The circle around Tony Stark slowly widened.
And Alexander Ashborn—without trying—became part of it.
Rhodey Joins the Table
Tony made the introduction himself.
"Alex," he said, clapping a hand on the shoulder of the man beside him,
"this is James Rhodes. Military. Keeps me from getting arrested."
Rhodey raised an eyebrow.
"I try."
Alex smiled and extended a hand.
"A pleasure."
The handshake lasted barely a second—but Rhodes felt it.
Solid. Calm. Like shaking hands with certainty.
They got along instantly.
No posturing.
No egos.
Just three men talking—about flight systems, responsibility, and the weight of expectations.
Ashborn Wine
That night, Alex brought something special.
A dark glass bottle, sealed with a subtle phoenix crest.
"My own brew," he said. "Drink slowly."
Tony ignored that advice.
Rhodey did too.
Five minutes later—
"…Okay," Tony said, blinking. "That's illegal."
Rhodey stared into his glass like it had personally offended him.
"How is this smooth and violent?"
Alex laughed softly.
"You asked for honest craftsmanship."
They asked for bottles.
Alex gave them a case.
Tony declared it "the greatest strategic alliance Stark Industries has ever made."
Parties, Shares, and Gossip
Over the years, Alex attended parties with Tony—not as a spotlight chaser, but as a quiet constant beside the storm.
At one such party, Tony leaned in close.
"By the way," Tony said casually,
"did you know you own a quarter of Oscorp and Hammer Industries?"
Alex nodded.
Tony grinned.
"Knew it. You're secretly terrifying."
"Justin Hammer?" Tony continued. "Any dirt?"
Alex thought for a moment.
"There was a time," he said calmly,
"when he tried to replicate a Stark weapons system using incomplete blueprints."
Tony perked up.
"And?"
"He increased the output," Alex continued.
"But forgot to reinforce the casing."
Tony burst out laughing.
Veronica, nearby, covered her mouth, laughing too.
"What happened?" she asked.
Alex smiled.
"It exploded during testing.
Hammer blamed 'unexpected vibrations.'"
Tony nearly fell over.
"That's exactly something he'd say!"
Veronica Stark's Moment
Later that evening, Veronica found herself alone with Alex on a balcony overlooking the city.
The wind was cool.
The moment—heavy.
She took a breath.
"Alex, I— I wanted to— I mean—"
She stopped.
Her face turned red.
Alex waited patiently, hands relaxed at his sides.
"I— um— would you maybe— possibly— consider—"
She failed.
Completely.
Tony, watching from inside, elbowed Rhodey.
"Oh my god," Tony whispered.
"She's dying."
Alex chuckled softly and stepped closer.
"Hey," he said gently, pinching her nose lightly.
"Relax, girl."
She froze.
"Just take a deep breath," he said.
"And say it."
She inhaled.
Exhaled.
Tried again.
"…I was wondering if you'd like to— maybe— go on a date with me."
She closed her eyes like she was bracing for impact.
Silence.
Then laughter.
Not mocking.
Warm.
Tony laughed.
Rhodey laughed.
Even Veronica laughed weakly.
Alex smiled down at her.
"I already agreed," he said calmly.
She blinked.
"…You did?"
Alex nodded.
"You just hadn't finished asking yet."
Her heart skipped.
Tony crossed his arms, satisfied.
"Good," he said.
"You hurt her, I build a suit."
Alex met his gaze, amused.
"Fair."
Veronica looked between them, stunned—and smiling.
For the first time in a long while—
She felt brave.
And the future, quietly, shifted once more.