Pride and Joy

Chapter One

Tony Stark

Visionary. Genius.

American Patriot.

Even from an early age, the son of legendary weapons designer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with his brilliant and unique mind.

At age four, he built his first circuit board.

At age six, his first engine.

And at 17, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT.

Then, the passing of a titan.

Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal son returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries. With the keys to the kingdom, Tony ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting.

Today, Tony Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe.

"As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee award to Mr. Tony Stark." James Rhodes finished his introduction, resulting in an outburst of applause from the audience.

But where was the man of the hour? "Tony?" Rhodey called. He caught the eyes of Obadiah Stane, who just shook his head at the man. Rhodey smiled back at the man, realizing that person for which this whole event occurred had not shown up, and giving him the okay to come accept the award in Tony's place.

Stane stood up from his seat in the audience as the spotlight fell on him. More clapping ensued as the man made his way up to the stage. "Thank you, Colonel," he said, shaking Rhodey's hand and accepting the award.

"Thanks for the save," Rhodey said as he stepped away from the podium.

"This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much." Stane held the award up as he spoke; admiring it. "This is wonderful.

"Well, I'm not Tony Stark." The crowd laughed. "But if I were Tony, I would tell you how honored I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award.

"Tony, you know. . .The best thing about Tony is also the worst thing. He's always working. . ."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Tony tossed the dice across the table as people gathered around to watch.

"Work it!" Tony said as the dice landed on the table, proving to everybody gathered around his victory. Everybody cheered as Tony said, "Come on!"

He turned to a woman on his right, "Hi, uh-" but he was pulled away by the dark-haired woman on his left. She pulled herself closer to him and put her hands all over his chest. "We should just stay till the morning," he said.

Just then, he was interrupted by none other than Rhodey, who walked up to his old friend and said, "You are unbelievable."

"Oh, no!" Tony exclaimed as the woman that clung to him grew annoyed. "Did they rope you into this?"

"Nobody roped me into anything!" Rhodey said.

"I'm so sorry," Tony said back, not at all remorseful.

"But they told me that," Rhodey continued, "if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honored."

"Of course I'd be deeply honored. And it's you, that's great. So when do we do it?"