I think there are some minor tense issues with this one, but I did my best. I know this one is a bit shorter, but I hope you like it. Next chapter will hopefully be posted tomorrow.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of it.

The next morning, Tony woke up early to the sound of his phone. 'Great, another mission is the last thing I want to do right now,' he thought to himself, remembering the events of the night before, and the unfamiliar yet oddly comforting weight half-draped across his chest. He decided not to wake her, instead leaving her with a note. He left as quickly as he could, eager to finish the mission and get back to the sleeping redhead next to him, but not before he placed a soft kiss on her forehead causing her to stir slightly and smile in her sleep.

A few hours later when Pepper woke up, she found the note he left for her on the table.

Good morning Pep.

I wanted to stay but Iron Man had to go. I was going to wake you but I didn't want you to worry.

Thank you for inviting me in last night, I had a great evening.

I'll be back soon, I promise.

- Tony

She smiled to herself, holding the note. She still can't fully grasp how much he's changed. The old Tony Stark is no more, and the man who has replaced him is unfamiliar to her. Still, she can't help but feel that he's become the person she always knew he could be.

But now I know just who you are

And I know you hold my heart

Finally this is where I belong

It is you I have loved all along

It's not a particularly difficult mission, just long and tiring. On the flight back, he finally had time to think about the last few days, how much his life had changed. It feels like he's been made whole again, after years of feeling so distant from everything. His life feels complete, like he's exactly where he needs to be and everything has fallen into place. He doesn't want to push her too fast, but by this point he's realized that he wants nothing less than to spend every moment with her. She makes him want to be a better man- to be better for her, to deserve her. He thinks about her every second of the day. When he sleeps, he dreams of her- her soulful eyes, her gorgeous smile, everything. She's perfect, and he still can't believe that she's his. He may not deserve her, yet, but he's definitely trying, and as he flew back he hoped like hell she saw how different he'd become.

I found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

And the reason is you

After she getting dressed, she drove over to Stark Mansion and awaits his return. She tried to keep herself busy with work, but as the hours passed she eventually fell asleep on his couch.

He arrived back late in the evening. After the bots removed the suit he changed into some sweats and made his way upstairs to find her asleep on his couch. That was new for him, having someone there waiting for him to come home…he liked it. He knelt down beside her to kiss her forehead and she woke up.

"Tony," she said sleepily as she looked up at him. "When did you get back? Did everything go ok?"

"Just now, and everything went fine." He looked down and realized that in her hand was the note he had left her that morning. He smiled, setting his hand on top of hers. "I really did want to stay you know. It was nice waking up with you in my arms."

"I know. I…I missed you, Tony," she replied, blushing.

"I missed you too," he replied, kissing her gently.

He moved to sit with her on the couch, and she shifted to lean against him.

She looked at him, speaking softly. "You know, I've never really said it, but I'm proud of you, Tony. I am so proud of everything you've done, and the person you've become."

Her words warmed his heart and he had to swallow hard to fight back the tears. He didn't respond, but smiled and pulled her closer as they both drifted off to sleep.

Under the stars, at the edge of the sea

There's no one around

No one but you and me

We'd talk for hours, as time drifts away

I could stay here forever

And hold you this way

Because you are all that I need

For you, I give my soul to keep

You see me, love me

Just the way I am

I said for you

I am a better man

Lyrics from It is You (I Have Loved) by Dana Glover, Reason by Lifehouse and Better Man by James Morrison.

More soon. Please read and review, I love you all :)