Yeppppp...I was up at two in the morning...started writing this because I couldn't sleep...so yeah. XDD

I'm sorry about not updating Carry On. Cap' Jack (thats not his/her name. I just call him/her that) hasn't contacted me in forever. So Jack, if you're reading this, pm me please. :)

You might need tissues for this...maybe.

Two things:

1) Important. When the text is like "this " (i.e. text that is bold and italicized but not underlined) its a like a voice-over for the letter Tony wrote to is extremely important because I don't want you to be confused.

2) I'm sorry for errors. I'm too lazy to edit it. :)

Disclaimer: I am not Stan Lee. If I was, I would be on the set of Iron Man 3. Not here.

His throat constricted as he saw her. Her white bridal gown overwhelmed Tony, and he pushed forward a forced smile; his mask he often wore slipping into place.

"Thank you for doing this," Pepper said, her eyes sparkling in the fairy lights. Tony shrugged.

"What are friends for?" He wanted to tear his eyes away from her and just run. Knowing that these actions would disappoint his red-headed assistant, his feet stayed glued. They stood in silence before the infamous bridal march started to play. Tony smiled at Pepper.

"Ready?"

"No," she scoffed. "But when will I ever be?"

'When you married me,' Tony thought. Externally, he shook his head. Pepper smiled and Tony offered his arm. She looped her arm through his and they started the slow progression to the alter.

When one made his friend his best man and asked him to walk his fiancé down the aisle, usually the friend would be honored. In Tony's case, it ate away at him. He could've had this. Instead, he drowned himself in a never ending river of scotch and bourbon, too busy drunk and ignorant to his assistant's feelings. He only sobered to give Pepper want she wanted.

'Because she deserves it,' he thought.

When the pair reached the alter, Tony came extracted Pepper's hand and gave it to Hogan. She was no longer his. This made nausea overwhelming, and Tony had to blink and swallow back the bile. He quietly slipped into his position behind Hogan, reminding himself of her ring in his pocket. Cold, hard, physical evidence that she was most definitely not his anymore.

The ceremony went on, and Tony behaved. He didn't say any sexual remarks or anything out-of-line, as he was empty inside. His facade was slowly ebbing away, the couple's joy made his arc dim considerably. He hid his thoughts and emotions well, as he wanted to get the hell out of her as soon as possible. Maybe he would lie and tell her a story of how SHEILD was in need of him. No doubt Natashalie would be suspicious, as she was the Maid of Honor. But he couldn't take it anymore. The golden river of alcohol called to him back in his mansion.

The reception was hell for Tony. He had poured faux congratulations into his speech, his heart aching. He was tortured by the first dance, watching the dance like a stranger.

'She deserves this,' he thought. He glanced at the happy couple spinning slowly on the dance floor one last time before slipping out. Unfortunately, he had taken the wrong exit. This door had lead him to a balcony, much like the one one Pepper and him had their almost-kiss. His heart tightened again as he placed his elbows on the railing. He loosened his tie and closed his eyes.

"Thought I wouldn't see you out here," came a feminine call behind him. Tony let out a dry laugh and looked down at the street below. The brunette shook his head.

"No, but I do have to go though. Duty calls," he replied to the bride, refering to his second job. He swallowed. Why did she have to come here?

"Oh," disappointment was weaved into her reply. Tony open his eyes and stood straighter. Turning, he faced his fears. Her blue eyes looked up into his. Tony took step back from her. This earned an arched eyebrow.

"What," he asked. "You're a married woman now." A tight smile, then a well-placed wink. Her laugh danced into his ear. They stood in companionable silence for a while.

"...Thank you, Tony. For doing this."

Again, he shrugged.

"You deserve it." Once he had said this, he moved and pressed a kiss to her forehead; lingering more than he should have. "...Pepper?"

She hummed her response.

"...I...I hope you...just..." Tony shook his head and left. Left the building, left the town, left Pepper.

"Honey! I'm home," he yelled, clapping his hands together.

"Hello, sir."

"Nice to see you too, JARVIS."

The AI was silent.

"JARVIS? Where is my special liquor?"

"In the vault behind your suits, sir."

"Get it out."

"Yes, sir."

Tony jogged down the steps, and entered his code absentmindedly. He stripped himself of his suit jacket and left it on the floor. The vault had already opened. He reached in and grabbed his father's old bottle of scotch. He smiled fondly as he tore through the wrapping. He took a long draw from it and he sat down at his desk.

Dear Virginia Hogan,

He pulled put a piece of paper and his calligraphy pen. He wiped away the years of dust that had collected on the pen. He collected his thoughts and began writing.

With death comes honesty. I am in love with a married woman. It's my fault though. I didn't know what I had.

He stood slowly, his finger tracing his arc.

"JARVIS, destroy the suits. And file Alpha 4 Delta 6. We don't want that getting into the wrong hands."

"...Yes, sir." The AI seemed to sense what his owner was doing. Tony watched as a protective glass slid in place in front of him. One by one, the suits exploded.

I've got nothing left inside of my chest. But it's all alright. Because I know it's in the right hands. Don't let anybody get the arc, Pep. It's my heart. Kind of ironic, yeah? Sixteen years ago you gave me that arc stand. Proof That Tony Stark Has A Heart. It's always been yours. You didn't need proof.

Tony turned away from the inferno behind him. He picked up the scotch again and drank a large portion. He felt his way along the drawer of his desk, finding the third drawer. He dumped the contents out on to his desk and started digging for the box. A black box was unearthed, and Tony cradled it in his hands. Slowly, he flipped open the box.

I can see why Happy fell for you. If I did, why couldn't he? You just picked the better one. The one who could give you a white picket fenced house with two and a half kids.

It was his mother's ring. Elegant and so much like Pepper it hurt to look at it. He reached around his neck and took off the small golden chain. He looped the chain through the petite hole of the ring. As he placed it around his neck, the ring fell against his chest, the diamond kissing the metal of his arc.

I don't want to go. Honestly, I don't. But I can't live with myself anymore, Pepper. I wasn't lying when I said I didn't have anybody but you.

He slowly stood up and walked over to the Hot Rod, running his hand over the fine, red leather. He slowly opened the door and slid in. He closed his eyes and lifted his hand to his arc. He inhaled, savoring the sweet smell of his workshop.

"I love you, Pepper."

With this, he slowly removed his arc from its place. He slouched against the seat and greeted Death like a long lost friend.

There's not much left to say, Pepper. Sure as hell there isn't anything left to break. My heart has long been shattered.

It was the next day before Virginia Hogan stepped foot into his garage.

"Tony, I'm about to leave for my honeymoon...Tony?" She walked further into the garage, noticing Tony's slouched form. She grabbed his shoulder and shook him. She took a step to face him.

"Tony, stop th-Tony!" She saw the gaping hole in his chest, his arc in hand. She grabbed his hand, it was cold.

"Tony!" She sobbed. "JARVIS, what's Tony's vitals?!"

"My apologizes, Mrs. Hogan. Mr. Stark is deceased."

I'm sorry, Pepper.
Signed,
Anthony Edward Stark.

Okay...I might do a second chapter, but it would be Tony getting married and Pepper there...yeah.

Anyways, if you love me, you'll review! If you hate me, still review. If you are indifferent about me, still...please review. It makes me happy. Happy Halle equals updates (maybe!). So yeah...

Please review!

Lots of greasy (meaning fluffy/adorable) Pepperony!

-Halle

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