CHAPTER 4: Sleepover + Pizza

While waiting for the elevator, at the Stark Tower, Pepper was joined by none other than Rhodey.

They did not speak but they did exchange a look filled with apprehension and worry.

JARVIS automatically took the elevator to the floor of Tony's lab.

On reaching the lab, it was hard to say who was more surprised, Pepper or Rhodey. The lights were dimmed, only a faint whirring sound of machines was heard.

"JARVIS?" Pepper spoke, softly.

"Yes, Miss Potts?"

"Where's Tony?"

"Sir is currently sleeping in the couch at the back of the lab," JARVIS said.

Rhodey frowned.

"Tony never sleeps during the day. What happened, JARVIS? Whatever it was, it must have been serious if Tony actually locked up the experiments."

"While it is indeed correct that something serious happened, it is only a part of the reason why Sir to retire," said JARVIS, smoothly. "He hasn't slept in 36 hours."

Of course, JARVIS had no qualms in throwing Tony under the bus in regards to his two best friends, if it meant he would take more care of his health.

"He, what?" Pepper fumed.

Rhodey didn't say anything but it was obvious that he was not pleased.

If it was possible for an AI to feel smug, JARVIS would have, at that moment.

"As for what happened, maybe you'd like to watch it yourself," JARVIS activated a monitor and started playing the security footage, without waiting for a reply.

There wasn't a single sound from both Pepper and Rhodey throughout the entire viewing of the footage.

When it was over, both of them turned to look at the other.

Pepper's face was white with fury, her eyes glittering sharply. Rhodey wasn't much better. He kept clenching his hands into fists, while gritting his jaws hard enough to make his teeth ache.

"I am going to kill that bastard," Pepper hissed.

"Not if I get to him first," disagreed Rhodey.

"But first-"

"Tony." Rhodey nodded.

"JARVIS, order Tony's favourite pizzas, and line up the most scientifically inaccurate movies ever," said Pepper. "I'm not letting him mope over a, a-"

"A douchebag," filled in Rhodey, amused.

"That! And come on, we are having a sleepover today."

Rhodey grinned. Revenge can wait another day. Tony came first.

Family always comes first.

"It's done, Miss Potts," interjected JARVIS. "Sir will take great delight in watching these movies." His voice sounded amused.

Rhodey again wondered if maybe JARVIS had more sentience than he seemed to. It was always possible. His creator was Tony Stark after all.

Pepper went to the common kitchen to see if she could find some ice cream.

Rhodey looked around till he found Dummy.

"Hey," he whispered. Dummy chirped at him.

"Wanna come to the sleepover? I know you're worried about him, too."

Dummy whirred, excited.

Rhodey chuckled and walked over to where Tony was sleeping. A small, gentle smile turned his lips. The eccentric genius looked peaceful and so much younger without any strain lines covering his face. Rhodey only then realised just how long it had been since he saw Tony look carefree.

Oh, he was happy, or rather, had been happy, when he was together with Steve, but even then he was always under pressure. It was not easy being an owner of a multi-million dollar company, a superhero, the spokesperson for the Avengers, and the guy who worked on various projects.

Rhodey knew that Pepper helped him as much as she can. But even then it wasn't enough.

A sigh escaped him.

Tony, you idiot. Why won't you ever ask for help? It's okay to share your burdens, why don't you realise that?

Rhodey shook him gently.

"Tony, hey, come on, wake up."

Tony mumbled something, swatted away Rhodey's hands and went right back to sleep. Rhodey thought he looked adorable, but would never tell him that. He liked to live without looking over his shoulder constantly, thank you very much.

After much wrangling and grumbling, Tony woke up, pouting and glaring. It was an odd combination, but he made it work.

Of course he did, thought Rhodey, laughing internally. He's Tony Stark.

He saw the exact moment Tony remembered what had happened with Steve. Tony's eyes became blank, not before Rhodey caught the amount of pain and confusion he tried to hide. His brows furrowed and he looked tired. Rhodey was filled with an almost overpowering need to hunt that asshole down for making Tony feel that way.

He kept calm, somehow, keeping that rage under tight lockdown. He didn't become a Colonel by letting his emotions rule him.

"Pepper is taking over today," Rhodey let out a dramatic sigh. "We don't have a choice. We'd better obey her or she's going to resort to drastic measures."

The shudder that went through both of them was very much genuine and was filled with horror. Just thinking about the last time Pepper took drastic measures was enough to make them cringe and wish fervently that it never happened again.

"Yeah," Tony echoed, pale-faced. "Let's go."

Elsewhere, Pepper was on the phone.

"So, can I count on you?" Pepper asked, her face looking as though it was carved from granite.

"Of course, Lady Pepper," a voice purred, in her ear. "It will be my genuine pleasure."

"Good," she said, curtly. She let out a breath, lifting her other hand to massage her temple. "Thank you, Loki."

She could visualise the shark-like grin on his face.

"Please, don't mention it, Lady Pepper. Anything for dear Anthony."

Pepper snorted.

After cutting the call, JARVIS informed her that Tony and Rhodey were on their way to the penthouse.

"Oh, and JARVIS?"

"Yes, Miss Potts?"

"That was a great idea to call Loki for help," Pepper gave a wicked smile at the hidden camera at the corner of the room.

"I aim to please, Miss Potts," said JARVIS, drily.

Pepper laughed as the elevator opened to show her two boys.

A/N: I would love to hear some ideas. The thing is, I am not satisfied with what my mind is coming up with and I dunno, I just don't like it.

So, I need you guys to help me out.

Please do drop a comment!