Because I'm awesome like this, you get one extremely short chapter before I hit you with the bombshell at the end. So. Yeah. Enjoy this one. :P
Brotherly Love
Chatper 7
It was an awkward sort of dance, that began, she decided, finally – their weekends. Sometimes on weekends there were parties and excitement and a fair bit of running around and a bit of stress. Other times there was sleep, and rest, and exhaustion. At other times, there was seriousness, and work, and no-nonsense. Then others there were modern art auctions, and walks at the beach and discussions about anything and everything that Pepper wasn't quite sure she was paid to have with Tony, but that happened anyway. Still other weekends there were nerdy marathons of sci-fi shows, and popcorn and chips, and enthusiasm for science and discussions of childhood.
On some weekends it seemed that Pepper's job was to be Tony's friend. On other weekends it seemed it was her job to be his enemy and make him do as he was told for the good of himself and others. On the weekends she spent with Michael, she would talk of her job, and the different things she liked, and the things she didn't.
"What do you think it is, that makes this job different, Pepper?" Michael asked.
"I don't know. It's… it's unpredictable. And I work with good people. I get to take care of things. I guess I like that," she told him.
"I think you do. And I think you care about Tony," Michael said.
"Well… yeah. But not in that way," Pepper said, avoiding Michael's eyes.
"If it wasn't in that way, I don't think you'd have to specify," Michael pressed, looking for her to say something more about her opinions on Tony and her job.
"I have a unique job, Michael, working for a very unique man."
"I know," Michael paused and looked at Pepper, as they sat next to each other on the couch. "Look… I know I'm younger than you. And I know you never felt… worth it, after the accident. I mean, we were so alone, but you held us together. You got us through everything, Pepper. Through all the different places we lived, and the people we met. I know you remember more about Mom and Dad than I do even. You have memories about what it is to feel wanted by parents, but like… I don't exactly remember having that fully. So I definitely owe you. Because you made me feel like I'm wanted."
Pepper felt tears pricking at her eyes.
"Michael… what's brought this on?"
"Nothing it's just…" Michael shrugged, and gave a shy smile. "Would it be overboard to say that this is the first time I think you've felt wanted since… since Mom and Dad died? Pepper, you're amazing at holding things together. And taking care of people. You care about them. You look after them. You look after me, and now you look after Tony Stark. You make us feel needed. But this is the first time I've seen you look like you're actually happy in the same way that you make others feel. I mean, I think this job is exciting for you. And that's a good thing. You've always liked adventure, and now you have it. I don't know what I'm saying really…"
Michael looked away, and by his body language Pepper could tell he felt awkward about what he'd admitted. But Pepper turned toward him and gave him a hug, saying,
"Thank you. Yes. You're right."
Michael hugged her back.
"I guess I… just. Don't be afraid, Pepper. Everybody needs somebody. Don't be afraid to care."
Pepper squeezed him round the shoulders just a bit tighter. After a moment she said,
"No. I won't be."
She pulled back and looked him in the eyes. Michael's eyes said, "I care about you too," and Pepper understood, quite possibly for the first time, the value of caring. The value of family. And she understood exactly why she was never going to leave Michael, and why she was never going to leave Tony Stark.
A/N: I understand this wasn't really long enough to be a full chapter. But the next one shall be long, with the ACTUAL event that inspired the story, so hopefully I'll get that up later tonight, or tomorrow.
Reviews are appreciated! :)
