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Chapter 24 – The Smallest Quauthin
It was late at night. The penthouse in New York was dim and quiet. The only sound was the telly downstairs being played very low. Exton sat on the sofa, book in hand, with a football match playing quietly in front of him.
Tony walked up behind him, "Hey man."
Exton smiled, "Trying to sneak up on a Quauhtin. Legate told me you were on your way."
"Damn him. I'll get you one day."
"Keep trying. It keeps me on my toes."
"They're asleep?"
He laid his head on the back of the sofa and looked up at him. "Yeah. It's only 4:00 am here."
Tony nodded. "I wasn't sure what time it was there at John's. Felt like morning."
"Go on to bed. I'll be down here."
Tony pat his shoulder. "Thanks, Exton."
"Night." He told him quietly.
Tony walked up the stairs. As soon as he got to the top, he saw Soler lying on the floor in front of Pepper and Tony's bedroom. He was wearing a fedora and was curled up in a ball, asleep. Tony knelt down and looked at him. He smiled proudly at the little boy. "Protecting the Princess. You did great, kid."
Soler didn't wake up. Tony picked him up and carried him to Pepper's old room. Jarvis turned on the lights, dimly, when he walked in. Tony immediately noticed that the room had been repainted and made into a room for a little boy. The bed had linens on it of space shuttles. A framed movie poster of Indiana Jones hung behind the bed.
Tony lay Soler down and tucked him in. He took off his fedora and put it on the dresser under the windows. The lights from New York and the Zeppelins that flew overhead were bright. Tony pulled the drapes and the room darkened. He looked around at the room and saw the soccer ball that Tony Tyler had given Soler when they first met. He smiled at a structure that had been built out of colorful, wooden blocks. Next to Tony, was a desk. On it sat markers and drawings that the boy had done. Tony picked up one with the image of a man holding a little boy's hand. A woman with orange hair held the little boy's other hand. He had written above each image, 'Tony', 'Soli', Pepper'. His 'y', 's' and 'p' were all backwards. Tony put the drawing back on the desk and smiled proudly back at the little boy who was sleeping peacefully. He mouthed, "Night, Buddy."
He quietly walked out of the room, and the lights dimmed a bit. He was rubbing his head when he walked into his bedroom. Not paying attention to where he was going, he fell across the bed, bounced and hit the floor with a loud thud.
Pepper sprang straight up. "Exton!"
Exton jumped off of the sofa and ran to her, but Soler made it in the room first. Seeing a strange figure in the dark, he jumped on Tony's back and started to hit him. "You get out of here! What do you think you are doing?"
Tony held his hands over his head to defend himself. "Get off me, man!"
Exton ran into the room and pulled Soler off of Tony. "Soli! Stop! It's Tony!"
Tony stood up, "Jarvis. Turn the lights on!"
The lights came on and they all saw him standing there rubbing his eye. "I think he got me."
Pepper got out of bed, "I'll get you some ice."
Exton shook his head. "Mortimer is bringing him some."
Pepper sat back on the bed.
Soler immediately became very frightened. "Tony. I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you."
Tony took the little boy's hand. He pulled to try to get away from him, afraid of what he might do. Exton stood behind Soli to keep him from running.
Tony let go of him and got down on his knees. "Sparky. I'm not angry with you. It's alright." He held his hands out. "Look. I'm alright."
Soler was still not convinced, "Your eye-"
Tony pointed at him with his eye squinted nearly shut, "I asked you to protect our Princess. You had no idea who I was and kept me from her. If I hadn't been me, you would have saved her. I'm really proud of you. You were great."
Exton put his hand on Soler's shoulder. "We might be able to make a Quauhtin out of him. What do you think, Tony?"
Tony rubbed his eye. "That's up to him. Soli. I'm not angry. Look at me. Do I look angry?"
Soler shook his head. "No. I don't think so."
"Well, see. So, we're good. Our Princess is fine, and I'll have to learn where she moved the bed next time I decide to walk in here in the dark."
Soli walked back to him. "I thought you were a mean person."
Tony held out his hand, and Soli took it. "I know. Don't hesitate. If you do, someone could get hurt. Alright? I'm not angry. Not even a little bit. You did exactly what you should have done."
Soli hugged Tony's neck tightly. Tony rubbed his back. Pepper covered her mouth and smiled proudly.
Soli looked at Tony's face. Mortimer handed him the ice pack and the little boy helped Tony put it on his eye.
"There. Is that it?" Tony asked.
Soli nodded.
He tapped his finger on the little boy's chest. "Guess who I met this week."
He smiled, "Who?"
Tony smiled, "Lartius."
The little boy's mouth opened in surprise. "You did?"
Tony smiled, "I did. He sent you something, but you have to go to sleep to get it. I'll give it to you in-"
Soli turned and ran out of the room at top speed. "Good night!"
Tony held the ice pack to his eye and laughed. "Thanks guys."
Mortimer and Exton nodded as they walked out of the room and closed the door.
Pepper looked at Tony. "How bad is it?"
Tony walked across the bed on his knees. "I think he put his entire fist in my eye. He'll be a hell of a boxer." He sat down next to her holding the ice pack on his eye.
She laughed and put her arms around his neck. "Let me see-"
"It's really fine." He sat the ice pack down on the bed and kissed her lips a few times.
She smiled and told him quietly, "You handled that, very well. He was so scared."
He looked in her eyes. "I need help with this. If you ever see me telling him he is less, or criticizing him, stop me. I'm serious. Do whatever it takes. Don't let me do that to him."
"Are you fighting something?"
"I'm trying to break a cycle. Please, help me do it."
She kissed him, "Tony. I'm so proud of you."
He cupped her face with his fingertips and kissed her. She could taste spearmint in his mouth. He must have been drinking the spearmint water again. He moaned as she rubbed his thighs. It only made him more enthusiastic. He gripped the back of her t-shirt with both of his fists and held her closely. She smiled at him.
"I've never been so happy to be home in my life."
"Take your clothes off." She said quietly.
He groaned, "Do you have any idea how long I've waited for you to say that to me?"
She giggled and watched as he stood up beside of the bed. He took off his jacket and odd, long sleeve shirt that she had never seen one like. It was black and fit him tightly. Silver lines ran down his shoulders and arms. He tossed in the floor.
He looked around the room. "I like this. You've been busy. Did you repaint in here?"
"No. I hung up different art, though. If you don't like it-"
He shook his head. "No. It's your room, too. I really do like this."
"I moved your watches on top of your dresser. That way you can see them."
He nodded his head, "That works. Whatever you think. I need to tell you something." He sat on the side of the bed and took off his shoes and socks. "I met the King of the Quauthin. That's why we are late getting back. He had some problems, so we left where Lenox lives and went to the royal palace on their home world. King Lartius has decreed that me and you, are now Primaries, and will have our own Quauhtin protection."
She didn't say anything.
He turned and looked at her. "Does that make sense?"
"We already have Quauhtin protection."
"Because John has asked them here, as a favor to him. Now, they will be here because we are as important as John and the rest of the Tyler family. Get this. He said that….ummm…' I'm decreeing that you are of extreme importance to the people of Earth, and the galaxy. You have Quauhtin from the Prime Guard, but you need your own. I'm sending some more Quauhtin to Primus Lewis and Primus John and you will now be a Primary, under the protection of the Prime Guard. John has been extremely generous as you have been. Not many people would willingly offer to my grandson, help to protect these children. These children are the hope of the Quauhtin people. My heirs to the throne, and rulers of worlds they have never heard of yet. We can't allow them to remain on our home planet in fear that someone will come and take them'."
She sat back in the bed and looked at him. "Hang on. Who is his grandson?"
He smiled, "Legate and Lenox."
"Legate is a Prince?"
"He doesn't talk about it. Doesn't want anyone to know. It blew me away. I never saw that coming. He explained to me later that he stepped back from that role, so he doesn't feel right using the title. Lenox doesn't use the title to help him hide the children they have there. After I thought about it, I can see why."
"Why?"
"Well. If you are a Prince….people expect one thing. You're not….free to be yourself. Without using the title, Legate is his own man."
She smiled, "Just like you. The Prince who doesn't take the title of King."
He laughed.
She smiled, "And I thought they were both pirates."
"I'm not convinced they aren't. I mean, if your grandfather is a King, you can really get out of a lot of shit."
She nodded, "Well, that's true."
He slipped off his jeans and sat in front of her, "And I'm undressed. You need to go to sleep. It's late."
"Jarvis, turn down the lights." She said.
Jarvis spoke, "Of course, Miss Potts." The lights dimmed.
Tony continued to look at her. She wore a simple t-shirt and a pair of cotton pajama bottoms. "It's dark in here and I can't see you as well."
She took off her t-shirt and he looked at her bare breasts. He nodded his head, "I think I can find everything."
She crashed her lips into his and pushed him down on the bed. Under his kiss he panted, "Stop! Stop! Pepper! Oh God."
She rose up and looked at him, "What's wrong?"
He reached behind his back and pulled out the ice pack he had laid on the bed. He tossed it on the floor and laughed, "Okay. It's fine now."
She giggled as she climbed on top of him and continued to kiss him. He rubbed her breasts, teasing her nipples, gently. She slid off her pajamas. He smiled under her kiss as she pushed his underwear down and put him inside of her. She rocked back and forth on him, getting the friction she needed and driving him deep inside of her.
He moaned and whispered between their kisses, "Really, happy to be back home."
She ground her hips roughly on him, causing his eyes to roll back in his head.
"Slow down." He whispered. She did briefly, but then started moving again on him.
He forgot how to kiss from the pleasure he was feeling. She moaned.
"Slow down." He whispered to her again.
She stopped moving and kissed him. "I missed you so much."
He held her face with his fingertips gently, "It was the so hard to be away from you this time. Not being able to speak to you was intolerable."
She kissed him again and started to rock on his erect member causing them both to moan. Just as she cried out, he turned her over on the bed and lay on top of her. He looked in her eyes and whispered, "Marry me."
She whispered to back to him, "I've already told you 'yes'."
He kissed her neck and chest gently. "Then let this be normal and let me give you a ring."
He began to stroke again. She moaned, "I want you to be sure-"
"Pepper, I am sure. I know what I want. I want you. Please." He caught her lips and kissed her again. She held onto him tightly. He whispered, "I love you. More than anyone I've ever known. Please."
He continued his movement. She closed her eyes and moaned softly, "Tony-"
"I'm asking again. What do you say?" He whispered into her ear.
"I will." She whispered as he kissed her again.
He continued to stroke. "Ring? Anything you want. I'll even let you pick-"
"No. You aren't sure."
"I am sure." He insisted, driving himself deeper inside of her. She put a pillow over her face and shouted into it. He lay down on top of her and tossed the pillow off the bed. He kissed her lips quickly and then he looked in her eyes. "Tell me why, Pepper."
"I want you to be sure."
"Believe me. I am!"
She rolled her eyes and he lay down beside of her. She turned to face him.
He pulled the duvet over them and she felt his hand on her bum. He pressed himself close to her. Looking into her eyes, he continued to speak very quietly to her. "Pepper, I love you. Do you believe me when I say that?"
She smiled at him and caressed his face. "Of course I do."
"Then, let me give you a ring."
"Can yes just be enough for now? If people see a ring, they are all going to know."
"If we do get married, everyone will know."
She groaned. "Tony. It's not as simple as that."
He kissed her lips. "I've worked this out. Forgive me, but I have told someone."
She closed her eyes. "Tony…."
"I told the King. I asked him to marry us. There at the palace. We can be married off world and then just….tell everyone when you are ready. He says they don't use rings. It's just a promise between two people."
She looked into his eyes, "You are serious."
"I'm dead serious. Why would I joke about this? Were you serious when you said, 'yes'?"
She pet his face, "I am. Tony, I love you. I am just worried everything will change if we do that."
He laid his forehead to hers. "Alright. Progress. Finally a reason I can see. Okay." He kissed her again. "And you'll think about getting married at the palace?"
She smiled, "I can't even believe this."
"You are a Princess and deserve to be married by a king."
"Tony…"
He caught her lips again and kissed her. She could feel his hands on her back, holding her tightly as his tongue danced with hers. She looked into his eyes. "Oh, I've missed you."
She teased his beard with her fingertips. He took her hand and held it as it rested on his cheek. "Pepper, I love you. With everything that is me."
She kissed him, "I love you. And I have prepared that report for you."
He looked confused, "Huh? What?"
"The one about the lack of oxygen causing you to lose your mind." She teased.
He smiled, "I asked you before that happened. Didn't I?"
She giggled, "Go to sleep, Tony. Do you need to take your medicine?"
"No. It knocks me out for hours. I need to get up when you do. Wake me, alright?"
She closed her eyes. He continued to look at her and caress her cheek. She didn't open her eyes and whispered, "Tony?"
He whispered, "Yes."
"You are a secret."
He smiled, "Your secret admirer."
She didn't open her eyes, "My secret fiancé."
They both smiled.
"Oh, I really like that so much better. What do you think, Pepper?"
She giggled, "Remember the 'secret' part."
He sighed. "Right."
"Don't just watch me. Try to sleep. If even for an hour."
"Let me worry about me, Bossy."
She felt him watching her as she fell asleep. She wasn't sure if she dreamed it or not, but she heard him whispering to her and kissing her gently as she dreamed. She woke up relaxed and extremely happy a few hours later. She opened her eyes and was surprised to see Tony sleeping. Just inches from her face, he must have fell asleep watching her sleep. She kissed his forehead. He continued to sleep without moving.
She got out of the bed, and went to take a shower. She wasn't used to showering in Tony's bathroom, no their bathroom. Everything was in the opposite place than where she was used to. She still managed. After she had brushed out her hair and pulled it up on her head, she walked back into the bedroom to wake Tony. She was wearing a white, silk dressing gown that came right above her knees.
She sat down on the side of the bed. He had rolled over on his back and was scratching his bare chest.
"How did you sleep?" She asked him.
He nodded his head as he yawned. "You smell good. Did you just take a shower?"
She smiled, "Yes."
He opened his eyes in shock, "Without me?!"
She grinned. "Yes. You were asleep."
He smiled at her and ran his hands through his hair. "Could you please hand me the jeans I was wearing? I think I tossed them over there."
She bent down and picked up his jeans. She handed them to him and watched him take the little box out of the pocket and press his thumb to it. It beeped and a look of disappointment came across his face. "5%? How is it going up?"
"What was it yesterday? Still 3%?"
"Yeah. It's been 3% for at least three days. Why is it 5%?"
She rubbed his chest, "Get dressed and call John. Maybe it's something to do with the time change between here and there. Gravity. Who knows?"
He sighed and sat up. She saw him pick up his boxers and pull them back on as she walked over to the closet. Then she heard him gasp.
She turned and saw him holding his chest and trying to catch his breath. The color had drained from his face.
"Oh my God!" She ran and knelt in front of him. "Jarvis! Call John and tell him to get here immediately! It's an emergency!"
"Right away, Miss Potts." Jarvis said.
Tony shook his head as he tried to speak. "It's...not..."
She held both of his hands tightly. "Tony. I'm here. You're going to be alright."
The Doctor popped into the bedroom. He was wearing a swimsuit and a Hawaiian shirt that was unbuttoned. "What's wron- Oh, shit." He rushed to them.
Pepper watched as he put his hand on Tony's chest and another one on his cheek. Tony's face was covered in sweat. His color looked worse with every breath he missed.
The Doctor shook his head, "Tony. It's not a heart attack."
He shook his head as he tried to catch his breath. Pepper still held both of his hands in hers. He closed his eyes tightly and continued to gasp for air.
The Doctor put both of his hands on Tony's cheeks. "I'm going to stop this."
The Doctor closed his eyes and immediately Tony seemed to stop breathing. Pepper almost screamed, but the Doctor told her quietly, "He's alright. He's breathing. I'm controlling everything."
She looked and Tony was taking normal, controlled breaths. The Doctor didn't open his eyes. "Tony. Did you hear him again?"
Tony didn't open his eyes. His color started to improve.
The Doctor nodded, "I'm hearing you say 'no'. Tony, this was another panic attack. Were the other ones this bad?" The Doctor sat down next to him on the bed, not removing his fingertips from his face. Tony didn't open his eyes. "I'm hearing you say, 'yes'."
Pepper started to cry silently. "Tony." She mouthed.
The Doctor, still with his eyes closed, spoke. "Tony. I can help. But, it will involve me looking in your mind. I won't do that unless you tell me it's alright."
Tony spoke without opening his eyes. He sounded like he was hypnotized. "Go ahead."
"Right. If there is anything you don't want me to see, just imagine a door and close it. I won't look."
"I can't think of anything."
"Pepper is here-"
"Let her stay."
Pepper held his hands tighter, "I'm here."
"These panic attacks are being triggered when you hear Yinsen's voice. I'm going to take you back there to him. Maybe if he tells you he needs to say, they will stop. Do you want me to try?"
Tony didn't open his eyes. "He needs to tell me something."
"These panic attacks. How long have you had them?"
Tony sounded like he was dreaming. He spoke without opening his eyes. "Since I came home."
"From the cave?"
"Yes."
"How did you get there?"
"They took me there. I woke up and I was hurt."
"Go back before you were hurt. Where were you?"
"On the ship. Rhodey's there. We're drunk and watching girls dancing for us. I want to watch the girls. Rhodey is being all...chatty."
The Doctor smiled, "You two had a good time on the trip over. I can feel that."
"Rhodey is pissed at me. He told me I was acting like a child. It pissed me off, so I told him to ride in the other HumVee. A soldier was taking my picture when the one in front of us exploded."
"You aren't there anymore. Look at what's happening, but you aren't there. It's like a show on the telly. You are safe here with me and Pepper."
Tony became very frightened, "Pepper isn't safe, John! They are shooting everyone! Get her-"
"Shh…..she's safe."
Tony relaxed and didn't open his eyes. Tears rolled down Pepper's face and she kissed Tony's hands. "I'm here. You're alright."
The Doctor didn't open his eyes. "She's here with me. You are here, too. You are both safe. Say it, Tony."
"Pepper is safe."
"You are safe, too."
"No. I was too close to the bomb. It blew and now there is blood all over me. Everything has gone black."
"You woke up in the cave."
"Yinsen is shaving in the corner."
"Tell me about Yinsen."
"He's a doctor. He's saved me, but completely destroyed my chest. He has this, magnet hooked up to a car battery. It hurts a lot, especially when they hold my head under the water and it shocks me. He says I'll be dead in a week. I can't die here. I have to get home. Rhodey was pissed, but he won't stop looking for me."
"You're right. Rhodey won't stop. Don't give up hope. He's looking now. What sort of things do you and Yinsen talk about?"
"He talks about his family. He has two daughters. A wife. He keeps talking about going home and seeing them again. He asked me if I had anyone. I told him no. He said I was a man who had everything and had nothing. I want everything. If I get back, I'm going to tell Pepper how I feel."
Tears were rolling down Pepper's cheeks. She continued to hold both of Tony's hands. She felt him grip her hands tighter.
The Doctor, still with his eyes shut, asked, "What happened?"
Tony continued to speak slowly like he was dreaming, "I've been here forever. Rhodey must not be able to find me. Yinsen says that it's nothing but desert in every direction for days. I don't care. If I can get past these assholes, we're getting out of here."
"How?"
"They think I'm making a weapon for them. I'm making one for us. It's a suit. I can take Yinsen with me and we can finally get out of here. I can get him back to his family, and I can go home to Pepper."
"A suit? That you wear?"
"Yes. A simple one. They will shoot us to keep us from leaving, but I'm not going to stay here and let them kill us. My week has been over for a while. I'm ready to go."
"Then it's time to go. You are safe, and just watching what happened."
"Okay."
"Tell me what happened. You're leaving now."
Tony voice cracked as he said, "They killed him. He's covered in blood. He told me not to try to save him. He wants to die. He is going to see his family. They had been killed before we even had gotten to the cave. He keeps talking to me. I hear his voice."
The Doctor kept his fingertips on his cheeks. "Think about it. Let me hear it."
Pepper continued to cry in silence. She had never heard Tony talk about anything that happened there. She kissed both of his hands that she still held.
The Doctor spoke. "I hear it. Yes. A very friendly man."
Tony kept his eyes closed, "Yes."
"Focus on his voice. What is he saying to you?"
Tony held his eyes closed tightly. "I don't know. It's not clear."
"Tony, I'm putting all of this into a room. That way it won't torment you. We'll look at it again when you are ready to hear what he has to say. You need to heal from this, just like any other injury."
"I don't want to forget him."
"You are right. You shouldn't. But, let's put everything that happened into a room. Right now, it's all over your head and causing you problems. If it's in a room, you can close the door and get some relief from it. Maybe it will stop these panic attacks and help you-"
The Doctor stopped speaking and listened, "There is another voice. Who is that?"
Tony didn't open his eyes. "Rhodey."
"What is he saying?"
"Tony, you need time to get your mind right."
The Doctor nodded, still with his eyes closed, "Listen to Rhodey. Heal from this, and then we'll look at it again. Together. Alright?"
"Do whatever you think."
The Doctor was quiet for a few minutes. Pepper watched them. Tony seemed to be sleeping as he sat on the side of the bed with the Doctor's fingertips on his face. Tony held her hands tightly. After a few minutes, the Doctor's voice nearly made her jump.
"Tony, it's done. I'm going to step out of your mind, but I'm just here in the room with you. Alright?"
"Okay."
The Doctor opened his eyes slowly and looked at Pepper. "Don't let him go."
He took both of his hands off of Tony's face. Tony opened his eyes. He looked completely confused. "What happened?" He looked at Pepper. Seeing that she was crying, and holding his hands, he looked even more confused. "What happened?"
Pepper quickly got up off of the floor and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He returned her embrace and kissed the side of her head. "Are you alright, Pepper?"
She held him tightly and laughed through her tears. "Yes."
The Doctor stood up and ran his hand through his hair. He had only just realized that Pepper was only wearing her dressing gown and Tony his boxers. "Ummm... yeah. We'll see if that will help with the panic attacks."
Tony and Pepper continued to hold one another. Tony realized, "Hang on. John. You were in my head. That's what happened. What did I say?"
The Doctor shook his head. "Nothing embarrassing. Don't worry, mate."
Pepper loosened her grip on him. She pressed her forehead to his cheek as she held him. He rubbed her thigh and, noticing the silk dressing gown, rose his eyebrows. "Oh wow. Yes."
The Doctor rubbed his face in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to see it. I'm sorry."
Tony shook his head. "What?"
The Doctor smiled, "Congratulations. Really? Not that it's any of my business, but let him give you a ring, Pepper!"
All of the sympathy that Pepper had had for Tony, was overshadowed by her shock. "Damn it, Tony! Really?"
"I didn't tell him!"
Pepper stood up and walked back into the bathroom. "You two are just...ugh!" She closed the door.
Tony groaned, "Thanks for that, man."
The Doctor laughed and shook his head. "Man, I had no idea. I thought you said you were slowing down?"
"I've never been good at that. Drive fast. Fly fast. Just…go."
The Doctor laughed, "I'm thrilled for you both!"
Tony smiled, "Now, I have another reason to have panic attacks. Irish woman on the warpath."
The Doctor grinned, "You've asked her eight times?"
"I think about fifteen. She's said yes, but-"
Pepper walked back out of the bathroom. She angrily pointed at the Doctor. "John. Don't you dare say anything to anyone. I mean it!"
The Doctor held his hands up. "Hey! Don't kick my ass over this. It is just there in his head. It's all over his head. I couldn't help but see it. It's all over mine now. Rose keeps asking me what I'm so damn happy about."
Pepper covered her face and groaned. "I can't even believe this. This entire thing was supposed to be a secret!"
The Doctor laughed under his breath. "Yes. 'The secret admirer.' That's so….oh, I love that, man. Clever. Wow. Brilliant."
Tony nodded proudly, "Yeah? Pretty good, huh?"
Pepper groaned.
Tony looked back at Pepper as he walked to stand next to the Doctor. "You know. John's an impartial party. Explain to him why you don't want a ring."
The Doctor crossed his arms and then held up his finger. "Well, hang on. Of course she doesn't want a ring." He looked at Tony and smacked him in the chest. "Idiot!"
Tony threw his hands up. "What? You're taking her side, John?"
Pepper grinned. "Why do you think I don't want a ring, John?"
"Well, it's him! And if you show up, wearing a ring, everyone is going to know. Everyone is going to talk. Everything is going to change."
Pepper held her hand out. "See! He gets it! Why don't you?"
Tony groaned, "Maybe you shouldn't get involved in this, John-"
The Doctor was too deep in to back out now. He walked over to Pepper and put his arm around her. "After all! It's just easier to be known as Tony's assistant, than as Tony's girlfriend."
Pepper closed her eyes tightly. "Oh. The way you said that...ugh."
The Doctor continued to walk around the room. "The jokes, the water cooler talk, the never-ending blood sucking press!"
Pepper nodded, "Yes! You get it!"
He leaned against the dresser and crossed his arms, "She's not even used to kissing you in front of people, Tony."
Pepper crossed her arms. "That's true-"
"Or, saying ... things like 'I love you'..."
Pepper narrowed her eyes. "John?"
Tony dropped his head dramatically. "John….."
The Doctor opened the box and looked at the watches. "The solution to this problem, is a simple one." He pointed at Tony. "He's ask?"
Pepper looked at him, "Yes."
"You said, 'yes'?"
Pepper nodded, "Yes."
The Doctor pulled out the watch tray and took out a ring that sat in the bottom. "Then wear the bloody ring! Just put it on the right hand instead of the left. That way, no one asks. The secret engagement remains just that. A secret."
Tony rose his eyebrows, clearly impressed. "Hey, that's a good idea."
The Doctor walked over and handed Tony the ring. He pat him on the shoulder, stepped away, typed something on his wrist and smiled. "Good luck, mate."
He disappeared.
Tony looked at the ring and then at Pepper. She stood on the other side of the room with her arms crossed, looking surprised back at him.
"I didn't plan that." Tony insisted.
She covered her mouth and smiled, "It makes sense."
He walked to stand in front of her. She handed him her left hand and he slipped the ring on her finger. "If you want to wear it on your right hand, I don't mind. Or, if you don't want to wear it at all. But, at least you have it."
It was a beautiful silver ring with embroidered writing all over it in an odd text. A large diamond sat inside of the band with several other smaller diamonds around it. Tony pointed at it. "It's made from the medal John took out of my chest. Well, mixed with some white gold, so it all looks silver. The writing is Latin. It says, 'The beginning and ending of me, is you'."
She covered her mouth, "I'm going to start crying again."
He smiled. "You don't have to cry." He kissed her hand and the ring. "That feels perfect."
She looked at him as he wiped the tears from her eyes. She grabbed his face and kissed him. Taken in surprise by her sudden move, he threw his hands out. She took off her dressing gown and allowed it to fall to the floor. He smiled, "So, I take it that you like it?"
She felt his hands on her back as she wrapped her arms around him and started to kiss him again. He fell backwards on the bed, taking her with him. Misjudging how far they were from the side, they both fell into the floor together with a loud thump. He laughed hysterically.
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