The engine of the Audi R8 growled low and deep as it weaved skillfully through the swarm of flashing cameras and relentless reporters, merging seamlessly into the starry car streams of Los Angeles.
Inside, deafening rock music blared at full volume.
Tony tapped the steering wheel in rhythm while enjoying the expressions of the journalists left far behind, as if he'd just won an F1 Grand Prix.
"I have to say… this feeling is absolutely incredible," Tony said, leaning back and loosening his tie, fully relaxed.
"Seeing those guys flail like headless chickens—better than a glass of Lafite. I've already got tomorrow's headline in mind: 'Stark Brothers Mysteriously Return, Suspected Alien Possession'."
"If by that you mean being hunted by the entire city police and facing the endless interrogations of old bureaucrats tomorrow, then yeah… pretty great," Henry said, legs crossed, casual as ever.
"I bet they're wracking their brains over how to charge us: illegal possession of WMDs, or public endangerment?"
"Details, Henry, don't bother with the boring stuff," Tony waved dismissively.
"We're Starks. When have we ever played by the rules? Besides, what can they do? Fine us? I could buy Capitol Hill with my change and turn it into a giant golf course. As for the questioning? I happen to have some renewable energy proposals to discuss."
Henry shrugged, quietly approving his brother's audacious attitude.
Soon, the R8 smoothly entered the long private driveway of the Malibu beachfront mansion. The sun was setting over the Pacific, painting the sky in vibrant orange hues.
The familiar salty breeze drifted in through the window.
The car descended into the underground garage, where the motion-sensor lights illuminated rows of limited-edition supercars as it came to a smooth stop.
Tony and Henry stepped out.
Tony looked around this world he knew intimately, surveying his personal playground. Every car, every device, carried memories and the weight of his life's work.
He took a deep breath, catching the lingering scents of oil and metal—home.
"I'm back," he murmured.
"Welcome home, Mr. Stark, Mr. Henry," J.A.R.V.I.S. intoned softly. The garage lights adjusted to a gentle, bright glow.
"Physiological readings indicate varying levels of fluctuation: elevated heart rate and adrenaline. Shall I prepare a relaxation aromatherapy session with soothing classical music?"
"Oh, J.A.R.V.I.S., my dear old friend," Tony's arrogant grin returned. He walked to the holographic console and skillfully accessed the system.
"Save the spa for later. Did you miss me? Did you secretly calculate π to the ten-billionth decimal to pass the time? Or download something you shouldn't, like the Hansens' Wi-Fi password?"
"Sir, my programming prohibits feelings of longing, as they are a complex human emotion. Unauthorized network activity is also disallowed," J.A.R.V.I.S. replied precisely.
"However, records show that Mr. Henry's account attempted multiple logins into your private party guest database during your absence."
"See, Henry? That's the flaw of artificial intelligence," Tony teased.
Henry, caught in the act, didn't blush; he laughed instead.
"No humor, and a snitch to boot. J.A.R.V.I.S., you should watch more stand-up comedy—it's good for emotional intelligence. Then next time you could say, 'Sir, I missed you dearly, just like anticipating a perfect system upgrade.'"
"I will add your suggestion to my learning database and prioritize it, Mr. Henry."
"All right, enough reminiscing," Tony said, downing a glass of red wine with a satisfied grin.
He grabbed Henry's wrist, trying to drag him toward the lab—but found the pull ineffective.
Before he could react, Henry was already laughing and following.
"Okay, doesn't matter—no time to waste! I'm dying to study you, a walking miracle! I swear, you're more captivating than any new element I've ever seen—you're like God's love letter to physics!"
"Of course, I'm quite strong now," Henry replied, smirking.
"Seriously though, big bro… be gentle. You're wrinkling my expensive combat suit! And I haven't eaten—give me a double cheeseburger to replenish energy! You do realize it's unethical to abuse a superhero who just saved your ass, right?"
"Burgers first, party later!" Tony said without turning his head.
"But before that, I must satisfy my curiosity! Science above all!"
The lab doors slid open, revealing a futuristic wonderland of technology.
"J.A.R.V.I.S.! Activate the highest-precision bio scanner! Enable God's Eye mode! Scan him from cellular level to genetic sequence—every atom, inside and out, macro to micro!"
Tony's enthusiasm was like a child with the latest Lego set.
Henry reclined on the circular scanning platform, legs crossed, calmly bantering:
"Tony, you look like a mad scientist about to dissect an alien. Could I at least shower first? I still have Afghan sand on me—it'll affect your scan accuracy."
"Endure it—scientific progress demands sacrifice, especially of your personal hygiene," Tony said, eyes glued to the massive holographic display. Streams of data and 3D models updated in real time.
"Don't move. Hold still. Wow… your muscle fiber density is incredible—stronger than the lab's top carbon nanotubes. J.A.R.V.I.S., magnify the bone microstructure! It's the perfect crystalline structure in nature! These aren't bones—they're art!"
"Is that so? Thanks for noticing. I must say… you finally have some taste."