[SFW VERSION]
🌹 There's something wonderful in those who stare death in the face. Even in a world wracked by relentless calamity, flowers blossom between a sea of corpses, the shapeless crimson rivers marched over by mechanical instruments of mass...
[Spoiler warning: This one-shot takes place after Pepper's last bond story.]
They're all so happy for us, Commander.
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In all honesty, you're not sure what to expect out of this. You've just made things official — officially official — with Pepper, and that fact alone sends a cold shiver down your spine. You can withstand a lot, but the backlash you'll receive when Pepper's patients learn you're actually dating her cannot be anywhere near short of disaster.
You've already gone through it once, treading down the halls of the medical ward, attracting salty stares from children and adults alike. All of Pepper's dedicated fans. Even thinking about it now gives you chills. Their cold, harsh eyes slithering down your body, stabbing deep into your soul, an unholy display of merciless judgment.
Back then, you had only pretended to steal their precious idol away. Now you really are stealing her.
In the following days, as yourself and Pepper return to your rather busy work schedules, you do manage to keep in touch. For a while it's all just playful banter and sweet talk over text. That is, until Pepper finally informs you that she spilled the beans to all of her patients about your relationship. The people who believed you were her partner — when in reality you were faking it — now know you're her... actual partner. You can't tell if that would make them hate you more or less than they used to.
What a hassle.
Pepper calls you over to the ward, and you do muster up the courage to go. Deep down you're not yet ready to face those patients' angry stares all over again. You don't want to feel that same feeling of fear and insecurity. But Pepper did ask you to come, so why even consider refusing?
At the hospital gates, you find Pepper's petite figure waving at you from afar. You give a brief wave back and carry on your way toward her, only for her to hop into a short sprint and leap into your arms.
"Commander!" she exclaims, pressing her cheek to your chest as she attempts a bear hug — but it comes off as more of a kitten hug. "I didn't think you'd actually show up."
You give her a small smile and roll your shoulders in a shrug. "Facing my fears, I guess."
Pepper curiously cocks an eyebrow. "Fear?" It doesn't take her long to put two and two together. "Oh, let me guess, everyone was giving you a hard time about being my fake partner."
