Tony and Pepper were fighting more than ever and frankly since they were both avoiding what was really happening between them they were taking it out on each other and it was making everyone around them stressed.
"You guys either need relationship counseling or a break. This is ridiculous" Rhodey said as he munched on some carrots from Tony's refrigerator.
"We're not in a relationship" Pepper said.
"I know that but it would help you guys maybe work through whatever this is. Honestly I'm stunned you guys usually work so well together"
"Did you know I basically asked Pepper to be my girlfriend? But she doesn't want a relationship. That's why we're not in one" Tony said sharing this admission.
"Tony I said I would consider it and I thought we were keeping that private until a decision has been made" she said looking at him like he betrayed her.
" I know it's crazy but I think it would work" he said staring at her.
"Tony if we can't get passed whatever this is then it's never going to work. I'm willing to try this relationship counseling if you are" she said as she looked at him and gave him a small closed mouth smile.
"Ok I'll do it" Tony said as he gave her a small closed mouth smile back.
"You see guys. This is progress" Rhodes said.
"I'm going to call and see when they can take us" Pepper said taking out her phone.
…...
"Pep why am I finding tampons everywhere? Every bathroom I go into has them" Tony said coming out of the bathroom holding the box with one hand and adjusting himself with the other.
"Those are for emergencies and why are you always touching yourself. It's gross " Pepper said.
"Sometimes we need to adjust our balls Pep. And don't you know when you have it? Isn't it the same time every month? And why do you need them in every bathroom?" he said.
"You know what fine Tony I'm not going to leave any of them here and when I need to leave work next time I don't pack enough then you'll just have to deal with that"
"What do you mean don't pack enough? A period is seven days so you need one a day for seven days" he stated.
"That is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard you say" she said grabbing the box out of his hand and going into the other room.
"What did I say?" Tony asked as he looked to Rhodes.
"Tony if you actually ever had a relationship with a woman you'd know it's not one a day. The box says change every four to six hours" Rhodes explained.
Tony had a horrified look on his face by that thought.
…..,
They were extremely lucky to get an appointment the same day and she waited for Tony by the door. They walked outside and Happy was waiting for them. They were silent the whole way there but continued to stare at each other the whole way. Happy arrived five minutes early they went inside.
The office was small but empty. They were lucky to be the last patients of the day. Pepper still wasn't speaking to him. She was saving it all for the session.
The doctor ushered them in and they took a seat.
"So how long have you been dating?" The Dr. asked.
"Oh no we're not dating. I work for him. I'm his personal assistant" Pepper said.
"It's like we're married though. We run a business together, she's in charge of all the money, we don't have sex and she tells me what to do. But I think trying to date would be nice " Tony said as he smiled at her.
"Oh really? Because you've made these last ten years of employment so easy for me. I kick all your one night stands out, I literally have found you drunk and naked on multiple occasions and I've had to put you to bed. You're irresponsible, and immature, pig headed and selfish. You only think about yourself" Pepper said.
"Pepper, Tony just calm down" the Dr. said.
"Why shouldn't I be selfish? It's my company. I have no wife or children. It is all about me" Tony said back to Pepper.
"That's not what I'm talking about. You think your needs come before everyone else's" she said.
"I think I'm doing ok. I think you have the problem" he said poking her arm.
They looked at the doctor for a moment.
"I think you guys are beyond repair" she said placing her pad down.
"Well what are we supposed to do? We work together" Pepper said hopelessly.
"You need to appreciate each other more and try and understand what the other goes through" the doctor said.
"Great so were unfixable then" Tony said.
"You know Tony she's right you should try living as me for a week. Then maybe you'd appreciate me" she said angrily.
"I do appreciate you. You try living as me. Do you know how hard it is to be Tony Stark? " he said.
"And I think that's all the time we have for today but remember before you go be careful what you wish for" the Dr. said.