A mile in my shoes

Chapter 15

Pepper was a rare visitor to the compound. Stark Industries was taking most of her time. She had never been a fan of Iron Man or anything associated with it in the first place. The pressure had become too much for her to handle. Tony understood. He was not always responsible for the dangers she faced. Stane had initiated all of this by ordering his death. It was no longer relevant. Tony and Pepper were no longer dating. They would never be a couple again.

Tony couldn't help but feel that his relationship with Laura was entirely distinct from what he had with Pepper and, in many ways, a lot better. Maybe he wasn't being very kind. The whole experience had changed him in more ways than one. Tony could now say that his former self would never have allowed himself to become so invested in his relationship with Pepper. Deep down, he understood that they were not destined to be together. That would certainly explain why they had been on and off since the very beginning. He was not blaming her. They were simply not meant to be. Sometimes, life was like that.

"Tony." Pepper stated simply.

She was looking at Laura and the children with a mix of curiosity and something that almost looked like jealousy. The CEO was likely to want answers quickly.

"You missed the board meeting again." Pepper admonished Tony almost like a tired mother would remind her unruly son of his promises.

"That is why I have a very capable CEO." Tony attempted to make a joke.

The humour fell flat. Pepper didn't even crack a smile. To be fair, he wasn't technically incorrect. He shouldn't be involved as much anymore. He'd been doing everything he could to help her since promoting her to the position, especially now that he wasn't actually dying. A personal assistant did not become CEO on a daily basis. However, at this point, she should be able to function independently. Tony didn't want to demote or, worse yet, fire her. This would necessitate yet another difficult conversation between them. Nothing ever seemed to come easily.

Pepper glanced towards Laura. Her expression was immediately guarded but she chose not to say anything. Ever since the Ultron incident, their relationship had been on the rocks. Although Pepper wanted to reconcile, she insisted on establishing healthy boundaries between them. Iron Man was the reason they had so many problems in their relationship. Tony was not going to give up the armour so easily, but she hoped that he would gradually go on fewer missions and become less active in the Avengers until he would realise that he was no longer needed. In fact, Pepper believed that Tony had never been necessary. Certainly not in the field. After all, everyone had a place.

"Laura, please allow me to introduce Miss Virginie "Pepper" Potts, CEO extraordinaire. Pepper, this is Laura Barton, greatest mother, remarkable woman."

Pepper let out a sigh of relief, realising that she was Clint Barton's wife and the children were undoubtedly theirs. Tony had done a lot of less than stellar things in his life, but he would never pursue a woman who was already married. The situation after the civil war was complicated. Still, she trusted Tony not to do anything foolish like that. Pepper had no idea the family was in the compound right now. The explanation would come really soon anyway.

"Well, would you look at the time! It's bedtime for you guys," Tony said abruptly, eager to leave the awkward situation.

The children didn't object, sensing the tension in the room. They understood more of the situation than was generally believed. Lila reached out and took Tony's hand. She looked up at him a bit worried. Pepper would have to wait for their conversation. She didn't seem pleased, but then again, the woman hadn't been exactly on his side lately.

"Is that lady your friend? She doesn't seem to like us very much," Lila asked, looking up at him with innocent curiosity.

Cooper caught up to them and nodded in agreement, suggesting that Pepper's first impression on the children may not have been a positive one. The situation was difficult, but Tony had to remind her that the children were innocent of whatever was going on. For the time being, he needed to reassure both children. Things were already difficult enough without adding to them.