A/N: Because I love Pepperony, here's a flashback to before Maddie was born. And yeah, I've updated this twice today…But don't expect it to be the new normal. I felt really inspired to write this for some odd reason. Knowing the way Tony and Pepper bicker, it was just so fun to write…Enjoy!

Pepper heaved an exasperated sigh. She had just gotten back from D.C. earlier that afternoon, but there had been no sign of Tony all day.

"Jarvis, where's Tony?" she asked, hoping that she wouldn't have to use an override code.

"It appears Mr. Stark is in his workshop. Would you like me to alert him of your presence?"

"No, thanks, Jarvis. Can you tell me what he's been doing?" The AI seemed to pause.

"He said it was 'top secret'. I'm afraid I cannot divulge any details."

"Okay, tell him I'd like to talk to him."

"He says he'll be up in a little while."

Half an hour later, Tony walked out of the elevator.

"Hey Pep. How was your day?" He leaned down to kiss her, but she put up her hand.

"Explain yourself." Tony did a double take.

"What are you talking about?" Pepper shook her head.

"I was away for three days. I get back from the board meeting, and you're nowhere in sight?"

"I was working on something kind of important…" Pepper stopped midstride.

"Important?" Tony closed his eyes, wishing he'd thought about the wording a little more.

"It pertains to you, if you'd just let me…" Pepper turned around to face him.

"Why do I bother coming back?" she asked. Tony thought it might be best to keep silent for now. "I understand that you can't be bothered with little things like keeping Stark Industries from running itself into the ground, but the least you could do is show a little appreciation. Why do I bother?"

Tony stared at her like he'd just been slapped. She felt like a horrible human being. Seriously, she hated it when he looked at her like that.

"Tony, please don't give me that look…" Tony shrugged.

"So, you're leaving?" he said. He looked absolutely lost at the very idea.

"No, I didn't say that…" Tony immediately became defensive.

"Oh, so how am I supposed to take it, Pep? Tell me what I have to do." He asked, his eyes pleading, but he was trying to hide it.

"Tell me whether or not you're serious about this relationship! Is it that hard, Tony?"

"What are you talking about? This is the longest relationship I've had with any woman, Pepper, you should know this."

"Yes, but what do you expect to get out of this relationship, other than what you've already been getting? Do you love me, or do you just love what I do for you?" Pepper finally managed. Tony glanced down at his feet.

"I love you, Pepper. Why are you even questioning that?"

"I don't know. Tony, I know you might not want…" her voice broke, and she looked over at the wall, trying not to cry. Tony was at her side in seconds, tilting her face up to look him in the eye.

"Want what, Pepper? What is it you want? Tell me." He looked so earnest and was being so gentle that she felt guilty.

"I want a family, and if you don't want to be tied down like that, I understand…" Tony started laughing softly. She felt a couple tears slide down her cheeks. Tony wiped them away with his thumb, careful not to smudge her eyeliner.

"Pepper, Pepper, Pepper…" he said, smiling. He pulled her into his arms. "Is that what this is about?" He held her at arms length for a moment.

"Tony, don't mock me…" He shook his head.

"Pep, I'm not mocking you. Seriously, is that what's been bugging you?"

"Yeah…" Tony pulled her close again, kissing the top of her head.

"You know I'd move heaven and earth for you, if I could."

"I know." He guided her over to the couch, and made her sit. He put an arm around her shoulders and leaned back on the cushions, allowing her to rest her head on his chest. Pepper found a comfortable position in his arms.

"A family, huh?" he said finally, glancing down at her. Pepper nodded.

"Yeah." Tony rubbed her back gently, staring off into space.

"A couple kids running around the tower?"

"Maybe, if that's what happens." Tony smiled.

"And deal with what may possibly be a mini-genius?"

"Even if the kid takes after you. But what if it's the other way around?" Pepper asked.

"That'd be great too. The world could use a few more smart, sweet, drop-dead gorgeous redheads."

"Thanks." Pepper said, laughing.

"This is seriously what you want?" Tony answered. He sounded sincere.

"Yes. It is."

"Well..." he began contemplatively, "...if that's what you want, we're going to do this right. Starting with…" he reached into his pocket. "…A ring." He held the small velvet box in front of her. She gasped, and sat up straight.

"Pepper Potts, will you marry me?" Pepper was speechless. Tony grinned when he saw her face. "Is that a yes?" he asked. Pepper threw her arms around him.

"Yes!" She was laughing. This was good. Tony kissed her gently on the cheek. She backed up a little bit, looking him in the eye. "You were planning that all along, weren't you? This was the 'top-secret' thing Jarvis was talking about?" Tony rolled his eyes.

"Guilty as charged." Pepper playfully slapped him. "Does it fit? I can get it resized if you want…" he offered. Pepper shook her head, as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

"It's perfect." She said.