Pepper was only far to familiar with Tony's surprises… And that was why dread was filling her as she leaned back in the big soft white chair on their private jet.

Tony… He would mean so well with his so called surprises. He was always well intentional. And that was also the reason Pepper could never be to mad when things would go wrong and fall apart.

The fact that Tony hadn't told where they were going was a signal that he was afraid she might be displeased. And he just hoped that ones they were there, she would give in, give what-ever a try and change her mind.

God… Tony. What would he have in mind now? A roof top swimming tool in Las Vegas where they could skinny dip while her favorite musician played them a song on a super rare guitar?

A pick nick at Fuji mountain eating rare sushi worth thousands of dollars a bite?

For god's sake Tony… Why couldn't the poor man get it into his head. Pepper had no wish for any of it.

Just… a wooden cottage, a nice fireplace, a soft couch with room for the both of them to relax in, and allow pretty woman to play on television. That would be so nice.

Pepper glanced up at Tony who sat in front of him and saw his nervous grin trying to be re-assuring.

"I swear Tony, if this is work related." Pepper stated. "If there is some tech you want to check out at a nearby confrontation. I asked for vacation. Just… You and me. That's all I am asking!"

Tony's red turned a deep shade of red as he lowered his head. "Well, there are others. But the place is relaxing and I think you'll really like it."

"You think Tony?" Pepper asked.

"Well..." Tony halted. "Pretty sure yeah! 99 percent sure!… 90…. over 50 at least."

Pepper sighed deeply. "Look Tony, if what-ever you have planned out doesn't work out. Let's just rent a cottage for the week. No objections, I see what you had in mind. I'll even try, but if it's not right we do my plan all right?"

Tony nodded. "Okay. If you don't like this, we go where-ever you decide."

Pepper sighed as she leaned back. "You know I don't date you for money right?" she asked.

Tony looked at Pepper then nodded slowly. "Yeah… I know. That may even be why that you're the only one I could see… erhm." he halted. "The only one I.." he halted again.

Pepper smiled amused. "The great Tony Stark speechless. Never thought I would see the day." she commented leaning her head in her hand.

Tony smiled amused. "Pepper Potts, you could leave any guy speechless."

And Pepper chuckled just as the jet started to lower. "Landing in five minutes sirs." Jarvis's voice sounded and Tony took a deep breath… Please be a good idea. Please.


Pepper had to take careful steps as Tony's hands were covering her eyes… She was honestly fearing the worst.

A giant statue looking like her made in gold… A harem of beautiful male strippers… A building shaped like a bunny.

A scent had entered Peppers nostrils though, salty… And the sound of waves were in her ears. The ocean? It had to be.

"Okay." Tony breathed and then he let go and Pepper had been correct, because in front of her spread the massive ocean, great waves slamming against the cliff they were standing on. Seaguls flying above them.

"Wow." Pepper breathed. "It's gorgeous… Where are we?" she asked.

"Norway. Our destination is down there." Tony pointed down and Pepper looked down to see what looked like a village or city build in big wooden buildings. The architecture was strange and some of the people wore very weird clothes.

Was this some kind of Game of Thrones Larp game? … Oh please no. No naked men being publicly shamed, please.

Tony already had slung their luggage over his shoulder and started walking. "Come on Peps." he gestured with his head and Pepper shook her head as she followed.

Together they walked down a path, as they neared the city village thing, a few people came. Some wearing normal clothes. Others in those odd larp like things.

Finally they reached the houses but barely before a man came running towards them. This man was smiling, the pure shine going all over his face and body as he called. "Tony!" he exclaimed as he came running and finally stopped in front of them. "Well met my friend! Ah, and Lady Pepper! Well met!" he offered her a hand.

Pepper blinked accepting his hand without thinking and the man lifted it to his mouth to kiss it, first then did Pepper realize the man was using his left hand. She hadn't even notice as she just tried to take in the rest of him.

His smile was so real, he radiated that warm energy. He was wearing normal jeans and a hoodie, his long blond hair collected in a loose casual pony tail.

Also… Damn this man was handsome. Gorgeous in fact. Pepper had to admit, that if this was Tony's gift for her. She wouldn't be complaining anymore.

"Hey hands off dude." Tony snorted. "That's my girlfriend."

"Of course my friend." The larger man chuckled amused. "Lady Pepper, my name is Thor. King of Asgard. I welcome you to our home. New Asgard." he bowed.

Peppers eyes widened. "New Asgard?" she asked. "So you're the..."

"The aliens who settled for a while, yup." Tony nodded. "Space vikings! This place is great, they all eat outside together. And then they sing, and they tell stories, and they wrestle! And Peps! Peps! Some of these guys knows magic. It's crazy! Hey Thor, is Bruce still here?"

"yes indeed. He seems to have settled for staying for a while." Thor smirked.

"AWESOME!" Tony grinned.

"Bruce?" Pepper asked.

"You know..." Tony halted. "Doctor Bruce Banner."

Pepper blinked then she gaped. "Do you mean the Hulk?!"

"You're always telling me to get new friends." Tony pouted.

Pepper sighed deeply. "Of course when I say that you'll go out and make friends with aliens and Hulks."

Tony just grinned embarrassed.

"Ms Pepper, if something is wrong." Thor hesitated.

"No, not at all." Pepper shook her head. "Honestly I expected way worse than this. This is very low key in comparison to what I feared."

"HAH! Low key! Loki! I need to use that one!" Tony exclaimed. "Wait till you meet him Peps! That guy looks badass!"

Thor shook his head as he chuckled amused. "Come on. I'll show you where you can stay." he gestured and the two followed.

As they did Peppers eyes were on Tony and she couldn't help but notice… He was different. Normally when they went somewhere. Tony looked bored, like he wanted to be anywhere else. And any smile was just plastered on to create the illusion that he was enjoying himself.

Now though, Tony's smile was real! His laugh was actually real. And that was such a rare thing… Pepper smiled as she stepped closer to Tony and wrapped her arm around his.

Tony blinked. "Pepper?" he asked.

"I decided… We stay. We don't go anywhere else for our vacation." Pepper informed in a sigh. "This place is nice."

And Tony grinned. "See! Not all my ideas are bad!"

And Pepper chuckled as she shook her head. No… not all of them. Thankfully.