A/N: Potts Tower is near completion. Pepper has a lot of work on her hands but is she working herself to hard? Also Tony has a few surprises up his sleeve.

For the past week Pepper had been a ghost. Tony only knew her existence from the 'sign-here' tagged paperwork on his desk. Bruce had been slightly luckier, having seen her briefly as the elevator doors closed one morning. All phone calls that were of a personal nature were never returned. Business calls were returned with a text or, if requiring a longer response, email. Tony didn't seem bothered by it; Bruce however was at his wit's end.

"Do you know what I've done to Pepper?" Bruce asked as he and Tony were standing enjoying the stars on the terrace. Tony put his arm around Bruce pulling him close.

"You haven't done a thing Brucey," Tony said while nuzzling against the back of Bruce's neck. "She's just in her zone." Bruce stood very still, not melting against Tony's touch as he had so many times.

"What zone? She's hardly around, she doesn't answer my phone calls, if I haven't done anything then what did you do?" Tony stopped nuzzling and turned Bruce to face him.

"She's… in… her…zone." Bruce stared back at him still not understanding. Tony's eyes widened. "Oh crap, you weren't around the last time we had such a big project. Pepper gets into this zone about a week or so before we open any new building. She gets really OCD about every aspect, from structure to the type of toilet paper in the bathrooms. She makes me seem normal. But it'll be over soon. The night before opening she'll have a nice dinner, go to bed early, and be back to good old Pepper by the time we cut the ribbon. Which reminds me, Sunday all us have reservations for dinner, six-thirty, she'll want to be in bed by nine."

Bruce breathed a sigh of relief, "I know Potts Tower means a lot to her, I just assumed…"

"You still assume that one of us is suddenly going dump you?" Bruce nodded. "Not going to happen." Tony kisses Bruce gently on the lips, "It's been three months Brucey, and I give you three more to get over this doubt of yours." Tony moved to place more kisses along Bruce's jawline and neck, "After that I'll be forced to take drastic measures."

Bruce moans quietly, placing his arms around the billionaire, not-so-much-playboy of late. "What kinda drastic measures?" Tony gently bit the place where Bruce's neck met his shoulder, eliciting a much louder moan.

Tony smirked, "Probably something involving you tied to a bed while Pepper and I have our way with you."

"Still trying for that threesome aren't you?" Bruce chuckled.

"Always, lover, always."

Seven o'clock Sunday night found Bruce and Tony impeccable dressed sitting on the couch. A dozen phone calls and texts to Pepper elicited only the responses 'not now' and 'I'm in the middle of something.' By seven-fifteen Tony had taken off his jacket and tie and was making a drink at the wet bar.

"No getting drunk Tony, Pepper still might want to get dinner."

"Not at this point. If she does, she's have something delivered. I can't remember the last time she skipped her early dinner ritual before an opening."

"Well Potts Tower is probably a lot more personal than anything she's ever done for you Tony. We could go see if we could help out."

Tony brought his drink back into the room and flopped on the couch, "No. You never want to do that. Not when she's like this. If she wants help she'll ask. Last time I tried helping, well if she had a gun I think I would've been shot."

"Okay, then how about TV then. I'm sure she'll call soon." A show on worm holes and a healthy debate later, Pepper still hadn't called. Tony sent her a one word text, "Dinner?" to which she responded, "Tomorrow." Tony slides his phone back in his pocket with a sigh and stood up. "Looks like we are on our own for dinner tonight. Where do you wanna go?"

"We can stay in; we were mostly going out for Pepper's sake…"

"Nonsense. You look too good in that suit to not take you somewhere and show you off."

Bruce rolled his eyes, "I'm not some trophy wife, Tony. It's just a suit."

Tony leaned down pressing his lips to Bruce's ear, "More like a trophy husband if I had my way. Besides," Tony added with a slight growl, "I'm going to thoroughly enjoy removing every piece of that suit from your body later."

Bruce closed his eyes and breathed out a stuttered breath, "Tony." Tony knew what else was coming. It had been said a half a dozen times every week for the last three months. "I want to; I really do, but…"

"But you are still hung up on mechanics and body parts."

Bruce dropped his head, "Sorry."

Tony turned away, "No more damned apologies unless you plan on doing something about it."

"I'm trying Tony, really I am…" Bruce fell silent, staring at the wall, his hands, everything but Tony. "Did I ever tell you how many times my…father would call me a faggot? A pansy? A punk?" Tony turned to him, mouth opened in a silent gasp. "I guess not. It was some of his favorite words when he was drunk. I think he was trying to get me to fight him or something, because the words were usually punctuated with a slap or a fist. I'm not sure if he meant it but…"

Tony sat back down and put his arm around Bruce, pulling him close, "But you took in and buried every single word. Technically, considering your previous and current relationships, you being with me would make you bisexual. Although, honestly, I'm not sure you are attracted to any other man but me, and who can blame you?" Tony briefly plastered on one of his best smiles. "But seriously you can't let the ranting of one seriously fucked up man ruin your life forever."

"I know."

"This is not to say I'm not pleased with your current progress. You are a very passionate kisser. And your hands," Tony moans deep in his throat, "They are touch perfection. I really look forward to when they venture below the waist…" Tony gasped as Bruce began to gently caress and knead his thigh.

"Like that Tony?" All Tony could do at first was nod. Bruce nuzzled his head against Tony's shoulder while one hand still worked its way up and down the billionaire's thigh, letting his fingers trail along the inner part while his thumb worked little circles along top and outer sections.

Tony closes his eyes, tilting his head back, "I told you, amazing hands, how did you…" Tony mumbled something unintelligible as Bruce's fingers trailed along his crotch. Bruce's fingers trailed back and forth a couple more times than he laid his hand down firmly in Tony's lap, only to withdraw it quickly and drop his hand to his side.

"Sorry."

Tony didn't acknowledge the apology, just pulled Bruce closer and kissed the top of his head. "Is your dad still in there yelling at you?" Bruce nodded. "Don't worry mine does that too sometimes, but usually when I'm in the lab, fucking something up. Let's get something to eat, I'm starving."

Midnight found the scientists in bed. Bruce with snoring gently with a protective arm around Tony's waist, Tony watching the time changes on the digital clock beside the bed.

"JARVIS?" Tony whispered. "Location of Ms. Potts."

"In her Potts Tower office sir." Tony reaches for his cellphone on the night stand and sends Pepper a quick text reminding her what time it was and when the grand opening was. Pepper responds with a quick "I know" and doesn't respond to the four more texts Tony sends in the next half hour. Tony gently remove Bruce's arm from around him and crawled out of bed.

"Where you going?" Bruce said sleepily.

"To make Pepper get some sleep."

"Want me to come along?"

"No, she's already going to be pissed off at me. No sense in having her mad at both of us." Tony threw on pants and a t-shirt and headed to his private garage. Fifteen minutes later he's attempting to pull into the garage at the base of Potts Tower.

"Sorry sir, the garage is not open until tomo…Oh sorry Mr. Stark, didn't realize it was you."

"No problem, it's Tim, right?"

"Mark, sir. Checking on the final touches?"

"Actually I'm going to attempt to drag Ms. Potts home. She's still here right?"

"I'll check." The guard called into his walkie-talkie and after a couple exchanges nodded to Tony. "Yes, sir, she's in her office, 20th floor."

"Thanks. Keep your radio on I may need back up."

On the elevator ride up Tony was nervous, Pepper was always the one rescuing him from himself, not the other way around. Usually when he tried to fix things she'd yell at him, he'd run away and console himself with a drink or four. But he knew how important this was to her and that she would regret it if she wasn't her best for the opening. He also knew that if she was breaking her normal rituals she probably was in a panic, and well for once he had to put someone else before him.

"Tony," Pepper said glancing up then returning to the paper she was looking at. "What are you doing here?" She made a vain attempt to straighten her desk but it was completely covered with paper. The floor around her desk was covered with blueprints.

"Rescuing you from your paper fortress it seems."

"I don't have time right now, Tony. Opening is tomorrow."

"What's wrong?"

"Besides you interrupting me? Nothing so far, but I haven't finished checking." Tony walks over to her desk stepping over the blueprints and stands behind Pepper's chair, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"I know you've checked over things a dozen times by now." Tony gestured toward the floor, "And why are you going over the blueprints? You know they are all run through JARVIS before we even start. Come on Pep, you need to go to bed. Everything is fine, it's better than fine, everything is perfect."

"You don't know that. There could be something wrong…"

"It's perfect. I know it's perfect, because it's your project and you're perfect."

Pepper chuckled in spite of herself. "You are so full of it."

Tony spun Pepper's chair until she faced him, "Don't make me beg, Pepper. You need to stop this and come to bed. You're not good when you stress like this and you know you'll regret it in the morning." Tony attempts his best, hurt puppy look.

"Bruce's hurt puppy look works, not yours."

"I could wake him up and have him come over. Whatever it takes. I'm not leaving until you do."

Pepper sighs and shakes her head, "That I believe. Okay I'm going. Help me pick this stuff up. And you can give me a ride back, I didn't drive."

When they got back to Stark Tower and in the elevator, Pepper pressed for her floor.

"Um, you're sleeping upstairs with us."

"I am?"

"Yeah, we've missed you. Besides this way I can trust you don't sneak back out, or pull up stuff on the computer to fret about."

"Tony, I'm not..."

"Yes you are. If this was reversed you'd do the same thing. Tell me I'm wrong." Pepper said nothing but let the doors close when they got to her floor and continued with Tony to the top of the Tower.

Tony shook Bruce gently "Hey gamma boy, look who I brought back. Scoot over so she can get in."

"Hey gorgeous," Bruce yawned, "Glad you came home, you have a big day tomorrow." Bruce rolled over to the other side of the bed then fell back asleep.

"After you," Tony said lifting the covers for Pepper to get in.

"This is ridiculous."

Tony kissed Pepper on the cheek. "Yes, you have been, now get in bed. Like Bruce said, you have a big day tomorrow."

The next morning they were all up and ready and at the Potts Tower by seven-thirty. Neither Bruce nor Tony would let Pepper out of their sight and especially not in the building. At exactly eight, Pepper pushes Tony to the podium like she always does to do his welcome and grand opening speech. She learned early on to never give him notes, or heaven forbid a speech, he always wings it anyway.

"Morning all, I'm sure you know who I am, but for the record Tony Stark, S…T…A…R…K… Anyway, welcome to the newest, Stark Industries green powered building Potts Tower. But I'm not going to give you all the juicy details about what's inside, because it's not my building. That honor belongs to the lovely, wonderful, and did I mention gorgeous lady to my right, Ms. Pepper Potts. She has overseen every detail from conception to completion. And if you haven't noticed it's her name on the building. Ladies and gentlemen Ms. Potts." Pepper just stood there staring at Tony, not moving, rooted to the spot. Tony leaved over giving her a hug and whispered "This is your moment Pepper. Shine." Pepper straightened her shoulders, walked to the podium and addressed the crowd.

Bruce leaned over to Tony and whispered, "I guess she didn't get enough sleep. I thought she was going to faint there for a moment."

"It's just that I always address the crowd at grand openings, this was a surprise."

"Oh god Tony, she's already wound up, why didn't you tell her?"

"I was planning to," Tony whispered back. "At dinner last night, you know the one she bailed on."

"She's going to kill you. Probably in your sleep."

"No she won't," Tony said clapping at the announcement of how small a carbon footprint the building would be making, "She loves this. I really should have her do it more often."

"Tony Stark sharing the spotlight, will miracles never cease?"

"Hey I've been sharing a lot lately. My labs, my girlfriend, my bed with a certain gamma boy…"

Bruce blushed and remained quiet for the rest of Pepper's speech.

After Pepper finishes talking it's time for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The media convince Tony to do the cutting with Pepper for the photo op. Leaning in together with the giant scissors they smile for camera. "I so want a drink right now," Pepper said under her breath, her smile never wavering.

"How long before can you get to your office," Tony responded, well-practiced in the art of talking without moving his lips.

"Twenty minutes, after the dignitary tour."

"Celebratory drinks and food will be awaiting your arrival."

"Thanks Tony, I might not kill you for that earlier stunt after all."

With the ribbon cutting over Pepper corralled the dignitaries together for a tour, Tony pulled Bruce off to the side. "You don't want to go on the tour with them; it's like swimming with sharks. Pepper can show us around later. Meanwhile we need to set up a little celebration upstairs."

Arriving at her office, the door was already open and Happy Hogan was unloading an armful of things onto her desk. "How much time, Mr. Stark?"

"About fifteen minutes, maybe ten if they get annoying."

"I just need to bring up some ice and the food. I'll be back in five minutes."

"Thanks Hap."

"So another surprise I suppose," Bruce says as he begins examining the things on left on Pepper's desk.

"You know if Pepper ever notices Hap, we may have to share her with one more."

"Hmm?"

"Hap. You haven't noticed that he's completely in…Oh surprise. Yes another surprise for Pepper, several actually. I figured she wouldn't want to go out after this so I arranged for brunch to be brought here. And," he picked up a rectangular box off the desk. "This is a nameplate for her desk. I remember when she first started it was six months before she remembered to get one."

"What's in the envelope?" Bruce said picking up a large sealed white envelope.

"That will have to wait until she gets here." Tony motions towards a small table sitting in the corner. "Help me get this set up. Hap should be back with the food any minute." Happy arrived just a few seconds later.

"She's on her way up Mr. Stark, I only just beat her to the elevators."

"Stand outside, guard the door, don't let her in until I say so."

"Yes, sir."

Bruce and Tony had just finished setting the table and putting out the food when they hear Pepper outside arguing with Happy. Tony goes to the door opening it. "We are ready for her Hap. She can come in now. I'll call you when we are ready to leave."

"Okay Mr. Stark," Happy moves out of the way to let Pepper in. "Congratulations Ms. Potts, it's a great looking building."

"Thanks Hap. I'm sorry about what I said. I should've known you were following Tony's orders."

"No problem, not every day do you get the chance to be yelled at by a pretty lady." After that Hap made a hasty exit to the elevator.

Tony places a glass of champagne in Pepper's hand while escorting her over to the table. "There's the drink you asked for and as you see, I had brunch brought in. There is no telling when you ate last, but first a toast. To Pepper Potts, beautiful, smart, and 100% responsible for the creation and completion of Potts Tower, and because of that she deserves this," Tony retrieved the white envelope from Pepper's desk and handed it to her.

"What is it?"

Tony takes Pepper's glass, "You'll know when you open it."

Pepper carefully opened the envelope and took out a sheet of paper. "It's a deed Tony."

"I know what it is."

"It's the deed to Potts Tower," Pepper continued with only a slight nervousness to her voice, "It has my name on it."

Tony leans in, pretending to read the document, "Yes, it appears it does." Bruce joins them and actually skims the document.

"There are no other names on it Pepper." Bruce added. "I think the tower is all yours."

"This is a joke. Tony?"

"No, Pepper dear, no joke. You've deserved this and so much more for so long. Stark Industries wouldn't be where it is now if not for you. Yeah I create all the cool stuff but you know I detest the day to day. I'm all show and glam; you're the one doing the dirty work. You keep me focused; you turn everything I want for this company into reality. And that's not even counting putting up with me personally, especially during my dark periods. Potts Tower is just a fraction of what I owe you."

Bruce puts his arm around Pepper's waist. "You okay Pepper? You seem a bit pale."

"I think I really need that drink now." Bruce guides her to one of the seats at the table and Tony immediately places the glass of champagne in her hand, before sitting down. Pepper finished the drink in one long draw, placing it back on the table. Tony immediately refills it.

"You probably should eat something before that second glass. Drunk before noon is generally frowned up." Bruce said while fixing Pepper a plate.

"I'm… I just don't know what to say Tony. First having me do the opening speech, and then this…You're not drunk are you?"

"This is my first drink of the morning and I only had one last night. Ask Bruce. I'm a changing man Pepper. Carrying a nuclear device to another universe and then plummeting to earth can do that. You were the only thing I thought about then. It took something like that to realize that I was still not treating you like you deserve. I hope I've been getting better."

Pepper looked at Tony eyes, so sincere, so wanting to please. It was a look that Pepper rarely saw and with everything that happened that day it was too much. She looked away and down at her plate. "Thank you Tony. I…just thank you. But can we talk about something else? You're going to make me cry."

Tony reached across and touched her hand, gently, briefly before continuing. "Sure. What's your schedule look like today? I do believe you owe us a dinner date."

"Nothing particular. I figured I would be fielding questions from potential renters and the ones moving in today. But I don't have to be here for that. Honestly, after being here night and day for the past week I could use a little break." Bruce leaned over and whispered into Pepper's ear. "Oh. Yes, I guess I can really do that now. I wasn't sure before, but which one?" She responded.

"Beside me, if you like and Tony approves."

"Approves of what? What are you two hiding?" Tony inquired.

"A surprise for you," Pepper smiled. "It's only fair."

"What is it? You know I have no patience."

"I'm moving in with you and Bruce. We were deciding which guest room I should take over, because I still need my own space when I don't want to deal with you two. I told him a while back that I would consider moving up after Potts Tower was completed. I thought having something with my name on it would make it easier to not have a place of my own. But now...with you and the deed…well it's definitely easier."

Tony just sat there with a very odd expression on his face.

"Tony…?" Bruce started.

Tony tried to wave Bruce's unasked question off. "Just a funny feeling in my chest…"

"Something wrong with the arc…" Pepper said nervously.

"No… nothing like that. It's like…butterflies…completion…complete. That's it. All my favorite things, people, are now going to be right there with me. I know you've only been a few floors down and you always coming upstairs, but now you'll just be right down the hall, next to the other important person in my life… I think I care about… no…I … Love… you both." It was as much of a question as it was an answer.

Bruce and Pepper exchanged a look, confirming that they both heard what they thought they heard. The genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist was admitting to love without trying to get someone into bed, or playing it off as a joke. That may have just been the biggest surprise of the day.

"I think I need another drink," Tony said breaking the silence and sounding utterly exhausted.

"I think we all do," Bruce agreed.

They spent the rest of the morning eating and finishing off two bottles of champagne, before heading back to help Pepper pack and move into their apartment at the top of Stark Tower.