"A dog?"

This was definitely a parting gift.

Tony ran his hand through the dog's fluffy fur before dropping it back into his lap.

He wasn't particularly fond of dogs. They reminded him of small children, which he also wasn't particularly fond of. You had to clean up after them, entertain them, bathe them, etc. It was a lot of work for nothing much in return.

He would much rather prefer a cat.

But now that Tony was in such close proximity to a dog, he had to admit that there weren't half bad. Well, at least this dog wasn't.

It seemed calm and well behaved to where it wouldn't piss all over Tony's nice flooring.

"Yeah, he's a seeing eye dog."

Tony's face scrunched up after hearing that.

"I don't need it."

Tony did need it, but of course he wouldn't fess up to that. He was it totally blind. Not yet, anyways.

He didn't need something to further confirm to himself that he was visually impaired and needing a hand getting around his home.

"It's a him and yes you do." Pepper huffed.

"How did you manage to get a seeing eye dog in 15 minutes?" Tony turned his head away from the German Sheperd which was panting, it's hot breath traveling to his face.

"You're Tony Stark, it was easily organized."

And she was Pepper Potts, what couldn't she do? She'd probably manage to get him a trip to the moon in 15 minutes. Probably less.

"Thank you." He spoke in a low tone, as he patted the dog on the head.

Tony decided he might as well not argue on the topic. He wouldn't get any where, knowing Pepper. He could fight with on some things, but this wasn't one of those things.

There was a beat of silence, most likely Pepper giving a mixed smile of warmth and shock.

Tony didn't know, due to his head still hanging low, watching the dog's controlled and rhythmic breathing.

"You're welcome, Tony."

There was two clicks from her heels as she walked closer towards his sitting form.

She placed the leash of the dog over his hand, Tony understood the gesture and opened his palm, grasping the leash.

There was a long pause.

"Listen, I gotta go to a board meeting." Her voice sounded like a mother talking to a child about leaving for a moment, expecting the child to injure themselves after they've gone.

Tony only nodded his head slowly, scratching the dog on the back of the neck.

"Okay." She said slowly and unsure about his behavior.

Tony normally spoke often so he could understand her cautiousness and confusion.

A normally sarcastic and mouthy billionaire was now oddly quiet and reserved.

She hesitantly turned around walked towards the elevator. Just as she was about to tap the button with her manicured fingernail, Tony spoke up.

"What's his name?"

She turned her strawberry blonde head to look at the man staring off at the large window ahead of him at the other side of the living room.

"What?" She asked, too overwhelmed with her emotions to understand what he was asking of her.

"The dog. What's his name?" He gestured to the dark sable dog staring straight at him.

"They said he answers to Julien, you could change it if you want."

Tony only nodded his head at Pepper's reply, continuing to pet Julien.

"I dropped a box off at the left of your feet. It has a few of his toys and treats. Rhodey will be here in a few minutes with the trainer to go over the commands he knows." She sounded worried for him. Probably since she had to leave him for

Tony was sure he was capable of caring for himself. Especially with the dog given to him via Pepper. He couldn't manage his own mind well enough as his body though. His thoughts were always going to be the death of him.

Sure, Pepper knew he could manage on his own for a few moments, but she couldn't help but be angry at herself for what happened.

It was all her fault.

She should have stopped him from all this superhero stuff a long time ago.

It was all his fault.

He should have stopped the jabs he took at the old Avengers. They didn't enjoy his company. He should have stopped himself from being a inconsiderate jerk long ago.