𝒀𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒏 | 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙠

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟎.𝟑

The second meet (Pre-Iron Man)

Six months later on New Year's Eve

Months had passed since Tony Stark's life had been upended by his chance meeting with Iliana Song at a birthday party. The enigmatic writer had left a lasting impression on him, but their paths hadn't crossed again—until now. The lavish New Year's Eve party at one of Manhattan's most exclusive penthouses was the perfect setting for their next encounter.

The grand ballroom was filled with well-dressed guests, all buzzing with excitement as they waited for the countdown to midnight. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Tony Stark, always the life of the party, stood near the bar, chatting animatedly with Rhodey.

"Rhodey, you have to admit, this is the best party we've been to all year," Tony said, raising his glass.

"Yeah, yeah, just don't get too carried away, Tony," Rhodey replied with a grin. "We both know how you get when the champagne starts flowing."

As Tony took a sip, his eyes scanned the room, landing on a familiar figure. Iliana Song stood near the edge of the dance floor, looking as elegant as ever in a black dress that shimmered under the lights. Her long, straight raven-black hair framed her delicate face, and her almond-shaped eyes, filled with a hint of mischief, met Tony's gaze.

"Well, well, if it isn't the mysterious Miss Song," Tony muttered to himself, a smirk forming on his lips. "Excuse me, Rhodey. I see someone I need to talk to."

Tony made his way through the crowd, his confidence radiating as he approached Iliana. "Iliana Song," he said, his voice warm and charming. "Fancy seeing you here. Any tips regarding my personality this time?"

Iliana turned, her smile lighting up her face. "Mr. Stark, what a surprise."

Tony gestured towards the bar. "Can I get you a drink?"

Iliana shook her head with a polite smile. "No, thank you. I don't drink."

Tony raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. "Can't hold your alcohol, huh?"

Iliana chuckled softly. "It's not that. As a writer, I prefer not to be addicted to any substance that might motivate me to write. I like to keep my inspiration pure."

"Touché," Tony said, impressed. "A disciplined artist. I like that."

Just then, Rhodey joined them, a friendly smile on his face. "Iliana, right? We met at the birthday party. I'm Rhodey."

"Yes, I remember," Iliana replied warmly. "Nice to see you again, Rhodey."

As the three of them chatted, Rhodey couldn't resist sharing an embarrassing story about Tony. "You know, Iliana, there was this one time Tony tried to impress a girl at a party by doing a backflip off a yacht."

Tony groaned, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Rhodey, do we really need to go there?"

Rhodey laughed. "Oh, we definitely do. So, Tony does the flip, but he miscalculates and ends up splashing into the water. The girl was not impressed."

Iliana laughed a melodic sound that caught the attention of several nearby guests. "I can't say I'm surprised and it's funny to imagine. Always going to great lengths to make an impression."

Tony shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face. "What can I say? I aim to entertain."

The countdown started.

"Three, two, one—Happy New Year!" the crowd cheered, voices blending in a chorus of celebration.

Tony looked at Iliana, a newfound respect in his eyes. "Here's to new beginnings," he said, raising his glass.

Iliana nodded, her smile genuine. "To new beginnings."

Rhodey, noticing a photographer nearby, waved him over. "Hey, can you take a picture of us?" he asked, gesturing to them.

The photographer nodded enthusiastically and positioned them. Tony stood in the middle with his arms around Iliana and Rhodey. They all smiled, capturing the moment as the flash went off.