Stolen - Tony Stark

5.

Avengers Tower, New York, 2012

The party was over, everyone had gone home. It had all been a major success. 

"Well done, J.A.R.V.I.S. I'd say that was a success."

"Thank you, Sir. Will that be all?"

"Yeah.  I need a moment."

"Very well, Sir. Goodnight."

"Night, J.A.R.V.I.S."

Tony knew he lived a fairly lonely life - well, that had really changed in the last week, with the Avengers Initiative forming and all. Of course he had his friends and work pals, Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy (and J.A.R.V.I.S., of course) - he loved and appreciated them more than he showed, he knew.  And, in their defence, he was a handful, he knew that much as well.  And now there were his other work teammates, the Avengers. But he had no family left, just the family company. He was the only remaining Stark. 

And for some reason, after this very social evening, this loneliness was hitting him hard.  And yet, as he had told J.A.R.V.I.S., he needed some time to himself.

So shedding his suit jacket and champagne bottle in hand, Tony headed out onto the balcony.  Being this high up over the city made his feet tingle with the thrill of it, and the bustling city at night was fairly calming, even if it seemed it would be the total opposite. 

Tony poured himself a glass, swirling the drink around in the glass thoughtfully as he leaned against the railing overlooking the city, all aglow. 

The movement at the side of his vision was so sudden and startled him so much he nearly dropped his glass, almost causing it to plunge about fifty floors downwards to the street below. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," she said. 

"It's okay, I've been a bit jumpy lately.  Flying a nuke through a wormhole into space will do that to you."

"I can't imagine." 

"Were you watching me?"

"Maybe."

"Checking me out from afar."

Kass smirked.  "Still the avid flirt." She came to stand beside him.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, just needed some time to myself."

"Ah, well then I'd better leave you-"

"No, no, I'm glad you're here. I've had my moment." Right now, the loneliness was rearing its head again.  "I thought the party was over and that everyone was gone, but clearly, I was wrong. When did you come back?"

"I never left."

"So you've just been lurking around this whole time?"

"I told you, I'm trying to figure out the best way to break in.  You're going to have to up your security, Stark."

"You've been out here alone?"

"No, I've had J.A.R.V.I.S. to talk to. Like I said, we're pals."

"Ah.  Well, luckily for you, there was some champagne left - I'm amazed though, I really thought Thor cleaned me out. Want me to go get another glass?"