The Iron Captain

Chapter eighteen

 "How could you do this?" Pepper asked, venom in her broken voice. "I gave you everything you asked for, I was there for you, and you cheat on me?" Tony put his face in his hands, sitting down on the couch. "I know, I made a mistake, I should have told you, I should have broken up with you, but... I don't know why I didn't." he muttered. "Please, you have to tell me why." She didn't care that it was Steve; actually, she was a bit relieved that it had been Steve, better him than someone else. "I don't know Pepper, it's just, ever since New York, Steve and I have gotten close," The strawberry blond snorted. "I can see that." she muttered beneath her breath.

 "No, you don't." Tony stated, trying to keep his voice still. "Steve and I found something in each other, something we hadn't found in anyone else; it's different with him Pepper! I love him, and I know he loves me, I can't see my life without him anymore," He looked at Pepper, sympathy on his face. "I'm sorry, I wish I could have told you, I never wanted to hurt you...I loved you, I really did, but-"

"But now you don't, and you want it to end. I understand Tony." She said, taking in a shaky breath.

 "I can't tell you I saw this coming, I really never planned for any of this to happen." Tony sighed, and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I understand if you hate me now, if you never want to speak to me again. I can't blame you. But, just know, I did love you, and I will never forget what we had together." he said, reaching for her hand. But she quickly pulled away. "Just go, I'll pack up my things, and find a place to stay. Thank you for everything Tony." Pepper whispered, smiling at him brokenly.

 "Goodbye, Miss Potts."

 "Goodbye, Mr. Stark."

 Tony stood, and made his way to Steve's room, hoping he would be there.

~*~

 "Christine!" Steve yelled as he burst through the doors of the large office building, and all eyes turned to see who the hell was looking for the female reporter. Christine turned around, standing by the coffee machine, music blaring on the small radio they had nearby. The soldier stalked up to her, and she almost dropped the cup she had in her hand when she saw him raise his fist. But he swung past her, smashing the radio against the wall, and a silence falling over the gathering crowd.

 "Can I speak to you in your office?" Steve asked through clenched teeth. He didn't give her time to answer before he grabbed her by the arm and lightly pulled her into the nearby office, no one even trying to stop him. He slammed the door behind them, and Christine's eyes were wide with fear. "What's this about?" she asked, thinking about where she had the mace placed in her drawer. "How could you tell Pepper? We had a deal!" The soldier practically screamed, losing his composure.

 "Oh, that? You're right Steve, we did have a deal, but I figured if you can't keep up with your end, why should I?" Christine said, shrugging a bit. "What the hell are you talking about?" he growled. "You and I both know you and Tony reconciled last night." she smirked. "Have you been spying on me?" The soldier asked, a bit creeped out. "Me specifically no. But I have my spies sweetheart. And even they aren't aware. You remember Ashley don't you?" The woman cackled. "You hurt her pretty bad there Steve, she needed a shoulder to cry on. And she told me all about how she saw you last night at the bar, with a Mr. Tony Stark."

 "So what makes you think Tony and I hooked up?" Steve growled. "Oh please Steven, I may be blond, but I'm not an idiot. You love Tony, and you know you can't go through your life without him with you. And I know you'd do anything to keep him by your side." Christine said, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned back on her desk. "So, what's it going to be Steve? Are you going to sleep with me, and I'll destroy the pictures, or are you going to go back to Tony, and let the whole world know your secret?" The soldier looked down, sighing. "Neither." He muttered, and the reporter was caught off guard.