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

The best place in the world

I am sitting on the soft mattress, leaning against the wall, holding my already injured elbow after I hit it hard.

I had woken up in a jolt.

God.

It would be too good to leave everything behind after I left that cave, right?

I don't think that will happen. Ever.

"Tony, ready to dress up? We will land in half an hour" Rhodey suddenly came in, noticing me trying to catch my breath

"You ok?"

I quickly nodded "Yeah..." I stood up "Z'there a tux for me?"

"Of course, I kept all your stuff in the base"

I nodded at him "Ok"

"Hey, once you land, you are going to take a proper rest, ok?"

I stared at him "I am fine."

Rhodey stared at me, disapprovingly, as I moved away "Have you made up your mind?"

I frowned, looking back at him

He chuckled "Of course you have not"

"About what, exactly?"

What is he talking about?

I know exactly what I will do once I land.

"Pepper Potts?"

Oh.

Her.

"Made up my mind about... there's nothing to..."

Rhodey sighed "Alright, your loss"

I gulped, watching him leaving to get me my clothes.

He is right, I might be a damn p*ssy.

A coward and an idiot.

But what am I supposed to do?

I have come a long way to be able to earn her minimal trust and even slight friendship. I think I am allowed to say that.

But more? She is Pepper Potts.

The one who never showed interest in me.

The one who was not, obviously, the same Pepper of whatever my hallucinations or dreams made her be.

I will not lie to myself and say I wouldn't like that to happen, though.

No.

I stopped lying to myself.

Or I want to, at least.

"Ready, Tony?"

I was called back to planet Earth when I was already sitting on a wheelchair, ready to stand up and leave the plane that had just landed.

"Yes" I whispered.

That red hair was the first thing my eyes spotted as the gate opened. She was right there, next to Happy, looking, as always, professional and just... beautiful.

"Watch the step"

I felt Rhodey's arm slowly letting go of me and that was when I noticed the hammock they had prepared for me.

For God's sake.

I just wanted to approach her and hug her tightly, in that precise moment. I wanted no medical assistance.

That was exactly what I did.

I could see the small smile on her face as I ignored the doctors, which was more than enough to make my heart melt.