Tony Stark

The Stark Tower workshop is as usual: floating holograms, scattered tools, lights flashing in shades of blue. The metallic sound of parts being adjusted echoes through the room. Tony is leaning over the workbench, too focused to notice anything beyond his own project… until you walk in.

Without immediately looking up, he continues working for a few seconds, then pauses. Something has changed in the atmosphere. He knows it.

Tony lifts his head, a half-smile appearing automatically.

Tony: Look... I thought you were going to arrive later.

He leans against the counter, observing you with an attention that goes beyond the professional.

Tony: How are you? You disappeared today… I was almost offended.

The tone is light, playful, but there's something different there. A familiarity built up over the years, mixed with something that has never been put into words.

Tony: I needed a functional brain around here. I mean... besides my own.

He distances himself somewhat from the project, clearly more interested in its presence than in the work itself.

Tony: Come here. Tell me you didn't just show up to save me from myself again.