I Love You 3000: The Road After the Endgame

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Pepper's POV

 Watching Nick Fury and Maria Hill was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I'm honored to have been the host of both the wedding and reception for them. Having every single person here who has played a huge role on my life since I first met Tony makes my heart swell with pure love. Most of us won't see each other for awhile after tonight but we're making the most of the time we have while we have it. Tony's death taught me that, to treasure every moment. I mean Thanos' wiping out half of all live instantly taught me that too but Tony's death more so. 

    Maria is sitting down at the main table with Nick's arm wrapped around her. He's deeply involved in a conversation with Carol and Valkyrie. I make eye contact with Maria and she motions me to join her on the other side. I gladly take a seat because my heels are killing my feet. "Maria, I'm so happy for you. The wedding was lovely and this reception is booming. Even the kids are having a ton of fun. I was worried the kids would be bored but they're far from it." She smiles back at me. "It feels like a dream but it feels so right. I've dated other guys before, even almost married a couple of them too, but no relationship has felt as solid as the one I have with Nick." 

      I smile sadly at the night sky. "That's how my relationship was with Tony." She frowns a bit. "I didn't mean to bring you down Pepper." I wave her concern away. "You didn't do anything wrong. I was just pointing out an obvious truth is all." She studies me carefully for a moment before speaking again. "Do you think you'll ever love another person so intensely?" I shake my head no. "No, never. I'm not closed off to love down the road, I just know that I'll never have what I had with Tony again. He's irreplaceable. I see him in Morgan and even Peter everyday. Those two amazing kids will carry on his legacy for decades to come. The world better watch out for those two. They'll be the ultimate sibling supehero duo the world has ever seen." 

      Shuri makes a coughing sound from behind me and I laugh. "Well they'll be the most iconic sibling superhero duo besides T'Challa and Shuri. They're pretty great together too." She smiles. "Thank you Pepper." I roll my eyes playfully. Shuri can be a piece of work sometimes but we all love her. Peter and her have become close friends.  "Maria, what's the next step for you? Will you and Nick be going on a honeymoon or just sticking it out at work for now?" "Nick actually planned a week long trip to Paris for us. We leave in the morning." I hug her. "Be sure to send me a postcard. I've been wanting to see Paris since I was a little girl. Maybe one day but seriously, don't forget to send me a postcard." "Will do Pepper." 

       Nick smiles at me politely. "May I have a word with my bride Pepper?" I nod and make my way through the crowd to mingle with others while downing a few glasses of wine to ease my nerves. The night flies by and before I know it, it's time to beginning the clean up process. Rhodey, Laura, and Clint put the kids to bed while Happy helps me with the cleaning. I smile at him gratefully. "Thank you Happy. I'm a bit drunk so cleaning up alone would have been a struggle." He nods. "It's no problem at all." I can tell there's something he wants to say to me but is holding back from doing so. "Happy, is something on your mind?" He shakes his head to snap out of his trance. "I'm fine, just tired is all. I mean I have insomnia which doesn't exactly help my case."

       I sigh in sympathy. "Me too. My dreams aren't pleasant these days. My mind tortures me by forcing me to live through at least one nightmare a night involving Tony dying. I already watched him die in battle. Why do I need to keep reliving that moment? I do that enough when I'm awake." He looks at me sadly. "I wish I was on that battlefield. It pains me knowing that I never got the change to say goodbye to him in his final moments but then again I'm not trained to be on a battlefield. Thank you for letting me attend the funeral though. That at least gave me a small amount of closure." As I bend down to scoop up some broken glass, I cut my hand and hiss loudly. 

       Happy immediately looks at me in concern and grabs a handful of paper towels to stop the blood temporarily. He searches frantically for a first aid kit on the rooftop. Someone must be able to hear us because someone throws one up to Happy. He catches it successfully and begins taking care of my cut. I look at him in awe as he does so with such precision. "Happy, you could have been a doctor." He laughs. "I respect medical professionals but I'm actually really squirmy when it comes to anything medical related. I'm not too fond of blood. I'm tuning it out for your sake." My heart skips a beat at his sweet tone of voice to me. I study Happy's face for a moment before leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek. He blushes A LOT. "W-What was that for Pepper?" I smile. "That was my way of saying thank you for being you." 

        He stares back at me in awe. "That is one of the nicest things anyone has ever told me. Thank you for being in my life all of these years. Tony really did find the perfect woman. You're the closest thing to perfection I've ever seen too." I need to get my hormones in check. I will not jump into bed and fondue Happy while intoxicated or period. I need time to heal properly. I'm not going to be THAT woman. 

Hoped that you guys liked this chapter! The link to my latest cover is down below in case you feel like watching it! :) -May