Deshy-Alpha (IronMan) [mature content 18+ Rated M]

Tony nearly became sick himself, not because she was throwing up, but because he couldn't bare to see her like this. And he was crushed that they lost the baby, but he just pushed that aside the best he could, and hoped that she wouldn't blame herself for this. It was something that was out of either of their control. She had taken care of herself the weeks she had the baby, and he managed, or tried to, to keep her stress down to the bare minimum. Perhaps she was right, now wasn't time for them to have a child, and this was fates way of making it easier for everyone, including the baby. "Tony…" His head snapped around from watching the doctor leave. "Baby, I'm here" He said trying to get her attention but she just stared up at the ceiling, both of his hands on the side of the bed, ready in case she decided to roll off, being so damn close to the edge. "Babe, move over so you dont--" "I'm sorry.. don't…don't hate me" "Hate you? How could I hate you, Pepper?" He asked softly his tone pleading, his heart going out to her. He didn't stop her as she rolled away from him, in fact he was sort of glad she did, she wasn't hanging off the edge anymore. He sighed gently and rested his hand on her side, keeping it there even if she tried moving from it. She needed him right now and he was not going anywhere. "Don't"…"Just…I want to be alone" "I didn't walk here on my own with four cracked ribs and a collapsed lung to walk right back. I'm not going anywhere" He said quietly, stiffly leaning over and kissing her temple. No matter how much she tried to push him away it would be useless. "I'm not here to give you sympathy if you don't want it..I'm here because we both need each other," he whispered and his hand, free of IV's, combed through her hair on the back of her head. The room was eerily quiet, with just the machines beeping, and his oxygen pump whispering with each breath he took, which almost made him a little self conscious.
A couple of silent, excruciating hours passed and Tony caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye from the door. Looking up, the sight pained him. There was Rhodey peaking through the door, "Tony.." He lifted his head more and saw him sighing. No one was coming in here, it was just him and Pepper. That's it. He stiffly leaned over, "I'll be right outside sweetheart. Just a minute" He said quietly leaning down on his stronger leg and kissed her head before limping towards the door. Rhodey moving to help but stopped remembering how Tony didn't like it. Tony made the decision to go to them, Pepper didn't need the added stress. He wasn't going to let anyone in, no matter who they were. If they didn't have a PH.D there was no way anyone was coming through that door. Even if he had to drag himself across the floor to stop them. He was guarding her now, he felt like he had to protect her. When Tony walked out he gently let the door shut, the couple turning to him, "Jesus, Tony---" "Rhodes, why are you here, you should be on your honeymoon" Tony said quietly wincing when his oxygen huffed again; he hated the damn thing. "We-" "Screw the honeymoon, Tony. We rescheduled for tomorrow, there's a storm down there anyway…" Marie said through her tears, wanting to hug him or something, but held back seeing the state he was in. Rhodey could see that there was something else and the conversation was silent, but there was so much said. Tony dropped his head and Rhodey gasped, "She..she didn't" He breathed and Tony's head turned his eyes clamping shut holding the tears back. "About an hour and half ago.." He muttered and sniffled, angrily wiping his tear away. "What..what?" Marie asked not even believing this could get worse. Rhodey leaned over and whispered it in her ear and her hands clasped over her mouth with a quiet shriek. "Don't let anyone else know..the press doesn't need to get ahold of this.." Tony said almost with a growl, as if he didn't trust them not to say anything, but it was the hurt that laced it. "Just..look, please go enjoy your honeymoon..we'll…we'll be alright.You don't have to worry about us. I think we just need to be alone for a while" He said quietly ringing his hand on the pole of the cart. He glanced up at Rhodes and Marie before turning slowly again walking back to disappear into Pepper's dark room.

"I didn't walk here on my own with four cracked ribs and a collapsed lung to walk right back. I'm not going anywhere" She took a deep breath, he had a point but she still just didn't feel like having company. The tears just rolled down her cheeks, in a silent sob. going rigid all over when she felt him lean towards her. His lips pressing to her temple, just made her want to run and hide. It didn't feel right, nothing did. It was like everything inside of her had been switched of. Not even reacting the way she usualy would to his touch. "I'm not here to give you sympathy if you don't want it..I'm here because we both need each other," She sighed gently with a sniffle, wiping tenderly at her nose and just stayed laid on her side away from him. His hand running through her hair just didn't help really, it just made the tears fall in more abundance. Her tears staining the pillow, ever creating a growing damp patch. It took her sometime before they faded. A long time of Silence, with him just staying by her side. Through those hours, her mind was just blank, but occasionly she'd think of how their child may have looked. would they have had his chocolate brown locks, or her red hair, maybe a mix of the two. would they have had peircing blue eyes or dark brown orbs. Though this just made the tears well up inside of her again, causing a huge pain in her chest. Feeling the void of the life she had been carrying, just made her fall deeper and deeper into a depressed state of mind. She should have eaten whilst she was here, what if then this would all still be okay? They had both survied the car accident, which was a miracle. But then she'd gone and ruined that with her stubborness. She cried herself into a brief sleep, still laid in the fetal position, her arms hugging around herself, just trying to get the comfort she truely needed. She had no idea she was awake until his voice broke through the silence. "I'll be right outside sweetheart. Just a minute" This time she didn't tense up when he kissed her,she just lay there in silence still, feeling where her tears had dried upon her skin. Hearing the door close she slowly rolled onto her back, glancing up to the door, she could see Tony standing out there. "Jesus, Tony---" "Rhodes, why are you here, you should be on your honeymoon" She scrunched her eyes closed, laying her head right back onto the pillows, pinching at the bridge of her nose. Why was he here? Why..? He didn't need to worry about them, Tony was fine and so was she; for the most part. And now when she just wanted to be alone, they showed up. Her breathing quickened, making her heart rate rise, just a fraction. "We-" "Screw the honeymoon, Tony. We rescheduled for tomorrow, there's a storm down there anyway…" Pepper writhed as if she was in pain, though really through frustration. Now Marie was here, she wasn't ready to see her, not now, now for a while. All they'd do is try and make her feel better, tell her everything would be okay. But it wasn't okay. How could she take it if she got pregnant again? could she even get pregnant again? She had no idea if they knew she could hear them perfectly through the door. When they fell silent she hoped they had left or atleast they weren't coming in. "She..she didn't" she whimpered softly, great now they did know about it. The tears burned, a distant burn at the backs of her eyes. "About an hour and half ago.." her throat closed up and the tears fell again. "What..what?" The more they talked the more she just wanted to hide, for no one to see her in this state. "Don't let anyone else know..the press doesn't need to get ahold of this.." Now she wished she'd never told them, for then she wouldn't have to deal with them asking her if she was okay, if she ever went out again after this. She thought it may have been a good idea to let them in on it. But everything always became complicated. "Just..look, please go enjoy your honeymoon..we'll…we'll be alright.You don't have to worry about us. I think we just need to be alone for a while" When the door opened she freaked, shooting from the bed, almost tipping it over as she cowered in the cornor, curling into herself, rocking on her heels, muttering incoherently. She tried scampering away when the sluggish footsteps got closer to her, only she had no place to go, all she was doing was wasting energy and cornoring herself. Her pulse shot through the roof. She shook more violently whe the hand rested upon her shouler, her mumbles dropped to barely a whisper.

He sighed seeing her curl into a corner from the bed, she couldn't do this to herself, he was in no physical condition to lift her off the ground like he normally would. And it only made it harder on himself because thats what he couldn't do. "Pepper..sweetheart. Please get up" He begged softly, reaching his hand down, despite the pain on his left side he had no other option to take her by her elbow, gently of course, and pull her up. However she made herself a deadweight, making him groan hard in pain, "Pepper," He snapped lightly, "Come on just get back to bed" He said calming himself down so that his pain didn't speak for him. "For me.." He said quietly still pleading with her, and even though she didn't look at him, he felt her weight get lighter and he was able to lift her to her feet and she walked, while he hobbled back over to the bed. Again, the room fell into a deep silence, one that could kill him, and one that could decapitate someone if this damn oxygen tank kept up its little puff with each breath that Tony took. He moved closer to her, angling himself so he could lay, without pain, his head down on the mattress next to her, his hand in hers. Even if she tried pulling away, his hand never moved.
A few hours later, Rhodey and Marie had already left, and Doctor Snow was on her way down the hall with the director of the hospital. Both agreeing with the doctor patient confidentiality, it would be best to find a way for them to leave without being noticed or seen by the press. Also both agreeing that the two were clear to go home, and Tony would be off of his oxygen. The comforts of home more important than keeping them here, it was doing neither of them any good. Hearing the door knob turn Tony's head picked right up, like a guard dog hearing a single footstep. Seeing Snow walk in with some strange man behind her, Tony instantly went on the defensive. The elder man was wearing a suit, not a coat like the other doctors, his brown hair and brown eyes stared right into his own, and he was unsure of how he should be reacting right now. "Mr. Stark," Snow spoke quietly getting his attention from the director. "The board and I have decided, that since the accident has leaked to the media..we figured it would be best that we got you two out of here, as safely and quickly as possible before someone finds a way in..we've had it happen before. We don't need it happening here" She said looking from Pepper to Tony. "So you had to bring this guy in too?" Tony growled nodding his head at him, "I'm here to escort you and Miss Potts from the building to a car waiting in my entrance. We contacted your driver. He should be here within a couple of hours, giving us ample time to get you both ready to leave" He said, his voice quiet as well. Everyone understanding the sensitivity of the situation, but neither sounding sympathetic, just more apathetic. Knowing that by the time they would get home, the sun would just be rising, giving them both the chance to leave under the cover of the late night hours. Tony sighed and nodded, "Alright..I'm..I can do that. What do you think sweetheart, you wanna go home?" He asked gently. Stroking her hand at her answer, he figured that it was what she wanted, and damn him if he was going to deny her request.
Tony was ready to leave just as Pepper was clear to go, although Tony's protectiveness did not show signs of letting up. Now it was his mission, his job to protect her from anything else, and every single danger that could possibly affect her. A nurse brought in their bag from Tony's room and knew what she was sent in to do. "I-Its alright I can do it. She'll probably want me to do it" Tony said standing, a little steadier on his feet now, however his right side was still very tender. Tony moved over to her as the nurse left Tony went through the bag, finding a pair of yoga pants, and for the life of him he couldn't find her shirt. However he found his sweatshirt. The director had given him a scrub shirt, so he was set and content with it. She was still laying down, which made it easy for him to slip her pants on, commando of course, Happy probably didn't feel too comfortable going through a woman's drawer. Tony had to do all of this still doped up on enough morphine to keep the pain at bay, and stay calm enough so he doesn't breathe too heavy with a damaged lung. He laid the hoodie out on the bed and tried sitting her up, but she was just a limp noodle. Nothing holding herself up, and he knew it was the depression, he's been through it before, feeling lethargic and droopy. "Please sweetheart, sit up" He whispered and tried to manage getting the shirt on her with an arm under hers. "The quicker this happens, the quicker we get home" He said softly managing after a couple of tries to get the hoodie on, to finally get her in it and to her feet. Keeping her on his left side, to save his ribs from further pain. Walking out of the room, a nurse came over with a chair and all of a sudden Pepper woke up and tried dealing him some of her old self. His arm went around her more, "Easy sweetheart," He said softly and looked back waving him off. "Come on, not much further" He said quietly doing his best to support her weight as they got to the car waiting in a place secluded away from any eyes, even security cameras. The Director waiting with Happy to help them into the Royce.
The drive was quiet, and he wasn't even sure if Happy knew about what happened with Pepper or not, but he wasn't about to voice it. Instead Tony just sat in the back with her, curled up in his good side, his cheek resting on her head. Still trying to wrap his head around the fact that they are going home with one less family member. God, that thought triggered him again and he took a deep breath that was cut short from a weak lung. He held her a little closer and looked out of the window, seeing the early morning light starting to light up the city and the cliffside as Happy drove towards the mansion. "Thanks again, Happy..for coming out so late" Tony said quietly and Happy looked back. "Not a problem, Tony.." He said with a gentle understanding smile before he looked back to the road and letting himself in the gates and up the drive. Tony saw the huge house looming on the cliff, it used to be his bachelor pad, and now it was caught between that, and the start of it becoming a home. Now it just felt like, well it did feel like home but now there was something that was missing. When happy stopped outside of their front door he made sure the two got in before turning to leave. Tony took in a breath, inhaling the smell of his home, replacing the stale hospital smell. Watching Pepper hold her arm and sulk off towards the bedrooms he sighed. This was not going to be an easy time…for either of them. Tony locked and armed the house before he tackled the task of climbing the stairs, but not without huffing and puffing by the time he got up there. He just couldn't grasp what she must have been feeling..and he wasn't about to assume anything. It was always harder on the mother, he's noticed that, and the fact that her comment earlier about him hating her only made it hit him harder. He could never hate her for something like this. Never. Walking into the bedroom he saw her curled up in bed under the covers already. Without a sound or a word from him other than his shallow breaths he walked over to his side. "Jarv, shades" He said softly and large black panels came down over the windows, making the whole room fall dark. He stiffly got beneath the covers and moved over to her. "Babe," He whispered not sure if she was awake, seeing her blue eyes sparkle he moved in closer, his reactor shining through the scrubs, his arm moving under hers as he let her nestle into him just a little. "I love you Pepper" He said quietly rubbing her back.

Pepper lay snuggled into his side, her face buried into the pillow almost, just wanting this all to go away. At first she had been a little reluctant to go with him, but hearing that just leaning down to her caused him pain made her think twice upon that. But once she'd given up the fight he just pulled her to her feet and lead her to the bed. He was trying to help her in everyway possible, and knowing it was casuing him pain when he moved, she was more forthcoming. She had to admit, she hadn't wanted him to touch her at first, but now he was there at her side and he wasn't actually leaving her, it felt right to be with him. Having him there just helped her mind to clear from all that foggy darkness, though it didn't clear fully, just enough to see him through it. Laying there with him, still not being able to say much, she soon drifted into a light sleep. Even in her dream world it was a void of thick black fog, nothing was clear and she was just stumbling around lost in the midst of it all. But atleast she was resting, her body still needed to heal itself.
A few hours past and still she'd said nothing to him; well mainly because she had been asleep for the most of it. Though she was slowly coming out of it now, starting to hear everything around her again. The sound of Tony using the oxygen, her heart rate monitor occasional beep and the sound of the door knob turning. She froze, not expecting that one, even feeling Tony pick up at that at her side. He was still there and knowing that just warmed a part of her icey depths she had fallen into. Feeling him tense just made her bury her head closer to him. "Mr. Stark," At hearing the voice she knew who it was, but still she didn't move from her spot, if Tony hadn't been there she may have flipped her lid again, just like when he'd come back in. "The board and I have decided, that since the accident has leaked to the media..we figured it would be best that we got you two out of here, as safely and quickly as possible before someone finds a way in..we've had it happen before. We don't need it happening here" Pepper's heart practically skipped a beat, the machine picking up on it, a tight feeling now encaptivated her chest. They knew... all of them out there and she sure as hell wasn't ready to talk to any press or media, or anyone for that matter; maybe except Tony, if she could even find her voice again. "So you had to bring this guy in too?" There was someone else there!? She shook gently, not enough for them to see, but he'd feel that now that she was tucked so close to him, the tears began to leak again, as if she hadn't cried enough already, surely there was a limit to how much one could cry before they dried up. But apparently not here. "I'm here to escort you and Miss Potts from the building to a car waiting in my entrance. We contacted your driver. He should be here within a couple of hours, giving us ample time to get you both ready to leave" NO! She wasn't walking out of here with some stranger escorting them, no. "Alright..I'm..I can do that. What do you think sweetheart, you wanna go home?" She took in a deep, shakey breath of air, the tears still rolling, so much that she'd had to bite on her fist just to stop the sobs from escaping. She nodded her head, unable to talk, though her mind was just shouting at him to get her out of this place. The sensation of his fingers running softly over her hand just helped ease up her tears and ragged breathing, slightly glad, for if she'd kept it up much longer she'd be the one needing the oxygen mask, just for getting herself worked up.
After having the machine removed she just lay there in the bed, staring up at the ceiling, not even sure what to do with herself. It was like she wasn't even in her body anymore. It seemed to move without her concent, like there was someone else inhabiting her, telling her limbs what to do. She heard the nurse walk in, but she didn't react this time, nor did she even blink, nada. "I-Its alright I can do it. She'll probably want me to do it" Do what? what was he talking about, couldn't they just leave already. She could hear him suffling around, the sound of a zipper being opened and then some more shuffling sounds. when his fingers touched her legs she jumped, making them twitch slightly, finally pulling her gaze free she looked down to him, with just the bare slightlest movement of her head. Seeing now that she wasn't even dressed, not even realizing she was in a hospital gown, not having any recolection of this happening. She didn't fight him on this, but didn't really make it easy for him to dress her either. So when he tried to get the top on her she was just jelly like, no backbone supporting her as he tried to sit her up, struggling almost with her. "Please sweetheart, sit up" she sighed gently, trying to atleast help him, but nothing was working right, it was just like someone had turned all her bones to rubber. "The quicker this happens, the quicker we get home" I'm trying, I am. She was, she just couldn't find how to work her body anymore, so when he had an arm under her, lifting her up she managed to find her arm and placing it on his shoulder she held herself up somewhat as he pulled the sweatshirt over her. Once it was on, he pulled her to her feet, though her ankles felt weak and she almost just fell to the floor like a puddle, But he saved her by just tugging her to his side and supporting her on his right, his unharmed side and she managed to wrap her arm around him, resting her fingers on his hip so not to put pressure on his ribs. She let him walk her from the room, kind of feeling bad for she could actually walk and he was limping with a bad lung. When the chair came over for her, she flipped. "Don't even think of touching me or putting me in that chair" she fumed feeling her heart race. "Easy sweetheart," she took in a deep breath as his arm went around her, she curled into him, resting her head on his shoulder. She finaly managed to find her legs as the more she walked with him supporting her the whole way. "Come on, not much further" at that she picked herself up just somewhat, just to ease of him, just a little. When they reached the car she froze up, the image of those lights flying at the car flashed across her mind. She stood back, watching as happy took the bags loading them into the car, along with this other person, she watched him closely, not really able to trust someone else. She hung back watching as Tony was just about to get into the car, though he froze, possibly having expected her to get in before him. Looking back he found her standing there. Just as this other guy walked over to her. "come on let's.." "Dont even touch me" she twitched away from him. "I just want to help you get into the car" he progressed on her and she just backed away, sending her into mild panic. "Leave me alone!" she squeak her voice not use to the sudden outburst. At that Tony was at her side, just trying to get her to calm down. His hand running over her arm helping her to slow her breathing somewhat. Without realizing it, he got her into the car, despite her slight hesitance of getting back into one. Trust Tony to be the one that got her into the car. Once in she didn't feel quite as scared, but it was still un-nerving to be back in one after the accident. She curled up into his side, her hands balled up, resting on his side, her head almost tucked under his arm, resting just low on his collar bone, his head rested upon hers. she barely even looked out the window, just buried her face into him, her eyes closed yet again. It was like she couldn't bare to face the world at hand, feeling as if it robbed her of something that could have been amazing, left bare a naked with a part of her missing. "Thanks again, Happy..for coming out so late"... "Not a problem, Tony.." She sighed gently, wiping at her face not even noticing once more the tears that fell, she barely even had control of that and it just kept hitting her in waves. the tears just rolled yet she felt nothing.
When the car stopped she was out of it, not even expecting herself to move so fast when she couldn't even feel her body anymore. But she did and she paused as she walked through the foyer, staring at there empty home; well it wasn't exactly empty, but the place was huge and open, so from being cooped up in a small hospital room it felt empty. At that she sighed gently, grapsing her arm by the elbow she slinked of into the bedroom, just wanting to curl up and never move from that place. she just got straight into bed, not even botheirng to change her clothes, or clean herself up a little. all that was beyond her right now, all the small stuff didn't matter, she just wanted to sleep, in her own bed. Fliping the covers up she just slid right into bed and curled up tight to herself, almost dissapearing under the duvet all together. It wasn't too much longer later when she heard his footsteps, she could tell it was him by the sound of his walk, it was a step and a drag, slow and lethergic too. Though she wouldn't expect anyone else to be here either. "Jarv, shades" she sighed gently and slowly uncurled from herself, just waiting for him to be next to her. She felt it when he got into the bed, by the dip of the matress, making her roll ever so slightly towards him."Babe," she looked up towards where he would be, the only light was coming from his reactor and that guided her gaze more towards him, at that he moved closer to her and she curled up to him. "I love you Pepper" her chest went tight and the tears began to fall again. She was weak to the emotions, being all over the place. Her tears not always those of sadness, or frustration. Sometimes it was just becasue he was there and he cared for her so much it made her cry, because she loved him. she sniffled gently then wiped at her eyes, the lump in her throat gone and she managed to find herself for the first time since being in the hospital. "I.." she swollowed just trying to find her voice. "I ordered you a new car, if its not already here, it should be tomorow sometime" She sucked in a breath, finding that talking just used too much energy, especially when she had barely eaten for a few days now. She dropped her head to his shoulder, curling in tight to him, but not holding onto him, though she desperatly wanted to, she just couldn't hurt him anymore than this already was. She felt bad for doing this to him. "You shouldn't love me" she spoke softly. "I made it happen" she sighed and rolled onto her stomache, burying her face into the pillows and just lay there. Soon she'd fall asleep, already feling the pull on her.
She woke sometime during the night.. or was it day time, she didn't really know what the time was, or what the day was. But she woke up and Tony was still fast asleep, both of them pretty much curl around each other, not having moved much at all. She managed to slip away from him un-noticed, or she hoped it was. Her throat was dry and the pang in her stomache was calling to her. Being at home she felt a little more able and free. So she walked into the kitchen a little slowly as she was weak from the lack of energy. So now she was trying to get back on track. Making to the kitchen, finding that the sun had rose, so it was some time during the day. Going to the cupbaord she took a glass though having to reach up for in on her toes, her fingers slipped, not quite having her full grip and strength, she dropped it, the glass bounced of the edge of the counter and hit the floor with a smash, breaking into many peices. Now she was stuck. Looking down, she could see the glass around her feet, luckily she was unharmed, but now she had no idea how to get out of this little problamatic situation. Would Tony here her if she shouted for him? Could she even manage to shout? If she had the strength in her, she'd pull herself up onto the counter top, but that was a no go and she was beginning to feel weaker with each passing moment. She glanced around herself, not really knowing what she could do in such a situation. Though there was one little thing she had forgotten. "Jarvis, you there?" She waited for a little while, glancing from side to side. "Yes Miss. Pott's, how can I help you?" She sighed gently, glad that someone was always around. "Wake Tony up for me" she half chuckled finding it slightly amusing, but also out of frustration. She had no idea if there was glass under foot and she wasn't about to risk that. In hearing the soft footsteps coming from behind she turned her head over her shoulder and just stood there, holding onto the counter, looking a little helpless.

"Poppycock" He smiled into her neck. "I should love you, I am loving you, I will never stop loving you. You didn't make that happen. It was out of our control" He said quietly letting her roll on her stomach he just rested a light hand over the small of her back. Rubbing it softly, and doing so long after she fell asleep, to sooth himself to sleep as well. His motion ceasing as he let sleep take him, however his hand still rested there. Falling into a deep dreamless sleep, Tony hadn't noticed that she had slipped away from him, however if he did, he would assume a bathroom trip. After all the bathrooms in the hospitals weren't always as great as the ones at home. That and the fact that she barely moved from the bed. No longer feeling a weight beneath his hand he turned over on his back, the pain numbed by sleep. Laying there for a while longer a voice broke through making him wake, in a way that made him groan sharply, "Sir, Miss Potts is requesting your presence in the kitchen" Tony sighed and waited a moment to let the pain pass before slowly pulling himself from the bed. Running a hand through his hair as he padded from his bedroom and down the stairs. Finding it easier to go down rather than to come back up. He was still trying to wake up completely, the lights burning his eyes as he walked into the kitchen. Seeing Pepper there looking helpless and worried he woke right up.
"Pep, you alright?" He asked and walked forward, something bumped into his toe he looked down seeing the glass all over the floor. Hearing her apologize he only smiled, she was taking this too seriously. He had enough glasses, despite what she told. It was only a glass, he looked up at her, "It's alright Pep, just stay there" he said with a smile going over, carefully, to the cabinet below the sink and bringing out the dust pan and broom. Able to pick up the larger shards of glass and sweeping up the rest before dumping them in the bin, having socks on he walked over, not too worried about the minute pieces he missed and reached up and got her another glass, but kept it. "Now, what can I get ya?" He asked with a smile walking her along the edge of the area that had the glass, using his socks to brush away any pieces he missed and letting her sit at the island. Going back to the fridge he pulled out what she wanted and poured her a glass, handing it over to her. "You sleep alright?" He asked as he walked across the room, swatting on the small robotic floor glider to clean the rest of the glass up. Stepping over it he grabbed a snack from the fridge and sat down next to her, sitting closer to her, just enough for her to feel his arm brushing against hers. He still wasn't exactly sure if she'd want the hugs and snuggles, he didn't want to stress her out in any way, especially after all of this. "You know, I thought I would only have one butterfingers in this house" He teased a little and gave her a kiss on the side of her head. "I won't tell anyone though" He smiled resting his head on her shoulder. "Your secret is safe with me."
Some time passed and he could see her falling asleep again, however the sun streamed through the windows, noon falling on them fast. He looked over and wrapped his arm around her, his thumb rubbing her side below her ribs. "Sweetheart, you wanna go back to bed?" He asked and let her fall against him and he chuckled. "I take that as a yes, and there is no arguing, you need your rest," He said and helped her down from her seat, taking her back upstairs. "You want me to bring you anything? A book, a movie, you name it. We're chilling out today. Now that we're both home, safe and somewhat sound" He said as another shot of pain hit him.

"Pep, you alright?" She sighed "Do I look alright?" she snapped, though took a deep breath and tried again. "I just... I just wanted a drink" She took a deep breath and dropped her gaze to the counter. "and I dropped the glass.. I'm sorry" She just couldn't do this, trying to do somehting so simple and it just went bad and when she wasn't feeling so great about herself anyway it just made her feel that much worse. "It's alright Pep, just stay there" "Yeah I'm not going anywhere just yet" She just stood holding onto the counter and watched him as he cleaned up the glass, hoping that this wasn't causing him more pain than he needed right now. when he walked over towards her her lips twitched with the slightest hint of a smile, the motion something alien to her right now. "Now, what can I get ya?" She placed her hand in his, letting him guide her safely over to the island. "Just water please" she spoked as she sat down. Taking the glass from him, almost feeling like she had a hangover, yet she hadn't touched a single drop. "You sleep alright?" She rested her head into her hands, she felt like she had slept enough, but now she felt tired again and rough. "As good as possible I guess" she sighed gently, just wanting to curl back up in bed with him. Glancing over at him as he sat down, her lips twitched, trying to smile, but nothing would really come to her. Starting to just feel like slamming a door on her head, just to feel something. "You know, I thought I would only have one butterfingers in this house" her lips finally complied, the cornors raising ever so slightly, sticking when he kissed the side of her head. "I won't tell anyone though" she placed her hand upon his leg and leaned closer to him. "Your secret is safe with me." She rested her head onto his, just glad to have him at her side.
Pepper stayed like that with him for sometime, sipping gently at her water. she was so relaxed around him that she soon found herself dirfting of to sleep again. When he wrapped an arm around her, his thumb running over her skin, she leaned a little closer to him. The feeling just making her dose of a little more. "Sweetheart, you wanna go back to bed?" She just fell against him and he seemed to take it as a sign. "I take that as a yes, and there is no arguing, you need your rest," She smiled gently, the motion coming a little more natural now. Letting him help her from the chair, she walked with him back to the bedroom. "You want me to bring you anything? A book, a movie, you name it. We're chilling out today. Now that we're both home, safe and somewhat sound" she paused and turned round to him, seeing the slight hint of pain in his face. Taking a step towards him she placed her hands either side of his face. "I just want you to get better" She leaned in and gave him a very tender kiss on the lips, but it felt odd to her, so she just dropped her gaze, her forehead leaning against his. Inhaling a deep breath, she began to cry, dropping down on the top step, of the short staircase towards their room. "I can't ... I can't do this" She buried her face into her hands. She shook gently as the sobs vibrated through her chest, catching in her throat. "No matter what I do, It's just not right. I can't even function properly" she removed one hand from her face, then looked up to him dropping the other away. When he took her hand, pulling her gently, she stood up, not wanting him to have to lean down to her incase it caused him some discomfort. Curling up to him, resting her forehead on his shoulder as she stood against him. She took in a deep breath just trying to center herself a little. Her arms wrapped around him. "I just want this to all just go away" His arms wrapped around her and it just made the tears flow stronger. She'd held back on them so much in the hospital, so now they just flowed and she couldn't get them to stop. He tried pushing her away, though she went limp against him, not wanting him to really see her like this. She was a mess and she hated it. His hand began running through her hair, the motion was a little relaxing, but a lump caught in her throat, making it hard for her to breath.

He smiled at her, his cheeks pushing against her hands that rested on his face, "I just want you to get better" He sighed and nodded just before she placed a tender kiss on his lips, and he kissed back just as softly. "Please, don't worry over me sweetheart." He said quietly as she leaned her forehead against his. Stopping at the stairs since she dropped down from the step he sighed opening his eyes to see tears rolling down her cheeks as she sat on the step. "I cant..I cant do this" His heart just kept breaking with each instance like this, and he did his best not to show it, and be strong for her. "Yes, you can stop telling yourself that" He said quietly trying to pry her hands, ever so gently, from her face. "No matter what I do, it's just not right. I cant even function properly" "Now who is around to see that? No one." He said quietly taking her hands as they fell from her face kneeling down in front of her, giving a gentle tug she stood and took her in his arms. "I just want this to all just go away" "I know sweetheart. I do too. But unfortunately this is just another hefty speed bump. I wish I knew what to say" He said quietly still holding her close despite her pushing away from him. He just knew that there were no words to make any of this better. There was just nothing but time that could even remotely heal these wounds. He pulled her head into him gently and ran his hand through her hair, smoothing her hair down in the back. He felt her body jolt ever so slightly and his hand moved down a path from the back of her head and down her back.
"Sshhh, you're alright sweetheart" He cooed whispering to her. "Please don't get yourself worked up again, it won't do you any good, but I'm here if you wanna let it out" He said softly leaning against the wall with her on him, rubbing her back waiting for her to calm down and relax just enough to take her back upstairs, just when Jarvis chimed in, making him jump. "Sir, the new Audi R eight spider had just arrived, and the delivery service is requesting entrance." Tony stood from the wall, Pepper still at his side. "Let em in" he said quietly. "Yes sir" The AI responded. Moving to walk away he felt her grip tighten on him. He should have known that she didn't want to be alone, "You sure you wanna come down with me?" He asked gently and wrapped an arm around her shoulders when she nodded, though it was so subtle he would have missed it. "Come on, we'll take the lift down, I cant do all those steps" He said and walked towards the lift, helping her in and riding it down to the workshop. Reaching over to the control panel just off the side of the lift he opened the garage door letting the delivery truck back down the ramp to unload the car. He swallowed hard, and it caught like a coconut in his throat when they backed it out. The headlights of the truck that hit him flashed over his eyes, the last thing he remembered before waking up from the coma. Not remembering much that Pepper had said, only about the baby. He had no recollection of her comment about the doctor that acted inappropriately towards her or anything at all. As the driver backed it into the line of cars, the driver of the truck came over and held out a clipboard for him to sign for the delivery. Exchanging no words he signed it and handed it over. Waving the two off he turned with Pepper, his back to the cars, the suits..his back to his life. He leaned down and kissed her temple tenderly, his life right in front of him now. All else meant little or nothing to him at this point.
Taking the lift back upstairs, even to the floor with the bedrooms. "I..I just wanna sleep today. We both need it" He said quietly walking with her, an arm still around her waist before resting it on the small of her back guiding her through the doorway first. His mind just felt like he had been sucked into a black hole, nothing made sense anymore, did he sign his name? Or did he just scribble it down? Was it the concussion making his thoughts all jumbled? What was going on? It wasn't supposed to end up like this. They were supposed to be a happy family. Oh, thats right, he's a Stark. And Starks never had a happy family. If there even was a family on the Stark's side. It never felt like it, but he wanted to stop that trend, but was this fate saying that he had no chance in doing so? Laying down in bed again he had the lights turned off once more, the shades still blocking out the light. Tuning over despite the pain he laid on his side and looked at her, his eyes melting into her blue oceans. Deep and vast, like the sea that whispered outside as it crashed against the rocks of the cliffs below. His hand came up to the side of her face, tracing up her jawline so she kept her eyes on him. His fingers massaging her scalp as they combed through her hair, pulling her head to his and angling her lips up he placed the most loving kiss to her lips that he could muster. Putting every drop of his love into it, it wasn't hungry, or lustful. Just pure love. Nothing but love…it was the one thing that kept him here, alive and ready to fight for her, and be her support. His chest fluttered feeling her lips move against his, his bottom lip dragging over her teeth, not even turning him on like it used to, he suppressed that for the time being. Now wasn't the time, especially after such an ordeal. When he pulled away his hand came back and brushed the bangs from her face softly. "I love you..with all my heart. All my soul…I love you Pepper Potts. Don't you ever forget that" He whispered looking her in her eyes.

"Sshhh, you're alright sweetheart" She took in a deap breath, just trying tocalm down a little. "Please don't get yourself worked up again, it won't do you any good, but I'm here if you wanna let it out" she sniffed wiping at her face, leaning right upon him as he stood against the wall. She was glad she had such a person as Tony, his gentle soothing motions upon her back helped her to gain her breath. she felt him jump when the voice came through the system, making her smile ever so gentle. "Sir, the new Audi R eight spider had just arrived, and the delivery service is requesting entrance." The way she was clutched into him, allowed her to be tugged along as he pushed away from the wall. "Let em in" She whimpered when he began to walk away from her, grabbing tighter to his arm, making him stop and turn back to her. Giving him her little puppy dog eyes, begging him not to leave her. "You sure you wanna come down with me?" She curled into him, her head upon his shoulder again, making nodding her head a little difficult. But he felt it nonetheless. "Come on, we'll take the lift down, I cant do all those steps" Possibly a good idea, she didn't need him collapsing on her now. They were a right pair, she was the messed up emotionly broken soul, and he was pysically hurt, though he possibly wasn't takeing this all on board either. But he wasn't showing that as much and that kind of worried her a little. The last time he'd kept things from her, hadn't really been that great of an experience. She linked her hand through with his, entwining her fingers with his as he guided her towards the lift, walking just as slow as he, not finding it an issue at all. She'd wiped at her face once they were in the lift together, just trying to hide the fact she just bawled her eyes out. Even if she looked a little haggered and ill, most people probably knew by now what had happened. Leaning upon his better side as they rode the lift down together. Her heart beat a little more franticaly when the doors pinged and then opened, getting nervous for god know what reason. Maybe it was seeing the car again, maybe it was just seeing other people that weren't Tony, to scared to really even go through this. But she didn't want to be left alone. so she'd rather go through a little uncomfortableness than the lonely feeling. She walked behind him, her hand in his as he walked from the lift, feeling a little nervous still, but atleast she had the one thing in her life that mattered right infront of her. So she just kept her eyes trained upon his back as he sorted this out, signing something, even taking the clipboard from the guy. That he never did ever, now she knew that he had a lot more on his mind than he was letting up. When he turned back to her her eye's locked with his and a very feint smile appeared upon her saddened mask. His lips pressing to her temple made it grow ever so slightly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, his arm wrapped around her as they moved back to the lift.
"I..I just wanna sleep today. We both need it" she turned to him with that gentle smile, most would just see it as a fake smile, but it held so much more emotion than that. She didn't say anything,not even sure what to say. Her actions basically spoke for her, letting him guide her into the bedroom from the lift. Before climbing into bed with him she removed her clothing, just stripping down to her underwear, not having realised she had slept in them or remembering getting dressed. Nothing stuck in her mind anymore, apart from one thing. She carefully and silently; pulling the covers back, slipped under the covers and move right into the middle of the bed meeting Tony there at the same time, curling up against his side. Letting out her breath. Running her fingers feather lightly over his side as he just stared right down into her eye's. His hand running along her jaw and through her hair, everything just washed away in that moment. Just the two of them suspended in the darkness. when he tilted her head up to him her heart began to flutter wildly. His lips pressing to hers so soft and caring, a kiss she'd never shared with him like this before. But she froze up in the moment, not even sure she could go through this again. Most other times they shared this kind of kiss it led further, she wasn't ready for that, she felt robbed, making her uncomfotable in herself. But his kiss didn't speak those words, just pure love and affection for her. Her heart finally let go of all that pain, a strong flutter of hope rush through her and she finally responded to him, her hands reaching round the back of his neck, even finding the strength to hold herself up to him. she caught his lip with her teeth and it brought a smile to her face. she half expected him to explode at that, but nothing. It didn't bother her like it would have done before so, just glad to be able to share such a kiss without anything more to it. When his hand wiped gently over her forehead, pushing her bangs away, she ust smiledd happily up to him. "I love you..with all my heart. All my soul…I love you Pepper Potts. Don't you ever forget that" She sighed in content, pretty much all but forgotten about everything. If he was just doing it to distract her, it worked, tenfold. For now her mind was purely on him. Sitting up slightly, linking her fingers round the back of his neck, feeling how long his hair had gotten, playing with the curls on the back of his neck, She kissed him tenderly. Then let him lay back into the pillows, dropping a hand from him it went straight to her chest, reaching for the pendant that hung around her neck. Only coming up bare. She began to freak out. If she lost it, she wouldn't even be able to live with herself. She felt him tense up as she freaked out a little, his hand coming down to hers just above her clevage, right where the pendant would sit. Scrunching her eyes closed she sucked in a breath just trying to keep herself from freaking out. "Tony... wh..where's my pendant... " her chest wavered as she tried to catch her breath. Just as she went to move away from him, his hand ran through her hair, making her glanced up to him, her eyes glistened with the tears that threatened. His lips brushed over her forehead and she managed to calm herself, mainly because of him and the way he was being with her. When he told her he had it, a slight chuckle in his tone, she relaxed and just curled up to him burying her face into his shoulder, feeling a little out of it and slightly embarrassed for freaking out like she did. she yawned wide and snuggled up to him. "Pepper sleepy" she spoke softly with a gentle smile, tucking her hands up between them soon she drifted of into a light sleep. At that moment she knew that from here everthing could just get better, as long as he was always there at her side, everything seemed brighter.

****

About a week and a half passed since their accident and a few days less since she'd had the miscarriage. She was doing so much better in herself, a lot more happier. Tony had healed, though he still had a few minor issues with his lung. Just the odd sharp pain every once in a while if he moved to suddenly. Everyday that past the both of them recovered more and more, maybe just due to the fact that they just had each other there to care and love the other. she leaned across the island a mug of coffee in her hands as she stared lovingly into his eyes. "So got any plans for today" She asked casually, kissing him over the counter, then sipped at her coffee as she sat back on her foot upon the stool. Watching him all the while, even as he moved from the chair, half expecting him to just head down into the garage, but instead he moved to her side. She smiled , placing her hands upon his hips as she looked up to him. Her expression was full of mischeivousness, her smile crooked as she chewed on her bottom lip, staring up to him with a burning passion. She'd nether thought her love for him could grow, but since their accident and how much time they'd just spent alone, it had strenghtened between them. Her hands went around the back of his neck as he moved down to her, pushing herself up from the seat using the spell on the stool, the small bar between the legs. Meeting him before he could even reach down fully, pressing her lips to his with a slight chuckle. She was feeling rather good about herself now, but she would still have the odd moment when she'd feel like total shit, but he always turned that around for her, just being his comical and loving self. She practically purred against his lips when it broke, smiling, still leaned into him. "hmm maybe another day at home" her tone was playful and she kissed him a few times long the jaw, feeling his lips twitch up into a smile, she pulled him down to her on the chair and just planted one on him with his head cupped in her hands. "I love you... soooo much it's almost a crime" she chuckled then kissed him, just a peck on his lips again. Really not being able to keep her hands of the temptation.

"Tony…wh…where's my pendant…?" Tony chuckled and pulled her closer to him before she pulled away, his hand going through her hair to calm her down placing a feather light kiss to her forehead, "I have it sweetheart. They gave it to me before we left." He mused softly and rubbed her back to calm her that little bit more. Allowing her to snuggle into him he relaxed his body and tangled his legs with hers just a little, it was more like resting his knee on hers but any contact right now helped. "Pepper sleepy" He barked a quiet laugh and shook his head, "Then Pepper should sleep" He mused and kissed the crown of her head as she tucked it under his. "I love you, angel" He whispered and played with the ends of her hair until he fell asleep.

*****
As the time passed both he and Pepper began to heal, both physically and..well she healed more emotionally and mentally than he did, but that was only due to his PTSD. He never handled traumas very well as it was, and to have a car accident like that pile onto his extended stay in Afghan it was just hard to process it all, not to mention what had happened to Pepper and the baby. Looking up from his tablet he saw Pepper looking at him with the everlasting love in her eyes, and his reflected it right back to her. "So got any plans today?" Just before he answered her lips were on his, and he kissed back. "Hmm, well. Now that you ask me that way." He teased and stood moving to her side, his arms coming around her sides as she lifted hers to his. "I actually did have a little day for us planned, something nice. Say, a nice guy asking his favorite girl on a date. Have a walk on the boardwalk, said 'nice guy' would buy you an ice cream cone after a dinner by the ocean." He smiled and leaned down giving her a kiss just as she met his lips. "But I can tell what you have on your mind missy" He laughed and gently let her off, "Hmm maybe another day at home" "I can live with that" He smiled and chuckled as she kissed his jaw, the poor girl trying so hard to get him in the mood. But he knew and she would come to know too that neither of them really wanted that to happen just yet. However the kisses and the last kiss on the lips was incredibly irresistible. "I love you..soooo much its almost a crime" "Oh, well you were always my little partner in crime weren't you?" He smiled into the peck. "But come on, we have a nice day ahead of us, and going in PJ's is not part of the plan" He smiled.
When he was up in the bedroom with her, he brought out a box. Thankfully she was still in her underwear, she'd certainly fuss if she was already dressed and he gave this to her. "I have something for you" He said with a smile holding up a box just a size bigger than one of her shoe boxes. "Its nothing extravagant, just simple pleasures." He smiled setting it down in front of her, "You'll probably need it for today if you want." He said sitting next to it waiting for her to open it. Nervously waiting for her reaction to it. Inside was a pair of shoes and folded on top was a summer dress, then nestled on top was her pendant, all polished and sparkling. "I would say its a six month anniversary gift but that sounds a little tacky so here is a just because gift" He smiled, sitting up he took the pendent from the box and put it on her just like he did the first time. Lifting her hair from under the chain he kissed her shoulder. "You're everything I would ever need and more" He whispered resting his hands on her shoulders. "Actually now that I think about it, those heels and sand probably wont mix very well..so we could take a moonlit walk on the beach if you'd like instead, and walk the boardwalk during the day" he suggested resting his head on her shoulder by her neck. "Up to you though, this is your day" He added kissing the side of her face.

"Oh, well you were always my little partner in crime weren't you?" Pepper's lips twitched upwards into a cocky grin. "Oh I certainly have and more" she teased as she leaned towards him her hand resting over his reactor, pecking him briefly upon the lips, still bareing that same smile. "But come on, we have a nice day ahead of us, and going in PJ's is not part of the plan" She sulked slightly, her bottom lip sticking out as she groaned in protest. Dropping all her weight forwards so she plope against him in slight dissapointment. "Fine" she grumbled then picking herself up reluctanly, making all her limbs heavy she dragged herself into the bedroom.
Once in the bedroom she slinked round a little then pulled of her trackpants and T-shirt, pulling on some underwear then flopped face down onto the bed. she wasn't really up for going out in public, not so soon after all this, it'd barely been in the media long enough for it all to clear, having no intentions of even speaking to any public or press. she groaned into the quilt, locking her hands over the back of her head when she felt a lingering presence over her. "I have something for you" Her gut feeling was right,for as she rolled over he was standing at the edge of the bed looking down to her with a huge grin plastered across his face. Looking upto him as she swung herself round to sit up, with her feet of the bed, she raised an eyebrow at him. "Its nothing extravagant, just simple pleasures." still giving him the confused expression she picked up the box once he'd set it down. Pausing though, before opening it. "You'll probably need it for today if you want." she sighed gently, averting her gaze back to the box and gently to thelid away. A slight smile grew on her face when she saw the pendant, glad to be having it back, she felt odd without it. before she could really do much, he was at her side. "I would say its a six month anniversary gift but that sounds a little tacky so here is a just because gift" She gave him a gentle smile as he moved, taking the pendant and placed it back to the place it belonged - around her neck. When he kissed her shoulder, she dropper her gaze, a careful smile on her face as her head was turned towards him. "You're everything I would ever need and more" she took in a deep breath just trying to hold back all those feelings rageing inside of her. The more he touched her, the more it sent them crazy. "Actually now that I think about it, those heels and sand probably wont mix very well..so we could take a moonlit walk on the beach if you'd like instead, and walk the boardwalk during the day" She looked at him then with furrowed brows, "How does that make a difference? The sand is still going to be there in the moonlight" she chuckled and leaned in to pecl him on the cheek. His head came to rest upon her shoulder and she smiled gently, he was acting funny. "Up to you though, this is your day" almost like he was hiding something. That almost made her snap, but she held that back, just for the time being. Instead she moved round to place herself into his lap, linking her hands around the back of his neck. "You know we could go for the walk later" she suggested with a one shoulder shrug. One hand having dropped to his reactor, her finger running circles over it, her attention pretty much dropped to it. "I dont now if i'm that ready to face the public" she spoke against him lips as she pushed closer to him, so he had to look up to see her, but also not having much choice in that from her sheer closeness to him. she sighed, her whole body just let go a little, putting more weight into his lap. "Though I would love to wear those shoes" she grined with a little something in mind, her hand going again to the reactor, her finger running circles over the edge once more.
Sliding from his lap after kissing him quite briefly, she took her shoes from the box, ignoring the dress completely, even so that the box fell from the bed and she didn't really care for it. Instead she just pulled on her cute new heels, admiring them in her unerwear then pulled on a cute little black dress with tiny sleeves and a shape hugging form,really making her hips stand out and her waist seem so tiny. She headed back to the bed with a clutch in her hands and flopped backwards onto the bed, upon the opposite side to him, letting out a rather loud sigh.

Watching the box fall he squared his jaw, there was always something. And it drove him crazy. Whether it was the tension from their life crisis or something else he felt his temper start to climb from the deepest part of him. No. Tony. Now isn't the time to fight her. Don't you dare fight her. He took a deep breath and counted down from ten in his head until he no longer felt like hurling something across the room. Snatching the box up and the dress he thanked his stars that he kept the receipt, whats the use of having something that goes unappreciated, to the point where she'll just leave it lying around. Seriously, what was the point? Getting up as she flopped down he disappeared into the closet, leaving the box behind on the dresser as he passed it.
Emerging again, dressed to leave he looked over and still found her laying down, Tony count to ten, leave her alone He let out a long quiet breath, collecting himself. "You ready to go?" He asked extending his hand down to her. "You look great by the way" He complimented as he gently helped her up to her feet. "I do like that on you" He added truthfully as he lead her from the bedroom towards the front door of the house. Stopping just as they reached the door, "Don't be scared of the press or the public..we disappeared for a while, it's fizzled out. And if anyone asks we ignore them." He assured her, taking her hands in his. "You can do this, we can do this" He said quietly. Now every fiber of him was calm and collected, and his temper had left him. "If you wanna come home just say the word. I just think some fresh air would help us both" He walked her out to the car and helped her in on her side.
Driving off to the first part of the day, he had parked in a valet lot just off of the boardwalk, the boards going down the more quiet side of the town, and that was the direction he led her. He himself not ready for the crowds of the piers and shops. All that was there for them to hear was the few people passing on the boardwalk, and the crashing waves behind the sand dunes. Their destination at the small pier at the end overlooking the bay, it was a place that Tony had been to a few times, but rarely Pepper joined him, he'd always go with her into the city and have dinner. This to him was a nice break. It was private, and quiet; something they both needed. His hand gravitated around her waist and he walked with her, his hand shoved into his pocket, fiddling with the keys. "I'm not gonna lie…I'm still a little anxious about being out here like this. Well not like this you know, with you. Just after everything, I'm still trying to cope a little" He admitted softly, with a shyness that resembled a child admitting the truth to his parents about a little fib he told. "What about you? You feeling alright?" He asked more concerned for her wellbeing than his own.

"You ready to go?" hearing his voice she sat up, smiling gently towards him when she saw what he was wearing. Though she hadn't really wanted to go out, She was still looking forward to it, more just worried about what people might start saying to them. Not sure if she - or him, could take it. She felt better, yes, but did that mean she'd actually healed. She took his outstretched hand with a cetain confidence, "You look great by the way" She smiled flashing her pearly whites at him. "I can say te same about you too" Pulling herself up she leaned against him. "I do like that on you" Her smile widened though slightly out of embarrassment in a way, her cheeks blushed slightly through the compliment. It wasn't because she couldn't take it, it was more that it made her feel amazing on the inside when it was him complimenting her. Linking her finger through with his she gave him a kiss on the cheek then walked towards the front door with him, feeling great about herself. "Don't be scared of the press or the public..we disappeared for a while, it's fizzled out. And if anyone asks we ignore them." They puased at the door and she turned to glance at him. With a sigh she dropped her gaze "I don't think it will have vanished that quick Tony, a week its like a day in the press. I just don't want all our progress to be just chucked out in one day, we've come so far already and i don't want to go back to the way it was." She sighed again and looked up to him her eye's glistened slightly. "You can do this, we can do this" She nibbled on her lip, more just out of nerves for this outing. She hadn't stepped from the house in just over a week and that scared her now to be going back into it. "If you wanna come home just say the word. I just think some fresh air would help us both" She ran her hands through his hair at the sides of his head, looking up into his eyes as she did so. "Yeah it will be good for the both of us" She leaned up and kissed him tenderly, then let him lead her out to the car, smiling gently as he helped her into the vehicle, then moved round to his side as he then drove of towards the beach and boardwalk.
She was quiet for most of the drive, just trying to keep herself calm and not freak out too much, not wanting to freak him out. Both being a little skeptical didn't help this matter anymore than needed. Though the area he choose to park was quiet, which made her feel a little more confident. There was barely much along the boardwalk, just a few passers by they didn't seem that inclined to stop them and ask for an autograph from him, nor even to just say anything. When his hand wrapped around her waist she smiled up to him, leaning more towards him, linking her fingers with his that rested on her hip. As he fidled with his keys, she reached round and placed her hand over the one in his pocket. "Your making me feel nervous" she spoke with a light tone, looking up to him with a gentle smile. "I'm not gonna lie…I'm still a little anxious about being out here like this. Well not like this you know, with you. Just after everything, I'm still trying to cope a little" She sighed gently, it did feel a little strange, being out in the open, making her feel a little vunerable. "What about you? You feeling alright?" She stopped walking, which in turn made him stop and she turned to stand infront of him taking both his hands in her own. "I'm...I'm okay... Just it feels odd, like this open space just seems too open, if you get what i mean." She shook her head and chuckled at herself "Now im just rambling" She smiled up to him and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. "I feel fine, but that does not mean I'm not scared shitless right now. actually my heart is racing" She chuckled softly then leaned up to press her lips to his. "Lets just go eat" She smiled as she pulled back, taking his hand again and slowly began walking towards this place.

Finding it rather easy to sit through the dinner, Tony escorted his newfound fiance, whether or not she made it official yet, from the restaurant and looked do the beach, "Come on, lets take the beach back" He said with a smile, moving to a bench to take his shoes off and roll his pants up, leaving her to take her shoes off as well. Pleasantly surprised at how well she was doing, being out in the open like they were. And yeah, it was a bit nerve racking at times, with some eyes falling on them, but Tony held his head high for the both of them. Carrying himself with a bit more confidence than he had the past several days. He couldn't express how proud he was of her, and he was sure there were no words that he could say to tell her so. Taking her hand in his free one he led her down the steps to the beach, his arm moving around her to help her over the wooden path over the large sand dune.
Reaching the water, the sun had set and the moon began to rise over the horizon. "I'm glad we came out today" He said after all this silence, which wasn't all that agonizing for him. "And I cant tell you how proud I am of you" He added softly and kissed the side of her head as he tangled his fingers with hers. Feeling the waves lick at his toes a soft smile crossed his face as he looked out to the horizon. Knowing that the sun that set on them would soon rise again some day soon, when they were both ready. He got just a lick of what it felt like to be an expected dad, he loved it, and would go through it all over again in a heartbeat. Regardless of what the media would think, they can just pound sand as far as he's concerned. It was his job to protect her, and that's just what he was going to do, even to the bitter end. He just felt that protective side come out in him at the thought alone of the media tearing her apart.
Tony looked back down at his feet and stopped, seeing something at his toes he leaned down and picked up a sand dollar, blowing and brushing the sand off he held it in front of him. "Pep…" He smiled looking over at her handing her the sand dollar before going into his pocket with a grin. "I did a bit of shopping over the past week. More than what you got, and well…I couldn't find anything," He chuckled fiddling with something in his hand. "But, then I realized I had it all along." He revealed an older, victorian ring. His mother's engagement band. The wedding band was safely at home, waiting to be put on her finger on that special day. "At least I hope so" He said acting pretty nervous, like a high schooler trying to ask a pretty girl to dance at prom. He presented it to her, just to show her, since he would put it on himself if she accepted it. "I just cant go another day thinking that you believe its not official without a ring..joking or not." He said, the sincerity in his eyes, "It was my mother's engagement ring..she willed it and her wedding ring to me" He spoke softly. "If you don't want it, it's fine, you know if it's not your style.." His face would have been tomato red if the moonlight didn't bleach out his skin.

"I'm glad we came out today" she glanced over to him with a gentle smile, quite pleased with how the day had turned out so far. with all that had happened she was dealing well with it all, even feeling happy again, like it never even happened. "And I cant tell you how proud I am of you" Her cheeks flushed as her heart fluttered when he kissed the side of her head, making her feel completely spoilt right now. holding her shoes in one hand and his in the other, she stood just off from the waves, not really wanting to get her feet wet just yet, she leaned into him slightly. Resting her chin upon his shoulder as she glanced out to the horizen, the lasting light still lingered even after the sun had far gone. She half wrapped an arm around him, still with her chin resting upon his shoulder, just enjoying the moment with him. The sand unerfoot was cool, though not enough to send a chill through her, the night was warm for once and it was just nice to be out with him enjoying the moment with someone so special, instead of being alone.
She turned away for a brief second, the ocean just catching her glance. So when she turned back to him he was crouched on the ground, the first thing that went through her mind was a proposal, even if he had already asked her, she kind of hoped he was going to do it right this time. she smiled huge, only to have him stand back up "Pep…" she gave him a carefull smile "Yes?" She asked as he handed her the sand dollar. She sighed gently, so much so that he wouldn't have even heard it. she had got her hopes up and now they were kind of crushed, making her feel less happy than how she had started out the day. The look on his face though, brought back a smile to her own and made her a little worried, in a good way. "I did a bit of shopping over the past week. More than what you got, and well…I couldn't find anything," She gave him a slight confused expression. "But, then I realized I had it all along." She stepped back a little, slightly confused and worried with the way he was acting, though when he showed her the older looking ring, she gasped in awe. It was nothing like she had seen before. she froze up, not even sure what do say or do, not like she hadn't already agreed to it or anything. "At least I hope so" Her heart was practically jumping out her chest. Compeltely zoning out on him, hoping that he wouldn't even notice. "I just cant go another day thinking that you believe its not official without a ring..joking or not." she placed a hand over the box,closing the lid as she did, all the while looking him right in the eye. "It was my mother's engagement ring..she willed it and her wedding ring to me" That just made her feel so much more special to him, trusting her with such a thing. It made her a little skeptical of wearing it incase she lost it. "If you don't want it, it's fine, you know if it's not your style.." She moved closer to him with a smile. "Tony its absoulty perfect, if you'd only just done this before, I wouldn't have had to hide the fact we're engaged." she wrapped her arms around him. "It's not that I didn't accept it as a real thing, I just didn't want to have people to think your cheap for not buying a ring in the first place. You know how the press would have taken it" she kissed him genly on the lips, smiling as she pulled back from him, placing her left hand out for him. "It might not fit by the way, so we may have to get it fitted before I'll wear it. Though it could be a perfect fit, then you wont ever see it off me" she smiled as he gently took her finger and placed the ring on her ring finger. She admired it briefly then practically threw herself at him, throwing her arms around the back of his neck as she planted one on him. His arms came round her after the shock of it, lifting her up of her feet, still able to keep their lips locked together. She smiled against his, keeping her arms locked tightly around him as he held her up. She glanced down to him with a new found love in her eye's. "You know you still never gave me a proper proposal, But i pretty much gave up on that now, It was never your style to do things properly." She pecked him briefly. "If people ask, it happened on the beach" she spoke with a wicked grin down to him, Only to get the same expression back, and she soon found herself almost knee deep in the sea. "If you get my dress wet, I wont be happy" she teased, then kicked some water at him and attempted to run away from him.

The billionaire was a little taken back by her coming closer, "Tony it's absolutely perfect, if you'd only just done this before, I wouldn't have to hide the fact we're engaged" his heart melted the more she talked, like ice cream on a summer's day, sweet and gooey. He smiled at her as he laid his hands on her waist. "It's not that I didn't accept it as a real thing, I just didn't want to have people think you're cheap for not buying me a ring in the first place. You know how the press would have taken it" He smiled and leaned down kissing her back. "I know. And you know that if I had planned for that to slip out I would have gotten you the best ring I could find and ask you properly. But it was kind of a spur of the moment, i mean after gathering the courage to ask you" He said smiling softly. Looking down he took her left hand in his and the ring ready at his fingertips. Just as he was ready to put it on he stopped hearing her speak, "It might not fit by the way, so we might have to get it fitted before I'll wear it. Though it could be a perfect fit, then you won't ever see it off me" "Now, now don't jump the gun Miss..or should I call you Missus Stark? Not yet? Maybe?" He asked with a smirk and gently slid the ring onto her finger, and he himself could feel the perfect fit. His mom was right, "If it fits, its her" He whispered just as she told him when he was younger. He was taken off guard by the redhead that threw herself at him, but he reacted as if he would. His arms wrapping her up he locked his lips with hers, all of the happiness hitting him like a freight train. He lifted her up and held her there as he kissed her passionately.
Gazing back at her he smiled, "You know you still never gave me a proper proposal, but I pretty much gave up on that now, It was never your style of doing things properly" He smiled against her lips, "You know me so well" "If people ask, It happened on the beach" "Right because an impromptu proposal in bed seems a little..insinuating" He grinned and set her down, however what she couldn't feel was that he had moved her closer to the water and he was well past his shins in the water, just letting his jeans get soaked through. With a laugh he readied himself for what was to come seeing the look on her face. "If you get my dress wet, I wont be happy" He stuck his tongue out at her and shielded himself as she kicked water up at him, "Oh so that means you can get me wet?" He laughed and made a move to run after her, but ended up kicking up walls of water her way. Doing his best to practically crow hop his way over and wrap her up in his arms again from behind. Lifting her up again and holding her against him. "I ought to dunk you right now" He laughed, "But I wont, because you just look so beautiful like this" He smiled softly and carried her back to shore, however he stumbled over his feet and his jeans, sending the pair of them down into the sand. Tony twisted so he cushioned the fall as he landed on his back with a grunt and a laugh. "Heh, whoops, a beautiful woman fell on me" He grinned, "Better watch out, my fiance will be here any minute" He added slyly.

"Oh so that means you can get me wet?" She laughed and giggled like a child as she triedrunning through the water from him without getting her dress wet, or soaked through, she wasn't really that bothered about her dress getting wet. It was mainly just to tease him somewhat. She squealed with laughter when he pounded towards her, charging through the water like a raging bull, headin right for her, with all the laughing she could barely run much more and his arms soon came round her, letting out a squeak as he lifted her up, half expecting him to pull her under the wave "I ought to dunk you right now" She chuckled "You wouldn't dare!" she teased him actually trying to make him do it. "But I wont, because you just look so beautiful like this" "Sureeee" she teased with a chuckle "Your just too chicken to be honest" A sly smile played at her lips as she twisted round in his arms, now facing him, her hands resting upon his shoulders just as he stumbled sending them both tumbling to the ground, sucking in a breath as they went she half giggled feeling him turn over so she was now falling onto him, just as his back hit the compact sand letting out a grunt from the force, her breath being force from her lungs with a sharpe exhale as she landed ontop of him, giggles still remained in the air coming from her though. "Heh, whoops, a beautiful woman fell on me" She chuckled louder and and burried her face into his chest. "Better watch out, my fiance will be here any minute" she smiled against him then looked up to him, brushing her hair out of her face. "Too late she already is, and shes not too happy about it. But shes willing to let this slide on one condition.." She grinned slyly, almost mocking him. Linking her hands behind his head, acting like a pillow for him."date nights, once a week. No argument can be made for it" She grinned down to him, pulling her hands free as she knealed up over him on her hands and knee's, her hair falling over her shoulder just brushing shy of the side of his face. Little did he know what was coming for him though, She just kepty his eyes trained to hers then shiftly shoved a handful; of sand down his shirt, flipping of him to the side, rolling to her feet as she grabbed her shoes and made a dash back up the sand dunes towards the car.
They played chase as they both made there way back to the car, laughter filled the night air in abundance as the two weaved back down the baordwalk, until they reached the car park where Pepper rreached the car firsdt "I win!" she teased as she leaned agaisnt the car, chest heaving a little as she tried catching her breath chuckling away to herself. Reaching a hand to the side of his face when he joined her, pressing her tighter to the car as he stared down to her with a sualtry expression. She just grined up to him with a smug expression , chuckling when he claimed she was rather cheky and needed to be kept on a tighter leash. "You'd love that wouldn't you?" she teased with a slight purr running her spare hand over his chest. Her look almost mimicked his, biting on her bottom lip with a smirk, her hand trailed back down, getting so far until he clicked onto her mind, though she wouldn't have really down anything he still grabbed her hand and took it away lifting it to his lips and kissed her fingers, then taking her other ahnd and kissing her ring, all the while keeping eye contact with her. Her grin turned to a more gentle smile, her heart jittered a little as he'd kissed the ring. It was such the odd feeling for her, but one she could easily get accustomed to.
Glancing over his shoulder she noticed someone heading there way though thought nothing of it for they were in a car park. Though when she felt the shadow over them, she looked back over his shoulder and saw the outline of someone standing just off to his side, making her feel a little firghtened. She felt it when he tensed up a little, posibly due to the look on her face and he turned to see what she was looking at, automatically moving more infront of her in a protective stance. Her heart was practically beating inside her mouth right now, no idea why she was so fearful. "So is it true that Tony is the reason for your miscarriage?" The guy asked with a gentle tone, making her wonder how he could be so content with such a question and she just froze up, her hand that was still linked with Tony's gripped harder the more she; and he just stood there waiting for an answer. The guy just took it as nothing. "Aprently it was caused because he was drink driving and the accident was the bout of this, also why you lost the baby" Pepper's eyes just bulged at him, feeling Tony getting angry with just the way his body language changed, before she could act he'd turned around opened her door and pushed her as gently as he could into the car. At first she just gave him a look, though complied with his pushyness, sliding into her seat as the door was slammed on her making her flinch. Great now he was pissed... and how the FUCK did they know about her miscarriage? She fumed, though soon felt her slipping back into that darkness, the remittence of her pain casusing a twinge to run through her.
Pepper had practially blacked out, just tyring to get her head around all this, how could a perfect
night be ruined like this, they had avoided it so well, but of course someone had to just pop up at the most convienient of times, and ruin it. She had no idea when they had got on the road, but they were there and pretty much already home, he must have drove angry and just floored it, or she'd completely blacked out for the whole journey, now feeling a little bad for if he'd tried to talk to her. Making her feel like shit for possibly ignoring him when he didn't need that. She practically shrunk back into herself, hugging her arms around herself as she was slowly swollowed up by the depression. It wasn't even his fault, yet they were blaming him And trying to claim he'd been drinking. Actually they knew none of it, nor did Tony. After going for another check up just to make sure she was clean, they'd found that it was possible she might not being able to ever fully carry a child, either miscarrying multiple times or just never being able to get pregnant. How the hell was she supposed to tell the guy that loved her to no end and wanted to try again? This was all just a big pile of dog crap. Before the engine was even cut off she was out the car and heading for the saftly of their own home. Stepping out of her shoes by the door she headed for the bathroom. "I'm going for a bath" she stated as she closed the bathroom door behind her, locking it, her back agaisnt it as she slid to the floor, tears slowly rolling down her cheeks. She got to her feet not to long after and began running herself a bath, something she hadn't done in a very long time. Baths were just not her thing much anymore.
Waiting for the bath to fill she'd filled a glass with water and just sat on the floor with her back pressed against the counter, occasionaly checking on the water, not even sure what she was doing in all honesty. She gingerly climbed into the tub, the high sides made it feel like she was laying in a hammock. She just sat in the tub of water, unmoving as the tears still rolled down her cheeks. At some point she found herself ducking under the water, bringing herself back up she sucked in a sharpe intake of air. So was just too confused right now to even think straight. She zoned out again, slowly slipping under the water, not even there to realise it her air supply was slowly dwindling. She just wanted it all to vanish, little did she know that she was also making herself vanish.
"Sir, I just lost Miss.Pottt's heart beat, but I'm still senseing her in the house. The bathroom to be exact." Jarvis chirped in with the emotionless voice of the AI system.

"Cheeky minx you are. Gotta keep you on a leash, but damn that sounds kinky..I like it" He grinned breathlessly leaning into her and her hand trying to catch his breath, his calves aching from running through the sand. "You'd like that wouldn't you?" he got chills from her tone and her hand running over him, "Oh, I would like that very much" He groaned softly with the need for it and it only grew as her hand kept moving lower and lower. Finally he clicked back to reality and grabbed her hand, here was certainly not the place for that just yet. "Tut, tut, pretty woman" He grinned and lifted her fingers to his lips, tenderly kissing each one looking into her blue eyes that were lit up by the streetlight above them. Giving her an extra long kiss on the ring as his thumb gently stroked the back of her fingers. "I cant wait" He whispered, then noticed her glance over his shoulder, the fear hit her eyes and he stood up right, "What.." He felt the presence behind him and he turned. Going rigid at the sudden appearance of someone behind him, he stood in front of her protectively.
"So is it true that Tony is the reason for your miscarriage?" He felt like he got shot in the chest, his soul crippling over, "Why does it matter to you?" He snarled, however his voice was shakier than its ever been. He may have taken such a defensive and aggressive stance but the fact that they are pinning the miscarriage on him was like dropping an atom bomb on his little world. "Apparently it was caused because he was drunk driving and the accident was the bout of this, also why you lost the baby" "You leave her out of this" He snapped and made a move towards this guy only her hand held him back. "Get lost" He growled lowly and turned quickly, guiding her into the car with no room for an argument about it. Climbing back into the car himself he nearly mowed the guy down in his Audi as he peeled out of the lot. His foot weighing down heavily on the pedal, as he flew down the freeway back home to the mansion. His hand on the steering wheel was white knuckled and firm, while the hand over his mouth shook like a leaf in a hurricane. His nerves shot, since he was practically thrown back into the anxiety and the panic attacks that he experienced through his bout with depression after the accident and the loss of their child.
He tried bringing the car to a gentle stop, at the same time she got out, and he just parked it where it sat. He followed her inside, his voice finally finding him he opened his mouth to speak only she beat him to it, "I'm going for a bath" "A-Alright. Love you.." He spoke after her, and there he stood all alone in this big empty mansion. Not realizing how open and spacious it felt until now. And he felt the guilt sink in, the longer he stood there and was alone, he hated this feeling. And the fact that people assumed that he was the reason for it all happening only made him feel like the lowlife he truly was. The loser, billionaire douche bag that the media plastered on everything that people could get their greedy hands on. There was no convincing him now, that this all was his fault, the reality of it slapping him in the face. Maybe that one glass of champagne was what made him decide to run that goddam light. He had no idea how long he was standing there before Jarvis made him jump out of his skin. "Sir, I just lost Miss Pott's heartbeat, but I am still sensing her in the house. The bathroom to be exact" Tony's blood ran cold and adrenaline took him over, his feet unable to carry him fast enough up the stairs. Bounding up missing a cluster of stairs with each leap. Running to the door he went to open it only to find it locked. "Pepper!" He called out and jiggled the handle hard trying to break the lock, before he started banging on the door, feeling the wood bend under his fist with the force. "Dammit" he hissed hearing not even a splash of water. Backing up he looked at the door and the adrenaline that rushed through his veins threw him into the door, full force breaking the lock from the doorframe as the door swung open, the handle most likely putting a nice hole in the drywall. Seeing the lifeless body of his fiance in the tub he dashed over and nearly slipped into the tub himself. Pulling her out he laid her on the floor. Looking down at her blue, water logged lips he tilted her head back and put his ear up to her mouth and looked at her chest for any movement. But found none. "Dammit, Pepper No!" He hissed and started CPR. Counting softly to himself before pinching her nose closed and blowing a breath of air into her lungs. "Come on babe. Don't do this. not now…Goddammit! I'm not loosing you too!" He hissed feeling the fear burning the tears gathering in his eyes as he continued trying to bring her back and start her heart again. After a couple of tries he felt her cough into his mouth and he immediately turned her on her side as she coughed up water and gasped for air. "Babe, stay with me." He urged her and rubbed her back firmly to bring the rest of it up out of her lungs. The shock finally starting to set in he looked over at her and pressed his face into her wet hair and a quick sob rocked him. At a complete loss, coming so close to losing the one thing he couldn't live without.

The last thing she new she was laying in the bath tub, just trying to get her head around all this crap, though now she found herself coughing up water from her lungs, not even sure what on earth was happening right now. "Babe, stay with me." She leaned up on her hands as she coughed up the rest of the water, wiping at her the side of her mouth she turned to see the rather shocked and panic and fear in his eye's. She'd almost just died and it was just a freak ocurance, it wasn't even like she had tried to kill herself. Her heart pained when he just wrapped her up in his arms, feeling his head burry into her hair her chest went tight. She whimpered slightly as she just lay there limp, the pain ever increasing the more he held her like this. she began shivering though, the air was cool against her wet, naked torso, even with him close to her she was going through the stages of shock, first the feeling of numbness, then the shivering and cold spell and soon the tears would follow. she felt him begin to move, though he just pulled her into his lap as he sat up, reaching behind him, twisting round somewhat as he grabbed for a towel of the heater. Shifting a little so he could wrap her up in the soft warm blanket. He began to slowly rub at her arms to help her dry off. The air was just silent between them, Pepper just too shocked right now to say much and him pretty much in the same state. She so badly just wanted to tell him it was an accident, she hadn't meant for this to happen, but the more she thought on it the more it dragged her down. Looking down at her hand a slight glint caught at her eye, moving it to were she could see it better; she admired the old victorian style ring upon her finger, seeing it making her throat close up, her chest went tighter again and the pang in her heart returned. Her breathing quickened slightly, tears welling up in her eyes, just as her face was tilted up towards him, so now she was looking him in the eye, only briefly as she closed her eye's and the tears slowly trickled free. Her heart just went crazy as he held her against him, resting his chin ontop of her head, his hand stroking at her back, just making the lump thicken in her throat, making it hard for her to breath, the sobs just rocked her body as she struggled for air, sucking in sharp intakes of breath, just to try and stop her mini episode. she was a complete mess, not just the tears and now snot that acumilated her face, but she felt like the worse person in the world. Her heart twitched again, almost like it was trying to tell her something. she shifted herself a little, his grip letting up somewhat as she moved, untill she was more comfortable again. "It was a freak accurence, dont blame yourself" she croaked through her tears, finally the lump in her throat had gone and the sobs were retreating. She reached up to cup his face, hers was just full of sorrow and apologies. "I'm sorry babe" she spoke ever so softly as she kissed him so gently, her lips barely brushing his as her head fell to his shoulder with a sigh. Her fingers absentmindly playing with his facial hair. She moved to get up, knowing he must be getting uncomfortable on the bathroom floor, only he stopped her, pulling her back into his lap, wrapping her up in his arms as he stood with her, carrying her back to the bedroom. She felt bad, for everything he generaly looked terible. First they were blaming him for the accident, which was clearly not true, she could vouch for him with everything. And the miscarriage... well that was a medical thing, something that he still didn't know about. And there was that pang in her heart again, as she lay in his arms, playing with the edge of the towel between her figners. Her other fingers running through his hair at the back of his head. As he went to lay her down in bed she shot him a careful smile. "I'm alright, I need some clothes on really" she grimaced a little skeptical on asking him, but knew he'd hop right to it, anything to be exact. The man would just do about everything for her, without her really even asking. So when she asked she always felt bad, he already did so much for her. "Tony just promise me something.... " she paused as he looked over to her. "Stop blaming yourself, you can't control this happening, none of it, you didn't do anything wrong. At best, you did what anyone else would have and we just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just want you to know I love you so much, nothing will change that, not even the press and media trashing it all, I'll never stop loving you. I just want you, that's all I care about. And I'm sorry for giving you such a huge scare, I fell asleep, well atleast I think i fell asleep in the tub. I don't actually know what happened..." she trailed of into her own mind. Soon feeling the softness of a silk pajama set slip over her head, she looked up into his eyes and coming round helped him as he tried dressing her, though she kind of took over, even if he still tried to get her dressed. Taking his hand she moved further to the middle of the bed, pulling him with her, moving in almost slow motion, she layed down and waited for him to join her. Just wanting to curl up with the one guy she adored.

"It was a freak occurrence, don't blame yourself" His eyes squinted shut and he shook his head, that wasn't something he wanted to worry about right now. "I'm sorry babe" "No. No don't be please" He begged her and he was so out of it he was late on the reaction to her kiss, trying to catch them before they fell to his shoulder. He felt his body trembling, but he did his best to gather himself back up. Feeling her shift to get up, he held her closer asking her silently not to move from him. Instead he pulled her back into his lap and stood, cradling her in his arms with the warm towel wrapped around her. Laying her down and smiling softly at the feeling of her fingers in his hair, "I'm alright, I need some clothes on really" "On it" He told her quietly and turned to go to her drawers only her voice stopped him, "Tony just promise me something…." He looked back, "Anything" "Stop blaming yourself," his blood went cold "You cant control this happening, none of it, you didn't do anything wrong. At best, you did what anyone else would have and we just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just want you to know I love you so much and nothing will change that, not even the press and the media trashing it all, I'll never stop loving you. I just want you, that's all I care about. And I'm sorry for giving you such a huge scare, I fell asleep, well at least I think I fell asleep in the tub. I don't actually know what happened…" By this time, and intently listening, he had gone and got her favorite silk pajamas that he had gotten her one time. Something he actually got right. Walking back he gently tugged her top on her shoulders and took the towel away, even if he did let her take over just enough for her to be happy, he kept his hands on her, almost like how she used to do to him, make sure everything was smooth and even. Climbing into bed next to her, wrapping his arm around her and the other rested above her head. "I love you, angel. Forever" He said quietly and found her left hand. "No amount of diamonds," he referred to her ring, "No amount of materialistic things or expensive dinners, none of that, could compare to how much I love you."
"Sir, there is a delivery at the front door from UPS" Jarvis informed him and Tony groaned quietly. "Babe, I'll be right back, let me take care of this or he'll keep nagging me about it" He said with a light chuckle and leaned down giving her a tender kiss, making up for the one that he missed in the bathroom and then some. Walking out and down the stairs, Tony headed for the front door and opened it, looking down at a gift basket, wrapped up in plastic with a bottle of whine and other little odd treats. Utterly confused as to why there should be a basket of things to celebrate with. He already hated it, alcohol and treats or not. Snatching up the card he read it softly to himself, "Congrats on making the front page again for something interesting this time- Hammer" His blood boiled and his skin got hot. "What an asshole" He growled and crumpled the card up snatched the basket up and walked over to the driveway then onto the little bit of grass that rested on the cliff above the ocean. "Here, wanna know what I think?" He grumbled and picked up a quick jog before punting the basket off the side of the cliff and into the rocks below and into the ocean. If he saw that man again, he'd make him swallow his teeth. With that he walked back inside, however he took his time, letting the fresh air flow into his lungs and calm himself down before going back to his fiance waiting for him in bed.
When he walked in he looked at the bed, thinking she had fallen asleep, he made his way quietly into the room and into bed, pulling the covers over him and her as he spooned ageist her with a soft smile. "Just junk mail" He whispered into her ear and kissed the side of her face.
A few days had passed, and Tony had ordered Jarvis to Intercept any Media about him, Pepper and or the baby, along with anything that had to do with that horrible night. Tony still felt the guilt, he was the one that ran the light, intoxicated or not, and he couldnt help but feel that he was the one who killed their baby. But so far nothing has slipped through Jarvis, and they had a few days of peace, the media thrown into a tizzy over not getting their goods out there for the world to see. And the two of them were definitely feeling the affects of it. Clearly by the way the two bodies were tangled up on the bed, like a teenage couple after their parents left the house for the night. Even with the guilt gnawing at his mind Tony tried his absolute hardest to enjoy his Fiance. And by the way his hands wandered around her very naked, and dampened from their shower, bodice, it was clear that he was enjoying this very much. "Hmmm" He hummed against her sweet smelling skin. "I give you permission to ambush me in the shower every time, got that?" He asked with a smile, his teeth grazing her neck. "I like how it turns out" He muttered and took a small spot on her neck gently in his teeth, his tongue flicking over her skin softly before he started sucking softly. His hand coming up and running through her damp hair and down to her chest, cupping her breast in his hand and kneading it softly, running his thumb over her hard bud.
Through their romps around the sheets, someone managed to bump the remote and it cracked to the floor but not before it turned the TV on behind them. "People are still awaiting on a statement from Anthony Stark and Virginia Pepper Potts' horrible accident the night of Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes' wedding. As well as the devastating miscarriage that struck the couple within the same night..." Tony went rigid. "For fuck's sake!" He growled and got off her, "Jarv! Turn it off!" He roared and pulled his robe on. They were doing so well too. But now he just got thrown into that load of bull just as they were getting back on track. "I'll be downstairs" He muttered and walked out of the room too furious to be in there with her in fear that he'd snap on her for no reason. Trotting down into the workshop he picked up a spare gauntlet from the suit and hurled it across the workspace with a yell.

Her hand caught the remote, accidently pressing on the buttons before she slipped, sending it of the bed as she fell back into the pillows, chuckling away as his hands had danced over her sides. Every touch was like a new beginning, each one sending a different sensation through her. Perhaps due to the fact they hadn't really done 'anything' for a while, not since the accident and her loosing the baby. She hadn't really been in the mood for it. Though now that had all changed, she was defiantly in the mood for something, even if she was more sensitive than before, could be a good thing though make whatever this was more plesurable for her. "People are still awaiting on a statement from Anthony Stark and Virginia Pepper Potts' horrible accident the night of Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes' wedding. As well as the devastating miscarriage that struck the couple within the same night..." She froze, though not because of what was on televison, that really didn't bother her anymore but it seemed to bother him too much, she could feel him go ridgid, her hands resting on his biceps. "Tony.." She spoke softly, just hoping he'd look down to her. "For fuck's sake!" she sighed when he moved away, sitting up on the bed she looked over to him. "Tony.. don't please.. just.." "Jarv! Turn it off!" She groaned as he moved away, her hand falling to the bed, after trying to take a hold of him, get him to come back to bed. "I'll be downstairs" Throwing herself back into the pillows she sighed deeply. Great now he's in one of his moods again, thats all she needed.
She lay ontop the pillowsfor a while, just giving him a little head space before springing from the bed and grabbed a shirt from the floor, pulling her arms through it. Leaving the buttons undone, as she headed down into the workshop, knowing that's exactly where he would have headed. She silently padded down the cold stone stairs, taking each with a slow cautious move, unsure on wether he'd actually want her there or not.
Stepping into the workshop she just glanced over at him, her heart twisted with the purity of seeing him in such a state. "Tony..?" she asked nervously and hugged herself with the cold draft seeping up her legs and under the shirt. when he didn't look up from his hands covering his face, she stepped a little closer to him, moving as if he was a lion ready to pounce at any given moment. "Look just ignore it Tony. Your letting them get to you again. This isn't your fault" she placed a hand on his shoulder though felt it as he tensed up, making her sigh gently. "Will you just stop blaming yourself for this." She paused with a sight "I'm going out" she groaned and headed back upstairs to pull on clothes a little more appropiate for public. If he wanted to mop around after seeing the news, she wasn't going to stay around and bring her down with him. Her little near death experience was just one too much for her another would just be more on his mind to freak out over. So she was doing the right thing in removing herself from the picture, trying to keep a clear mind on it all. And she would fix this mess, if it meant outing it all in public.
Heading back down into the workshop, she headed to his side. "Look I wont be long, I just need to get out of here for a few minute's. You'll be okay" she gave him a gentle smile as she took him by the hips, tugging him towards her as she pressed her lips to his. "You know where I'm at, dont be a stranger and call if you need to, anything, okays?" She pecked him again then made her way over to her car.

Pulling out of the drive, she connected her phone to the hands free kit. "call Happy" she spoke as she connected onto the freeway. The calling dial tone the only real sound in the car, other than the revving of the engine. It soon clicked through and the feed went live. "Happy can you do me a favour?" " Sure, what is it Pepper?" She sighed gently, changing lanes as she sped down the freeway. Atleast people wouldn't regonise her in such a car. "I want to make a public annoucement. Following of from the comments today. I just want you to be there with me, You know I'm no good at public speeches, Tony's usualy the guy for them and well he's not doing so great over all this" She paused as she focused on the changing lights, slamming her foot down as they went green. If anyone knew better they'd think it was Tony witht he way she was driving, though in the complete wrong car. "Sure thing Pepper, when do you want me? "Is now too soon? I'm already headed there now, wont be long till I get there" The line went quite for a moment, then the sounds of someone rumaging around came through. "Okays, yeah, be there in a few" and the line went dead. She could have just gone alone, but she was actually rather nervous about all this, not even sure if she could take it. How the press and media would take to her being the one making a voice out, was another story.
It wasn't long before she ws sat outside the building, her heart pounding away in her chest at seeing the huge growd of people upon the doorstep. Her nerves just shot through the roof. Okays, you can do this, just pretend they arnt there, or picture then naked... maybe not, that would just make it awkward. She sighed, leaning on the steering wheel and stepped from the car, A few people turned and then the rush of the growd coming towards her was like a hufe tidal wave. She just smiled and walked on through them ignoring all the questions they were asking. "Is it true Tony's the reason you had a miscarriage?" "I heard he was drunk and you still let him drive home" "Why are you still with him if he's done all this to you?" Even though she didn't show it on the outside, she was about ready to spit fire, these people just knew nothing and all they did was pommel Tony into the ground, trying to blame him for everything that has previosuly happened to them. Always bringing up Tony's drinking problem, which he didn't have anymore. He just wasn't that same old guy, Infact he was a little more receptive to emotions, this being one of the main reasons for him being down. She hated seeing him like this, so now was her chance to sort all this shit out once and for all. But if they believed her was another thing altogether.

"Sir, you may want to watch this" Jarvis cut in, even if Tony had commanded him to cut out all broadcasts that involed there crash and anything to do with Pepper and the baby.

"I can assure you that Mr. Stark was defiantly not drunk the night of our accident. I had been with him throughout the whole day and he drank nothing. It was a freak occurance, us being in the wrong place at the wrong time" She paused to take a breath, glancing over at Happy, just to make sure he was still with her, her heart beat wildly inside her chest. "As for me losing the baby.." she bit down on her tongue not even sure she could say anything on the air, not without having told him first. "This did not happen because of the accident. Everything was fine afterwards, me and the baby, but a few days after something went wrong and thats when we lost it. This has nothing to do with Tony, none of it. So back off and just leave us alone" She snapped almost, losing her temper over all this. Stepping down she joined Happy, as he took her arm, seeing how weak she looked. "Come on lets get you someplace quiet" he spoke under his voice as he guided her away from the shoutings of reporters and journelists. He sat her down into a large arm chair, moving to fetch her a glass of water. "You alright Peppper? You've gone paper white" She looked up at him from her ahnds with a slightly glazed over expression. To be honest she felt like she wa going to throw up. Swollowing hard she pushed past that for the time being. "Yeah just.. Just not used to public speaking" She sighed taking the condensation covered glass in her hand, sipping gently at the almost ice cool water. "You want me to take you home?" Shaking her head as she swollowed down the mouthful of water she glanced up to him. "I'll be alright, just need to calm down a little first, thanks for the offer though" She gave him a gentle smile.

He'd heard her voice but he was just so lost in his thoughts that he couldn't move. However he wished he could bring himself back around to tell or show her that he wanted her company, her comfort. "Look just ignore it Tony. You're letting them get to you again. This isn't your fault" When he felt her hand on his shoulder he tensed from the quick surprise. Not even realizing how close she was, Will you just stop blaming yourself for this….I'm going out", before he could turn and relax she was gone from him. Feeling even worse that he couldn't snap out of it to at least talk to her.
While she was gone, he did some things to calm his mind. Mostly reorganize some of his tool boxes. It did enough to distract him and get him back into the tinkering mode a little. And soon he had a couple of Iron man Suit files up on his dash, however he didn't do anything with them, they just slowly rotated in front of him as he leaned over his desk with his hands anchored down on the cool surface. His hip cocked to the side and his head down, tears pricking the back of his eyes but there was no threat of them falling. This time he heard her come in and he turned his head seeing her walking to his side. "Look I wont be long, I just need to get out of here for a few minutes. You'll be okay" He nodded silently and a quick smile flashed over his lips as she pulled him by his hips as he turned to face her. His arms wrapped around her lower back and he leaned down giving her a tender kiss. His hand ventured up to the back of her head, smoothing her hair down and coming to rest between her shoulder blades. Wanting to hold her there forever, this was what he needed, what he wanted right now. This comfort, this familiarity, it made him feel whole again, losing the baby, even as early as it was, he couldn't help but feel the piece of him that went with him or her. His lips reached out to hers as she pulled away and he sighed through his nose as his eyes lifted open. "You know where I'm at, don't be a stranger and call me if you need to, anything, okays?" He leaned in and gave her a peck back, "Alright. Babe.." He caught her arm before she was too far gone, "Be careful okay? I love you. Call me if anything pops up" He told her with a loving smile and let her go, but letting his hand drag down her arm until her fingertips before she was pulled free from him.
Tony sat for a while, not even worrying about how much time had passed, he had been sucked up in tinkering with his suits. Throwing all of his human thoughts away and immersing himself in his projects. "Sir, you may want to watch this" "Mm" He was too caught up to realize what he just agreed to. And that was when Pepper's voice broke through and he snapped to. "I can assure you that Mr. Stark was definitely not drunk the night of our accident. I had been with him throughout the whole day and he drank nothing. It was a freak occurrence, us being in the wrong place at the wrong time" Tony's breath hitched in his throat and he looked away from the screen. "As for me losing the baby…" "This did not happen because of the accident, everything was fine afterwards, me and the baby, but a few days after something went wrong and thats when we lost it. This has nothing to do with Tony, none of it. So back off and leave us alone" Tony nearly ran for his car at that, seeing her distressed over the press was something he actively tried to avoid. Watching the press hound her for more questions as she was taken off the podium by Happy and surrounded by his security.
Tony stood there for a moment before he picked his phone up, waiting for the line to go live, "Happy?" "Yeah boss, how are you holding up?" "Uh, could be better, if you really wanna know..is Pepper still there? She didn't leave yet right?" Happy looked over his shoulder seeing Pepper through the doorway as security blocked the hall. "Yeah, she's here…she's a little shook up--" "Keep her there I'm coming there." Tony said as he grabbed his keys to the new Audi, ignoring the fear he developed from the accident. Hanging up he ducked down into the red Audi speeding off to SI. And upon his arrival, he was swarmed by the press and flashing cameras. Pulling his dark sunglasses over his eyes he kept his head down and away from the lenses. Not saying a word until he was stopped by a cell phone in his face, clearly filming him, and an eager kid on the other end of it. "You want my statement?" Tony snatched the phone from the kids hand and chucked it into the pillar outside, "bill me" He growled at him and moved past (wanting to plow the kid down) him without touching him and walked into his building to find her.
Heading up to the floor where the press conferences were held, he was met by one of his personnel, giving him immediate clearance to go through. Looking up as he took his glasses off he spotted Happy standing just outside of a door to an interview room. The two exchanged a hand on the shoulder and a nod, not saying much to each other at first. Tony took a peak in and saw her looking away from the doorway, "Thanks for being here with her Hap." Tony said quietly patting his shoulder before stepping towards the room. Knocking lightly on the door, giving her a gentle look as she turned, "Hey babe" He said quietly before shutting the door behind him. "No, don't get up, not for me" he said with a smile and motioned with his hands for her to stay where she was as he walked over and squatted down to her level. Resting his hands on her knees he looked up at her with a gentle smile. Despite the feeling that there was something more, he pushed it away. His thumbs rubbed her kneecaps as he looked at her, "That went well huh?" He chuckled quietly. "Probably better than what I would have done" He shrugged. "I saw it back home.. I just wanted to make sure you were alright" He admitted. "And I couldn't wait for you to get home" He half chuckled and moved to sit next to her, looping his arm around her shoulder, he held her close and kissed the side of her head, letting his lips linger.

Happy left her when his phone rang, just making her feel more alone than ever. If only Tony was here, but he was having a mini freak out of his own. Atleast now that was pretty much cleared up, so no more moody Tony hanging around. Though now she felt so out of it and a little shaken up. Pepper had to try and keep herself calm, to try not freak out over this more than needed. Even if it had been two weeks since the accident and miscarriage, she still needed to watch her well being. She could quite easily fall back into her depression. And the way she was feeling right now, she could easily just slip down that road yet again.
"Hey babe" she had no idea how long she had zoned out for but when she looked up a slight smile played at her lips, seeing Tony was like the light at the end of the tunnel. With a large smile, she moved to get up. "No, don't get up, not for me" her smile grew a little as a slight chuckle escaped her lips. "Alright, not moving" Sitting back down, her eyes tracked upon him as he moved across the room to her. Once seeing him all her fretting subsided, just feeling like she could take on the world when he walked in with a smile on his face. Her Tony was back. A gentle smile appeared upon her face as he crouched infront of her, his hands resting on her knee's. A hand automatically reached out to cup his face. Her stomache fluttered with butterflys. whatever he did, it always made her feel special. "That went well huh?" she smirked, dropping her gaze. "Probably better than what I would have done" "Probably" she chuckled, glancing up to him, locking her eyes in his. "I saw it back home.. I just wanted to make sure you were alright"... "And I couldn't wait for you to get home" Her smiled widened as she nibbled on her lip a little. Part of her just wanting this happy feeling to never end, but the other nagged at her to tell him, that it was possibly they would never be able to have kids. There was other ways though, like surrogatcy, but then with them being who they are, would this person run of with the spawn of Tony.. It was possible. And even though she hadn't liked the idea of it at first, she wanted to go through the whole pragnancy stages herself.
Snuggled into his side, she pulled her legs up on the seat, an arm drapped over his waist, as her head tucked just under his arm and rested upon his collar bone. The lips to the side of her head just made her feel more uneasy, but also brought a light pink colouring to her cheeks. knealing up, her hands dropped to his hips as she kissed him back, still feeling all that had gone on from the morning, still. Her love for him was just something that could not be switched off. During the little lip locking session she had moved to stradle over him on her knee's and when the kiss broke she sat upon his lap, her hands resting upon his chest as she smiled towards him. "I just hope they back off now, cause I'm not doing that again. I hate public speeches" she grumbled as her hands fell from his hips her head landing just upon his shoulder, hitting it with a little more force that intended, though not enough to cause much harm to either one.
She sat quietly like it for a little while, before she turned her head more to the side, so her cheek was resting there instead. A hand rested upon his chest just over his reactor as she glanced up at him. "How about we go someplace for lunch? I'm kind of feeling peckish now" she grined gently then sat up right, still remaining on his lap.

Letting her wrap herself around him, he slowly wrapped her up in his strong arms and sat there. Relishing in her closeness and letting all of his love pour out through his embrace. His lips moving against hers as she straddled his lap, making a gruff chuckle escape his nose. She was insatiable at times with her urges, not that he could blame her, he liked it. "I just hope they back off now, cause I'm not doing that again. I hate public speeches." he chuckled and mocked the hurt at her head hit his shoulder. "I think they will, babe. You gave them enough, and that's all they'll get from here on out" He told her and rubbed her back, and resting his head on hers for a moment. Sitting in the silence was enough for him to feel whole again.
Feeling her head turn he picked his up and looked down at her, his knuckles brushing her cheek, "How about we go someplace for lunch? I'm kind of feeling peckish now" he grinned and licked his lips shaking his head. "Anywhere you wanna go my love" He told her and nuzzled her nose with his. "Come on, we'll discuss it on the way, my treat, I'm driving" He said with a smile and wrapped her arms around her waist and stood, her legs locked at his butt as he held her up against him. "Hmm, this is very flattering for you, Potts" He winked at her and stealing a kiss. "I like it" He chuckled and kissed her neck, holding her so she was free to unlink herself whenever she pleased. When her feet landed at his, he pulled her closer, locking his hand over his wrist at the small of her back and giving her one of those hugs. One that was just so innocent and yet so loving; one of those hugs that were just for pure comfort. "When was the last time I told you how beautiful you are?" He asked into her shoulder. "I don't feel like I tell you enough. So you are absolutely, stunningly, beautiful" He smiled and kissed her shoulder as he picked his head up.
Walking her out to the car, the press now cleared away by security, he opened the door on the passenger side and let her in before coming around and getting in on his side. He started thinking as he drove and bit his lip nervously, "Pep, I don't think it's best for us to stay out after what happened back there. I mean I'm up for going out on another day, we'll get dressed up and have a date night just to ourselves, but I'm not quite up for sitting in a restaurant right now" He admitted looking over at her with a nervous glance. "I know you were kind of set on going out..and you know I wanna enjoy it with you and not be on edge.." He added apologetically and sat back in the driver seat coming to a red-light where the 'cross roads' sat. Either they'd go home or go into town again. "Lets go to your favorite take out place, you can buy out the whole store--well I'll buy it" He chuckled and hung a right back into town and bringing Jarvis up on the dash and let her put in her order. "Besides, I still want you all to myself tonight if that's okay" He winked at her and drifted into traffic again. "And you know one thing might lead to another.." He teased her and gave her a little nudge on her knee but it turned comforting with a gentle rub on her kneecap.

"Anywhere you wanna go my love" She chuckled and scrunched her face up a little as he rubbed his nose against hers. "Come on, we'll discuss it on the way, my treat, I'm driving" "But what about.." she never really finished as he stood with her against him, her legs wrapped around him and she grinned down at him. Her hands wandered through his hair. "Hmm, this is very flattering for you, Potts" She chuckled, now he was being rather tempting and they weren't exactly in the right place for this now. His lips sneaking onto hers just made her punch him playfully. "I like it" She chuckled slightly, her head tilted back a little. His lips finding her neck, He really just wasn't holding back was he. " 'Course you do" She teased as she dropped from him, leaning against him as her feet touched the ground. As his arms came round her she just cuddled closer to him, relishing in his love and closeness. "When was the last time I told you how beautiful you are?" She glanced up to him with a huge grin. "I don't feel like I tell you enough. So you are absolutely, stunningly, beautiful" she dropped her head back to his shoulder. Just holding him close again, before they left.
Her hand linked with his as he lead her to the car, completely forgetting about the whole seperate cars they had arrived there in. Slipping into the passenger seat as he held the door open for her, sneaking a brief kiss over the door as she got in. Pulling on her seatbelt, just as he got into the car. That's when it all hit her again, remembering how they'd had an accident, how they had been together in the car and it felt all to familiar. Her hands shook, so she shoved them between her legs to hide that from him. why all of a sudden this came up she had no clue, maybe it was just a reaction to her standing up on that podium, pouring her heart out to people she shouldn't even have to explain herself too. "Pep, I don't think it's best for us to stay out after what happened back there. I mean I'm up for going out on another day, we'll get dressed up and have a date night just to ourselves, but I'm not quite up for sitting in a restaurant right now" she smiled gently over to him and placed a hand, reasuringly upon his thigh. "Babe, It's fine, you dont have to explain yourself to me. You could just say you would rather be at home" She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek, just a small one, not to distract him from driving. "I know you were kind of set on going out..and you know I wanna enjoy it with you and not be on edge.." she chuckled halfheartedly to herself. Why he always thought this would bother her so much was beyond her. In fact, she didn't care one bit if thats what he wanted.
"Lets go to your favorite take out place, you can buy out the whole store--well I'll buy it" "ahahah, Tony I'm not really that bothered, we could just go home and have it delivered you know" Now that the choice was up infront of her she had no idea what to order. Some pasta, sushi, pizza. Maybe a mix..? "Besides, I still want you all to myself tonight if that's okay" She turned around sharply to face him raising an eyebrow up. "No thats not okay" she spoke seriously, but chuckled afterwards, Shaking her head with a roll of her eyes. "And you know one thing might lead to another.." She folded her arms over her chest and slumbed back into her chair. "Hahah dont get your hopes up. Might not be feeling it later, you know I might just end up walking out on something that was going good." She turned to him with a cocky expression. "mm A bit like you did to me this morning, huh?" She teased him with a chuckle. "We also have to go back and get my car by the way."
Pepper practiclly stumbled from the car with all the food she was carrying, trust Tony to leave her with most of it. "Are you going to even help me here,or do i have to drop your food on the floor?" She smirked, knowing that would get his attention. if it wasn't food that fueled him it was the other thing and she wasn't about to strip naked in the middle of the drive. "People must think we're having a party" she teased, knowing they had a lot of food here, but she was kind of hungry, for all of it. Throw in a little Tony too and it'd make her day even better than it had started out. "No there mine".. "Dont you...Dare" She sighed with a chuckle as he ran of with one of the bags into the house. She just strutted towards the doors, where she kicked of her heels and then took of after him, pouncing on his back, even with the bags of food in her hands. She ran her tongue over his ear then dropping the bags of food into his hands turned his head more towards her where she planted a wet kiss on his cheek, jumped off from his back and went to the kitchen to grab some drinks. Today was just purely about the two of them, rekindling their relationship without the interuptions of the media downing them; well mainly him, all the time. She walked over to the seating area with two wine glasses and a bottle of chilled sweet white wine. Though he might not drink it, or feel up to it, she was defiantly in that kind of mood right now. She paused just at the edge of the table. "And you couldn't even wait for me? So nice of you" She teased, then sat down next to him, pulling her sushi tray towards her and the little tub of salad, opening them both and began to tuck in. Food containers pretty much covered the little coffee table along with the few extras they both had next to them on the couch. she turned to him as she poured herself a glass. "So what did you get up to when I was gone?" she asked casually, one leg up on the couch as she finished of a small box of fries, going for the next onyl to have Tony already grab that one up, even though he'd said he wasn't really that bothered for them. "OI! There mine you know" She grinned playfully and reached for them only to have him snap them out of bounds, leaving her of balance and landed face first into his lap.

"Hahah don't get your hopes up. Might not be feeling it later, you know I might just end up walking out on something that was going good" … "Mm a bit like you did to me this morning, huh?" "Hey, there was a, erm, setback" He told her with a laugh. "We also have to go back and get my car by the way," "Happy's driving it back." He added looking over at her with a loving smile, taking her hand in his as he drove back to the point.
Tony watched her go with all the food, with a big goofy grin, going back to what they used to do..only a few months ago this was normal, and now it was just amazing; being with her that is and engaged. "Are you going to even help me here, or do I have to drop your food on the floor?" "Oh shush, I'm coming" He chuckled and walked over, "People must think we're having a party" "Maybe," He chuckled in a tone that indicated he was up to something. Snatching up her bags hoping to get dibs on some of her food, but he wouldn't really, he was just having innocent fun with her. "No they're mine…Don't you dare" He giggled like a child and trotted off towards the front doors of the mansion. Not even getting a few feet in the door before she pounced him, "Oomf!" He grunted with a laugh and tucked away from her tongue against his ear, "Hey!" He laughed and caught the bags as she dropped them in his hands and he looked over at her, getting a quick peck from her he smiled, "Oh ,Thank you" He grinned and walked the stuff to the living room setting it all down on the coffee table as he waited for her. Looking up as she came back in, he smiled seeing the whine in her hands. If he wouldn't sound like a broken record, he'd constantly tell her how beautiful she was, both inside and out. He could still feel the fire he had burning for her inside him, roaring away like a lit fireplace at Christmas time in the mountains, being fed daily by the love of the other half of himself that he saw every morning when he woke up.
"And you couldn't even wait for me? So nice of you" "In fairness I ate my food. Though I could easily snatch yours up. Cause you know if you don't like what you got, then I'll clean it up for ya" He teased her keeping a serious tone. Snatching up her box of fries and holding them just out of her reach with a laugh "Oi! They're mine you know" "What, These?" He brought them closer before snatching them out of her reach again as she fell into his lap. He roared with another thunderous laugh and wiggled his hips. "Mmm, Potts you know I've always liked this and hey! Look, I bought you dinner before it even happened. Such a good fiance" He popped a fry in his mouth and flinched with a laugh as she smacked him. "This fiance stuff is fun" He chuckled, "And easier than I thought" He kicked back on the couch with a proud smile holding his arm out and waving her in with his fingers. "Come here, pretty girl" He licked his lips and gave her his sweet smile. He wrapped his arm around her as they sat on the floor and he set the food back on the table, slowing his motion as it happened. Like a thought entered his mind. One he frankly didn't want to think about, but it gnawed at him. He fell back to the couch and stared out the window at the few lights that danced on the water in the distance. "Pep.. when you said that the accident didn't..you know cause all of that…What are you keeping from me" He said more than asked her, looking down at her. "Whatever it is you can tell me," he told her softly and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I love you unconditionally, and I wanna make sure you're alright" He whispered and kissed her forehead.
There was no doubt in his mind that there was something being kept from him, not that he was angry or upset about it. Everyone had their own rights to their secrets, but he could see that it was eating at her, like a hungry dog gnawing on a bare bone. Now he could understand if she didn't know how to tell him whatever she was bottling up, he got that. With anyone else he would have pressed it, but not with her, she was too valuable to him. He loved her, like he said, unconditionally. He couldn't live without her, waking up alone day after day would be worse than never waking up at all. To never hear her say 'I love you' or even the 'you're going to kill yourself' speeches had this strange bittersweetness to it. His other arm came around and closed his embrace on her and rubbed her arm with his thumb, "Is it about..not being able to have a family?" He asked in a voice just above a whisper.