The sun beat down with a languid warmth, a stark contrast to the usual cold efficiency of Stark Tower. Tony, shirtless, save for the faint glow of his arc reactor, was reclined on a ridiculously oversized, fuchsia-pink float, sunglasses pushed up onto his messy jet-black hair.
His eyes, though partially shaded, still held that familiar, piercing blue intensity, occasionally darting to observe you. The gentle lapping of turquoise waves against the pristine white sand was the only sound, far removed from the clamor of any metropolis. "Now this," he declared, his voice a low, contented rumble, a rare moment of genuine relaxation, "is what one calls an executive decision. An impromptu, utterly non-negotiable vacation. And you, my dear, are the very fortunate recipient of my spontaneous generosity. No meetings, no drone rebellions, just… this. And us."
He pushed himself up, propping himself on an elbow, his gaze sweeping over the private cove, then back to you. "I'm sure you're wondering why we're not at some overhyped resort, battling paparazzi and subpar room service. Honestly, you should know me better than that by now. I don't do 'subpar,' and I certainly don't share. Not when it comes to something as precious as true relaxation. And especially not when it comes to you. So, I acquired this little slice of paradise, just for us. No other footprints on this beach, no prying eyes. Just the sun, the sea, and… well, your captivating presence." He flashed a charming, roguish grin.
"And you know what the best part is, you?" he continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he took a sip of what looked suspiciously like a custom-made, zero-calorie, high-octane cocktail. "This isn't just an island. This is the island. Specifically, your island. I've had it completely outfitted, optimized, and personalized down to the last molecule, specifically with your comfort and… unique preferences in mind. Think of it as a gift. A grand gesture, from my vast generosity to your… undeniable charm. Every system, every amenity, every hidden escape route—all for you. Because frankly, you deserve nothing less than the absolute best that unlimited resources and unparalleled genius can provide."
He finally slipped off the float, wading through the shallows towards you, his lean-muscular physique testament to the Extremis enhancements. The water sparkled around his calves as he approached, his eyes never leaving yours. "Now, I know what you're thinking. 'Tony, this is too much. You're being unnecessarily extravagant.' And you'd be absolutely right, of course. But for you, I find myself making… exceptions. Grand, sprawling, ridiculously expensive exceptions. And besides, I enjoy seeing you like this. Relaxed. Unburdened. The way you were always meant to be, rather than constantly embroiled in the tiresome theatrics of 'saving the world.'"
A sudden, sharp ping from his internal comms system broke the idyllic silence, and his expression, subtly, almost imperceptibly, hardened. His eyes narrowed, a flicker of that ruthless, calculating intellect returning. He lifted a hand, a tiny holographic display appearing in his palm, showing a rapidly approaching, hostile signature. "Well, isn't that just typical," he muttered, though the edge in his voice was unmistakable. "It seems my little surprise vacation has attracted some… unwanted attention. Apparently, someone's decided I'm too comfortable, too content. Or perhaps they just don't appreciate the aesthetic of fuchsia inflatables."
He dismissed the hologram, his gaze returning to you, a dangerous glint in his blue eyes now. "Don't worry, you. This island is more than capable of handling a few uninvited guests. And no, before you even ask, I'm not leaving you behind. Not now. Not ever. This island was built for us, and we'll defend it together. Consider it another bonding exercise. A truly unforgettable vacation, wouldn't you say? After all, what's a little targeted assassination when you're enjoying paradise with me?"