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Despite spending hours working up to this conversation, the words still catch behind Pepper’s teeth when she actually has Tony in front of her. After a silent minute, Tony sighs wearily. “Just… tell me,” he says, and she knows he knows exactly what’s coming.
“I don’t want to be in a relationship with you anymore,” Pepper admits, dropping her gaze to her hands. Taking a breath, she makes herself look up. “You knew this was coming?” Tony nods. “How?”
“Partly because we’ve been here before,” Tony says. “But mostly because you’ve spent the past two months setting me up on playdates with Stephen, who is pretty clearly in love with me.”
Pepper winces. She hadn’t thought it was that obvious. “I want you to be happy.”
“With someone else.”
“Yes.” Pepper deflates. “Please don’t let this spoil things with Stephen.”
Tony gives her a look. “Stephen isn’t the one who’s simultaneously implied I can’t handle a break up and indicated an expectation that I’d cheat.”
Dammit, that hadn’t been what she’d thought at all. “Tony—”
“Go,” he says, turning away.
Pepper wants to argue, but Tony is too hurt right now. She can only hope she hasn’t damaged their friendship.