Chapter 4

Pepper took this question much more in-stride than Tony expected. "I think you're a little too young for that yet," she said.

"What would you need with an Iron Man suit?" Tony asked.

"In case the bad guys did try to hurt Mommy while you were gone fighting other bad guys. I could take care of her," A.J. informed them definitively.

Pepper wrapped her arms around her son and gave him a squeeze. She kissed the top of his head and held him close. "I know you would, Baby."

"Are you trying to take my job?" Tony asked, tickling the little boy's sides. A.J.'s response was fits of giggles and wiggling in his mother's embrace. "How about we make a deal?" he said when the laughter died down. "Since you're a big boy enough to know about Iron Man, then maybe it's time for you and me to start hanging out down here more."

"Can I be down here when you're working on those?" A.J. asked, pointing to the armor.

"Eventually, but, at first, I will show you where everything is and how it works. The things Daddy has down here aren't toys. That's why we keep the doors locked."

A.J. leaned against his mother's chest and let out a yawn. "I think everyone has had enough excitement for one night," Pepper stated, stroking his dark hair. "Do you want to sleep with me and Daddy?"

"No, I want to sleep in my bed," he answered. "I'm a big boy."

"Okay, then," Tony said, scooping A.J. from his mother's lap. "Let's go." His son laid his head on Tony's shoulder. Pepper fell in step behind them.

By the time they reached A.J.'s bedroom, the child was nearly asleep. Tony deposited him in his bed and Pepper drew the covers around him. She kissed his cheek and brushed the stray hairs off his forehead. "Goodnight, Sweetie."

"Night, Mommy. Love you."

"I love you, too," she replied, giving his hair one final stroke and placing his favorite stuffed bear under his arm.

When Pepper moved, Tony stepped closer. "Good night, Champ," he said before pressing a kiss onto his little forehead. "Love you like crazy."

"Love you, Daddy," A.J. replied with a yawn, struggling to keep his eyes open.

Tony and Pepper retreated to the doorway, but neither left. They stood and watched their little boy sleep. "He's out like a light," Tony said quietly.

"I'm glad someone is. I think my heart is just now slowing down," Pepper said.

"I know what you mean."

Pepper wrapped her arms around her middle. "I thought for sure that was a gunshot. I was so afraid to go downstairs, but, I...I needed to know."

Tony pulled her to him. "But, it wasn't. When he fell, he knocked the hose loose from the compressor. That's what made the gunshot noise."

"What about the glass?"

"Not sure. Probably a plate or something. Nothing important. I will find out tomorrow." Tony placed his chin on her shoulder and looked at sleeping A.J. "You're not mad that I told him are you? I mean, really, I had no choice. I'm not going to lie to him."

"No, not mad. More like concerned. I thought as long as he didn't know, I could protect him. Now..."

"You still can," Tony assured her. "I would hate to see what the guy looked like who thought he could lay one finger on A.J. when mama bear was within a country mile." Pepper chuckled softly. "Although, if you would let me make you a suit, too..."

"I don't think so. One armored crime fighter in this family is enough." A.J. sighed in his sleep and rolled over. "Poor little guy is worn out," Pepper said. "His day may have been boring, but his night was pretty interesting."

"I guess it would be something, finding out your dad is a 'hero'."

Pepper looked around the room. In one corner sat the Erector Set of their latest project together, constructing A.J.'s own mini Dum-E. On the dresser was a picture of Tony and A.J. in matching Mickey Mouse ears from their "family day" at Disneyland. Hanging on the wall was an M.I.T. pennant. A.J. had already informed her that's where he would be going to be "just like Daddy." The stuffed animal he slept with every night was a birthday gift from his father. "Oh, he's always known that. It's just now he knows other people think so, too."

"So," Tony said reaching his arms around his wife, "am I your hero, too?"

"Oh yeah," Pepper replied with a coy smile. "Need you ask?"

Tony planted a kiss on her cheek and pulled her with him into the hallway. As they moved, Pepper closed the bedroom door. "You think his life will change much now?"

"Probably, but that's not necessarily a bad thing."

"It's not?" Tony asked, turning her to face him.

"No," Pepper answered confidently, brushing away a stray lock, just like she had for their son earlier. "My life has never been the same since meeting Iron Man...and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Author's Note: So...there it is. This is the end...for now. I'm not ruling out the possibility of another chapter or two. :) I hope you liked it. The positive feedback I have received, especially regarding little A.J., has blown me away. I'm humbled and honored. You guys rock! Please let me know what you think. Reviews are awesome. Happy reading! PEPPERONY FOREVER!