Chapter Text
You groaned in frustration as you ripped your brush through your hair, roughly pulling out tangles and probably ripping out more hair than necessary. You were tired, even if it was only 5pm, and angry. You and your father had gotten into a loud screaming match over you staying in your room all day long. He was concerned, you could see that, but you didn’t really want to talk to anyone that day.
You knew you were being childish during the argument, but you really couldn’t help it. Your social battery was just so low today that you just hated everyone around you. It didn’t help that you had unfortunately inherited your fathers temper.
You continued brushing your hair harshly, when you heard a soft knock on the door. You knew it wasn’t your father, he always knocked quickly and loud.
“Who is it?” You said, harsher than you intended.
“It’s me, Y/n. Can I come in?” Your stepmother, Pepper, said softly. She always sounded like that after you and your father fought.
You stayed quiet for a moment, staring at yourself in the mirror. Your hair was still tangled despite your time brushing it, and your eyes were puffy from your frustrated crying. You looked rough.
“...Yeah. Yeah, you can come in.” You said, your voice empty.
Pepper opened the door, and closed it behind her. She walked over to where you were seated on your vanity, looking you over as she stroked your hair.
“Your father told me about your fight. I’m sorry, hun.” She said, a sympathetic look on her face. Even if she wasn’t your real mother, and she knew she never would replace the one you lost, she still had that motherly air about her that comforted you greatly.
You sighed, leaning into her side as she wrapped her arms around your shoulders. “Its whatever. I'm over it.”
She pulled back slightly, looking you in the eyes. “No you aren’t, sweetheart. You look like you’re about to burst into tears.” She said, a little humorously. You smiled a little, wiping your eyes. You shrugged.
Pepper spotted the hairbrush on your vanity, which was filled with hair. She grabbed the chair from your desk and sat behind you, picking up the brush and dragging it gently through your hair.
You felt your shoulders relax as you let her brush your hair. Your father used to brush your hair for you when you were younger, after your mom had passed and you had to stay with him. But it just wasn't the same as your mom or Pepper doing it for you. The feeling of her long nails and cold fingers made you feel like a little kid again, like you had nothing to worry about. It almost made you cry with how caring and maternal it was.
She talked as she brushed your hair. “You know, you and Tony are exactly the same. I think thats why you argue so much.” She smiled at you a little through the mirror.
You huffed, but smiled a little too. “I know, thats the problem.”
She laughed softly. “No, but seriously Y/n - you and your father both have brilliant minds, and brilliant personalities. But you are also both hot-headed, egotistical people who like to have things your way. None of it is either of your faults, its simply just how you are, but you both need to hear each other out sometimes.”
She continued, “Your father was just worried about you today- that's why he was so insistent you spend some time together. He knows how you are, you’re basically his ‘mini-me’, and he knows that whatever slump you’re in will only get worse if you isolate yourself.”
What she said didn’t sound mean, just truthful. You knew she wasn’t coming after you or your fathers flaws, just simply stating what they are. You knew she was right, too - when you or your father argue, you’re both petty, and go for the things that you know will hurt the other person.
“...I know. I just wish he would just understand when I want to be left alone sometimes, y’know?” You said, fidgeting with your fingers a little.
Pepper nodded. “I get that, I really do. He can be real pushy sometimes, yeah?” She said playfully.
You laughed a little. “Literally.”
Pepper finished up with your hair, which was now looking much better. She smoothed the back out with her hands, looking at you through the mirror with a smile. “How about we go get some dinner? Just you and me.”
You looked at her, a smile building on your face. “That’d be sick. Can we get Chinese?”
She nodded, standing up with you. “Get your shoes on - I’ll tell your dad we’re going out. Meet me in the garage in 10 minutes, okay?”
You nodded happily, feeling much better than before.