Charming Possibilities – Part Twenty-eight
A/N: I don't even want to make excuses because they're all pathetic, so I'm leaving you with another chapter instead. How about I get some reviews?
Part twenty-eight
"Good morning, Mr. Stark." Pepper said sweetly as she descended the stairs into the living room.
Tony looked up at her from where he stood on the couch, his leg hoisted on the table in front of him. He gave her a quick smile and studied her appearance.
"How are you feeling?" She asked as she sat down beside him. She turned her body so that she was facing him. "Does it still hurt?"
Tony shrugged. "Not that much now that you're here."
"Right…" Pepper trailed off and looked at his foot. "Are you sure it's not broken or something?"
He looked at Pepper and touched her forearm. "If it was, I'd like to believe that I would be in deep pain right now, Pepper."
Pepper laughed a little. "If you say so… Do you need anything?"
She moved to sit up, but Tony grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"
"I was just going to make an omelet. I suppose you haven't eaten anything." She said, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"Why so suspicious?" Tony asked and sat up. "I remember eating a banana and a slice of toast."
"Is that so?" Pepper asked with a raised eyebrow.
Tony nodded and touched the bruise on her temple with his fingertips. She winced at the contact and pulled away.
"I'm sorry…" Tony whispered. "I just…"
Pepper continued to stare at her hands, completely oblivious to the fact that Tony was suffering.
"I'll make that omelet for you." He offered and waited for an answer. When none came, he blinked hard and looked away. "Are you mad at me, Pepper?"
The redhead looked at him with her big, blue eyes that always mesmerized him. "Is there something you won't tell me, Tony?"
Okay, I ask her if she's mad at me and I get ignored completely.
"No. Yes. Maybe…" Tony babbled and scratched at his unruly hair. "Mostly it's just about you and me."
Pepper's eyes softened and she sighed sadly. "Is there an 'us', Tony?"
The quiet sound of Pepper's voice made Tony realize that she didn't believe his words. Why would she?
Tony shrugged and sighed himself. "It used to be."
The redhead looked at him and saw how hurt he truly was. Maybe he wasn't lying to her after all.
"How do I even know if what you say is true?" She asked quietly.
Tony smiled a little and moved closer to her on the couch. "I would like to show you how." He whispered and cupped her cheek in his left hand.
To his surprise she hadn't pulled away. Not yet.
He moved closer to her until his forehead was resting lightly against hers. For a few seconds he kept his eyes opened only to gauge her reaction. Would she shy away? Would she slap him? Or worse… Would she leave him if he tried to kiss her?
"I'm just trying to make you remember." He whispered quietly before touching his lips to hers.
The mere touch of his lips against hers sent a jolt through Pepper, who pulled away suddenly, eyes downcast. Tony, on the other hand tried not to scream.
"Tony… I…"
"I understand, Pepper." He said bitterly and sat up, completely ignoring the dull ache in his foot as he walked into the kitchen. He pulled out a cooking pot out of one of the boards and lit the fire.
With the precision of a genius inventor, Tony managed to cook a half burnt omelet. Looking up at the ceiling he instructed Jarvis to announce Pepper that her breakfast was ready and waiting for her in the kitchen. He made a quick exit through the hallway and took the elevator which lead to his workshop. He couldn't deal with the look on Pepper's face just yet.
He'd give her half a day, or maybe more. If she wanted to talk to him he'd be in the basement.
TBC
