"Tony, what's wrong?"
Startled by the sudden commotion, Pepper hurriedly got up and reached over to check on him.
Almost simultaneously, the Iron Man Armor standing quietly in the corner of the room suddenly came to life.
Clack, clack, clack!
Mechanical parts whirred, a ghostly blue light lit up the armor's faceplate, and its mechanical arm shot out, seizing Pepper's wrist.
The touch of cold metal made Pepper shudder.
She looked at Tony in terror.
"JARVIS, disengage defense mode!"
Tony reacted quickly. Realizing that the armor's automatic defense system had been triggered, he swept both arms outward.
With a sharp snap, the Iron Man Armor gripping Pepper came apart.
Metal components clattered to the floor like scattered building blocks, ringing out as they struck the ground.
Inspired by Hermione's armor-removing magic, he had designed this dismantlable suit in a flash of inspiration. Even if it was taken apart, its pieces could quickly fly back and suit him up again.
Pepper was still shaken.
"Tony, I really can't take it if you keep doing this."
"I'm going downstairs to sleep with Hermione!"
Pepper's voice trembled. She had clearly been badly frightened.
Tony hurriedly apologized, his voice full of guilt and self-reproach.
"I'm sorry, Pepper, I'm sorry... I had another nightmare."
He held his head, his brow furrowed and his face twisted in pain, as though the nightmare was still tormenting him.
Seeing him like that, Pepper immediately softened.
She sighed softly, sat on the edge of the bed, and reached out to stroke Tony's hair.
"What exactly did you dream about? Those aliens? Didn't little Hermione kill them all?"
Pepper spoke gently, trying to soothe him.
Tony shook his head, a trace of fear and unease in his eyes.
"It wasn't aliens."
"What I dreamed about... was that girl."
Pepper froze.