What If Tony Stark Was The Villain

Part 2 - Nightmares

"Tony, Tony! Wake up, baby, please" Pepper shakes his body as he fights his own demons in his sleep.

He's tense, shivering, his hands grabbing onto the sheets strongly. The images of Captain America threatening him with his shield on top of his body, the scene where Bucky attacks his parents, the audacity of Steve to lie to his face about knowing everything, everything haunts him in his sleep.

"Tony!" she almost cries from fear.

"Wh-What's happening?" he jumps and asks in shock.

"It was another nightmare" Pepper says as calmly as she can.

It's been a week and there still hasn't been a night when he didn't wake up like this. The scars on his face might have disappeared but the internal ones won't go away so easily.

"I'm sorry" he sighs and hides his face between his palms in shame.

"Don't be, I'm here for you" she wraps her arms around his body that desperately needs some affection.

The tight hug from Pepper makes him take off the strong mask he's been hiding under and he finally lets the tears fall from his eyes uncontrollably. He's sobbing, not holding back this time. Pepper pulls his head into her and against her chest as she affectionately caresses his back and hair.

"I'm so sorry" she shuts her eyes and the few tears she is holding back escape them and roll down her cheeks.

"I hate them, with all my heart. I swear I do" he stops sobbing and looks Pepper in the eyes.

"I know" she nods and they wipe off the tears from each other's faces.

"I wouldn't make it without you" he confesses and kisses her forehead.

"Yes, you would. You're strong, Tony. Stronger than you think" she places her hand on his cheek and shows him a tiny smile.

"Not without you, I'm not" he says with a shy smile and slowly leans into her to connect their lips.

They get under the sheets together again and this time Tony falls asleep much more peacefully. Pepper's soft touch definitely helped with that, made him feel safer and calmer.

The following weeks went on like that. Tony didn't stop suffering from nightmares and panic attacks but they all got better. Having Pepper back in his life and Rhodey finally being able to stand on his feet after the accident during the Civil War battle.

Around a month later, Tony was significantly better. Life with Pepper was better than ever, he was enjoying the battle free life. There was no emergency yet and most of the Avengers were hiding somewhere no one knew besides them.

"Tony, I have something to tell you" Pepper tells him and they sit down on the couch together.

"What is it?" he sounds concerned.

With all the unfortunate and traumatizing events in his life he never expects good news anymore. His eyes scanning Pepper in worry make her aware of that fact but she stretches her hands to hold his.

"Don't worry, it's good news" she reassures him.

"That's a nice change" he jokes and looks her in the eyes.

"What is it?" he asks, now smiling.

"I'm pregnant" Pepper's sweet words catch him off guard.

"What?" he gasps and a smile forms on his lips.

"We're going to be parents" she smiles widely.

"Holy sh*t" he chuckles and pulls her in his arms tightly.

These news made him the happiest he's been lately. Or maybe even ever. Expecting a child with the love of his life? He couldn't even imagine that possibility a couple months ago and now that's his reality.

They immediately informed Rhodey and Happy about the news. Both of them felt just as much happiness as the couple felt. They all knew this is definitely something that could help Tony forget about his anger and they were right.

"To the bright future ahead of us" Tony makes a toast and looks at Pepper with nothing but love in his eyes.

Everyone raises their glass and they clink them. Pepper of course has a non alcoholic drink but that doesn't ruin the fun. She shares a sweet look with Tony and they naturally lean towards each other to kiss one another. It's clear how happy they are.

A couple of weeks later, the happiness hadn't faded away at all. They made countless plans for the future. Moving out of the mansion to a more calm environment, baby names and wedding details. Yes, that was something long overdue.

Tony had a ring and was ready to propose when he found the perfect opportunity but then their break ruined his plans. Once they got back together he didn't want to rush things but now it seemed like the perfect timing. His life slowly getting in order.

Pepper felt the same calmness and excitement about how their life together was turning out to be. And she couldn't feel any happier with the fact that Tony hadn't mentioned anything about his rage towards his former teammates.

He never forgot about it of course. The pain and the memories would never leave him, but they definitely felt like nothing compared to the greatness ahead of him. They only came back into his head when one day he received a letter at his front door.

"Tony, I heard about the news. I couldn't be happier for you and Pepper. I wish I could be there to congratulate you in person but the circumstances don't allow it. I hope you can forgive me one day. Congratulations, Natasha"

Pepper found him with the letter in his hand, holding it tightly and staring at it with all his focus. She hugged him from behind and felt him relax under her touch.

"Is everything okay?" she asks.

"Yes, everything's great" he smiles and turns around to face her.

She smiles back at him and hides her face in his chest. His arms hug her body and hers do the same. She kisses his chest and he kisses the top of her head as they stay in silence.