Chapter 10
Tony spent the whole night in his lab. He didn’t want to go to Pepper and start another argument, so he kept working without resting. Feeling exhausted, he decided to get some coffee. On his way, he saw Pepper, all dressed up.
“Pep, where are you going?” Tony asked, confused.
“Of course, you wouldn’t remember. Today is my doctor’s appointment,” Pepper said, scoffing.
“Oh, shit! Wait, I’ll get ready in a minute,” Tony said.
“No, thanks. Rhodey will be here to take me. You don’t have to bother,” Pepper replied.
“Pep, why are you acting like this?” Tony asked, tired.
“Am I the one acting differently?” Pepper shot back.
“I… I’m sorry for snapping at you,” Tony apologized.
“Tony, you’re not telling me something. And that something is causing all our problems,” Pepper said.
“The thing is, I can’t change who I am. You want me to stop being Iron Man, but I can’t do it,” Tony snapped.
“Not even for our kid?” Pepper asked.
“Pepper, you and I started dating when I was already doing this. You knew I like living that life, so why are you trying to make me change now?” Tony asked.
“Because I don’t want to be a widow, and my kid can’t be fatherless. Do you even know how much stress I’ve been under these past few days? Have you even thought about me at all?” Pepper yelled.
“I was fighting an alien, trying not to die. I wasn’t even sure I’d make it back home. There wasn’t any time to think about you,” Tony snapped back.
Pepper bitterly chuckled. “I think I need a break from us. Every time we talk, it ends in an argument. I’m staying with Rhodey,” she said.
“For how long?” Tony asked.
“I don’t know.”
“What about our wedding?” Tony asked.
“Do you really think we’re in a place to get married? I don’t even know if I should be carrying this child right now,” Pepper said.
“Pep, no. You can’t...” Tony said, worried, walking toward her.
“I know, I won’t do it. Because when you were lost in space, this baby kept me going. It gave me hope,” Pepper said, her eyes teary.
“Pep, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I don’t think I can make you happy anymore,” Tony said, holding her face.
“I can feel that. Everything is different now between us. Maybe we both need time to figure it out,” Pepper said softly, kissing his cheek.
Tony felt his own eyes well up. He had hurt Pepper. It felt like he had cheated on her with Stephen, but the worst part was, Tony didn’t feel guilty about it.
Peter was sleeping in the Sanctum. He was so tired, he didn’t even know how long he had been asleep.
“Oh, shit! May must be worried,” Peter said, sitting up quickly. He panicked, looking for his phone.
“Don’t worry, I informed your aunt that you’re here,” Stephen said, walking in.
“Oh, thanks, Doctor Strange. Was she mad?” Peter asked.
“Mmm, kind of. She yelled at me throughout the call,” Stephen said.
“Oh, I’m sorry. She must’ve been worried,” Peter said sheepishly.
“That’s alright. I’ve heard worse. Come and have breakfast,” Stephen said.
“No, it’s fine. I should get home,” Peter replied.
“You didn’t eat anything last night. You need some food. Come with me,” Stephen insisted.
“Okay,” Peter agreed, following him to the dining table. He sat while Stephen served the food.
“I never thought you’d cook in this place,” Peter said.
“We’re human, Peter,” Stephen said with a smile.
“Oh, yeah,” Peter said and started eating. “Oh man, this is so good! You made this?” Peter asked, impressed.
“Yes,” Stephen said.
“You’re really good at it, Doctor Strange,” Peter said with his mouth full.
“Thank you. But stop calling me Doctor Strange. After all we’ve been through,” Stephen said.
“Okay, Stephen,” Peter replied.
“It’s weird, but I’ll allow it,” Stephen said.
“You and Mr. Stark are good, right?” Peter asked.
“No, we’re not, Peter. You shouldn’t tell anyone about me and Tony. It’s a closed chapter,” Stephen said.
“But why? Mr. Stark likes you. I’ve seen how good you two were together,” Peter said.
“Peter, it was just... I don’t know how to explain it,” Stephen said.
“No, I know Mr. Stark very well. He cares about you. I know you care about him too. So, what’s the problem?” Peter asked.
“Peter, we don’t need to talk about this now,” Stephen said.
“Okay, sorry. I think I should go,” Peter said.
“You can call me whenever you need me,” Stephen said.
“Sure, thanks,” Peter replied and left the Sanctum.
Peter knew Tony would be upset, so he decided to check on him. He walked to the tower.
“Welcome, Peter,” Friday greeted.
“Thanks, Fri. Where’s Mr. Stark?” Peter asked.
“Boss is in the lab. You can go in there,” Friday informed.
“Okay,” Peter said, heading to the lab. He found Tony working on something.
“Mr. Stark, are you busy?” Peter asked.
“Hey, Peter. What’s up? You alright?” Tony asked.
“Yes, I just wanted to check on you,” Peter said.
“I’m alright. Just killing time,” Tony said.
“Where’s Miss Potts?” Peter asked.
“Ah… she left me, with my baby growing inside her,” Tony said, trying to make it sound casual, but his voice cracked.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Stark,” Peter said.
“You don’t have to be. Pepper’s right,” Tony said, his sadness clear.
Peter noticed how upset Tony was.
“Mr. Stark, I was thinking about an idea I wanted to share with you. Do you want to hear it?” Peter asked.
“Sure, spill it,” Tony said.
Peter started explaining his idea, and Tony listened intently. The boy was really intelligent. Tony was certain Peter could be his next great hire.