Chapter 28: Rewrite the Stars

Hey everyone and happy easter!

A little late but still nearly on time. Today is easter, I said til easter! I hope you're all still staying home and healthy.

As always: Thanks for your comments! I read and loved every single one of them.

This is the next (and last) very angsty and sad chapter and things are looking dark, but they will brighten in the following chapters. Still if you want fluff, you probably should skip this chapter.

The next one I hope to put out by April 30th. Read the sneak below for more information. (:

Also because of Corona and quarantine I started a new story (I had to get it out of my head), I haven't published yet. It's going to be a mostly fluff piece about Pepperony stuck in quarantine at her parents house with her parents, before they become a couple. It's going to have lots of tension and funny and awkward situations. If you're interested in reading it, keep an eye open and let me know if you're even interested in reading something like that.

This Chapters dialogue partly comes from the song "Rewrite the stars" from The Greatest Showmann, but I could imagine the two of them soo well in this situation saying those words.

Song: Rewrite the Stars by Zendaya and Zac Efron - The Greatest Showman

Rewrite the Stars

He had no idea how they had gotten here, into this situation. It was supposed to be a normal business meeting with one of their future partners in green energy in New York.

After his call Pepper had refused to call him back or answer his texts. After three hours of trying to reach her he finally got a hold of Lisa, who had told him he was a dick and he should stay away from Pepper in the future. To say the mood between him and Pepper now was bad would be an Hughe understatement. As soon as he'd catch her eye, which happened rarely, because she refused to acknowledge his presents, she'd look away pointedly. But he always caught a trace of unbearable sadness and guilt in her eyes and it killed him, knowing he was the source of said feelings.

Of course Pepper had a every right to be mad at him. Hell he was mad as hell at himself. He was fairly sure he had used protection every time he had been with Emily, but you know what they say, there is still a one in a hundred chance. Leave it to his luck to be the one in one hundred.

But for him it didn't change anything… at first. He still wanted Pepper and she needed to know that, but at the same time he knew the chance of them ending up together was next to zero. He now had responsibility for a child. But he missed her. There was barely a day going by without missing her. Problem was even now, after two weeks of ignoring him and countless meetings together without much more than a cold and distant hello, she still refused to talk with him or even be in the same room alone for more than two minutes..

But the one in a hundred chance struck again and this time in his favor:

Unbestknown to him the deposition had really been in jeopardy when they had returned and now Stark Industries really was bound to lose a very high amount of money as well as the entire Stark Tower project. In order to prevent that from happening Pepper decided to just fly the entire executive board out to New York to save the deal with JP International. Luckily for him, Tony was part of the executive board.

Two and a half hours into the meeting with JP International a code black had been set off and Tony and Pepper had gotten stuck in one of the managers offices for their own safety. The doors were locked and security had only informed them they must remain that way until the premises was cleared.

She hadn't even looked at him once since they were put in his office and had even asked to be put in a separate office. Conversation between them had been kept to an absolute minimum and the silence in the room was deafening, before he decided to speak up again.

"How long have we ben stuck, Pepper?" Tony asked pacing up and down the room, his tie hanging loosely around his neck.

"It's 43 minutes now. 2 minutes more than the last time you asked and 6 minutes more than the time before that." Pepper answered, not even looking up from her Blackberry. If she was stuck here, she might as well get some e-mails done.

Or so she thought. Suddenly her phone turned off and just asked for a power connection. Her cord still lay in the meeting room, along with her handbag. With a loud huff Pepper threw her phone on the seat next to her on the grey couch, throwing her head back and and closing her eyes for a brief second.

"You ok?" Tony asked as he heard her sigh, concern laced his voice. Concern and longing so prominent even she couldn't pretend to not notice it.

"Yeah, I just hate… waiting. And doing nothing." Pepper answered and stood. She walked over to the large windows, overlooking Central Park. The sun was slowly sinking behind the skyscrapers, illuminating her in a lovely golden light.
This was like her personal nightmare, being stuck in an office with Tony. For the first time in… since they knew each other actually, both had finally admitted their attraction toward each other. Finally she had found what she had been looking for her whole life with out even knowing, only to have it snatched from her in the last minute. She hadn't returned Tony's calls or text because she was mad at him. How could she be mad at him? It had happened while he and Emily had still been a couple and things like that simply happened sometimes. No she hadn't talked to him, because she couldn't stand being near him after knowing he feels the same way about her, as she does and how it feels to be with him only to know she would never feel like this again. When Tony had told her Emily might be pregnant something in her had broken beyond repair.

"Don't you think we should…talk?" He asked warily and waited for her respond, but it never came.
"Pepper, why are you not talking to me?" He asked a little sad, almost desperate.

"I talk to you." Came he short reply, but she never turned around.

"Yeah, when it is business related." Tony mumbled under his breath, though he knew exactly Pepper could hear him, still no response.
Tony observed her for a second longer and then decided to speak his mind.
"I didn't plan for this to happen, believe me."

"You don't have to explain anything to me." Pepper said and sounded defeated.

"I'm sorry." Tony simply offered. He saw her shoulders rise as if she was trying to protect herself against his words. She just sighed.

"Look I gave it a few thoughts over the last days." He stopped again and waited for a reaction. Any reaction. When none came he continued: "You know I want you."

Pepper sighed. He didn't know that any word he said cut a little deeper, were salt to an already bleeding wound. "Tony…" She started, but he continued on.

"It's not a secret I try to hide." His tone was stern, not a trace of irony or sarcasm laced his voice.

Her blouse clad shoulders stopped rising and falling. Pepper closed her eyes. She wasn't ready for this. "Tony, please. Don't…" She tried again, weakly.

Again he didn't let her finish and interrupted her quickly. He knew once she started talking he wouldn't be able to say what he was trying to tell her.

"I know you want me."

Goosebumps crawled over her skin, but not in pleasure. "Can we please not have this talk?" Pepper asked quietly as she finally turned to face him. Her eyes were bright, but whether it were reflections or tears that made them sparkle, he couldn't figure out.

"I don't see why. We said we would talk to each other. No more holding back. The night in the treehouse. Remember?"

"I don't think we should -" Her voice doubled over. There were so may things she wanted to say, and even more she couldn't. "And a lot, a lot has happened since then. You made a decision."

"I was in shock. I didn't think that through. I think we could still make it work. So don't keep saying our hands are tied."

"We both know it won't work. Not like this. Not how it was suppose to." Pepper tried reasoning with him. "Right now you don't have space for me in your life. Maybe we're just not bound to be together."

"You claim it's not in the cards, that fate is pulling you miles away and out of reach from me…" Cautiously he took a step towards her, but she brushed past him.

"Tony -" Pepper tried stopping him, but he didn't let her finish, again.

"You are in my heart. I want you. I don't see why we can't make that work. So who can stop me, if I decide that you're my destiny?" He waited for her to say something, but for a moment Pepper just continued staring at him with big blue eyes full of doubt and hurt. Pepper swallowed, but was at al loss for words. What could she say?

"I can't. Not under these circumstances." She finally blurted out.

"What if there wasn't a baby? What if Emily weren't pregnant? What if we rewrite the stars?" He looked at her intently, not breaking eye contact.

"Just think about it for one second. How would our lives be, if it weren't for the baby? Let's say it doesn't exist and you were made to me mine. Pep, nothing could break or keep us apart. You'd be the one I was meant to find."

"But Tony, you're having a baby with Emily and you two were happy before all of this mess started." It took every ounce of self control to not burst with tears and to keep standing. The words were tearing her apart from the inside out. "Why are you even starting this?" Pepper was pleading now. She backed up as Tony slowly started approaching her again.

Ignoring her question he continued: "But we can change that, can't we? We are responsible for our happiness. There are a lot of parents who are spilt."

"What are you even suggesting?" She asked disbelievingly in return. Her arms were wrapped around her as to protect herself from him, while he came even closer.

"It's up to you and it's up me, not to Emily or Alex, Pep. We decide who we are with. Not them. And not a baby. No one can say what we get to be." As Pepper continued to stare at him wide eyed, he decided to press a little further. "So why don't we rewrite the stars, Pepper? We could change everything. Right here. Right now." His left hand reached for her right, but when his fingers brushed her skin she seemed to wake from her trance and pushed him aside, quickly moving to the other side of the room, over to the other window.

"Tony, you don't get it…" Pepper explained with a sigh.

"Then explain it to me, Pepper." He said softly.

Pepper was quiet for a few minutes, just observing the city in the dusk. She felt panic rising in her chest and her breathing increased, chest heaving.

"We-" Tony started, but this this time it was Pepper interrupting him.

She shook her head slightly and asked, "You think it's easy." She didn't turn towards him, but regret and bitterness riddled her voice. She shook her head in defeat, a sad smile played on her lips as she turned her head and looked at him out of the corner of her eyes.
"You think I don't want to run to you?" Her big blue eyes shone in the city lights, glistening with tears, just like they had when she had quit on him after finding out about him being Iron Man.
"That I never think about those nights at the balcony?" She closed her eyes, her heart physically aching "Our kisses?" She was whispering now. "The treehouse?" She turned partly to him now, but kept her arms tight around herself.. "You think I didn't wanted it be just you and me in Texas? That I am not aching to just kiss you senseless right now. That I don't want to be yours?" She finished quietly and looked at the floor. "But every time I think about us now, I also feel like there are mountains separating us, like we are on different sides of doors we just can't walk through."

"And that's what I don't get, Pepper." He took a few fierce steps toward her, but stopped when she flinched ever so slightly. "Why do you feel like this? What is standing between us?"

At is question she fully turned towards him, arms still crossed over her chest.

"I know you're wondering why. But Tony, you always see us when we're alone. We're able to be just you and me, on that balcony, in this treehouse, within these walls. When it's just the two of us. But when we go outside you're not just Tony and I am not just Pepper." Her voice was soft and caring, like she was explaining something to an afraid child, but Tony continued to gaze at her questioningly.

"I am Pepper Potts, CEO and business woman, running a company you're too busy for to run." She looked at him tears welling in her eyes. "Outside, you're Tony Stark, heir of Howard Stark and Stark Industries and more importantly you are Iron Man. A national and international super hero. And to a lot of women you are Tony Stark, full-time playboy and billionaire. To Emily, you are her boyfriend. And to an unborn child, you are a father. You are the father." She fell silent at that. The lump in her throat became bigger with every word as the first tear fell from her eye. "Be honest," She whispered pleadingly. "you would never be able to take a child from its mother. And you would never leave your kid. You are the best man I ever met and I know you never run from your responsibility."

What ever response Tony had on his lips died right there. As always Pepper knew him better than he did himself. Yes he hadn't thought about the consequences of leaving his pregnant girlfriend and his unborn child. All he had focused on was being with Pepper. But she was right. He would never hurt his kid, he wasn't his father. He woke from his trance as Pepper continued to speak.

"That's what I love most about you." She swallowed again, but her voice was shaking when she spoke next. "But I don't see how… There is no intersection here. Our stories don't cross and our stars don't align."

"But Pepper, if we never try, how can you know for sure? Just bear with me for a moment, what if we rewrite - " He asked a little irritated. But she just shook her head at him again and moved to turn back around toward the window. He lurched forward and grabbed her hand, tugging at it slightly to make her face him.

"No one can rewrite the stars, Tony." His little speech from before had hurt her.

"How can you say you'll be mine?" She challenged him. "You're going to be a father."

At this Tony was at a loss for words again. He thought it would be easier. He wanted Pepper. It should have been simple. But his brain had trouble catching up with this realization and partly because he was too damn stubborn to accept this outcome. He. Wanted. Her. And she. Wanted. Him. Easy.
"But I want you, Pepper. Even before Ems and you damn well know it."

"But you are not mine to have. You belong to your kid. And the kid belongs to its mother. You guys were happy, she makes you happy. She is the first woman, who actually managed to successfully tie you down. As much as I want too, you're not mine to have." Tony was staring so fiercely at her now, she felt her pulse rising and warmth spreading in her entire body against her will.

"That's not true, Pepper. You were the first woman to tie me down. Don't you get it? I am always coming back to you." He started walking closer to her again and Pepper tried backing up, but her back quickly made contact with the glass window behind her. Her chest heaved a bit, nervousness spreading in her stomach.

"But Tony. Don't you see it? Everything keeps us apart. The universe basically screams at us to not be together. And I'm obviously not the one you were meant to find. But obviously Emily is. So you see, it's not up to you, it's not up to me. There are more people involved here. A lot of people we could hurt. And in the broad face of daylight? There's a real world outside, you know?" She paused and searched his face for a trace of understanding. But there only was determination to be found and it scared and excited her at the same time.

And we only hurt our selves, if we don't start listening to our hearts. Her heart seemed to be on Tony's side. Hell why wouldn't it be. She had never ever loved someone as much as Tony Stark. But she knew her heart was acting against better judgement. Yet a small part of her actually wanted her to lose. Desperate to not give in she tried reasoning on.

"Everyone is telling us how to feel and how to be. I… I doubt it really is our decision." She knew she was starting to ramble and get desperate, but she couldn't help it. He was so close again and she could feel the heat radiating off of him. An army of butterflies had been released in her stomach and she had to close her eyes for a brief moment to regain her composure. And she failed miserably. Instead of telling him off like she had anticipated, her mouth - though she suspected, actually it was her heart - betrayed her. "How? Tell me how. How can we rewrite the stars? Maybe the world can be ours. At least for tonight."

His hand grabbed her petite one, which was pressed to the glass panel and squeezed it affectionately. Pepper's other hand was currently trailing up his torso into his black locks. As she started to lean in to him, he saw the lights behind her approaching.

He pulled at her hand and spun her to face the city lights.

"Looks like our way out of here has arrived, Miss Potts." He whispered into her ear.

One of his Iron Man amours had arrived, luring in front of one of the windows. Pepper craned her neck to look at him out of the corner of her eyes. Her eyes were wide with surprise, yet spoke of excitement and lacked fear. "Do you trust me?" Tony asked her and she nodded in response. She'd trust him with her live. "We need to get away from that window."

They went to take cover behind the desk and as Tony lurked over her to shield her with is body from shards that may fly around he couldn't help but notice the way her hand lay on his chest like it always belonged there and the goosebumps all over her bare arms. As soon as the window had been shot open by the suit, Tony stepped into the suit, while Pepper watched it assemble around him with awe and fascination in her eyes. As soon as he was safely encased in his armor she stepped forward without hesitation into his arms, when Tony's face plate went up. "You ready, Miss Potts?" He asked a smug smile on his lips.

"I always wanted to fly with you one day." She admitted and he didn't know if the color on her skin came from the reflection of his armor or if she was actually blushing.

"You're not afraid I'll drop you?" He asked jokingly, but a trace of worry still lay underneath.

She smiled at him warmly, touched by his genuine concern. "I trust you to catch me."

"Ten it'll be my pleasure." He grinned and the faceplate shot down. "What about that smooch for good luck?" He asked teasingly as her arms went around the neck of the suit.
Pepper just chuckled and hold tight.

The moment they shot out the shattered window and into the night sky was indescribable. It felt like riding a rollercoaster, except that this rollercoaster went through the concrete jungle of New York and lights danced around them, stars, street lights and windows alike. Her stomach tingled and adrenaline flooded her body and brain. The endorphins in her brain send her on a high and she couldn't help but laugh and squeal in delight. Flying with him felt like nothing she had ever experienced. Never had she felt more secure and free at the same time and never had she understood him better. For the first time in over three weeks she felt pure joy. A feeling she had last felt in Texas and hadn't thought she was capable of feeling ever again. Yes, she had always wanted to fly with him. But she discovered there was no-one she would rather fall with. Because he would always catch her.

And with the joy came a sense of clarity. Maybe everything she thought was impossible, was possible after all.

If it weren't for the baby they would be together already. Heck, they could have been together for month, if Pepper hadn't been so chickened out by her own feelings. And for a split second Pepper knew with all of her heart they could make it, they belonged together and that her and Tony were meant for each other. Since they had first lain yes on each other, they had naturally been drawn towards each other. Pepper had never denied they had chemistry, but she had always denied it meant more than just being able to work well together. But now, she felt like it had been more than just fait, that they had met each other that night in the Stark Industries workshop. She felt like they were really made for each other, like they were meant to find each other. Maybe it really lay in their hands. Though worlds were separating them right now, maybe they still could decide about their own fait. Maybe they really could rewrite the stars and change the worlds design to make it their own.

After about ten minutes they landed on the pavement in front of Tony's pent house apartment in midtown Manhattan, Tony had taken the scenery route. The adrenaline was still rushing through Pepper's veins and she couldn't help the smile that spread over her face, as she kept on holding on to him. She was abut to lean in when reality came crashing back down onto her.

"Sir, Miss Mansen is calling. It seems like she is in distress." JARVIS voice pierced through their moment.

He closed his eyes in defeat "I'm sorry." He whispered before turning his head away from their kiss, but he didn't let her go.

"It appears she is on her way to the hospital, Sir." JARVIS announced again.

"Is it something with the baby?" Tony asked, suddenly afraid.

"I have no information about her condition. But she seemed to experience pain." JARVIS informed him.

"Tell her I'll be on my way in a minute." Tony answered JARVIS and turned his attention back to the woman in his arms. Her arms had left his shoulders and she merely stood stiff in his embrace.
"Pep." Tony sighed heavily against her temple, he was hurt, but Peppers heart lay in pieces on the ground before them.

„I'm sorry. I have to go. But please, think about it." He pleaded with her.

Never had she wanted to be more selfish in her life than now. But she knew he needed to go. Emily needed him and the baby maybe even more. And they would continue to need him. They would always come first in his world. „I don't need to think about it, Tony." She said, sadness, no remorse heavy in her voice. „I know you'll be a great father." She even managed a weak smile. "You will always put your child first. And because of that I know you'll never do anything that would hurt the baby or its mother. Especially when you still have the tiniest bit of feelings left for her. And that's ok." For her it was anything but, but she just couldn't be selfish. Not when he wanted to do the right thing.

„Pep, please." His voice was quiet, but he didn't talk back so Pepper knew she was right. "I am sorry." he repeated, like it was the most obvious thing in the world and Peppers heart broke even more.

Her fingers framed his face, before she spoke the words he had longed to hear for so long. „I love you." She looked up at him and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

„No, no don't cry." he pleaded with her and his armor clad hand caught the tear carefully. „We can... We will figure this out." he tried to reason before JARVIS chimed in again.

"Sir, Miss Mansen is calling again. She's in the hospital now. I recommend you hurry."

"Pep-" He started again, but she stopped him.

"Go get em, boss." She tried and failed miserably to sound cheerful, while tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Without thinking she stepped forward and kissed him with all of her heart. Oddly enough it felt like good bye.

As soon as she broke the kiss she stepped away, turned around and started to walk away, flinging her arms around herself to protect herself from breaking apart.

The swoosh and stream of air told her he was gone without another word. All she could see was the ever smaller getting light from his thrusters vanishing into the darkness.

Her tears were flowing freely now.

"You know I want you, it's not a secret I try to hide. But I can't have you, we're bound to break and my hands are tied."

*Fingers crossed* don't hate me, don't hate me, don't hate me

I promise we now have officially hit rock bottom. And the next chapter is going to turn everything around.
Here comes your sneak peak:

So Pepper Potts wasn't hurt, not this time. She was determined. He had fought tooth and nail for her over last months, now it was her turn fighting for him. For them.

See we're nearing a happy ending!

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