This is how I think Pepper would handle a hangover when with Tony Stark. It may seem a little unrealistic but hey, I've played the drums with a hangover. I dont recommend it.

I also purchased my first official comic book (Iron Man, naturally). Its not relevant to the story, just thought you'd be interested :)

SPOILERS: None really. There is a reference to the newer Hulk movie (the one with Tony in it). This is also a blink and you'll miss it reference to Iron Man 2. I'll give you a hint: Agent Coulson said it.

(...)

He hadnt wanted to leave, but Fury had called him off to 'consult' in Mew Mexico, a follow-up to the Hulk incident. Mel had shown up shortly after he left, ranted about his absense for a good fifteen minutes and sat down for a quite cup of coffee with Happy while Rhodey drooled into the carpet. Pepper had woken up long enough to chew half a slice of toast, a glass of orange juice and some painkillers before passing out again. That was alomst seven hours again.

"How was your trip?" Tony stumbled through the door, covered in sand and dust.

"I want to jump in the pool and never see sand again."

"What dont you?"

"I dont know where my trunks are and I promised Pepper I wouldnt go swimming in my suit again. Where is Pepper?"

"Behind you." Came a grumble from the bedroom door.

At some point, Pepper had raided his wardrobe, stealing sweat pants and a large hooded sweater, the hood pulled over her eyes. She looked ill. Mel rushed over and helped her over to the couch.

"You ok?"

"My head is killing me, my stomach wont stop rolling and I'm really cold."

"Jarvis, you up?"

"For you sir, always." Mel jumped up, landing on Rhodey on the floor.

"The roof is talking. What the hell?"

"Please stop shouting." Pepper pulled the large hood further over her eyes.

"Jarvis, you mind raising the temperature and turning on the fire for Pepper?"

"Of course sir." Mel had her arms around Pepper before Tony did and he felt slightly deflated but otherwise said nothing. He disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a tray of coffee. "Colonel Rhodes, you may want to wipe your chin." The group sniggered as Rhodey wiped the drool from his chin. A cup in every hand, Tony settled on the far side of the couch. They chatted casually until Mel was called by her boss and ordered back to work.

"Call me if you need anything."

"I'll be fine. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I'm terrfied to think." They hugged briefly before she took off.

"You wanna watch a movie?"

"Sure."

(...)

Some time during 'Tropic Thunder' (Tony insisted they needed a good laugh and 'The Notebook' wasnt going to cut it), Pepper had ended up with her head on Tony's shoulder, her arms around his waist and her toes between the cushions. Happy had a small smirk on his face and Rhodey was too busy wetting himself with laughter to notice. Tony simply reveled on how comfortable he felt, her laughter vibrating through his shoulder. By the end, Rhodey was taking his fourth trip to the bathroom, Happy was fishing through the fridge for the soda cans he'd hidden in there a few days before and Tony's thumb was absently running over Pepper's waist.

"Tony?"

"Hmm?"

"What are we doing?"

"What do you mean?" Pepper sighed. "I know, I...you gave me a choice last night and...shit." Tony ran a hand pver his face. "My decision not to kiss you...made you feel you like I didnt care. I know because Mel grilled me for it, but I do care Pepper and...its just...your you and..."

"Tony." Pepper cut in softly. "Take a breath and start again."

"I...like you. More than I should. I...wanted...to kiss last night, but..." Tony took a deep breath. "I didnt want our first kiss to be like every other. You're not just another girl Pepper and kissing you while you were drunk would have felt...wrong. You're worth more to me than a one night stand." A thumb brushed across her cheek and she let out a shiver, raising her hand to hold his against her face. "I want this to work Pepper. More than anything."

"Kiss me. Please?" Her voice was merely a whisper.

The trust he could see in her eyes was something he'd never seen before, from anyone. He leant forward slowly, kissing her so softly, yet her body felt like it was on fire. A hand lost itself in his hair, pulling him closer. It was chaste, but perfect and Tony felt his RT short circuiting.

"Sir, your-"

"Mute." Pepper mumbled against Tony's lips. Tony pulled back slightly.

"Did you just mute Jarvis? You never mute Jarvis."

"Shut up Tony."

(...)

It had taken a good ten minutes, but Happy had finally located two cans of lemonade, a can of Coca Cola and half a bottle of Dr Pepper. Gathering them in his arms, he made his way back into the living room, haulting in his tracks when he saw what was going on on the couch, a full smile appearing on his face.

"'Bout damn time."

"I agree sir." Happy had to laugh at the AI's comment.

"Nice to know I'm not the only who thinks so Jarvis."

"I hate to ruin the bonding moment sir, but Colonel Rhodes appears to have fallen asleep in the bathroom."

"And there goes the moment."

"Of course sir."