I still do not own.
"If you want to know what a man is like, look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." ~J.
Tony was in his lab again, or was it still? It was no surprise really as he was always in his lab, it was his safe haven, it protected him from the nightmares and flashbacks. When he was in his lab, he was in control of his world and when he worked himself to the point of exhaustion he was less likely to revist The Battle of New York or Afghanistan. Unfortunately, tonight was one of those nights where working until he passed out didn't help.
It was dark, cold. So, so dark, God, there wasn't any light. And why was it so cold? The cold was sinking into him, into his bones—
Tony flew back from his work bench, falling onto the floor with a thud. The billionar panted, trying to regain his breath. After a moment he took in his surroundings. Not a cave in Afganistan, not in space with an alien army staring him down. "Must have dosed off…"
The genius jumped when he heard someone tap lightly on the door to the lab.
"Oh, sorry Tony. I didn't mean to make you fall off your chair."
"Don't worry, Williams, you didn't." he replied, scrambling to stand up. Anora raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What can I do for you Princess?"
"One, don't call me Princess. Two, you weren't at dinner, so I figured I'd come check on you and see if you're hungry."
"It's one in the morning."
She flushed. "Okay, so I got hungry and remembered you weren't at dinner, so I came to see if you were hungry, because why eat alone when you can have company?" she sent Tony an innocent grin.
"Food sounds wonderful Princess. How 'bout shwarma?"
"Don't call me princess!"
Anyone else probably would have thought she was actually upset by the nickname, but Tony knew better. The slight mischievous gleam in her eyes and the twitch in her lips said he was just giving him the rise he wanted, that she was playing along to make him feel better. He had the feeling that she knew about the nightmare, but was waiting for him to confide in her.
"Sure, whatever you say, Princess."
"GHAAH!"
Tony laughed as he walked out of the lab with the youngest resident of the Tower. Somehow, that girl always knew how to make a person feel lighter and happier. Somehow always knew how to make someone laugh, make them smile.
"Hey, Princess- thanks."
"No problem, Tony."