Luna Violeta:Thank you. I'm back =D
oneiroitane: Thank you. Thank you for reading it.
Reikajen: I will do my best to keep up with the movies and fill their gabs. I hope it's not too boring.
TheGreatWall: Not at all. Thank you for thanking your time and send me a review! Work can get us crazy, I totally understand you. I hope you enjoy this one too ;D
Thank you and welcome to all the new Followers.
WARNING: Spoilers from IM1.
Two days after reveling to the world that Tony Stark was missing a Board Meeting was schedule in New York to discuss the future of the company and how they should deal with this situation.
Trying to protect Tony's best interest Pepper attended the Meeting taking notes of the most important decisions and stepping in when she felt it was necessary.
They decided that Stark Industries will offer the US Army their best resources, money and technology, to help with the searches, they needed their genius CEO back. Meanwhile, they also decided that Obadiah Stane should take control of the company until Tony return.
"It is with great sadness that I'm stepping up as a temporary CEO, again". Said Stane in his speech at the end of the meeting. "I knew Tony all his life". Pepper didn't miss that he already spoke of Tony in the past, like he was already dead. "And he being missing is a tragic event, hard to even put in words. We are anxious for his return and we will not give up on hope".
The Board Members applauded him, and so did Pepper.
After that, they went back to LA for another press conference to inform the World some of their decisions and trying to ensure their investors. The main entrance of Stark Industries was a mess! There was reporters everywhere! Always asking the most insane question. Pepper looked fast and saw that infuriating Vanity Fair reporter. The one that Tony spend his night before this nightmare, Christine Everhart.
Pepper took some seconds to look at her behavior.
She doesn't care. This is just another job, just another report. For Christ sake, she spend the night with him! His last night and - Don't! Don't go there! – Pepper censured herself. It wasn't his last night. He will come back!
She told herself. It became her mantra. He will come back! She always told herself when things started to get too hard.
Weeks went by and so far nothing. No terrorist group took responsibility for the attack, no ransom money was demanded, no sign of Tony Stark. Everything was quiet… too quiet.
She didn't let herself think about this right now and decided to focus on her work and protect Tony's properties. It was the end of another week and Pepper was at the office filing some documents that she was working on. When she was finished, she started to collect her things to go home. Without Tony to take care of, her working hours came back to normal.
Pepper was waiting for the elevator when Mr. Stane called her:
"Miss Potts" she turn to look at him. "I want to thank you for being present at all the Board Meetings that we have been doing lately. It's always a reassurance that you are taking, such a good care of Tony's best interested".
"Of course". She smiled politely. "He needed to be informed what happened when he come back". She spoke with hope assurance that made Stane stare at her for a few seconds.
"Yes". He smile at her with the same courtesy that she did. "We hope that this will happen soon enough". She nod at him. There was an uncomfortable silence at the moment. Pepper and Stane only met each other for business or when Tony was around. "I need you to do me a favor". He broke the silence. "I need to look at those files". He gave her a list with the documents that he needed. "I understand that Tony was in possession of them".
"Yes. It's in his home office. I will take care of this for you".
"Thank you. You can leave them with my secretary". Before he turn to leave he added. "Don't worry about him. The best soldiers are looking for him. Soon he will be here making us crazy again". She smile at his attempts to make her feel better and enter in the elevator.
-o-
When Pepper arrived at Tony's mansion to get the files that Mr. Stane needed, everything was dark. The bots were quietly waiting to their creator to come back.
"Good evening Miss Potts" JARVIS greeted her giving her a little light and making the mansion come to life again.
"Good evening JARVIS". She spoke looking around. The house was so quiet that was painful. The silence there physically hurt her.
"Mr. Stark's missing status it's still unchanged". Informed JARVIS. "There are only speculations of his locations. Would you like me to calculate the probability of his save return based on the News?"
Pepper didn't know if the A.I System was doing this to keep her informed or because he was bored – if that was possible – without his creator ordering him around.
"No. Thank you JARVIS" she started to walk for his office. During all those days Pepper tried hard not to think about Tony. But right now it was impossible do it at his house.
He is not here. He didn't sleep here last night and won't sleep here today. It was painful. She felt cold waves leave her heart and run through her body. As fast as she could, she grab the files that Stane wanted end walk out Tony's house like it was on fire. She couldn't stay there any longer. Not without him. Not right now.
"Have a good night Miss Potts". Spoke JARVIS when she walk out. In her imagination, she could swear that the A.I. felt sad about her leaving them alone again.
Once she was home Pepper make herself some dinner, change her clothes and sat on her couch to eat. She gave two bites at her food when a disturbing thought came to her mind:
Is Tony eating? Does he have anything to eat? What if they are starving him?
With that thought, she look at her food. Suddenly her it wasn't so appealing anymore and she couldn't bring herself to finish her plate.
-o-
The days were turning into weeks fast. Too fast. And Tony's status remain the same.
Pepper didn't have much work to do at the office now. She was Tony Stark's assistant, without Tony and with Stane doing his job she didn't have much to do, except be aware of Stane's moves and the decisions to inform Tony when he comes back.
Because he will come back. – She always tell herself that trying to keep her hopes up.
Her friends and sister call her every day to reassure her. They know that disappearing of the billionaire was hard on Pepper. They knew what he meant for her. At first, they were very supportive, they gave her strength, listened to her cry, and gave her positive thoughts and hopes. But now their speeches are starting to change.
"Ginny don't you think you need to start considering others possibilities here?" spoke her sister through the phone after Pepper complain about Stane coldness to deal with Tony's business.
"Like what?" Pepper frowned.
"Like the fact that he might not come b-"
"Don't! Don't even finish that sentence". Spoke Pepper starting to get irritated.
"You have to" insisted Sarah. "Let's face the facts: There's no sign of him, nobody demanded a ransom, nobody took responsibility. You have a friend doing the searches; you know this better than me".
"You don't know Tony"
"I know that he is capable of incredible things. But there are something's that not even him are capable to prevent. You need to start thinking about those scenarios. You need to move on".
Pepper did not finish that conversation and hang up on her sister. She didn't wanted to think, not even consider the fact that Tony Stark might never come back home. That she will never see him again, will never hear his voice, see his smile, the glow on his eyes when he is working on something, or the way he look at her only when they were alone, feel his crazy energy around that usually drive her insane. Nope! She couldn't think about live without this anymore.
Rhodey also called her every day giving her details of their search and secret information or theories from their Intelligence that should be in secret. Today, however, he sound particular down.
"Still nothing". Pepper's heart broke at the news. "We are lost here Pepper. We don't know where to go. There's nothing to work on. I don't know what to do".
"James, you are doing your best". She was trying to sound confident for him. "Don't worry, they soon will get tired of Tony pestering them around and will send him back" Pepper tried to humor him. It work, her friend let go a little laugh at the image of their genius friend bugging the terrorists to death.
"He can be really annoying when he wants to".
"Yes he can". She smile remembering Tony's antics. "He can also be very resourceful".
"Yeah. You are right. He is probably building a gun with rocks, paper clip and whatever material that he can find".
"Yes". Pepper let out a sad smile. "You will hear from him. Have faith".
"Thank you Pepper". Spoke the colonel before hang up. Pepper stared at the phone in her hands trying to believe in her own words.
Sleep did not came easy for her that night. She wondered, not for the first time if Tony had a place to rest, if he was getting enough sleep, if he was cold… so many unanswered questions about his well-being… He was Tony Stark. Tony fucking Stark. The man capable to make the impossible possible!
He has to be okay. He will be okay and he will come back.
-o-
Another pair of weeks passed. Two month and a half now. That's how long Tony is been missing.
The world was moving on. Just a few reporters remain coming back at Stark Industries from time to time, waiting for an announcement or anything so they can publish, but with each passing day the number is smaller. The News move on and stop talking about Tony's kidnap case. Nobody seem to remember that he was still lost in the desert. Nobody seem to care for him anymore and that angered Pepper more than anything!
She was leaving the S.I. office for lunch when she met Rhodey on the hallway.
"What are you doing here?" she asked surprised and he turn to look at her.
"Looking for you. Leaving for lunch?" She nod. "Can I go?"
They went in silence for a restaurant nearby. When they made their orders, the Colonel spoke concerned.
"Are you sleeping Pepper?" she was surprised by his question but she could not deny that she had bags under her eyes, she look tired and lost some height. There's only so much that you can cover with the makeup.
Every night she has nightmares. Tony screaming for help; Tony alone in the desert, lost, feeling cold and starving… and those were the good ones. It was worse when she dream of him in pain, hurt, being tortured, bleeding to death, or dead in some unknown location. She always wake up screaming or crying. And after that, sleep again was impossible.
"A little. Some nights I can barely sleep three hours". She spoke honestly and then look at him. "James, I don't want to pressure you or anything, but what are you doing here?" she didn't need to ask why he was there instead of searching for their friend that was missing in another continent.
At that moment, their food arrived. Rhodey waited for the waiter leave before speak.
"They are cancelling the search Pep". He spoke slowly with sorrow in his eyes.
"What?" her heart stop and she felt like the horror was running through her veins now. That pain, the pain that she felt when she heard about Tony's disappearing came back, only this time, was much worse.
"There's nothing. Just silence. There are politicians pressuring to stop with the searches, saying that our army should focus on something else and that's is a waste of resources"
"Waste of resources? It's because of Tony that they are capable to do those things. The least the Army could do it's keep looking for him".
"I know, and I agree with you. But I'm limited. I came here to talk to my superiors. If they are cancelling it…" he sighed. "I want request a small team, to keep searching".
"Don't give up on him. Please, don't". She cried.
"I won't. I told you, I will do anything I can to find him". He comfort her. "But you need to take care of yourself Pepper. When was the last time you had a good night of sleep and eat properly?"
"James…"
"I'm serious Pep. You can't take care of him if you don't take care of you. And he will need you when he come back. More than ever. You need to be strong for him". He insisted, and she sigh. He was right, and she knew that.
"Okay. I'll be more careful now. Please, let me know if you manage to convince them. Call me, any time".
"I will".
Later that night Pepper lay awake in her bed. She could not sleep. Her conversation with James did not left her mind.
If they cancel the searches, what now? What she can do to help Tony?
She turn in bed searching for a better position to sleep.
This is useless - she sighed heavily. She changed her clothes and left her apartment. She needed to get out. Get some air.
Pepper drove to Tony's mansion. As expected, everything was silent. It was the second time that she was here ever since he went missing. Pepper wandered to his house, not really sure of what to do, she just missed the place, his energy, his smell... She ended up in his room and look around taking all him in... There was a picture of her with him and Rhodey next to his chair. She sat there and look at it she didn't know for how long. Pepper just sat there remembering him and everything about him. All the crazy things he did but also, all the sweet things he did for her. At some point, she felt asleep at his chair.
For the first time she was able to sleep more than 3 hours. The following days Pepper decided to sleep in his house. She told herself that it needed somebody to manage everything, and keep things in order. But it was also for her sake. She slept better there. Especially with a piece of his clothes. She usually took one of his shirts and sleep holding it, the smell of his perfume help her sleep. In her mind, she felt like she was holding him. Keeping him safe wherever he is...
-o-
As the weeks went by Stark Industries and other institutions also started to give up on Tony.
She had received many calls from people wanting to interview her about his life. History Channel wanted her statement in a special documentary that they wanted to make as a tribute to the Starks. But what angry her the most was Obadiah and the Board Members giving up on him.
"We have to be realistic Miss Potts" Obie told her. "The chances are less than zero. The army can't keep searching him forever, nor we can wait forever. Unfortunately, life goes on. He wouldn't want us to be like this". He told her when she confronted him about their decision to make a memorial for him.
She could not believe that he was saying this. Obie was a second father to Tony. He was one of the few people that Tony trust the most! And he was giving up on him.
"You can't be serious! There are still chances; Rhodey is trying to put a team together-"
"If they didn't find him when it just happened, how they will find him now that the trail is cold?" He interrupt her raising his voice a little. Some employees stop to look at them at the hall. Stane took a deep breath and spoke more calmly. "Look, if you are worried about your employment, don't be. You will always have a place here at Stark Industries". He spoke and left for his office leaving her alone at the hall.
Is he serious? Employment? I don't give a fuck about my employment. I want Tony back.
She thought deciding that was best to stay in silence then open her mouth and say everything that she wanted to say for the old man.
-o-
It's been almost 3 months now. Rhodey was finally able to put a small team together to keep the searches but it wasn't easy. Pepper had to help and pleaded with politicians even the President himself. But they finally made it. Rhodey was back on the air searching for him.
Another pair of weeks went by and no news of Tony! Pepper was at Stark Industries, without Tony, she went there and kept doing everything she could to protect his interest, it was becoming harder and harder each passing day.
She also helped the secretaries with their duties. There wasn't much work for her these days and Human Resources wanted to change her position if nothing changed in the following weeks.
"You can go back for the Accounting Department, it was your original position before this one, or you can assist one of our executives. I'm sure they will love have you as their PA Miss Potts". Explain to her Mrs. White from the HR, some days ago when she just had arrived to work. "Give it some thought and let me know what you decided".
Honestly, Pepper didn't gave much thought about it, she couldn't decide if she wanted to change positions or work somewhere else. She couldn't imagine herself being PA of someone else other than Tony Stark. She didn't wanted to think about this. Being at S.I. was like being close to Tony… but if he never came back, would she be able to walk those halls like she does now and don't break down?
"How are you?" ask Stuart at their coffee break honestly concern about her.
"I'm fine". By her tone, he decided not to pressure her. Pepper was tired of the way people were treating her. "After we are done here, will you help me with the numbers for next month?" she changed the subject sounding more friendly also trying to apologize for her previous tone. Stuart was her friend. She didn't meant to take her anger out on him.
"Sure!"
Pepper's phone buzzed informing her that a message arrived.
"Thanks" she keep talking with Stuart while opening the message. "I'm having trouble with-" she stop talking when the message opened.
From: James Rhodey
We found him.
He is alive.
Pepper let out a cry, her free hand covered her mouth and she could not hold her tears back. She had been holding it for three long months! Stuart look at her worried fearing the worse.
"Are you okay?" he asked her. "Pepper? What happened?"
"They found him," she simply said smiling at him with her eyes full of tears.
"What?"
"They found Tony. He is alive!" she almost yelled from happiness. She didn't know if she cried of happiness or laugh relived. She was doing both unable to control her emotions.
As fast as she could Pepper tried to call back but Rhodey didn't pick up at once. It took her two tries and he finally answered.
"We are in the helicopter that's why I send you the message. It's hard to speak". She heard him scream due to the noise of the helicopter, but even so, she was able to hear at the back:
"Is that Pepper? I wanna talk to her."
"No… Tony…" she heard the colonel speak
There was noises of the phone being handed to someone else.
"Hey Pep" there it was. The voice that Pepper longed to hear during all those months. She hold back her sobs and spoke:
"Hey Tony. Are you okay?" some employees started to look at her, surprised, listening the one-way conversation.
"I'm fine… nothing like a spa in a cave to make me wish come back to the office again".
She laugh at him not sure if was for his joke or the simply happiness she felt right now. Probably both.
She heard a noise again and Rhodey spoke.
"We are getting at the base. I will call you later."
He hang up and Pepper let herself cry out while Stuart hold her.
"You were right," he told her. "You never lose faith on him". She cried at his arms feeling happier than she ever felt in her life. Everything seems to be back on its place now. Tony Stark is alive and he is coming back home.
After she calm herself down, Pepper went to inform Mr. Stane and Public Relations. They decided to wait for the medical status of Tony before call for a press conference to inform the world that they genius is back.
Later that night, after their official announcement, Pepper waited at home for Rhodey's call never leaving her phone out of her sight. The phone didn't ring twice and she already had answered it.
"Hey James".
"Hey Pepper".
"How is he? Truly." he let go a sigh.
"In general he is fine. A few bruises, he dislocated his shoulder on his way out, but…"
"…But..?"
"They did something to him. There's something on his chest that is keeping him alive. He said that he has shrapnels on his chest and that piece is preventing to have his heart torn in pieces".
"Oh God! How? How did this happened?"
"He didn't gave me the details. Tomorrow he will be interrogated by the NSA, CIA, and FBI. I'll be around to see if he will give more details."
"How did he escape? Did he told you that?"
"Kind of. He said that he build something to make his way out. Just like you said he would, remember?" he laugh a little.
"Yes…" she smile relief that that painful day was behind them now. "What did he build?"
"Not sure… he told me that and then started to rambling about our rescue team… You know how Tony is when he was to deal with something painful for him…"
"He can't shut up" she laugh.
"Yeah"
"Can I talk to him?"
"Yeah. Hold on".
She waited a few seconds and heard Rhodey's voice low and distant:
"Hey… buddy… call for you"
She heard the phone been pass for someone else.
"Please tell me that this is the hottest red hair in the world". She heard him now more clearly! God, how she missed his voice! She almost cry again out of happiness.
"Hello Tony" her smile grow at the sound of his voice.
"I knew it was you".
"Well, we couldn't speak later… how are you?"
"I'm fine! Tired of sand and desert. And believe me or not, crazy to get back at the office"
"Who are you and what you did with my boss?" she joked.
"Well part of him is stuck in a cave". He told her laughing. Trust Tony to make a kidnap situation a joke. There was a silence between them. Both of them happy just to have the other one on the phone.
"The bots and JARVIS got really bored without you".
"Just them?
"I really miss you too," she confessed.
"Me too… Please tell me that you sleep in my bed surrounded by my sense and smell. I would be totally okay with that, just so you know. Even more if you were naked".
"That's enough Tony. I can see that you are okay". She spoke pretending to be mad at him. She would never confess that she did took some of his clothes just to fell his perfume while she slept at his house. But sleep in his bed? Nope! The closest she got to that was when she fell asleep in the chair on his room.
"When can I go home?"
"Well, authorities wanted to speak with you-"
"Can you speed up that? I can't wait to get out of here".
"I will see what I can do". He was already making crazy requests.
"mkay"
Another comfortable silence before Pepper speak.
"I have to go. It's late here…"
"Right! Time zone! I forgot that. I will call you when we are ready to get out".
"And Happy and I will pick you up at the airport".
"Night Pep".
"Bye Tony".
-o-
Next day Pepper woke up early. She has tons of things to do, and never felt so happy about it as she does now.
She was on the phone with CIA, NSA, FBI… trying to make her boss's request a reality. He wanted to come home, and no agency of the United States, or the world, was going to be on his way.
They wanted to question him more, and get more details about his escape and the terrorist cell. But at the pressure of Pepper and her very important and very high contacts on the right places, they were finally satisfy with the little interview that they did on Tony.
Finally, two days after he was found in the desert he was coming back.
Pepper and Happy were already waiting for him at the airport. As a safety measure there was an ambulance next to them that the Air Force called.
I doubt that he will use it. She thought looking at the ambulance. Tony hates hospitals.
She was calmly waiting for him, but when the plane came to her view Pepper could no longer hold her tears back.
He is in that plane. He is alive and well and I'm going to see him again. This nightmare is over! She thought crying harder as the plane started to descend. Happy put his hand on her back and smile at her.
"There he is" he spoke pointing at the plane now on the ground and slowing down. She wiped away her tears as the plane came close to them and finally stop. Minutes later the aircraft's ramp started to open. To Pepper all this process took an eternity! She step closer leaving Happy a little behind her. Pepper couldn't wait to see Tony Stark again and see those beautiful chocolate eyes staring at her one more time.
Finally, she saw him at the back of the plane, sitting in a wheelchair. Rhodey was helping him on the ramp. She bit her lips at the view of him. Where did he find that suit? She had no idea. He probably make the army crazy just to get a new suit for him.
When he was on the ground, the paramedics came to his aid with a stretcher.
"Are you kidding me with this?" she heard him complain looking at the doctors. "Get rid of them". He told Rhodey and came walking to her.
I knew it! Same old Tony. – She though fighting a smile and her tears. As he came close to her, she lost her battle and let him see her smile of pure joy to see him again. He was well dressed, shaved, a few cuts here and there on his face, but it was Tony. Alive and well.
He came closer and look at her analyzing her.
"Your eyes are red". He spoke looking at her with those sweet chocolate eyes. "A few tears for your long lost boss". He tease her. She try not to laugh as she answer him.
"Tears of joy… I hate job hunting".
"Yeah. Vacation is over". He tease her remembering what he told her right before he leave for Afghanistan. Before this nightmare. He walk past her to talk to Happy.
"You gain weight. Got bored when I was out?"
"I had no one to spare with sir".
She saw Tony smile at that answer and decided to come close to them. Tony look at them for a few seconds before order.
"Let's go". He opened the door at the passenger seat while Happy went to the front to drive them. When Pepper close the door, the diver ask for directions.
"To the hospital Happy". Pepper told him already expecting Tony to fight about. And that's what he did.
"Nope"
"You have to go to the hospital Tony". She insisted. God! How she missed those little fights.
"I don't have to do anything". He spoke as the spoiled kid he was sometimes. "I've been in captivity for three months! There's only two things that I wanna do. First: I wanna an American cheeseburger and the other…" he paused for drama and she got the message. Tony Stark in captivity for three months means Tony Stark three months without sex. Of all this time she knows him, he never been more than a week without it. She was already imagining the kind of wild parties he will throw now.
"That's enough" she didn't want to hear the confirmations of that she was expecting. Her feelings, no, her heart couldn't deal with this right now. She just want to enjoy his presence a little more before have to deal with his women again.
"It's not what you think". He could read her like a book sometimes. "I want you to call for a press conference".
"What?" that is unexpected. "What for?"
"Happy drive". He ordered as he ignored her. "Cheeseburger first".
Happy started to drive to the nearest Burger King.
"Can you at least tell me the details of this press conference?" she asked already with her phone at her hands. "Because if it is about your return we already publish a note and Mr. Stane will talk with some reporters-"
"You will see. Just trust me on this. Mkay?". How could she deny him anything when he ask her with that voice?
"Okay". She started to make the calls, and also inform Mr. Stane where to meet them. When she look up, they were already on Burger King.
"Do you want something?" Tony asked her.
"No, I'm fine".
"Come on… eat a burger with me" he smile charmingly at her and she couldn't deny his request. His smile grow at her acceptance. "Four burgers Happy. If you want something you can have it too".
"I'm good sir". Spoke Happy.
"Four burgers?" Pepper asked surprised.
"Yeah. One for you. Three for me". He smile. "One for each month that I was missing. The burgers on the Middle East were awful!" he complain. She wouldn't deny him this. Not today at least. Today, he could eat as many burgers he wanted to.
The burgers arrived Tony more than fast started to eat his and Pepper watched him feeling completely in peace and overwhelmed with happiness to be in his presence again. Happy started to drive for Stark Industries so they can do the press conference that Tony ordered.
"Tony". Pepper called his attention. "Are you okay?" He stop eating to look at her and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Yeah. I'm good". They stare at each other for a while. She wasn't sure how to ask this, but she needed to.
"Rhodey said that the terrorist did something with your chest-"
"I have shrapnels on my chest Pep". He spoke seriously looking at the burger on his hand. "So, in order to survive I have an electromagnet on my chest. The Arc Reactor to be more specific".
"The Arc Reactor? Like the one that is powering the Company?"
"Yeah… that one".
"Tony" she let out a nervously laugh. "Nobody could make that thing smaller. All the engineers said that we don't have the technology yet".
"I know that" he look at her smiling, looking really proud of himself and she knew he wasn't lying or fantasizing about this. He really did make it! What more than thirty engineers couldn't do over years that the reactor was build, Tony, alone, was able to do it.
"You make it?" She was surprised. Tony Stark often surprise her with his intelligence.
"Yep". He said smiling popping the "p".
"In a cave?"
"I'm awesome, am I?" he said charmingly and all she could do was stare at him amazed.
"We are here, sir" Happy interrupt them.
Pepper look at the window. They were already at Stark Industries quarters. Soon they arrived at the building where the Press Conference would attend. There were a lot of people there. Mostly employees and Mr. Stane was waiting for them looking happy and excited to see Tony. He didn't even wait the car to fully stop and was already opening Tony's door and pulling him for a hug.
She left the car and follow Tony and Mr. Stane, giving them some space to talk privately. Everyone around applauded Tony as he walk into the building. Pepper watched him disappear in the crowd of employees and reporters and she let out a long sigh followed by a happy smile. She couldn't hide her feelings, she was happy that he was back and despite the thing that he said he has on his chest, he was fine and healthy than ever.
Finally, everything will come back to normal.
"Miss Potts". Someone call her attention. She look around and saw a small man on his forties.
"Yes" she was still with that smile on her face. Despite her efforts she couldn't hide it. Not today.
"Can I speak with you?" the man asked.
"I'm not sure what the press conference is about" she told the man assuming he was an annoying reporter. "but Mr. Stark is about to start it".
"I'm not here for that". He explain to her politely. "I'm Agent Coulson from Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement Logistics Division". He gave her his card.
"That's quite a name!" she said impressed.
"We are working on it". He spoke amused as if he hear that complain all the time.
"Mr. Stark was interviewed by a lot of agencies. CIA, NSA…"
"We have a more specific focus…" he explain as she look at him and he had a very professional composure. "We need to debrief Mr. Stark about the circumstances of his escape".
Tony is not going to like this. – she thought remembering his complains about having to be interviewed by all this agencies.
"I will but something on the book, okay?" she spoke to him and he seems satisfied with that.
The agent left her alone and Tony started the press conference asking all the reported to sit down on the ground so he could see everyone. Tony Stark was always eccentric but that was a whole new level even for him.
"What's up with that?" whispered Rhodey.
"Don't look at me" Pepper joked. "I have no idea what he is up to".
"I never got to say goodbye to my father" she heard Tony spoke with the crowd in front of him. There was a rare honesty in his eyes and voice that Pepper usually just saw when they were alone. She look around and saw all the reporters in silence looking at him and Tony keep talking. "There's so many questions that I wanted to ask him. How he felt about what this company did… if he ever had doubts…"
As he keep talking about his father and all the things that he wished they could have done together, Pepper look at him, and felt her heart break for him. It was rare for him to talk about his father, even more in public. He was emotional, and she couldn't take her eyes off him as he open his heart for those people, speaking about all the deaths he had witness first hand during his captivity time.
"…I saw Americans kill by the weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I realized that I had become part of a system that had become comfortable with zero accountability". The vulnerability in his voice was something new to Pepper. At that moment, she could only imagine the horrors that he saw during those days he was away.
At some point, a reporter asked him quietly, almost afraid, or maybe intimidate by Tony's honestly: "What happened there, Mr. Stark?"
"I had my eyes opened," he answered more agitated now. "I came to realize that I have more to offer the world than make things blow up. And that's why, effective immediately, I'm shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries".
It was a good thing that Pepper was seated otherwise she would had fell at this statement. More than fast Mr. Stane came to Tony's side and the reporters when crazy! Tony didn't pay attention of it and keep talking about the future of the company and how the was rethinking everything while Stane was trying to push him away.
When Tony left, Mr. Stane try to talk with the reporters but none of them gave him attention.
"It's PTSD" murmured Rhodey next to her. "I knew that there was something… I told you he is going to need your help. This is just a face, help him through it". He spoke to her before turning to leave a little disappointed.
Pepper watched him go and decided to go after Tony. She found him with Happy entering in his car to avoid the reporters.
"What was that?" she ask as she came to his side and Happy drove away.
"Go to Sector 16 Happy" Tony ordered and look at Pepper. "What?" She look at him annoyed. "I couldn't have told you that, but I was thinking about it for a long time! You have to trust on this".
"Did you think about the consequences of this-?"
"Yes" he insisted.
"You do know that our stock will drop right?"
"Pepper" he turn to her. "Trust me on this. I know exactly what I'm doing".
She look at him trying to see traces of the PTSD that Rhodey spoke. But he seem fine, focus even.
"We are here sir". Spoke Happy. Tony left the car and went inside the Sector. Pepper stay inside the car, her phone going crazy with calls and emails arriving. She would have to control this mess now…
-o-
Later that night, Pepper was at her apartment. It had been an exhausting day with a roller coaster of emotions and events. She look around and it just didn't feel right to be here right now.
It's Tony's first night. Maybe he will need me for something.
She grab her things and drove to Tony's mansion. The house was quiet and dark; she assumed that Tony was already sleeping, so she went straight to her room.
"Hey" he spoke behind her once she got at her door.
"Hey. I thought you were sleeping".
"I can't sleep. I'm exhausted but I can't sleep". Looking at him right now, she felt glad that she came.
"Hungry?" she asked and he smile at her.
They ordered Chinese food and sat by the waterfall on his living room in silence for a while.
"You are probably thinking that I have PTSD too" he spoke quietly but it startled her the same way. He didn't pay attention on it and keep eating his food. After his announcement of closing the weapons manufacturing division the news went to congratulate him and call his escape a miracle to call him crazy and accuse him to be suffering from PTSD.
"I still don't know what to think" she spoke honestly. She never lied to him. She wasn't starting now. He let out a smirk. "What happened Tony? How did you escape?"
It was the question that he was avoiding. He didn't have answered that yet and she was curious. What did he saw? How he was treated? Was he tortured? How did he escape?
"Hold that thought" he spoke and went to the kitchen. He came back a minute later with a two beers on his hand. He offered one to Pepper. "Please?" she sigh smiling and accept his offer.
Pepper decided not to pressure him. They sat in silence for a while. Tony's eyes seem very far away.
"We were driving back to base". He spoke quietly and she stay in silence afraid that at any sound he would stop talking. "It was a nice environment. We were chatting. Me and the soldiers". He look at her for a second before turn his gaze away.
"There was this kid" he spoke. "All he wanted was a picture. He was… so young!" he frowned at the memory. "Everything happened so fast!" she came to sit closer to him to give him support. "There was missiles everywhere! They all tried to protect me… me! They never thought about their safety".
She gave him a silent support knowing that anything that she could say wouldn't ease his pain. She felt like crying just to listen to him.
"I tried to call for help… or at least them know about our position, but a missile hit me. A Stark Industries' missile".
"Stark Industries missile?" she repeated. How? Our weapons it's only for the use of US army.
"After that, I wake up in a room surrounded by terrorists with a camera in front of me. I couldn't understand what they were saying".
"They recorded a video?" Tony nod in answer. "Tony… there was no video". She poke trying to make sense of his story and what she had lived the past months. "There was nothing. Completely silence about your capture". She felt lost.
"Platypus said the same thing". He drink a little more of his beer before continued. "Anyway, I was knocked down and when I woke up I was being operated. They were removing the shrapnels they could, I was conscious for part of it. Never felt so much pain in my life!" She felt her heart physically hurt at his story. But he wasn't finished he told her how they ask him to build the Jericho once he was up, how he refused and was tortured after that, over and over again. How the terrorist had a huge stock of his weapons that impressed and scared him.
Pepper hold her tears back. He didn't need to see her cry, she was there to support him. She needed to be strong and she could be strong for him. Anything that he needed to ease his pain and trauma she will do it.
"I had only one week to live so I guess they gave me the intensive course of their torture". He spoke half joking.
"What?" did she heard right? He said he had a week to live? He explain to her in details his situation with the shrapnels and how the car battery only gave him a week to live and that's when he had the idea to miniaturize the Arc Reactor.
Pepper felt dizzy. So close! She came so close to lose him forever! What if he wasn't able to do it? He would have died in that cave! Alone! Away from everyone that loves him. She would never see him again. Never would feel that happiness that she felt when he walk out that plane.
"I almost gave up right there. If the shrapnels didn't kill me, they would so… what's the point?" she was angry at his confession but decided to ask calmly.
"What made you change your mind?"
"Yinsen" he simply said. "He was a prisoner with me. He encourage me". He spoke with such caring and sadness that she didn't have to ask what happened to that man. She silent thanked him, wherever he was, to help save Tony's life. To help bring her Tony back.
"That's when I had the idea that would take me out of there". He smile proudly. "I pretend to build the missile when I reality I was building an iron suit. I walk my way out and ended up in the desert".
"Iron suit? Isn't that dangerous?"
"It's bullet proof. I destroyed my weapons on my way out. I don't know how long I walked that desert until Rhodey found me".
They were in silence again. Pepper thinking with horror of all the dangers he had to face alone, well, with the help of Yinsen.
God bless that man!
Tony almost die. In so many ways! He was tortured! She couldn't, she didn't wanted to imagine that. No wonder he couldn't sleep today.
Once again, he broke the silence.
"So… how was things while I was out? You had long, long vacations" he joked and she narrowed her eyes at him. Those months were everything but a vacation.
"You will never leave my sight again". She spoke pretending to be angrily. He gave her a teasing smile. The one that she missed so much.
"Miss Potts if I didn't know any better I would say that you missed me".
He still had that smile on his face when she hug him. She was dying to do that but they were in public back then. Now it was just them. They hold each other for a while and Tony whispered quietly.
"Thank you". She let him go to look at him.
"For what?" he never let his eyes left hers
"Just…. Thank you". She smile at him. There was a new honestly in his eyes, and something else. He was different. He came back different. Pepper wasn't sure if this was a good or a bad thing. Those little moments that she witness his change took her by surprise.
Or maybe it's just the stress of those events. – she couldn't decide it yet.
"Anything you need Tony" She answered and look at him, he seems happy with her there, and Pepper wished she had the power to freeze this moment so she could keep him safe from the horrors that he witness and the public opinion. "You have a lot of catching up to do".
"Talk to me". He asked.
They spend part of the night with Pepper updating him with the company status and decisions. After that, it was way past midnight when both of them went to sleep at theirs rooms. Both exhausted. They needed to rest. Tony was changing the course of Stark Industries. They both had a lot of work to do in the morning.
I hope this chapter is not too boring for those who saw the movie.
Let me know what you think. Send me your review they make me really happy ;)