Disclaimer: Of course they're not mine.
AN: Thanks to all who are still following me and are still reading my work. Huge thanks to those who are not following, but still take a chance on reading my work! Here you go guys...enjoy! Sorry for any mistakes.
Warmness radiates from the top of my hand to the center of my chest.
It does not take long for me to figure out that the soft warmth is coming from Pepper's own hand.
It has been one of the longest days of my life.
Not that I am complaining of course. At least I know I am alive. I came damn near close to dying on that rooftop today. Obi certainly got the short end of that stick. But then again, he chose it for himself the day he decided to betray me and threaten Pepper's life.
I let out a sigh of relief as I turn my head slightly to look at her sleeping form beside me. She sits so professionally. I will have to share that observation with her. Maybe it will encourage her to loosen up every now and then. Especially around me. Especially around only me.
Her legs are crossed and her heels are still on her feet. The fact that she is sitting…uncomfortably might I add…in her business outfit leads me to assume she has not left my bedside at all. I am not sure if I should feel thankful or upset that she is ignoring her own well-being for mine.
She does not realize the danger she was in earlier. Obadiah would have killed her without a second thought. We were both very fortunate that I arrived when I did to deflect his attention from her and onto me. I cannot fathom the idea of...my...Pepper Potts being hurt because of me.
I cannot help but smile as I look down at our hands. Her slender one looks healthy and strong as it grips my rough and discolored one. I hope that my pallor fades to normal once she opens her eyes. No need to have her worry about me anymore than she already has.
I sigh again before I close my eyes to let sleep take me under. I need the rest, and knowing that she is by my side lets me breathe easier.
"Please... Tony..."
I am nearly dreaming, so much so that when I hear her voice I cannot tell if I am awake or not, but I immediately work to lift my heavy eye lids.
"Don't die."
It takes a few seconds for me to fully come to, and when I do I see her writhe in her sleep. Her eyes are shut tight, and sweat beads are visible on her forehead. Her grip tightens.
A wave of worry hits me as I continue to listen to her plead in her sleep. Instinctively I turn my hand in hers so I can comfort her. I want to do everything I can to ease her worry and stress. Especially since I am often the cause of both.
"Don't die on me Tony." She sobs quietly.
Carefully I brace myself to turn my body towards her. Quickly I am painfully aware of the full extent of my injuries. But I do not care. The things I would not do for this woman are few...if any.
I manage to shift enough to touch her. And I do. Gently I stroke her cheek to avoid startling her.
"I'm right here Pep." I whisper. Her eyes soften and her forehead relaxes at the sound of my voice. At least I hope that is what pacifies her.
Her fingers tighten around mine as she leans into my hand on her face. "Don't die."
"I won't." I shake my head at her even though she sleeps. My heart aches for her. I am not used to this feeling. The pain I feel inside at seeing her so upset is relatively unfamiliar. I just want to wrap myself around her and make her believe that I will always be alright. And by her side.
"Promise..." she knits her brows at me, but at least she has stopped fidgeting.
Heaven itself can not take me away from this woman. So I nod with watery eyes at her. "I promise, Pep." I swallow a lump in my throat. "You're stuck with me forever."
I observe her for a while longer. I want to make sure she is back to sleeping without the worry in her heart. I am satisfied with her peaceful features as her breathing steadies. And with one final caress of her cheek, I move back into my sleeping position on the hospital bed.
"There's...no one else...I need..." Her words are a whisper, but I hear them clearly. I open my eyes once again and smile like a pathetic lovesick teen at the ceiling.
I bring her hand up to my lips and I kiss her knuckles softly.
Finally...she confesses what I hoped was true. The best thing about all of this is: I do not need anyone else but her.
...
Tony and Pepper need more Tony and Pepper scenes in the movieverse! Who's with me? I mean can you all imagine how happy the world would be if we got to see this scene play out after Pepper blows the roof and she finds him with his arc flickering? Yeah...super ecstatic the world would be.