Repercussions of the Truth by AndromedaMarine

Dancing

Tony couldn't believe how well the press conference had gone. With Obadiah finally out of the way of what he wanted to do with the company, Tony was able to make the change he'd announced months ago. There were angry reporters, yes, who couldn't figure out why he wasn't talking about his shiny alter-ego, but frankly Tony didn't care. All he cared about was the woman standing by the side-door silently cheering him on. All he cared about was the fact that he wasn't alone any longer – he finally had someone to share life with. He knew that Rhodes wouldn't let him live it down for a while, and suddenly Tony realized he didn't care about that either. He thought back to the Fireman's Charity Ball, wondering why in the world he hadn't kissed her then and how could he have been so insensitive by leaving her up on the balcony. They'd danced before but it was somewhat forced because Pepper hadn't wanted to.

He decided to show Pepper they could dance without feeling like the center of attention. They didn't need to be in public to dance, Tony realized. Jarvis was an orchestra waiting for the conductor's cue to begin the music.

Tony hadn't kissed his assistant since the day Rhodes interrupted, but she continued to sleep in the guest bedroom at Tony's request. He still had the frequent nightmares and every time Jarvis would wake her so she knew. She would hurry to his room to see him thrashing on the bed, the invisible terrorists torturing his mind. And she'd hold his head in her hands until he relaxed in his slumber.

It was two in the morning when Jarvis woke Pepper once again. "Miss Potts, Mr. Stark is having another nightmare. I believe you should go to him at once." Pepper rubbed the sleep out of her eyes yet again and walked to Tony's room as fast as her fatigued body would allow. She opened the door and padded inside, knelt on the bed and pushed the sweat-matted hair from his forehead. She'd learned after many nights of this that she needn't wake him – all he required was a familiar touch. So she slid beneath the covers and took him in her arms, warding off the demons of the night.

Morning came in a hurry.

Sunlight streamed through the wide windows, and Jarvis recited the weather and surf conditions. Pepper's eyes snapped open and found herself opposite of how she'd arrived. She was now encased in Tony's still-sleeping embrace. She could tell he hadn't yet arrived in the land of the living because his breaths were quite even and his body relaxed. Pepper knew that if she moved (and she didn't want to – she was very comfortable) Tony would wake.

Pepper sighed, letting her mind wander as her employer slept. She let her eyes close after she studied his features for several minutes, memorizing every line on his now worry-free face. She became aware of every little movement; Tony stirred and Pepper froze. Opening her eyes she found herself staring into the gorgeous eyes of Anthony E. Stark. "Good morning," he mumbled, his eyes never wavering from her. "Thanks."

Pepper's brow furrowed. "For what, exactly, Mr. Stark?"

"You wouldn't be here if I didn't have another nightmare, Miss Potts," he told her without the slightest trace of humor in his voice or expression. "Thanks for scaring away my demons."

Pepper could feel a blush arise; it was the first time he'd thanked her like that, and the first time she'd woken to find herself in his strong arms. "Anything to keep you alive, Tony," she said smartly and sighed again. "If you don't mind I'd like to get up. Breakfast won't make itself."

Tony retracted his arms but let his hand linger on her waist. "Really, Pepper. I wouldn't b e alive if not for you." Despite the fact that sentimental wasn't his forte the billionaire leaned in and kissed her cheek. He gave her an uncharacteristically shy smile and let his head fall back onto the pillows.

Pepper left Tony's room, her mind racing a mile a minute. There were many things about Tony – her boss – that she didn't understand. She showered and dressed in a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt, knowing that Tony's schedule was completely free. Pepper found Tony standing at the bay window with his arms crossed over a wife-beater.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, coming beside him, their arms touching.

Tony's eyes didn't leave the glowing expanse of the Pacific. "There's too much on my mind to be specific, Pepper." He sighed deeply, resting his head on his palm, turning his back on the gorgeous view. "Just too much up here." He tapped his temple and looked around at his assistant.

"I'll make breakfast, then. You seem to need some time alone." Pepper started towards the kitchen, but Tony grabbed her arm, swinging her around to face him.

His eyes were dark – the demons had never left. "Pepper, if I needed to be alone the nightmares wouldn't come. If you didn't stay here at night I'd go crazy – waking up in the middle of the night with no one there is more frightening than anything, Pepper! Don't you see that your being here is helping me heal? I've never needed company more. And I'm always reminded that no one but you really understands what it's like to feel..." he trailed off.

"Lost," Pepper finished quietly for him.

Tony nodded. "Exactly. Lost. You're the only one who sees it from my perspective." He remembered that he wanted to dance with Pepper, but a loud rumble from his stomach interrupted his thoughts.

Pepper grinned. "Breakfast." Ten minutes later they both sat at the island with coffee and a plate of food. "Are you feeling better?"

Tony nodded, taking a sip of the black coffee. "I can only get better, Pepper, as long as I have you." He smiled.

"You already know I have no intention of quitting my job, Tony. I love it – and you – too much."

Tony's heart gave a little jump, and he paused, formulating his next sentence. "I've been thinking," he began, gauging Pepper's reactions, "and I keep coming back to the Fireman's Charity Ball."

The fork halfway to her mouth froze instantly.

"We never finished our dance, Pepper," he finished quietly, his eyes trained on her as he examined and studied her.

She cleared her throat. "Your point being...?" She didn't look up from her plate, afraid of what his eyes might be saying.

"That I want to dance with you." He looked at her pointedly, but she didn't raise her gaze.

"Ah," was all she said.

Tony's face flickered with hurt – disappointment. "I thought we were past the awkwardness of that moment, Pepper," he said, still looking at her intently. "I thought that after – after what happened there wouldn't be any hesitation." He was referring to their kiss. "Is dancing really that intimidating?"

Pepper gave a short laugh. "No, Tony, not really. It's not the dancing that's intimidating."

"I can't be that intimidating, can I?" Tony asked quietly, his forehead scrunched up in worry. "Do you need a reminder?"

"A reminder of what?" Pepper asked with a little surprise, finally lifting her head to look at her boss. "How dancing with you put me in the spotlight?"

Tony smiled slightly, getting to his feet and sliding around the edge of the island towards her. "Who said we needed to go out in public to dance?" He extended his hand as an invitation, and Pepper eyed it cautiously. "Please?" Eliciting a sight of defeat she took his hand and was swept up to meet him. "Jarvis." The same music that had been playing at the Charity Ball poured from the speakers scattered throughout the house, and the two began to dance with an ease long forgotten.

"About that reminder," he said, grinning, and leaned down to kiss her again.