I've been reading Pepperony fanfic for a year and finally get the courage to post my first fic after seeing IM3. This story has been sitting on my computer for almost a year! Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters
"I refuse to accept your resignation," Tony said to Pepper as Rhodey flew off in what he's now decided to call a "charitable donation" to the US Military. Little does Rhodey know that the Mark II suit doesn't accommodate bathroom breaks.
"You think our kissing for the first time will make me forget what I just listed to you as reasons for resigning?" Pepper asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"You said that you don't know if I'm going to wreck the company or blow myself up! Let's face it - I'm Iron Man and there's a very slight chance I might blow myself up in the course of protecting the free world. But if you stay as CEO, then I won't wreck the company. Well, there's a much smaller chance that I will, since you're in charge." This explanation, delivered while his suit was sparking at random from the damage incurred by Vanko's creations, does not inspire confidence.
"That doesn't make me feel better about withdrawing my resignation," Pepper said.
"I need you," Tony said, gently laying a gauntlet-clad hand on her waist. "If you take care of Stark Industries, then I can focus on staying safe as Iron Man, and working on R & D for the company."
Pepper reached up and framed his face with her, as Tony once called them "petite", hands and looked into his brown eyes to see if he was being truly serious. He didn't start laughing, or make a quip, so she said, "Okay. I'll stay on as CEO, but you're going to be president of the company, and you'll show up for board meetings."
Tony's smug smile popped up and he said, "Fair enough, Potts. I knew you'd see it my way." Just then, Pepper's cell phone rang, announcing the arrival of the SHIELD team for cleanup of Vanko's suits and debriefing of Tony.
"Duty calls again," he said. "I don't know how long I'll be..."
"I'll have Happy take me to the penthouse," Pepper said, referring to Tony's New York residence. "I'm sure there's about eight million phone calls and emails I have to answer about tonight. I'll get started on them and get in touch with PR while waiting for you."
"Will you give me a hero's welcome?" he asked, eyes bright.
"We'll see," Pepper said, brushing a quick kiss on his lips. "Will that be all, Mr. Stark?"
"Hey, I just saved your life from a vengeful Russian's self-destructing robots! That is definitely 'not all,' Miss Potts!" he sputtered.
To answer, Pepper turned on her heel and walked toward the stairwell entrance. "Go get 'em, boss."
Tony chuckled to himself. Pepper Potts wasn't making it easy for him, but strangely, he liked it. Then he sighed and picked up his helmet to head down to meet Natalie/Natasha/Agent Whatever.