WHO Pepper & Tony
WHAT Continuing their phone call
WHEN During the dragon thingy
WHERE Outside the Marvel Door
WARNINGS/RATING Probably none. Will update as necessary.


Pepper didn't even hesitate when she heard him over the phone. She wasn't just going to leave him there, especially after seeing the footage of Loki's attack dozens of times. She'd spent as much time as she could containing the situation, organizing clean up and doing what she could to distract herself from thinking about Tony's condition. SHIELD hadn't let her see him, something about not having the clearance, and she didn't have the energy to argue with them. He would be safe with them, she trusted, but that had all gone to hell with this new situation. Pepper hoped he would have the sense to stay put, no matter how desperately they might need him. He would do what he wanted though, just like always. She just hoped he'd survive whatever anomaly that allowed them to be in Las Vegas. She hurried up the steps, a path all too familiar to her, and she was about to reply through the phone when she turned the corner and caught sight of him.

She wanted to stop, to take a moment and worry, but they had a crisis on their hands and Captain Rogers and the rest of them really could use his help. She allowed herself a soft "Tony," as she closed the distance between them, showing her relief at seeing him alive and in one piece. Now wasn't the time for sentiment or anger or anything else. The next mission is all that matters. Hadn't he said that to her, way back when? She could focus on that. "They just need a way to get Hulk toward where the dragon is." Pepper couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth but that wasn't reflected in her voice. She was already pulling up the still photos on her phone to show him.