Chapter 2

AN: So what do you all think? Should I keep going with this? Worth it or not? I have had fun writing it so far. I have a sneaking suspicion that this may turn out to be a pretty long story if I stick to my plan. We shall see how it plays out. Also, I haven't followed the dialogue in this scene exactly, and I have taken some liberties – no time to get the exact dialogue…As always only borrowing the characters.

The normally quick 20 minute drive to the airfield took f-o-r-e-v-e-r today. While I was overjoyed at being able to lay eyes on my wayward boss again, Pepper was a barely contained bundle of potential energy. It was almost painful to watch her in the rearview mirror. She could not sit still – cross then uncross the legs, smooth the skirt, fix the hair, wipe away tears. It was crazy.

I finally had to say something, "Pepper, it's gonna be fine." I said making eye contact with her in the mirror.

"I know, I'm just nervous I guess" she replied with a grateful smile.

"Ah come on, it's only Tony. It'll be like he never left." I joked, trying to keep the mood light. Although I knew that now things would be different for Pepper. She now realized that she loved Tony. It was going to be a whole new experience for her working so closely with him every day, which explained the nervousness.

We arrived at the airfield early. There was no way that Pepper was going to allow us to be late today. She got out of the car and began to pace the 5 foot area at the front of the car, biting her nails.

There is only so much one person could tolerate, and my limit had been met. She needed a talking to and she needed it now.

"Ok, stop. Just stop. Right now," I called as I stepped out of the car. "This is ridiculous. What is going on with you?"

"Happy, I – " she started.

"No. Just stop." I admonished pointing at her. "You need to calm down. Look I am going to say something here and I'm not sure you'll like it, but tough. I think you need to hear it. I know that you're in love with Tony."

Her eyes widened and she gasped, "But-"

"Nope, I'm not finished yet. Now, don't worry, this isn't something I am going to share with Tony or splash across a newspaper. It's your business and Tony's, if I'm guessing right. But I can't take this anymore. You need to calm down," I ended with a smile. "He's still just Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy."

"I know you're right Happy," she said drawing a deep breath in an attempt to bring her emotions under control. "I don't want anything to ruin our working relationship, or our friendship. As I said before you guys are all I have."

"I know Pepper, and you are NOT going to lose us."

"You must think it was pretty stupid of me to fall in love with my boss. Especially since he is Tony Stark, as you said, billionaire playboy extraordinaire," a self deprecating smile on her face. "Like I could even begin to compete with all those beautiful women."

I smiled at her. She really had no idea how others viewed her or more importantly how Tony viewed her. "Pepper, you are beautiful. And more important than that you are a good person that cares about Tony. None of those other women ever gave a fig about him, only what he could do for them. And he knows that," I said, wanting to shake some sense into her.

"Besides, Tony couldn't tie his shoes without you."

She giggled, and I was happy that I could lighten her load just a little. Then we heard it, the roar of the C-130 engines. Tony would be here soon.

Pepper stepped away from me and the car. Straightening her skirt, she wiped away the remaining moisture from her cheeks and prepared to see the boss man. I stayed back by the car watching her watch the plane roll up. She rocked back and forth on her heels, impatiently waiting for the back of the plane to open.

And there he was. Well dressed as always, looking no less worse for the wear, other than the sling and an apparent weakness. He made his way down the ramp on Rhodey's arm. Waving away the ambulance team, he immediately made his way to Pepper. Now where did I put my surprise face?

I didn't really know what Pepper was going to do when she was finally face to face with him. She held a portfolio, I think in an attempt to keep herself from throwing her arms around him. The two stood there talking, and it was obvious, well to me at least, that they were itching to embrace. Oh for Christ sake, I just wished that one of them would do something. This was painful to watch. Why they kept denying themselves was totally beyond me. I really in my bones felt that they could really be happy together. But what do I know, I just drive the car. Sigh.

I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see the smile on Peppers face and I relaxed. The Boss was working his magic again, no doubt with some snarky comments. After finishing the conversation, he walked toward me.

"Good to see ya Hap. Car looks like it needs a wax. What'd you have a 3 month vacation there? Should I check the mileage?" he said walking past me to the door.

"Come on let's go! What are you all standing around for?" He yelled climbing into the car.

Pepper and I piled in the car behind him. The original plan had been to take Tony straight to the hospital, but he nixed those plans, much to Pepper's chagrin.

"There are two things I want to do, one-"

"No," Pepper interrupted.

"Really Potts, get your mind out of the gutter," Tony scolded.

"One," he continued, "I want an American cheeseburger."

"No," she countered, "You are going to be seen by a doctor."

"Ah no. I thought we already covered that. I want a cheeseburger and I want you to call a press conference."

"A press conference? What? Now? Are you delirious?" she asked placing a hand to his forehead.

Tony dodged her hand an answered, "Yes a press conference. There are some things I'd like to address."

"What things?" she questioned.

"Things," he said impatiently, "Why do I not have cheeseburgers yet?" He whined.

Pepper placed a hand on his arm in an effort to calm him. It appeared to work, as he began to visibly relax.

"Tony, I'm just concerned about your health. I really think you should see a doctor."

"Really Pepper, I'm fine. Really. Right as rain. I just need to get things off my chest."

"Oh no. That definitely does not sound like a good idea. Tony you just returned from being held in captivity for three months. I think that the press conference can wait."

"Nope, I need it now. Make it happen Potts."

So things weren't going exactly as had been planned. The doctor's visit was replaced with a press conference with much groaning from Pepper. It was being carried live on the local new radio station, and I was listening in from the car. After all it wasn't every day that Tony Stark returned from being held prisoner and decided to give a press conference. He usually ran from those like his life depended on it.

So there I sat, sipping my double mocha latte. What? So I like girly coffee. Deal with it.

Tony's voice came through the speakers:

"Effective immediately Stark Industries will no longer produce weapons."

I nearly spit the latte all over the dash. This was not good. This was sooo not good. It was going to be a hell of a ride home.

-AN: Well what did you think?