Bets and Wagers

Eleven

By Monday morning, I was barely ready to face the world.

The weekend had passed by in a slow blur, where I spent most of my time wrapped up in a blanket and binge watching anything that numbed my mind, only interspersed with the occasional trip to the bathroom, kitchen or door if I ordered food more substantial than a snack.

It took a lot of will power, but on Sunday night I managed to pry myself away from the TV screen to clean up the rubbish surrounding me and have a shower, ready for work in the morning.

I would have been lying had I said that my nerves weren't getting the best of me on the walk in, the thought of seeing the people who caused this being a bit too much to think about, even the music I usually listened to didn't wash away the butterflies in my stomach.

I'd already mentally prepared myself for a rush to my office, imagining the best route to take and time to arrive to ensure the smallest chance of meeting any of the undesired faces.

The tense trip up to my floor went successfully, but I didn't breathe until I had reached my office and was about to swipe my key card, once that door clicked open and allowed me access to my solitude then I was scot-free.

It would just be a long day of keeping the blinds down and ignoring any knocks on the door.

Unfortunately, I couldn't ignore direct call from Pepper, who broke my wonderful ignoring streak of four hours.

Being summoned to Tony's office wasn't how I wanted to spend my final hour before lunch, but it seemed inevitable considering the circumstances and I was definitely not going to say no to Pepper.

Everyone knew that she was a force to be reckoned with.

The rush from my office to Tony's almost caused me a twisted ankle, but I managed to make it without being disturbed.

In fact, the area seemed eerily quiet, as if everyone had been told to keep the area clear and I'd missed the warning, which also made me feel both anxious and stupid for rushing around like Sonic.

I knocked on the door then looked over my shoulder, almost hoping to find another living soul to settle the rising thoughts of a zombie apocalypse, just a small reassurance that I wasn't walking into a feeder's trap.

It wasn't the most foolish of thoughts, you could never predict what would happen around the Avengers.

"It's open."

I flinched at the voice invading my thoughts, despite how cheery it sounded.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door and peered inside, ignoring the man sat at the desk and looking directly to the woman standing beside it.

"You called for me?"

"Indeed I did," Pepper nodded, holding her hand towards an empty chair in front of the desk. "Please, take a seat."

Awkwardly, I eased myself into the room and walked to the chair, trying to come across more composed than I felt.

"Thank you for coming," she said as I perched on the chair, legs pressed tightly together and hands in my lap.

"It's okay, how can I help?"

"You can't," she stated bluntly, "this is more about how we can help you."

I raised my eyebrow a little, looking to her and then daring to meet Tony's eye as she nudged his shoulder with her elbow.

"Right, yeah," he sighed heavily, sitting up straighter in his seat. "I owe you an apology for what happened, you weren't meant to hear th-"

"I think what he's trying to say," Pepper started giving Tony a sharp side eye, "is that it was wrong of them to make bets that involved anyone but themselves."

"In our defence, we were a little drunk."

"Which is why he would like to offer you an extended vacation, perhaps time to visit your family and clear your head of everything, return to work when things are less emotional."

The air was beginning to get thick as Tony rolled his eyes, leaning back in his seat again while keeping the straightest face he could, although it was more than clear that he wasn't enjoying being made to feel the size of Antman at his smallest.

"If it's any consolation," Pepper continued, "I have had a long and thorough talk with each of them regarding the issue and how inappropriate they have been and I'd like to assure you that it will never happen again."

I could only nod dumbly, all words momentarily leaving my vocabulary.

"Um, thank you," I mumbled, having to clear my throat.

"You're welcome to take the rest of the day off," Tony said, sharing a look with Pepper, "with full pay, of course."

"Thank you, again," I nodded, "but I'd rather not have the time off, I'd just stay home and get caught up in my own head, so I'd rather stay at work."

"Are you sure?" Pepper asked with a small frown.

"Yes, thanks, my work is a great distraction so that's more than enough."

"Okay," she nodded slowly, "if you're sure, but the offer will still stand if you feel things become too much, right Tony?"

"Absolutely," he nodded as well, still looking less than thrilled.

"I appreciate it," I worried my lip between my teeth, my leg beginning to bounce with pent up nerves.

"Then at least take an early lunch when you're done here, get some fresh air and come back revigorated."

"I shall, thank you."

I gave them both the best smile I could, which still felt ridiculously shaky, and stood up from my seat to make my way to the door.

"If there's anything you need, just let us know," she said after me.

This caused me to pause in the doorway, my hand still holding onto it as a couple of thoughts sprang to mind.

After taking a lingering moment to consider what I wanted to say, I turned back towards them and cleared my throat again.

"Actually, I do have one small thing to ask."

"Shoot," Tony replied, putting his feet up on his desk.

"Can you keep Loki away from my office?"

Pepper's face softened and she nodded.

"We'll make sure he keeps his distance."

"Thank you."

I gave them both a small smile and then retreated fully, letting the door click shut behind me.

I made my way back to my office to grab my purse, feeling triumphant in keeping my cool, at least for the most part, though also annoyed that I couldn't speak my mind to my boss without the risk of losing my job.

Though my main take away, apart from Loki being kept from my company, was the cringe inducing thoughts that were sure to keep me up at night.

"I said thank you far too much."