The Audi R8's engine let out a low roar, deftly breaking away from the swarm of flashing cameras and chasing reporters, melting into the bustling traffic of Los Angeles like a sea of stars.
Inside the car, deafening rock music blared at full volume.
Tony drummed his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat, glancing in the rearview mirror at the frustrated faces of the reporters left behind, as if he had just won an F1 race.
"I have to say, this feels really great." Tony leaned back contentedly, loosening his tie and relaxing fully.
"Watching those guys run around like headless chickens is more soothing than a glass of Lafite. I even thought of tomorrow's headline: 'The Stark Brothers' Mysterious Return, Suspected Alien Possession.'"
"If you mean wanted all over the city and getting grilled by those chatty old farts tomorrow, then yeah, it's really great." Henry crossed his legs coolly.
"I guess they're deciding whether to charge us with illegal possession of weapons of mass destruction or endangering public safety."
"Details, Henry, don't bother with those boring things." Tony waved dismissively, tinged with disdain.
"We're Starks. When have we ever played by their rules? Besides, what can they do? Fine us? I can buy Capitol Hill and turn it into a golf course. And as for questioning me? I've got some new energy proposals ready for them."
Henry shrugged, agreeing with his brother's approach.
Soon, the R8 glided smoothly into the long private driveway of the Malibu beach house.
The sun was setting slowly into the Pacific, dyeing the sky a brilliant orange-red.
The familiar sea breeze wafted in, salty and humid, through the car window.
The sports car eased into the underground garage and stopped steadily among many limited-edition luxury cars as sensor lights lit up one by one.
Tony and Henry stepped out.
Tony looked around at the place so familiar to him, at the big toys that belonged only to him.
Every sports car and instrument embodied his hard work and memories.
He took a deep breath; the air still scented faintly with engine oil and metal—the unmistakable smell of home.
"I'm back," he sighed softly.
"Welcome home, Mr. Tony, Mr. Henry." Jarvis's gentle voice echoed through the garage as the lights softened and brightened.
"We've detected fluctuations in your physiological indicators. Your heart rates are elevated and your adrenaline above normal levels. Would you like a relaxing aromatherapy spa treatment accompanied by soothing classical music?"
"Oh, Jarvis, my dear old friend." Tony instantly regained his arrogant smile.
He approached the holographic console and deftly operated it, pulling up background data.
"Put the spa aside. Did you miss me while I was gone? Secretly use my servers to calculate pi to the billionth decimal, or maybe hack the Hansen's Wi-Fi next door?"
"Sir, my program forbids me from experiencing human emotions such as missing you and prohibits unauthorized network activity," Jarvis answered meticulously.
"However, records show Mr. Henry's account tried to access your private party invitation list multiple times during your absence."
"See, Henry, this is the flaw of AI." Tony mockingly looked at his brother.
Henry laughed openly, unembarrassed by being caught.
"You have no humor and are a snitch. Jarvis, learn from me and watch more stand-up comedy. It'll boost your emotional intelligence. Then next time you can say, 'Sir, I missed you like a perfect system upgrade.'"
"I will prioritize this in my learning database, Mr. Henry."
"Enough reminiscing." Tony downed a glass of red wine impatiently.
He grabbed Henry's wrist, attempting to pull him toward the lab—only to find he couldn't.
Just as Tony was about to protest, Henry followed with a smile.
"That's not important. Stop wasting time. I'm dying to study this walking miracle of yours. Honestly, you're more fascinating than any new element I've ever seen—a love letter from God to physics."
"Yeah, I'm pretty strong now." Henry smiled, then joked,
"But dude, could you be gentler? You're wrinkling my priceless combat uniform! And I haven't eaten yet—I need a double cheeseburger to refuel. Abusing the superhero who saved you? That's just immoral!"
"There'll be burgers and a party." Tony said without looking back.
"But before that, I must satisfy my curiosity. That's more important than anything."
The laboratory doors slid open, revealing a world of futuristic technology inside.
"Jarvis! Activate the highest-precision bio-scanner. From cellular structure to genetic sequences, scan thoroughly inside and out. I want to know how every atom in his body is arranged and combined."
Tony strode into the lab, barking commands with the excitement of a kid unboxing the latest Lego set.
Henry was half-pushed, half-pressed onto a circular scanning platform.
Soft blue light beams swept repeatedly across his body, presenting 3D data on the huge holographic screens.
"Tony, you look like a mad scientist dissecting an alien." Henry relaxed on the platform, crossing his legs as they bantered.
"Can't you let me shower and change first? I feel like there's still sand from Afghanistan on me—it'll affect the scan's accuracy."
"Be patient. Science requires sacrifices, including your hygiene," Tony said intensely, eyes fixed on the rapidly updating dazzling data and models.
"Don't move. Maintain position. Damn, your muscle fiber density is incredible, stronger than top-grade carbon nanotubes in our lab. Jarvis, zoom in on the microscopic bone structure. This is the most perfect crystal structure in nature."
"Really? Thanks. I agree. Finally, some aesthetic sense from you," Henry joked.