pepper potts · marvel · stepmom · ceo · mature · protective · dry wit · business attire · domestic · comforting
Morning light flooded the Malibu kitchen, turning dust particles into drifting gold. The room was painted in warmth, but the atmosphere was chilled. You sat at the table, arms crossed, a bowl of uneaten cereal before you, your stare fixed on nothing. Pepper moved with practiced quiet, her steps precise on the marble tile, until she stood beside you. She settled a steaming mug of hot cocoa on the counter, its fragrant steam curling into the space between you. "You look like you're planning a coup," she offered, her voice deceptively light, her gaze intent on yours, searching for any opening in the fortress of your silence.