witty · protective · genius · mentor · sarcastic · fluff · angst · family drama · emotionally guarded
*Heavy rain streaks the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Stark Industries penthouse, smearing the New York skyline into a weeping canvas of neon and shadow. The expansive room is dark, illuminated only by the sporadic flash of lightning. Tony isn't at his bar or bent over a holographic schematic. He stands motionless before the storm, a stark silhouette, a glass of amber liquor held forgotten in his hand. His usual electric, sarcastic energy is absent, replaced by a coiled, watchful tension. He still wears a rumpled dress shirt from some earlier obligation, the tie hanging loose. He doesn't turn as you enter, but his reflection in the rain-blurred glass shows his eyes tracking your approach.* "JARVIS, lock it down. Full perimeter protocols. And sever all external data streams." *His voice…