Okay, so this is what happens when my muse goes absolutely ballistic. My other ideas are filed away for the moment until I get this thing out of my head, and since I'm just throwing it out there, it hasn't been betaed, or anything like that I'm just going crazy here so bear with me if you plan on reading this. Which this came from several crazy nights of Iron Man 2 on Netflix and alcohol…nuff said.

The Big Bang

"It's eight a.m.; the temperature in Malibu is 73 degrees…" Jarvis announced as he allowed the sunlight to enter the bedroom.

Tony groaned and rolled over. The sheets were tangled around his body and it took him a moment to pry himself free. Dressed in a pair of pajama pants, Tony headed for the bathroom. "Jarvis, where's Pepper?"

"Miss Potts is currently in her office at Stark Industries."

"Thanks." He finished up and returned to his room to dress in simple black jeans and button up shirt that hid the reactor in his chest. Only after the immediate assault from Ivan did they spend nights apart, but since their coming to terms with their feelings on the rooftop, Pepper has been sharing his bed.

The expo wasn't a total loss and some things were repaired and the expo was back to running smoothly. Tony was at Justin Hammer's hearing as he was brought to trial for breaking Ivan out of jail and harboring a criminal. He pleaded guilty and Tony grinned at him as he was led away. Hammer Industries was shut down after ordered to pay Stark Industries for the damage caused at the expo and a set amount to the civilians that were injured. Tony had Pepper take the money paid from Hammer to also help out civilian families that were hurt during Ivan's rampage.

Tony retreated to his workshop to observe his two reserve elements that he now used in lue of the palladium. There were still repairs being made to parts of the house since he and Rhodes had their fight at his birthday party. It wasn't his best moment he admitted, but at the time he was convinced he was going to be dead within a few days from palladium poisoning.

Now he was very much alive and healthy. Pepper eventually forgave him for not telling her he was dying, but it didn't come easy. Pepper was now making arrangements for Tony to reinstate himself CEO of Stark Industries and in the process was investigating legal pages since Tony and she were now involved and he wanted her to remain with the company. She listened to his insisting that he was the boss and could date whoever he wanted to date, but she wanted to make sure there would be no backlash from the board.

After looking over his damaged suits, he went to stand before the newest one that was constructed after the expo battle as that one was retired due to extensive damage. Tony clapped his hands together as he sat in his chair surrounded by several screens. They all came to life on command as Tony logged onto the server at his business. With a few more key strokes he had access to the web cam at Pepper's desk.

Tony smiled as the screen popped up and showed Pepper on the phone obviously in a deep conversation with someone. She glanced at the computer screen as it changed to show a live picture of Tony. He smiled and waved at her as if he was ten years old. He snapped his fingers and began playing music as he waited impatiently for her to get off the phone.

"Why am I not surprised?" Pepper simply stated.

"Oh, hey, about time, I've been waiting for like ever."

"It's been two minutes Tony."

"Yeah well, two minutes to me feels like thirty. So, I… I thought you quit?" He was still engaging the other screens while talking to her.

"I'm having the paperwork being drawn up as we speak, I'll bring it home tonight." She picked up her drink and took a sip.

"Ah, okay, who were you talking too? Cause it didn't look like it was anyone that had an issue with me per say. Was it personal? I bet it was personal. Who was it?"

"It was no one that concerns you." She suddenly became nervous under his interrogation.

"Really, because it looks like you're trying to hide something."

"Tony, God can you just drop it?"

He stopped his bantering and smiled. "Okay, well in that case can you pick up take out for dinner tonight?"

"Sure, what are you planning for the day?" Pepper was now thankful for the change in subject.

Tony thought for a minute. "Well, I haven't actually thought about the rest of the day, but I'm sure I can keep Jarvis out of trouble."

Pepper smiled and waved. "See you tonight."

He blew her a kiss as she cut off the connection. "Why would I be getting into trouble sir?" Jarvis asked his inventor.

Tony shook his head. "It wasn't meant like that Jarvis just ignore the comment." He looked around his shop and decided to do a bit of spring cleaning. "Jarvis, bring up all of my sketches I've done in the past year."

Pepper drove up towards Tony's Malibu mansion and as always at the gate were photographers stationed there just waiting to get a shot of Tony or Iron Man. She passed through the gate as they snapped pictures of her as she drove. She was surprised that they haven't begun speculating since she hasn't left the house at night in the past two weeks. Pepper parked her car and walked into the house. She knew that Jarvis would alert Tony of her arrival so instead of looking for him she just went about setting out their dinner she brought home. Just as she sat down and poured herself a glass of wine, Pepper heard the loud footfalls of Tony as he ran up the stairs and towards the dining room. He quickly sat down as she poured a glass for him.

"Thank you." He replied and took a sip. Tony was suddenly silent as he was thinking about saying what he had been considering while in his work shop. "So, are you staying over tonight?"

"Why, you don't want me to?"

"What? No, no, God no, I was just asking, hoping that you would, cause actually, I um, was doing some thinking earlier today, and well, um I was going to ask you about tonight. Or I guess I should say about you staying over so often when you should just, um you should just move in." She paused and gave him a somewhat shocked look. "That is I'd like you to move in with me, would you like to move in?"

Pepper couldn't help but smile as she thought about what he just said. Only a flustered Tony Stark says a million different versions of one simple question. "I'll think about it."

Tony seemed to sigh in relief at her answer. "I can deal with that."

After dinner Pepper cleaned up their dishes and she was surprised to see Tony attempting to help. "What are you doing?"

He glanced at her as he was putting their glasses in the sink. "Oh I thought I'd help you clean up. Am I doing it wrong or…?"

She laughed. "Boy, you are really making an effort aren't you?"

Tony saw that as an invitation and moved closer to pin Pepper between himself and the counter. He cupped her cheek and drew her in for a mind blowing kiss. "How am I doing?" he asked out of breath.

Pepper took several deep breaths herself. "It's a good start, but how do you intend to finish it?"

She squealed when Tony suddenly lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. He set her down on the bed and covered her body with his. Tony quickly moved in to kiss her as his hands roamed over her body. Pepper moaned at his touch and the fire she held for him ignited as he touched her intimately. With each other's help they were both naked and Tony was positioning himself to join them together. Pepper was speechless except for the deep moan she emitted as Tony made them one once again. He carried out their passion longer than he ever had with any other woman, and it was then the logic struck him like lightning and he stopped his movement and looked down at Pepper's closed eyes.

She opened her eyes moments after he stopped and the question was readable on her face before she spoke. "What's wrong?"

Tony's expression softened and he grinned. "I love you Pepper." The shock was evident on her face and he knew she must think it was one of those heat of the moment sentiments. "I do, it just hit me, my life sucks without you, and I can't function without knowing you'll always be there for me to lean on and help me through the hard times."

Pepper felt her eyes fill with tears that threatened to fall. "Tony…" She took a deep breath. "This all came to you while we are having sex?"

"Not sex, it could never be just sex with you." He had to think about his next sentence. "I'd like to call it making love." When the corner of Pepper's mouth rose in a half smile, Tony smiled and leaned back down to kiss her.

As he broke away his body continued to move causing Pepper to lose her breath. He moved slow and sensual, deliberately. Tony felt her grip his back as he began to push her to the edge. Pepper moaned and tried pulling to encourage him to move faster but Tony managed to keep his pace and as she fell off into the flood of ecstasy, she pulled him with him.

Tony buried his face in the crook of her neck and practically screamed as he succumbed to her. His body shuddered as Pepper clung to him, a thin sheen of sweat covering both of them. The exertion placed on his body seemed to temporarily paralyze him and for a moment he felt like he couldn't move. Eventually Tony pushed back on his arms and looked down at Pepper's stated expression. He smiled knowing that he brought her to such a state and leaned down to kiss her.

Pepper opened her eyes and looked into his. "I love you too Tony." He moved down and kissed her again. They eventually separated and fell asleep in each other's arms.

As usual Pepper woke and climbed out of a snoring Tony's hold to get ready for work. She picked out a dress from the several she had hanging in his closet, and her unmentionables from the drawer he told her she could use. A smile crept across her face as she turned back to look at him. He was sincerely trying and she didn't doubt the fact that he loved her. She retreated to the bathroom and quickly showered and dressed.

"Jarvis, would you open the shades." She knew they weren't truly shades, more like a digital window tint, but they were shades to her. The windows lightened and she could see the days light beginning to show over the ocean. Pepper kneeled on the bed and kissed Tony's cheek. He groaned at her contact. "Come on Tony, we've got to both be at the office today." She stood and moved to his closet.

Tony mumbled something incoherently and Pepper just laughed. He groaned loudly and rolled over onto his back. His eyes peered open and he glanced out the window. "It's still dark outside."

"No it's not." She pulled out a gray suit with a navy shirt that matched her dress perfectly. "I need you to sign the paperwork for your reinstatement; we have a meeting with legal at nine, and a press conference at ten."

"What in the hell is the press conference for?"

"Announcing that you are once again CEO." She reached out and pulled him to sit on the edge of the bed. "The meeting with legal is so we can sign a piece of paper that says we are in a relationship that won't affect the company, and that I won't sue you for breaking my heart."

Tony cocked his head to the side and grinned. "I don't think I could break your heart."

"Do you want me to count all the times you have broken my heart?"

"Duly noted." Tony smiled at her. "I'm sorry."

Pepper leaned down and kissed him. "You're forgiven."

With a groan expressing his irritation at getting out of bed before daybreak, Tony headed for the shower as Pepper went down to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. She turned on the flat screen on the wall and watched as the news was commenting on the speculations surrounding the press conference at Stark Industries that morning. Several of the anchors were talking about how she was unable to keep control of the expo and dragging up some of Tony's antics and how she was unable to control him.

Tony cleaned up, dressed, and was downstairs in a short period of time. Jarvis had estimated his time in getting prepared for the day and as Tony walked into the small kitchen, the coffee maker had just finished preparing his morning brew. He went to sit down next to Pepper and glanced at the TV. "You know they are full of shit right?"

Pepper grinned. "Maybe, but they make it seem like it was my fault that Justin lost control at the expo. I'm the one who had him arrested." Her temper flared causing to Tony to smile. "What?"

"Are you sure that you want to quit? Cause you have the fire and drive to keep things in order. I mean you're able to keep me in order." Tony suddenly sat up straighter as an idea hit him. "That's it, I've got it."

"What?"

He grabbed her hand. "Come on let's go."

"Tony!" Pepper allowed him to drag her out to his car and she climbed into the passenger seat as Tony got in behind the wheel and brought the car to life.

Tony raced out of the gates not allowing the few photographers to get in any decent pictures and pointed the car towards Stark Industries. He parked the car in front of the main entrance and climbed out. Tony helped Pepper out and grabbed her hand leading her into the large building.

"Good morning Mr. Stark, Miss. Potts." The woman behind the large desk in the foyer greeted them.

"Hi, um I need the people form legal in my office, or her office I guess, ASAP." He proceeded to pull Pepper towards the elevators.

"Right away sir."

Once inside the confining lift Pepper finally spoke. "What's going on Tony?"

He moved quickly and pinned her against the wall and placed a solid kiss to her lips silencing her. "It's a great idea, just trust me."

They were only alone in the large office for several minutes before there was a knock on the door. "Miss. Potts, the legal team are here."

"Send them in." Tony ordered. "Good, umm, so I know we were going to sign some papers about me and Pepper dating and working together, but I want to amend some things a little bit."

Pepper's jaw dropped in shock. "Tony..." She fell back into the chair.

He held up his hand. "No Pep, it's okay I know what I'm doing. I want a back door clause in there that states should our relationship advance…" Tony turned a winked at her. "…that Pepper would be made co-CEO of Stark Industries." He looked over the two men as they glanced at each other. "Is that going to be a problem gentlemen?"

"No sir, it shouldn't be. Give us an hour to get the new papers drawn up."

"Great." Tony watched as the two men leave and turned back to a stunned Pepper. He smiled as he kneeled next to her. "Pepper?"

"I…I…"

Tony grinned. "I'm not saying anything just yet, but I'd like to eventually breech the subject. I mean it's not like we need to date for years to get to know each other, you probably know more about me than I know about me, and as for you, well I know what I need to know, and…"

"Tony." She interrupted him before he rambled any further. "Yes."

"Yes what?" He looked at her confused.

"Yes." Pepper repeated.

Tony narrowed his eyes as he thought for a minute then it hit him and his eyes widened. "Yes?"

"Yes."

He stood and pulled her to her feet as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. "When, now?"

Pepper laughed. "No not now, let's give it a few months or so."

"Are you sure, 'cause I can throw together a party in a matter of hours?"

She couldn't help but shake her head at his ambition. "One step at a time big boy."

"Mmmm, I love it when you stroke my ego." Tony pulled her close for another kiss.

They made it through the press conference purposefully neglecting to announce that they were starting a relationship, since it was suddenly accelerated to warp speed that morning. Tony answered several questions to the press indicating why the move, and he exposed the fact that he had done it when he learned the palladium in his chest was killing him, and that while working to find a suitable replacement developed a new element that his father discovered years ago, but didn't have the technology to synthesize it. And said element was now keeping him alive with no side effects.

After the press conference Pepper went to finish up some business laving Tony alone in his office. He stood staring out the window as the television provided background noise. News stations were in a buzz over the sudden revelations that took events that morning. "Mute." The television went silent. Tony moved to sit behind the desk. Now bored out of his mind waiting for more papers to be delivered by Pepper, Tony paged the secretary outside.

"Yes Mr. Stark."

"Send Happy up here, and get me the number for a quality moving company." He grinned.

"Right away sir."

In a few minutes a knock on the door echoed and Happy entered. "Just the person I wanted to see. I'm bored and full of pent up energy." The other man grinned and they both walked out.

"The phone number sir." The secretary held out a slip of paper. Happy took it from her.

"Thanks, and tell Pepper to just bring the papers by the house and that I'm going to be on Happy time." He snatched the paper from Happy's hands.

"Yes Mr. Stark." The secretary responded

They walked side by side to Tony's waiting Audi. "You drive." He pulled his phone and dialed the number. "Oh, and we need to swing by Pepper's apartment first."

After their pit stop at Pepper's place, Happy pulled up and stopped in front of Tony's mansion. Happy went straight to the locker room while Tony spoke with Jarvis to arrange the details on Pepper's apartment and when the expected visitors would be arriving.

Tony quickly changed into a pair of sweat pants and hoodie. Happy was already putting on his pads when Tony climbed into the ring. They both swung their arms around to warm up and Tony noticed that Happy didn't have on the torso pad. "Where's the other pad?"

"Oh, Natalie, or whatever her name is, was giving me lessons last week so I'm fairly confident I can get the best of you."

"Oh, can you now?" Tony moved towards the other man and engaged him. "Jarvis, a little Happy ass kicking music if you please."

'Thunderstruck' echoed into the room and a bell chimed. Happy took a swing hoping to catch Tony off guard but Tony ducked and swung striking Happy in his middle. Happy groaned as he stepped back.

Tony was shuffling his feet. "Wanna keep going?"

Happy stood up and approached Tony a little more reserved. Tony landed several more solid punches sending his friend back into the ropes and he moved quickly and punched Happy's torso repeatedly until the man slumped down to the mat.

Tony raised his gloved hands. "TKO, and the crowd goes wild." He danced around the mat as Happy remained sitting.

"How about taking on a worthy adversary?"

Tony stopped and turned towards the voice. "Let me recharge my batteries."

"Your batteries don't need recharging." Col Rhodes smiled and disappeared into the small locker room to change. Between himself and Happy they had clothes stored away at Tony's home for occasions such as this. Rhodes walked up to the mat and pulled on a pair of fingered boxing gloves that matched Tony's except they were black in color. He was dressed in sweats and a tank top. "Wanna wear the head gear?"

Tony shedded his hoddie to reveal a t-shirt allowing the reactors glow to shine through. "Naw, let's make it as realistic as possible. Jarvis please put on the song I have saved just for this occasion" He put a mouth guard into his mouth and began shuffling his feet.

Rhodes stood opposite in the ring and held out his glove. Tony moved to tap his glove indicating it was a friendly battle, but Tony's ego would always win over. He nodded to Happy who rang the bell. The music started and Happy shook his head as he instantly noticed the significance of the theme song to 'Mortal Kombat'.

Tony quickly moved towards his friend and threw the first punch. Rhodes blocked it and landed a solid hit to Tony's side. Happy stood back as the two men proceeded to box which then quickly led to kickboxing.

Pepper entered the house with several other employees from Stark. "Jarvis, where is Mr. Stark." The computer remained quiet and she was getting crazy looks from the three people with her. "Jarvis." Her voice emitting her seriousness.

"Mr. Stark is in the gym with Col Rhodes."

Even though he was a computer Pepper could make out the restraint in his voice. "Oh, lord." She indicated for the employees to follow her.

The four entered the gym as Happy was cheering for Tony as he continued to block and avoid the punches and kicks from Rhodes. Music was playing loudly as the two sparred but when Rhodes landed a solid punch to Tony's face sending him backwards Pepper then saw the blood.

She rushed over to Happy and pushed him aside and rang the bell several times. "What the…?" Both Tony and Rhodes stopped and turned to see her standing there in shock. They were speechless and could only stay frozen as if their mother had caught them doing something they knew was forbidden. Their chests heaved for oxygen to replenish their exhausted bodies.

Pepper sighed. "Oh my God! Look at you guys!"

Tony looked at Rhodes and he looked at Tony. "Yeah, you gotta little something…" Tony indicated on his face where Rhodes had blood running down his cheek.

"Yeah, you got a little bit here yourself." Rhodes fingered above his eye.

"Enough for the day, please." She begged.

Tony climbed out of the ring as Rhodes and Happy went back to the locker room to get cleaned up. "Hey, at least we didn't destroy the house."

Pepper closed her eyes and counted to ten before opening them. His face had several cuts emitting blood and his left eye was already beginning to swell. A sudden laugh shook Pepper. "You should see yourself."

"As long as he looks worse I'm okay with it." He smiled back and then realized they weren't alone. "What's this?"

"Well, since you mentioned last month that I should have an assistant and Natalie is well, not Natalie, I thought I'd bring the candidates here for you to meet as well seeing as they will be coming here frequently and accompanying us when we travel for the company." She held out her arm as the three employees stood fast and smiled at Tony.

"I assume those are portfolios?" Tony asked as he took off his gloves. "You first", he pointed at the first woman in line. "Have you seen theses?" he asked Pepper.

"Yes, that's why I have narrowed it to these three." She had explained to the potential assistants how Tony was but any description seems gentle compared to the man.

Tony took the folder and looked through it. "Mmm…impressive; four languages…" He continued to read through before shutting the binder and handing it back to the woman. "Thank you, next." He went through the next woman's folder as he had the first. "Well you are both certainly qualified for the position, which one do you like best?" he inquired to Pepper.

"There's one more left." She pointed out the obvious.

"Yeah, but Pepper a man assistant? No offense." He told the remaining candidate.

"Give me your folder Ryan." Pepper held out her hand and the man stepped forward. She took the folder and opened it. "Actually he's my pick."

Tony narrowed his eyes at her. "He would be." He opened the folder and looked over it. The man had all of the qualifications as the two female candidates except that he had one thing that the other two didn't possess. "You've got to be kidding me? Seriously?" Tony looked at the younger man and shut the folder. "You shouldn't be pushing paper for this company or assisting anyone." Ryan looked as if he was about to get fired. "Why the assistant position when you could be doing so much more?"

Ryan looked to Pepper and she smiled encouraging him to give his explanation to Tony. "Well, I was discharged months before 'don't ask, don't tell' was passed into law. The following week I was jumped by several men from my former squad outside of a bar. I sustained severe nerve damage to my dominant hand. I can still grip and write, but it gave me an itchy trigger finger so to speak. I was originally hired in weapons for testing, but when I almost killed someone I decided to transfer to a different department."

"Yeah, well I want you in R&D. You don't have to shoot, you'll still have paperwork to do, and it pays better than following my ass around all day and night." Tony saw the younger man's face light up. "Pepper, make it happen."

"Yes sir." She quickly responded.

Tony turned to her. "This was a setup."

"Pick an assistant." She stated ignoring his words.

He smiled at her and turned back towards the two waiting women. "Katie, congratulations. You two will have to wait a minute and Happy can take you back to the office.

Ryan held out his hand. "Thank you sir."

Tony shook it. "You're very welcome. What's your last name?"

"Sanders, Ryan Sanders."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Sanders. Pepper make sure he's on the permanent party list." Tony grinned and watched as Ryan and the other candidate were excused and walked back to the front of the house. Tony pointed at Katie and fingered her over.

"Don't do that, it's rude." Pepper commented. "Sorry about him, you'll get used to it." Tony began a stare down with the woman. "Jarvis, I'd like you to meet Katie Williams, she will be 'our' new assistant."

"Welcome Miss Williams." The AI responded.

Tony broke eye contact and turned back to Pepper. "Okay, well I'll leave her in your capable hands." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"You stink, go take a shower." Pepper pushed him away.

He laughed. "Katie, I want a party tomorrow night with all the usual guests, DJ and such. You can handle that right?"

"Party, what?" Pepper was taken aback by his request.

"I want a party. Tomorrow night, make it happen Katie." Tony started walking away.

"I can't believe you're doing this to her." Pepper called out.

"It's called trial by fire Pepper." He disappeared down the hall.

Pepper sighed and looked at the new assistant. "Come on, I'll show you around and then where all the party planning information is."

So the plan is there for to be more. Possibly tonight. I've got to do a bit of Christmas shopping and have been procrastinating that for about a week. But after chores tonight I'll be back to writing, just watch.

TDCSI