Three words was all it took to bring him to his knees in relief and overwhelming joy. He could barely hear Rhodey's relieved happiness over his loud sobbing.
"You really found my Tony?" He asked shakily.
"Yes, all thanks to your coordinates." Rhodey replied.
Veil rushed into the fastest sports car he owned and drove like a bat out of hell to the Stark airstrip. He ignored every California traffic law in order to get to the runway in less than 15 minutes. He skidded to a screeching halt beside Happy and Pepper's still forms. He vaulted out of his car just as the plane opened up. The sight of Tony hobbling out on Rhodey's arm made a choked sob fall from his lips. Tony gave his husband a sheepish grin before holding out his hand to him. Veil rushes into Tony's chest crying harder and clutching onto him as if he would disappear. Tony kissed the top of his head before glancing up to Pepper.
"Your eyes are red." Tony told Pepper as he stroked his husbands messy curls. "A few tears for your long-lost boss?"
"Tears of joy. I hate job hunting." Pepper replied with a watery smile.
"Yeah, vacation's over." Tony smiled.
Veil suddenly dragged Tony's head down into a long deep kiss.
"Don't you ever. Fucking. Leave. My sight again Anthony. I will chain you to our bed if I have to." Veil whispered nuzzling into his husband's side.
"Will do Veilandih." Tony smiled softly hugging the smaller man tighter.
They climbed into the back of the car Happy had waiting. Veil slowly drifted off as they pulled off of SI. The skin around his eyes was bright red and raw. Tony stared at the younger male for awhile longer before being snapped out of his relief filled thoughts by the voice of Happy. He took in Veil's messy state of dress and smiled knowingly in adoration.
"Where to, sir?" Happy asked.
Just as Tony opened his mouth to reply Pepper cut him off.
"Take us to the hospital, please, Happy." She answered.
"No." Tony says
"No? Tony, you have to. At least do it for Veil." Pepper sighed glancing at the passed out male draped across his chest.
"Go to the hospital. No is a complete answer." Tony said shutting her down.
"The doctor has to look at you." Pepper sighed in exasperation.
"I don't have to do anything. I've been in captivity for three months. There are three things I want to do. I want an American cheeseburger, cuddle with my chocodile, and the other…" Tony trailed off.
"That's enough of that." Pepper cut him off.
"...is not what you think. I want you to call for a press conference now." Tony finishes.
"Call for a press conference?" She questions.
"Yeah." Tony answered.
"What on earth for?" She asked in disbelief.
Tony grimaced before turning to face the back of Happy's head.
"Hogan, drive. Cheeseburger first." Tony said to his driver avoiding the question.