Chapter 6
She quickly lost track of the days, and watched helplessly every time he closed his eyes to drift off to sleep again, afraid today would be the day he wouldn't open them again.
"You promised, Neb, you promised I'd get home, and I promised you a smile, remember? They'll find us."
Finally, on the morning she had given up all hope, she saw the light of another ship, and she cleared her throat to speak into the radio that she wasn't even sure was working. "Identify yourself, we are unarmed, and need medical assistance."
A strong, soft voice responded. "Is Tony Stark on board with you?"
Nebula nodded until she remembered she needed to speak. "Yes, he's on board, and he needs oxygen, he's dehydrated -"
"He's alive?"
"Yes, he's alive. May I ask your name? Please?"
"Pepper Potts. I'm his -"
"Pepper?"
"Yes."
She leaned down and whispered into Tony's hair, "Tony, Pepper's here, you're going home, just like I promised, just hold on a little while longer."
"We're going home, Neb." He managed as he touched her face then slowly sat up. "We're going home, Nebula."
"What is your name?" Pepper's voice came through the speakers and tears rolled down Tony's cheeks.
"I'm Nebula."
"Nebula? Is there, anyone else with you?" Pepper asked quietly.
"No. We were the only two -"
"It's okay, we are going to dock now, and bring you on board. Thank you, Nebula."
"I think I should be thanking you?"
"Right." She could hear the music in Pepper's voice and as she looked down at Tony, she saw the light return to the dark brown eyes. "Be right there, Tony."
Ten minutes later Nebula pressed the button that opened the lock and she gazed up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. "He was right."
"About?" Pepper asked in a hush.
"Your eyes. You got his message."
Pepper nodded, then looked over her shoulder, and Nebula felt his arm curl around her as Tony leaned his weight against her, so he could stand. "Hey, Ms. Potts."
"Mr. Stark."
Nebula felt him falter as he tried to walk, and picked him up in her arms before he fell. "Neb. I can walk."
"Don't be ridiculous, Stark."
Pepper laughed and leaned down to press a kiss on Tony's forehead, then glanced up and smiled at Nebula. "I'm glad there's someone else in the universe who can make him see sense. Ready to go home?"
Tony looked up at Nebula and grinned, then nodded at Pepper. "Yes, Ms. Potts, we're ready to go home."