WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
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Today was Tony's press conference about last night's incident. Just tell reporters the statement on the card—could successfully cover it up.
Pepper stood. Helped Tony straighten his suit. Smiled: "Anyway, you're not Iron Man. Why care about this?"
Tony nodded vigorously.
"Indeed. If I were Iron Man, my girlfriend who knew my real identity would worry to death. Fear I'd die someday."
Gazing at Pepper, Tony suddenly asked: "What were you thinking that night?"
"Which night?"
"That night."
"Oh, you mean the night we danced together. We went to the rooftop…"
Words reached here. Neither Pepper nor Tony spoke again. Deep gazes. As if no one else existed.
The room quieted. Ambiguous atmosphere between them.
Coulson averted his gaze. Awkwardly looked at the ceiling.
This ceiling is really… ceiling…
"Crunch crunch…"
Suddenly, rustling sounds in the quiet room.
"Hmm? What's that sound?"
Tony frowned. Looked around. Found nothing.
"Munch munch…"
Sound continued.
Seems… sound came from below?
Pepper and Tony exchanged glances. Both looked down.
Saw Hermione standing between them. Head down, holding a big apple, munching away.
Sensing their gazes, she looked up and glanced at them.
"You, when did you get here?"
Tony was shocked.
Hermione was also shocked. Mouth wide open: "My god, I came with you two this morning. Sat between you in the car. Are you blind?"
Tony shook his head. How's that possible?
If so, how could I not notice at all?
Clearly just him and Pepper the whole way.
Hermione was also confused.
How are you acting like you're under a Confundus Charm? Key is I didn't cast anything!
Gaze shifted between Tony and Pepper. Thinking of their earlier eye contact practically dripping with honey, Hermione suddenly understood. Then became furious.
"You Tony Stark! Only have eyes for Pepper-sis, right?! Valuing romance over people!"
"Should've never saved you!"
One sentence. Pepper instantly turned away. Face maximally embarrassed.
"CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH…"
Hermione vented madly on the apple.
"Alright, Tony."
Amid the crunching, the ambiguous atmosphere was thoroughly destroyed. Pepper also returned to normal. Straightened her collar: "Time's almost up. You should attend."
Missing the opportunity, Tony glared at Hermione.
You did that on purpose, right? Absolutely on purpose!
"Bleh bleh bleh…" Hermione made a face back. Stuck out her tongue madly.
"Her, mi, o, ne, Gran, ger!!"
With a "I am Iron Man," Tony finally couldn't resist. Made his identity public.
Watching TV, his smug expression, Hermione couldn't help curling her lips.
Pepper thought she was still angry about earlier. Hugged Hermione into her arms. Softly comforted:
"Tony's just like that. You know it too. Don't fuss with him."
Seeing Hermione not responding, just boredly spinning the wand floating in her palm, Pepper said helplessly:
"This time you not only saved his life but also saved Tony's life. Tony really should thank you properly… Right, is there anything you want? Just say it. Sister will definitely make him do it!"
Hermione looked up. Eyes brightened.
Pepper quickly added: "Except dragon heartstrings, phoenix feathers, and such."
She still remembered what Hermione said at S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Oh…"
Hermione's head sank back to Pepper's chest.
Seeming to fear Hermione overthinking, Pepper explained: "Not that I don't want to help. Just that we've never seen these things. Definitely can't find them quickly."
"Hmm… there is one thing. Have Tony modify my broomstick. I want to add some components."
Harvest time.
After acting for so many days, Hermione could pretend to be a good person to gain these superheroes' approval. But she knew clearly—she wasn't truly good.
Gave favors, must get returns. Otherwise she'd really turn hostile.
After all this effort—whether befriending Pepper or helping him through difficulties—Hermione had successfully occupied huge weight in Tony's heart.
Even if Hermione did terrible things daily, Tony would just argue and bicker. Never lessened his regard.
Plan success! Hermione's lips curved slightly.
Stark Industries—half is already hers!
Command Tony through Pepper. This working Tony—prepare to work for her till death.
Leaving the venue, Tony was high-spirited.
"Pepper, Hermione, today superhero Iron Man officially born. Let's find a place to celebrate."
Pepper looked at Hermione inquiringly.
"Anything you want to eat?"
Hermione thought: "Chinese food."
After crossing over so long, she really missed hometown flavors.
Hogwarts meals weren't bad. But still somewhat… British, you know.
Pepper also nodded. Agreed.
Coincidentally, she also wanted Cantonese dishes from Chinatown.
"Oh right," Hermione suddenly remembered something. Quickly said: "If eating, eat authentic. Don't do weird stuff like General Tso's chicken. I really don't understand you Americans—how you can eat that stuff."
You're British, how dare you say this…
Tony and Pepper simultaneously complained inwardly. Expressions quite speechless.
I'm from Guangdong… forget it, forget it…
Hermione saw what they were thinking. Couldn't voice her grievance.
Tony thought briefly: "How about this—don't go out. I'll invite the chef to Stark Tower. Make tonight's dinner specially."
Evil capitalist… Hermione's eyes showed disdain.
But… yay!
Evening.
Stark Tower top floor.
Man wore evening dress. Woman still white pantsuit. Little kid unchanging wizard robe.
Pepper all in white. Wanted Cantonese food.
They raised glasses. Deep gazes.
Hermione couldn't stand it. Just ate with head down. Out of sight, out of mind.
She wanted to sneak some wine. Result—Pepper's quick hands stopped her. Ignored Hermione's resentful eyes. Only left "Children can't drink."
After dinner, they drove back to Tony's home.
Hermione was undocumented in the Marvel world. No money, no residence. So Pepper simply let Hermione live with her.
And since Pepper and Tony officially confirmed their relationship, naturally Hermione also lived here.
Just as they entered, Hermione suddenly stopped. Looked toward the dark hall center.
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