* 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 \ ᴏꜰ ᴊᴏʏ

“JARVIS, call Cindy Moon, please.” She relays to the AI, voice echoing inside of the suit. Pepper is beyond worried for the girl, she can’t stop thinking about where Cindy is and making sure she’s okay. Pepper takes a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself. “Please, pick up Cindy.” She whispers. 

Pepper knows why Tony had called the suit to her. For protection, to keep her save. But she couldn’t just stand around in and iron suit and do nothing. She wasn’t a hero, this wasn’t her job. But if there was one thing that Pepper did not like it was feeling useless. Her attention is drawn to someone near by and Pepper gives him a nod. “I got that too. They seem to all have signs of life.” She informs him, thankful for JARVIS speaking in her ear. “I’ll be more than happy to help, you tell me when.” This wasn’t her normal, but they seemed confident and Pepper will follow his directions. 

Pepper had panicked, the building had begun to shake and with that emotions kicked into overdrive. Her very core had begun to burn, extremis. The last time it had reared it’s ugly head was during the fight with Thanos, Any rubble that had tried to fall onto her on her way out was tossed to the side like it weighed as light as a feather. But as she finally broke out of the building, piece by piece a suit connected around her. Pepper was afraid she’d burn right through it, molten skin making her sweat.  “Yeah -- yeah. It found me.” Her voice is shaky at best. “Are you okay? Do you have a suit? Do I need to come and get you?” The questions flow from her mouth like a waterfall that cannot be stopped. “Tony -- there were still people in the building.” 

“You know, you aren’t the first person to stay that to might tonight.” Pepper laughs a little bit. “Maybe I should start listening but I don’t know how well I would do it at it.” The woman takes a long sip from her drink, relishing in a nice conversation. “It is, but now that I’ve had one I’m hoping I can sneak in another one.” 

“I’m sorry about that, Cindy. What did you say?” She’s been caught red-handed. Pepper should have known better than trying to work at a party but she still risked it. “It’s because I am working. We have a lot of overseas partners that can be hard to get into contact with due to different timezones.” The woman goes onto sigh as she glances around the party. “I tend forget I’m allowed to attend that parties I plan.” 

It’s a relief to hear that she’s enjoying herself. Much of this was last minute and Pepper never liked to disappointed. “Wonderful, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Pepper goes onto nod. “I am... things are going well so far which is a good sign.” It’s a very good sign given everyone involved but she’ll keep that to herself. “Oh, I’ve been running around trying to greet as many people as I can. I feel like I’ve been bouncing off the walls all evening.” 

“Well I hope you enjoy the party..” Pepper’s voice trails off as she walks away from the stranger who had been talking her ear off for the last ten minutes. She finally approaches the bar and just takes a deep breath. “Are you having a good time?” Pepper can’t help but ask as she leans against the bar a little, a little relief from mingling in a large group. Sometimes one on one is better. 

Pepper knows that she should be having fun at this party but there is always work to be done. She’s answering only a few texts, which can’t hurt right? There are plenty of other people who are on their phones as well. She can sneak on for a second. A quick few minutes later and Pepper gives a sheepish look. “I hope you haven’t been standing there long. Did you say something?” 

“You look stunning.” Pepper can’t help but greet her friend, an arm wrapping around her in a gentle hug. She doesn’t want to go and wrinkle Natasha’s dress. “God, I hope you’re having a good time I feel like I haven’t had time to breath since Tony told me about the party.” 

Pepper is a planner, she always has been. This party was a bit of a surprise, so Pepper feels like she’s been running around all night making sure everyone is enjoying their time. “Good evening.” She greets with a warm smile. “You look wonderful, are you enjoying yourself?” 

Pepper needs a drink. She can take a break from making sure every person in this party is having a good time to get a martini. “Dry martini, extra olives please.” Pepper orders with a smile before breathing a sigh of relief. She glances over with that same smile, she can’t go ten minutes without checking in can she? “Are you having a good time tonight?” 

Pepper peers over the woman’s shoulder, taking a look at the photos. This was in Pepper’s job description, and sometimes was her favorite part of the job. “I’d say go with the second one.. It seems like the best for a redo. It’s a nice photo in general as well, but it has a certain bit of intrigue.” 

𝓟𝓮𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓟𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓼

“I don’t think you letting me down is possible. I’m excited to have you here...” It’ll be nice having someone around. Besides the fact she won’t be doing everything on her own, she also won’t be alone. Another set of footsteps can put her mind at ease. This is all a good thing.. and things will be okay. Pepper just have to keep reminding herself of that. “Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s really not that intimidating. You’ll start talking to him and it’s like talking to an old friend.” Then again it might just be her and her bond with Tony but the setiment still stands.

It was nice to hug Natasha again, a firm body pressed against her. It’s real. She hadn’t been able to process the loss, not yet. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t hurting from the news. But Pepper is glad Natasha is here now, it’s nice to have a friend. “You know me, work is a good distraction. So... I’m pushing forward. I’ll be alright.” Pepper gives her friend a bit of a smile. “What about you? This all can’t be very easy for you. How are you doing?” If Pepper is struggling, then she can’t imagine what Natasha must be going through with all of this. No one got off easy with whatever happened here. 

"We’re always hiring at Stark Industries, you could always apply here. We pay far more than minimum wage, it could give you a little more wiggle room if that’s what you’re looking for.” It’s true, Stark Industries is a massive company, the more people the smoother things run. “I don’t know that, it could be very well a good thing. I guess it’s truly your own digression. You have to decide of the possible consequences are worth the risk.”