Chapter 50

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Months after Loki's attack on NYC, Tony becomes more & more distant. He spends most of his time down in the lab creating more & more suits. Improving them. Suffering in silence from reoccurring panic attacks, which has now been made worse with the new threat of the Mandarin's multiple bombings.

Rhodey takes Tony out for lunch & opens up to him about there being more bombings than what's being reported. Tony suffers a panic attack while out with Rhodey then leaves.

Later that day, Kristina walks into the house & sees Tony's suit of armor sitting comfortably on the couch. She quickly realizes that he's not in it & rushes down to the lab. She finds him working out. Annoyed that he ate dinner without her after they made plans, she walks up the stairs but stops when Tony explains how it has been affecting him since Loki's attack.

"You think I haven't noticed?"
"I know that you have & I'm sorry. I just...it's been alot." Kristina comes over to him & wraps her arms around his head as he buries his head into her chest.
"I love you, Tony but stop internalizing everything. I'm here to help any way I can." He pulls away.

"I know

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"I know. It's just", he pauses to sigh, "I thought it would pass, you know? Like maybe I'm stronger than this but it's kicking my ass."
"I know, honey. You're going to hate what I'm about to say but..."
"Do not state I need a therapist. Cuz that's a hard no." Tony walks away & tinkers with his things.

"All I'm saying is that it could help you. I know the idea of sitting on a couch & expressing your feelings is not what you have in mind but baby, you're not yourself."
"I know that but..."
"When was the last time you slept for more than two hours?"
"Kris, I know what you're doing & it's not..."

"When's the last time we had sex, Tony?" Tony sighs from frustration.
"Do you even remember?" He slams his screwdriver down.
"Exactly three months & two days ago."
"That's my point. You don't want to see a shrink, fine but stop pushing me away when all I want is for you to be alright. I want to feel close to you again." Kristina walks over to Tony & kisses his back.

"Turn around." Tony turns to face her.
"I'm sorry, Kris."
"I don't want you to be sorry. I want to be able to help you but you have to help yourself too." She wraps her arms around his waist.
"I love you, you stubborn man." He smirks.
"I love you too." She pulls away & walks halfway up the stairs.

"Let's go."
"Where?"
"Shower & then bed."
"What, no sex?"
"No. Come on." Tony & Kristina head up to the bedroom. She kicks off her shoes & goes into the bathroom to turn on the shower. They undress quickly & get in. Tony stands under the showerhead.

Kristina watches the warm water fall over his body. Her eyes concentrated on his abs. Thoughts running through her head. Missing the feel of his body against hers, missing his hands all over her. Watching him breathe in & out, his abdominals expanding & contracting. Feeling how lucky she is that this human work of art is hers.

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