Life As Tony Stark's Child → Iron Man

Chapter 15 (Friday)

Pepper's POV

I took my jewelry off as I was looking in the mirror. I sighed as I felt the effects of a long day at work working on me right now. I felt tired and sick, but I also knew that I needed to talk to Tony about Kerry really bad. Next week starts soon and I want to have this whole school thing sorted out properly. I began wiping my make-up off when Tony entered the room rubbing his eyes, being just as tired as I was. He didn't look ready to discuss anything. He looked more like he was about to pass out if he didn't get into bed soon.

It was already bad enough that he had bad insomnia but also hard work and being a new parent had its effects. I had told him countless of times that he should try not to work too hard and don't give himself difficult tasks. That's one of the reasons I was glad he gave up the suits, because he doesn't need to use as much brain power as before. Those suits take a genius and a hard working mind, to create. Tony has both. But with mental health problems I guess it clouds any good qualities a person can have. Tony remembers it well. He has nightmares about the Battle of New York very often.  He doesn't always tell me about it. He doesn't like people seeing him when he's weak. And that's when he feels the weakest. He confessed to me once. Everyone has their weak moments. Tony's was this. 

It might not seem something that is truly important but it is. All I wished for Tony to have is a good nights sleep. At least once. He usually just lays there looking at the ceiling. I heard him whisper things a couple of times too. Sometimes its just silly things like scientific stuff (I guess its hard to keep all that knowledge bottled up in your head) and other things which are difficult to make out. I usually pretend I can't hear and let him have his moments. Other nights when he does fall asleep, he wakes up screaming or just in shock and almost always mentions aliens, Loki or the battle.

Every night it breaks my heart more and more and all I want to see is him finally getting used to a normal life and forgetting it all. I'm thinking maybe if he spent more time with Kerry he would be more focused on problems at home and he'd suddenly forget it all. But I know that's just too much to ask for and that all I could actually achieve is maybe just him getting an extra hour maximum of sleep before the nightmares attack and take over his mind again.

I used to wish to know what it felt like to be Iron Man, but watching Tony's suffering just makes me want to stay away and keep everyone away from those suits. Being Iron Man is not an easy task and Tony knows that more than anyone. However he still somehow through all that pain and drama, loved being Iron Man and still carries happy thoughts and memories of it. And I'm glad. The happier he is the better he will heal right? That's if he ever will.

As soon as the make-up was off my face and I was satisfied with the way the bedroom looked, I was ready to talk to Tony. I didn't want to disturb him or rob him off his sleep but I had to.

''Tony?'' I asked and patiently waited for a response. I was extra kind to him usually before bedtime. I usually didn't even try. Something in me just made me naturally sympathetic.

''Yes?'' He replied yawning and I sighed and took a deep breath.

''You know Kerry? I think it's best to home school her.'' I got that sentence out somehow and could feel Tony sit up on the bed as his interest in in the conversation grew bigger.

''Why?'' Was all he asked and my mind quickly began making an explanation.

''Because of bullying. She told me the school was very bad. Jen was concerned also. Kerry was really upset. I already went in and complained. Turns out its a very poor school and it's close to getting shut down because its doesn't provide a proper learning environment for the kids.'' I told him as I stood up and put some clothes away.

''Look, I've said this before and I'll say it again. I want her to be normal and I want her to socialize with other people. Being my kid she will need to do that a lot and I don't want to see her be a penguin everytime she needs to talk to someone.''he replied.

''And you also said that she had to try out public school for a week. However one day is enough already. Just get over it. You can't force her to socialize.'' I said. At least I hoped I did. The tone in my voice got a bit louder and I didn't not know if I was yelling yet.

''And she didn't even complete a week.''

''Maybe if you picked her a proper school we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.'' I snapped.

''Well it was the first school that came up. How was I supposed to know what it's like. It came up, Jarvis took care of the rest.'' 

''What? You picked the first school that came up? It could've been worse than what she got! You're supposed to be looking out for her at all times! You and I, we're her guardians, her parents. Our job is to give her a better future and make sure she has a nice time growing up. I'm not sure how that's supposed to happen when you can't do your job properly!'' I yelled, getting more angry now. I have never yelled at Tony at this time of night and neither have I disturbed his sleep, but this needed sorting. He really needs to sort out his priorities and be a responsible parent. I know its difficult but we are raising a person.  A human being. Tony and I's demons are not as important as a young kids future. A kid who didn't have the best time growing up.

Tony sighed. ''I'm sorry. I will try harder next time. I never thought it will be this difficult.''

I found myself nodding to that. It was difficult. I sat down next to Tony and put my arm around him.

''I know it's difficult. But we'll get through it. If both of us try hard enough, we'll have a normal life in no time.'' I said calmly and gently. Almost a whisper. I felt like I said what I wanted to say and had let whatever anger I possessed out of my system and I was free to do whatever.

''I'm not sure that will be very easy with those S.H.I.E.L.D agents coming to us all the time. Even Fury himself came over. That barely happens. You know its serious when the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D himself comes over to talk to your kid.'' Tony admitted and I frowned to myself. Of course, the agents. I worked out that you can't ever escape S.H.I.E.L.D once you get involved. You can try, but they always come back and they will always find you.

''She's not safe is she?'' I whispered. I didn't want to believe it but that's what Tony was told on the first visit. He was also told to keep her in the house and away from danger. Maybe homeschooling would be good for her and her safety.

''I don't know.''

*A/N: So an update! I bet you weren't expecting that!!Things are gonna get real interesting soon!! I'm also thinking of changing the cover (again). Also I wrote this chapter while almost passing outfrom tiredness so ignore any mistakes. Plus I don't remember much of what happened in the prvious chapters so...yeah. Anyway much love to you all!!

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