The Man with no Heart (Tony Stark) - ON HOLD

Falling mask

“How did it go?”

I smiled at Pepper as I entered her suite

She immediately spoke, through her nose, looking at me from her bed and wearing the most adorable pajamas I had ever seen. She had her laptop with her and I could hear the news she was watching

“How do you think? I’m the best, Pep. We got a deal”

She smiled, before blowing her nose in a tissue “Mr. Stane will be pleased”

I approached and sat at the edge of the bed. I have always noticed how Pepper did not really like Obie. But, that did not bother me at all.

“To hell with Obie. Now how are you?”

She looked down “I am sorry, Mr. Stark. I had to get sick during this important business trip”

I looked down, feeling bad “Do not be sorry, you can take a few days off now”

“Can I? What will you do?” she chuckled

I smirked. Was she teasing me?

“I’ll do just fine”

“I wanna see that”

“Alright, Miss Potts” I smiled at her

“And… well, thank you for… well, everything… you really did not have to”

I looked at the messed bags near the bed, she had obviously been checking up on everything I ordered as a present.

I had no idea what they bought for her, with the exception of that new pajama she was wearing, but at least she seemed to have appreciated it.

“Doctor was here?”

“Yes, it will be just fine” She smiled “It was very kind of you”

“You’re welcome, Miss Potts” I took a deep breath

(…) the heir of Stark Industries, Tony Stark, has been able to hold the success of his father, with the company. It is a reminder that the genius billionaire died in a car trash alongside his wife, Maria Stark, leaving behind their revolutionary, playboy and genius son to continue their legacy…

I immediately stood up as those news started.

It would be a daring thing to mute Pepper’s computer and letting her find out I can actually control it if I want.

So I just started to walk away “Uh… I will go and…” I whispered “Call for me if you need something”

She sadly looked at me “It is normally the other way around” she sadly smiled

I smiled, looking down “Make it an exception today” I whispered, before leaving.

It was not just out of nothing they were talking about my parents on the news. It would soon be the tenth anniversary of their death.

Of that night I can remember as if it was yesterday. Well… ten years.

And there I was, acting as if it did not bother me after all those years.

It does, even if I try to convince myself otherwise.  

I quickly got bored, having nothing to do in that hotel. I would want to leave straight away, but I guessed I should just let Pepper rest and eat and we could always leave in the morning.

So, I just destroyed my phone and tinkered around with it, entertaining myself as the time passed. And, as always, I lost the notion of the time.

I only remembered I was hungry when I heard a knock at the door, from Pepper’s side.

“Mr. Stark?”

“Pepper?”

Why was she up?

She opened the door and shyly popped her head inside, wanting to hide her obviously unprofessional attire.

Before she even had the time to speak, I stood up “I-I was just about to go downstairs for dinner. Do you want me to order you…”

“Well” she interrupted me “I was thinking if I should order dinner for two, actually…”

A smirk quickly appeared in my lips “Are you inviting me for dinner?”

She rolled her eyes “You can always go downstairs”

“I never refused your invitation” I smiled

She took a deep breath, rolling her eyes again with a small smile in her lips “I’m going to order something, then”

“Rest” I went after her “I’ll order it”

It did not take a long time for the room service to come and soon, we were sharing dinner in Pepper’s suite.

Even though there was a table, I have no idea why, but we made things much less formal and we were on her bed. Legs crossed, dish in our hands and drinks on her bedside table.

Damn, I do not remember feeling so good and relaxed.

And I had only her to thank.

I mean, I would not really do that but… yeah, it was true.

“Do you miss them?” she asked, out of nothing

“Uh?” I glanced at her

“Your parents”

I have never been questioned that, in such a frank way.

I avoided her eyes and never got to respond, though. “I think my father would have liked you” I whispered, taking a sip of my drink “My mother would have loved you” I licked my lips "You put me in the right track" I nervously smirked

She did not push me, but she did not stop with the uncomfortable conversation either “It’s ok to be good, Tony” She genuinly smiled

I gulped. She rarely called me by my first name.

I don’t think that’s the case, though. I wanted to answer.

But, once again, I tried to run from the conversation

“You never spoke of your family, either” I stared at her.

She sadly smiled and openly responded.

Well, I do not have that talent in me. I cannot just talk like that.

But, at least, I am glad it was not about me anymore.

It’s funny actually… I thought everything was about me?

Ugh. It is frustrating.

I guess she is starting to see through me.

Or through what I see myself. I am not sure.

Hello!

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Love,

Carly*