The following weeks were semi-normal. Tony was able to fix Pepper and get the EXTREMIS out of her. I am currently standing outside the operating room looking in. Tony is getting the shrapnel removed from his chest, finally. He gave us a thumbs-up, and then he went under. I stay for a couple of minutes before my phone beeps. I look down, and I see a message saying, 'We Need You' I sigh and take one last look at Tony before walking away.

I reach my truck when I hear a voice call out, "Nikolina, wait." I turn around, and I see Pepper.

"Yeah?" I ask as I pause mid-way, getting into my truck.

"I just want to say, 'Thank you.'" I raise an eyebrow at her, "For helping Tony, for saving me."

I smile slightly before nodding and heading towards my car again. Pepper carried on, "You know, he talked about you all the time," I turn around and look at her. "He would tell me about this small Russian girl that beat two Norse gods in battle, a girl with extraordinary powers, a beautiful girl that could have any man she wanted."

I hide my surprise and say, "Thanks."

"I used to be jealous of you, still am if I am honest. You can relate to Tony so much better than I can, and you are so beautiful that I feel insecure standing next to you."

I look at Pepper, chuckling slightly, "Take care of him, will you? He ruined my vacation. He still owes me."

She smiles and nods her head.

"Goodbye, Pepper."

"Aren't you going to say bye to Tony?"

"I have a mission, besides we will be called in again. I won't be around for a bit; Tony knows that if he needs me that he can call me."

I smile at her and get in my truck, I start it up and drive out of the parking lot. I pull out my phone and call Jarvis, and I leave a message for Tony.

"Hey Tony, I know I am not there to see you wake up, but I know that you will. You're too annoying not to. I have to go away for a while, but if you ever need me, call, and I'll come. This is goodbye for now. Take care, Tony."

I drive up to an airport and get in a quinjet. I am handed my next mission.