Something was wrong.
Pepper's eyes flew open. She felt it. Something was completly wrong.
When she glanced to Tony, who was lying right next to her she saw him rolling around and heard him murmuring things she could not understand.
He had a nightmare. Once again.
She started to whisper soothing words while trying to wake him. Since the battle of New York he had this nightmares. It was getting better, but still she woke at least once a week from him having one.
She shook him lightly.
With a start he woke.
He hectically looked around, till his eyes found her. He visibly calmed down and locked his eyes with hers. The he slung an arm around her waist and pulled her close. She layed her head on his shoulder. His heartbeat was very fast.
„So bad?" she asked. This was his usual reaction to the worst nightmares.
„He … he took you …" he breathed while blowing a kiss on her forehead.
„I'm here, Tony. I'm not going anywhere. Nobody will take me. Nobody would dare to. Everybody knows who I am. There is nobody who doesn't fear you."
She did not ask who „he" was.
„Me. That's the point. You're in danger just because of me. There are so many people who want to hurt or kill me. And you are the person closest to me. That puts you in constant danger. You would be so much safer without me."
„But I don't want to be without you. And, by the way, most people know I'm also friends with the rest of the Avengers. There is really nobody who would want to mess with the Black Widow."
Tony chuckled slightly.
„There you are probably right."
Pepper contently noticed that his heartbeat got normal again.
„I couldn't live without you, Pep. But I couldn't live with you getting hurt, either."
„I won't get hurt. I will be okay."
He looked into her eyes, then he pressed a light kiss on her lips.
„I hope so."
AN: I just saw the trailer for Iron Man 3. That was what came up after. Have you seen the trailer?