Tony and Pepper later on got dressed, Pepper in a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt that barely fit her. Anybody could clearly see she was pregnant. Steve and Clint were waiting in the living area with the others.
"It's nice of you guys to go you know," Betty says. Clint nods and Steve gives a small smile. "Despite how much of an arse he can be at times."
Natasha smiled.
"Well I'm doing it mostly for Pepper." Steve says firmly. Clint raises his eyebrows.
"Someone have a little crush?" Clint teases. Steve shakes his head.
"Don't let Stark catch you saying anything close to that." Natasha warns. Bruce nods.
"You think he is a tool now, if he ever hears you say that fighting to save the world will be the least of your problems."
Steve rolls his eyes, but doesn't respond. Moments later, Pepper and Tony appear and ready to go. Steve and Clint stand up. This is the first time Pepper has seen Clint in somewhat normal human being clothing.
"All set?" Pepper asks as Tony takes hold of her hand. Steve and Clint nod.
"We'll be back soon, but you know the distress call, right?" Tony asks the others. The other avengers nod. "Good."
They head towards the elevators the others watch until they are out of sight. Once out of sight, Jane says,
"I would always read magazines and hear people talk about how much of a bastard Stark is," Natasha and Thor look at her as she continues. "But I think she is proof he has a heart."
Steve and Clint took a back exit to avoid press and would tail Tony and Pepper nonchalantly and Tony had an earpiece in to communicate with them and Jarvis. The press hit the couple right as they stepped out and the cameras were flashing everywhere. Tony put an arm around Pepper's waist and guided her though and soon there were security officers assisting them. It was then Pepper and Tony heard the question,
"Is Miss. Potts pregnant Mr. Stark?" a reporter yelled, which then made them all stop for a moment and look at the couple as they kept walking. Then all of the pregnancy questions were being yelled behind them. Tony just kept Pepper close as they walked the streets.
"I think they know." Steve says into the earpiece. Tony chuckles a bit as they keep walking. They eventually reach the stores and the security guards order the press to stay outside the store. Pepper lets out a breath of relief when they walk into the store.
"Clothes still important?" Tony teases. Pepper smiles and nods and moves towards Tony's ear.
"Unless you want me to walk around with none on."
Tony grins and they move towards a rack.
"You wouldn't make it out of our room."
Pepper smiles and begins to look through the clothing. They spend about forty-five minutes in this store and she finds three things she likes. They go to three other stores before they head towards the restaurants for food.
"Status?" Tony asks Clint and Steve.
"Clear from my point." Clint answers. Tony nods, but still no response from Steve.
"Rogers?" he says. No answer. "Barton what is going on?"
Tony stops in his tracks and pulls Pepper close. She frowns. The security guards are around them so the press can't reach them.
"What is going on?" Pepper asks worriedly.
"Steve isn't responding."
Pepper frowns and feels Tony's grip tighten on her.
"Jarvis, phone the tower."
"Yes, sir."
Tony waits for someone to pick up and in the distance he sees Clint coming towards them. He has a jacket with a hood and sunglasses on so the press can't tell who he is. The guards let him through to Pepper and Tony.
"I can't find Steve anywhere."
Tony's worries about the Mandarin grow stronger as he looks around. The tower then answers.
"Tony?" Bruce answers.
"Bruce, we've lost Steve. He isn't responding and Clint can't see him,"
No answer. Tony can hear Natasha and Thor coming towards the phone and Bruce puts it on speaker. "I don't like this. We're coming back to the tower."
"Thor and Natasha are heading out now." Bruce answers. Tony can hear in the background that Betty is arguing Bruce should go, too. Yelling in the distance then distracts Tony.
"Hello Tony Stark." A man says. Tony, Pepper, and Clint turn and see a man standing in the road. He looks professional, but also like a threat. Tony makes sure Pepper is as close as possible and Clint immediately has his bow out and pointed at the man. Tony has no idea where Clint had that hidden, but it leaves his mind quickly. The press is snapping photos, although some had fled the area.
"Who the hell are you?" Tony yells. The man just stands there and smiles. When the man speaks, his voice seems to somehow be projected throughout the street and people pause, cars stop, and they all look at him.
"Some people call me a terrorist, but I consider myself a teacher," he says. His voice is so deep and has power behind it. He then turns and looks at Tony and Clint. "Lesson number one, heroes there is no such thing."
The man then quickly throws something towards Tony and Pepper. Pepper screams, but someone jumps out of nowhere and deflects whatever it was. Tony goes to the ground and covers Pepper and Clint fires an arrow at the man. Tony looks up and part of him is relieved to see Captain America in uniform with Clint ready to fight. The man just laughs.
"Mandarin!" Captain America yells and has his shield ready. Tony stands up and keeps Pepper at his side.
"Ladies, children, chiefs, let this moment be remembered!" The Mandarin yells. However, a boom of thunder and Thor landing with a loud bang interrupts his speech. He has his hammer ready and is prepared. The Mandarin just laughs. "The beast lies in waiting then?" he asks and refers to the Hulk.
"Do not start a war you cannot hope to win!" Thor says boldly. "Where is Loki?"
The Mandarin turns and looks at Thor. "I'm afraid I cannot help you with that. I've only come to convey a message to the Avengers, but more importantly the famous Tony Stark."
Tony in the corner of his eye sees Natasha appear and she grabs Pepper so Pepper is between Tony and Natasha.
"And this message is?" Tony sneers. The Mandarin just smiles again.
"The man with it all, money, fame, fiancé, a child along the way, believing his world is perfect well I am here to convey to you…." He says and looks Tony straight in the eyes. "It's all about to change."
A helicopter then came into view and Clint raised his bow. "Shooter!"
The helicopter fired two rounds towards the citizens and towards Tony. The bomb went over his head and landed on the building, but did not explode. As everyone was running and fleeing from the bombs, the Mandarin boarded the helicopter and it took off. Thor came over and Tony kissed Pepper before shoving her towards Thor. He lightly picked her up and flew out of the area while the rest ran. They made it four yards before the bomb went off and blew up the building. Tony hit the ground with Steve and Natasha beside him. Everything came back to Tony…
"That's how dad did it, that's how America does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far."
"Stark, you know that's a one way trip."
"My family's dead… I'm going to see them now."
"Agent Coulson is down… they called it."
"You're all I have too you know."
"I'm trying to play ball with these ass clowns!"
"My greatest creation is you…"
"Tony!"
"I shouldn't be alive unless it was for a reason."
"You don't deserve to wear this suit."
"You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play… to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you."
"I think I would just cut the wire."
"There was an idea… called the avengers initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people to see if they could become something more."
"How will your friends have time for me when they're so busy fighting you?"
"Heroes… there is no such thing."
"Phil Coulson died still believing in that idea… in heroes."
"Tony!"
Tony was lying on the ground and not responding to Clint or Natasha. His eyes were open, but his mind was in memories. It was only then he heard the voice he needed to hear.
"Tony!"
Clint and Natasha moved back as Thor landed and Pepper pushed herself away from him and to Tony. She went down next to him and took his face in her hands.
"Look at me Tony," She demanded in a soft voice and bent down so their noses were almost touching. "I'm fine, you're fine, listen to me."
Tony looked in her eyes and Pepper could see him coming out of it. He slowly sat up and looked around and saw the result of the bomb the Mandarin threw. Pepper slowly helped him stand up as he looked around. He saw Thor, Captain America, Clint, and Natasha watching him and then he saw the press. They were yelling at him and wanting to speak to him and the other avengers, but they didn't move. Tony felt Pepper slip her hand into his.
"Tony…" she says softly and he looks down at her. He lightly kisses her forehead and turns back to the team,
"Now the game has begun."
"Where the hell is Stark?" Nick Fury growls as he steps out of the elevator on the top level of Stark tower with Maria at his side. He sees the entire team plus two girls and minus one Tony Stark.
"With Pepper." Steve answers. Fury looks like he is about to argue back when Bruce steps in.
"He called Pepper's doctor because he wanted to be sure no damage was done to their baby during the fight. She hit the ground pretty hard. They're in his room with the doctor right now, but Jarvis has it sealed."
The anger that Fury was about to release settled down and he unclenched his fist. He sighed.
"Fine, now you five start explaining."
Tony held Pepper's hand as the doctor looked over Pepper and the baby. Pepper thought she was fine so this was more to settle Tony's nerves. The doctor stood when finished.
"Everything seems fine. Still a steady heartbeat and seems to be moving. Might I suggest staying away from bombs though?"
Pepper smiled.
"I'll do my best."
Tony kissed Pepper's hand and thanked the doctor. The doctor left moments later and Tony nearly pounced on Pepper and kissed her passionately. Pepper let him because she knows he was struggling inside of his head, but is too stubborn to get help. When they broke apart he settled his head on her shoulder and placed a hand on her expanding abdomen.
"You know the others are waiting for you," Pepper says as she runs a hand through his hair. She sees the look in his eyes and sees he isn't totally here. She kisses his forehead. "Have you considered talking to someone, yet?"
"I have you." He immediately answers. Pepper sighs and doesn't take it any further. They sit like that for a couple minutes before they get up and move to the living area. Tony takes her hand as they walk into the room. He doesn't even last two seconds before Fury attacks him,
"What the hell Stark? I give you freedom and this is how you use it? Do you have any idea what sort of mess you have created?" he yells. Tony shrugs.
"Nah, nothing we can't fix."
Fury looks like he is ready to scream, but Bruce steps in.
"It wasn't just Stark, it was all of us."
Nick looks at Bruce, but doesn't say anything. He is about to speak again when Jarvis interrupts.
"Excuse me sir, but Mr. and Mrs. Potts is on the line demanding to speak to you and Miss. Potts."
Natasha turns on a TV and sees national news has the avengers in New York and cameras are mostly focused on Tony with Pepper on the ground next to him.
"I'll take it." Pepper says and removes herself from Tony to find a phone. She goes and answers it near the wet bar. Nick turns back to Stark.
"This is not a game Stark and because of this mess you all have created we are not the party in the lead."
Tony just rolls his eyes and Barton steps in,
"So we are just supposed to trust you now? After what happened the last time?" he sneers. Nick glares at him, but the glare does not work.
"You used us to try and build an arsenal," Natasha says angrily and walks over to stand with Clint. "How could we trust you don't have another hidden agenda?"
"I sure as hell ain't taking that chance again with what I have at risk." Tony snaps and walks over to Pepper, leaving the others to deal with Fury at the moment.
"Daddy I promise you we are all alright." Pepper says with a sigh. Tony kisses her temple and listens in.
"I want picture proof right now." William demanded.
"Do you even know how to get a text?" Pepper asks. No answer. Tony smiles a bit.
"No, but your mum does." He finally answers. Tony takes the phone and moves it in front of him and Pepper. He takes a photo and sends it to his future in-laws. Pepper and Tony wait until William responds, which is about two minutes.
"Good, now Virginia please hand the phone to Stark, I want a word," he growls. Pepper hands Tony the phone with a sigh. Tony doesn't even speak because William begins the conversation, "You better be keeping my little girl safe and out of danger or else I will be more of a problem. I don't give a damn if you're Ironman, if you two are starting a family you put them first. Am I clear?"
Tony takes in a deep breath. "Crystal, sir." He answers. They finish up and hang up. Pepper looks at Tony with raised eyebrows.
"Well?"
Tony sits down on a stool, "Well he said he doesn't give a damn that I'm Ironman and that you come first or else he will come after me."
Pepper gives a small smile and sits on his lap. She is about to speak when Fury yells over to Tony.
"Stark, this is no time for a cozy moment. Get packing New York is no longer safe."
Tony angrily stands up and Pepper stays by the wet bar. He approaches Fury.
"Seeing as how we are in my tower I will do whatever the hell I want to do. You are a guest on my grounds. My priority is keeping my fiancé and child safe, not your schedule."
Fury puts his hands on his side and moves closer to Stark. "My priority is keeping the world safe. The Avengers priority is keeping the world safe. Try keeping that woman safe when the world is crashing around us all."
Tony and Fury just stared at each other and everybody else stared at them. Pepper slowly walked over just as Tony spoke.
"Then count me out of the Avengers. I've been blown up and kidnapped enough for a lifetime. If you're making me choose then get out of my tower before security removes you."
Pepper's eyes widened, Natasha and Thor's jaw dropped, Bruce bit his tongue, and Clint and Steve looked at each other with disbelief. Fury's face relaxed a bit and he looked at the others.
"Our flight leaves tonight. Maria will send you the directions," and he then turns to walk to the elevator with Maria on his heels. The doors open and Fury turns to say one final thing to Tony, "I am not the enemy here Stark."
Maria and Fury then disappear behind the doors and the room is silent. Tony knows they are all looking at him. Nobody speaks as he walks over to the bar for his laptop. It's Steve, who speaks up first,
"So much for the sacrifice play, I guess you do just cut the wire." He says with some anger.
"Steve!" Natasha hisses. Steve shakes his head,
"No! This is not a video game where you can just log in and play when you like! You don't bail when there are complications along the way, you fight it!"
"We are not soldiers!" Tony yells back at Steve.
"I did not come down to earth for this!" Thor yells.
"No you came for Loki and then once you have him you take off!" Tony yells even louder.
"I have a realm to protect!" Thor snaps back. Tony slams a hand on the table.
"And I have a family to protect! I've already lost enough for a lifetime!"
"Enough!" Another voice yells. Tony turns and looks at Pepper who looks upset. "Enough of this. I am not some damsel in distress or immobile because I am pregnant nor do I appreciate being treated like one." Pepper snaps at Tony with a tear coming out of her eye.
"Pepper…" Tony begins but she holds up a finger.
"You are not quitting and you are going to go out and finish this mess instead of puppy guard me. Once this is finished if you want to quit then fine quit I don't give a damn."
And she then storms off and in the distance a door slams.
