Angel in Red and Gold
Chapter 2
The Mandarin
"Good Morning Sir. It's 9:15 AM on May 30th 2013. The temperature in Malibu is 72 degrees with a slight chance of showers later on today. The stocks of the new weapons have gone up 15%. You have no appointments or meetings scheduled for today." I tried to block Jarvis' voice trying to wake me up but I refused to open my eyes to see the sun making its way up in the sky. I turned my back towards the large window and open my eyes slowly to adjust to the light.I take in my surroundings of my large master bedroom. I let out a groan and lay on my back in the middle of the large bed. I stared up at the ceiling as I feel the warm rays of the sun contact my cold skin. I lay on my back for a few more minutes then finally get up and stretch my muscles. After a few more groans and sighs I walked out of my room to the living room. I walk past the guest room of where Selena is staying in. I open the door slightly and peak my head in and I saw her small form still under the covers and softly breathing. I smiled and removed my head from the door way and closed the door softly. "She must really be tired for what happened yesterday." I said softly to myself as I made my way to the kitchen. I look and I see my chef in the kitchen cooking some breakfast for me. He turned his tall big form to me. "Why good morning Mister Stark!" He said in a cheerful tone. "Good morning Chef Draco. What are you making for breakfast today?" I ask as I sit down at the counter and look at the chubby French chef. "For you today sir I'll be making eggs benedict with a side of fried potatoes and bacon." He says with a smile as he places one plate in front of me. "We are going to need one more plate chef." He looks at me with a grin but his eyes were surprise to hear that I have a guest that will be actually staying for breakfast. "Yes sir." He said with a smile and went on and continued to finish the breakfast. I looked over to the side and saw my newspaper. I picked it up and started to read it. I turn the page into the celebrity section and gasped at what I saw. The main story was about me which had a picture of me and Selena in my car driving home from Stark Industries. My eyes widen as I read the article. They were talking about how Selena looked like a Goddess and much hotter than Pepper (I can agree). They continue to talk about her as they guess if she is a new actress or Victoria's Secret model that came from heaven and took my heart. I stopped reading the article when Draco places my plate in front of me. "Thank you." I said as I placed the paper to my side and picked up my fork. "I'm going to place the food for your guest in the microwave for it won't go bad." He said as he placed the plate in the microwave and closed the door. "I'll be taking my leave now sir. Would you need me anymore today?" "No, feel free to go home." I said as I take a bite of the eggs benedict. He smiled and then walked to the front door and left for the day. I ate in quiet for a while and wait till Selena would wake from her deep slumber. I smiled as I thought about her, then I shook my head and continued to eat.
SELENA'S POV
My eyes fluttered open as I take in the morning light that was shining on my face. I sat up facing the sun and stretched. I smiled slightly as I feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I got out of the bed and walk to the huge horizontal window and looked out into the ocean. The ocean was bright blue and calm this morning. I walk to the bathroom and started to wash my face. I tried to be careful and not to get anything on Tony's shirt. After I washed my face I walked back into my room and to the dresser. My clothes were cleaned and smelt very fresh. I smiled and took Tony's shirt off and the grey pajama shorts and placed them in the hamper that was placed in the corner of the room. I put on my shorts and my sports tank top. I fixed my hair in the mirror as I place it in a high bun and tuck all single strands behind my ear. After a few more moments of checking myself out in the mirror I head to the door. I walk out into the cold wood hard floor and walked down the hallway to the living room. I stop in the doorway as I see Tony sitting down at the kitchen counter. He was eating his breakfast. His hair had a little bit of a bed head still. He was wearing what seemed to be his pajamas still. The black muscle tank really brought out the features of his muscles and body. He looked up and met eye contact with me and smile. "Well good morning sunshine." He said as he got up and walked over to me. "How did you sleep?" He asked as he took my hand and guided me to the seat that is next to him. "I have to say it was the best sleep that I have gotten since I moved to California." I said as I sit down in the seat and smiles toward him. "I'm glad to hear that. I have the guest rooms with the best beds California can make." He said with a smile and a chuckle. I watch him walk over to the microwave and grab a plate from inside. He closes the door to the microwave and walked back over to me and set the plate in front of me. "This looks delicious! Did you make it?" He laughed and smiled. "No. My chef came in early from his vacation and made breakfast for both of us." "Thanks." I said as I pick up the fork and start to eat. "Oh wow this is amazing!" I said as I shove more of the eggs and potatoes in my mouth. He chuckles and takes a seat right next to me. "I'm glad you like it. I wish I could take the credit for it but like I said last night I'm really not a good cook." "I could teach you to cook." I said as I sallow the food that was in my mouth. He smiles and a tint of pink came on his lightly tanned cheeks. "That would be perfect. I would love it to spend more time with you." I paused my eating and look at him and smile. I felt my cheeks burning very warm. He stared into my eyes and I stared into his. His hazel colored eyes had a sparkle in them as we kept staring into each other eyes.
TONY'S POV
Her beautiful blue eyes had a sparkle that I never thought I would actually feel happy about seeing. I mean I always get girls looking at me with that type of sparkle but I never really care about it. Even with Pepper, I saw that and felt nothing. But with Selena, it's different. She is the first girl to actually not care that I'm Iron Man. She just cares about me, Tony Stark. She cares about my personality and not why I'm famous. I felt my cheeks burn and I just smiled. I like to think she is the first girl that I felt happy to have in my home. (She is also the first I didn't wake up to see in my bed). I started to lean in towards her lips and noticed her cheeks turned a dark pink. "Sir?" I stop in my tracks and straightened myself out and felt my cheeks burn even more. "Yeah Jarvis?" "There is something that you should see on the television." The TV that was in the corner of the kitchen counter was turned on to CNN. "America. Is not the land of the free but the land of lies…"
SELENA'S POV
Tony and I were motionless during the message from the new terrorist threat. The Mandarin… "Three tests remain America. Fear me now or it might be too late." The signal dies off and the news comes back on. I look towards Tony who was still staring at the television. I place my hand on his shoulder and he flinched slightly. "Tony? Are you ok?" I ask as I look at him. He turned his head and looked down to me. He gave me a nod. "I thought all the troubles were over since New York. But I guess not." He shakes his head and to be honest it looks like he is about to cry. "Tony I'm sure everything will be ok. You just need to-". Before I could finish my sentence he pulled me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me. I immediately place my arms around his torso. He cried softly into my shoulder and held me tighter. "I'm so sorry but no one seems to get that I'm in so much pressure and I just wish sometimes I could get a break. I wish that all this bad things in my life would stop just for a little while and just let me breathe." To be honest I was about to cry myself but I wouldn't know that Tony Stark would have problems like use normal people. "Tony I promise you will find some peace and love in your life but you just need to stay strong. You might have to go through struggle and a fight in your life but that is what will make you stronger." His hold on me got tighter and brought me closer to his chest. "Thank you Selena. Thank you for understanding." He pulls away and looks at me. He kissed my cheek and smiled. I felt my left cheek get warm and I could still feel his lips on my cheek. "Tony?" He looked at me with watery eyes. "Yes?" he said with a soft loving voice. "I probably should head home. I think you might want to be alone." His eyes seemed to get more watery and then his phone goes off. He takes the phone from his pocket and answers his call. "This is Tony." All of a sudden his eyes turned into anger. "What?!" Tony hangs up his phone and placed it back in his pocket. He turned his back to me and then slammed his fist into the kitchen marble counter. I jumped as the plates shook. "God damn it! More bad news after another!" I took a step towards him and placed my hand on his back. He didn't move as I made circles with my hand on his back. "Tony? Is everything ok?" He shook his head and turned to face me than he ran down the hallway towards the rooms. A few minutes later he comes back with his hair brushed in his usual style. He had on a long sleeve dark blue shirt that fit him tightly to show his muscles. A pair of dark colored jeans that had a wash out fade in them and his black converse. "S.H.E.L.I.D and Rhodey are asking for my input of what I can do to help with this terrorist. They think I can be able to do something to help out." Tony said as he walked towards the living room. I followed him with my eyes. He opened a cabinet that held a red and gold suit. It seemed to be a new suit he is working on. Tony took a couple of steps back from the cabinet, and he turned so his back was facing the suit. He swigged both his arms forward so he was making a T shape with his body. I looked at him and was confused on what he was trying to do. All of a sudden the eyes of his suit light up and started shaking. Part by part of his suit came to him. In less than a minute he had his suit on. He stood there for a couple of moments. I stood behind the counter in the kitchen looking at him in amazement and sadness. I was amazed that I can see him finally in the suit and it was just so amazing. I was speechless at this moment that just took place in front of me. But sadness came to me as I heard the news of his troubling time right now as this new threat enters. I wish there was something I could do to help him with this pain that he is feeling. I come out of my thoughts when he started walking towards me. I came around the counter to meet him halfway. His iron feet stopped a few steps in front of me and then his face mask lifted up.
TONY'S POV
She looked at me with her sad blue eyes. "I know I need to take you home but do you mind if I can do that later? I really need to go talk to S.H.E.L.I.D about this threat and I need to go and visit Rhodey with information about this man." She looked at me and nodded. "I understand. Take as much time as you need. I'm really not in a rush to get home anyways." I looked at her and for some reason felt calm about this situation now. I don't know why but I just did. "Or if you want I can give you one of my cars to borrow and you can go home. It's up to you." She looked at me and giggled. I don't know how that question was funny but for some reason it was. "I would accept that offer but I don't have my license with me and I just don't know how to get home from here. When I go for a run I leave my wallet at home because I never have a place to put it. So yeah." She shoots me a bright smile as she blushes with embarrassment about that situation. I place one of my hands on her shoulder and I smile at her as she looks up at me. "I'll just stay here and try to figure out what to do. I mean your house is huge so there must be something I can do." We both laughed and we had a couple of moments of eye contact that was strong. Then again I felt that urge to kiss her again so I cleared my throat and looked away from her. "I better get going." I said as she looks at me and flash me a smile. "Ok be safe." I gave her a pat on the cheek. I turned my back towards her and started walking towards the glass front door. The door slide to the side and I came out into the noon sun and the flash of paparazzi's cameras that was outside. They all were shouting my name to get my attention. "Tony! Tony! What do you think of this new terrorist?" Before I said anything to them I place my face mask on and walked into an open clearing. Before they could come to me and ask more questions I ran and jumped up into flight. I started my route to the S.H.E.L.I.D headquarters to know of their plan of attack before I take matters into my own hands. I just hope that everything will be alright. I'll feel horrible if something happens to USA or even Selena. "The girl just met and I'll feel horrible if I get her in danger."
SELENA'S POV
It's been a two whole days since Tony left to go talk to S.H.E.L.I.D and to talk to his friend Rhodey. Jarvis was kind enough to tell me about some clothes that Pepper forgot for I can change and have some new clothes to wear until I'm able to go home. She has a good taste in style but she wears too many heels. I barley wear heels. I only wear heels for parties or for a night out with the girls. I'm mostly just a sneakers chick. So after 30 minutes of going through 2 boxes of clothes I finally found something that fit me. So after I showered and changed and I put on a red button up shirt that had a gold trim on the edges. It was long sleeved and it was kind hot today so I folded the sleeves until they were a few inches from my elbows. I found a pair of black skinny jeans that actually are my size. Then I found a pair of black converse high top so I think I might keep these. I always wanted a pair of them so I guess today was my lucky day. I went to the kitchen to see what I could cook. It's about 5 in the afternoon and I just found some cereal in the cabinet and just ate that. I just been walking around his house and just see things that I haven't seen the first day I was here. I tried not to go outside since I don't want the paparazzi to see me and think something is up with us. I think Tony is going through enough crap and doesn't need a rumor of a new girl in his life haunting him. I was very tempted on putting on one of his suits but I was afraid of breaking it so I didn't. I really wanted to do it but I probably might press a wrong button and end up destroying his house. As I sit on the stool of the kitchen counter I turn on the news to see what was going on with this terrorist. That is all that was important now in the world is what will he do next. All of a sudden the picture loses signal and then the Mandarin gives another threat. After about a minute of this speech, he threats the president and USA the signal comes back to CNN. The spoon that I was holding close to my mouth had dropped back into the bowl. I was in shock for a total of 2 minutes before I was brought back into reality. I started to play with the braid I had put in my hair that was a side swiped on the right side. I sat there in shock. Mostly because I was scared to know that this man is capable of doing to the people of the United States! I came out of my daze as the news went into a break. I got up and place my bowl and spoon in the dishwasher. After I closed the door of the dishwasher and washed the spot where I was eating then all of a sudden the glass front door was broken open. I jumped and let out a little scream. I looked and saw it was Tony in the suit. He looked like he was drunk or maybe he was hurt.
TONY'S POV
I flew right through the front door and landed into the center of my living room. I looked around and then outside toward the ocean. I opened up the suit and walked out of it. As I walked out of the suit I started to feel lightheaded and panicky. I started to breath heavy and felt my vision going blurry. Before I knew it I was falling hard to the wood floor of my living room. My breathing got heavier and my vision just went blurry. "Tony!" I heard my name being screamed from somewhere in my home. I tried getting myself up but my arms gave in and flipped myself to my back instead of actually getting myself up. "Shit." But before I could try again to get myself off of the floor all of a sudden I felt two hands pick my head up and place my lightheaded self on their lap. I open my eyes and look up at the face of the person that ran to see if I was ok. "Selena?" I said as I see her light blue eyes stare down at me. "Oh god Tony are you ok?" Her eyes are full of concern and her hands are shaking. "Yeah I'm fine I...I just haven't slept in 48 hours." "He just experienced a panic attack, Selena." I hear Jarvis say to her as if I couldn't hear. "Tony, what could have caused your attack?" She asked. "I don't know to be honest and Jarvis don't say anything about what it might be!" "He has been having mini panic attacks ever since the New York City battle with the Avengers. It sometimes caused by thought of something stressful or even by the lack of sleep and his thought of certain things." Jarvis said to her and I heard Selena gasp at the news. "Jarvis I hate you" I said as I try to sit up. "Here let me help you to the couch." Selena said as she helps me up from the ground onto my feet. We walked to the couch and she helped me lay down on the soft sofa. I sat down and she sat next to me. I put my feet on the couch then without thinking I placed my head on her lap. I heard her softly gasp. I closed my eyes and just felt comfortable and then I felt myself begin to daze off into a slumber. I opened my eyes and jumped slightly when I felt her fingers start going through my hair. I looked at her and she smiled down at me her cheeks were a dark shade of pink. I smiled back at her and closed my eyes again. I felt calm as she continued to run her fingers through my hair. Last thing I know I fell asleep to her humming a soft tone. "I could get use to this." I thought as I heard her last note and fell into my long needed slumber.
SELENA'S POV
I stopped humming when I noticed that Tony had fallen asleep on my lap. I continued to run my fingers through this hair for a few more moments. I stopped running my fingers through his hair and smiled down at his sleeping form. I felt so bad for Tony and all the shit that he is going through. I mean I'm looking at him and his problems first hand. I would never have thought that Tony would actually be this stressed. I mean he always seemed to be so full of happiness and play boyish but I mean I feel so horrible for him. I really wish that there was something that I can do to make him happy. As I come out of my thought I look outside to the setting sun. A few moments of looking at the orange and red sky I direct my attention back to the sleeping form of Tony Stark. He was in a very deep sleep. I softly place my hands under his head and lifted him up gently. As I lifted his head I hurried and scooted myself off the couch so now I was on my knees and holds his head still. I quickly grabbed a nearby pillow and placed it where I was sitting. I carefully placed his head on the pillow for I tried not to wake him up. I stood up and grabbed a blanket that was on a chair next to the couch. I placed the blanket over him and slightly ticked him in. I walked over to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. "Damn it." I wanted to make something to eat for Tony since he had a long day but there was no food. "Jarvis is there any good Chinese food around here?" "Yes Mr. Stark orders from this one little place close to the beach all the time. Would you like me to set in an order?" He asked me as I grab two cups from the cabinet. "Yes please. Make the order for both of us." "I will set in the order right away Ms. Acevedo." "Thank you Jarvis." I said as I started to set the kitchen counter for both of us. I placed two cup and plates on the counter and grabbed some spoons for we are able to scoop the food onto the plates. "There is a 2-liter of Coke-Cola in the cooler next to the fridge." Jarvis said as I finished setting the counter. I went to the side of the fridge on where the cooler was open. I grabbed the 2-liter of Coke-Cola and placed it on the counter. After hour and 30 minutes of prepping, watching YouTube videos, and playing Candy Crush on my cell phone the doorbell rings. I looked over towards Tony and he did not move an inch. I got up from the chair that I was sitting on in the living room. I walked over to the glass front door which was now just broken glass and grabbed the food that was paid on Tony's credit card thanks to Jarvis. I placed the two plastic bags filled with food on the counter. I unpacked the food from the bags and place them on the counter. I opened up the little white boxes that held chicken fried rice, lo mien, fried dumplings, beef and broccoli, and General Cho's chicken. I scoped a spoonful of each onto the plates and I gave two dumplings on the plates. I poured the soda into both glasses and then placed the bottle to the side. After I served the food onto the plates I look over to Tony. I sigh. "I really don't want to wake him up." I looked at him for a few more moments and started to make my way over to his sleeping form.
TONY'S POV
"Well isn't the famous Iron Man here to stop me." The Mandarin said to me as I land to the ground with a clink of the metal onto the hard ground. "Let's get this over sweetheart I have a date at 7 and I don't want to be late." I said as I lift both my hands towards his head. I get my blaster and missiles ready to shoot at him. "I wouldn't do that Mr. Stark." He said as he stepped towards a closed door. Keeping my weapons up and towards him I watch him very carefully. He opens the door and pulls a person out who had a hood over their face. I lower my arms slightly and watched him as he took the hood off from the persons head. "Selena!" I yell as I lower my hands and start to run towards her. All of a sudden I felt something pull me back and hold me from running to her. I look back and saw a brown curly hair woman holding me from running towards her. "Let me go!" I yell to the woman as I try to wiggle my arm from her grip. "Your time is up Tony Stark. Say good bye to your love." He said with a laugh and he took out a gun and aimed it to her stomach. Selena had black eyes from her make-up and was streaming down her face due to her tears. She looked at me with red watery eyes. "No!" I screamed as I finally got free from the woman's grip. As I ran towards him, he shoots her in the stomach. She screams and began to fall to the floor. "NO!" I scream and as I lean forward to catch her. "No please no no no!" I yelled as I started to cry. "Tony! Tony! Wake Up!" I looked down at her lifeless from as I heard her voice telling me to wake up. I was confused on why she was telling me to wake up. Her blue eyes stare up at me. "Tony please wake up!" She said as I started to feel the world around me shaking…. I open my eyes gasped and sat up quickly not seeing Selena there. As I sat up I head butted Selena hard on to her head. "Ouch!" Selena said as she stepped back and held on to her forehead. I lie back down and holding on to my head. "I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there and I was kind of having a nightmare." I said as I sat straight up and looked over towards her. "It's fine. It's not like you did it to do it." She said as she removed her hand from her forehead. My eyes widened when I saw red on her forehead. "Oh my god you're bleeding!" I said as I stood up to stand in front of her. She looked at her hand and gasp. "It's in the same area where I got my cut from when you hit me with your car." She said as she grabbed a tissue from the coffee table and pressed it to her head. "I'll go get the first aid kit and I'll stich it up." I said as I ran into the kitchen. The nightmare was still live in my head. I have no clue who that woman was or why Selena was there. The big question was why I was crying or why my heart felt like it was ripped out of my chest. I push the nightmare to the back of my head as I grabbed the first aid kit that was now placed in the kitchen. I looked to the counter and saw two plates with food placed on them. I smiled. She bought food and she must know that I was going to be hungry. I walked over back into the living room where she was now sitting on the couch. "Thanks for ordering the food." I said and I sit on the other side of her and place the first aid kit on the table. "No problem. You probably were going to be hungry because you were gone for 2 days so I wanted to make sure you ate something tonight." She said as she placed a third bloody tissue onto the coffee table. I opened the first aid kit and took out an alcohol pad and began to wipe her open wound. She hisses at the motion of the pad. "Sorry." I said as I continue to wipe the wound. "Its fine." She said as she giggles then hisses from the alcohol pad. I smile at her little reactions from the sting. After I knew that the wound was cleaned enough and that the blood would stop for a little bit I grabbed a gauze pad and some tape. I carefully placed the gaze on her forehead. We flinched at the touch. I smile softly and then placed the tape at each end of the gauze. I made sure that the wound was covered until I placed the tape back into the first aid kit. "You're all better now." I said with a smile. "I should probably become your own personal doctor. Dr. Stark. That has a nice ring to it." She laughed and patted my hand. "I believe that you would be the best personal doctor to anyone." We both laughed and smiled as we share the thought of me becoming a doctor. We shared a few moments of laughter and smiling at one another as we are foolish teenage girls. "Well I don't want to food to get cold so come on and let's eat." She stood up and grabbed my hand and led me to the kitchen counter where the food was all set up for us. "What no candles?" I said as I sat down and looked at the setup of food and drinks. She smiled and let out a small chuckle. "This isn't a date Tony." She said as she sat down next to me. "You just need to plan a date for us and then there will be candles." I felt my cheeks burn after she said that. I gave her a smile and began to eat. "How did you pay for this? You said you didn't have your wallet." I said as I shove noodles and rice down my throat. She laughed and I looked at her confused. "Well you paid for it Tony. Jarvis had access to your account and ordered the food. So maybe I should have put out candles. I mean you paid so it could be considered a date." She said as she gave me a smile then continued to eat. Selena was a funny girl and a great person to be around. I'll be sad when she has to leave and go home. I know for sure that I would want to see her again. As we ate we talked about the new terrorist and how her day was when she was here alone. All of a sudden I hear the garage door open. I looked over to the door that leads to the garage. "Oh my god Tony you are one wild dog! I'm still so sore from our kinky night! When can we do it again?" I stood up and looked toward Ana who was my 'date' that I brought home from my birthday party a couple of day ago. She was dressed in a skin tight leather pants and a white tank top that was covered by a black leather jacket that had studs on the shoulders. She had a hot pink bra on which you can tell from under the white tank top. She also was wearing black high heel boots that went up to her knees. Her brown wavy hair was let down as she walked toward me. I looked over to Selena; she had her mouth wide open in shock as she looked at me then at Ana. I look back at Ana who looked at me then Selena. "Shit." I said as I fainted and fell to the floor hard. I only remembered Selena yelling my name and Ana gasping. Why does this shit only happen to me?