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

Real or unreal?

I squirmed in agony, uselessly trying to fight back all the arms keeping my head deep in the water barrel.

"He is still weak and recovering, stop that, you will...!" Yinsen's voice calmly, yet shakily spoke

"Tony!"

She was next to me, all of a sudden, hugging me tight, caressing me and comforting me in her arms.

"It is ok, Tony"

Her lips leaned into mine for a soft quick kiss, one that I did not expect, at all.

"Breathe, Stark!" Yinsen's voice suddenly returned

"TONY!" Rhodey's voice joined as well

"Jimmy, stay with Stark!"

"WAIT HERE!" I watched as Jimmy suddenly left, only to be killed right after closing the door.

"Tony!" Pepper called for me again

"The most famous mass murderer..."

"Tony!"

"Stark, breathe!"

I feel myself jumping in my bed... again.

I knew it would be like this once I'd fell asleep.

"Sir?" Jarvis voice filled the room as I tried to catch my breath.

There was no sign of Pepper around.

But I thought she said she would... stay?

"Pep?"'

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

"What happened, J?" I asked

"I believe you just experienced another nightmare, Sir. Your vitals are still unstable." Jarvis spoke

"I mean... what... Pepper?"

"Miss Potts is sleeping in one of the guest rooms, as usual, Sir. Would you want me to wake her up?"

I frowned, rubbing my face.

Please tell me I did not hallucinate again.

Please tell me she was really here.

That she hugged me.

That she kissed me.

That happened. That had to...

"Sir?"

I gulped, leaning my head to rest on my knees.

"J, did something..." I breathed "...forget it."

"Sir, should I ask for Miss Potts and..."

"No... no... let her sleep" I disappointedly spoke, standing up from the bed.

"Time?"

"5:30am, Sir"

I slowly walked downstairs, to my workshop.

If there was anything I wanted at that time, it surely did not include sleeping.

I was starting to get sick of my mind and all these situations that seemed pretty real to me.

I still refuse to believe that moment with Pepper did not happen.

Back when I was still in that pit, it was different, because there was no way she was there for real.

But, at that moment, she was there.

She was on the guest room though.

All night long, according to Jarvis.