Friends With Benefits

Positive or Negative?

Over the next few weeks, Tony took care of Pepper. He went everywhere with her, did everything with her, and helped her with everything. She would wake up in the middle of the night, shaking and crying, begging for all of it to stop. The only thing that had kept her sane was the fact that Tony was there with her every step of the way. When she woke up from her night terrors, Tony would try to hug her and comfort her, but she would kick and scream, until Tony's reassuring and soft voice told her it was all going to be okay, and that she was safe. He would sometimes stay awake in the middle of the night, slowly plotting his revenge on Michael. It wasn't going to be easy, but he's Tony Stark... he always gets his way.

They were sitting on the couch, Tony's arm around her shoulder and Pepper's wrapped around his torso, her head resting on his chest. She looked up at him and gave a small smile. He smiled back and leaned down to peck her lips a few times. Pepper pulled away and sighed.

"Tony.. no." he frowned.

"Why not?"

"Because you have a girlfriend and I'm not ready for this." he turned to look at her.

"Look, you know I would be willing to end things with Maya in a heartbeat... and as for the not being ready part, I'm willing to take it slow." his voice was so sincere, it almost broke her heart telling him this.

"I know, but both people in a relationship need to be on the same page. But we're both on different ones." Tony just wanted to drown all of his sorrows in alcohol, but decided not to. He didn't want Pepper to think that he couldn't control himself. The last thing she needed was another... Michael episode.

"You'll see. You love me, and one day you're going to realize that we will be together forever and ever. We're obviously going to have a wedding, but not a white one.. those are too mainstream. We can make it special, something that only the two of us can appreciate and know the true meaning behind of. We'll have two babies named Jacob and Rose. The girl will have your hair, freckles and skin color, while the boy will have my hair and eyes." she chuckled and looked at him.

"Well someone's been dreaming a lot lately."

"Dreaming? No. Planning my perfect future with you? Yes."

She got up from the couch and Tony frowned, the warmth fading away.

"Hey, where are you going?" he turned around to see Pepper walking away.

"To the kitchen, I'm starving. I've had quite an appetite lately. Do you want anything?" She called out from the kitchen.

"I'll have whatever you're having."

"You sure?"

"Yes." Five minutes later, Pepper came back with a not so appetizing 'snack'. It made Tony cringe.

"Honey mustard with pickles and pasta?" she nodded and took a bite, making Tony want to gag a little.

"I told you. I don't know what it is, I've had the weirdest cravings. Yesterday I went through a bag of peppers and a bowl of rice with milk.. and it was at the same time." Tony looked at her curiously, he wasn't a genius for no reason.

"Pep, i'm not an expert at this.. but when was the last time you had your.. cycle?" Pepper furrowed her eyebrows and looked at him confused.

"Umm.. I don't remember. I should have gotten it last week. Why?" Tony didn't know how to tell Pepper what he was about to say to her.

"Well, um, do you think that maybe you should.. um.. t-take a pregnancy test?" Pepper's eyes went wide.

"What?! You think I'm pregnant?" he nodded slowly.

"I don't know, maybe. All the signs are there.. I think you should take one just to be sure. If you want I can get one for you upstairs."

"Okay, maybe you're right. Get- wait, why do you own a pregnancy test?" she gave him a 'what the actual fuck' look.

"My mom keeps them in her bathroom. I walked in there one day, opened the medicine cabinet and there were like three of them."

"Alright then. Can you please get it for me?" he nodded and kissed her forehead. Tony came back a minute later, test in hand.

"Do you want to do this alone, or do you want me to be with you?" he asked softly.

"Thank you but I think I'll do this one alone." she walked towards the bathroom and a hand pulled her back. They both made eye contact.

"Pep, just know that whatever that tests says, i'm with you till the end of the line." he kissed her cheek.

"Thank you Tony. I really appreciate that." she gave him a small smile before closing the door behind her.

Pepper took a deep breath.

inhale.

exhale.

She peed on the stick and set the timer, sitting on the edge of the bathtub. The test was face down on her hands. This had to be the longest three minutes of her life. Her leg was shaking and she couldn't stay still, anxiety getting the best of her. There was still a minute left on the timer. She started to silently cry, wondering what she ever did to end up in a situation like this.

30 seconds.

30,29,28....

What if she was pregnant?

28,26,25....

Who would the father be?

24,23,22,....

Can she live up to the responsibilities of parenthood?

21,20,19,18....

She couldn't take on the pressure of being a single mother.

17,16,15,14...

What if it was... Michael's? Her and Tony haven't had sex in over a month.

13,12,11,10....

If it was Michael's, would she love it just as much as it if were Tony's?

9,8,7,6...

Would this child have to grow up without a father?

5,4,3,2,...1.

The timer dinged, and Pepper closed her eyes, taking another deep breath. She flipped the test over, but still had her eyes closed. She slowly opened her eyes.

It was...

-

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CLIFFHANGER.

I had to... *evil laugh*

so sorry for the long wait, it's been so busy at school lately ):

but I have a very important question for you guys.

do you think it's positive.. or negative?