Chapter 13
Tony was scared that he had ruined his friendship with Pepper and would never get to see his child. But then he got a call from her. Tony didn’t hesitate; he answered quickly.
“Hey, Pep.”
“Tony, can we meet today?” Pepper asked.
“Yes, sure. I’ll come to Rhodey’s,” Tony said.
“Yeah, okay,” Pepper replied.
Tony didn’t waste a second and headed straight over to see her. When he arrived, he saw Pepper and Rhodey sitting on the couch. Tony walked towards them.
“Hey, Tony. You two talk. I have somewhere to go,” Rhodey said, getting up and leaving.
Tony sat down next to Pepper. “Pep, what do you want to tell me?” he asked.
“You’re right, Tony. We’re great as friends, but we would never work as a couple. It’s best for our child if we end things here,” Pepper said.
“Pep, I’m sorry. I know I hurt you,” Tony said, grabbing her hands.
“Yes, you did. But in a way, it’s good we figured it out now, before it’s too late,” Pepper replied.
“Pep, I still want you as my friend, and our kid needs both of us,” Tony said.
“Yes, she’ll have both her parents. And, Tony, I want you in my life—as my friend,” Pepper said.
“Thank you so much,” Tony replied, hugging her, feeling tears welling up in his eyes.
“Now go talk to your wizard. I think you two will work out,” Pepper said with a smile.
Tony chuckled. “Bye, Pep. Call me whenever you need me.”
Pepper nodded. Tony kissed her cheek and got into his car.
“Haps, take me to the Sanctum,” Tony said.
“Okay,” Happy replied and started the car.
Tony was overjoyed that Pepper didn’t hate him. Now he could have a life with Stephen, without regrets. When they arrived at the Sanctum, Tony rushed inside, where Wong was standing.
“Stark, what are you doing here?” Wong asked, confused.
“Where’s Stephen? I need to see him,” Tony asked eagerly.
“Stephen is in the library. Why do you want to…?”
“Please, just show me the way,” Tony interrupted.
The Cloak of Levitation gently tugged Tony’s uninjured hand, leading him to the library.
Stephen was sitting on a chair, reading. He looked up, surprised to see Tony.
“Tony, why are you here?” Stephen asked.
Tony walked over, cupped Stephen’s chin with one hand, and kissed him. Stephen pulled back, startled.
“What’s going on, Tony?” Stephen asked.
“Steph, will you go on a date with me?” Tony asked, smiling.
“Really?” Stephen asked, surprised.
“Yes.”
“I would love to go on a date with you,” Stephen replied, his eyes glassy with emotion.
“I love you,” Tony said, and he kissed Stephen again.
Stephen hugged him tightly, returning the kiss, but accidentally pressed Tony’s injured shoulder.
“Ouch!” Tony winced, pulling back.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Stephen said.
“This is going to be a problem, isn’t it?” Tony laughed.
“Yeah, we should wait until your bandage is off,” Stephen said with a smile.
“Not fair,” Tony groaned.
“Now go home. I have work to do,” Stephen chuckled.
“All right. Come to the Tower once you’re done with your wizard things,” Tony said.
“Okay.”
Tony gave him one more kiss before heading out.
Wong was still standing where Tony had left him.
“Bye, Wong,” Tony said cheerfully as he walked out.
Wong went to the library.
“Why was he here, Stephen?” Wong asked.
“He came to ask me out,” Stephen said casually.
“And you said yes?” Wong asked.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure about this?” Wong asked.
“Of course I am. Why do you ask?” Stephen replied.
“You told me that you and Tony aren’t supposed to be together in this reality,” Wong said.
“Yes, but so what?” Stephen replied, frowning.
“You’re changing this reality. There might be consequences. You’ve already altered the chain of events by saving Stark from his destined death,” Wong said.
“The chain of events has already changed. If there were consequences, they would have happened by now,” Stephen said.
“I don’t know. But you should be careful,” Wong said, leaving Stephen deep in thought