TEN

HEARTBEAT

Her body arched at the surge, and the line turned to a spike. As power flowed into her body the spikes continued, growing until sparks darted over her skin. He could feel electricity crackle around him as the sparks multiplied. They rolled straight to her chest, disappearing beneath her bloodied skin. He could feel a charge building in the air around him.

'Pepper, get back,' he said, 'get behind something and don't touch anything metal.'

She didn't argue.

Tony held on to the last moment, only pulling back when he was sure that her heart would beat again without the surge. He released his grip on the metal on her chest and dropped low, covering his eyes. The monitor was a blur of spikes, her skin glowing. The room was plunged into darkness as her body drew on the power of the house and electricity surged from her like a vicious crack of lightning, a clap like thunder sounding that hurt Tony and Pepper's ears. Items on tables shuddered from the shockwave, a few pages floating from the tables that surrounded her, rustling for only a moment before the room was entirely still, calm after a storm.

In the silence, he heard the monitor blip, but it was the shaky breath that had him crawling back to the table. He reached up with the rubber matt. He lifted the metal from her skin and pulled it from the power cord before he tossed them both away. He leant over the table, reaching for her as lights flickered back on. He cupped her pale cheeks in his hands and flinched at the sparks that licked at his fingers, but he refused to let go. He brushed his thumbs over her smooth skin, his chest tight as her eyes shot open.

He barely made it out of the way before she shot up, her breath coming in heavy gasps, terror filling her darkened eyes until she met his gaze. He reached for her. He wrapped her in his arms and he felt her fingernails dig deep into his sides, the biting pain filling him with relief.

'You're safe,' he whispered, his hands entwining in her hair.

'I was dead, wasn't I?' she asked, pulling back from him, catching his gaze. Her eyes were glowing, the red reassuringly bright.

'Maybe for a little while,' he said, his fingers brushing over her chest, 'but I wasn't going to let you stay that way.'

Pepper rushed over, a cautious smile on her lips that Danielle returned.

'Are you okay?' she asked, her pale eyes hopeful.

'Yeah,' Danielle said, easing her feet over the edge of the table, a grimace coating her lips as her stitches pulled tight, 'I am.'

Tony and Pepper helped her to her feet, walking her carefully over to the kitchenette. They sat her gently on the couch and Pepper rushed to get some warm water and a cloth.

'I'll get you some clean clothes,' Tony said, but she caught her hand when he tried to pull away.

'Is it over?' she asked, her voice breaking slightly.

He glanced to the screen across from them, the monitor flashing as he said, 'TV on, news.'

It instantly switched to a 24-hour news channel, and the images that filled the screen had her holding her breath. Police and fire crews were being recorded at the complex, a reporter was explaining that a power surge had caused a severe disturbance at the facility which had destroyed all electronic elements and disabled the heavy security of the APRDC, resulting in a mass response. Dark smoke billowed from some sections of the complex behind the reporter and there was movement all around as police directed the evacuation. A reel of text scrolled along the bottom of the screen, her breath hitching as she read the names.

Dexter Samael, Mark Leviathan and Lionel Drake arrested on scene.

She felt tears well in her eyes, a sob breaking from her. Her chest ached, but not from her most recent heart surgery. She was free. Finally free.

Tony pulled her into his arms, holding her as her shoulders shuddered. He looked up as Pepper bustled over, stopping in her tracks as she glanced at the TV, then to Danielle. She caught Tony's gaze again as she stepped closer, placing a bowl of warm water and the clean cloth on the table in front of the couch.

Tony nodded, mouthing, 'thank you.'

A smile spread over her lips. She walked quietly away, disappearing up the steps to leave them in peace.

Tony reached for the cloth, dipping it into the bowl. He rubbed her chest gently, dabbing at the blood that coated her skin. The cut was raised but neatly closed, despite how much his hands had been shaking.

'I hope you don't mind, but, when I fixed the damage to your heart I added a little something to it,' he said as he rubbed in gentle circles. He felt her shift her head on his shoulder, her breath falling softly against his neck.

'One of the core components had been damaged, a piece that I believe is what allows you to store your power as you do,' he said, dropping the cloth back on the table to lean back, her head resting on his chest, 'it… it seemed so familiar, and I realised why.'

She glanced up, watching as he brushed his fingers over his chest.

'It may not be an arc reactor, but the concept of power generation is quite similar. Mine keeps shrapnel from reaching my heart, and also allows me to power my suit. Yours allows you to store and utilise power on massive scales without ill effects to your body. You nearly wiped out the power grid when I shocked your heart back into motion.'

'What did you add?'

'Vibranium,' he said, tapping the Arc reactor in his chest again, 'it's the same metal that is in my chest, keeping me alive. I figured it could help you too.'

She reached for his hand. The feel of his calloused fingers in her hands filled her with warmth, a sensation of safety. She placed his hand against her chest. He could feel the hum of power and the sturdy beat of her clockwork heart.

'You more than helped me,' she said, 'you didn't have to save me, Tony.'

'I did,' he said, cupping her cheek, 'you used the last of your power to get me out of there. You were willing to sacrifice yourself to… I've always been the one fighting. I never thought anyone would be willing to save me.'

'For someone so smart, you're a total dumbass,' she said, dragging him closer. She claimed his lips and melted into his embrace, but a pained gasp escaped her lips. He pulled back, his forehead against hers.

'Let's get you cleaned up,' he said. He tucked his arms under her leg and back, scooping her into his arms to carry her out of the workshop and up the stairs. She did not protest, instead wrapping her arms around his neck to hold him tighter as he carried her through his bedroom and into the ensuite.

He placed her gently on her feet, his hands absently rubbing her shoulders before he helped her strip her torn shirt. His brow tightened as his eyes fell upon her skin, upon the dark blotches where bruises were beginning to blossom. He reached to touch the mark on her rib, his fingers a feather light caress against the mark.

'They took your armour off only so they could beat you,' he whispered, and he felt the anger in his words.

'It doesn't matter anymore,' she said, reaching for his chest, 'they're going away for a long time. We've made sure of that.'

She gripped the bottom hem of his shirt and he quirked an eyebrow at her as she lifted it to reveal the tanned skin beneath. He pulled it over his head, dropping it beside him as he reached for her. He helped her out of the rest of her clothes before his joined the growing pile. His hands sought her skin, his body longing to hold her, to be reassured by her warmth. Colour was returning to her cheeks, her skin losing the pallor of her near death experience.

As they stepped into the shower the water came on instantly, the room quickly filling with steam. She was still unsteady on her feet, her knees shaking beneath her.

'I've got you.'

She leant back into his chest under the hot spray and a smile spread over her lips as his arm wrapped tight around her waist. He lifted each of her arms, carefully checking them for cuts and bruises. He gently washed her bloodied knuckles, feeling the barest flinch from her as he circled each digit. Once he was sure he had been over every inch of her skin he turned her to face him, drawing her tight against his chest. She rested her head on his shoulder, and for a moment he was sure he heard her whisper his name.

He placed a kiss against her temple, wanting to believe that she had said the words he longed to hear, but he knew that it was just an exhausted fantasy, his mind playing tricks on him.

'Tony.'

He glanced down, brushing a thumb over her cheek, 'yes?'

'I want to see my brother,' she whispered, pulling back to catch his gaze, 'when I know that the APRDC has been broken down and when I've healed a little.'

His chest constricted and he lashed himself for the selfish thoughts that filled him.

'Of course.'

They stepped out of the shower, Tony close behind her, still wary of her shaking legs. He wrapped a plush towel around his waist before he placed one over her shoulders, helping her dry her back.

'Thank you,' she said, glancing up at him when she turned around. He pushed her hands down gently, revealing her chest so he could gently tape a pad over the wound to protect the stitches. She glanced down as he gently brushed his fingers over the tape.

'I wouldn't want him to see me like this.' She glanced to the mirror and with a determined look she dropped the towel from her body. He caught the way she examined herself, how she noted the angry marks that covered her body, the slightest grimace pulling at her lips.

'With some of the energy I absorbed tonight, maybe some of the bruises won't be so bad in a couple of days.'

'You're beautiful.'

She turned to him, a gasp escaping her as he swept her from her feet once more. He strolled back into the bedroom, the covers still swept back from the previous morning. He placed her on the silky sheets, his towel flung across the room before he settled in beside her. She tucked herself against his chest, her body moulding to his, desperate to feel the heat of the other wrapped in their embrace. Her damp hair was cool against his chest as she pressed her ear to it, her fingers tracing circles over his skin as she listened to the steady beat of his heart.

'I need you to know something,' he whispered against her skin.

She glanced up at him. He tucked her hair behind her ear in a soft caress and she heard his heart quicken as she asked, 'what?'

'I was too scared to tell you before, but tonight I nearly lost you… I love you, Danielle,' he whispered, so softly and with a hint of nervousness that made her heart melt. She settled tighter against his side, her arm squeezing as hard as her injured body would allow. Her fingers dug into his ribs as before and he cradled her against him, knowing that he would never lose her again.

'I was too scared too, and,' she said, 'I love you too, Tony.'

He shifted until their noses touched, his hand sweeping over her rib. He claimed her lips, his kiss tender, lingering. He pulled her as tight against his chest as he dared, her breath falling softly on his neck. He listened to her steady exhalations and felt her relax against him as she fell asleep in his arms.

Relief filled him at the realisation that she was finally safe. He would find her brother as soon as she was ready, have him brought to the home. She would no longer have to hide from him to keep him safe. She would finally have her family back. She would be happy. He imagined her smile, the delightful curve of her lips that he craved, that he knew he would see in her eyes without being edged with the fear of her happiness being ripped away.

Filled with the image of her smile and surrounded by the warmth of her embrace he drifted with her.

Her stomach fluttered with nerves. She wrung her hands together, pacing in the lounge, back and forth, back and forth. She barely resisted the urge to chew off her fingernails, instead tucking her arms around herself before the temptation to spin the metal bangles around her arm – gifts from Tony – became too strong.

Her body ached in so many places but when she had looked in the mirror only an hour before she had been sure that the cuts along her chest were already showing signs of healing.

She nearly jumped at the footsteps that sounded behind her, but Tony's smile reassured her as he came to stand before her. He squeezed her shoulders gently.

'Ready?'

'Not really,' she admitted, reaching up to trace the edge of the arc reactor that glowed beneath his shirt, 'but I need this. I know it.'

He took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. His grip was reassuring, grounding her as she heard the click of heels approaching. She could hear voices talking softly and held her breath.

'Miss Potts, I appreciate your hospitality, but I can't help but wonder why Mister Stark would want to see me.'

Tony squeezed her hand tighter. Her bruised knuckles burned but she squeezed back. Her nervousness was tangible in the air around them but he could also feel the tingle of excited sparks dance across the back of his hand and up his arm. He would never get enough of the electricity that danced between them in every way.

'It's not my place to explain,' Pepper said, the footsteps closer now, rounding the corner.

Danielle felt Tony wince as her grip became a vice.

Pepper rounded the corner. A tall man followed close behind, his neat hair chestnut brown, his features so similar to Danielle's that there was no denying who he was.

He froze at the edge of the living area, the room deafeningly silent until all Danielle could hear was blood rapidly pulsing through her. He nearly stumbled down the steps toward her and she pulled from Tony's grasp. She felt tears burn in her eyes as he wrapped her in a bone breaking embrace. Pain rippled through her but she was too happy to care, tears falling freely from her eyes as he lifted her off her feet. His chest heaved with a sob as he kissed her hairline, his hand cradling the back of her head.

'Danni,' he whispered, his voice breaking, 'I thought… God, I was so afraid that you were dead.'

'I'm sorry, Alex. I had to keep you safe. I couldn't let them have anything to use against you,' she said, grip so tight around his neck that she feared she may choke him, but she could not let go.

'I know, I know. You're safe; that's all that matters.'

He pulled back from her, grasping her cheeks. 'I saw the APRDC on the news. All your old bosses, they've been arrested. More charges have been announced with every update. It's an international scandal,' he said, 'you said you were going to make them pay, and… you have. It's over, isn't it?'

'It will be,' she said, smiling up at him.

'Does… does this mean that you can come home?'

'I–' she started, glancing to Tony, 'I am home.'

Alex followed her gaze and noticed the light in his eyes. He offered his hand and Tony grasped it firmly, a mutual understanding passing between them.

'Thank you,' he said, the simple words carrying so much meaning.

Danielle glanced to Tony, a small smirk crossing her lips. She took her brother's arm and pulled him toward the balcony. The air that surrounded them was warm. The sun had set and storm clouds were rolling in toward the cliff face, blackening the sky until no stars shone through.

'There's something I can finally show you,' she said, stepping away from him. She leant on the balcony as she felt the first sparks ignite in the air around her, electricity tingling over her skin.

Tony and Alex stayed under cover as rain fell in heavy drops, quickly soaking her clothing. Alex went to approach Danielle but Tony grasped his arm, shaking his head at the raised eyebrow he received. He shrugged but kept his hand on Alex's shoulder until he was sure that no further steps would be taken. He had experienced Danielle's light show firsthand, knew just how fascinating but frightening it could be.

As sparks danced over her skin she could feel the gazes on her back. They brightened as the storm rolled closer, the first strikes landing in the bay ahead. The electricity excited her, her body energised with every reaching strike ahead of her. It flowed through her, heating her skin and warming her body.

Alex stepped back toward the house as the strikes came closer, but Tony's gave him a reassuring glance as Danielle raised her arms. The vibranium bangles that Tony had made for her rolled to her wrist and formed caps over her fingertips. They sang as she rolled her fingertips together, sparks spiking into the air as lightning rained down around the mansion.

She unleashed the charge within her, electricity sparking from her in a thick arc that met the stormy clouds above. A thrill of sensation rushed through her at the release, at the electricity that reached for and from her in the night. She absorbed every bolt that reached the mansion, absorbed more energy than she had ever been able to keep within her heart before releasing it into the abyss that gaped before her.

For the first time in so long, she could be herself. She could be with the people she loved so dearly without fear. She had her brother back and knew that she would never have to say goodbye to him and wonder if she would ever see him again. She could feel Tony's gaze on her back, the gaze of the first man she had ever truly allowed herself to love and be loved by in return. She no longer had to hide.

She was free.

One Month Later

It was quiet in the workshop, the only sound to be heard was the light tinkering of tools on armour. Tony fidgeted with the pieces of armour he had kicked from his body as he had been trying to revive Danielle, working to salvage any pieces that he could.

He picked up one of the arms, noting the scratches in the paint and metal from the fight with Prosthesis. He brushed some of the grit from it and a mark caught his eye: a small heart was etched perfectly into the armour, the clean lines leaving no doubt in his mind.

He smiled as he heard soft footsteps pad down the stairs toward him. The rich aroma of fresh coffee wafted toward him and the air sparked in anticipation of her arrival. He could hear her humming, and when he turned his chair to look to her she smiled wickedly, her red eyes filling with sparks when her gaze fell on him.

Warmth filled his heart, the heart that would always belong to her.

THE END