My deepest apologies for the long wait. I had the mother of all 8-week, sociologist class start a couple of weeks ago. And to think I took it as my blow off class for the semester :/ Anywhoo I took the liberty of going a different route on this chapter… Let's see what our dear Pepper is up to on her date :D Enjoy!

Pepper POV

He was… Okay.

I mean, he was very polite, handsome and was the ever-attentive date, but there was just something off about him. Maybe it was the way he made the conversation all about himself or how he has big plans for Stark Industries, even though he was still considered a lowly accountant on the payroll.

He seemed nice enough the few times I bumped into him in the office and I just couldn't bring myself to say no when he asked me out. I deserved a night to relax right? Even if the man sitting in front of me was not the kind of company I had in mind.

I looked down at my watch for what seemed like the 20th time and tried to hold back a sigh as I realized it was only 7:30. Time was going dreadfully slow for my liking.

"Virginia? Are you ok?" The sound of my given name made me cringe, as well as the smarmy grin he had on his face. Most people call me Pepper. It seemed he hadn't gotten the memo yet.

"I'm sorry, John. I seemed to have spaced out there a bit." I bit my lip innocently and watched as he ate up my excuse like the dinner we were supposed to be enjoying. Although, he seemed to be a little peeved that I wasn't listening to his narration of his life story. I'm sorry if I'm not the least bit interested in his college adventures.

"It's quite alright. I must be talking your ear off," he chuckled nervously.

I had to try so hard not to roll my eyes. That's the story of my life. "Oh no, it's a fascinating story. It's just something you said made me think of… something."

He nodded his head understandingly. "Well, enough of me. What's it like being Virginia Potts, assistant to the great Tony Stark?"

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked that…

Again, I had to hold back an eye roll. I never understood why everyone was so fascinated with my relationship with Tony. Our WORKING relationship…

There was nothing special about it. Apart from me following around Tony like the 5 year-old he can be. Seriously, the man can be quite the child sometimes. And then there are the times when he comes home hurt and bleeding from one of his missions. I swear I lose a few years of my life when I get a first glance of him when he's pried from his damn suit.

Me taking care of his injuries has become a sort of routine for us. A sick, twisted routine where all I want to do is shed tears at the amount of pain I see him in. No one man should ever have to go through that and I'm often left wondering why it's him that has to do this. Why can't it be someone else taking on this dangerous role?

If you asked me a few years ago if Tony Stark was a selfless person, I would have laughed in your face.

And then have you committed in an insane asylum.

Now, after seeing all the suffering he goes through for other people, I can finally say that he's selfless when it counts. And he's saved many lives because of his actions.

Of course, I'd never say this to him. His ego is big enough already.

"It's interesting," I finally replied. "It's always something different every day. He can be quite the spontaneous individual so keeping up with him can be troublesome at times."

I watched as John listened to my reply, probably not as interesting as he was hoping because he looked down at the table and fiddled with his drink. Suddenly, he seemed very nervous. He glanced around the restaurant and leaned forward slightly on the table, resting his hands lightly on the table. I watched him suspiciously and waited for his next move.

"You know I'm a little surprised you said yes when I asked you out, Virginia."

This time I held back the cringe. "Why is that?"

"You know why," he laughed annoyingly.

"I don't actually," I snapped in response. I'm starting to regret saying yes to the man now. I'm surprised it's taken me this long.

He leaned even closer and I had to hold back the urge to lean back away from him.

"Well, word around the office is you're dating the boss."

Ah, I should've seen that one coming. I'm now reminded why I try to avoid dating anyone from work. The rumor mill at Stark Industries is just too much for any budding relationship between any potential suitors and myself. According to all the rumors, I've already had two of Tony's kids. Sometimes I wonder who comes up with this stuff and why they're employed in one of the top companies in the world.

"We're not dating," I stated firmly. "You shouldn't put much stock into what is said around the office."

"You two seem pretty close," he replied, fiddling slightly with the lapels of his jacket. "Closer than boss and personal assistant."

"We're friends," I countered defensively. "And I use that word in the loosest sense of the term."

This has always been a sore subject for me. I'm always offended when people assume I've slept my way to the top. I'm nothing if not professional around Tony, even if he does like to throw countless innuendos my way. I've learned to ignore them and he knows not to cross that invisible line between us. He's toed with the line a few times and I've always wondered what could be, but then he does something Tony-like that brings me right back down to reality. Although, I'll admit he's gotten a lot better since his return from Afghanistan and his consequent announcement of his alter ego. Regardless, a relationship between us would never work. Only in my dreams does it ever really work out.

That's another thing I won't tell Tony Stark.

John snapped me out of my thoughts when he reached for one of my hands on the table and squeezed it in a comforting manner.

"I'm glad to hear you're available then. I've had my eye on you for awhile, Miss Potts."

I managed a small, forced smile but couldn't muster up a response to that. I really didn't want to lead him on.

"Let's get out of here," he added in a mischievous tone. The night was clearly still young to him.

I wanted none of that. "Listen John-"

A loud crashing sound grabbed the attention of everyone in the restaurant and stopped me in my tracks. The sound clearly originated from outside and had people gasping in shock at whatever was occurring. I was glad for the slight reprieve from what I was sure to be an awkward conversation with John, but then I got curious when everyone rose from their chair and headed towards the entrance. Phones were already pulled out and ready to capture whatever was happening. I could distantly hear angry shouts and more commotion.

"I wonder what's going on," John murmured, rising from his own chair and trying to catch a glimpse over the crowd of patrons.

"There's only one way to find out," I responded as I rose from my chair and headed towards the entrance.

There we go! Let me know what you think with a review. I promise the wait won't be long on the next chapter. We'll find out what the boys are up to in the next chapter and if they have anything to do with what's going on ;)