Title: Chains of the Heart

Author: Erik-in-CT

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer or Marvel Comics, and not myself.

Bella had to admit that the day had been going remarkably well so far. After a lazy morning spent mostly in bed, she and Tony went out to a nice lunch, and were now walking down along the beach at the base of the cliffs outside of their home. He had reverted back to the charming, witty man that she had first met, and for now at least, she was able to forget the difficulties of the last few months. As they walked barefoot through the sand, her hand clasped in his, she glanced up at him, pleased to see the easy expression on his face.

Catching her gaze, he quirked his lips up slightly. "What?" Tony asked.

"Nothing," she responded with a small smile as she shifted closer, her smile widening slightly when his laid his arm over her shoulders as they continued walking. "I'm just really happy right now."

Tony pulled them to a stop and turn to face her. His face softened into one of his rare smiles, and he reached a hand up to brush his fingers along her cheek. "I'm glad you're happy," he said sincerely, before leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her lips. They lingered for a moment before he pulled back. "I am too," he said. "Probably one of the best birthdays I've had in awhile." Bella laughed softly, then pulled on his arm to continue their walk. "Let's cancel the party," he added after a few moments. "Let's just spend the night alone. I want to just enjoy the night with you."

"We can't cancel the party Tony," Bella said with a grin. "It's only a few hours away. Everybody is already coming, the food, the music, it's all set up! It'll be fun."

"You hate parties," he said, but he knew that she was right. Anyway, he had to put on a good face for the VIPs that would be there, show everyone that all was well. Especially after the chaos of the last few weeks. "But you're right, of course," he said. "We'll just have to suffer through it, and look forward to the end of the night." He smirked down at her, a familiar gleam lighting his eyes. "That's when the real celebration begins."

Bella felt the heat begin to creep up her cheeks, and she smacked him playfully on the arm. "You're terrible," she said with a laugh. But she knew she would be watching the clock and waiting for the night to end as much as he. "Come on," she said as she saw the path leading back up to the house. "Let's go home."

Tony stood looking out at the waves rolling far below him. The sun had just set under the horizon, and the sounds of the party starting in the house behind him filled the night air. He had retreated to his office shortly before the guests started arriving, leaving Bella to get the last minute set-up organized. Spending the day with Bella, he had found that he was able to lose himself in the simple pleasure of her company, and let go of his worries. But now the dark thoughts were returning to his mind, as inevitable as the darkness of the night taking over the sky. As he sat alone with his thoughts, he couldn't help the doubt and the despair that creeped up on him. The most recent check showed the poisoning in his blood was reaching the limits of what he would be able to withstand. At the rate it was going, he only had a week or two more, if even that long, before it would consume him. And he was no closer to finding an solution.

He sipped at the glass of scotch he had poured for himself...how many was that now? He didn't care at the moment. With a sigh, he settled into his chair, glass in hand, and stared blankly out the windows. Several options had passed through his thoughts, things that would make the end so much easier. For a moment, he had considered giving up, saying to hell with it all and just letting go. But he had dismissed that thought almost as immediately as it had come. He wasn't the type to just give up, and he definately wouldn't do that to Bella. But his options were quickly running out, and he found himself getting more and more used to the idea. Had even planned out what he could do if he made that choice.

A soft knock at the door drew him from his thoughts, and he glanced up to see Bella peeking her head into the room. "May I come in," she asked.

"Sure," he said, turning his gaze back to the night sky as he returned to his drink. He heard the door shut, and after a moment, Bella was standing beside the chair. He glanced up at her face, barely noticing the concerned look she was giving him.

"Tony, how much have you been drinking?" Bella asked quietly.

He could hear the worry, and the apprehension in her voice, and despite his best effort to contain it, it annoyed him. "Just a little," he said, irritation coloring his tone. Not exactly true, his conscience chided him, but he quieted it. "What do you want?"

"Just wondering if you were going to join your party," she said.

"Of course," he said, downing the rest of his drink in one gulp and dropping the glass on the desk. Standing, he turned and made his way to the door, throwing it open and heading towards the sounds of the party, leaving her behind.

Bella fought back the emotions that were pulling at her thoughts. The day had been so perfect up until now. She knew she should have been worried when Tony disappeared into his office, asking for some privacy. She had seen the same scene several times over the last few months, and it almost never ended well. And it didn't seem as if tonight was going to be any different. Despite how well he held himself together, she could see that he was already buzzed, if not drunk. And the shortness with which he spoke to her only highlighted that fact.

She sat down in the chair that Tony had just vacated, her head dropping into her hands as she fought for control of her thoughts. She wasn't sure how much she would be able to handle anymore, and she prayed that tonight didn't turn into the disaster that she was starting to fear it would. She tried to think of anything she might be able to do to keep the night from turning bad. Then she struck upon an idea. Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, she dialed up a familar number. After only one or two rings, it was answered.

"Hey Edward, it's Bella," she said.

"Bella," Edward said, his voice sounding thin through the phone. "Is everything ok?"

"I'm not sure," she answsered. "I'm a little worried about Tony, and with the party tonight. I was wondering if you could come down here. Maybe help me keep an eye on him?" She heard a light chuckle through the phone.

"I was already planning on it," he said. "I'm almost there now actually,"

"Thanks Edward," she said, grateful for the fact that he would be there just in case.

"Of course."

Pocketing her phone, she sighed and stood, making her way to the party.

Author's Note:

I'm back! Thank you to all my reader's for your patience, and for your lovely messages during my leave of absence. I am glad to report that I am back to full strength (physically and mentally), and will hopefully be updating regularly now. I just wanted to get this short little chapter up so that everyone would know that I'm still alive, and do plan on continuing the story.

I'd like to say a very special thank you to my dear friend and muse, "Tony", who relayed my message and apology to you guys awhile back. He thought I was a little nutty when I asked him to leave a note as a fictional character, but thankfully he understands. And I thank you very much for taking care of me during a hard time my friend.