fic: No Air
Chapter 1
It was eleven p.m at the Stark mansion and it was quite a busy day for Pepper Potts. Not to mention that Pepper only got three hours of sleep in the last two days, seven cups of coffee, a day and two Red Bulls (who were standing in Tony's fridge for over a month) and they needed to be drank. It was far from obvious that Virginia ″Pepper″ Potts was stressed and... tired. And it was only two weeks till Christmas. Tomorrow is going to be one day in hell. There were programmed two press conferences and five meetings. Any hard she tried to convince Tony to assist at one of the meetings, it was pointless. He would not come. He'll just stay in his workshop tinkering with his expensive toys.
″Miss Potts, what are you doing here this late?″
″I was coming down to tell you next day's schedule.″
″Oh.″
″Mr. Stark you have two press conferences and five meetings to attend tomorrow. And I need your signature.″
″It's Tony, Pepper and no, I don't think I'll show up tomorrow.″
″You need to and no, I won't call you Tony because it's unprofessional for me to call you that way because you're my boss and all of that.″
″Have it your way but if you call me Mr. Stark one more time I'll fire you. Is that clear?″
His eyes finally met her gaze and he was looking strangely at her like he's never seen her before.
″Do you have plans on Christmas?″ He suddenly asked.
This is not going anywhere. Why is he making it really hard?
″No.″
″Fine. I need you to come with me to Paris.″
″France, but sir it's Christmas and we have that party with your -″
″Cut the sir part and no. You'll come with me. I don't accept any negotiations.″
″May I ask you why are we going there? If there's no reason, I suppose that-″
″It's a party, Miss Potts. And I expect you to come with that dress again. I liked the fabric.″
He grinned like the devil when the last words left his mouth. Pepper looked obviously frustrated but with a man like Tony there was not that much to do.
″Oh, fine. But promise me one thing.″
″What is that thing dear?″
″You won't take me dancing again.″
″I won't. Wait. What did you say?″
″Not taking me to dance again. I really hated it last time.″
″No. I know you've enjoyed it as much as I did but you'll have to wait till then.″
″I didn't.″
She closed her eyes for a second, many memories of that benefit flying around her head right now.
″You should stay here, you look tired and it's better for the both of us.″
Both of us. What is he trying to say.
″Only tonight, Tony and please.″
″Please what?″
″Promise me you'll sleep too because you look tired as well.″
″It's a promise.″ He smiled and kissed her softly on her forehead.
″Goodnight, Mr. St-Tony.″
″Goodnight, love.″
Oh that's it. This is way to strange. What, what was he trying to prove. It wasn't working. She stood there and looked back at him. When she noticed he was staring back she cleared her throat and looked at the table avoiding his eyes.
″Is there anything else, Miss Potts?″
″N-no.″
″Goodnight then. I-″
Tony stopped before he could tell the 'L' word but he noticed Pepper raising an eyebrow at him.
″'m going to take a shower.″
″Okay.″
The plane was standing on the runway, waiting for Tony to make his appearance. Truth is he knows he has only a chance to stand for and he'll not blow it. There were three words in his mind as he got out from his mansion: Paris, party, Pepper. He kept on reminding them till he got in the limo.
″Music, Hap.″
″Yes sir.″
The Pussycat Dolls's When I Grow Up filled the air in the expensive limo as Happy drove out the Stark residence.
″Tell you what.″
Happy seemed confused at the sudden words Tony decided to say.
″It's almost Christmas and you are free let's say... mhmmmm, for two weeks. How does it sound?″
″Is that a joke or -″
″It's not a joke. Since when did I started to joke with that kind of things?″
″I'm sorry boss but I think -″
″Pepper and I are going to stay in Paris for the next couple of weeks and it's the perfect time for you and your family to go to some sort of vacantion. No negotiations.″
″Thank you, sir.″
″Glad to.″
When the conversation finished Tony looked at the window and he noticed the gates of the airport as Happy drove on the runway. In the front of the plane was another car, which Tony reckoned as being Rhodey's.
″Hey boys and girls.″ Tony joked as he got down from the limo.
Pepper and Rhodey looked back at him no one daring to respond.
″What's wrong with you two? Did I forget to put on my pants or -″
″Good morning, sir.″
″Hey, how's your iron butt?″
Tony raised an eyebrow and he stopped in the front of Pepper.
″It's Tony. Not sir or Mr. Stark.″
Rhodey rolled his eyes as he listened to Tony's rule.
″And my butt is doin' just fine.″
Pepper nodded as she looked on her Blackberry to find the schedule for tomorrow's day.
″If you don't put that down, I'ma throw it.″ Tony warned Pepper.
″What's wrong with you two guys? It's like you've been trying to hide something.″ Rhodey asked curious.
″Nothing.″ Both Pepper and Tony responded at the same time making Rhodey to laugh.
″I'm inside if you need me. And God, Tony hurry up we need to be there in 15 hours.″
″Gotcha.″
Pepper glanced back at Rhodey who was talking with Tony.
″What are you hiding, Tony?″
″Nothing. It's just.″
″Just what?″
″I want to have some time to spend with her. Only her and me. No one else. It's like you don't understand a word I'm saying.″
″Oh, now I understand. You like her?″
Tony looked back to see if Pepper's still there but when he didn't see her he turned to Rhodey and whispered in his ear.
″It's not your job.″ He smirked.
″Fine. But if I'll catch you two, don't say I didn't ask.″
″You won't.″
″Yeah, yeah. Just go and send me a Christmas card if you'll have time, mum.″
″Yeah, don't you want a Christmas tree? Cause I can send it via email.″ Tony joked.
After 10 hours
″Where are your stewardesses, Tony?″
″Home. They retired.″ He grinned.
Pepper smiled.
″And the pilot?″
″Oh, you mean Hugh? He's 71.″
″God. What if it happens something to him? Do you know how to make this thing land?″
″You forget who you're talking with.″
″Fine. We'll be there in twenty minutes.″
Tony sat down on a comfortable chair and he turned to see Pepper.
″Aren't you bored?″
″No. I'm not. And if you are, I'm sure you'll have plenty to do once we'll be there. Lots of women and drinks.″
Tony looked a bit hurt.
″Don't you notice I'm trying to change?″
″Change on what?″
″I don't want any other woman, Pepper. I have eyes only for you.″
He looked pretty serious and hurt at the same time.
Pepper blushed.
″No you don't.″
″Don't tell me that blush isn't for me cause I don't believe you.″
Pepper blushed even more. She tried to hide the waves of frustration which covered her face right now. He is not serious. He's not. He only wants you to melt down on your knees to him. Just ignore him and his devilish smile. Damn him. He's so good in what he's doing but I can resist his charm. I always do.
She didn't answer. But she could feel Tony staring at her and suddenly Tony leaned forward his lips an inch of hers. Pepper hold her breath as he got so damn close they lips almost touched but suddenly the door opened and Hugh came and announced.
″Please sit down and put your belt on because the plane will land in two minutes.″
Tony groaned as he turned not to see her expression. She was kinda shocked. If Hugh didn't come what would've happened?
Chapter 3
″This is awkward.″ Pepper said while Tony took her onto the dance stage.
″What?″ Tony asked smilling.
″I, you. Dancing. Again.″
″It isn't awkward.″
″Yes it is.″
″No.″
″You're impossible.″
″Well, if I may...″
He took her by the waist. His fingers finding their target, her bare back. Tony asked her to wear this beautiful, backless dress. It was perfect. Pepper was way too perfect for him. She shivered without intention when his fingers touched the last inch of her bare back. But she let him touch her that way because sometimes she needed to feel loved. Maybe not really loved but cared. Or something else but she won't go that far.
″There are paparazzi and I don't want to be spotted dancing with my multi-billionaire ex-weapons manufacturer.″ She half joked.
″You hate dancing with me? Am I such a bad dancer?″
″No.″ She said squeezing his hand gently.
Oh God how he loved her when she wasn't stubborn.
″Ummmmm... what do you say of a little walk?″
She raised an eyebrow searching an aswer for his demand.
″Sure.″
Outside was snowing. What a sight. Not to mention she didn't dared to look back at him because he looked like prince charming in his tux.
″You sure you're not cold?″ Tony asked.
″Well, maybe... a little.″
Without asking more Tony took his coat and gently helped Pepper to put on her beautiful body.
″It wasn't necessarily.″ She said smiling at the warmth which surrounded her.
Tony didn't wait anymore and he took her hand, his fingers caught hers hoping she won't pull off.
″Let's go back to the hotel. It's kinda freezing.″ He added.
″Yes.″
Pepper never thought at this sight. Her holding hands with her boss. Odd. She looked at their hands so beautiful holding each other but this isn't what it seems.
″I hope you won't get a Christmas cold. Because I don't know how to demand medicines in french.″ She joked.
″No, course not.″
She noticed him smiling when his finger gently touched the back of her hand.
Without knowing they were already in the hotel's garden. It was so beautiful. And it was snowing. Pepper never saw snow. But it was the perfect time to.
His hand gripped her and he turned to face her.
″Thank you.″
Pepper looked confused.
″For what?″
″For the walk.″
With that said she found her lips in his. His lips were so soft even in that cold and it was so beautiful. The snow was falling over them but Pepper knew this couldn't happen. So she pushed him slightly. Leaving a safe distance between their lips she opened her mouth to speak but when she noticed him so hurt she stopped.
″I'm...I'm sorry... I... can't. I'm not sure.″
She didn't dare to look him into his big brown eyes. But she forced herself to.
″Fine.″ He muttered under his breath as he turned to leave. He could feel hot tears forming at his eyes but he ignored them. Why? Why did she reject him? When all of this was so beautiful. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks as he pulled his scarf around his neck more tightly and gropped his face under it.
He could hear her calling his name but he didn't turned back.
″Tony.″
No. The snow was so damn cold. And he was freezing. Damn it! He felt more alone and misserable than ever so he went straight to his five star room. When he was safely in his room he started to sob loudly and cursing loudly all the way to his bathroom.
When he finally got out from his 4000 Armani tuxedo he went straight to his bed ravishing all the sheets and gropping his head under the pillows. It wasn't a better option than to start drinking. Pepper won't like that one he admited.
With still hot tears on his cheeks he drifted off. He would not suppose what would happen tomorrow morning in the press.
Chapter 4
Next morning, Tony woke up full of sweat in the five stars hotel bed. His first thought went straight to what happened last night and it was pretty damn clear what happened. He went up and looked around him. The sheets were sprawled on the floor and his 4000 dollars Armani tux was soaked of water. What the f-?
When his feet touched the floor a cold shiver went through his spine, making him course. He looked down and noticed that the expensive carpet was soaked in water as well. His eyes searched down the hall where the bathroom was and noticed that the door was slightly opened. Damn it! He coursed under his breath. Now I am supposed to pay for all the damage, of course I have money but what the hell happened over there? He went slowly trying not to make noise and opened the door. The lights were on and Tony's eyes went wide. There was blood all over the damn shower but wh-?
He looked at his arm and felt something quite warm on it. What the hell happened? He looked back at his bed to notice that it was full of blood. A silent laugh escaped his throat while he closed his eyes. With a flash of light everything came up in his mind making him breathe hardly. His heart was racing as his mind tried to focus on the amount of strange information he'd remember right now.
Flash
The bottle was standing pretty lonely on the glass table and there were two glasses.
Flash
His hand reached out for the bottle and his tongue tasted the liquid inside. Good, he thought.
Flash
He was standing over the shower with the bottle of scotch in his left hand.
Flash
The broken glass scattered over the bathroom floor and his hand caught a piece of the broken glass.
Flash
Sudden blood rushed over his left hand on the white floor.
His eyes closed as a sudden pain came through his head making him fell down to his knees.
Every memory made him even more drunk of numbness.
The left arm was standing pretty uncomfortable under him and he hissed when the pressure was too high to stand for. When he tried to look at it he felt a sudden urge to scream or to break something. A long cut came down his left arm and it was still bleeding. Not much but that's why he felt dizzy at the moment.
Where the hell was the first aid kit? His eyes searched for the first aid kit in the bathroom and in a corner was a little box with a red cross on it. He tried to get up but his legs won't listen and he crawled to the little box. His fingers opened quickly the box and he grabbed some bandages and quickly wrapped them around his wound after he cleaned it with soap and a lot of hot water. After his legs finally listened to him and let him up he looked around him, now feeling better. But still dizzy.
The entire bathroom was destroyed. The mirror was still intact. He hesitated for a moment but when he got dizzy once again he leaned on the basin looking at the mirror. His face hair was dishevelled and dark circles were around his eyes.
Yeah, I do look like a monster now. He muttered.
When he dared to step out from the bathroom and go to his bedroom he got a mop and wipped all the water from his carpet and the bathroom. He searched into the wardrobe and saw a new David August suit that was looking good. It had white pinstripes on it and it was black. Too good to be true that it had even a silver tie to match the suit.
When he was all dressed he looked at his new Bvlgari watch he saw that it was five to twelve. In his mind it was only a question. What if the paparazzi caught them together, kissing. Well, almost he thought hurt.
The sensation of being dizzy didn't fell apart so when he stood too much up he got dizzy and fell off his feet. His luck was that he was going home today. He'd called Happy to send the Stark Jet and to send him a new BMW. The most expensive car in the world.
A knock filled his ears. And a voice calling his name. Pepper decided to go after him because of the journalists that were standing in the front of the hotel expecting his appearance. It had been known that this would happen. Pepper was pretty damn frustrated because they had to take photos of them walking (hand-to-hand) and almost kissing (it would've been a wonderful kiss if she hadn't tried to push him aside). She admited.
″Mr. Stark?″
No response. Tony stood there like paralyzed.
″Tony? Are you okay?″ Pepper's voice grew with concern.
She knocked once again before Tony reached the door knob and opened it and exiting it with the supersonic speed not looking behind while he speeded down the stairs.
Pepper stood there for a second but when she looked inside of his room her mouth dropped wide open. The room was full destroyed and the bed - Oh my God, she thought - was full of blood and the carpet was soaked of water.
Tony reached the reception and left his card telling them to take whatever they need to cover the costs for damaging the room. The receptionist called his name (quite weird) in a french accent telling him to look at the magazine. His heart stopped for a second while the receptionist handed him the magazine.
His eyes fixed on the photos and the title that covered the magazine that day.
'Trouble in Paradise?'
'Stark Industries's CEO, Tony Stark was spotted walking hand-to-hand with his personal assistant, Virginia Potts, yesterday night after the Christmas party. The paparazzi caught them in their hotel garden in a intimate moment while Stark kissing her. But his bright assistant didn't fall into his charm and pushed him slowly aside.'
Tony's heart broke at those words.
'Tony Stark went quickly inside of the hotel with tears in his eyes, not looking back at his assistant, calling his name.' The magazine stated.
He didn't know what to do next. It was the world's end for him. All the damn world knew about this, even Rhodey who, uh... God damn it!
He felt a little dizzy as Pepper passed near him exiting the main door. She was dressed oh my dear God in such a sensual dress. Please God, take me now he pleaded.
When a flashlight caught his eyes, Tony turned to make his quickly exit.
″Mr. Stark!″ From everywhere.
″Please tell us what happened there?″
″Is it true you and your assistant are romantically involved?″
Tony caught Pepper's eyes but he didn't dared to look to deep into hers because he was getting very dizzy. He tried to step but his feet wouldn't listen to him so he grabbed one of the journalists and looked at him angrily.
Tony could sense Pepper starring at him cofused. When he turned to look at her she could see that he's not okay.
He closed his eyes for a moment and then he slowly went downstairs to his new BMW. Pepper looked at him yet confused as he tried to restrain himself not to prove them they're right.
″Tony?″ Pepper asked confused, trying to understand why he's acting like that.
Tony looked back at her with tears in his eyes.
″Don't.″ He told her while he got into his BMW.
Her eyes went closed and she got up in the limo, tears starting to roll down her face.
One paparazzi noticed that Pepper's eyes were filled by tears, the same Tony's and shot two photos of them crying. What a news, he thought. But Tony wasn't a fool and he noticed the paparazzi taking the photos and he got down of his car speeding towards the paparazzo. His eyes went wide when Tony caught his camera and threw it across the road into a fountain. Tony didn't care at all that all the press was filming and shoting him while he was angry.
With that done, all the press remained with their mouth wide opened as Tony speeded with his new car down the road, making two km of road in just nine seconds.
Pepper's eyes were already red as she watched Tony doing that and she freezed when the car made a 90 degree spin exiting the road into a damned wall.
It was eleven p.m at the Stark mansion and it was quite a busy day for Pepper Potts. Not to mention that Pepper only got three hours of sleep in the last two days, seven cups of coffee, a day and two Red Bulls (who were standing in Tony's fridge for over a month) and they needed to be drank. It was far from obvious that Virginia ″Pepper″ Potts was stressed and... tired. And it was only two weeks till Christmas. Tomorrow is going to be one day in hell. There were programmed two press conferences and five meetings. Any hard she tried to convince Tony to assist at one of the meetings, it was pointless. He would not come. He'll just stay in his workshop tinkering with his expensive toys.
″Miss Potts, what are you doing here this late?″
″I was coming down to tell you next day's schedule.″
″Oh.″
″Mr. Stark you have two press conferences and five meetings to attend tomorrow. And I need your signature.″
″It's Tony, Pepper and no, I don't think I'll show up tomorrow.″
″You need to and no, I won't call you Tony because it's unprofessional for me to call you that way because you're my boss and all of that.″
″Have it your way but if you call me Mr. Stark one more time I'll fire you. Is that clear?″
His eyes finally met her gaze and he was looking strangely at her like he's never seen her before.
″Do you have plans on Christmas?″ He suddenly asked.
This is not going anywhere. Why is he making it really hard?
″No.″
″Fine. I need you to come with me to Paris.″
″France, but sir it's Christmas and we have that party with your -″
″Cut the sir part and no. You'll come with me. I don't accept any negotiations.″
″May I ask you why are we going there? If there's no reason, I suppose that-″
″It's a party, Miss Potts. And I expect you to come with that dress again. I liked the fabric.″
He grinned like the devil when the last words left his mouth. Pepper looked obviously frustrated but with a man like Tony there was not that much to do.
″Oh, fine. But promise me one thing.″
″What is that thing dear?″
″You won't take me dancing again.″
″I won't. Wait. What did you say?″
″Not taking me to dance again. I really hated it last time.″
″No. I know you've enjoyed it as much as I did but you'll have to wait till then.″
″I didn't.″
She closed her eyes for a second, many memories of that benefit flying around her head right now.
″You should stay here, you look tired and it's better for the both of us.″
Both of us. What is he trying to say.
″Only tonight, Tony and please.″
″Please what?″
″Promise me you'll sleep too because you look tired as well.″
″It's a promise.″ He smiled and kissed her softly on her forehead.
″Goodnight, Mr. St-Tony.″
″Goodnight, love.″
Oh that's it. This is way to strange. What, what was he trying to prove. It wasn't working. She stood there and looked back at him. When she noticed he was staring back she cleared her throat and looked at the table avoiding his eyes.
″Is there anything else, Miss Potts?″
″N-no.″
″Goodnight then. I-″
Tony stopped before he could tell the 'L' word but he noticed Pepper raising an eyebrow at him.
″'m going to take a shower.″
″Okay.″
The plane was standing on the runway, waiting for Tony to make his appearance. Truth is he knows he has only a chance to stand for and he'll not blow it. There were three words in his mind as he got out from his mansion: Paris, party, Pepper. He kept on reminding them till he got in the limo.
″Music, Hap.″
″Yes sir.″
The Pussycat Dolls's When I Grow Up filled the air in the expensive limo as Happy drove out the Stark residence.
″Tell you what.″
Happy seemed confused at the sudden words Tony decided to say.
″It's almost Christmas and you are free let's say... mhmmmm, for two weeks. How does it sound?″
″Is that a joke or -″
″It's not a joke. Since when did I started to joke with that kind of things?″
″I'm sorry boss but I think -″
″Pepper and I are going to stay in Paris for the next couple of weeks and it's the perfect time for you and your family to go to some sort of vacantion. No negotiations.″
″Thank you, sir.″
″Glad to.″
When the conversation finished Tony looked at the window and he noticed the gates of the airport as Happy drove on the runway. In the front of the plane was another car, which Tony reckoned as being Rhodey's.
″Hey boys and girls.″ Tony joked as he got down from the limo.
Pepper and Rhodey looked back at him no one daring to respond.
″What's wrong with you two? Did I forget to put on my pants or -″
″Good morning, sir.″
″Hey, how's your iron butt?″
Tony raised an eyebrow and he stopped in the front of Pepper.
″It's Tony. Not sir or Mr. Stark.″
Rhodey rolled his eyes as he listened to Tony's rule.
″And my butt is doin' just fine.″
Pepper nodded as she looked on her Blackberry to find the schedule for tomorrow's day.
″If you don't put that down, I'ma throw it.″ Tony warned Pepper.
″What's wrong with you two guys? It's like you've been trying to hide something.″ Rhodey asked curious.
″Nothing.″ Both Pepper and Tony responded at the same time making Rhodey to laugh.
″I'm inside if you need me. And God, Tony hurry up we need to be there in 15 hours.″
″Gotcha.″
Pepper glanced back at Rhodey who was talking with Tony.
″What are you hiding, Tony?″
″Nothing. It's just.″
″Just what?″
″I want to have some time to spend with her. Only her and me. No one else. It's like you don't understand a word I'm saying.″
″Oh, now I understand. You like her?″
Tony looked back to see if Pepper's still there but when he didn't see her he turned to Rhodey and whispered in his ear.
″It's not your job.″ He smirked.
″Fine. But if I'll catch you two, don't say I didn't ask.″
″You won't.″
″Yeah, yeah. Just go and send me a Christmas card if you'll have time, mum.″
″Yeah, don't you want a Christmas tree? Cause I can send it via email.″ Tony joked.
After 10 hours
″Where are your stewardesses, Tony?″
″Home. They retired.″ He grinned.
Pepper smiled.
″And the pilot?″
″Oh, you mean Hugh? He's 71.″
″God. What if it happens something to him? Do you know how to make this thing land?″
″You forget who you're talking with.″
″Fine. We'll be there in twenty minutes.″
Tony sat down on a comfortable chair and he turned to see Pepper.
″Aren't you bored?″
″No. I'm not. And if you are, I'm sure you'll have plenty to do once we'll be there. Lots of women and drinks.″
Tony looked a bit hurt.
″Don't you notice I'm trying to change?″
″Change on what?″
″I don't want any other woman, Pepper. I have eyes only for you.″
He looked pretty serious and hurt at the same time.
Pepper blushed.
″No you don't.″
″Don't tell me that blush isn't for me cause I don't believe you.″
Pepper blushed even more. She tried to hide the waves of frustration which covered her face right now. He is not serious. He's not. He only wants you to melt down on your knees to him. Just ignore him and his devilish smile. Damn him. He's so good in what he's doing but I can resist his charm. I always do.
She didn't answer. But she could feel Tony staring at her and suddenly Tony leaned forward his lips an inch of hers. Pepper hold her breath as he got so damn close they lips almost touched but suddenly the door opened and Hugh came and announced.
″Please sit down and put your belt on because the plane will land in two minutes.″
Tony groaned as he turned not to see her expression. She was kinda shocked. If Hugh didn't come what would've happened?
Chapter 3
″This is awkward.″ Pepper said while Tony took her onto the dance stage.
″What?″ Tony asked smilling.
″I, you. Dancing. Again.″
″It isn't awkward.″
″Yes it is.″
″No.″
″You're impossible.″
″Well, if I may...″
He took her by the waist. His fingers finding their target, her bare back. Tony asked her to wear this beautiful, backless dress. It was perfect. Pepper was way too perfect for him. She shivered without intention when his fingers touched the last inch of her bare back. But she let him touch her that way because sometimes she needed to feel loved. Maybe not really loved but cared. Or something else but she won't go that far.
″There are paparazzi and I don't want to be spotted dancing with my multi-billionaire ex-weapons manufacturer.″ She half joked.
″You hate dancing with me? Am I such a bad dancer?″
″No.″ She said squeezing his hand gently.
Oh God how he loved her when she wasn't stubborn.
″Ummmmm... what do you say of a little walk?″
She raised an eyebrow searching an aswer for his demand.
″Sure.″
Outside was snowing. What a sight. Not to mention she didn't dared to look back at him because he looked like prince charming in his tux.
″You sure you're not cold?″ Tony asked.
″Well, maybe... a little.″
Without asking more Tony took his coat and gently helped Pepper to put on her beautiful body.
″It wasn't necessarily.″ She said smiling at the warmth which surrounded her.
Tony didn't wait anymore and he took her hand, his fingers caught hers hoping she won't pull off.
″Let's go back to the hotel. It's kinda freezing.″ He added.
″Yes.″
Pepper never thought at this sight. Her holding hands with her boss. Odd. She looked at their hands so beautiful holding each other but this isn't what it seems.
″I hope you won't get a Christmas cold. Because I don't know how to demand medicines in french.″ She joked.
″No, course not.″
She noticed him smiling when his finger gently touched the back of her hand.
Without knowing they were already in the hotel's garden. It was so beautiful. And it was snowing. Pepper never saw snow. But it was the perfect time to.
His hand gripped her and he turned to face her.
″Thank you.″
Pepper looked confused.
″For what?″
″For the walk.″
With that said she found her lips in his. His lips were so soft even in that cold and it was so beautiful. The snow was falling over them but Pepper knew this couldn't happen. So she pushed him slightly. Leaving a safe distance between their lips she opened her mouth to speak but when she noticed him so hurt she stopped.
″I'm...I'm sorry... I... can't. I'm not sure.″
She didn't dare to look him into his big brown eyes. But she forced herself to.
″Fine.″ He muttered under his breath as he turned to leave. He could feel hot tears forming at his eyes but he ignored them. Why? Why did she reject him? When all of this was so beautiful. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks as he pulled his scarf around his neck more tightly and gropped his face under it.
He could hear her calling his name but he didn't turned back.
″Tony.″
No. The snow was so damn cold. And he was freezing. Damn it! He felt more alone and misserable than ever so he went straight to his five star room. When he was safely in his room he started to sob loudly and cursing loudly all the way to his bathroom.
When he finally got out from his 4000 Armani tuxedo he went straight to his bed ravishing all the sheets and gropping his head under the pillows. It wasn't a better option than to start drinking. Pepper won't like that one he admited.
With still hot tears on his cheeks he drifted off. He would not suppose what would happen tomorrow morning in the press.
Chapter 4
Next morning, Tony woke up full of sweat in the five stars hotel bed. His first thought went straight to what happened last night and it was pretty damn clear what happened. He went up and looked around him. The sheets were sprawled on the floor and his 4000 dollars Armani tux was soaked of water. What the f-?
When his feet touched the floor a cold shiver went through his spine, making him course. He looked down and noticed that the expensive carpet was soaked in water as well. His eyes searched down the hall where the bathroom was and noticed that the door was slightly opened. Damn it! He coursed under his breath. Now I am supposed to pay for all the damage, of course I have money but what the hell happened over there? He went slowly trying not to make noise and opened the door. The lights were on and Tony's eyes went wide. There was blood all over the damn shower but wh-?
He looked at his arm and felt something quite warm on it. What the hell happened? He looked back at his bed to notice that it was full of blood. A silent laugh escaped his throat while he closed his eyes. With a flash of light everything came up in his mind making him breathe hardly. His heart was racing as his mind tried to focus on the amount of strange information he'd remember right now.
Flash
The bottle was standing pretty lonely on the glass table and there were two glasses.
Flash
His hand reached out for the bottle and his tongue tasted the liquid inside. Good, he thought.
Flash
He was standing over the shower with the bottle of scotch in his left hand.
Flash
The broken glass scattered over the bathroom floor and his hand caught a piece of the broken glass.
Flash
Sudden blood rushed over his left hand on the white floor.
His eyes closed as a sudden pain came through his head making him fell down to his knees.
Every memory made him even more drunk of numbness.
The left arm was standing pretty uncomfortable under him and he hissed when the pressure was too high to stand for. When he tried to look at it he felt a sudden urge to scream or to break something. A long cut came down his left arm and it was still bleeding. Not much but that's why he felt dizzy at the moment.
Where the hell was the first aid kit? His eyes searched for the first aid kit in the bathroom and in a corner was a little box with a red cross on it. He tried to get up but his legs won't listen and he crawled to the little box. His fingers opened quickly the box and he grabbed some bandages and quickly wrapped them around his wound after he cleaned it with soap and a lot of hot water. After his legs finally listened to him and let him up he looked around him, now feeling better. But still dizzy.
The entire bathroom was destroyed. The mirror was still intact. He hesitated for a moment but when he got dizzy once again he leaned on the basin looking at the mirror. His face hair was dishevelled and dark circles were around his eyes.
Yeah, I do look like a monster now. He muttered.
When he dared to step out from the bathroom and go to his bedroom he got a mop and wipped all the water from his carpet and the bathroom. He searched into the wardrobe and saw a new David August suit that was looking good. It had white pinstripes on it and it was black. Too good to be true that it had even a silver tie to match the suit.
When he was all dressed he looked at his new Bvlgari watch he saw that it was five to twelve. In his mind it was only a question. What if the paparazzi caught them together, kissing. Well, almost he thought hurt.
The sensation of being dizzy didn't fell apart so when he stood too much up he got dizzy and fell off his feet. His luck was that he was going home today. He'd called Happy to send the Stark Jet and to send him a new BMW. The most expensive car in the world.
A knock filled his ears. And a voice calling his name. Pepper decided to go after him because of the journalists that were standing in the front of the hotel expecting his appearance. It had been known that this would happen. Pepper was pretty damn frustrated because they had to take photos of them walking (hand-to-hand) and almost kissing (it would've been a wonderful kiss if she hadn't tried to push him aside). She admited.
″Mr. Stark?″
No response. Tony stood there like paralyzed.
″Tony? Are you okay?″ Pepper's voice grew with concern.
She knocked once again before Tony reached the door knob and opened it and exiting it with the supersonic speed not looking behind while he speeded down the stairs.
Pepper stood there for a second but when she looked inside of his room her mouth dropped wide open. The room was full destroyed and the bed - Oh my God, she thought - was full of blood and the carpet was soaked of water.
Tony reached the reception and left his card telling them to take whatever they need to cover the costs for damaging the room. The receptionist called his name (quite weird) in a french accent telling him to look at the magazine. His heart stopped for a second while the receptionist handed him the magazine.
His eyes fixed on the photos and the title that covered the magazine that day.
'Trouble in Paradise?'
'Stark Industries's CEO, Tony Stark was spotted walking hand-to-hand with his personal assistant, Virginia Potts, yesterday night after the Christmas party. The paparazzi caught them in their hotel garden in a intimate moment while Stark kissing her. But his bright assistant didn't fall into his charm and pushed him slowly aside.'
Tony's heart broke at those words.
'Tony Stark went quickly inside of the hotel with tears in his eyes, not looking back at his assistant, calling his name.' The magazine stated.
He didn't know what to do next. It was the world's end for him. All the damn world knew about this, even Rhodey who, uh... God damn it!
He felt a little dizzy as Pepper passed near him exiting the main door. She was dressed oh my dear God in such a sensual dress. Please God, take me now he pleaded.
When a flashlight caught his eyes, Tony turned to make his quickly exit.
″Mr. Stark!″ From everywhere.
″Please tell us what happened there?″
″Is it true you and your assistant are romantically involved?″
Tony caught Pepper's eyes but he didn't dared to look to deep into hers because he was getting very dizzy. He tried to step but his feet wouldn't listen to him so he grabbed one of the journalists and looked at him angrily.
Tony could sense Pepper starring at him cofused. When he turned to look at her she could see that he's not okay.
He closed his eyes for a moment and then he slowly went downstairs to his new BMW. Pepper looked at him yet confused as he tried to restrain himself not to prove them they're right.
″Tony?″ Pepper asked confused, trying to understand why he's acting like that.
Tony looked back at her with tears in his eyes.
″Don't.″ He told her while he got into his BMW.
Her eyes went closed and she got up in the limo, tears starting to roll down her face.
One paparazzi noticed that Pepper's eyes were filled by tears, the same Tony's and shot two photos of them crying. What a news, he thought. But Tony wasn't a fool and he noticed the paparazzi taking the photos and he got down of his car speeding towards the paparazzo. His eyes went wide when Tony caught his camera and threw it across the road into a fountain. Tony didn't care at all that all the press was filming and shoting him while he was angry.
With that done, all the press remained with their mouth wide opened as Tony speeded with his new car down the road, making two km of road in just nine seconds.
Pepper's eyes were already red as she watched Tony doing that and she freezed when the car made a 90 degree spin exiting the road into a damned wall.