Chapter 8

Pepperony

Pepper sighed and looked down at the to-do list she had made for herself the night before, clicking her nails against the kitchen bench as she read.

Catch up on books, cook something, clean something, sleep, do something, anything, watch movies.

It was bound to be another boring day. There was nothing to do all day anymore since Tony had won his argument that she wouldn't work at the office anymore until the baby came and she went on maternity leave. Now, any business that had to be passed through Pepper was sent to her email, which she would check every five minutes out of desperate boredom, and she would finish it from home. However, most of the staff at Stark Industries knew how protective Tony was and tried to avoid sending Pepper any work to do in order to let her rest. Pepper was growing tired with each passing minute, but it was rarely from lack of sleep and instead it was from boredom and the fact she had nothing to do with herself all day.

She was eight months pregnant now and bigger than ever. All of her shirts barely fit and she was starting to look odd when she walked since she had to cater for this huge stomach that was in her way now. She just wanted her daughter to be born already, for so many reasons.

''You're home,'' she smiled, noticing Tony walking up from his workshop. He had been out all day doing Iron Man stuff and Pepper was awaiting him patiently. ''I missed you.''

Tony hurried over and pressed a kiss to her lips. ''Really?''

''Yeah, I'm bored.'' she laughed.

Tony huffed. ''Oh, I see.'' He began walking into the living room.

Pepper turned and followed, but he was gone in a matter of seconds. ''Stop walking so fast, I'm disadvantaged.'' Tony stopped and turned to see her walking over to him as quick as she could without looking too silly. ''Stop staring at me, I can't help it.'

''I'm not laughing at you,'' he defended, wrapping his arm around her waist.

''You were about too.''

They reached the couch and Tony sat down first, followed by Pepper lying down beside him and placing her head on his lap. Although she had done little to nothing all day, she was still tired and couldn't resist the comfort of just laying down for a while.

''How was your day?'' she asked, enjoying his fingers running through her hair.

Tony sighed. ''A little boring.''

''Boring? How is being Iron Man boring?''

''Well, no it's not boring, but it's...repetitive.'' he explained. ''I'd rather be here.''

''Tony, I can look after myself.''

''I know that, but I still want to be here.''

''I'm not due for a few weeks yet, relax.''

''Hey, I'm relaxed, alright? You know why?'' he asked, and Pepper could see he was about to brag about something by the look on his face. ''Because I am organized. I have everything ready, you name it, I have it covered. There is nothing I'm not prepared for.''

Pepper laughed. ''I believe you. I've seen you running around the place like a crazy person.''

''That's right, because I'm being extra responsible. I bet I'm even more prepared than you.'' he pointed out.

''Of course you're more prepared than me, I can't do anything until it all happens.'' she told him with a roll of the eyes. ''I mean...I've been reading all I can but there's not much that I can really do, is there? I've read all there is to know, but...'' she looked up at him with worry. ''I'm not prepared. Oh my god, what if the baby comes early? I won't be ready!''

Tony instantly saw his mistake of bringing up the preparations. He didn't mean for her to be offended, but lately she had been very touchy on a lot of issues. It was hormones, she couldn't help it, but it still made Tony guilty every time it happened.

''Hey, I was only kidding, of course you're prepared.'' he assured her.

''No, I'm not!'' she sat up. ''I've been so comfortable being pregnant these past few months that I haven't even prepared myself for giving birth! I mean, I always knew I had to do it eventually, but w-what if she comes early? What if she comes now? I'm not ready yet!''

Tony put his hand on her shoulder. ''Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down. Everything's gonna be fine-''

''No, it's not!'' she shook her head. ''If she comes early...I'm not ready.''

''Pepper, look at me,'' he reached for her hand, trying to get her attention. ''She is not coming for weeks yet. And you're right, there isn't anything you can do until it happens. No one can be prepared for this sort of thing, that's why it's so crazy when it does happen.'' he explained, soothing her worries. ''It's gonna be fine, right? Nothing to worry about, just relax.''

Pepper nodded her head, trying to ease her thoughts but she just couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't ready if anything happened before it was supposed to. ''Yeah, yeah she's not due for a few weeks.''

''Exactly, you got nothing to worry about.'' Tony smiled. ''Isn't it the dad that's supposed to freak out about the 'not being ready' part?''

Pepper chuckled. ''I just keep thinking something's going to happen. It's all been too easy.''

''Stop worrying,'' Tony held his arm around her. ''I would've thought with all of this free time you've got, that you'd be way more relaxed than this.''

''It's actually the opposite. I have way too much time with my thoughts, they kind of run wild. I'm bored all of the time, I have nothing to do.''

''Hmm, that's odd because it seems all of the ice cream is always gone when I get home...'' he held in a smile.

Pepper pushed against his arm. ''See what I mean? I'm bored and that leads to me eating more ice cream than I should.''

They sat there in silence for a while, just relaxing from their day. Pepper laid back down and rest her head on Tony's lap once again, closing her eyes as she found comfort. Tony wished he didn't have to keep leaving during the day, but he had to. Pepper wasn't working anymore, really, and Tony had to keep up appearances at Stark Industries as well as fulfill his role as Iron Man. Rhodey rarely asked for his help anymore despite Pepper telling him that when Iron Man was needed, he would go. He just wanted to be here with Pepper. She was at home by herself all of the time, and although Tony had precautions in place if anything happened, he still wanted to be here.

''I can't wait,'' Pepper smiled, her hand resting on her stomach.

The next two weeks passed in a blur, Tony was out for most of the days and Pepper was still at home bored as she waited for him to return. Now, he no longer had to make appearances at Stark Industries as they were aware of his family situation now, and after all, it was his company so he was entitled to time off whenever he wanted it.

Pepper had walked downstairs one afternoon to find Tony and Rhodey sitting in the living room, enjoying a drink and talking with each other about some of the business going on in the military and it's operations. Tony was the only person who Rhodey could talk to about this stuff and find advice, and they would usually talk about certain upgrades for their suits since Rhodey didn't have the technology or knowledge to do so himself. There were many times where the two of them would be in the workshop for hours and hours, looking at different models and upgrades for the suit which Rhodey would wear when the military needed his assistance. Rhodey only assisted the military and it wasn't a regular thing, it was usually for exercises or when there was something serious going on.

However, tonight was to be a relaxing night where they didn't need to worry about those things. They had invited Rhodey over for dinner, and it was the first time Pepper had worn nice clothes in a few weeks. Usually she would wear whatever fit her, and since she rarely left the house due to the intense media attention they were getting, it was usually sweat pants and old t-shirts of Tony's.

''Pepper,'' Rhodey smiled as she came into the room. ''How you feeling?''

Pepper shrugged, but smiled back politely. ''Big.''

''Well you're still just as beautiful as ever.'' he complimented, making Pepper's lips tug into a smile at his words.

Tony nudged him. ''Hey, hey, back off my wife.''

It had been a few weeks since Pepper had seen Rhodey since he was so busy, but tonight they could all relax and just forget about whatever their lives had been throwing at them lately. Pepper had decided to cook dinner since she had been so bored lately that she had read an online recipe book with traditional meals. It took her mind off of all the worries she had been having lately.

They all sat in the living room for about an hour, just talking about numerous things and catching up, before they made their way to the dining room for dinner. The food looked amazing and Pepper couldn't have been more proud of her cooking. Tony was surprised by the meal since Pepper wasn't usually one to cook fancy food, and Rhodey was just glad to actually have a proper meal with company.

Pepper envied that the men could have a glass of wine with the meal she had made since the recipe clearly stated it was excellent served with a particular wine, and she was missing out in it. Pepper had never been a big drinker, but she did enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail every now and then, it relaxed her and lately that's exactly what she had been needing.

After dinner, they continued to sit at the table and talk. It reminded Tony of all of those years he and Rhodey would get together and drink after they had been out for the night, except his life was a lot different now and he couldn't be happier. Rhodey was one of the first people that Pepper and Tony had told about the pregnancy, and he was excited and happy for them more than anyone else since he was the one who watched their relationship all the way through. Their denial, their arguments, when they first kissed and he had been Tony's best man at their wedding. He was family to them, and it prompted a decision that didn't need a second thought from either of them.

''So, have you got a name picked out yet?'' Rhodey asked.

Tony and Pepper looked between each other and nodded. ''Well, we weren't going to tell anyone until she was born, but...we sorta have something to ask you, so depending on your answer...'' Tony told him.

Rhodey raised his eyebrows, confused. ''You've lost me.''

Pepper chuckled and tried to explain clearly. ''We have something we want to ask you, and Tony's kind of protective of the name until we get your answer.''

Rhodey nodded slowly. ''O...kay''

Pepper looked over to Tony for him to take the wheel. ''Alright, so,'' he began. ''You've been in our lives for a really long time now, and you're basically family to us-''

''Are you proposing to me?'' Rhodey interrupted, unable to resist the obvious.

Tony rolled his eyes. ''I knew you were gonna do that.'' he looked to Pepper. ''See? I can't be all serious with this guy, he makes it impossible.''

''What Tony is saying,'' Pepper took over. ''...is that you are considered a part of our family, and we trust you more than anyone. You've been there for us through everything and we hope that you always will be.'' Rhodey smiled at her words. ''Tony and I have made a decision and we hope you can accept, because there is no one else who could do this and who we would want to do this.''

''We want you to be our daughter's godfather.'' Tony finished.

Rhodey was surprised by the offer. He had never felt so honored, and he was an army man. All of those medals meant very little when it came to being responsible for a child, especially when he knew how important and loved that child was by it's parents. The fact that Pepper and Tony had chosen him out of everyone in their lives was touching, and there was no way he would even doubt the offer.

''Are you serious?'' he asked with a smile. ''You want me to be her godfather?'' Pepper and Tony nodded in sync. ''I mean, this is a big decision, are you guys sure?''

''There is no one else who we would want to do this.'' Pepper assured him.

''You've always been there for me when I needed War Machine and you never gave up on me,'' Tony told him, remembering the lengths Rhodey went to when rescuing him in the desert almost two years ago. ''And I know you'll always be there for her.''

Rhodey didn't joke around this time, seeing the honesty in Tony's eyes. ''I promise, always.''

''So, yes?'' Pepper asked.

''Of course!'' he looked over to her. ''The fact that you guys would trust me with the most precious thing in your lives...thank you. Thank you guys.''

Pepper couldn't help her eyes tearing up, and Rhodey looked over to Tony worriedly.

''Don't worry, happens all the time.'' Tony told him, referring to Pepper's fragile emotions. ''Oh and since it's official now that your the godfather-''

''And cool uncle.'' Rhodey added.

Tony chuckled. ''Anyway, I think you have a high enough title to know the name.'' Pepper smiled as she waited for Tony to tell him, since after all, he had been dying to tell Rhodey ever since he and Pepper agreed on it. ''Abigail.''

Rhodey smiled, liking the name. ''Abigail. I like it.''

''Well, it's Abby for short.'' Pepper told him. ''It means 'father's joy'.''

Rhodey then looked back to Tony who had a smile on his lips. ''I picked it out.''

''Hey, I picked it out! You just liked it a whole lot more.''

''I looked up the meaning, Pepper. Pretty sure that means I picked it out.''

Rhodey was happy to sit there and listen to their pointless bickering, it was nice. It wasn't their usual arguing over something small, it was playful and it was happy. He wished nothing but the best for them, and now he had another thing to look forward to. Not only would he be an uncle, he would be a godfather.

Pepper had been on edge all day, as well as Tony. It was her due date, and she had been advised to be cautious of any unusual feelings she might experience as it may be contractions. She had done the reading and asked countless questions at the doctors, but nothing would prepared her for when the day finally came. She had woken up at ten that morning and had been waiting for a sign all day to let her know it was happening.

Tony had everything ready for when they had to leave in a hurry. He would drive his car, but due to Pepper's protesting, it wouldn't be one of his sports cars. Her bag had been packed, and everything was ready. All they needed to wait for was as sign that it was time to go.

''Tony!'' Pepper called out from the living room where she was laying on the couch and watching a movie.

Tony ran into the room speedily and looked over to her with anticipation. ''What! What's wrong?''

''Nothing,'' she shook her head. ''But can you get me the ice cream.''

Tony sighed. ''Why would you do that?''

''Hey, when something happens, you will know about it, I swear.'' she assured him. ''The cookies and cream, please!'' She could hear Tony mumbling something to himself as he searched the kitchen for a spoon before making his way back. ''Thank you.''

Tony sat down beside her, and she noticed how dirty he was. There was grease on his arms and his face, his hair was messy and his clothes were stained with black patches where he had been working. Since he was no longer going into Stark Industries, he had been working downstairs in the workshop all day. Normally Pepper would go down there and talk to him, looking around at all of the work he had been doing, but she couldn't be bothered today, not when she was so nervous.

''You don't...feel anything?'' Tony asked.

Pepper shook her head as she dug at the ice cream with her spoon. ''Nothing unusual. I can feel her kicking and moving around, but nothing weird.''

''Are you sure?'' he looked at her curiously.

''I'm sure. I'll let you know, I promise.''

''Dr. Tate said if anything feels weird, okay?''

Pepper sighed. ''Tony, relax. I will let you know as soon as anything feels weird.'' she promised. ''She also said that this might not happen today.''

''But if it does-''

''Then I will let you know.'' she looked over to him with a smile, appreciating his worry. ''I will.''

Tony nodded, accepting that she was okay and that nothing was happening at the moment. Dr. Tate had informed them that although this was in fact the due date for their daughter, she may not actually arrive today. Pepper was just glad that the baby didn't come early after her initial freak out that she wasn't ready. However, now that it was the day, she was ready for anything, even if her nerves had made her on edge for the whole day as well as making Tony go out of his mind asking if she was alright every five minutes.

It soon became night and Pepper was fast asleep in bed when Tony walked back in from the bathroom, turning all of the lights out. Today wouldn't be the day that their baby would come, but that didn't help him sleep any better, expecting Pepper to start yelling at him as soon as he fell asleep that it was time.

Three days had passed since her due date, and Pepper was growing agitated by every passing minute that went on. She was becoming uncomfortable and frustrated, finally resorting to calling Dr. Tate to ask what was going on. Dr. Tate assured her that everything was fine and that she could go into labor any minute now. There were tips that Dr. Tate gave Pepper that would help with inducing labor since Pepper wasn't exactly on board with the idea of being medically induced.

''Spicy food?'' Tony looked at her with a raised eyebrow. ''Really? I didn't think you liked spicy foods? Isn't that weird how spicy food can do that? I mean, that's so weird.'' Pepper glared at Tony's rambling, and he soon realized he should stop. ''Right...so I'll go order some Thai. Extra hot and spicy.''

Pepper ate all of the spicy food she could, tears forming in her eyes at the intensity, but still nothing happened. It was frustrating because she was so ready to meet her daughter already and she was sick and tired of being pregnant. After that attempt failed, Pepper walked upstairs to take a shower with plans to go to sleep as soon as she made it to the bed. Tony soon followed behind her and laid down on the bed, watching as Pepper took off her shirt next to the bed.

''I know that I don't really understand what you're going through, but I really want to meet her as well.'' he told her.

Pepper sighed and smiled at him. ''I know.''

A few moments later, Pepper felt relieved as the hot water hit against her back, stinging her skin. She was tired, she was exhausted and she wanted to sleep for a few days. It had been a long three days since her due date had passed, and she was growing even more restless each day as nothing happened. She took her time stepping out of the shower, being careful not to slip and reached for a towel. Her reflection in the mirror was not something she liked to look at right now. Her eyes were tired and she definitely didn't have a glow about her anymore.

It was after she had pulled her clothes on when she felt something wrong, and she knew what it was. Her whole body just froze as she realized what was happening, thinking of how to respond. This was it.

''Tony?'' she called out softly, enough for him to hear but when he didn't appear within two seconds, she yelled. ''Tony!''

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