Lost in Time

Twenty-One

Elle woke up, stretching out and looking around the large room, hearing faint voices coming from the kitchen area. Pulling the blanket from her, she got up and followed the chatter... 'Hey, I'm sorry I fell asleep..'.. As she said it, a yawn broke free, covering her mouth as she looked between Tony and Pepper, then glancing out the window. She guessed it had been a few hours as the sun was almost set.

'Its ok, you were clearly tired. Wine?..'.. Pepper held up her glass and Elle nodded.

'Yes please..'.. She moved to sit at the table with Tony as Pepper got up to get her a glass... 'Something you want to talk about?..'.. She asked Tony quietly... 'You're trying not to scowl at me..'

'Come downstairs when you got a minute..'.. Was all he said, before standing up and giving Pepper a kiss before heading out.

'Whats wrong with him?..'.. Elle asked Pepper as she sat back down, sliding the glass of wine over.

'Hes been worried about you, we both have. Everything ok with your family?..'.. Pepper rested her arms on the table.

'Yeah, all better for now..'.. Elle took a sip... 'My parents, their home was at risk, me and my brothers were needed there to help them save it. I missed you..'.. She reached out her other hand, and Pepper took it... 'I'm glad to be back..'

'Me too. I know you can't really talk much of home, but if you ever need to, I'm here for you..'.. Pepper gave her hand a squeeze... 'Can't believe how big Jace has gotten, and his speech is so clear for a his age..'

'Mom didn't want Jace missing out in his development, so he had friends to play with and lessons..'.. Elle chuckled into her glass... 'Only issue now is getting him to shut up when it's bedtime..'

'I don't know what Tony did, but he wore Jace out and got him settled. Came home to find the guest room kitted out for the both of you..'.. Pepper gestures up.

'I told him not to go overboard. Jarvis, couldn't you have reined him in?..'.. Elle looked up at the ceiling.

'This is Mr Stark, Miss Grey. I would have a better chance of miraculously grow a body, and become human..'..

Elle snorted into her glass and ended up inhaling most of the wine, coughing it all out over herself. Pepper rushed to get her something to clean herself up with, but Elle was trying to breath and laugh at the same time, making her sound like a dying horse... 'Damn in Jarvis..'.. She felt her eyes water and sucked in a choppy breath... 'Why you got to do me like that?..'

'I felt a joke was appropriate..'..

'When Tony said you had been in his system and helped to secure Jarvis, he was a little concerned you might've added in some of your own coding..'.. Pepper was trying not to laugh, as she handed a tea towel to Elle.

'Jarvis needed a personality..'.. Elle patted herself dry as best her could.

'Yes, an attitude adjustment was needed, especially having to work for Mr Stark. Aside from you Miss Potts, and Mr Hogan, I have the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with him on a daily basis..'..

Both women burst out laughing... 'Wow, you really added to Jarvis..'

'What can I say?..'.. Elle shrugged... 'Tony gets to big for his metal boots way too much..'