It was the anniversary of his death. He died in a car crash two years ago. Pepper knew him all her life – they were in the same high school, they used to date for half an year after that, but they decided it wasn't going to work out, so they broke up. Three years later he married her sister and a few months later they told Pepper she would have a beautiful niece. She wasn't mad at all. Eric was her best friend. She was happy for him, for finding what she couldn't give him – a family. Pepper wanted a career, not babies at that time. Now, two years after his death, she couldn't help but to spare a tear for him. She was sobbing quietly at her office, her back to the door, watching the people on the sidewalk going home to their loved ones. She had a huge cup of warm tea in her hand and her shoes were long ado left under her desk. It was 7 pm and she hoped there was no one left in the building by that time. Suddenly she heard her door open.
"Hey, Pep. Nancy told me you're still here. Do you want me to give you a ride home?" this was no other than her boss. 'Weird, never seen her not working in here' Tony thought to himself.
"Um…" she couldn't let him see her like that "n-no, but thanks." Pepper tried to hide the sorrow in her voice, but failed miserably. 'Please, go away, please, please, live me alone.' She heard the door behind her closing and she led out a sob.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes, everything is fine, I'll call Happy to drive me home" why didn't he leave. Why didn't he just leave her be and go home?
"Turn around, will you?"
No answer.
"Pepper, what's wrong? Is it me? Sorry, I haven't meant to do whatever I have done and I –"
"It's not you, Tony" Pepper said with now more relaxed voice now.
"Then who is it? I swear I'll kill him! Who upset you? Was it someone from the office? I'll fire his all department! Was it the stupid paparazzi? I bet it was them! You can't imagine what-"
"No." All he needed was an answer as simple as that.
"Then what happened Pepper?" 'Talk to me, Pepper, I'm here for you!' Tony has never been is situation like this. Usually Pepper was the strong one, always knowing what to do. He was the big baby that couldn't even tie his tie properly.
Pepper turned around and stood up. Her eyes were red, puffy and still wet. She didn't know what to say to him. She was the one listening to all his wining, not the other way around. "Two years ago a friend of mine died – Kelly's dad."
Tony went to her and hugged her tightly. She didn't push him away, instead she melted in his embrace and let out a new set of tears. He listened to her uneven breathing and didn't know what to say nor think. "You know, the Big guy is not always fair. I know what is to lose a loved one, Pep, and even if I don't show it…" he took a deep breath "I know how you feel. Cry it all out, be angry at the whole damn world, break something if you want. No one can give him back to you…"
"That's OK, I've got you" did she just said that out loud?! No way had she just said it to her boss.
"Yes, you have me" that was so not the answer either of them was expecting. "You know what helps me cheer up?" he was stroking her hair now, her soft, red, apple-scented hair.
"What?"
"How about you come home with me and –"
"Tony, no, how can you think that?!"
"Let me finish! How about you come with me home, put on one of Ironman's gloves and show the world what you think? We haven't redecorated the kitchen for some time now."
Pepper burst laughing. "Tony, are you serious?"
"Deadly serious!"
"Well, I have to say no, but I'll have that in mind the next time you get on my nerves." Pepper didn't feel like crying anymore, but didn't let go of him. "Thank you, Tony. You really know how to save the day."
"For you, at any time!"
They stayed like that for a few more minutes, not leaving each other arms.
