"should I try Ms Potts, sir?" he asked
"sure why not" Tony sighed
He didn't know what he was going to say. What should he say? He was sorry? That wouldn't make a difference. That he loved her? Well, he'd never said it before, but that still wouldn't make her feel better.
The phones ringing echoed in his ears and he sighed. Maybe calling was a bad idea. This would only make Pepper feel worse.
"no answer sir. Would you like to leave a voicemail?"
"sure" Tony rasped
A beep rang through the helmet, and Tony was silent for a moment
"hiya Pepp" he greeted softly, and cleared his throat "I'm sure you're watching this on tv and that's why you haven't answered your phone. I... I honestly don't know what to say. I want to make you feel better but I don't know what to say" he paused "I'd like to say that I'll come back but" he forced a fake chuckle "we both know that isn't true. I'm sorry Pepp... Really, I am. I love you-"
Before he could say another word the connection cut off
"connection lost sir" Jarvis informed him "7 percent power remaining"
"okay, put it all in the thrusters. Let's get this over with"
"very well sir"
Tony felt everything fading as he released the nuke. He watched with smug satisfaction as the nuke blew the alien ships up. He smiled.
"incoming call sir" Jarvis informed him "from Ms Potts"
"okay"
"Tony? Tony what the hell is going on? Are you okay? We can't see you!"
"Pepper" he greeted "what do you mean we?"
"I'm standing at the foot of Stark tower with Thor, Chris, Natasha and Clint. Where are you?"
"oh" he stated
"3 percent power remaining"
"thank you Jarvis"
"Tony what's going on!"
"I'm sure you already know, Pepp" he murmured
"b-but Tony! Three percent isn't enough to get you back here"
"I know"
"1 percent remaining sir. Thrusters shorting out"
"Pepp, I'm sorry. I love you"
"Tony I... I don't- I love you too!" she cried, and he knew she was crying
"Pepp-"
Beeping rung through the helmet
"power depleted. Shutting down"
Tony grunted and felt the arc reactor shutting down. He closed his eyes in submission as everything faded away.