Chapter 7
Tony, Stephen, and Peter were in the SHIELD tower, each locked in separate glass cubes under examination, except for Thor. They had just returned from an alien planet.
“Seriously, this is the treatment we get after saving the world?” Tony asked, annoyed.
“Tony, this is for our own good. We’re just making sure none of you are infected with any alien diseases. We’re sorry,” Bruce explained.
“Why is Thor an exception?” Tony asked.
“Because he’s an alien, and he's been in space before,” Bruce replied.
“How long is this going to take, Dr. Banner?” Stephen asked.
“It might take a day, Dr. Strange. Then you're free to go,” Bruce said.
“Alright, thanks,” Stephen responded.
“You’re thanking him for locking us in these boxes?” Tony asked.
“It’s for all of our good, Tony. Why are you acting childish?” Stephen asked.
“Because I was stuck on a ship without seeing the real world, and the last thing I want is to end up in this cube,” Tony said, annoyed.
“Tony, it’s just a matter of a couple of hours. I know you want to see Pepper, but please co-operate with us,” Steve said.
Tony noticed the disappointment on Stephen’s face.
“It’s not that…” Tony started, but stopped, unsure how to articulate his feelings.
“Two more tests, and then you’re good to go,” Bruce said.
“Alright,” Tony sighed, rolling his eyes as he sat in the corner of the glass room.
Bruce, Steve, and the other doctors left the room.
“Stephen?” Tony called.
“Yeah?”
“You know I love you, right?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, I know,” Stephen said, smiling.
“You love Doctor Strange?” Peter asked, surprised.
“Oh, crap. I forgot he was here,” Tony groaned.
“Peter, it’s… we’re…” Stephen stammered.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m happy for you. I was actually hoping for this for a long time,” Peter said.
“You were?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, you two are cute together,” Peter said.
The adults blushed at that.
A couple of hours later, Bruce returned.
“Tony, Dr. Strange, and Peter, you're good to go. The tests show you're perfectly fine,” Bruce said.
“No world-ending alien viruses in our blood?” Tony asked, scoffing.
“No, you’re all clear,” Bruce said, rolling his eyes.
The glass doors opened, and the trio stepped out.
“Tony, Pepper is here to see you,” Steve said, smiling.
“Oh, I want to see her too,” Tony said, glancing at Stephen.
“Okay, come with me,” Steve said.
Tony walked with Steve, and Stephen and Peter followed. Outside, Pepper was waiting with Natasha. When she saw Tony, she quickly walked toward him and hugged him.
“Tony, are you okay?” she asked, cupping his face.
“Yes, I am,” Tony said.
“I was so scared,” Pepper said, tears slipping down her cheeks.
“I’m sorry,” Tony said softly.
Pepper interrupted him by kissing him deeply. Tony couldn’t refuse; after all, she was his fiancée. Pepper pulled away, smiling.
“I missed you so much,” Pepper said.
“I missed you too,” Tony replied.
“Come home, I have something to tell you,” Pepper said.
“Uh, yeah! I have something to tell you too,” Tony said, unsure.
“Okay, can we go home?” Pepper asked.
“Yeah, give me a minute,” Tony said, turning to walk toward Stephen and Peter. Tony could see that Stephen was hurt.
“Stephen, I’ll come for you,” Tony said quietly.
“Not needed, Stark. Go home with your fiancée,” Stephen said, forcing a smile.
“Bye, Peter. You can find me at the Sanctum,” Stephen said to Peter before making a portal and leaving.
“Stephen, wait!” Tony called, but he was already gone.
Peter stood there awkwardly.
“Can I go home, Mr. Stark?” Peter asked.
“Yeah, kid. See you later,” Tony said.
Tony walked with Pepper toward the car, where Happy was waiting outside.
“Hey, man, did you miss me?” Tony asked, smiling.
“Tony, stop scaring us, please,” Happy said, hugging him.
“I’m alright, I’m alright,” Tony chuckled.
“Come on, let’s go,” Pepper said.
Tony and Pepper got into the car. Pepper leaned into him, holding his hand, but Tony felt uneasy.
“Pep, I need to tell you something,” Tony said, pulling away slightly.
“Yeah?” Pepper asked.
“I know I promised no more surprises, but I was stuck in space for days. And when I was there…” Tony began, but Pepper placed a finger on his lips to stop him.
“Tony, I don’t want to hear about space. I know you regret being Iron Man again, but it’s okay. I forgive you. And I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you hear what I have to tell you,” Pepper said, smiling.
Pepper was wrong. He didn’t regret being Iron Man. It was his responsibility to save the world, and he wasn’t going to stop, no matter what she said.
They reached their private floor in the tower.
“It’s good to have you home, Tony,” Pepper said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“It’s good to be back,” Tony replied.
Pepper leaned in to kiss him, but Tony pulled away.
“Uh, Pep, what did you want to tell me?” Tony asked.
“You were right,” Pepper said, smiling.
“About what?” Tony asked, confused.
“About your dream. We’re expecting,” Pepper said, grinning.
“What? You mean… you’re…?” Tony stammered.
“Yes, I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby,” Pepper said.
Tony was in shock but also overjoyed. Yet, he felt conflicted about their relationship. Still, the thought of having a child filled him with happiness, just like Stephen had predicted—Morgan.
Pepper noticed his confused expression.
“Tony, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?” she asked.
“Yes, I am. I’m so happy,” Tony said.
Pepper smiled at that.
“You said you had something to tell me?” Pepper asked.
“It’s… nothing,” Tony said.
He couldn’t end their relationship now that she was carrying his child. He couldn’t ruin her happiness. So, Tony hugged her tightly and stayed there.
Meanwhile, Stephen portalled back to the Sanctum. Wong greeted him with concern.
“Stephen, are you alright?” Wong asked.
“Yes, I just need to be alone for a while,” Stephen replied.
His eyes were teary.
“What happened? You look upset,” Wong asked.
“Nothing. I just need some rest,” Stephen said, heading to his room.
Once inside, he couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. He realized how foolish he had been to think he could have Tony while Pepper was still alive. Tony would never be his, not in this universe, nor in any other.
Stephen lay on his bed, hoping he could forget Tony—not just in this universe, but in every universe.