3 Slaps
By: InitialA
Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Marvel universe.
The first time Pepper slapped him was after his disastrous birthday party.
Technically speaking, it was about a week after the party. After Vanko's last attempt at revenge. Tony was feeling relatively comfortable about Pepper's rage towards him over the last few days calming down. And in said comfort, he made a comment that he probably shouldn't have. "Well. Gosh, after all that, I could sure use a dirty martini. You? Can I get you anything? I promise not to leave you on the roof this time."
"Tony, I think you've had more than enough to drink for a while," Pepper said, her light tone laced with a hint of iron.
"You sure? I'm not sure. Though maybe not something with vodka, I'm not really fond of the Russians at this point, between Vanko and Agent Romanoff. She threatened me, did you know that? I think she could really—"
*SLAP*
For maybe the fourth time in his life, Tony was stunned speechless. He blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings, and worked his jaw around to stop the stinging. He saw the way Pepper was shaking, ever-so-slightly; the nervous way she tucked some of her hair behind her ear, her left foot turned a bit inwards and scuffing at the gravel and tar on the rooftop. She was furious, but scared at the same time. "Pep."
"Just… no more. Please. I can't… I've been your babysitter for over ten years. I've put up with you at your worst, but last week? No more. I can't do that again. I was humiliated, Tony. In front of everyone you know, a handful of people I know, and dozens of others that I'm sure neither you nor I, or even Rhody, know. Those stupid… I know, you were drunk, and showing off because those… those girls were egging you on. I know. I get it. I just… need more than a week to be able to handle you drinking for a while."
If he was honest with himself—even he wasn't sure how often that was—he could hardly remember the party. Most of it was a blur. The fight with Rhody, that was a bit more clear. But before that… "There was the… the target practice thing, right? God, I barely remember that, how did I even aim… And showcasing the urinary filtration system. And…"
"Between that, Tony."
There was the rage again. He hit himself in the back of the head to try and jog his memory… Ah. Calling her boring in front of everyone, making fun of the way she was trying to protect him; essentially telling everyone in the room to ignore her because she, the woman who had just been made CEO of Stark Industries and faithful assistant-slash-Tony-handler for ten years (when most others would have run out within the week), wanted to 'ruin his fun'.
Mocking her for trying to shield him from making any more bad mistakes that night.
And boy, did he make a lot more of those.
"Okay. I deserve that. And more, I want to deserve that. So, no more drinking. You got it. Pepper's rules. You're the boss, I have to follow your direction."
"Don't get sarcastic with me right now, Tony Stark—"
"I'm not being sarcastic. I'm one hundred percent sincere. I was an unbelievable ass—dare I say, douchebag." The look on her face agreed, and wished he'd said worse. "So, I'll stop drinking."
"Cold turkey. Just like that," Pepper raised an eyebrow.
"I can't guarantee I won't slip. One or two, on occasion. And some celebratory champagne, because you and I will have a lot of things to celebrate in the future," Tony gently held her arms. "But if you let me know when you get uncomfortable, I'll stop."
Pepper bit her lip, and then nodded. "Okay."
"Okay."
((Someone requested a story behind the three slaps Pepper had given Tony, from my story "Anthony and Virginia". Two he deserved, one he wasn't sure he deserved. This one, I wanted to focus on what I felt was unresolved tension from Tony's birthday party in Iron Man 2. I've been Pepper, on more than one occasion, the one trying to handle an alcoholic on a destructive rampage who does NOT want to be handled. I wanted to see where the characters would take me if I tried to subtly bring up Tony's problems with alcohol. Judging by his much more controlled intake of it (two glasses, neither finished more than a sip) in The Avengers, I'm hoping this is something Tony is working on and we'll see less of it in Iron Man 3. Two more slaps to go!))