Pepper frowned as a sharp knocking on her door broke into her deeply invested thoughts - actually causing her to give a little, startled jump as it abruptly shattered the house's silence. Looking up, she turned around and eyed the door suspiciously, wondering who could possibly be coming to call. As far as she knew, there was no one that even knew she'd moved into this flat...unless she had some nosey neighbors that were coming over to bring a welcoming casserole or somethings. Oh, how she hoped that wasn't the case. Though she wasn't much of a fan of the silence and loneliness, she also didn't much care for having to be the friendly neighbor at this very moment. She had work to do.
Turning back around, she chose to simply ignore it. Maybe they'd come back later if it was something really important.
Besides, she'd never liked casserole all that much anyways.
However, just as she was turning back to her book and papers, the knock came again...more insistent this time, and Pepper gave a groan. Uncurling her legs out from under her, she padded her way on barefoot across the thick carpet.
"I'm coming."
Ooohh, maybe the City had decided to send her some delivery Chinese! She wouldn't mind that at all!
Sliding the chain from out of its lock and then slipping the deadbolt away, Pepper turned the handle and opened her door...
...and froze.
There he stood. Anthony Stark. Man of the hour.
She had to admit, she was actually rather impressed to see him there. She thought it would have taken him at least two days to find her. Three if she had been lucky. Jarvis had to have ratted her out, that traitorous A.I. - she always knew that when it all came down to it, he had no loyalties and stood on a side all of his own.
Pepper stared at the man in front of her for a long time...her lips parting to speak...but her mind suddenly flooding with more than one reponse to seeing him there.
What the hell are you doing here?
Is there something I can help you with?
How did you find me?
Go away!
What? Needed someone to take the trash out for you again?
Fuck you, Tony Stark - and not in a good way!
But, instead, all she managed was a muttered, "Hi."