Should I give in?

Coincidence?

The next few days went by as usual, nothing too unusual. I almost entirely forgot I met the guy.

Almost.

If it wasn't for the fact that I swear I see him everywhere I go now, It must have always been like this and I just didn't notice. I shrug to myself.

I head down the bustling streets of New York once again when I hear gasps and shouts of joy. I look around to see people pointing up in the air and decide to look up. There he was in all his glory, the gold and red suit flying across the air without a care. I shake my head before looking away, this is like the fifth time this week.

I continue to my favourite cafe, excited to have a nice cup of warm tea to cheer me up.

The bell chimes as I step in; it doesn't look like it was too busy today; as I was about to sit down, Aleshia's head popped around the corner.

"The usual?"

"Yep", I state while popping the 'p.'

I scroll through my phone to see articles about today's Iron Man sightings.

Isn't there better things to talk about?

I roll my eyes as I wait for my drink; there's been nothing but talk about him recently; he's been oddly active. I really couldn't care less to be honest, he seemed like a prick.

I didn't notice that my drink was already on my table when I looked up; Aleshia was the best.

I wonder what I will have for dinner; my parents are out of town, probably out gambling again.

I stare out the window, a flash of gold catches my eye before it's gone. I continue to look as a bird flutters down looking for scraps.

That's when the bell chimed again, gaining my attention only to see him again. I guess he likes the coffee here, I can't say much about it as all I drink is tea, but if that's amazing I have high hopes for everything here.

He steps to the counter where Aleshia is; said woman looks over and wiggles her eyebrows. I just roll my eyes at her. He finishes ordering and immediately heads for the booth I'm sitting in.

"Hey, princess." He smirks at me as he takes a seat.

I just raise an eyebrow at him, really not in the mood to talk to people. He either didn't notice or just doesn't care as he continued to talk to me.

"The wardrobe choice of the day is interesting, but I think it would look-"

I completely zone out,  not really wanting to listen I just stare as his mouth moved but I couldn't hear what he was saying, it felt like cotton was in my ears.

It wasn't until I could hear the blaring ringtone coming from my phone did I snap out of it.

Looking down at my phone, I see the caller ID and groan.

Why are they calling me?

"I... uh... gotta take this?" I say as more of a question before I head out the door and lean against the building, answering the phone.

Putting the phone to my ear after answering, I immediately hear the vial voice of my mother,

"ITS ALL YOUR FUCKING FAULT!" I wince at the volume of her voice.

"WE DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY; IF WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR FUCKING FOOD, WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS SITUATION!"

Oh no

"THATS IT WE ARE DONE WITH YOU; YOU CAN FUCK OFF AND FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE." And she hung up.

Shit.

Now what am I suppose to do? I don't have anywhere else to go, I don't have enough to get my own place just yet.

I look over to see Tony standing there, obviously having followed me outside.

"What was that about?" He smirked but there was almost a concerned look to it. Almost.

"It's nothing, just something came up" I look back down at my phone before looking up at him "uh it was nice meeting you again? I guess"

I start to walk away, stuck in my own head.

I was walking for a while until I stopped and saw I was at one of my favourite places, the library.

I walk in, nodding to the librarian as I pass in greeting, making a beeline straight for the romance section. This was the only way I could escape, escape my thoughts, my responsibility's and reality.

I was there for hours, immersed in the stories of other worlds. What I would give to be in them, to just give up this life and live another.

It wasn't before long until I realised it was coming on noon and I still had to find a place to stay for the night. Sighing I put the book back and headed out, my feet hitting the pavement as I search up on my phone the nearest Motel.

I hear laughter behind me, but ignore it as I had other things to worry about. That was until I hear a cat call and turn around to see who it was, realising it was only me and three middle age men around this part of town. I shudder in disgust at them but continued to walk.

"Hey lady!" One of them called out to me but I ignore them. Just a bunch of day drinkers.

But the comments and calls didn't stop, I picked up the pace for a bit to try and get away. Noticing a corner around a building thinking it went into another street I headed for it, as I reached it I saw it was a dead end. Just great.

I turn hoping to leave unnoticed, just to see the men standing there, reaking of booze.

"Looky here, boys, this little lass seems to need our help" " the man slurred, stumbling over.

"No, I'm okay, really" I mutter.

He reached for my arm, and I stepped back only to meet a wall.

"Ain't she a pretty little thing?" I shuddered in disgust and tried to get away, sidestepping to get around them.

"I think I know what she would like" He drunkenly giggled while reaching for his zipper.

"NO! HELP ME!" I can't let this happen.

The silent guy slapped me, I stumbled a bit at the impact, but kept my ground.

Before anything more could happen, a whirring sound flew by, getting closer and closer before a clang of metal hit the ground nearby. I open my eyes not realising I even closed them in the first place.

"I think play times over boys." The man spoke, a stern tone to it.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" the drunkard asks.

A blast flies by his head and hits the wall nearby. Instantly making the men scatter, sobering up a little in fear, finally having recognised who they were talking to.

They run, well stumbled away, one trying to pull their pants up as he stumbles.

I shudder as the fear leaves me, my hand placing itself upon my chest to feel my pounding heart beat.

"Are you alright, Princess?" I look up to see Tony; he crouches down and starts looking me over for any injuries. When did I get down here?

"Bruce can take a look at you; I'm going to call Happy to take us to the tower." My confusion about this man is doubled; why is he helping me?

"It's alright, they didn't even place their hands on me," I say shakily.

"At least let me get you home." I shake my head at that.

"No... No, it's okay; I don't have a home right now anyway", I admit.

"I'm not letting you stay out here, sweetheart." After he knew I had no injuries, he stood up, took his phone out and called someone. After a while, he walked back towards me and sat beside me.

"Happy will be here shortly." Then there was silence; yet again, it wasn't uncomfortable either; it was nice.