Protection

For the tenth time since lying down, Pepper turned over. She might as well have been trying to sleep on a pile of bricks. She'd done the right thing…hadn't she? Tony's machine attacked her. Who knows what it might have done if Tony hadn't awakened when he did. But, he did wake up. He was trying to explain what was going on when she stormed out. Why should she listen to Tony explain when he was so closed-mouthed the rest of the time? Because you love him. You want him to talk then he tries, but you won't listen. Sitting up, Pepper grabbed her pillow and punched it with a frustrated sigh. If she had done the right thing, why did she feel so miserable? She remembered the look on his face as she left. He looked…helpless.

I have to protect the one thing I that can't live without. That's you.

Pepper clutched the pillow to her chest. Pangs of guilt shot through her like a knife. Maybe Tony did feel helpless. She could sympathize because she felt the same way. She had noticed the changed since New York, despite her sarcastic answer earlier. Tonight had been different. He seemed more desperate than she'd ever seen him. Tony was working himself into a nervous breakdown for her. Yes, she knew all about feeling helpless…and scared. What could she do?

I have to protect the one thing I that can't live without. That's you.

His confession echoed in her mind. Whatever the cause of the incident earlier, it was the results of Tony trying to make sure something could protect her when he couldn't. "A man in a can" is how he described himself. Pepper shuddered at the idea he actually believed that. This was a Tony Stark she did not know. The confidence was waning. She never thought she would live to see the day when she prayed for the return of his cockiness and swagger. She did, though. That would at least mean he was back to normal.

Any anger Pepper had earlier was gone. Regardless of what may happen to her, she had to make sure he was alright. Tossing back the covers, she left to find Tony. Much to her surprise, he was still in their room, in bed but not asleep. Pepper lay down facing him.

"Pep, I'm…I'm…"

"Tony, don't," she said softly. She ran a hand through his hair and stared into his eyes. "It's okay."

Tony reached and palmed her cheek, rubbing his thumb along her brow before moving his hand. Pepper responded by kissing the pulse point of his neck and settling her head against his shoulder. She put her hands on his chest and allowed him to envelope her in a bear hug. Their legs tangled together so it was difficult to tell whose were whose beneath the sheet. They lay there for several minutes, clinging to each other like a lifeline, savoring whatever serenity could be salvaged from their hectic evening.

"Don't leave," Tony said, breaking the silence.

"I'm won't," Pepper promised. "I have to protect the one thing that I can't live without. That's you."

Author's note: I couldn't sleep last night, so, I wrote this. If it stinks, blame the fact that I wrote it at 4 a.m. in about 30 minutes. There was something about the way Pepper left in IM3 that didn't sit right with me. They seemed okay the next day, but we never got the assurance they "made up." Kudos to my BFF who helped me in 3 minutes fix a problem I worried over for 3 hours. Let me know what you think. Reviews wanted and welcome. PEPPERONY FOREVER!