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

Omen

“G’morning, baby” I heard the sleepy voice of my mother, then a kiss in my cheek.

I moaned, but showed her a small smile “Hmmm-morning”

“Merry Christmas, Tony” she let her body fall next to me.

I threw my covers above her and welcomed her next to me, closing my eyes again “Merry Christmas, mom”

“Hmm, feeling sweet are you?” she smiled, her head resting on my shoulder

“S’your fault”

She kissed my cheek again “I would stay here all the time with you, but don’t you want to eat some breakfast and open presents?”

I looked at her, suspiciously “More presents?”

She smiled at me “Don’t think I am spoiling you, ok? You deserve it. And I just want you to know you’re not alone. You have me, ok?”

I smiled and kissed her cheek before jumping out of the bed “Let’s open them, then!”

“Don’t run barefoot, you’re going to fall!” she shouted, giggling, and followed me.

Yes.

Everything seemed to be so much better.

And, for my surprise, the night before, Christmas eve, was not as it used to be. It was just me, my parents, Obadiah Stane and his current wife (who was really annoying, by the way).

I actually felt good and we spent a nice time together.

Well, except for my father, who spoke no word whatsoever. Only for moments, and always with Obadiah.

Well, I could not care less.

By that time, I did not even wish to be at the Rhodes anymore. I thought about them, I could imagine how noisy and fun their Christmas would be, but I was ok in there, with my mother.

“Hey there, kid!” Obadiah surprised me as I arrived at the living room. I did not get the idea he would spend the night in there.

I was too comfortable wearing only my boxers, thinking there were no guests. Actually, I was comfortable, anyway, being at my house.

“Obie” I greeted him and proceeded to open my presents.

Amazing watches, perfumes clothes and many new kinds of tools and materials.

My mother knows I am not a kid who would be all excited for the newest playstation and its games. She knows exactly what I like.

Unlike me.

I never know what to get to people.  

Obie got me a car, making my mother go furious. Oh, but I did not protest at all, after seeing my brand new white audi r8 coupé.

“I heard you visited the air force basement?”

I gulped, my father’s voice interrupted my conversation with Obie about my new audi.

I turned to look at him “Uh… yes”

“Come with me” he commanded

I quickly did as I was told.

It wouldn’t matter how much I grew up. My father would always intimidate me.

“What did you think they could improve?”

I looked at him, puzzled “They are great on weapons.” I, indirectly, complimented my father “They could use more, only because they have a limited stock. But that depends on how much they can spend with you.” I looked down “Uh… but… their jets and choppers could be a lot…”