[Marvel:Thomas and Pepper] Who: Thomas & Pepper What: Thomas being polite, conflicted, and probably ruthless, in the end. Where: A deli a few blocks from Stark Tower. When: Now? Warnings/Rating: Safe, Thomas and Pepper don't swear or jump each other in public.
Thomas wasn't looking forward to this meeting. He liked Pepper Potts, both for her capability and intelligence, and he was impressed by the way she handled challenges in her life. He had not seen her without the confused haze of the hotel clouding his vision, but he thought she was attractive, and he had vague hopes in a direction somewhat more personal than professional.
The lying was difficult. Before, when Amanda had been a distant flame in the shadow of his past, it had been easier to be alone in this world. Now it was different; she glimmered like a star, close enough to hypnotize and charm. Thomas was actively trying to repair things with Luke, and he found that avoiding the mention of his children or their influence in his life was more difficult than he expected. It was a poor relationship, to be founded on lies.
It was only going to be worse, now. Especially if he was successful in his endeavor. It depressed him, and put a cold mist on what might otherwise be something to look forward to. He waited just inside the door of the deli as his people moved around him, the same as any other people, invisible in a crowd of New Yorkers, in an establishment likewise invisible.