章 3: 3. Pepper Pots

The last few days had been an unrelenting nightmare for Pepper Potts. The stress gnawed at her, a constant companion in the absence of her boss and lover, Tony Stark. He had been out of contact for days, and the silence was deafening. Yes, he had left for Afghanistan over three weeks ago, but until now, he had kept in touch, calling her regularly, his voice a reassuring presence despite the dangerous travel.

He had gone to present the latest ballistic weapon for an army—something she had strongly opposed. Stark Industries' primary revenue stream might be in weapons manufacturing, but Pepper had always been against Tony personally conducting these contracts. It was far too dangerous. And now, her worst fears seemed to be coming true. Tony was probably kidnapped, maybe even killed. The thought was unbearable. Why hadn't he listened to her this time and stayed home?

Pepper's mind raced, filled with "what ifs" and regrets. She was his secretary, the one who was supposed to make his life easier, to keep him safe. But Tony, being Tony, always had to be in the thick of things, his charisma and confidence leading the way, getting things done in his own inimitable style.

"Tony, god, please be safe..." she muttered under her breath, the words tinged with frustration and fear. This time, his charm and bravado had turned against him. The military personnel who had accompanied him were unresponsive, their silence a stark reminder of the danger he was in. James Rhodes, Tony's long-time friend, and confidant, was already on his way to find Tony, but it would take time—too much time. The anxious waiting was unbearable, each passing second stretching into an eternity.

Desperation drove her to call for backup. She knew it was a long shot, and she hated to bother him, knowing how busy he was. This giant man, who patrolled the streets almost 24/7, was as dedicated as Tony Stark himself. But Pepper had no choice. She needed his unique set of skills, his unparalleled ability to find people. He operated on his own terms, but he got results, and in this case, the stakes were personal. He considered Tony a brother, and that meant he would be serious—deadly serious.

Standing on the roof of the Stark Industries building, the tallest structure in the Manhattan, Pepper felt the wind whip through her hair. Each breath she took was shaky, her nerves frayed to the breaking point. She wasn't standing at the edge, but she felt as if she were, teetering on the brink of despair.

Then, with a sudden, powerful rush of air, a massive figure ascended from below.

*WHOOSH*

Thomas Andre. That's who she called.

Or Goliath as everybody calls him, known for his towering height and lion-like mane of hair, cut an imposing figure as he landed gracefully on the rooftop. His presence alone was enough to command attention and respect. Dressed in his signature Hawaiian shirt and white pants, he looked out of place in the world of corporate skyscrapers and high-stakes business deals, yet here he was, a living legend in the flesh.

"Pepper," he greeted her, his voice deep and reassuring. " Full information."

Pepper felt a wave of relief wash over her. Despite the gravity of the situation, seeing Thomas gave her a glimmer of hope. If anyone could find Tony, it was him.

"Thomas," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "Tony's missing. He went to Afghanistan to show what new rocket can...And...Why the hell didn't he leave the weapons business?" She fumed, her voice tinged with frustration and worry. "Stark Industries thrives in other sectors, but he just wouldn't listen. I've asked him so many times to step back... and now this. I'm right, aren't I?" Her voice trailed off, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. She had no one to confide in, and the stress was overwhelming.

She looked up and saw the frown on Thomas' face—a rare but significant expression. It wasn't often that Thomas showed this kind of emotions so openly, and it spoke volumes.

Thomas nodded, his arms crossed over his broad chest, his stance exuding strength and resolve. "You're right, Pepper," he said, his deep voice filled with understanding.

Pepper sighed, a mix of relief and sorrow. "Ah, uh... I'm sorry," she stammered, trying to regain her composure. "You didn't come here to watch me fall apart." She quickly gathered herself and explained the situation, her words coming out in a hurried rush. "Tony's been out of contact for almost a week. Rhodes is on his way, but it's taking too long. I need your help. We need your help."

Thomas listened intently, "I'll find him, Pepper. You have my word. But you should have told me earlier."

"I know– I know, but you-... "

" It doesn't matter. Now it doesn't matter, what's done is done. I'm going to Afghanistan. Don't have to announce to mass media about it. You know what to do. " he turned around.

When he reached the edge of the building, Thomas simply jumped down. Pepper didn't even flinch; she knew that such heights were insignificant to him. He had jumped from far greater heights before. She recalled the time he had lost a bet to Tony and had jumped off a mountain without hesitation.

But this situation was far more serious.

He had scolded her, and she understood the gravity of his unspoken message. Standing next to his towering frame, she already felt small, but now she felt utterly dwarfed by her guilt and worry. She should have alerted him immediately. If Tony wasn't found, she would never forgive herself.

Pepper watched as Thomas descended, a silent prayer on her lips. She had to believe that with his help, Tony would come home safe. The alternative was too unbearable to contemplate.