.”
The costumes weren't all tragically horrible, he had to agree. Some where downright silly. Others? They were just sad. Namely his costume. Tony had his moments of depression, he couldn't deny that, but as soon as he had stepped in the life of one Bruce Wayne, he had spent nearly every waking moment of his pathetic existence juggling anger and unimpressive bouts of sadness over deaths that he should have gotten over a hell of a long time ago. Tony didn't even want to get started on his unexplainable need to slink back into the shadows half the time either because, frankly, that was a little too close to crossing into creepy guy in the shadows than badass bat-shaped vigilante. He really didn't understand the character appeal whatsoever. “I'm glad it didn't stick. Bruce Wayne might have been clever, but he was no Tony Stark.” Tony would have preferred his high tech suit over wandering throughout the city streets dressed up like a giant bat, anyway.
Oh, she did have him. As much as he hated to admit it, it was a little embarrassing having to turn to someone else for money for the first time in...well, ever. Tony was so used to being so rich that he wouldn't have even noticed if a couple million went missing under his nose. He threw money away left and right like it was nothing and now he had to be careful about what he spent, otherwise he'd have to go running back to Felicia over here, who would then proceed to be even more smug. It was kind of mean. "I imagine a lot like how it's going to feel when I finally get my hands on some of my own money and build my way back up," Tony replied, shrugging, "in which I will find some way to ensure that you work for me, whether you want to or not." Tony flashed Felicia a smirk. "I'm thinking sexy maid. You could pull off sexy maid."
"I'm not getting used to this place," Tony countered, "this roof? Absolutely. Lawrence and all that comes with it? Never." In some ways, he preferred home. In others? He liked Lawrence better. While he was ridiculously poor in comparison to his former status, Tony didn't have to worry about being as responsible here. He wasn't being forced to sign this contract or to attend that meeting or whatever it was that was lined up on his schedule. Tony could just go to his apartment, bury himself into his work, and not have to worry about anyone or anything for however long he wanted, because it was mostly just him here. Not his company. Just Tony Stark.
"What makes you different from the average thief? I'm sure they could get a costume, too. You might end up competing with the Yellow Puppy one of these days, if you're not careful..."