Ok WOW...so I finally put this together, I hope it is to your liking, without you, I am nothing! Hehe, also, quick warning, there is a naughty scene, not too graphic! There is also a little bit of nail biting suspense.
This chapter was written in third person, I thought I would try a little something different as was requested by a few readers, let me know if you would like it to continue this way, I think I enjoy it more, personally, but I aim to please, so let me know!
They sat together before the screens; Tony had his head in his hands. Another wave of nausea washed over him as Rhodey retrieved another vial of blue liquid, "temporary relief".
'You ready?' He asked firmly.
Tony nodded, 'do it.'
Moments later, the color returned to his face and they continued working. More and more he suffered and more and more they worked. Rhodey was getting used to the routine as was Tony.
'So we're breaking into the military base.' Rhodey said with a nervous sigh.
'Yep.' Tony replied weakly.
They looked at each other; Rhodey stood up and rubbed his face, 'how are we getting in?'
Tony brought up another image of the building and swiped it over to the three dimensional platform. He sat back and watched the image spin and come to life, 'these are weak security access points.' He said simply.
'How do you know that?' Rhodey asked quizzically.
'I designed the security system.' Tony replied.
Rhodey nodded, 'ok, what's the best access point?' Rhodey leaned against the desk.
Tony stood up and spun the image around, he pointed to the weapons bunker, 'right here, it's a small window of opportunity, fifteen seconds to be exact.'
'Fifteen seconds.' Rhodey nodded.
'There are three vantage points in which there is a blind spot, each of these locations has a five second window, it needs to be timed perfectly.' Tony explained.
Rhodey nodded again, 'alright, five seconds in each of the three locations, then the entry to the bunker will give us cover for the rest of the building?'
'The surveillance hotspots within the corridors leading from the bunker to the lab are also weak in several areas, with a little help from Jarvis and some careful sneaking around I should be able to get us to the main server for the security feeds, once in I can loop the feed and then we've got seven minutes to locate the prize.' Tony looked up at Rhodey who looked like he was told he had a terminal illness.
'Ok, sounds simple enough.' He managed a nervous laugh.
Tony looked at him intently, noticing the hesitation on his friends face, 'if we get caught Rhodey, we're screwed, this is a huge deal, I can't expect you to risk your career for me,' Tony explained.
The men looked at each other for a brief moment of silence.
Rhodey cleared his throat, 'if this can help to save your life, then it's not even a question, I'm doing it.'
Tony nodded, 'thank you.'
'Like I said, just don't die.' Rhodey offered a weak smile.
'I will try not to die, promise.' He grinned.
'Ok, lay it down, we need to get this plan down to the second, everything depends on synchronisation and timing.' Rhodey clapped his hands together.
'Indeed, we're going to need to do this tonight, I don't have much time.' He said softly.
Rhodey turned slightly to face him; he furrowed his brow, 'how long?'
Tony looked at him, 'by the looks of this,' he brought up a screen which held all the results of his condition, 'less than a week.'
'Then we better hurry this up.' Rhodey muttered, the look on his face said so much more than he ever expressed. His pained expression was difficult to look at. He was on the verge of potentially losing his best friend.
Tony let out an exasperated sigh, he knew that the mission was extremely crucial, but there was such a small window of opportunity to make this work, he knew Rhodey was as nervous about it as he was. He too had so much to lose; he mentally thanked his friend for the sacrifice he was willing to make for him.
'Ok, the final shift change is at twelve fifteen,' he looked to his friend, 'I know we said suits were out of the question, but I need you in there with the War Machine, it's our best option, go in, work on some mods, anything to make an appearance.' Tony waited for Rhodey to agree before moving on.
Rhodey nodded, 'I'll be in there before nine, if I come too late it will draw too much attention, then I'll let you in through the secure entrance.'
Tony's nod of acknowledgement was full of hesitation, 'Rhodey, it's not too late for you to change your mind.'
'I'm going with you, I already told you.' He said simply not raising his eyes from his work 'is S.H.I.E.L.D on board with this?'
'No, this is off the books.' Tony said quietly, 'we're on our own.'
'Well it's a good thing you've got me then.' He grinned, 'we'll make this work, don't worry about a thing, I know that base back to front; we're in and out, no problems.'
'I'm counting on it.' Tony said with a matching grin. 'This is what I'll need to break into the system, have it ready in the bunker, hide it somewhere secure, without this, tonight will be for nothing.' Tony handed Rhodey a bunch of cables, a lock chip, his laptop and a small array of tools, he stuffed the items into a black bag.
'Got it, I better head there now, meeting point one at twelve fifteen?' Rhodey said as he gathered Tony's things and left, he paused at the exit to the workshop, 'and don't be late.' He smirked.
Tony laughed, 'I won't be.'
A few hours later, looking over the plan a hundred and one times Tony turned away from his desk. There was nothing else he could do, the plan was set, and everything was watertight. He tried to anticipate any possible time lapses, any possible snags in the plan, he designed the security system, and he knew there would be no flaws. But tonight was so important he didn't dare risk anything through his arrogance.
Before he knew it, it was nearly ten. The time had flown by, he slowly got up and stretched, 'Jarvis, is Pepper up?'
'Yes sir, she is on the couch in the living area.'
'Thank you, we're done for the night.' Tony looked over the workshop; his suits, the cars and the robots. He smiled at the nostalgic feeling which flooded his body; this could be the last time he would be down here, seeing any of this. He finally pushed the code to the doors and left, the workshop was plunged into darkness and Tony walked away for what he considered could be his last time.
He walked casually through the house toward the living area, taking in his surroundings, things he often took for granted. The art, the photographs, his random collections of assorted goods, things Pepper shook her head at and rolled her eyes about. He smiled to himself; nostalgia was never something he associated with himself. But things had changed, he had changed.
Failure wasn't an option; he needed to succeed, for her, for Pepper.
He found her sitting on the couch, in the dark, watching the late news. Her skin was illuminated by the glow of the TV; even in this light he could see her beauty, her perfection. He smiled to himself.
She looked lost in thought as the news reader was making comments about the weather Malibu was having recently; she furrowed her brow at the forecast rain.
A storm was coming, Tony could feel it, the darkness outside was accompanied by howling, ferocious winds, he shivered at the thought of the cold and dark he would soon be facing. He pushed the uneasiness to the back of his mind.
Without disturbing her, he walked over to the piano and sat down; he closed his eyes as he let his fingers trace the keys softly. With a deep breath he began playing his favourite tune, The Moonlight Sonata, memories flooded back through his mind. His childhood; his mother teaching him to play, his father enjoying a moment with him, then the death of his family ripped through his world. He played at their funeral. The haunting melody weaved threads of sadness and truth throughout him.
He was facing his mortality and he was terrified.
'It's so beautiful, and sad.' Peppers voice broke through the haze of darkness like a bolt of lightning.
He didn't stop playing; he only smiled to himself silently.
She sat beside him and watched as his fingers gracefully danced across the keys. It was the most amazing thing she'd heard, his brilliance was constantly in the spotlight, but this was a part of him no one, but she knew about. And she cherished it, she watched as he felt the music, she watched as he was carried away by the tune, and tears sprung to her eyes.
'Tonight is dangerous isn't it?' She asked quietly.
The song finally came to an end and he turned to look at her; he wordlessly cupped her cheek and wiped her tears away with his thumb.
'It is, but I believe that Rhodey and I can do it.' He replied with a gentle smile.
Pepper moved closer to him so their bodies were touching. He wrapped his arm around her protectively. The silence was full of worry and fear. Pepper's body shook against his; she buried her face against his chest.
He pulled her up to sit on his lap; she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes.
She leaned her forehead against his, 'I can't do this Tony.' She whispered, 'I can't keep feeling like this, it hurts too much.'
He felt the guilt creeping up on him, 'it will be over soon, I promise.'
'Just come home to me Tony.' She breathed against his neck.
He pulled away so that their eyes met, he looked at her knowingly.
'I will.' He whispered, he leaned in and brought his lips to hers.
She instinctively ran her hands through his hair and deepened the kiss, she heard him moan slightly against her mouth. He ran his hands under her shirt and clutched at her hips.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, 'this better not be goodbye.' She whispered between kisses.
'And leave this?' He smiled, 'never.' He pulled back momentarily.
His eyes met with hers, his smile made her heart skip a beat every time. Forgetting the fear of what tonight would bring, she pulled him closer and she felt the passion ignite within her, their bodies tangled together as he leaned her against the piano, she couldn't imagine anything more perfect, it was beautiful.
'I love you Tony Stark.' She whispered into his ear, as his hands found their way along her thighs and pushed her skirt up.
'I love you Pepper Potts.'
He trailed kisses along her jawline as he tangled his fingers through her hair and pulled her closer, her breath hitched as she finally felt what she had wanted to for so long. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she felt him closer within her.
'Oh god, I love you so much.' She breathed.
Tony pulled back and looked into her eyes, 'and I you, forever.'
The moment, the passion, the love, grew with every touch and every kiss, wordlessly conveying the love for each other and hope for what tonight would bring. There was nothing on earth which would keep Tony from coming home to this, to her. He wrapped his arm around the small of her back and pulled her closer against him.
Her breath against his neck, her soft moans, everything worth dying for was here, but more than that, she was everything he needed to live for.
She clutched his arms as the height of passion erupted between them; she buried her head in the nape of his neck as he held her closer than he ever had. Nothing would keep them apart.
The bliss was intoxicating, the silent acceptance of what was to come broke his heart, 'I have to go.' He whispered.
'I know.' She nodded.
Pepper quietly left him to his thoughts; he stood by the window, looking out over the ocean before him. He realised how much everything depended on tonight. The weight of the mission before him pushed down on him, his heart was heavy. He glanced down at his watch, just after eleven.
Pepper came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He laid his hands over hers.
'What are you thinking about?' She asked quietly looking over his shoulder at the waves crashing against the shore.
He turned around and gave her a quick grin; he loved it when she wore his t-shirts, 'just about how amazing you are, and how lucky I am.'
Even years on, his charm still made her giddy, she felt a slight blush spread across her cheeks, he gently brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.
'You're pretty amazing yourself.' She smiled.
Tony playfully rolled his eyes, 'well, that goes without saying.' He looked down at his watch; the time to leave was nearing. He wished he could stay here, with her.
She smiled sadly, 'you're leaving now?'
Tony glanced down at his watch, 'yeah, I can't be late for this party.' He smiled.
'Well, don't be late coming home.' She tried to say as light heartedly as possible.
The words weighed on them both, the playful banter helped to break up the heavy blanket of fear and dread which smothered them.
He planted a kiss on her forehead, 'I love you Pepper Potts.' He whispered.
'Just come home.' She pleaded, she wasn't saying goodbye, and instead she hurried him out of the house in hopes that the night would be short and above all, successful.
As she watched Tony drive off into the night, she fell to her knees and cried, the scent of his cologne lingered on the shirt she wore, hysteria completely took her by surprise and she felt she couldn't breathe, the walls were closing in on her. But this wasn't goodbye, he would be home soon, and then they would continue their lives as it was meant to be.
The night had calmed down considerably, this made it a lot easier to listen out for footsteps or voices, Tony stood behind a wall about fifty feet from the meeting point. He looked down at his watch, 'three…two…one,' he counted in his head then ran; he stopped by another wall which blocked him from the view of the second security camera.
He glanced down at his watch again, and took off to a third position, this time he threw himself into a lying down position. He looked over his shoulder and noticed the camera pan over his location. The shadow from the wall beside him created a perfect blind spot, he pressed the com in his ear, 'Rhodey, I'm in position.'
A few seconds later the maintenance door beside him opened, Tony glanced down at his watch again, he counted down the seconds until he could make his move, at the right time he rolled over and pushed himself down through the small door feet first.
'You made it.' Rhodey laughed.
'You didn't doubt me did you?' Tony grinned back dusting his clothes off.
'Never once,' he smiled.
Tony collected the equipment Rhodey had hidden under a shelf. 'Wait here a moment,' Tony instructed.
He pulled out the laptop, and plugged it into the bundle of wires which was hidden discretely behind a panel which was made to look like a vent.
A few moments later her waived Rhodey over, 'we're good, the feed has been looped, we have exactly seven minutes to find the formula, get it out and clear the building before the surveillance comes back online.' He quickly grabbed the remainder of his equipment.
Rhodey nodded, they hurried through the corridors following Tony's instructions.
They rounded a corner and Tony stopped abruptly, he held his hand out to stop Rhodey. He put his finger to his lips, a few moments later he waved him on to continue. They rushed through the halls until they came to the lab.
'Alright, you're up, work some magic.' Rhodey whispered, 'seven minutes and counting.'
Tony sat down at one of the computers; he produced a lock chip from the bag and plugged it in, a few moments later the relieving words, Access Granted flashed up on the screen.
'I'm in, I'm going to need at least four minutes here, cover me.' He muttered to Rhodey while he worked through the encryption and searched for the formula which would be his saviour.
Rhodey stood by the door, out of sight and away from the security cameras.
'We're down to six minutes Tony.' Rhodey alerted.
Tony nodded without looking away from the screen, 'come on, I know you're in there.' He muttered to himself. He flipped through dozens of screens, he felt the sweat begin to bead on his brow.
'Five minutes man, come on.' Rhodey started to sound nervous.
'Nearly there, keep me posted.' Tony lied, he was getting anxious, he thought he would have it by now, he thought he would have found the correct file, and cracked it. Instead he flipped through endless, useless projects, nothing which would be of use. He felt the panic start to rise, where the hell was it.
'Someone's coming, hurry!' Rhodey hissed.
Tony's eyes remained fixed on the screen, fingers typing away faster than he had ever remembered, his heart pounded in his chest, finally, he found the file, 'got it, twenty seconds.'
Rhodey looked around, 'we don't have twenty seconds.' He hissed.
Against Tony's wishes he pulled the door open and walked out.
'What are you doing, get back in, Rhodey!' Tony hissed in a low whisper.
He was gone, he couldn't give up on this, he still had the mission and the mission wasn't complete. He watched the download bar reach one hundred per cent; he pulled the flash drive out and stuffed it into the bag. After making sure the room was left in the same condition he found it in, he ran to the door and nearly crashed into Rhodey.
'We have company.' He said quietly.
Tony's breath caught in his chest, he waited to be arrested and for all hope to be lost.
'You should have just told me what you were planning in the first place and this would have been a lot easier for everyone.' A small grin met him.
Romanov, he smiled at her, he couldn't believe how glad he was to see her. She pulled off the hat she was wearing and dropped the mop she was carrying.
'What are you doing here?' Tony asked curiously.
'An external attempt to hack the secure defence system is threatening to compromise your loop,' She explained as they walked, 'I'll explain the rest later, come on, you've only got two minutes to clear out by my count.'
Tony looked at her curiously, who would be trying to hack the military at the same time he was here, coincidence? He didn't believe in coincidence, he didn't have time to question it now, he glanced down at his watch, she was right, 'let's go Rhodes.'
The three of them raced down the same corridors from which they came, 'new career?' Tony asked sarcastically trying to lighten the mood and push out the curiosity which grew within him.
Natasha looked at him sideways as they rounded the final corner, 'never amazes me how easy it is to fake some ID and get a job, even at such a secure facility.' She said flatly.
'Yeah, security really isn't that great these days.' He replied with a smirk.
'I found out what you were planning through a hack I placed in your system at home, so I came here to make sure you weren't disturbed, The Avengers need you, there's no way we'd let your last hope get snatched away from you.' She countered.
He frowned, the hacker got hacked.
They reached the bunker; she hurried them both inside, 'one minute to clear the grounds, go.'
Rhodey and Tony nodded to her; she shut the door and took off.
'Alright, I'll take the bag; rendezvous in twenty, meeting point two.' Rhodey confirmed as Tony crawled through the small entry and disappeared from his sight.
A breath of relief washed over Rhodey as he made his way back to his post.
'Colonel Rhodes.' A voice beamed at him from down the hall.
He looked up as casually as he could, had he been made?
'You've been working down here for hours, why don't you head home?'
Rhodey nodded, he stood up and saluted the General, 'yeah I think that might be a good idea, Sir.'
'Good work son, see you tomorrow.' He saluted and dismissed Rhodey.
He gathered his 'paperwork' and Tony's bag and bid the General a good night before heading out of the base through the front door, he passed Natasha on his way out, her disguise and ability to blend in was uncanny. She didn't even offer a glimmer of recognition in her eyes as he walked past her.
No wonder Tony didn't pick her for a spy when he first met her, despite his best friends' unnerving ability to read people, Natasha was as good, if not better than him.
He made his way to his car and drove off to meet Tony. He couldn't believe it had worked. Despite the obvious success of finding the 'cure' his chest was tight as he worried about his friend, had he gotten out, did everything go to plan, what if he had fallen ill in his escape and was captured?
Who had been trying to hack in and sabotage their mission, the questions ate away at him, he had no choice but to head to the meeting point, if Tony wasn't there, well, then he would cross that bridge should it come to that. For now he tried to push the thoughts away as far as he could, and focus only on getting to where he needed to be, meeting point two was the priority. He pressed down on the gas and sped off down the highway.
Alright, there we go! I hope you enjoyed, please let me know what you think, I'm excited for the next couple of chapters, with some Tony whump, Pepperony and some surprise angst/misery :) You know I can't help myself!