#meangreensciencemachine

Jane lays her head in Bruce's lap as soon as the show starts up, and her hand wanders across the couch in search of the popcorn bowl, eyes still glued to the screen. She frowns. Frankly, she's a little disappointed--- but also kind of impressed.

           "---Have you seriously eaten it all already?"

Pepper was in custody during the investigation. They treated warmly, politely and with ease. They assumed she was just a simple girlfriend breaking under the stress of having her boyfriend locked up. They seemingly forgot she was the executive of one of the biggest, most powerful industries in the world and took care of the superheroes that nobly risk their lives each day to protect the world. She didn’t need to be treated so gingerly, but they didn’t listen. All she was to them was an innocent, lonely woman, comparing her to other women who’s boyfriends are in jail for murder or lesser degrees. Pepper knew the moment they realized she was the murderer, when the obvious evidence that the Hulk never came out was clear – that her Rescue Armor was hidden underneath her office in the Stark Tower, that she broke his neck when he showed up rather than The Hulk smashing him to death.

The gentle looks shifted to looks of disgust as she was the woman who killed the general. They handcuffed her, taking her to the unforgiving prison. When they escorted out of where they were holding her the news was already out – Pepper Potts the murderer behind the Thunderbolt Ross case. Cameras were flashing far too brightly, news reporters were making it hard for her to walk. Why did you do it? Why did you let Bruce Banner take the blame? Was there a motive? Did you steal one of the suits or did Tony make you one?

Pepper kept her right to remain silent, being led to the police. One of the last things she heard was monster. It… It was true… Out of the beautiful relationship they had, Pepper was the true monster. She didn’t think twice when killing Ross, all in her mind was the peace Bruce would finally get. They had so many other options, but deep down she wanted him to die. She wanted to kill Ross for making Bruce’s life hell.

At least now Bruce can live without people believing he was a monster in a cage.

 She was sentenced fifteen years. She should have gotten life, but she had the best lawyers in the world, SHIELD, and the Avengers all on her side.  She wasn’t given the mercy Bruce was, but the couple knew beforehand she wouldn’t be granted that since she has on record never saved a soul. She saved many people as Rescue, but the secret identity came with a price and none of it came up in court. She could have been sentenced only eight years, but she admitted to killing another. She was done with lying and Aldrich Killian’s name left her lips without remorse though her expression was very fragile. She was scared, but it was time.  It was time to free Bruce. She… She wouldn't let them treat him like a monster anymore, even if it meant he would hate her for going off plan…

Fifteen years and every moment in the trial she thought of Bruce.

They gave her the orange prison uniform. The guards hated her with every fiber of their being. In their eyes she killed a General, a man who deserved respect for everything he has done. The guards didn’t dare touch her or say anything hostile though, the fear of the Hulk in the back of their mind.

Pepper had a cellmate, one who was much bigger than she. “Are you Pepper Potts?” she asked bluntly, her voice as tough as her appearance. The reserved woman hesitant at first, but replied. “Yes I am.” Pepper spoke professionally as default at this point, her friendliness being left on the outside of the prison. The woman had what looked like a welcoming nod before grabbing Pepper by the throat and ramming her head against the bars. One time. Two times. Three times before releasing her. The guards didn’t care as Pepper crumbled to the ground like a heavy sack being dropped. “I don’t like ms-princesses-I have it all, there are no superheroes to protect you here.” she retorted. Pepper remain quiet, disorientated after that many hits to the head against the old metal cell bars.

The room was spinning. Pepper was seeing things in her haze; despite the dull gray walls and horrifying cellmate were lost in the twirling, an angel stood there.

 “Bruce…” she spoke, wanting to reach for him. 

“He’s not here.” Her cellmate said, laying back into her bed. “I hope you like the floor, princess. The top bunk is mine too.” She told Pepper who was starting to get enough strength to stand. Pepper was furious, but what could she do? Speak out and get the living shit beat out of her?

 She stood, grabbing the bottom of her shirt to press against her head that was leaking crimson. He made her cringe, thinking back on Ross…

He let out a shaky breath as the SHIELD agent grazed his inner thigh with his…

Okay enough.

"Oh my god, no."

meangreensciencemachine

"Bruce? You're back? Oh my god Its so good to see you, Its certainly been quiet without you and a lot less mess"

Pepper’s heart dropped. He was gone for five months. He was back and now-

She gave a nod, telling the agent thank you. She walked upstairs, memories flashing before her. When she was pregnant and he would carried her upstairs, how David would run down these stairs on Christmas morning and the two of them would follow behind tiredly.

She reached their bedroom and laid down in the bed they’ve shared for nearly seventeen years, curling up within herself as she started to cry.

"Mom? What’s wrong?" David asked, hearing her weeping from down the hall. His frowned deeply, closing his eyes. "He ran off again, didn’t he?" He loved his father, but Banners have a habit of running.

"No. He’s dead baby,"