Iron man 3 [MCU x OC] [Book 3 of the Stephanie Stark Series]

Chapter 8

It was peaceful for a while. Well as peaceful as it could be when you're strapped to some kind of lab table. The plane they were in had landed on something called the "narco" a little while ago and now Stephanie and Pepper were surrounded by a mixture of scientists and gunmen.

Pepper had been in and out of consciousness for a while; her body oddly glowing a bright orange causing her to groan in pain. That must be extremis. If Peppers lasted this long then it likely means she'll make it. Stephanie had spent the last hour trying to distract her mind, she'd gotten so desperate she turned to daydreaming. It wasn't the most immerseful dream experience, due to Peppers groaning and doctors coming over to them every 10 minutes distracting her but it was something. She thought about Tony saving them, and then going back to a perfectly stable home where they would spend Christmas together as a family.

I could be back in the workshop with Tony. Build another suit with him or work on the car. She smiled and closed her eyes.

"Have a nice nap?" She looked over to Killian who had walked into the room and was now standing in front of her. She didn't answer. "Silent treatment, huh."

"Get away from her." Pepper woke up, which took the man's attention away from Stephanie who let out a sigh of relief.

"Hi. Pepper."

"You think he's gonna help you?" who? Tony? "He won't."

"Having you here isn't to motivate Tony Stark. Well, it's actually more embarrassing than that." Killian was really close to Pepper. It made Stephanie feel sick. "You guys are here as my... um"

"Trophy." Killian laughed and nodded.

"Mmm"

There was a loud metal thud. It was the Iron Patriot suit - war machine. Stephanie knew it wasn't Rhodey in the suit. But to her surprise, it wasn't the strange bald man either.

"Good evening, sir." Killian addressed the armor. When it opened the president stumbled out. Killian gave a mock salute, "Welcome aboard, Mr. President."

Killian led the president through the area, for what? No idea. Stephanie and Pepper both tried listening in but couldn't gather any new information. Eventually, they heard the president yelling followed by him being dragged down some stairs and outside onto the boat. They didn't see Killian and no one came up to check on them.

"Great. More waiting." Pepper gave Stephanie a look that told her to be quiet. "Tony is going to come right?"

"Hunny. Of course, he is." Pepper gave her a pained smile. "I need you to promise me something." Her look turned serious. Stephanie nodded. "When there's a moment for you to get to safety you take it. You do not wait for me, you do not wait for Tony unless you absolutely need to. If you can run, run." Her voice dropped into a whisper.

"But -"

"No buts. Do you promise?" Pepper had tears in her eyes again. "Stephanie Maria Stark."

"Oh, okay. So first I'm tied up and now I'm getting scolded. For what? Not wanting to leave you?"

"Yes!" Peppers winced as her voice got louder than intended. "It is our job to protect you. I will not let you put yourself in danger to protect us."

Stephanie's lip quivered. "I don't want to be alone again." Her voice came out defeated. Pepper's eyes softened.

"Then listen to me. The quicker you get to safety, the more Tony can focus on stopping Killian. Promise me." Stephanie looked away from her. "Promise?"

Reluctantly Stephanie agreed, "Fine."

There was a ruckus outside. And all of the gunmen stationed in their room started running for the exit to deal with whatever was going on. Stephanie gasped. "Tony!" She could hear the familiar sound of the Iron Man repulsors blasting away. Pepper sighed and laughed. "Pepper! It's-"

One of the walls blew in causing an explosion and knocked everyone remaining in the room back, including Pepper and Stephanie.

Pepper got stuck under a bunch of metal and Stephanie got knocked down to the floor still strapped into her confinements. Stephanie groaned as she felt blood running down the side of her face. Taking advantage of the broken locks she was able to wiggle her way out of her restraints. She stood up to make her way over to Pepper before tripping. "Ow!" She looked at her leg, which had a large cut along her thigh.

"Stephanie!" She could hear Pepper's voice calling to her.

"I'm okay!" She stood up again, making sure to put less pressure on her injured leg, "I'm gonna get you out!"

"No! No. You promised. I want you to find a safe way out of her and off the ship!" Stephanie found a small opening and stumbled down onto the floor. She saw Pepper lying underneath some sharp rebar. Pepper smiled at her. "It's okay. I'm okay. Don't be stupid Stephanie."

Stephanie let out a choked sob. "I'm not stupid."

"Then get out of here! I will see you soon. I promise."

Stephanie whined. She started to pull at her hair before Pepper yelled at her again. "Don't think! Go!" she looked at Pepper who nodded at her and after a long hesitation she nodded back.

"O... ok." She slowly got up from her position and made her way to a door that wasn't surrounded by fire. She looked back at the pile of rubble. "I'll see you later?"

"Promise!"

"Love you." Stephanie wiped her eyes.

Pepper let out a sob, "I love you too."

Stephanie didn't say anything else before leaving the room. 

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shorter chapter but i'm trying to stretch out the ending.

Ugh, I can't. I love Pepper and Stephanie's relationship sm. 

thx for reading ! make sure to eat, drink, and stay healthy!

-P