Hiding in Plain Sight

I Can't Keep Doing This...

Hey, y'all again. How's life? Wow, this is just sad. It's midnight, I'm alone, and I'm trying to find company by writing words on a screen. That is sad when you think about it. Btw, bonus hint about this chapter. It's one word: foreshadowing. Please, enjoy:).

Never test something, anything, on full power if it hadn't been tested on lower ones yet.

Tony had just come back from a mission with the Avengers.

SHIELD had found the Cabal and sent the Avengers to stop them. They were successful except near the end of the battle Tony was fighting Modok. Iron Man was winning when he let his guard down. Seeing his chance, Modok got a lucky hit and shot Stark straight through a wall.

He hit the floor with a thump and groaned in pain. small parts of his suit were dented, and most of it was scratched. Tony could tell that he bruised a few ribs and probably cracked one too. Other than that and the giant bruise he that was starting to develop all over his body he was fine. His torso took most of the hit.

Once he managed to get up without hurting himself, even more, he realizes that the battle was over and the rest of the Avengers had caught the Cabal. They brought them to the Helicarrier, and Tony got his ribs wrapped up.

Once that was all finished, the Avengers said their goodbyes and parted. Tony drove back to his mansion and went to his lab to fix his suit. Almost instantly, Loki ran over and jumped into his arms. Pepper followed closely behind.

She ran up to him and he was surprised to see tears in her eyes, "Tony! I came back, and I couldn't find you. I turned on the tv and there you were. I saw you get hit. Oh my god, I was so worried."

"Hey, hey. I'm fine. I'm right here, Pep. It's fine. Everythings fine," He said as he rubbed small circles on her back to calm her down.

"NO!" She pushed herself away from him, "It's not fine. Do you know how worried I am every time you go on a mission? When I see you on tv? Tony, I-I-I don't even know if you're going to come back. What if you die? You're all I have! What am I supposed to do without you? I-it's just... Tony, I can't do this."

"What, What can't you do?" Tony turned her around and looked her in the eyes.

Pepper immediately looked away and said, "It's us. Tony, you don't understand how hard it is to be with you."

"Wait. What are you saying Pep?"

"Every time you go out as Iron Man, every time you're fighting, every time you put yourself in danger. I worry myself to death! I can't do anything because I'm thinking about you," she took a breath, "Tony, you need to choose. Iron Man or me."

Tony took a step back in surprise, "Pepper, you know I can't choose."

"I knew it," she murmured, "Goodbye, Tony." She started to walk away.

"Wait, Pepper. Pepper! Don't go! Don't go..." Tony fell to his knees. Tears started falling down his face, starting with a small trickle, then soon a waterfall.

Pepper... the only person he loved with all his heart. She was gone. Gone...

*sob* I'm legit crying. Why, me? Why!? Well, I'm sorry I skipped an update, but I will make it up to you all. In a few hours, another chapter will be up. Yay! So, see y'all soon. Bye!

-Percabeth-4eva