I've seen Tony in lower places than this, which is saying something. Seen him actually give up and tried to drink himself away. Most of the time -- well, kinda most of the time -- I don't dwell on the fact that I'm BFFs with someone who's probably the smartest guy in his universe, if Reed's not around.

But then sometimes he says he likes an idea of mine, and I'm a grad student all over again, even with all our history. Like I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that the Tony Stark approved of something. Maybe I just so blamed depressed I'll take what I can get. There's a sad thought.

"You think so?" I say, and realizing how much that sounds like I'm fishing for something, I shake my head soon after. "I mean, of course it is."