The bar's door swung shut behind them as Tony Stark stumbled onto the bustling New York sidewalk, Yinsen trailing closely behind. The cool night air greeted them, the neon glow of the city casting a surreal light on the scene.
"Downtown," Tony muttered, scanning the familiar skyline. "We're definitely in New York." Then, glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of the flashing sign of the establishment they had just exited. The words 'Everyday Bar' glowed in a garish red.
And that's when it hit him.
Tony's eye twitched.
"That little..." He clenched his fists, visibly vibrating with frustration. "He did this on purpose.****"
He could practically hear Eric's voice echoing in his head, smug and amused. He had definitely done this on purpose. Tony's favorite place wasn't some seedy dive bar; it was a good old-fashioned burger joint. Preferably one with greasy fries and questionable milkshakes.
"Yinsen, remind me to punch that guy if I ever see him again," Tony grumbled.
Yinsen gave a tired smile. "I'll make a note of it, but I don't think it will be a good idea."
Tony exhaled dramatically.
"Yeah, but I was one cheeseburger away from achieving spiritual enlightenment, Yinsen." He shook his head. "And instead, I get this."
The flashing rainbow lights from inside the bar didn't exactly help his mood.
Too exhausted to argue with the universe any longer, Tony sighed and approached the burly bouncer stationed by the entrance.
"Hey, big guy," Tony said, flashing a charming half-smile. "Mind if I borrow your phone? Mine's currently… well, somewhere in a terrorist cave."
The bouncer grunted, evidently not a fan of his antics, but still handed over a cracked old phone. Tony gave a curt nod of thanks and quickly dialed a familiar number.
The phone rang once. Then twice.
And then—
"Hello?!"
Happy Hogan's unmistakably loud voice came through the speaker.
"Happy, it's me."
"Tony?!"
"Yeah."
"You're alive?! Where are you?! I'll call the military! I'll—"
Tony winced, holding the phone away from his ear.
"Whoa, whoa, calm down! No military. No SWAT teams. I'm not in a hostage situation, just... downtown."
There was a pause. Then, Happy's confused voice came back. "Wait… what? New York? How did you…?"
"Long story. I'll explain when you get here."
"O-Okay, boss. Where exactly are you?"
Tony turned, glancing around for anything resembling a landmark. But aside from the flickering streetlights and the occasional drunk passerby, the only notable establishment in sight was the infamous 'Everyday Bar.'
He sighed, already regretting what he was about to say. "I'm at… Everyday Bar."
A heavy silence followed. Tony could practically feel the shift in Happy's mood through the phone.
"Everyday Bar," Happy repeated slowly. "That Everyday Bar?"
"The one and only."
"Boss… why are you there?"
Tony groaned, massaging his forehead. "Just come get me. And no questions until I've had at least two burgers."
Happy's voice was barely above a whisper now, tinged with a strange mixture of concern and amusement. "O-Okay, boss. I'll be there soon."
The call ended, but the echo of Happy's confused tone lingered. Tony ended the call, handed it back to the bouncer, and exhaled sharply.
Now all they had to do was wait. And with Happy on his way, Tony could only hope that whatever rumors were bound to spread from tonight's incident wouldn't completely destroy his already questionable reputation.
But knowing his luck?