“I quit.”

Even through a haze of painkillers, his look is skeptical.

She’s not surprised. She’s been threatening it for years. More than years. Forever.

“You nearly died, Tony.”

“I didn’t, though.”

“You may never walk again.”

“I will.”

“I can’t watch you do this anymore, Tony. I just can’t. For God’s sake, look at yourself. You’re too old for this. I’m too old for this.”

“You’re only as old as you feel, Pep.” Somewhere, under all the bruising, he’s smiling at her. That way he always does. That way he has that always gets her to change her mind.

Somewhere, in some universe, Pepper Potts walks away.

Word count: 108