pepperedsmile | contact。

Entry tags:

contact。

You've reached Pepper Potts. I'm sorry I missed your call, but please leave a message with your name, your contact information and details as to why you're calling after the tone and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.

[There's a pause and it's almost added as an after thought:]

If this is a message regarding Tony Stark, I will make sure to address the matter or concern as soon as possible. Thank you for you patience.

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[ooc: You know what to do! c: Indicate if it's ic/ooc and I'll respond accordingly!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm sure you know by now that Howard is here.

Kind of freaking out a little because you know..what if someone tells him he was here before?

I'm already working on damage control for Tony as we speak. [A sad sigh.] He's already off at a bar drowning his problems.

It'll be fine, Bela. Are you worried about him finding out about the two of you from before?

Oh Pepper, I'm sorry. I can imagine how difficult it is for him. [She sounds sympathetic.] Hopefully he'll come around.

Mostly, yeah. When he left, it did hit me hard. And now I have Clint and I'm worried that this might cause friction between us.

It's nothing for you to apologize for. I'm hoping so. [She pauses.] I spoke with Howard and he took the news a lot better than I thought he would. It's all a matter of getting the both of them in the same room.

Do you think mentioning it would help ease the tension slightly? I don't think he remembers being here but if it does come up...it'd probably be easier to hear it from you.

I think it would be even more difficult to get the both of them even remotely near each other. At least Howard didn't react too badly when you told him.

Maybe it would. He could always check over old broadcasts via the network and find out that way. Sorry..I just thought you'd be the best person to speak to about this.

That's true...but I get the feeling Howard would be more willing than Tony at the very least. He passed away before I even started working at Stark Industries so I have absolutely no prior knowledge of him other than what little Tony has told me. His public image isn't something to go off of either.

It's no trouble at all. I'm glad to help in any way I can. How is Clint taking it?

I do understand where Tony is coming from though because I can relate to issues with parents. [Bela doesn't need to elaborate on that.] It's bad that they couldn't reconcile before he passed away. Granted, I know more about Howard than Tony.

Hmm. Well, I haven't spoken to Clint about it and he hasn't contacted me either.

I guess time will tell. I'm not going to force the two of them to speak, but I think they should at some point.

Clint knows about your relationship with Howard before though, right?

You're right. They should have a talk because they can't avoid each other forever after all.

He does. Clint found out when I announced Howard's departure over the network. I was tipsy at the time.

Like father like son, so I have a feeling that it'll be a while.

Ah...[She's silent for a moment.] Then maybe speaking to Clint first about it would help? See what he thinks about telling Howard. I wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable or on edge around either of them and getting it out there would be better than leaving it bottled up.

They're incredibly similar in so many ways.

[There's an audible sigh.] I do need to speak to him. Both of them. Just be upfront and frank about it without sidestepping the issue. I'm fine with handling practically any conversation but when it comes to relationships? I'm not so good.

Well, if you need any help or moral support, you know where to find me. And I'm not the best at relationships either so I know where you're coming from. There are times when I'm still not sure what to do with Tony.

Thanks, Pepper. I know that you'll be there when I need it. You always have been, even when you've gone through some bad things yourself.

You mightn't be sure all of the time but I know for a fact that you both make a great couple.

It's the least I can do, Bela. We're friends after all.

...Thank you. I know that everyone has their insecurities with their relationships but I guess I can't help but wonder if I'm doing enough.

You're an incredible friend. It wouldn't be the same without you.

It's not uncommon for anyone to second guess their choices or even what they're doing. We're human after all.

I could say the exact same things about you too.

A fault and a gift I suppose. [She smiles a little wryly.] I think that speaking to Clint first would be the best idea. I suspect that Howard is going to be at Steve's party tomorrow and at the wedding.

You're right, I should talk to him about it before anything else. I just wish that it was a whole lot easier to do. At least we have the party and the wedding to look forward to.

It'll take our minds off everything else for a bit.

[She pauses remembering the whole cube debacle.]

How are you holding up, by the way?

I'm holding up okay. As well as I can, considering what happened.

[A sigh can be heard from her end.]

Clint and I talked about it. He helped me to realise that it wasn't my fault and that I was used.

No one blames you for what happened, Bela. He's in jail [for three months granted but] and we'll figure out what to do with him from here on out.

I know, Pepper. But I still feel guilty. I could have- [she doesn't finish off the sentence.] Anyway. He should be locked away forever.

We have the Chief Prosecutor on our side. If he so much as sets another toe out of line, locking him away forever shouldn't be a problem.

It all sounds very reassuring but something could happen and Schmidt could get out again, maybe even commit an act even worse than the virus.

I know there's the possibility but I believe in them.

Then you've a lot more faith than me, Pepper.

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