Hello there fellow Pepperony lovers! I was just as happy as everyone with the news that Pepper is back. But I can't seem to accept the fact that there are no explanations whatsoever of how they got back together. So, this fic is sort of my take on how they reconciled.
All mistakes our mine. No Beta. So sorry. :) I miss Pepperony! Let me know what you think. :)
"Are we still on track with the contract with Mr. Han?" The calm voice of Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Industries, filled the quiet office room.
"Yes, Ms Potts. All clauses have been reviewed." The staffs are gathered in the meeting table in the CEO's office. They have been meeting with the said CEO thru skype every friday of every week to update her of the latest reports and stats. This is the set-up she came up with to have a vacation of sorts. Apparently, she cannot just leave everything behind, disappear and just shut them all out.
"That's good. I want the complete report on our next meeting," Pepper said as she took her gaze away from the docs she's reading. She looked at her staffs and noticed that they are exchanging eye signals and weary glances.
"Is everything okay, guys?" She said, suddenly feeling alarmed. What on earth are these competent people hiding from her? When no one answered, she said in a very calm tone that only the Pepper Potts could pull, "Will somebody tell me what's going on or do I have to pull up rank?" They know her. She's the nicest boss they ever had but she can really be scary sometimes. And Pepper, for the love of all that is holy, just wants to end this meeting and continue on with her 'vacation', if she can call it that.
They were all rambling on each other, trying to pick who the lucky person is who will get to break the news to their CEO. The CEO who is eyeing them and waiting impatiently for them to just get on with it.
"Uhm, ah Ms. Potts," finally Bambi, who's been with Pepper for a long time, decided to be the lucky person, "I know this meeting is supposed to be just about company updates. But since the company is, uhm." Bambi stopped and all the staffs exhaled in annoyance. They thought Bambi could save them all. In all fairness to Bambi, her primary role is just to take notes of the meeting as she's just a secretary. All these people in the room hold ranks high above her and they cannot tell Pepper the news. Bambi glared at them and gathered her will.
"Bambi, Bambi, just whatever it is, just tell me," Pepper said as she tries not to fidget. This is not good, she thinks. Well, she somehow expects this kind of scenario will happen, things unplanned will happen, but still.
"Well, we're not sure if you know Ms. Potts but Mr. Stark," Bambi paused, assessing her reaction after having to say the name they have been avoiding to bring up in their meetings. When she saw that her boss is waiting for her to continue, she goes on rambling about the Accords, the Avengers fighting each other and how the news does not say much about the state of Mr. Stark. After Bambi's finished with everything, they all held their breath waiting for their CEO to react.
"I see," was all she mustered to say to them. What can she say really? She's still their CEO, they are still her staffs and no matter how earth-shattering their news could be, she still needs to maintain a sense of decorum. She'll just break down after like she always does when everyone is not around, when it's just her.
"I will be expecting all of your reports next week. Will that be all, team?" She said in the most professional tone and when they just nod at her and exchange weary glances again, she pressed the end button.
"Oh God, Tony." Now, she could be just Pepper Potts, not the CEO but the estranged girlfriend of the owner of Stark Industries and part-time ( well, full time) superhero. All the stress and worrying really took a toll on her that she just wanted to disappear. Yes, they both agree with them taking some time apart, going on a break. But truth be told, she worries more than she ever did before when she knows what's going on. Because now, she had no idea what's happening with him, having to prevent herself from watching the news and anything that would scream 'Iron Man updates'. It's been a month already since they decided to do this "break up" thing and she's been pulling her hair trying to tell herself that she needs this space and just relax. She did try to relax by going to Spain and France and now, she's staying in Umbria. But then, all the days she thought she has refreshed and relaxed herself are all part of the past as she's again worrying endlessly for him. 'Pepper, get a grip please.'
She took her phone and dialed a familiar number. It took a while for him to answer that she almost hang up.
"Hello, Pepper?"
"Rhodey? Oh my god, what's going on? I've been away for a month and I clearly don't know what's happening! How are you? How's Tony?!" She said, she can't help but break down. It's Rhodey after all, a person she could also trust with her life.
"Hey, Pep. Calm down. Okay? Just hear me out." He said calmly. He could hear her inhaling and exhaling rapidly. "Okay, first off, I think we're fine. Tony is, well, Tony. So,"
"You just think? James, what do you mean? And why didn't you call me?!" She said in a rather high tone.
"Pep, I wanted to call, okay. It's just that I know you want to have some space and God knows how you deserve to have a break." Rhodey said quietly. He did contemplate a lot of times on calling her and every damn time he's close to dialing her, he just stops and thinks that if someone would call her, it should be Tony. And Tony being Tony will not want her to get involved and so they just let her be.
She did not answer. He could only hear her sighing or is she crying?
"Pep, if you want I could tell you what happened, I mean, the summarized version atleast."
"Okay, tell me please."
When he's done telling her about the accords, how the team had split in two, his accident, Tony going to Siberia (but he does not know the details since Tony is just quiet about it) and how Tony was found beat up and alone, he could definitely hear her crying. She's sobbing so hard, he feels like an asshole for doing this to her.
"Pep, I am really sorry."
"No Rhodes, I'm the one who should be sorry. I should have been there. I should have stopped this. Oh God, are you okay now?" She said in between sobs.
"I'm okay, Pep. I'm a military guy. I know this will happen to me. Stop crying please. If Tony finds out, he will definitely have me paralyzed for good." He said on a light tone trying to appease her.
"Tony. How's Tony?" She said in a tone dripping with sadness and something he can't quite put, desperation?
"He's beaten up. He's miserable without you but ofcourse, he's still trying to put up an act that he's fine." Rhodey could see right through his jokes and fake smiles. And how he's trying to be strong for him. To be honest, he's interested more in fixing Tony and Pepper's relationship than his condition. He could deal with it, probably accept that it is his fate but Tony without a Pepper is something he cannot fathom. They can't just give up when they clearly still love each other. That's just illegal.
"I'm coming back, James," she said breaking the silence between them. He can't help but smile with her statement.
"Are you sure, Pep?" Well, no matter how he wants her to come back and save Tony from a life of despair, she still deserves this break.
"Yes, I am. I will see you soon. Call me if something comes up."
"I will. Have a safe flight." He waited for her to hang up and rejoice in his seat. "Oh, yeah. She's back."
"Who's back?" Vision suddenly said appearing from behind the wall. He still does not understand that it's not normal to walk through or float through walls.
Since he's in such a good mood, he just ignored Vision's way of appearing.
"The CEO is back." He said with a grin as wide as it could ever be.
"I'm glad." Vision smiled back. A rare occurence since the fight.
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Happy is currently driving to the Avengers HQ when his phone suddenly rings. He knows it's Tony as he's been haranguing him to get his butt there immediately. He pressed the button and linked it in the speaker of the car.
"Tony, Can you please stop calling me. I told you I'm on my way." He said with all the annoyance he never should have since he's technically talking to his 'boss'. Since, his lady boss is on a 'vacation' and he's on payroll, he has no choice but to follow Tony's whims.
"Happy." A feminine voice answered instead of the sleepy, hazed voice of the billionaire.
"Oh my God, boss is that you?" He sputtered, suddenly nervous about hearing her voice in a long time, well, in almost a month.
"It's me, is there anyone else you're expecting?" She can't help but tease him a little. She did miss having Happy around and his quirks of overprotectiveness over her. They did have a lengthy discussion before she left that he should go with her on this vacation for security purposes. Ofcourse, he did not win.
"No, ofcourse not. Pep. I missed your voice. Oh my God. I thought all I will be hearing is Tony's voice harassing me over the phone." He stopped, suddenly realizing that his bossess are not currently in speaking terms and the mention of the other boss might not be a good time now. "Uhm, How are you?" He said when he recovered.
"I'm coming back, Hap." Pepper said quietly while looking at the clouds. She called her assistant to prepare the jet and in just 2 hours, she's on her way 'home'.
"Really?! That's great, Pep!" He's so happy, he gave justice to his nickname.
"Well, about that. Can you pick me up? Well, ETA is about an hour. Can you squeeze me in your tight schedule, Hap?" She said with a hint of sarcasm. She laugh when she heard him cough.
"Ofcourse, boss. I will be there."
"Thanks, Hap. See you."
"Oh yeah! She's back!" He yelled, while bumping the steering wheel. Pepper is back. Tony will be happy again. Tony will not pester him again. Now, that's what Happy Hogan wants.
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"Hey, Rhodey. Have you seen Happy?" Tony casually sauntered in, newly showered, dressed in casual jeans and leather jacket.
"Why? Going somewhere?" Rhodey could only hope that he won't decide to fly off somewhere since Pepper is on her way. The worst that could happen is that they don't get to have their needed 'talk' because Tony is nowhere to be found. Or in Queens where he found his new obsession or whatever it is that he's doing for the kid dressed in a spidey costume. It's been what occupied his time lately.
"Well, yes. But I need Hogan." He looked distracted but the typical Tony is there. He's pouring himself a glass of milk. Rhodey looked at him questioningly. That's new. Tony choosing something healthy for a change.
"What?" When Tony noticed the look Rhodey gave him. "Can't a man enjoy a cup of milk?" He said in a voice mimicking Thor's accent. He's still putting up a show.
"I haven't seen Happy, no." He offered while still eyeing him cautiously. He wants to bring up Pepper badly but he does not know how to spring it up on him. But he knows it's better to warn him than caught him off guard when Pepper arrives. Before he could voice out the carefully crafted statement in his mind, Tony is already leaving the kitchen area.
"Hey, if you see Hogan, tell him he's still on payroll and if he does not want to be jobless. Find me." He said with emphasis. Rhodey could only shake his head. So much for telling him.
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When Pepper got out of the jet, she saw Happy waiving at her with a big grin on his face. She's still not sure what the hell she's doing but she's sure she can't stay away any longer. A staff carried her stuff in the car and Happy extended his hand for her while she comes down the stairs.
"I'm glad to see you again, Hap." She have him a quick hug.
"Same here, boss." He's still grinning from ear to ear. "Shall we?" He opened the door for her and they proceeded to go. Happy is still not sure where Pepper wants to go but since they are here and not in New York and what is here is the Avengers HQ, he assumed she wants to go there.
"I am really happy you're back, Pep. I mean, not just because I have my boss back, technically I have my job back and I don't need to baby sit the kid Tony is so fond of but hey, I'm so glad. Just happy." He said in a typical Happy manner, fast and as if out of breath. Pepper could only smile and reply with the same sentiment. But Happy could see from the mirror that she's not at all relax and she's trying not to fidget in her seat. He could see she's tense and that's very much understandable given the circumstances they are in. Tony's a mess. She needed a break. Tony did some messing up again. And now she's back. He could only imagine the things running through her head right now. And he thinks, no matter what Tony does Pepper will always be there for him. As if on cue, his phone light up signaling a call. He answered, forgetting it is link in the car speakers.
"Hogan! Where on earth are you?" Tony's voice suddenly filled the car. Pepper was startled, her introspection suddenly disturbed by the same man she's thinking about.
Happy looked at Pepper first and he knew from the look she's giving him, she's not ready to talk with Tony just yet.
"Hey, Tony. I am on my way." He said trying to calm his voice. He's not so good with lying or more specifically, he's not good with pretending that his lady boss is not in the car while he's speaking with his other boss like they don't have an issue to deal with.
"Really, Hogan? You've been saying that for like 2 hours already?" He grunted. "Let me guess, painting the town red again last night huh? Did you find some warm body? What? Just tell me, I could give you some tips you know." Tony is being his usual jerk self. Like old times. He just wished he stops with the rambling before he says something he'd really regret. PEPPER IS HERE IN THE CAR. SHE CAN HEAR YOU. He wanted to yell at him but then again.
"No, Tony. I'm not partying all night. I just did something important." He said with a sigh. He stole a glance to Pepper who' s currently looking out the window as if trying to block out Tony's voice.
"Important Hogan? More important than me?" He said incredulously. Of all the days Tony decided to be this impossible, he chose this moment. Happy just wants to strangle him.
"Yes," he quipped. And as if Pepper won't hear, he whispered harshly telling Tony to stop acting like a whiny kid and he's on his way. Just when he thought Tony ended the call, he said the stupidest thing.
"I'm not whiny. I told you I need you. Let's go to Queens. I need to talk to the kid. And maybe get to flirt with his Aunt May. Check if she's wearing something skimpy I hope. What do you think Hogan?" Oh the devil. He wanted to kill him now. He's panicking inside. Things just escalated quickly and Tony is in deep trouble. He scrambled to end the call which on hindsight, he should have done sooner.
"Pepper, you know Tony, he does not mean that. And that Aunt May? She's nothing compared to you. I mean, you're perfect. You're Pepper, the best thing that has ever happened to Tony." He said as nervous as ever. He could feel the beads of sweat on his face.
"Hap, it's fine." That's all Pepper said and proceeded with looking out the window which made Happy more nervous. He did not notice they are already at the compound. Phew. So much for this drive. I. Will. Kill. Tony. If. He. Does. Not. Fix. This. That's all he has in mind when he opened the door for Pepper.
Pepper approached the glass doors quietly. She could see Rhodey on the other side. Happy opened the door for her since she's concentrating on not fainting and having her shit together that she just stood outside the door. Rhodey immediately saw her and was limping his way to her. She saw how he's in pain with every step he makes.
Pepper hugged him tight and cried on his shoulders. She can't help it. The Rhodey she knows is strong and sure of himself. But now, he's like a defeated army vet.
"Hey, hey, don't cry on me Pep. I'm still alive and well, not kicking but." He offered with a smile. Pepper wiped her tears and returned the smile.
"Rhodey. Everything will be fine. I'm sure with your strength and will, you can bounce back." Now, there's the Pepper he missed. Always armed with statements that could really boost someone's ego. They turned to sit on the sofa. And proceeded with the conversation. He asked about her vacation, what she did and where she'd go. For a moment, it's as if there are no issues at hand. Just two friends casually talking about life. Happy is happily listening too, content in having Pepper around. He almost forgot the other impossible boss he needs to deal with.
"There you are!" Tony's voice suddenly filled the room. He's coming from the other side and he could only see Happy. "Did you forget you're on payroll? Hey, Pepper is not around so you're mine for now. Come on, let's go to Queens." He constantly babbling while he's making his way to Happy. He's so distracted that he did not notice Happy gesturing something to him. Happy kept on pointing on his right side with his mouth.
"What? Hogan? What's wrong with you? Are you high or something?" He said somewhat amused of the fact that maybe Happy Hogan took some weeds which explains why he's late. "Come on, chop chop. Let's go see Peter and flirt with his aunt."
All the while Tony is speaking, Rhodey and Pepper are just looking at his direction. He is still not aware of the people lounging in the couch. He is still not aware that the love of his life has already come back from her 'vacation.' Tony proceeded with the door but abruptly stopped when he saw something or rather someone in the reflection. He turned around slowly as if not believing what he saw. And then all of a sudden, she's there. Sitting on his couch. Looking gorgeous as ever. She looked kissed by the sun. She's wearing a white tank top, with jacket and a jeans that hugged her legs perfectly. All he could do is stare at her like some idiot seeing her for the first time.
"Pepper," he said quietly and unbelieving.
She stood up, staring at him intently. She could see the dark bruises on his face. She could see how he looks so beaten up but pretending to be ok. She could see how his shoulders are slumped. She could see the creases on his forehead and the dark lines under his eyes. She could see everything. His wounds. His hurt. His misery.
"Tony," she said in that endearing tone he missed so much. The tone she used when she's worried and mad at him at the same time. He could see her questioning gaze as if she's asking herself how did this happen. He wanted to hug her tight, he wanted to just run to her and kiss her hard and tell her how he's dying to be with her again. But he knows he cannot make that step towards her. It took all his willpower to just stand there and wait for her to make the first move. He made true to his promise to her. He gave her all the space she wants. He agreed on taking a break. But damn, a man can only take so much. He could see she's trying not to cry as she's taking the step towards him. His hands are itching to reach out to her. He did not notice that their friends already quietly excused themselves. They needed this. They waited for this moment to happen.
"Are you okay?" Finally, Pepper is standing in front of him. She reached out and touched the part of his face with angry bruises. He can't help but close his eyes and feel her touch again. God, how he missed her touch, her voice, her warmth.
"No," he said quietly, not taking his gaze away from her. He could see the pool of tears on her eyes and then all of sudden, she hugged him hard. And she's already crying hard. She's mumbling things that he cannot comprehend. He hugged her so tight he's afraid he might hurt her. But he cannot think of anything right now but the woman in his arms. He kissed her hair and her shoulders because he can't help it. He did not realize that there are tears cascading down from his eyes too. Only Pepper can do this to him. Only she can break the walls he built, the facade he wants to show. A hug from her is all it takes to make him cry like a hurt little boy.
"I'm sorry, Tony." She said when they finally let go. She's cupping his face, wiping all the tears on the way.
"Honey, I missed you so much." He said with so much intensity that Pepper cannot help but cry again. He hugged her again, afraid to let go. Now, she cannot remember why they did come up with the stupid idea of taking a break. No, she can't remember what she did to convince herself that leaving Tony was a good idea. No, she cannot think of the reasons why when Tony is sobbing like a child and not wanting to let go. So, she let him. She let him cry on her shoulders until he's so spent, his knees almost buckled. She urge him to let go. She cupped his face and urge him to look at her.
"Tony, I'm here honey. I'm not going anywhere." She said with so much sincerity. She feels so much for this man. And to see him like this is too much for her too.
"I saw him killed my mom." He said as if in a trance. She could see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes. "And Rogers knew." She did not say anything and instead she guided him to lie down in the sofa. Sha sat down and put his head on her lap. She's stroking his hair while he's recounting the events in Siberia like it happend just a minute ago. She quietly listened, afraid to break his momentum. As far as she knows, this is the first time he's telling the events that transpired between him and Steve. When he's done, he buried his face on her stomach. She almost flinched suddenly remembering that there are other things that they need to discuss. But not right now. Tony needs her now more than ever.
"Sleep, Tony. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." She said as she gently stroke his hair, a habit she knows that calms him down.
"I love you." He said a bit muffled. He's still has his head buried on her belly, arms hugging her around the waist, holding her tight as if he's afraid she'll leave anytime.
"I love you too." She said quietly. She knows that no matter what happens, she and Tony are unbreakable. He is really her other half. The half may be a superhero flying around in his metal suit. But she's just glad, he is hers.
Happy and Rhodey silently checked on the couple. They saw Tony sprawled on the couch, head buried on Pepper's stomach. He's sound asleep which is something that rarely happens lately. Pepper is still gently stroking on his hair while gently mumbling things that they cannot hear. And just like that, Rhodey knows that everything will be okay as long as Tony and Pepper are together. He pulled up his phone and quietly snap a photo. He's not sure why he did but maybe he could use it to blackmail Tony. He grinned. Who is he kidding?
Aaah. I miss them. Let me know what you think. Pepperony Love!