Chapter 12

The couch cushions sagged under Iris's weight as she sank deeper into them, the blanket draped around her shoulders like a shield. The morning light slanted through the windows, too bright for her pounding head. Her coffee trembled slightly in her hands with every heartbeat.

She winced when Adam's fingers brushed her cheek.

"Hold still," he muttered, unscrewing the cap of the ointment.

"I am holding still," she whispered.

"No, you're flinching."

"I'm flinching because you're touching my face," she mumbled around the rim of her mug. "It feels like it's been hit with a hammer. Or a fist. Probably a fist."

Adam's jaw tensed.

"I know," he said quietly. "I saw it."

She blinked at him, the memory still foggy, swirling just out of reach. "Where did you even get this stuff?"

"Last night," he said, dabbing the ointment with surprising gentleness. "While you were… out of it."

"You left?"

"For ten minutes. You were fine. I locked the place."

She studied his face. He looked tired. Less sharp than usual—like his edges had been sanded down by the weight of the last twelve hours.

"I don't usually drink that much," she said.

"Sure"

"I am serious I don't."

"Okay, okay."

"And I definitely didn't mean to get that drunk and—" Her voice dropped. "

His hand paused for the briefest second. Then resumed.

Iris went quiet.

He added, "It won't happen again."

Her gaze flicked up to his. "The part where I get too drunk? Or the part where you see me with no pants on?"

Adam exhaled slowly through his nose. "No. This, you getting punch"

The ointment stung a little. She hissed. "Ow. God. That guy had a mean hook."

Adam's expression darkened. "He's lucky that's all he used."

She sipped her coffee again, trying to ignore how steady his hands were. "I still don't remember much. After Jamie left… things get blurry."

"You ate chicken," he said. "You laughed at a stupid movie. You curled up on the floor halfway through and said the rug felt like clouds."

She blinked. "I did?"

"You did."

A beat.

"…That's kinda sweet."

He said nothing.

Then, just as she was about to ask another question, there was a knock at the door.

She jumped, sloshing coffee on the blanket.

Adam stiffened. "Don't."

"It's probably Jamie."

"I doubt it."

"I'll just check," she said, rising slowly.

He stood. "I'll check."

But she was already halfway to the door.

"Be careful," he muttered under his breath.

Then came the voice on the other side of the door:

"Hellooo? Anyone alive in there?"

Iris's eyes narrowed in confusion. "That's not Jamie."

Adam's jaw set.

And Iris opened the door.

Tony stood in the hallway, grinning like he'd just delivered pizza to a pageant queen.

"Hey there, sunshine."

She blinked slowly. "Tony?"

He grinned.

She leaned against the doorframe, more for balance than conversation. "Why are you… here?"

"Brought you some dumplings." He lifted the bag slightly. 

Behind her, Adam's footsteps echoed from the kitchen.

Tony peeked around her shoulder just in time to see him step into the hallway light.

"Boss," Tony said, chipper. "Didn't know you were here."

Adam didn't answer.

Iris was too dazed to process the shift in tone. Her hand braced against the doorway, trying not to sway.

Tony's gaze returned to her, softening slightly. "You look… tired."

"I drank too much," she mumbled. "And I think I hate beer now."

He chuckled. "Hangovers. Are the worst"

Adam's shadow loomed closer.

Tony straightened a little, like he felt it.

"Anyway," Tony continued, digging into his pocket, "I figured I'd bring you something warm. And maybe…" He pulled out a scrap of paper. "Leave my number. In case you need anything. Or… wanna talk. Or hang out with someone a little less uptight."

He offered it with a wink.

Before Iris could lift a hand, Adam stepped in and plucked it from Tony's fingers.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Wow. No hesitation. Didn't even let her decide."

Adam crushed the paper slowly in his palm. "You're done."

Tony gave a crooked smile, but his tone was still light. "Man, you really hate when someone else flirts, huh?"

Iris leaned more into the doorway, eyes half-lidded. "Can you… not be so loud?"

That stopped them both.

Tony's teasing faded into a softer voice. "Sorry. You okay?"

She gave a weak nod. "Just need sleep."

Tony hesitated. His tone dropped, almost genuinely concerned. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Adam didn't answer for her.

But his eyes never left Tony.

"Thanks for the food," she whispered.

Tony nodded. "Anytime, sunshine."

He glanced at Adam. "See you around, boss."

He stepped back and walked down the hall.

Only once he was gone did Adam speak.

"You shouldn't have answered the door."

"I didn't know it was him," she mumbled, already turning back inside. "And I didn't know I'd still be dizzy today."

Adam didn't move. Just stood in the doorway, staring down at the paper still crumpled in his hand.

Then he tossed it into the trash.

And closed the door with a soft click.