Thank everyone that send me your review and PM's S2

Originally I wanted this chapter to be bigger, but it's been a while since I update so... I guess I just want to give something for you guys, so here it is.. hope you like it =D

PS: OMG, have you guys seen Spider-Man Homecoming? I can't deal with how cute was Tony and Peter scenes.

Four months after the whole "I am Iron Man" thing, and a lot of things changed in their routine. Tony had destroyed his weapons. He had spend months searching for them and was able to destroy every single one that he found. At the same time, his importance in combat grew. Iron Man was always in combat zones, especially in the Middle East and he was having progress in appeasing the area.

After Tony came public with the suit, critics and specialist started to question if Tony Stark was trustworthy to operate a suit with such great capacity of destruction and be responsible for their security giving his past and personality.

Pepper and Tony did the best they could to win their trust, they had done interviews, been in countless debates, and all of that… At first, Tony was at his best behavior, but it wasn't enough. To win peoples trust was easy. Most civilians now love Tony, he is their hero, the man they look up to; but win the politicians and critics, that was the hard part, and Tony was still trying to prove himself.

Also, during those months her relationship with Tony changed in a way that she couldn't quite describe it. They became closer, more intimate; their teasing became more personal and intense! They often invade one another's personal space; and they always seem to be standing close to each other. Closer then usual.

It wasn't something that they were conscious of, it was just naturally happening, after their little confessions. They were seeking for each other's company. But at the same time, none of them had the courage to cross that line that separate their friendly relationship towards a lover one.

Usually after a mission, Tony is exhausted and spend part of the day in bed sleeping. It was up to Pepper to keep the Company going but they were managing well. Even with Tony's busy schedule with missions, upgrading the suit, creating new technology for the Company, they always found the time to go through important documents.

Of course, in order to do that, Pepper had to spend more time than ever in his house, not only working but also taking care of the wounds he eventually has. But Tony, at first, cooperate well enough and Pepper couldn't be more grateful. But slowly his behavior started to change...

Today, Pepper arrived at Tony's in the morning holding a folder full of documents in need of Tony's attention. JARVIS had called her the day before informing that Tony had arrived, after a two days mission. According to the A.I system, he was well enough and didn't need medical attention. Even so, she went as silent as she could to his room to check on him.

His room was dark and she found him lying in bed sleeping soundly. She cover him with a blanket so he could be warm and comfortable, and left a glass of juice next to him for when he wake up.

Before she leave the room, she gave him one last look at his sleeping form unaware of the smile on her face. Pepper wasn't able to hide her pride of him. He was doing things she never even imagine he would be able to.

Once she was downstairs Pepper start to work, making some calls and organizing Tony's documents until one of them caught her attention. It had the symbol of the senate. As Pepper read it, she started to frown at the document.

The paper was sign by Senator Stern, and he was demanding an audition, next week, in order to get details and information about the Iron Man suit. He wanted too many info's and details. He finishes the letter politely threatening them. Basically, if Tony refuses he would have to go to Washington to provide clarification at a Congressional committee.

"This is not good," she murmured.

"What is not good?". Tony's hoarse voice came from behind her. He still had a sleepy face, dressed on his pajamas pants and it's long sleeve shirt. The Arc Reactor hidden behind it. After the incident with Stane, Tony was being more careful about it, and hardly let it exposed like he use to before.

"Hey, good afternoon" Pepper greeted him. "You okay?" she asked already looking at him from top to bottom trying to figure it out if he was hurt or in need of any kind of help. JARVIS had told her that he was fine, but even so, she couldn't help herself and even though he had just woke up, he still look tired.

"Yeah, just got up"

"Yeah… but you look like you still need another 8 hours sleep". It was her impression or he was getting tired easily those days?!

"Just tired" He sat next to her. His shoulders touching hers she could feel the heat of his body, this proximity between then was becoming common, whether it was just the two of them or in public eye. He look at the paper in her hands. "What's that?"

He took the paper from her hand and started to read it. "I am not doing that" he spoke tossing the paper out.

"Tony" Pepper use her warning tone.

"I already spoke everything they need to know about the Iron Man suit". He complained.

"They are claiming that it's a potential mass destruction weapon. All you have to do is tell them otherwise".

"That's not what they want Pep. They want the suit for them. The suit is mine, I'm not gonna let anyone else use it. You saw what happen when a crazy guy get this weapon!" he spoke remembering Stane.

"Well if you don't answer him now, you have to do it in Washington".

"Then let it go to Washington". He simply spoke.

She sighed knowing it was useless to argue with him. Tony left the couch and walk to his room leaving Pepper alone for a while. If he was going to pester the Senator they need to be prepared. She took the phone and called the Stark Industries Legal Department, they needed their lawyers ready for anything.

Minutes later Tony came back, showered, shaved and dressed. Pepper was still on the phone with their Legal Department. Tony pass through her and went to his workshop.

After finishing her call, Pepper went downstairs to meet with Tony. There was a hundred of things that she need to speak with him before he decided to go out again. She had expected to find him fixing the suit but instead, he was looking at some holographic data.

Pepper didn't pay much attention to it, nor was curious about it, until Tony decided to hide it as soon as he saw her. She came close to him.

"What's that?" she asked suspicious.

"Nothing" answered Tony fast. Too fast for my taste. Thought Pepper narrowing her eyes at the billionaire. "Just some… performance data". He look at her but Pepper didn't buy it. She knew Tony too well.

"You are up to something," she said quietly.

"What?! No!" he said agitated. Pepper sighed.

"You better tell me now. You know I'm going to find out".

"I'm not up to anything". Tony defended himself but Pepper still wasn't convinced and use her best 'I'm too busy and have no time for this' tone to speak with him.

"Tony, your decision towards the Senator request is already going to give us a huge headache. Please, don't to anything else just as stupid".

"My decision was not stupid. And I'm not up to anything". He insisted.

She look at him. Pepper still wasn't buy it, she couldn't help the feeling that he was hiding something. But decided to let it go for now. She had always found out his secrets before, now that they were closer it would be easier. Right?

"You came here for something" spoke Tony pointing at the files on her hand and successfully changing the subject.

One more reason to pay closer attention on him. Thought Pepper but decided to let it go.

"You have some contracts to look up and we have to talk about the meeting schedule for the end of the week".

"Okay" he murmured.

They sat at his shop while Pepper spoke of the things that she wanted and Tony was writing some schemes on the his cellphone answering Pepper's question from time to time.

By the end of afternoon they had review most of the documents, and Pepper was getting her things to go home end enjoy a very deserved rest. For some reason she couldn't shake the feeling that this, although crazy as it was sometimes, was the calm before the storm. She didn't know if it was due to the fact that Tony decided to ignore a Senator request or if it's the thing that he was hiding from her. Whatever it was, she felt like she needed a little rest now, before she had to deal with all the problem that may come.

"I will leave those files here with you". She spoke with Tony while the playboy was walking to get more coffee. "Read the parts that I left marked. I need them signed by tomorrow". She get up ready to leave. At his non-response she spoke again. "Did you hear it Mr. Stark?" she spoke in her best professional tone.

He get his coffee and turn to face her with a sly smile on his face, the one that he usually has when he figure it out some equation that was bothering him.

"You are in love with me Pep" he said it so casually like he was talking about the weather. It took Pepper a few seconds to process what he just said. She didn't let it get to her since she was very confident that she knew very well how to hide her feeling for him. Therefore, her conclusion was that he was fishing for her response to see if he was right or wrong.

"I think the lack of sleep is finally affecting your brain, or maybe you were hit in head too much with that Iron Man suit". She spoke trying to sound annoyed. Tony's smile grew at her answer.

"Joke all you want. You and I know it's true". He spoke charmingly and drink his coffee. Pepper narrowed her eyes and did her best to sound worried as she spoke:

"You want me to search for a neurologist or you will ask JARVIS to run diagnostic on you"?

"You can't stop ogling my ass". He said turning his back for her and shaking his ass a little then he look at her serious. Pepper had to bit her lip to not laugh or show him any kind of smile at the vision of the playboy shaking his ass for her.

"... I don't know how to respond to that". She spoke quietly once she was sure her smile was under control and not showing. Tony shrugged.

"I know. It's spectacular". He spoke walking close to her. "It's yours if you want to. Just yours no one else". He add looking straight in her eyes and Pepper had to remember how to breathe.

Say something! He is waiting for a response.

"I'm calling a neurologist". She spoke with the most neutral voice she could use at the moment. "This sounds serious. Before they admit you in a mental hospital, sign the papers, I need them". She show him the files again before walking out of his house, leaving Tony smiling triumphant at her.

Pepper had to go pretending that Tony Stark's promise to be monogamous with her wasn't affecting her. He was flirting with her heavily and more serious than ever… and his lack of female companion was helping him get to her because she honestly was starting to not care anymore. She discovered that she wanted it, felt good to be the recipient of his attention and flirt. Maybe, just maybe, he was serious considering that relationship proposal that he made her 4 months ago… she knows that a little part of her started to consider it too.

-o-

The next day Pepper went to Tony's only to find out that he still haven't left the workshop since yesterday. His lab was a mess! Again, he wasn't upgrading his suit, but looking at some data; next to him there was an old flyer from Stark Expo 74, at the computer screen on his other side, something that looks like the periodic table.

Tony didn't seem aware of her presence. Pepper look around a little more and saw the documents she needed still at the same place that she had left them, untouched. She took a deep breath to keep her patience in control.

"You didn't sign the papers" she spoke quietly but it still startled Tony. He frown.

"What are you doing here? I though you left". He spoke leaving his holograms aside to face her.

"I told you that I need those papers signed" she spoke ignoring his question.

"I thought you said you need them for tomorrow".

"Well, your 'tomorrow' it's 'today' Tony" he frowned not getting what she was saying. "You spend the night here! God! You didn't left? Even a bit? Why JARVIS didn't warned you?"

"I put JARVIS on mute. He was pissing me off. Give me the papers I'll sign them". He spoke fast walking to meet her.

"You didn't even read what I told you to" complained Pepper.

"I'm trusting you. Is it safe so sign?" he questioned.

"Yes". She answered losing her battler with her patience.

"Then I'm signing it." Spoke Tony holding a pen and signing the first document.

"Tony… You can't keep doing this. You need to know what is going on in the company. You need to pay closer attention" she spoke as he signed the papers.

"The company is fine. I got important things to take care of right now".

"Like the Iron Man?"

"…Yeah"

"You want to keep playing Iron Man… well in order to do that you need the money the company provides you. S.I. needs you. You are it's CEO!" she try to talk to him.

He turn around like he didn't even heard her. He took a paper on his desk.

"Here". He gave her the paper. "I want to work on that too. Make it happen". She frowned not understanding until she look at the paper.

"Stark Expo? Really?" She asked annoyed.

"Yep". He pop the 'p'

"Tony, we can't afford this now! This is too big; it demands too much money, not to mention what we had to spend with publicity in order to make it happen".

"It's perfect! Especially now since that Senator wants my suit. It will be good for us. It will give us the publicity I need… I mean, the company needs… and will show people that we always have been more than a 'make weapons' company. I need this! I want this!" he spoke seriously.

"And what are you going to show? Do you have any innovation to show them?" She questioned and Tony was quiet for a second.

"I've got the reactor-"

"We are still trying to work with that-"

"It doesn't matter! Scientist around the world will bring their ideas. We will let the Expo open for the rest of the year"

"The rest of the year? Are you kidding me?" he ignore her.

"I want the opening to be at the month of my birthday".

"What?! This is in less than two months!" complained Pepper but Tony didn't seem to mind.

"Yes, it is"

"You've gone crazy". She spoke quietly. "This is the result of your sleep deprivation. Close everything, you are going to bed". She ordered and Tony nod.

"I will go get some sleep. But I'm serious about the Expo. I mean it Pep". He put his hand on her shoulders and spoke looking in her eyes. "I need this to happen".

Pepper sighed in defeat as she watch Tony leave the workshop. She look at the flyer on her hands. Calm before the storm uhn?! I knew he was up to something.

-o-

As Pepper predicted, Tony skipping his meeting with the Senator caused them a huge headache. The Senator didn't waste time and was already on every TV and Newspaper speaking of how irresponsible Tony is. Bringing up Tony past behaviors, insisting that he control a mass destruction weapon therefore he is a treat that needs to be stopped.

Rhodey also had try to talk to Tony, insisting that they schedule another meeting. He had spent almost a whole day trying to convince Tony to be more cooperative.

"I recognize the work you are doing, and I back you up man. You know that. But you can't act like this" Tony rolled his eyes at his friend speech, but Rhodey ignore him. "…give them the explanation that they need".

"Nope" spoke Tony not even bothering to look at his friend as he prepare some green juice on the kitchen. Pepper sat quietly in the room just listen the two friends talk hoping that James was able to put some senses into Tony.

"Then let me do this with you". Spoke the Colonel. "You could use a backup hand. And those guys won't bother you anymore if there's a military man with you".

"No offence, but just because you flew once with it, doesn't mean you know how to use the suit".

"Well… you can teach me! Come one Tony-".

"I don't want my suit at the hands of the military Rhodey. Again, no offence, but you take orders so-…"

"Exactly my point. If I'm with you they won't bother or question you-" but Tony interrupt him before he could finish.

"No. That's my final decision". Spoke Tony getting impatient. "You won't get the suit. They won't get the suit. The Iron Man suit is mine! Let's drop this already!"

The genius left the room, leaving Pepper and Rhodey alone.

"What's up with him lately?" questioned the man as he sat next to Pepper. "He is acting more reckless than usual, I thought he got better at that".

"Beats me" simply spoke Pepper.

"Being Iron Man is causing his ego to grow". Murmured Rhodey.

"Is that even possible?" joke Pepper and Rhodey smile at her.

"I was ordered to write a report on Iron Man, Pepper". Spoke the Colonel. The redhair frowned. "It's not like I can say no".

"Well… it's better if it's you writing it". He nod. "Who ordered?" she questioned.

"Don't know. My superiors ask me so…" he look at the hall where Tony had disappeared a few moments ago. "The army wants the suit, the Senator also wants the suit, and things will get difficult".

"You don't need to tell me that" spoke Pepper with a small smile.

"Just… Tony lives in his dreamland nowadays… look out for him". She could hear how worried he was about their genius friend and she spoke honestly.

"I'm trying… but sometimes he makes it really hard".

"Yeah I know".

Once Rhodey was out Pepper decided to talk to Tony about the thousands of things that the Company needs and try to convince him to go to the office to handle them.

"JARVIS, where is Tony?"

"In his room Miss Potts" answered the computer.

When she arrived at his door room Pepper found Tony sitting quietly at his armchair. He had his head down and looks like he was in deep thought. She frowned at his view, and again she had a feeling that she was missing something. She knock at the open door and quietly entered in the room while Tony look up to see her. There was a vulnerability on his eyes that she never saw it before.

"Tony…" she spoke softly while she approach him. "What is going on with you?" All the Company's matter was temporarily forgotten.

"Like what?" he questioned avoiding her eyes. She sighed

"You know what I mean" she insisted and Tony gave her an empty smile

"There's nothing going on with me, Pep". He sounded confident, but something about it didn't feel right to the redhair.

"So you are acting like this on purpose?" she questioned still using her soft tone. She was trying to make him open himself up to her and she felt like it was now or never.

Tony didn't answered her question and again avoid look at her. Seconds later Pepper broke the silence.

"Is there something that you want to tell me?" This time he look at her and she spoke again. "You know you can tell me anything". He kept looking at her and open his mouth like he was about to speak, but then, he close his mouth. Only to try again seconds later.

"I just... I... have..." spoke Tony trying to express himself. Pepper was in silence patiently waiting for him to speak. "I feel like... we… we can't let this opportunity go..." he spoke. "You know... Iron man is a huge deal now, the company stocks is great, I feel like we need to be in the media as much as we can before this is over". He spoke with confidence.

He is hiding something. That's for sure. Thought Pepper, but decided that pressure him into speak was worse. He had almost opened himself to her right now… the right moment will come and he will tell her… he always have.

"Well it's not that easy..." She told him. "You don't have to do so many things at the same time. And James... Tony, he is trying to help you... you should listen to him".

"He is my best friend, Pep but he also work for the military so..."

"Okay then listen to me..." she spoke. "Slow down... you don't have to do everything at once. Let's deal with one problem at the time! Stop neglecting Stark Industries and-"

"Pepper, trust me on this, okay? I can't let this moment go. Okay?" he look in her eyes as he spoke and before Pepper could ask any further questions he add successfully changing the subject. "Now for the opening of the Expo..."

They spend the rest of the evening talking about the Expo.

While Tony ignored the problems of the Company, the Senator and the Army, it was up to Pepper and their Legal Department to try to contain the accusations made by the Senator and other critics, and at each passing day, it was getting harder and harder.

-o-

Weeks after that and Stark Expo was ready for it's opening. It cost Pepper a lot of sleepless night and there were still some issues to been taken care of.

She was in her house with her computer on at her dinner table, typing furiously as her friend was saying something to her from her kitchen. At her friend non-response Karol sat next to her and decided to stare at her until the redhair gave up and look away from the monitor. It took a while but Pepper eventually realize that Karol was by her side.

"Did you say something?" spoke quietly the redhair.

"Yeah! I ask you if you want a glass of wine before we cook something to eat".

"Sorry I didn't hear it. Yeah... I want one" Karol nod and get up to get her friend some wine. When she came back, again, Pepper was tying furiously.

"Here" she offers and Pepper stop for a moment to thank her friend and take the glass. "You are working yourself too much". Spoke Karol quietly siting by her side at the table. "And you always had work too much… so… this is something else! You've reach another level". Spoke Karol.

"It's Tony". Spoke Pepper never taking her eyes from the computer.

"I thought you said that he had changed".

"In some ways. Yes". Pepper look up and her friend was looking at her expecting more details. The redhair decided to leave the computer a side for a while and chat with her friend. "Lately he decided to play the 'irresponsible Tony' again. And it's way worse than before. He is neglecting the company, we have contracts behind the schedule, mean while he is picking up fight with Senators and Army, and doing stupid things like launching a race car just because he likes it, and now he wants to spend a bunch of money on this… thing". She spoke like this trying to avoid cursing while she throw the flyer on her hand at the table. Karol took the paper.

"Stark Expo… oh yeah… I saw some commercials about it. Is it a bad thing? I thought it was a great idea!" Spoke Karol excited.

"It's not the worse idea... it's just… not what we need right now!"

They were quiet for a moment until Karol spoke again. "He's been CEO for a long time, I guess he knows what he is doing…" she tried to cheer Pepper up. "Besides, your boss is a superhero, how cool is that?!".

"He is not a superhero". She add quickly. Pepper was never able to see Tony like that. Probably because she witness firsthand how he is after those mission, how tired, sored, worried he gets. Yes, she thinks what he does is very brave; yes, she is very proud of him; but a superhero? No. To her, he is just Tony behind that suit, trying to do what he believes is right now.

"And this" Pepper pointed at the flyer "is his ego growing up. If it grows up a little more there will be no room of the rest of us on this planet". Karol laugh at her friend.

"Apart from that…" Karol gave her s malicious smile. "What is going on between you two?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Ginny!" she tried to sound annoyed.

"There's nothing going on between Tony and me. I'm just trying to bring his crazy request to life and I barely see him now. When he is not on mission, he is sleeping because of the mission, or is locked on his shop doing… whatever…" She frowned as she thought about it. "Now that we are talking about this… I barely see him those days". She spoke as if she just had realized it. Karol saw as that thought let her friend intrigued

"Well, it's like we were saying, you are working too much. Once this Expo is open to public, things will slow down right? And get back to normal".

"I guess". Murmured Pepper still trying to think about the very small moments that she had with Tony those last weeks. It was weird, she had been so busy that she didn't stop to think that she had barely see him now. But maybe Karol was right. The Expo was ready to go, and after this is over maybe her routine with Tony will get back to normal and she will see him more often.

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