STARBORN: X –APOGEE AWARD
2000
CEASAERS PALACAE, LSV
After the deaths of beloved Howard and Maria Stark, things changed for the Stark siblings. Tony Stark launched Stark Industries to a whole new level, billions upon billions filled their bank accounts thanks to Tony's talent as a mechanic. That wasn't the only life changing occurrences, after Alora finished high school at the age of 17, Tony supported her decision in pursuing business management as a career. For the first time, Alora was able to meet new people, eventually after she graduated from Columbia University she took over Maria Stark Foundations. Traveling around the world, doing charity and helping people from third world countries, etc... Both kids carrying on their parent's legacy rather exceptionally.
Now a twenty-five-year-old Alora Stark, sat on a round table surrounded by wealthy business people, all gathered around to celebrate Stark Industries success. Her grey eyes would occasionally wonder to the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the already unfashionably late Anthony Stark. Huffing in disappointment, Alora turn to listen to the conversation between Obadiah Stane and Christian Prime. Her hand curling around the champagne glass before taking a sip, nodding her head and offering a smile whenever Christian would make eye contact with her.
"—All in hopes of making the world a better place." Christian concluded, raising his glass of champagne slightly before taking a sip.
Obadiah laughed, nodding his head in agreement before glancing at Alora who wore a worried look. "This guy is genius; don't you think Alora?"
Alora turn to look at them, champagne in hand. "Hmm? Oh, yeah. I bet Tony would be highly interested in your new prosthetics, what did you say it was again?"
Christian chuckled, "Neuroprosthetics. It's a brain-computer interface technology that would restore memories of a patient with Alzheimer or give mobility to those who suffered loss of a body function like ALS, Neuropathy or periodic paralysis, etc... The idea is to use this tool to help the patient lead a normal life while doctors and scientist work in developing a cure."
Alora arc an eyebrow, a spark of interest evident in her eyes. "That's insane. How are you planning on doing that? I bet the casualty rates are gonna be high."
"Ah, those are small things." Obadiah was quick to comment, glancing ta Christian. "Right?"
Alora shook her head. "No, of course not."
Christian smiled. "Don't worry, our team of experts will be very careful with each trial and procedure. After all this are human lives we're talking about, but again we have to find the right equipment, hopefully Tony can aid me on that."
Alora nodded in agreement. "Oh, yes. I'm sure he will, I'll talk to him about it."
Christian smiled, staring a moment too long at the blonde Stark before his eyes averted to the stage were Lieutenant Rhodes tapped on the mic twice. Alora's hands grew sweaty with anxiousness, no sign of Tony.
Obadiah lean closer to Alora. "Where is your brother?"
Alora let out a sigh, shaking her head. "No clue. What are we going to do?"
Obadiah eyes turn to slits, "What'd you think? You are next in line."
"No. No, absolutely not. It's not right."
Obadiah sigh. "You are going to get up there and receive that award. That's final."
Alora sigh in defeat, her hand tugging a hair strand behind her ears as she thought of what she was going to say.
"As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee Award to Mr. Tony Stark. Tony?" James Rhodes announced before joining in on the clapping.
"Seems like the man of the hour is missing." Alora heard Christian comment, taking in the last sip of her champagne she stood up from her seat and walked up to the mini stage.
"Thanks, Rhodey." Alora let out a charismatic laugh, Rhodey discreetly thanking her for stepping up. "Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that this award is drop dead gorgeous. Beautiful, if dad were here he would be very proud of Tony's achievement. I know you all must be wondering, where the hell is Tony?" Alora let out a nervous laugh. "Well, for those who know him, you would all agree if I said he's married to his workshop." Chuckles and laughs were heard from the crowd. "That man works so very hard, every single day, to help keep America safe. So on his behalf, and mine, I want to thank you very much for this award. Thank you."
An uproar of applauses erupted form the crowd, Alora smiled and held the award close to her as the media began to snap pictures of her before Rhodey helped her down. Soon someone else took her place on the podium and began to conclude this night's events, Alora took a seat on her chair and placed the award on the table, allowing Obadiah to inspect it as she look on her phone.
"What a beauty..." Obadiah breath out.
"Hey, Alora." Christian grabbed her attention. "A little birdy told that Tony Stark was last seen entering the Casino."
Alora's face morphed into a deep scowl, standing up while snatching the Apogee Award from Obadiah Stane. "I'm going to need that."
Christian Prime jumped to his feet, excusing himself before running after Alora. "Hey, hey, you might want to calm down first. A homicide wouldn't look good on the Casino's reviews."
Alora jabbed her thumb on the elevator's button, her arms crossing over her strapless white dress with faded blue on the end. "I don't give a damn on the reviews."
Christian chuckle. "I figure as much. On a second note, you saw this coming right? I mean, you're in Las Vegas and at the Ceasar's palace. Given Tony's history, you shouldn't have trusted Tony on his own."
Alora groan as she kept jabbing her thumb furiously on the elevator's door. "And how's all of that helpful right now?"
Christian chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck as he scolded himself mentally. Christian Prime was that man every girl had a crush on, brown chocolate eyes and raven hair slicked back, tall, had a good built and an amazing beard. As drop dead gorgeous the man might seem, he was rarely scene with a woman by side, some speculated that he might be gay but Alora Stark new better. People like them who are wealthy and privilege are always surrounded by people who claim to love them or be their friends, so finding genuine people with genuine feelings toward them was s huge task. So that would lead them to plan B, find someone within your own niche and that's exactly what Christian Prime was doing.
"You know, jabbing your thumb like that won't make the elevator come faster?" Christian teased, gently pulling her hand away from the elevator's button.
Alora's grey eyes travel down to their hands, feeling a warm sensation in her chest before their moment was interrupted by footsteps. Christian let go of her hand as they both turn to face the person, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. James Rhodes stood between them, not realizing what was happening before he walks in on them.
"I figured you know where Tony's at?" Rhodey hinted, face stern.
Alora nodded, giving him a sarcastic smile. "The casino."
Anthony Edward Stark, a brilliant billionaire and a gigantic, irresponsible, pain in the ass was surrounded by people who watched him bet millions of dollars. Christian Prime stood a few feet from the crowd, his hands stuffed in his pants pockets as he stared at Alora wriggle through the spectators. Alora let out a sigh as Rhodey and her emerge from the crowd on either side of Tony.
"You're unbelievable." Rhodey pointed out, disappointment evident in his expression.
"Oh, no! Did they rope you into this?" Tony asked, his back facing his sister.
"Nobody roped me into anything!" Rhodey defended himself.
Having enough of their chatter, Alora dropped the heavy award on the betting table causing Tony to turn around to face Alora. "Forgot something?"
Tony glanced at the award, grabbing it. "I thought it'll be bigger. And, well, with a statue or something."
Alora sigh. "Jesus Tony, until when are you going to start taking responsibility? I had to go up there and receive this award on your behalf because you were busy tossing around some dominos."
Tony crunch his nose. "I will have you know; my wrist is not the only thing working out here. I'm sharpening my brain muscle; I did not read Casino-ology because I have nothing better to do—."
"Stop, just shut up. I don't care what you're doing here but you're not fooling me. I'm done playing babysitter." Alora snapped, grabbing the award and harshly shoving it to his chest.
"Ow." Tony complain but Alora was already making her way to the exit, followed by Christian Prime who offered her a ride to her hotel.
"Is he always like this?" Christian asks her, Alora turn to face him as he drove.
"Yeah... a friend of mine told me it must be his coping mechanism." Alora shrugged. "But he has no limits, its exhaustive."
Christian glanced at her before taking a turn on the direction of the hotel. "He's lucky to have you, you're a great sister."
"One he takes for granted." Alora sigh.
"Then he's an idiot. Only idiots would take you for granted." Christian said, sending her a genuine grind causing her cheeks to flush pink.
"Oh, uh, thanks."
"Just stating facts... and here we are." Christian announced, his black BMW car coming to a halt on the hotel's entrance.
Alora unbuckle her seatbelt before turning to face him, giving him a grateful smile. "Thank you for the ride, it was nice catching up with you after two years." Christian chuckled but nodded, sending shivers down her spine. "We should do this again?"
"You know where to find me." Christian smiled, grabbing her hand gently and bringing it to his mouth, placing a single kiss that caused Alora's air to get caught in her throat. "Take care, let me know when you're not too busy with your foundation."
Alora nodded, her cheeks blushing furiously as she opened the door. "Bye."
Her heels carrying her to the hotel's lobby, a small smile grazing her features as her fingers touched the spot where he kissed her. Her stomach fluttering with the thought of seeing him again, back in Columbia they both clicked, but in that time they were the successors of their parent's legacies. Alora needed to be focus and Christian was too busy managing the company and college, they just couldn't find the time, but now they had all the time in the world. Maybe something comes out of that... or not?
✶ ┊사랑병 ˎˊ˗
↳ ScriveFiorella_ Note
Beginning of Iron Man,
Oh how much I love
Christian Prime. He's the
Man I want or idk if i'm
Biased because of Ben Barnes.
You'll learn to love him on
Future chapters.
Stay safe kiddos💕