The Forsaken Truth (Marvel's Avengers)

Of Kings And Queens

There was a while of uncomfortable silence that stretched between us which I used to process the information I was given.

Tony's eyes were glazed over as he stared into space, and I knew that he was lost in recollection.
I also knew that it wasn't a good thing and that I had to, somehow, bring him back to the present.

So, making up my mind, I softly called out.
"It's not your fault, Tony."

He immediately shook his head and scoffed.
"Of course it's not. Yinsen was an idiot. If only he would've waited for me to think of something other than the obviously stupid plan of his, he would've survived."

At his defensive tone, I couldn't help but smile.
"Sometimes there isn't a way out, no matter how much we wish there was. Yet, the choices we make at these times shape our future as well as other's."

At Tony's confused expression, I sighed and elaborated.
"The doctor's choice to sacrifice himself paved the way for you to be who you are today. We are not blessed with the fortune to see into the future, and there is no way that you can be sure you both would've made it out alive if he didn't choose to do what he did. The only thing we can do is trust our instincts and I believe Yinsen did just that."

I paused then, tilting my head and contemplating my words before I continued.
"The way I comprehend it, this experience of yours enabled you to shut down the weapon manufacturing part of your company. And I think Yinsen knew this. He knew that you had to be the one to change the direction of the road you were previously on. He believed in you and that belief was what helped him choose your life over his own. And his death, as tragic as it may have been, is in no way on you."

For a long time, Tony just stared at me, mulling over what I had told him before he let out a small smirk.

"Are you sure you're not a real therapist? Because those were some wise words that I definitely wouldn't have expected from an eighteen year old girl."

And even though I rolled my eyes, a smile bloomed on my face, because I knew there was gratitude hidden beneath his teasing.

"I'm pretty sure I'm wiser than you but thanks anyway, Tinny."

The 'Yeah, it was the trauma, lol' meme passed my mind and I pursed my lips to refrain from giggling.

Before Tony could reply to my remark, a knock sounded on the door of the room catching both our attentions.
I whipped my head to the side and saw the smiling persona of Pepper standing in the doorway, dressed in casual clothing and hair tied in a low ponytail.

"Oh hey Pep, when did you come back?" Tony asked cheerfully and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"About half an hour ago. I couldn't find you in the lab so once I changed, I came here to see if you were in."

Her eyes then shifted to me and she beamed.
"Hello Aylin, it's nice to see you again."

I just nodded, returning the gesture and making way to stand up when she entered.

"And it was really nice hearing your conversation with Tony. Indeed, very wise words. I'm impressed actually, considering that you aren't really a trained psychologist."

Shit.

Both Tony and I stiffened in shock, glancing at each other through the corner of our eyes.

"Wh-what?" He let out a nervous chuckle. "What are you talking about, Pep?"

Pepper looked at him in amusement. "I know, Tony. I heard you say it not less than five minutes ago."

SHIT!

"You must've heard wrong."
He waved her away, and I frantically nodded, not willing to be caught in my deceit, even if I possibly already was. It was worse to admit it.