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Realising he had seriously zoned out as he brought himself back out of his own brain with a slight smile, managing to lighten his mood, he tucked his feelings away. He became aware that he also had forgotten about his music, and it faded to nothingness, so, his ears coming back to present day, he searched for music. It wasn't playing. At the tapping of a foot in a high heel shoe he turned quickly, slightly taken aback at the sharp sound and presence of another person in his lab. Quickly composing himself and losing the surprised look in his eyes, he gave an inquiring glance.

Peppers face softening at the jerked movements, realising just how deep in thought he can get, (considering it was two minutes since he realised not only had his thoughts consumed any type of sound, but also that she had turned the ACDC down), and at how tense he was. She rolled her eyes and pouted slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

'Nothing' She said, raising her hands slightly (knowing that he was expectant of paper work to sign or something) ''I was wondering if you'd like something to eat?'

Realising he hadn't eaten since he'd gotten up, he decided on making himself some form of smoothie - he really wasn't hungry.

'Mh yeah… yes - thanks' he added, somewhat stuck in his thoughts still; slipping out of the door, smiling as he passed her. Turning on her heel, following him out and reaching the kitchen, an eyebrow raised, she crossed her arms and pouted once again, noticing the genius' choice of 'food'.

Sighing slightly affectionately, she uncrossed her arms and quickly drew a plate from the cupboard and a croissant from under the 'bread' box. Putting it roughly on the plate along with a butter knife she got the margarine from the cupboard and placed it expectantly on the island of the kitchen. Putting her head on one side, shrugging in a 'ha yes you will eat today' kind of way, she pushed the plate into his free hand. He pouted and rolled his eyes - god she loved that cute communication - and finally took the plate, setting his drink down to prepare the snack for eating. Such a plain yet unexpected thing - yet just light enough to rest easily with his thoughts and mood and filling enough to do for a bit. Geez he loves that woman. Smiling that playboy smile he looked up from his food and went over to Pepper to give her a peck on the cheek. Though such a small gesture as a croissant, it meant so much, as it showed she really did care, and did know him enough as to get him to eat when he really would have gone without. Extracting her phone from her pocket, Pepper quickly scoffed an 'oh so pleased you can apply butter to a croissant' look and snigger and, acknowleging Tony's thanks she strode off to take a call, the echoes of her clipping heels ringing through the hallway. Moving to take his purchase, he quickly stopped, made sure Pepper was out of sight and checked the fridge for some ingredients - ham, cheese, pepper and eggs. Well, nice dinner for tomorrow he thought, then padded back to his lab. Pausing halfway through a gulp of banana smoothie, he had a sudden thought - JARVIS may not have been able to run a full check on his new reactor…

'Hey, J, d'you have any further information on this thing?' he said, tapping his chest.

'Though somewhat inadequate, the previous diagnostics came to no hazardous outcome for either yourself, others or the Iron Man suits. It should work in a similar way to its former part, but not affect your wellbeing in any negative way, and produce better output and generate less heat or discomfort. May I suggest however sir, that the current of joules to the electromagnet is checked to be assured that it does not pull the shrapnel towards itself too far?' Wincing slightly as the shrapnel was mentioned so abruptly, Tony tapped in some data manually, to which JARVIS informed:

'The electromagnetic force seems stable sir.'

'All good then'

…..

It was later that day that Pepper finally seemed to have some peace - Tony re-routed some of the emails earlier to his computer and had JARVIS filter them, and so they became of a more manageable size and JARVIS gave note of any slightly more concerning ones. None so far, so Pepper took a slightly longer break than the other times and let out a sigh.

As JARVIS informed Tony of a quiet moment, he moved to the lounge, sitting next to Pepper

'You ok?'

'Yes, thanks… its mainly the press, I think the government shall be wanting to de-brief and deal with this mess soon enough though - they are probably extremely busy with the carnage at the minute, but hey - an evening of boredom follows now I think…' plucking a stray cotton threat from her blouse she added 'And Coulson will be in touch'.

With a slight chuckle, Tony rolled his shoulders and slouched back into the sofa. Passing a glance at Pepper she noticed a sad smile - it was to be expected - more a tired one maybe, but now she had a second she wanted answers…

Finally, they had time. Time without a ticking bomb laying in a drone suit which had recently been made motionless by a desperate Iron Man. Time which is not determined by the figure of 53% or 98%. A time for talk. For understanding and listening.

Tony knew it was coming - he wanted it almost, to have that understanding, for Pepper to know, be able to understand fully the events, the reasons, and hopefully give the reassurance he needed about Rhodes and his father… he should explain his behaviour, how he was dying…

'Tony…' Pepper started, looking anxious and sighing sadly

'Why… you…'

'didn't tell you I was dying?' Tony said, solemnly but shortly;

With a breath and a sad nod, she looked into his eyes, seeing a flicker of pain and slight… annoyance? Upset?

'I- I should have noticed' She resolved, getting a hunch as to why he was slightly saddened.

'No. You had so much on your plate, too much, I'm sor-'

'I should have know you were doing everything for a reason, you gave me the company, let Rhodey take the suit...'

'Well I didn't let him'

'Tony, you re-encrypted the suits to allow access to Rhodey as well, I've known JARVIS long enough to guess how that works and Natasha informed me of the counter attack to that one'

Swallowing thickly, Tony was half happy at how quickly she'd pieced everything together, and at how little weakness he was having to give away. At the same time, he wondered how Pepper would deal with it… things seemed ok, but would she see his point of view? To the exact angle on a protractor? Understand… Surely she would?

'Look, you know I don't see you as weak'

He flinched slightly at that, and looked down to the floor, she had gotten straight at one of his largely sensitive topics, so simply and so soon. Pepper reached for his hand, and he looked up again, that nervous annoyance at his weakness evident.

'Look, I know you are strong, you are IronMan, but its ok to let go, to talk, to help me understand. I am sorry, but please - I need to know, and don't worry, just go on, say what you need, how you feel…'

….

Too OOC? OTT? Please give me your thoughts! :)