Gene had known Tony would be out at tha gala, so he'd been off for the night. He's still trying to get used to the idea of free time (because? what?) and had spent the night reading a book.

Tony's return isn't exactly a quiet one, and Gene, who has long since gotten used to his master's late nights, isn't at all surprised at the hour. But he is a little worried that Stark's had too much to drink, so he comes out of his rooms and into the hallway - not even near close to being in Tony's way. He doesn't want Tony to fall down the stairs; as much as this is still a slavery situation, it's not a bad scene.

"Tony?"