The Man with no Heart (Tony Stark) - ON HOLD

Just like your father

Even though I was quite surprised to see her here instead of any other of my father’s driver, I decided to simply walk past her and in the direction of the car.

“Tony.” Her voice was still soft as she walked towards me

Still, I gave no answer. Maybe I am getting her mad, but honestly, I really do not care at this point.

“Anthony Edward Stark!” her voice became stern as she grabbed my arm, making me turn to look at her.

So, I did, but still, stepped back and leaned against the car. I could still see the Rhodes at their door, watching us.

“Why did you do this?” she asked “Do you have any idea…?”

I interrupted her

“Do you have any idea… mother? Do you?”

She looked at me, taking a deep breath “Tony…” she softly said “Please don’t do this kind of things. When I know you are at MIT, I… feel relieved, I know you are ok. But… like this, you have no idea how desperate you got me”

“Well, mother…” I fought the knot on my throat “You have no idea when I enter or leave MIT’s gates. And guess what?! MIT’s Christmas break started a loooooong time ago, and you were perfectly fine without me this whole time” I breathed “Why care now?”

Her hands grabbed my coat “Don’t you even dare saying such a thing!” she snapped

I gulped, her voice scaring me.

“I love you, Tony. I love you”

I looked at her, sadly “No mom…” I opened the door “You have no idea what’s going on with me, you have no idea how my day life is now. You don’t… care” I whispered before entering the car.

It took her a long time to finally get inside the car herself, and I patiently waited. There was nothing in this world that could undo the knot I felt on my throat.

I knew she had been crying when she finally entered the car.

However, she did not turn the engine on. Instead, she spoke “You are different, Tony.”

I frowned as she continued “You are still a kid, though”

“Well, thanks for pointing that out, did you expect me do remain that…”

She interrupted me “No, I did not expect anything, Tony!” she yelled “I am sorry if I am not the best mother in this world, I am sorry if I don’t give you the attention you deserve. I am sorry I am not able to cook like that loving black lady probably does. I am sorry I am not there most of the time. But don’t run from me! Let me at least try, while and when I can!”

I looked at her, surprised, as she cried “You could have, at least, told me. Warned me. I would have let you come. You knew me and your father were busy with work until today. Yes, we did not remember MIT break was sooner, and I’m sorry! But… that’s not a reason for you to run from us, Tony…”

“Father would not let me go anywhere.”

She glanced at me, through the mirror

“You are quite wrong about your father too, Tony”

“Oh, right. Now you’re both the best parents in the world, loving your long lost boy.”

“You are such an annoying immature child, Tony.”

“Right” I looked away.

She started the engine and took off. The ride was silent and somewhat awkward. “So… what do I not know?”