I saw Grown Ups 2 with my sister, highly recommended if your looking for a good laugh. Enjoy the next chapter.

I obviously don't own Marvel in any shape or form.

Chapter 25: Dances and Mutual Agreements.

Tony woke up Friday morning with the same feeling he felt the day before and the day before that; a mixture of anger and loneliness. Tony thought that he should be used to the feeling by now but he knew that it never got better, there was always this deep feeling in his chest that something was wrong. Doing his best to ignore the dark pit in his stomach, he got up from his bed and made his way downstairs.

Tony frowned as another note sat waiting for him on the kitchen counter:

Something came up Tony. Howard and I will be gone for a few days.

Be home soon.

Xox – Maria.

Ps. Obadiah will stop by in the next day or two.

Tony ripped the note in two as soon as he read the last note. It seemed like everyone he knew was betraying him in some way. Glancing at the clock he saw that it was quarter past ten. Drumming his fingers against the counter, Tony thought of what he should do for the rest of the as he had no desire to go to school.

"Jarvis, when's the last time I've worked on Trike v.1?"

"Last recorded time was October 22 at 1:03pm."

Tony tried to calm himself as he thought about his graduating project. He still had ideas and he was acting on all of them.

Cracking his fingers, Tony walked over to the couch and grabbed the remote. Turning on the TV, he listened to the familiar dinging of the stock market. With the remote in hand, Tony flipped through the channels.

He stopped mid click when a familiar triangle headed boy popped up onto the screen. Tony remembered catching a glimpse of the show while at Pepper's. Resting the remote against his knee, he tried to make sense of what was happening on the screen.

Virginia smiled when she walked into the change room with Kayla. It was finally Friday and the hype for the dance was through the roof. It seemed as if every word that came out of Kayla mouth was about the dance. Chris had asked her to the dance the day before and ever since then she had a smile plastered on her face.

"Your face is going to get stuck like that." Virginia said with a smile.

"I can't help it." Kayla said nearly bursting at the seams with glee. "So, i'll come by your house around 5 or 6 so we can get ready."

"Sounds like a plan." she responded as she changed into her gym strip. The girls had agreed to show up together since Chris would be a little late.

Walking out into the gym, Virginia saw that the two classes would be joining today. She rolled her eyes as Kayla bounded away from her and up to Chris.

"Hey. You ready for tonight?" Regan said with a smile as he walked up to her.

"Sure am." She responded with a smile. "We're meeting here at 7:30, right?"

"You bet."

"So, partners? I think we're doing a group run today."

"Sounds good." Virginia said as Coach Dean blew the whistle.

"Tony!"

Tony jolted awake as Obadiah's booming voice sounded throughout the house.

"In here." Tony said his voice still laced with sleep. He rubbed his eyes and checked the time on his phone, 5:55pm.

"Tony, how are you?" Obadiah said as he sat down on one of the living room couches.

Tony grunted as he sat up.

"Well Maria asked me to check up on you so here I am."

"They tell you where they went?" Tony asked.

"No, only vague details."

Tony nodded as he looked at the floor. It was starting to become familiar, Maria not telling Tony where she was going and for how long.

"She also asked me to take you to SI today."

"Why?"

"She said things have been tense around here lately and that she wants you to get some time in at the lab."

"There's a fully functional lab downstairs, I'm not going all the way to SI for something I have here."

"Tony, you need to get out of the house. Get dressed, we're leaving in fifteen."

Tony bit back a retort and clicked his tongue as he made his way to his room.

Twenty minutes later, Tony was dressed in a fine pressed suit and was freshly shaven. Looking at himself in the mirror, he frowned at how weird his cast looked underneath his dress pants.

"Sir, Mr. Stane is getting very impatient. Suggesting from his vitals, his blood pressure is extremely high."

Tony smiled and straightened his tie as he made his way to the workshop.

"Take a deep breath before you have an aneurysm." Tony greeted as the elevator doors opened up.

"Tony, get in the car. We're already late."

"Late for what?" Tony said he got in the passenger side of Obadiah's sports car.

Obie grunted but didn't elaborate.

Thanks to the speed of the sports car, the two made it to Stark Industries in less than a half hour.

"Charge it." Tony said as he hopped out of the car.

"What are you on about?" Obie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You know how you can get pizza free if its not at your house in a half hour?"

Tony got no response from the man as he headed inside. With his crutch under his arm, Tony followed Obadiah inside. This was the part that Tony was not looking forwards too. As soon as he stepped inside the building, countless pairs of eyes stared at him in shock and awe. Tony ground his teeth and tried to ignore the stares that bore down on him

"So tell me again why we're here." Tony said as they made it onto the elevator.

"I'd like your opinion on some things your dad has been working on."

"Howard is an perfectionist, why would you want my opinion? You know that he triple checks his work."

"I don't care. This is important and it needs to be done correctly."

"Fine, who else is in on this project?"

"It's all your father. R&D have had no part in this."

Tony was starting to wonder, normally Howard would recruit one or two trusted workers from R&D to help him on his endeavors. When they arrived on the top floor, Tony waved to Martha, his dad's secretary and then followed Obie into Howard's office.

"I think your dad might be on to something or crazy." He said as he poured himself a drink.

"I vote the latter." Tony pitched in as he sat on the couch.

"Be serious for a second, I know it's hard for you but listen to me. Howard has been working on two things, one is bigger and better missiles and the other which I think is crazy but he's been looking into the arc reactor more and more these days and saying that it's the key to the future."

"Obviously he's making sure he's the only option for anyone." Tony said as if a first grader could have figured that out. "And the arc reactor? I thought you both said it was a dead end.

"It is, so I was wondering, what do you think you know about the reactor and where do you think we can apply it in daily life?"

Virginia couldn't stop the smile that spread out on her face when she looked at herself in the mirror. When Kayla and her went shopping for costumes they spent hours looking for the perfect one that would compliment Virginia. Eventually they had found it and she knew that they made the right choice.

"Woah! You look hot!" Kayla complimented as she walked into Virginia's room.

"Thanks." Virginia responded with a smile as she turned around. "You look fantastic." She added as she took in Kayla's cop outfit.

"Thanks." She said striking a pose and flashing a smile. "What are the chances that Chris is going as a cop too?"

Virginia just shook her head and looked at the clock in her room. "Come on its 6:55. By the time we arrive it wont be too early."

The two made their way downstairs and were just about to leave when Kathy stopped them.

"Virginia where are you going looking like that?" Kathy said in a scolding voice and her hands on her hips.

"The dance."

"Your not going anywhere dressed like that!"

"Dad said it was okay." Virginia complained. Truth was Michael hadn't seen the costume yet and he probably would've fainted if he'd seen it. She sent a pleading look to Kayla to help her out.

"Don't worry Mrs. Potts, I'll take good care of her." Kayla reassured.

"Be careful sweetheart, I want you home by eleven."

"I will, bye Mom." She responded as she got pushed towards the door by Kayla.

It was almost 7:15 when the pair arrived at the school. After finding a parking spot that happened to be at the very back of the lot they made their way inside.

"I'm so excited." Kayla gushed.

The pair looked at each other when they stopped before the gym doors. Smiling like crazy they opened the doors at the same time and were greeted by a well decorated gym filled with black and orange streamers. Virginia watched a mob of people dancing to the loud music in the middle of the gym.

"Come on! Let's dance before you get taken away from me." Kayla said as she pulled Virginia to the dance floor.

Laughing, Virginia let herself be pulled along by her best friend. Virginia didn't know how to dance well but she knew enough to not make a fool of herself.

"Best. Song. Ever!" Kayla yelled out as Living on a prayer by Bon Jovi came blaring out of the speakers.

The two danced together until Virginia felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she saw Regan in a very eye catching fireman costume.

"Hey! You look great." Virginia said.

"Hi, you look.. fantastic." He replied with a small blush creeping onto his cheeks.

"Thanks. Come dance with us."

"Actually, I'm going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?"

"Yeah sure. Just let me say bye to Kayla." Turning around she expected to see Kayla with a smile on her face but instead she saw her friend nowhere in sight.

"On second thought, let's go." Virginia said as she faced Regan again and taking his arm.

Tony sat on his bed still in his suit, his tie was undone and hung loosely around his neck. He gripped the bottle of scotch as he thought about what had occurred. He was at Stark Industries longer than anticipated and the conversation with Obie was tedious and unnecessary at the moment. Frankly he didn't care that he would be taking over the company and he cared even less about whatever Obadiah rambled about.

It was almost eight and Tony was deciding if he should make a scene at the dance. He wanted to go for some unknown reason but he was also reluctant because he would see Pepper in the arms of some unknown man. Making up his mind, Tony redid his tie and restyled his hair. Taking the elevator to the workshop, Tony stood infront of his cars and decided on the Lamborghini. Putting his crutch in the passenger seat, Tony reved the engine and sped off towards the school.

Upon arriving at the school, Tony clicked his tongue in discomfort when he had to park at the back of the parking lot. After the long hobble to the school, Tony greeted and nodded to barely noteworthy faces.

Tony tried to keep the frown off his face when he heard loud techno music coming from the gym. Steeling himself for what was to come, he pushed his way passed the doors and into the gym. He was greeted by the obnoxious music and a crowd of dancing bodies. He smiled his smile at a group of girls that walked by in tight provocative costumes.

"Hey ladies, enjoying the dance?" Tony asked.

"We sure are." One of them said with a big smile. "You looking for a dance?"

"Not yet sweetheart, find me later."

Walking away from the girls, he went over to the drinks and poured himself a cup of punch. He had a flask of scotch in his jacket pocket and he was a little buzzed from the drink earlier but he felt like this wasn't the right time to bring it out. Tony leaned against his crutch as he watched the mob of dancing people.

Tony wasn't sure if he was able to dance, he would say no to all the other girls but when he got his chance with Pepper he would make the most of it. Glancing up from his leg he saw the very familiar red head dancing in a close proximity with the idiot with brown hair. Tony felt the feeling he woke up with work its way back into his system, it was a mixture of pain, anger and the new feeling of jealousy.

The feeling took a hold of him when he saw what Pepper was wearing, he took in her knee length high heels that showed off her mile long legs. He was interrupted with his thoughts when a voice rang out from beside him

"Tony, you look up tight."

He looked to his side and locked eyes with Maya. He looked at her costume that was no where near amazing as Peppers. The maids outfit was low cut giving him and everyone here a look of what she had to offer.

"Shouldn't you be at the game?" Tony said looking back to Pepper.

"The game is already over."

"What did you go to the game dressed like that?"

"No i've already been home, you should know how fast I change." She whispered the last part in his ear.

Tony knew exactly what she was talking about. Tony shifted his feet as he continued to look around the room.

"Come on Tony, let's dance." She said grabbing his hand. Tony was about to refused but then he saw Regan grind up against Pepper.

Tony rested his crutch up against the table, "Let's dance."

Virginia could tell by the other girls body language that Tony had arrived. She hadn't had a glimpse of him yet and she was glad that she was able to keep her mind off of him all day. She was mad at him for acting like a child and leaving her alone in the cafeteria and not responding to her messages, but knowing that he was here now made her a tad bit self-conscious.

"You alright?" Regan asked putting down his drink.

"Yeah i'm good."

"Do you wanna dance?" He said holding out his hand.

"I'd love too." She responded with a smile and taking his hand

Virginia let herself be guided to the dance floor and get lost among the throng of people.

This had been the plan from the start. Regan would dance with Virginia and also keep an eye out for Maya. Once he saw Maya they would make their way slightly towards the two. Regan honestly didn't know what was going on, he was just doing what he was told. He had a feeling that the first part of the plan was for Maya's benefit but she promised that he would get his part of the bargain later.

He could feel the heat radiating off her skin as they danced close together. A part of his mind was getting lost in the dance and the girl in front of him but the other half was holding out and waiting.

Looking up he noticed that Maya had pulled a very disgruntled Tony onto the dance floor. He internally sighed as the first part of the plan was over with. Regan smiled shyly as Pepper and him got pushed closer together. Taking another quick look around he saw that Kayla and Chris were dancing a few feet away.

The song ended and Regan knew that now was his chance.

"Hey Virginia I need to ask you something." He said as he leaned in close.

Tony was fuming. He didn't pay attention to Maya as she was dancing very close and inappropriately against him, all his focus was on Pepper and Regan.

He watched closely as Regan looked around with a intent look on his face then look back to Pepper and move closer to her. With every step Regan took, Tony was seeing more and more red.

As the song ended, Tony hadn't realized when Maya brought her face to his and lock him in an unexpected kiss. It took him a few moments to process what had happened but when he did he pulled himself away.

"What are you doing?" Tony hissed.

"I miss you, Tony." she pleaded.

"Yeah, well. I don't." Tony wasn't going to coddle her, he was through with her and it wasn't his fault that she couldn't let it go.

"Look around Tony. Your precious Pepper is gone, its only me, it has always been me."

"What are you talking about?" Tony said as he whirred around and looked through the mass of people trying to spot Pepper.

"She's with Regan, Tony."

"Why should I believe anything you say?" Just as he said that he spotted Pepper hurrying towards the exit and Regan trying to follow behind. Tony only saw the side of her face but he could see that she was upset.

Brushing past Maya, Tony charged up to Regan the best he could with his ankle.

"What did you do?" Tony said furiously as he gripped Regan's shirt and pinned him up against the gym wall.

"Wha-? Don't hurt me!" The man said as he stared at Tony with wide eyes.

"Pepper, what did you do to her!" Tony yelled as he shoved him up against the wall again.

"I-" Tony cut him off with a punch to the face. Tony tried to get another punch in as strong hands pulled him away from Regan.

"Tony stop!" Happy said trying to hold the furious man back.

Tony didn't listen as he broke free and made a B-line for the exit. He pushed past the people that were blocking the exit, not caring who was in his way.

Bursting through the doors, Tony looked around with a wild look in his eyes.

"Pepper?" He yelled through the halls. He made his way to the nearest washroom trying to find her. He yelled her name again when he found the washroom empty.

Tony ignored the stares he received from the people he pushed past. Making his way out into the quad he saw a flash of orange through the trees.

"Pepper!" Tony yelled again as he made his way towards her. He saw her tense up and back away from him.

"Leave me alone Tony." She said visibly upset.

"You know I can't do that Pepper." He said in a sincere voice as he held out his hands. "I'm here for you, just like you are for me."

"How can I believe that Tony!" she yelled. "For the last three days you have been ignoring me and shutting yourself off from the world. How do you think that makes me feel? What happened to the progress we made? Huh? Wake up Tony, get whatever it is out of your head that makes you think that you can face the world alone because you can't!" A fresh wave of tears rolled down her face as she turned away from him.

Tony tried to hold back his usual remark, he took her arm and pulled her into his chest. "Your right Pep and I'm sorry. I can't do this alone and neither can you, I'm here for you just like you are for me."

Tony held her close as she let out a choking sob. Unable to bear her weight the two crashed down into the grass. Still holding her close, Tony cradled her head into his chest just like he did with his mother.

"I'm here Pep." Tony whispered as he kissed her hair. He slowly rocked her back and forth as she came down from her emotional high. Tony carefully took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her when she started to shiver.

He heard her mumble but he couldn't make out the words. "What was that?" He softly whispered.

She heard and felt her chuckle and he decided that hysteria was starting to kick in.

"He likes Kayla." Pepper said expectantly.

"What?"

"Regan." She said with a small sniff. "He likes Kayla."

"You don't have to talk about this." Tony assured. He wasn't sure who he was assuring he wanted to know what happened but he wasn't ready for the emotional roller coaster that was bound to occur.

"Yes I do or else I'll never say it. I thought he liked me and I thought I liked him. I thought he was going to ask me out as that song ended but all he did was say that he was sorry and that he likes Kayla." Her voice started to crack at the end and a sob escaped her. "I'm such an idiot."

"Not your not, your the most honest and beautiful person I have ever met." Tony said sincerely.

Pepper smiled and looked up at him. For the first time, Tony saw the real Pepper and she could not have looked more beautiful. The mascara that made dark streaks down her face didn't faze him as he looked into her sparkling blue eyes. "Really?"

"Truly." He said with a small smile.

"Thank you, Tony." She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Tony held her close and breathed in her scent.

"Tony?"

"Yes, Pep?" Tony said looking into her eyes.

"I'm hungry." She said with a small blush.

"Then lets go eat." Tony said as he extracted himself from her embrace. "What do you want?" He said as he helped her up.

"Surprise me." she said as she stood up and took hold of his hand. "Tony, where's your crutch?"

"Don't worry about it." He replied as they walked to the parking lot. Once they made the long trek to the back of the parking lot, Tony helped Pepper into the passenger side of the Lamborghini.

"What are you in the mood for?" Tony asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Greasy." She responded. Tony smiled as he knew the perfect spot. Half way through the drive, Pepper had laced her hand with his. A few minutes later, they rolled up to the best pizza spot in town, Pete's Pizza.

"I've never been here before." Pepper said as she looked at the sign. "I've heard it's the best."

"Best ever." Tony corrected. He did his best to hurry over to Pepper's door and help her out of the car. They laced their hands together as they walked inside.

"Three slices and two waters." Tony said as he got out his wallet.

"$16.52" The man behind the cash register said.

"I think we'll need more than three slices." Pepper observed.

"Trust me, we'll need three at most." Tony said with a knowing smile.

Tony enjoyed the shocked gasp that came from Pepper when the cook came out with their three quarter pan slices.

"Why are they so big?" Pepper asked as they grabbed two bar stools near the window.

"It's the way Pete makes them. It's probably the best pizza I've ever ate." Tony say as he used two hands to hold the slice, he smiled when Pepper followed his lead. Tony was glad when Pepper said she was full after eating her first slice, it gave him the third slice all to himself. They sat in a comfortable silence enjoying each others company. When Tony was done eating, they locked hands again and made their way back to the orange Lamborghini.

"So, home now?" Tony asked as they got settled.

"It's almost ten and I'm suppose to be home by eleven."

"So home it is." Tony said as he started the engine.

"Only if you don't have anything else in mind."Pepper pitched in with a nervous smile.

Tony thought to himself as he drove out of the lot. Everything would probably be closed by now and the only things that were open were lame and would take too long. Tony decided the safer route and drove her home.

Tony started to drive slower when they got onto Pepper's street. He had enjoyed the latter part of the night and didn't want to say goodbye. When they stopped in front of her house, Tony turned off the ignition and turned towards her.

"So I'll talk to you tomorrow then?" Tony asked still holding onto her hand.

"Yeah." Pepper responded with a small smile and blush. Tony watched on as she took off his jacket and layed it on the seat.

Leaning in, Tony captured Pepper's lips in a small but meaningful kiss.

"Night." Tony murmured against her lips.

"Goodnight, Tony." She said with a smile as she got out of the car. Tony smiled as he watched her walk up to the door. Once the door closed, Tony rested his head against the wheel.

"I should have walked her up to the door." Tony groaned.

Tony hated goodbyes.

Oh the Pepperony feels, haha. Hope you enjoyed it!