04 | Accidental Video | Alternate Universes | Take a Hint

[notbuiltforthis]

[The video broadcast begins with a flash of half-clothed leg and a loud clatter as the device hits the floor. There's a long moment of rustling fabric as Pepper pulls on her pants and then a sigh.]

Comments

[ironfail]

action

[He slaps a hand on the elevator doorframe, stopping the doors from closing, and grins at her.] I think you're forgetting something.

[notbuiltforthis]

[Wipe that grin from your face, Tony.]

What did you do to it?

[Obviously the only reason he would have it would be to do something. Install a tracker or- She doesn't even know, really.]

[ironfail]

[Nope, grin still there. If anything, it's gotten wider.]

I didn't do anything to it. Except turn it off.

[notbuiltforthis]

[She grabs the phone, pocketing it quickly with her attention still fixed on him. She's not getting off the elevator.]

What do you mean, "turn it off"?

[ironfail]

[Tony doesn't mind, just leans against the frame. JARVIS holds the doors from closing on him.]

Exactly what it sounds like. I swear I thought you were smart and not just pretty when I hired you. It was broadcasting and I shut it off.

[notbuiltforthis]

Shit.

[She takes a deep breath and shakes her head.]

You know I'm both of those things, by the way. Can you back off so I can leave now?

[ironfail]

[To no one's surprise, he doesn't move.]

So soon? I'd thought you'd at least be polite enough to stay for breakfast. I make a mean omelette.

[notbuiltforthis]

I'm feeling rather nauseous.

[Eating is not on her agenda this morning. Showers are. Several hot showers.]

[ironfail]

Come on, you know I'm clean, Pep, you handled the test results yourself.

[notbuiltforthis]

That was quite some time ago.

[And that is not why she feels ill.]

[ironfail]

I keep up to date on these things. [It's one of the few things he takes care of in a quick and timely manner.] Really, what's the rush? I would've thought you'd missed me after all this time.

[notbuiltforthis]

I'm glad you didn't let it lapse when I left the company. [She forces a sarcastic smile.]

I didn't miss this, I promise.

[ironfail]

I'm not entirely lost without you.

[He tilts his head, resting against the doorframe.] So you missed something else then.

[notbuiltforthis]

The paycheck.

Please let me go.

[ironfail]

[His shoulders slump slightly, and he's about one facial expression away from looking like a kicked puppy.] Pepper. We haven't seen each other in ages. Don't you want to, I don't know, talk?

[notbuiltforthis]

About what?