Hey everyone, how are you? What did you think of the chapter? Do you think Bruce and Sasha will be plotting to get our couple back together? Will they come to an understanding? What do you think will happen on this family date? Comment, comment, comment...
Next week, we'll have two updates!
Pepper took a deep breath as she closed the door behind her, trying to calm the torrent of emotions that the conversation with Tony had provoked. The cozy environment of her home was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts occupying her mind, the laughter and sounds from the kitchen providing a momentary relief. She followed the voices to the room, where she found Sasha and the twins engrossed in cookie making. Erin and Iris were excited, flour spread across the island and smiles on their faces. The warm presence of her mother and the contagious joy of her daughters were a balm to her unease. Walking calmly, the redhead approached, giving a quick kiss to each of the girls before sitting at the counter. She observed the scene before her with a mix of tenderness and concern, lost in her thoughts. Sasha, attentive to details, noticed her daughter's introspective state. Knowing Pepper well, she sensed that something deeper was happening, something that needed to be discussed.
"Are you worried about something?" the elder Potts asked while helping her granddaughters mix the ingredients in the white bowl. Maternal intuition told her that the source of this concern had a familiar name.
"I don't know if 'worry' is the right term," Virginia replied, trying to find the right words to express what she was feeling.
"Is it something at work?" Sasha asked, shrugging. "You said you wouldn't go out today and suddenly you were gone. An emergency?"
"You could say that," Pepper murmured, biting her lower lip and averting her gaze, showing clear signs of nervousness. "Tony was here."
"Hmm..." Sasha tried to appear nonchalant, which immediately caught her daughter's attention.
"Did you know? Did you know he was in town? That he would come here?" Pepper questioned, narrowing her eyes, suspicious.
"I wasn't sure. The last time we spoke, he hinted that he might come, but that was it."
"The last time? When was that?" Virginia asked, her curiosity turning into urgency.
Sasha ignored her daughter's question for a moment, turning her attention back to the twins. "Alright, girls. You can go play now because the cookies need to go in the oven. When they're ready, I'll call you to decorate."
"Mom..." Pepper insisted, impatiently watching the girls leave the kitchen amidst childish excitement.
"Do you want me to be honest?" Sasha finally turned to face her.
"Of course," Pepper replied, crossing her arms.
"Alright. Don't get upset, but we've been talking since he found out about the girls," Sasha confessed, observing her daughter's reaction cautiously. Pepper blinked, surprised and confused.
"Since he found out? And you didn't tell me?"
The elder Potts sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "I wanted to tell you, but he asked for some time. He said he needed to process everything before making any decisions. And I thought, considering everything you two have been through, maybe it was best to give him that time."
"So, you knew he was planning to come here today?" Pepper asked, her voice low and tense.
"Not exactly. He mentioned he might show up, but he didn't give a specific date. I didn't know it would be today," Sasha explained.
"And why did you think it was a good idea to keep this a secret?" Virginia asked, frustration evident in her tone.
"Because I know you both. I know how complicated and painful this situation is. I wanted to give him a chance to find the best way to approach you, so that when it happened, it would be as smooth as possible for everyone," she said softly, hoping her daughter would understand her intentions. "Don't be mad!"
Pepper took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation. "So, this past week, you knew where and how he was, and you didn't tell me?"
"I told you not to get upset," Sasha responded, trying to stay calm.
"How can I not be upset when you hide something like this?" Pepper retorted, crossing her arms.
"I didn't hide anything," the elder insisted, maintaining a firm tone.
"You practically chose a side," Virginia accused, feeling the anger rise within her.
"There are no sides in this story. You know that," Sasha responded patiently.
"Whatever," Pepper huffed, turning her head to hide the hurt, and her mother chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension.
"How did the conversation go? Did you two come to any agreement?"
"I'm sure Anthony already called you with all the details," Pepper said with a touch of sarcasm, her eyes flashing.
"I always knew you hated his relationships with other women, but I didn't think it was this much," Sasha teased.
"Don't be ridiculous, Mom. There's no jealousy when it comes to him. I'm just stating a fact since you two seem to be such great friends."
"I just wanted to make sure he would do the right thing," Sasha explained, her voice gentle, trying to soothe her daughter.
"So, he only came because you told him to?" Virginia asked, incredulity clear in her tone.
"No. He came because I said he should do what he felt was right. That if he wanted to talk to you and be part of his daughters' lives, then that's what he should do. If not, it wouldn't be a problem. You would continue doing a fantastic job," Sasha clarified, looking her daughter in the eyes.
"I understand, Mom. It's just hard to trust him again," Pepper said. It was incredible how, even after years, Tony could still stir her emotions, even indirectly. "You should have told him to disappear," she added, trying to hide the pain in her voice so her mother wouldn't notice.
"I'm not sure he would have. Or if you would actually agree with my request," Sasha responded with a keen look.
"He definitely would have," the younger Potts retorted, crossing her arms defensively.
"Was the conversation really that bad?" Sasha asked, tilting her head to better observe her daughter.
"It wasn't exactly bad... And that's the problem," Pepper admitted, her voice filled with frustration.
"Let me get this straight. Until yesterday, your biggest fear was that when you two talked, things wouldn't go well, that Tony wouldn't want to be part of their lives. And now the problem is exactly the opposite?"
"It's not that. It's just... complicated," she replied, biting her lower lip.
"How can it be complicated, honey? He's wanting to be their father," Sasha insisted, seeking clarity.
"That's exactly why. He was understanding and kind. We talked, and he's still him... The girls will love him. I don't want them to get hurt," Pepper confessed, her voice trembling.
"He would never do anything to hurt them," her mother observed, placing a hand on hers, seeming to understand the true motive behind her words.
"Just like he never would with me?"
"Pep, I really think you should give him a chance. The benefit of the doubt. Things have changed, and you know that."
"Sure," she said sarcastically, looking at the floor.
"Are you afraid?" Sasha asked after a few moments of silence.
"Afraid?" The redhead lifted her head, confused.
"Of being so close to him again. Of realizing that you still love him," the elder Potts clarified, watching her daughter's reaction closely.
"Mom..." Pepper began, but was interrupted.
"Sweetie, it's my job as your mother to know you. I know that despite everything you say, despite the five years that have passed, you still haven't forgotten him. You never got over everything you feel for Tony," Sasha stated with conviction.
"It has nothing to do with that," Virginia tried to argue, but her voice betrayed her insecurity.
"It has everything to do with it, honey. And it's okay to feel that way. But you need to be honest with yourself before anything else," Sasha advised, squeezing her daughter's hand affectionately. "Being so close to him again forces you to face your feelings. The reason you've never had any real relationships since then."
"I've had relationships!"
"You know that one-night stands aren't relationships."
"This has nothing to do with Tony. It's just the fact that I'm a single mom with a busy life," she defended herself.
"Do you really believe that? Maybe you're so wary of his return not because of how much he hurt you, but because, despite what he did, you still love him. Which makes things even more complicated."
"Are you a psychologist now?" Pepper mocked.
The elder Potts shrugged, knowing she was speaking the truth. Her daughter could lie as much as she wanted, but she still had feelings for Stark.
"At least we know whose side you'd be on in a divorce," Pepper said, making her mother laugh.
"Should I set another plate for tomorrow's dinner?" Sasha decided to take a risk, not denying the obvious.
"For what?"
"You know why."
"Tony doesn't like Christmas; he always avoids the holiday." Pepper couldn't believe this was even being considered.
"That's exactly why I want to know if you'll invite him. It's his first Christmas knowing he's a father and he's alone in the city. It would be nice to make him feel welcome, part of the family. Change his perspective on the holiday."
"I don't know if that's what he wants."
"Is it worth extending the invitation?" The elder Potts raised an eyebrow, making it clear this was one of those classic false senses of control that mothers give their children. They think they're in control, but they're not.
"I guess I could talk to him…"
"Great..." Sasha smiled. "Erin, Iris, we need to make more cookies!" she called to her granddaughters enthusiastically.
Pepper rolled her eyes and left the kitchen. She was thinking about the conversation she had had with Tony earlier, about how sincere he seemed, how much he genuinely wanted to be involved. She had also been honest about her desires and fears. She wanted Tony and the twins to have a father-daughters relationship but was apprehensive about how it might affect all of them. Almost an hour later, after a long bath, Pepper decided to call the dark-haired man before she changed her mind. With the phone in hand, she dialed his number and waited, her heart beating faster than she'd like to admit.
And Pepper wasn't the only one who left the café with her thoughts racing that afternoon. As soon as Tony arrived at the hotel, he picked up the phone and dialed Bruce's number. On other occasions, he would have called Rhodes, but his friend was on a mission. Stark knew that Banner was someone he could trust completely with his troubles. Over the past few years, the two had grown quite close, developing a solid and deep friendship. They shared their frustrations, victories, and moments of vulnerability, always there for each other, especially during the most challenging times, offering support and advice. This mutual trust had become an important foundation for both of them.
Tony took a deep breath while waiting for Bruce to answer. The phone rang three times before the calm voice of the scientist came through.
"Did you manage to talk without messing everything up?" Banner asked, his tone slightly teasing.
"Why do you always think I'm the one who messes things up?" Stark replied, immediately defensive.
"Because we're talking about you, Tony. You never think when it comes to Pepper," Bruce said calmly, well-acquainted with his friend's behavioral patterns.
"It's not like that..." He tried to argue, but he knew the scientist was mostly right.
"You know what I mean," his friend cut in gently, without losing patience.
"For your information, this time I didn't mess anything up," Iron Man asserted, trying to project more confidence than he felt.
"So, you guys worked things out?"
"I wouldn't say we worked things out. I don't know if Pep is ready yet. We just talked about the girls," Tony explained, rubbing his neck and feeling the weight of the responsibilities he now faced.
"And?" Bruce prompted, wanting more details.
"Well, we didn't talk about how we're going to raise them, considering we're living in different countries, or how custody will be handled. Actually, we just talked a bit about what led us to this situation."
"Did you admit your guilt?"
"You guys always take her side?" Stark snapped, more irritated with the situation than with Bruce.
Bruce shrugged and chuckled at his friend, a light and understanding laugh. "It's not about sides, it's about recognizing what needs to be done to move forward. And from what it sounds like, you two made an important step today," he said, his voice full of encouragement.
"Yeah, I guess we did," Tony sighed, finally relaxing a bit. "It was tough, but we managed to start sorting things out. Pepper told me a little about the twins and, God, I never thought it was possible to love someone so much who I barely know. I swear to you, they are the most beautiful girls in the world, and everything Pepper told me just shows how they are a perfect mix of both of us." His voice was laden with emotion.
"I can imagine what the DNA of you two created," Bruce responded with a smile, picturing the girls.
"Pep has done an amazing job with them."
"I know she has. Pepper is an extraordinary woman," Bruce affirmed sincerely.
"She is..." Stark agreed, his thoughts full of nostalgia and regret.
"Do you think about trying to work things out with her? Give it another chance?" Banner asked cautiously. He noticed the change in his friend's breathing on the other end of the line.
"I don't know if that's what Pepper wants. I think it's not. God, I hurt her so much. I wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to see my face again."
"But she wanted to talk to you."
"Because of our daughters... Our daughters, it's still so surreal." Tony sighed, still getting used to the reality of being a father.
"Have you met them? Spent any time with them?" The scientist asked, curious.
"Not yet. Pep doesn't want to rush things and, to be honest, neither do I. I don't want to end up scaring the girls, they're little and might not understand all this mess. I think we need to take it slow," Iron Man explained, showing a maturity Bruce rarely saw.
"I can't believe how much you've matured, but I'm glad you have."
They continued talking for a little over an hour, sharing stories and reflecting on the challenges ahead. Bruce offered advice and words of encouragement, and Stark began to feel a bit more prepared for what was to come. Everything was going well until Tony's phone signaled an incoming call. His heart raced when he saw the name on the screen, and he preferred to end the call with Banner rather than leave him waiting. Priorities.
"Bruce, I need to take this," he said quickly.
"Sure, good luck," Bruce responded, understanding the urgency in his friend's voice and knowing that only one person could make him react that way.
"Thanks, man. Talk to you later," Tony said, hanging up and preparing for the next conversation, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"Hey..." Pepper's voice sounded soft, laden with uncertainty, momentarily leaving him speechless.
"Hey..." He responded after recovering from the initial impact.
"Are you busy?" She asked, cautious.
"For you? Never." Tony's response came automatically, but he immediately realized how his words could be interpreted.
"Tony..." The redhead gently reprimanded him. It wasn't fair for him to speak like that; he couldn't make her feel certain things.
"I know. That doesn't mean anything." Stark tried to explain, but silence quickly settled between them. He couldn't see her, but he was sure his ex-girlfriend was biting her lower lip. Pepper always did that when she was anxious.
"I was thinking about what you said about meeting the girls and how we agreed to take things slow, without pressure..." She broke the silence, steering the conversation in a different direction.
"Have you changed your mind? About me meeting the twins?" the dark-haired man asked slowly, fearing the answer. They were doing so well, and he didn't want to ruin everything.
"Yes. I mean, no." Potts's response sounded a bit hesitant.
"You'll have to explain that better."
"I want you to meet the girls, but I want it to be without pressure. I thought about postponing it a bit, talking to them first, explaining in a way they would understand. I don't want to confuse them." She explained, expressing her concerns.
"Pep..." Tony began, but she interrupted him before he could continue.
"I know what you're going to say, and you don't have to. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I know how painful this time is for you, how much you avoid it, but it means a lot to the girls." Pepper spoke.
"Is this an invitation to spend Christmas with you?" The dark-haired man asked, surprised and touched by the offer. He couldn't say he was expecting this.
"Is it going to be another one of the countless invitations you'll refuse?" The redhead asked, a bit insecure about his response. "It's going to be your first Christmas together, and I know you'd like to be introduced as their father, but they're not ready for that yet. You can meet them and spend the day with them as 'Uncle Tony', just for now. It'll be a fun day, to enjoy the moment together, and if you want, you can join us."
"Are you sure? It seems like it's a program for the three of you, I don't want to intrude.", he expressed his concerns, trying to be respectful of their space.
"I never thought I'd see Tony Stark hesitant to spend time with three women." Pepper joked, trying to lighten the mood of the moment. She couldn't miss the opportunity.
They're not just any women. They're the three most important women in my life. Tony thought, surprised by the intensity of his own feelings, but he didn't say it out loud.
"You know that's not it.", instead he responded curtly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "I just don't want you to think I'm trying to invade your space. I was sincere when I said I would respect your time." The man tried to explain, worried about crossing boundaries.
"I know you were sincere, and I appreciate it very much, but as I said before, it's okay you spend the day with us tomorrow. I know asking you to be 'Uncle Tony' might be too much, and I'll understand if you don't want to come. I just thought it would be a nice moment for you all to enter each other's lives. No pressure, just the four of us and a bit of fun."
"Are you sure it's okay with you?"
"I am. In fact, my mom was supposed to take the girls, I kinda hijacked her plan for us." Potts laughed.
"Should I be worried about Sasha?" Tony joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Only if you don't stay for dinner." Pepper replied, joining in the banter.
"And what about you?" the dark-haired man asked.
"Let's see what happens tomorrow, okay?" she responded, maintaining a certain reserve about her own feelings.
"So, I'll see you guys tomorrow." Stark agreed, feeling a little lighter.
"Then, until tomorrow.", the redhead bid farewell.
"Goodnight, Pep."
"Goodnight, Tony."
But "goodnight" was far from what they had that night, thinking of each other for all the hours that followed. Mostly Pepper, because her mind refused to focus on anything other than Tony's lips on hers, his large hands roaming her body, the warmth their skins shared when they were together, the intoxicating scent that lingered in her pores. It was hard to focus on anything when she could almost feel his tongue teasing the key points of her body, when she heard his voice begging her to climax for him once more, when she saw in such detail the mischievous smile as he wiped his moist lips, saying how much he loved her taste. What a hell, just a single coffee and Anthony Stark was already toying with her most impure desires. Definitely, it would be a long journey.