I want to thank everyone for reading this, especially: sambayar; the-writer1988; Serenithy 31; and all the Guests that send me their lovely review!
I hope you all enjoy this chapter as well and the characters aren't too OOC.
Warning:Spoilers from Iron Man 2.
Note:I don't own anything I just want to write the story in the perspective of Pepper Potts. Please don't sue me.
After Pepper left Tony's mansion she went straight to Stark Industries main building. The word that she was appoint CEO of Stark was already out and people were congratulating her all the time. Because of that, it took her twice the time to get at Human Recourses Department.
The rest of the afternoon Pepper and Miss White were working on potentials candidates for Tony's Assistant. All of them were already employees of Stark Industries. It was easier that way since they already know how the company works and how eccentric their boss could get.
After they down the number of candidates to ten Pepper start to interview them. Potts was very meticulous. She was, after all, leaving Tony with this person, so Pepper wanted to make sure that they would do a good job, that Tony would be in good hands. He deserves that. She thought with a smile on her face.
By the time the interviews was over, Pepper was able to reduce the number to three potential candidates for Tony's new assistant. That was great. They seem to be good and promising candidates, interested in doing the job in a professional and efficient way. Now it was up to Tony. Pepper schedule their interview with him for tomorrow morning.
When Pepper finally went home, she met her friends at the entrance of her building.
"What are you all doing here?" she ask them with a smile on her face to see them there.
"We are here to kidnap you!" Spoke Sandra.
"What?"
"Come on! You are my new boss!" spoke Stuart happily. "We are looking at the new CEO of Stark Industries ladies and gentlemen". He said clapping as her friends join him.
"You go girl!" Spoke Karol happily. "I always knew you will get there someday!"
"Tony Stark finally realize the powerful woman that he had in his hands..." Spoke Sandra. Pepper was all smiles. Everyone that was precious to her was there congratulating her.
"You deserve this... we need to get out and celebrate this!" Spoke Karol holding Pepper's arm. The red-haired look at her friends. She was touched by their actions and she couldn't get the smile off her face.
"Guys," Spoke Pepper, "you have no idea what it means to me see all of you here".
"Why do I feel like that there is a 'but'?" questioned Stuart with humor.
"But.." Spoke Pepper. "Not now... this weekend, I promise". She add fast when she saw the look on their faces. "I still have something's to deal with... There's the trip to Italy, Tony's birthday and I have to find him a new assistant plus-"
"Really..? come on!" Complained Karol. "You've got a big promotion!"
"I can't be late on my first day as CEO, can I? Besides the notary will be at Tony's the first thing tomorrow morning. I need to be there". She explain to them.
"Okay... how about this: one beer just so we can make a toast to your victory, and then we celebrate properly this weekend. What do you say?" Proposal Sandra.
"okay. One beer". Pepper couldn't deny them this. Sandra lives in the same building than her, but Karol and Stuart came all the way to her house to celebrate with her. It was the least that she could do.
"Yes!" spoke Karol. "But this weekend you will go out with us to celebrate this properly!" Pepper nod in agreement.
"And you will pay!" Add Stuart.
"What?!" Questioned Pepper surprised but with a smile on her face.
"You are CEO of Stark Industries now.. you can afford it!" He explained, they laugh as they walk to the nearest Pub.
The one beer became two, and then three, just then Pepper was finally able to go home. This weekend she would meet them again to celebrate in a fancy place her promotion. She was looking forward for that.
-o-
Early in the morning Pepper was up and having trouble to find what to wear for her first day. She decided for a clean yet very elegant grey set of skirt and blouse. You couldn't go wrong with that.
She went to Tony's mansion to find him and Happy getting ready for their morning workout session.
"Hey! The new boss is here!" Spoke Tony smiling charmingly at her. Pepper smile back at him.
"At least one of us will get rid of him" tease Happy only to be hit by Tony's boxing glove.
"What are you talking about? You love me!" Spoke Tony pretending to be hurt by Happy's commentary.
"Yeah let's go to the arena so I can show you all my love" spoke Happy seriously only making Pepper's smile grow. As the bodyguard enters the arena, Tony walks to Pepper still fixing his glove.
"Nervous?" he ask.
"A little yeah". He smile and look at her. "You gonna do great! Don't worry". He spoke in that low tone that made her legs feel like jelly.
"Thank you Tony" they stare at each other for a while until Happy scream for Tony.
"Come on honey… I don't have all day!" Pepper laugh while Tony frowned.
"I gave him too much liberty right?" murmured the genius.
"Go. I have some work to do while we wait for the Notary".
Pepper sat on the living room working on the last details for their trip to Italy. Stark Industries was releasing a new racecar; she and Tony needed to be there tomorrow.
When JARVIS announced that the Notary finally arrived Pepper went to the main entrance to welcome the woman.
"Good morning" Pepper welcome her.
"Good morning. I'm Rushman, Natalie Rushman".
"Virginia Potts. Are those the transfer papers?"
"Yes. Would you like to check out?"
The two women sat at the living room while Pepper read the papers. Their legal department had already been over this, but Pepper being Pepper, always like to give it a quick look before do anything.
"It seems that everything is in order. Can you please follow me? So Mr. Stark can sign it". Pepper get up while the woman was still organizing the papers and went to the training room.
"The notary is here!" she scream trying to get the boys attention as Tony and Happy were still training. "Can you please sign the transfer paperwork?"
"I'm on Happy's time!" scream Tony back, still fighting with Happy. She watch as they fight each other for a while and argue about boxer's techniques. She was going to miss their everyday bickering.
When the Notary finally enters in the room Pepper notice how Tony's attention is totally fixed on the woman. Tony and Happy watch the other red-hair enter and stay beside Pepper.
"This is the last time I will ask you to sign over your company. I promise you". Spoke Pepper as she gave her signature on the papers. When she was finished she notice that Tony was still staring at Natalie. And she knew pretty well the look that he was giving her.
"What's your name lady?" Tony asked.
"Natalie Rushman".
"Front and center, come in to the church".
"No, you're seriously not…" Pepper try to talk to him, but Tony didn't listen.
"If it pleases the Court, and it sure does," he said still with his eyes fixed on the Notary.
Pepper let out a long sigh. It's been a long time since she saw Tony look that way to another woman. For some reason she started to stay on alert. All her senses were on as she watch his reaction to Natalie. Why wouldn't he like her? Natalie was young, and gorgeous. She was dressed professional yet she was very sexy.
"I'm sorry…" Pepper tried to apologize. "He's very eccentric".
She watch as Natalie enters the arena and stare back at Tony. They hold their gaze for a moment. When a thought came to her mind.
Is she trying to seduce him? She question herself trying to control her feelings. Very few people have the balls to stare at Tony like Natalie was doing, and two thirds of those people were already in this room.
It's been a long time since she felt this jealousy towards him.
No. Tony is the one that ask her to be there. He is the one trying to get her. She thought ignoring the ache in her heart and decided to focus on the emails that were arriving on her phone. She needed a distraction now. Right now.
At that moment, Tony left the arena and went to sit next to her. His shoulder touching hers, as it has been over the last few months.
"Who is she?" he asks Pepper. She put on a serious face before answer. He is so predictable. It wouldn't surprise me if he try to make her his new assistant.
"She is from legal" she answered quietly "…and she is a potentially very expensive sexual harassment lawsuit if you keep ogling her like that" she spoke trying to sound natural and not let him realize her intern feelings.
"I need an assistant boxer" he spoke ignoring her last sentence and looking at Happy giving Natalie a lesson. "I need an assistant"
"And I have three excellent potential candidates and they are ready to meet you" spoke Pepper entering in his game.
"I don't have time for that. I need it now and I feel like is her". Pepper gave him a dry smile.
"No it's not." Tony smile back at her as they watch Happy and Natalie interaction for a few seconds. "How do we spell your name Natalie?" asked Tony out of the blue. His question made Pepper frown as the other red haired girl answered his question.
"You are gonna Google her now?" ask Pepper as she watch Tony transform the table next to him into a computer screen so he can do his research.
"I thought I was 'ogling' her not Googling her". He spoke flipping the files that he found online. "Wow!" He spoke impressed. "Very incredible individual.."
"You're so predictable you know that?" spoke Pepper rolling her eyes. She had seen him do this a lot over the years with different women, and the result was always the same. Tony ended up wooing the girl that became just another number on his very large list of conquests.
Again, trying to ignore what his behave was doing to her, Pepper try to focus on Happy and Natalie as Tony list the long list of languages that Natalie speaks. Until Tony turns to her. "Who speaks Latin?"
"No one speaks Latin". She answered looking at him. "It's a dead language". Her eyes fell on the files that the 'table/screen' showed. Tony was now looking at a few photos of Natalie. It seems that the girl was also a model. He choose one of the most sexiest pictures of her and zoom it. "You can read Latin or you can write it, but you can't speak so maybe…" but Tony interrupts her still too focus on the picture in front of him.
"Did you model in Tokyo?" he ask knowing pretty well that she had a briefly time as a model. "Because she model in Tokyo". That moment Pepper lost her patient and decided to ignore Tony's babbling about the Notary. "I need her". Murmured Tony. "She's everything that I want".
At that precise moment where Pepper was to distracted trying to ignore what Tony's last comment did to her and he was still ogling Natalie's picture, a huge noise came from the arena and when they look Happy was on the ground beaten and Natalie's legs holding him tight by his neck.
Pepper look at the scene in front of her. This girl was too good to be true. How did she knocked out an experience bodyguard and former boxer like he was nothing?!
There is soothing about this girl that is not right. I mean.. first the Latin, and now this? She thought as she watch Tony flirt with Natalie, until he signs the documents. Every fiber of Pepper told her to get close to them and not let Tony alone with her. She just didn't know if it was because of the jealousy about their interaction or if it was because she had a feeling that there's something wrong with this woman.
Pepper casually approach them with a polite smile on her face.
"So.. how are we doing?" she questioned looking at Tony. He pointed at the paper in front of him.
"You are the boss". They exchanges smiles for a seconds until Natalie interrupt them.
"Will that be all, Mr. Stark?" questioned the darker red haired woman looking straight in Tony's eyes. Tony and Pepper answered her at the same Time.
"No" he spoke.
"Yes" spoke Pepper. "That will be all, Ms. Rushman. Thank you". Add Pepper before Tony could say anything else. The woman took Pepper's word and excused herself. Pepper turned to watch as Natalie leaves the room until Tony turns to Pepper.
"I want one" he spoke about Natalie like a kid that want a new toy.
"No". Pepper answered him smiling. Tony turns his look at the other red haired woman that was now nowhere in the room. "You go shower. The candidates for you interview will get here soon".
"I don't need to do this. I already found the perfect assistant". He spoke making Pepper sigh tired.
"Tony, trust me in this one: Not that girl. There's something about her"
"What? What about her that you didn't like?"
What about the fact that she made you behave like a horny and irrational teenager.
"It's not that" she spoke instead. "Call it… a woman's intuition". She spoke walking to get her papers. Tony followed her close by like a lost puppy.
"A woman's intuition? Again?"
"Yes…Remember Rio?" Oh he remembered! All Pepper's instinct telling her not to do something and when she tells Tony about it what did he do? He ignored her and ended up in a very dangerous and confusing situation, and almost got himself seriously hurt. "Was I wrong when I said it back then?"
"No…" he murmured accepting his defeat. "But in my defense-"
"I don't want to hear it. I was right there remember?" At his silence, she smile a little bit. "Good. Now go shower. The girls will be coming soon". He left the room murmuring something about women and their superpower to predict things, as Pepper went to resume her work on the living room.
By the time the candidates came, Tony was already clean and shaved, looking stunning as he always do in a dark suit. They spend their following hours interviewing the women. When it was over it was almost lunch.
"Okay.. what do you think?" questioned Pepper as she ate the food that they ordered.
"That I need to think". Spoke Tony sitting next to her. Once again, she could feel the heat of his body at his proximity.
"They are good and qualified people". She spoke trying to focus on her food and not the smell of the man next to her. "Didn't I told you? Trust me, I made the pre-interview". Tony smile caring at her. "Think about it and call me when you decide okay?" she gave her food one last bite before getting up. "I have to go at Stark now and finish the preparations for our trip to Italy. Talk to you later?"
"Yeah". Smile Tony. Pepper started to walk to leave the house when Tony spoke. "Hey Pep…" she turns. "Relax, you will be fine. You are the best CEO that Stark could ever have". She smile at his encouragements words.
"Thank you Tony". She left his house ready to face her first day as CEO.
-o-
It was a little odd when she enters in her new office, Tony's former office now. It was familiar and strange at the same time. Everything there screams the man. She had spent so many times there with him, helping him, preparing him, working with him… but today… today that room, that office, was hers. But she still didn't quite feel like she owns it.
I guess I will have to make it a little more like me… change the decoration a little. Maybe it will help.
Minutes after that, Bambi her secretary came informing her about her messages and tasks.
Soon, Pepper was so absorbed in the work that she didn't even realize the time passing. She was managing to deal with all the contracts that were late due to Tony's negligence over the last couple of weeks. It was so easy now that she could sign and decide by herself.
By the end of the day, she was confident, her nervousness is now gone. It was basically the same job that she had been doing over the years, particularly those past weeks. She was proud of herself. She could do this! She could be CEO of Stark Industries!
Later that evening, she met Tony at Edwards Air Force base to go to Italy.
"Hey." He sat in front to her in the jet. "How was your first day?" he look at her with his pools of brown chocolate full of curiosity. Pepper smile at him and spent the next hour telling him about the contracts and the things that she had done.
"You look exhausted" he spoke after that.
"So do you". She spoke looking at him with worried eyes. "What have you done all day?"
"Oh you know…" Tony play with his hands. "…lab stuff… a few explosions here and there…" he joked.
"You will get yourself killed in that lab someday". He smile avoiding her eyes. His reaction only made her worries increase. "You okay Tony?"
"Yeah…" still not looking at her and finding the dark sky outside very interesting. "Like I said: Tired".
"Yeah.. I guess we could get some sleep before we arrive in Monaco".
"Yep".
With that, they both went to the rooms to get some rest. The rooms that the jet offers are small, but still comfortable and both, Tony and Pepper fell asleep fast. By the time Happy wake them up they were already arriving in Monaco. They only had time to take a fast shower and get dressed.
They left the airport and went straight to Monaco Grand Prix. During the ride, Tony and Happy started to talk about race and cars. Tony ask Happy which one of his cars the former boxer likes best, Happy gave him his answer and soon they both started to compare the cars in design, speed, development, safety… At some point Pepper stop listen the conversation of them and focus on the potential business contacts that she might be able to make during this visit.
When they arrive, the place was full with people outside and they went crazy when they saw Tony stepping out of the car. He was, after all, their hero. Iron Man.
Their building was full with rich and important people, they were greeting Tony as they walk inside. Still walking through the entrance, Tony turns to Pepper with a serious face:
"It's Europe, okay… whatever happens in the next twenty minutes, just go with it".
Pepper look at him confused. "What do you mean, 'go with it'"?
Tony didn't had time to answer and Pepper already realize why: when she look up she saw a very familiar red haired woman waiting them with eyes all on Tony.
"Mr. Stark, how was your flight?" asked Natalie Rushman. Tony took his glasses off and look at the woman in front of them.
For a few moments, Pepper was confused. The Notary was in front of them, what she was doing here? But when she saw her interaction with Tony, it all make sense to her.
I can't believe that he did this! She thought looking at the woman. He actually hired her.
A photographer came in front of them to take a picture. When Pepper came closer to Tony, she murmured between smiles.
"When did this happen?" she questioned hoping that her irritation wasn't perceptible for the others. Tony, on the other hand, knew pretty well the look that she was giving him.
"What? You forced me-".
"I forced you?"
"Smile, the camera, look" he pointed at the photographer. Pepper look for another picture as she murmured.
"You are so predictable". She turned to the waiter to get herself a drink as the photographer left and Tony start to walk and flirt with Natalie. She did her best to ignore them and focus on potential business partners that she could find there. After all, everyone in that room were filthy rich.
"Mr. Musk, how are you?" Pepper greeted the European man. Elon Musk was a young businessman and engineer with a very powerful name in Europe. A very important contact for Stark Industries. The moment that he saw Pepper, Musk get up to talk to her.
"Hi Pepper! Congratulations on the promotion". He spoke looking at her.
"Thank you very much". At that precise moment, Tony put himself between them.
"Elon, those engines are fantastic" spoke Tony with the man that seem really happy to surprise the genius engineer.
"Thank you Tony. I got an idea for an electric jet".
Thinking that the two men will start talking engineer stuff Pepper started to walk to the bar but Tony was at her side still talking with Elon.
"Then we'll make it work, don't worry" he spoke with the man catching up with Pepper. She knows what he will try to do. She was betting with herself that Tony will try to justify or at least minimize the effect that his "surprise" did to her. And she wasn't wrong, the moment that Tony stop talking with Elon he put his hand on her lower back and gently touch her shoulders.
"Wanna a massage?" he asked making her smile at his attempts.
"No, I don't".
"Natalie can make an appointment". He spoke. Just to hear that woman's name right now was making Pepper twist herself internally. She didn't like that feeling. That jealousy feeling and the fear of imagine that that woman could replace her in Tony's life.
"I don't want Natalie to do anything for me".
As they walk, Tony kept his hand on her back and walk close with her still trying to explain how he didn't want to do this with her and reveal it like that. "Green is not your best color" he spoke as they were at the bar and he order a whisky.
Pepper didn't have time to answer him when they heard:
"Anthonyyyy"
Pepper gave Tony a knowing smile. She recognize that voice and knew how Tony felt about that person.
"Justin Hammer" spoke Tony still looking at Pepper. But this time his eyes were all like 'please don't leave me alone with him' before turn himself and look at the man.
When the other man came closer, he start to make some silly jokes that Pepper only smile out of politeness. She always had the impression that Hammer tries so hard to be a little like Tony. Everything that Tony does, Hammer was trying to do too, but he lack the charisma or the charm that the genius engineer have.
They chat for a few moments before Hammer introduce them to Christine Everhart. That noisy reporter that Pepper remember pretty well, Tony's last conquest before he went to Afghanistan and her life turns upside down.
She ask for Pepper to do a quote for Vanity Fair Powerful Women issue now that she is the CEO and Pepper obviously agree.
That was a little too much. Normally Pepper wouldn't mind to deal with them. But Tony's early surprise for her really shake her and now looking at Tony's last conquest, and remembering how petulant she was with her that morning; Pepper felt like it was too much. She needs a moment for herself. Just a few minutes to put herself together again.
She ignore Tony quietly begging her not to leave his side and excused herself to the toilet.
The lady's room was empty. A miracle! Probably because it was still early. Pepper washed her face and look at herself in the mirror.
Why I'm feeling threatened about this? She thought as she let the water run though her face. Tony and I are nothing but friends, I won't lose him just because of he got himself a new PA…
But there was something about that woman that it wasn't right. Or maybe it's just me imagine things..
She fix her makeup and stare at her reflection for a few moments before leave the Lady's room. Once she was out Pepper found out that Natalie had already manage to get the table that Tony wanted.
She is capable… you got to give her that. She thought as she sat on the table. Tony was nowhere to be found. A waiter came and gave her the menu. Pepper was dying for a dry martini before the race starts. She was searching for something to eat when the TV caught her attention.
They were showing the pilots getting ready for the race, but what was interesting is that Tony, was now dressed with a pilot's uniform and getting inside the car. He was getting inside the race car.
Oh my God! Is he driving that? Pepper look at the images in horror. I have to do something. She look around and saw Natalie a few feets away from her.
"Natalie!" she called the woman that came running as fast as she could. "Did you know about this".
"No. I saw this just now". She answered. To Pepper's horror, Tony was already in the car as the pilots were getting ready to race. "How can I help you?"
"Get me Happy" ordered Pepper and the woman leave the room as fast as she could to get the bodyguard.
The time couldn't run more slower! and Pepper watch as the pilots start the race. Tony was an excellent driver, no question about that, but he was not a F1 pilot!
What is he thinking? Those guys were professionals for Gods sake! If he wanted to do something like that there's an amateur race where he could run.
Just when she thought that things couldn't get any worse, and the pilots were starting the second lap, a lunatic stated to walk on the race track. She watch as he torn his clothes apart and reveal on his body a technology very similar to Tony's Arc Reactor.
Omg! He is after Tony! She thought knowing that Tony was there, unprotected and even if the man didn't manage to get him, he was causing an accident with random cars and Tony could ended up being in the car crash. She had to do something to get Tony out of there. That's when Happy came to her view showing her the suitcase of Tony's suit.
She didn't wasted a second and run with Happy for their car. She trust Happy on the wheel and try not to think about the cars that were passing by them as they invade the racetrack. At that moment, the only thing that she could think about was Tony. Protect Tony. Give him the suit. Get him out of there. Her own safety was temporarily forgotten.
At some point, Happy made a turn and she is able to see the psychopath that is attacking Tony.
"Hold on!" Scream Happy for her. "I'm gonna hit him". He turns the car again aiming at Tony's attacker while Tony run to the protection grid behind him.
The guy's body lay on top of the car and Tony jump to the ground again. Pepper takes a few seconds to look at him. He has some bruises but he is okay.
Thank God! The second later, after she realize that he was alright, she was taken by a tremendous anger toward him. How could he do this? How could he put his life in danger like this by driving this stupid race and apparently giving what this psycho wanted all the time: a chance to kill him. How could he do this to himself? To her?
"Are you out of your mind?" she screamed when he came to her window.
"I was attacked", he scream back.
"You are a jerk!" She told him.
"Get in the car!" scream Happy trying to get their attentions before the two of them start with the bickering that he knows for experience it can last for minutes!
"God! This is embarrassing" murmured Tony walking around the car.
Before he could enter, the psycho hit Tony's door. The moments that followed was scary and confusing… Happy keep hitting the man over and over with the car, while Tony was outside screaming for Pepper to give him the case that has his suit, Pepper was confused and scared. It took her a while and a lot of Tony screaming, but she eventually manage to throw him the suitcase.
She watch amazed as the suit adjust itself in Tony's body and he became Iron Man. Tony kick the car away to keep her and Happy save while he fight his attacker.
At every electrical whip that the man gave Tony, Pepper let out a scream. She would never get used to this, see Tony fighting. It fiscally hurt her every punch that Tony fails to defend. She was always afraid for him to get seriously injured.
Finally Tony manage to get the man on the ground and take the copy of the Arc reactor that he had on the chest. She saw as Tony analyze the thing on his hand before destroying it at the same time that the police arrive to arrest him. .
Like her, she knew that Tony was confused. Nobody knew how to create the reactor; nobody had that technology yet but Tony. So how the hell that man was capable to do this?
Tony turns to them and open his helmet.
"You okay?" he asks but Pepper was still very much nervous to trust her voice so Happy answer for her.
"Yeah we are fine".
"I'm going to check on that guy".
"You're not going anywhere" Pepper manage to say. "Not injured like that. Let's get out of here, and take care of your wounds before you do anything".
"She is right". Spoke Happy looking at his boss.
Tony thought for a moment before agree with them. "Let's do a check-in in our usual hotel then". He help Pepper out of the mess that once was his Roll Royce. Once they were out of the public eye, which took a while since the place was huge and full of cameras, Tony got out of the Iron Man suit. Pepper had already requested a car that was waiting for them. While they were trying to get out some reporters were also trying to talk to them giving Happy a hard time to keep them away. Neither Tony or Pepper spoke with the press.
The ride to the Hotel was in complete silence. Pepper was emotionally exhausted. Once they were in their suite, Pepper took the first aid kit and by miracle Tony let her take care of his wound without fighting. It was a first in weeks.
She had a lot of questions in her mind as he aid him. But again, she was too tired to even elaborate them right now.
And Tony is probably just as surprise as you that someone else has this technology.
After that, Tony left to see what police manage to get out of that guy. Pepper decided to call the pilots and have the jet ready to go home. She has some serious damage control to do and as CEO she need to be at the Company to give them an official statement. And she have no idea how she was going to do that.
-o-
She met Tony at the airport. They haven't spoke yet and once the jet was on air he left leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Events of that day were replaying in her mind over and over again. Even if there was no attacker, even if everything were fine as it was supposed to be, what Tony was thinking when he decided to drive that car? Why he was being so reckless all the sudden? He knows pretty well that politicians like Senator Stern were trying to make him seen like an untrustworthy person, and Tony was giving them what they want by acting like that!
Come to think about he is been acting weird, well weirder, for weeks! She thought about his behavior for a moment. If I have to say for a moment where this all started… it was before he has the idea for the Expo!
She tried to think about that day specifically, but so many things happened afterwards! He is hiding something. Why is been so hard to figure it out what is it?
She thought for a moment about everything that happened to them since he decided to come up with the Expo and her suspicions grew stronger. Pepper also remember to confront him once or twice about it, but he deny it.
Also another question that she had in mind was: What about them? Apparently Tony had decided to stop is advances on her. And it's not because of Natalie. No, he was a little distant even before her. But sometimes he would act normally, based on the new proximity they develop over the past months.
At some moments, Pepper felt like Tony was pushing her away, but then he would do something to get her back, only to be pushed away again.
She sigh tired. Exhausted. So much that she couldn't sleep. She decided that it was useless to keep thinking and trying to analyze Tony's behavior. He could be both predictable and a complete mystery to her.
Pepper turn the TV on trying to get her mind off Tony for a few minutes. Useless. On TV was Senator Stern talking about Tony.
My God! This man don't miss the opportunity. She thought listening to him talk about her former boss At the same time that she was trying to think how she is going to control this.
"Mute" she heard a voice behind her, a voice that she knows pretty well. Seconds later Tony came in. "He should be giving me a medal". She didn't say anything and wait as he sat and put a plate in front of her.
"What is that?" she questioned.
"This is your in-flight meal". Spoke Tony uncovering the plate showing her a very weird omelet. She frowned as she look at the food.
How come this thing is burned and uncooked at the same time? He was looking at her with those puppy dog eyes that he has waiting for her response. Then a strange thought came to her mind.
"Did you just make that?" unaware of the small smile on her lips. Those small gestures of Tony really win her over.
"yeah!" he confirmed her suspicious. "Where do you think I've been for three hours?" he sat further on his chair and look outside. Pepper look at him and was surprised at how vulnerable he looked right now.
"Tony…" she spoke getting his attention. "What are you not telling me?"
They stare at each other for a moment. She was silent pleading him to answer her question, because honestly, she was getting tired to guess. He opens his mouth to speak for a couple of times but close it again and she thought he wouldn't give her an answer.
"I don't want to go home" he finally spoke. "At all". She frowned trying to understand him. "Let's cancel my birthday party and we are in Europe! Let's go to Venice, Chipriani. Remember?"
"Oh yes!" Of course she remembered that. How could she forgot? That weekend where she and Tony were alone, where she finally admit to herself her feelings for him. It was a special memory. A memory of him, of them, that she would always treasure.
She wanted to do that. Every fiber of her being wanted to do what he said. But she couldn't. She was after all the new CEO of Stark Industries. She had the job for like, two days, she couldn't leave now!
"It's a great place to… be… healthy" continued Tony.
"I don't think this is the right time". She spoke before he started to make plans for them. "We are in a kind of a mess" she spoke as she was trying to explain the situation for a stubborn teenager. But Tony insisted.
"But maybe, that's why it's the best time!" she smile at him. She should have known that Tony would try to get his way.
"I think as the CEO I need to show up". She spoke thinking about the official statement that she still need to make.
"As CEO you are entitle to a leave… company retreat"
"In a time like this Tony?"
"I'm just saying… to recharge our batteries and figure it out". He spoke quietly. She smile at his association and decided to play with it a little just to humor him.
"Not everyone run on batteries, Tony" she spoke joking about his chest reactor. He look at her and she smile at him. He gave her a weak smile and avoid eye contact for a moment.
He really wanted to leave! She realize it as he didn't joke back. He was looking at the clouds outside when she decided to speak again.
"Tell you what… when this is all over… after we deal with all of this mess… we can go back and spend the weekend here. Like before, what do say?"
He look at her… there was something in his eyes that broke her heart. "I would love that Pep" he spoke using that low tone that she loves so much. She was about to question what is going on again when he spoke, now sounding a little more like the hyperactive Tony. "You are not gonna eat that? Is getting cold!"
Her smile grew as he pointed to the omelet in front of them.
"It really took you three hours to do this?"
"Pretty much"
"Well… I don't want to hurt your feelings but… how you manage this? Burn and uncooked?"
"Hey! Do not poke fun of my cooking skills". She laugh.
"I appreciate your efforts but if I eat this I'm afraid that I won't get up ever!" She spoke calling for the flight attendants to get them a new meal… they couldn't have nothing with eggs since apparently Tony use them all in his attempts to cook.
Once the flight attendants came with their new food they eat as Tony told her about his chat with his attacker. Apparently, this Anton Vanko was the key to figure it out how he knows how to build the Reactor. They talk a little more about damage control. As the hours came by she realize how exhausted she was and Tony look just as bad as she does.
After a while, he excuse himself to "change his battery" and left with his cigar box, where he keep the charges for his reactor. Once alone, Pepper felt her body heavy and fell asleep fast.
-o-
It was evening when they arrived in LA. Pepper and Natalie went to Stark Industries to release an official statement. They decided to release an official note since Pepper already has an interview schedule tonight to talk about this.
Pepper and Natalie left the company and went to Tony's house.
"We need to be ready… they will try to kill us" spoke Pepper as she and Natalie get the documents ready. "Where is Tony?"
"Mr. stark is in the workshop". Spoke JARVIS.
"I will go get him" spoke Pepper to Natalie. "They probably want to speak with him too. Get those things in order, and send the fax to our lawyer". Pepper watched as the woman work for a few seconds before leaving the room. She was efficient and work fast.
Maybe I was wrong about her. She thought as she open the door for Tony's workshop. He was sitting on his RedHot car talking to JARVIS.
"Tony... The interview will start in a couple minutes. You should be up there".
"I cant"
"Tony-"
"I'm trying to figure it out who is this Vanko guy".
"You can do that later. We need you to help manage the situation".
"I can't". He spoke firmly. "You are the CEO of Stark Industries now, they want to talk to you, not to me".
"You are still the owner. Your mess has a direct impact on us so you too need to give them an explanation". She spoke just as firmly.
"You saw what happen! I was attack! It wasn't my fault". He raised his voice a little.
"I'm not saying that, but you are still the face of the company-"
"They wanna know how he has this technology and I can't answer that right now". He spoke quietly. She was silent knowing that he was right about this. If Tony went of public right now without an explanation to how Vanko was able to build the reactor he will only look more lost in public eye. He needs to show up but with an answer to give them. "Just tell them that".
She sigh heavily knowing that it was useless and it was up to her and Natalie to control this. With that, Pepper left the shop and went upstairs leaving Tony alone.
When the interview begun, the host was very much surprised that Tony wasn't going to be a part of the interview. They start talking about the events on Monaco and soon they started to question about the status and Stark Industries reliability.
Pepper had to reassure them that despite Tony leaving as CEO and the events on Monaco, the company was still very much strong. Soon they move to talk about Tony's last behavior scandals and questioned is he was still able to protect them. Exactly was Senator Stern wants, to make people question about Tony and his capacity to have the suit and be Iron Man.
At some point, Rhodey came by and asked for Tony. The playboy had given Natalie express orders to don't be disturbed but Pepper overwrote that and inform where he was. If she wasn't able to talk to Tony, maybe Rhodey will be. She return to her interview as the colonel left the room.
Once the interview as over Pepper sat there for a while thinking about everything that they talk about the last hour.
"You think that this is going to be enough?" Natalie quietly ask her. Pepper look at the woman and shook her head.
"No. Not even a bit. But is what we can do now". She felt tired! God! The attack on Monaco happened yesterday but she felt like it was months ago! So many things happening at the same time that it was hard to keep up. "I still have to take a look on those files and there is still Tony's birthday..."
"If you want I can help with his party". Suggested Natalie. Wouldn't be bad, she was after all, Tony's assistant now. She had to learn how to do this.
"Yeah. That would be good. Thank you".
That that moment, Rhodey came upstairs.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" Spoke Rhodey to Pepper.
"Sure". They left the living room and went to the kitchen to get some privacy. Rhodey open Tony's fridge to get some water. "What is going on?" Questioned Pepper.
"It's getting harder and harder at each passing day Pep". Spoke Rhodey putting his glass on the table next to them. "I was in the phone all day with the National Guard. They wanted to come here and bomb everything to get Tony's suit".
"Oh God!"
"Yeah".
"Did you told Tony that?"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure he listen very much. What happened there?" Pepper sat next to him and told him all about Monaco. "That's why he seem so exhausted". Spoke the Colonel.
"I don't know what to do… he won't tell me everything that is going on… he is hiding something and he is be acting more reckless than I ever seen in all those years that I know him".
"Believe me, this level is new even to me". Spoke the Colonel also impressed by their friends behavior.
They were in silence for a few moments, both thinking how they could help their friend out of this situation that he had put himself.
"You are coming tomorrow?" Pepper ask quietly as she saw Rhodey get up from his seat to leave.
"His birthday party? Yeah, I'll be here". They walk through the living room and saw Natalie working on something. Both ignore her. Once they were at the entrance Rhodey turn to Pepper. "You should go home. It's late, and for what you told me, you didn't have much rest during the flight back".
"Yes, I'm going to do that. God! It feels like I could sleep for a whole week and still wouldn't be enough". Rhodey laugh.
"I will do my best to manage the army. See you tomorrow then".
"Bye James".
Pepper came back inside and gave Natalie some final orders. Then she decided to follow Rhodey advice and left home. She had a lot to deal with tomorrow and there was still Tony's party. She barely had 4 hours sleep when her alarm started ring and she had to go to the Company again.
-o-
That morning was just as exhausting as yesterday. Pepper had tons of documents, meetings and interview to do. It was her fourth day at the job, it felt like it was the fourth month! Thankfully, tonight she has Tony's party to go. It will be an opportunity to relax and take the edge off a little bit.
At some point of the afternoon, Natalie came by to drop some files and inform he about Tony's party. Everything was ready for tonight.
At 6pm, Pepper left the company and went to her apartment to get ready. She saw Tony's present lay on her bed and smiling she took it before she left the place.
It was almost 8pm when she arrive on Tony's. The place was already full. There were socialites, celebrities, bimbos… She walk around the place looking for Tony. The second that she saw him Pepper doubt her eyes were really seeing what was going on. It has to be a hallucination due to her exhaustion, right?! But the screams from the guests were proving her wrong.
There was Tony... a very much drunk Tony, next to the DJ with a bottle of whisky on his hand, dressed with the Iron Man suit. He was using the Iron Man suit for his birthday party.
I can't believe this. I can't believe that he is doing this after all the trouble we had yesterday.
She left the room to get some air and think about what to do now. Where is Natalie? She should be controlling him. But the other red-hair was nowhere to be found. For a first time in a very long time since she met Tony, Pepper felt lost. She didn't know what to do. This was beyond her imagination.
At that moment a friendly voice came next to her.
"Hey Pepper. Just arrived too?" Pepper turned to see Rhodey next to her. By the smile on his face, she knew that he hasn't seeing Tony yet. At the serious look of the woman in front of him, Rhodey asked. "What's going on?"
Pepper open her mouth to speak but nothing came. After a few seconds she manage to say: "I don't know how to tell you. I can't describe the scene that I just saw".
"What?" he frowned. "Come on, it can't be that bad. Not with our level of experience". he joke but Pepper didn't laugh.
"Come on, I'll show you… because I don't know what to do". He followed her without further question to where the DJ was playing. Tony was still there, now he was demonstrating his audience how he goes to the bathroom on the suit.
Both, Rhodey and Pepper were in complete silence as they watch their friend make a fool of himself.
"You gotta be kidding me" murmured Rhodey watching Tony trip and fall down. "That's it. I'm making a call".
"No, no, no". Pepper hold him by his arm. "Don't call anyone".
"Come on Pepper, look at this…" he spoke angry. "I just risk my neck for this guy and look what he does".
"I understand that" she spoke trying to calm him down. "Just… let me handle it. Okay?" she ask him.
"Okay… you have your chance…"
Pepper was still for a moment trying to think of what she should do. She starts to walk for Tony that was now speaking more crazy stuff over the mic and laughing. She came closer smiling and took the mic off his hand.
"Does this guy know how to throw a party or what?" she questioned on the mic making the audience go crazy! At that moment, Tony put an arm around her back and get closer to her.
"I love you" he spoke and the audience scream even more. It was time to end this, she decided.
"Thank you so much Tony, we all have a wonderful night" she spoke as Tony kept trying to push her closer to him and lowing his head next to hers. Pepper did her best to ignore his movements. "We're gonna say good night now and thank you all for coming". With that Tony took a step back and started to speak, she had to put the mic behind her back to they could have a little privacy.
"No, no, no, we can't… wait" he hold her by her lower back again. "We didn't have the cake…. And we didn't blow out the candles" he spoke sounding like a little kid.
"Trust me on this, okay?" she spoke. "You're out of control".
"You're out of control gorgeous" he spoke making her heart beat a little more faster. She ignore it.
"It's time to go to bed". She spoke serious. But Tony didn't seem to listen and came even closer to her.
"Give me another smooch" he spoke. His mouth was really close to hers and although her heart started to react to his words, she was brought back to reality when the smell of alcohol on his breath came to her. Besides, they have an audience that was now really quiet looking at them. "Come on, you know you want to". He came closer and she had to curve her back to put a little distance between them.
Yes. She wanted. She wanted to kiss him for a very long time. But not like this. Not in this situation. And with an audience to make things worse. "You just peed on your suit".
"It has a filtration system. You can drink that". That's an image that she doesn't want to have right now.
"Not sexy. Just send them home. It's time".
Finally Tony seem to take her word and agreed with her. She took the bottle out of his hand and gave him the mic back.
"She is right" spoke Tony to his audience. "The party's over".
Finally. She thought. At least no further damage is done.
"But the party was over for me like an hour ago" spoke Tony. "The after party starts now" he announced. At this, Pepper was only able to close her eyes and take a deep breath to prevent herself to do a scene.
What is he doing? What happened with Tony? And he keep talking.
"If anybody – Pepper – doesn't like it, there's the door," he pointed and the suit fired destroying Tony's waterfall. His audience, of course love that! Women were gathering themselves in front of him throwing things at him so he could blow up.
Pepper was in shock. Tony was never like this. Spoiled, Yes. Stubborn, yes. A man child, yes. But never on this level He usually listen to her, especially when the situation is serious. What if someone gets hurt by his fire display? He didn't seem to mind and kept blowing things up.
This keep going until a voice scream at the end of the room. "I'm just gonna say this once:" Pepper look up and saw Rhodey using the prototype of the Iron Man, that Tony had made for him. "GET OUT"
People didn't need to be told twice and started to leave Tony's house. Tony and Rhodey started to argue and soon the discussion became a fight. They were destroying the house. Pepper left the room and at that moment, for the first time on that fateful night, she saw Natalie.
Pepper was pissed! Where she was while Tony made this whole mess? She should have been there to help control him or prevent him to do something stupid.
"Natalie" s scream and the woman came running.
"Miss Potts"
"Don't you 'Miss Potts' me! I'm on to you. Ever since you came here-" she was about to tell her everything that she thought about that woman when the ceiling broke next to them making and Tony and Rhodey fell on the ground.
Happy took her out of the way.
"What happen?" he questioned.
"Tony is out of control" she simply spoke. "Help me get these people out of here.
Happy stated to guide some people as Pepper went to the security staff to order them do the same. At some point, she saw a suit flying out of the sky and figure that it must be Rhodey.
Once most people were already out Pepper gave one last look to the mansion. It was completely destroyed.
Part of her was curious to see Tony. But another part of her, the biggest one, was outrage and couldn't stand the thought to see him right now.
"You need me to drive you home?" spoke Happy.
"Yes please".
During the ride, Pepper made a quick search online she saw people commenting, posting pictures and videos from the party.
This is a catastrophic disaster.
She try to call Rhodey without success. He didn't answer her
Probably still mad. She couldn't blame him. Now she has to think how she can control this to minimize the damage without Tony. Pepper was starting to think that she couldn't count on him to help her. Not until he put his head back together… since she doesn't know how long that would take it was up to her do the damage control alone.
-o-
As expected the next day, Tony's birthday party was in every newspaper, every channels and trending on Twitter. It was almost impossible for her to the job that she was supposed to do with the Company since she has to control this.
By the afternoon, politicians that were pro Senator Stern were talking about this and questioning Pepper's capacity and efficiency to not only control Tony but also be the CEO of the biggest company in US.
Thank you very much Tony. She thought angry with her former boss. It was already hard for a woman to make it in a profession dominated by men without a spoiled Tony Stark to babysit.
Once again, Pepper question herself if she had misunderstood Tony's action towards her over the last couple of months.
Maybe I just saw what I wanted to see. Maybe she wanted so much for them to be possible that she misunderstood everything. I'm fooling myself.
That was the only explanation that made sense giving his behavior last night at his birthday party. Actually, his whole behavior over the past weeks could be defined as weird.
At that moment Natalie in her office. Early that day she had explained to Pepper that she had left Tony ready and dressed for the party and then went to take care of some final ornaments. Part of Pepper really want to blame her for the events last night, but Pepper also knew how Tony was. If he wanted to do something, it was hard to stop him especially for a new girl. At the end, she decided, if anyone was to blame for yesterday it was Tony, and Tony alone.
"I'm sorry Miss Potts, but you might want to turn the TV on channel 9". Spoke the other redhair.
Pepper frowned and nob at the woman who left the office.
What now?! She thought turning the TV on.
There was another politician insulting not only Tony but also her and informing the people of America that now, the army had an suit thanks to Colonel James Rhodes.
That can't be. She knew that James was pissed but turn over the suit to the army?!
She pick up her phone and saw a few messages from Tony. She decided to ignore it and call their mutual friend.
"It's done Pepper" spoke Rhodes as he pick up.
"I understand that".
"I'm sick and tired. You saw how he was yesterday!"
"I know".
"There's people that rely on him, I risk myself for him, so did you… and look what he does!"
"I know James. And I don't blame. But I will try to stop them from making others copies of that suit. And also get it back. That suit it's also property of Stark Industries".
"I understand that. You can try. Right now, there's no talk about making any copies of it here. We just call Hammer and he is coming to take a look-."
"Oh God-"
"No, no, no. He will weaponize it. You know he is our manufacturer now right?"
"Don't let him take the suit. He will study it to make a copy. Remember to take the reactor out before he get's there".
"I know. I won't let him take it. He will be here only to weaponize it". After that, they made a pause until Rhodes spoke in a quiet voice. "...Any news on him?" He didn't need to name the person, Pepper already knew who it was.
"Don't know… and I really don't want to see him right now".
They talk for a few more minutes. Rhodes was surprised that the politicians were, now, also attacking Pepper and he offered her to help in any way he could. She thank her friend and ended the call, she still have a lot of work to do.
Pepper decided to call their Legal Department. They need a strategy to prevent the army to make copies of the Iron Man.
"It was an illegal seizure of trademark property". She spoke over the phone with one of their lawyer.
At that moment, Bambi opens the door to her office catching her attention.
"Relax" she heard a voice behind her secretary. The voice that she knew pretty well, but right now, she really wasn't in the mood to listen what he has to say. Tony step in front her secretary making a sign to the woman that she could leave now. Pepper saw him enter holding…
…a box of strawberries?!
She keep talking on the phone explaining to their lawyer, like he was a five year old kid, that the Mark II was also propriety of Stark Industries and the army don't have the right to take it.
Meanwhile, Tony was walking around his former office looking like a lost puppy.
Ohhh no, not this time. Pepper thought. He will not go off easy this time. It wasn't just his image that he ruined, it was hers as well as CEO.
In the back she listen to one of the politicians question her qualification as CEO and raising questions about what she was doing to control Tony. She look at the man in question that was now staring at the TV and looking quite ashamed, so much that he muted the thing.
She hung up the phone and Tony didn't waste time and sat in front of her.
"Got a minute?" he questioned.
"No". She spoke giving him the best mad face that she could make at the moment.
"Come on.. 30 seconds!" he pledged. She ignore him but decided to countdown to make him speak fast and just leave. She couldn't do this right now. Deal with Tony, this new level of reckless Tony was consuming too much of her energy. She needed a break from him. "I thought I was coming here to basically apologize, but I'm not". That caught her attention and she decided to interrupt him.
"You didn't come here to apologize?"
"Look, that goes without saying and I'm working on that". He made a pause and she waited for him to continue. "I haven't been entirely upfront with you". That wasn't any news for her since she knew for weeks now that he was hiding something from her despite the fact that she had questioned him over and over to talk to her.
He moved his chair closer to her desk and keep talking. "You know that life is short, right?"
Pepper took a deep breath trying to calm herself and Tony started to ramble again. "If I never got to express... and this is somewhat revelatory to me. And I don't care. I mean, I care. I'm not expecting you to... to... to... Look, here's what I'm trying to say:"
"Let me stop you there" she interrupts him because honesty she couldn't listen to him anymore. "If you say 'I' one more time I will hurl something at your head".
He nod and stated to play with his hand like he use to when he is nervous. He look really lost, and part of her was already starting to feel bad for him. And she hated herself for not be able to be mad at him for longer.
Still, what he did was serious and he needed to know that. "I'm trying to run a company". She spoke raising her voice, letting him know that she was angry. "People are relying on you to be Iron Man and you've disappeared. And now it's up to me to put out your fires and take the heat for it. I'm trying to do the job that you were meant to do". She spoke knowing that at this he will be quiet and think about their situation. It worked. Tony look down as stood really quiet.
They were in silence for a few moments. Neither of them knowing what to do or say. Until Pepper's eyes lay on the box that he had with him.
"Did you bring me strawberries?" she questioned him. He quietly nod and look at her with reluctant eyes. At his vision, Pepper had to fight a smile on her lips. "Did you know that there's only one thing on Earth that I'm allergic to?"
"Allergic to strawberries". He answered and she lost her fight with her smile. Tony look at her and gave her a small smile too. "This is progress. I knew there was a correlation between you and this".
She look at him as he sat further on his chair. He had to leave. Part of her was already starting to forgive him. This little action, although clumsy as it was, was making her feel even sorry for him. And she didn't want that. Not now. Not when he risk everything that they work for. Not when he let so many people down. She can't forgive him that easy.
"I need you-" but he interrupts her
"I need you too. That's what I'm trying to say" he spoke really fast
"To leave now". She finish her sentence and listen his at the same time. Both were in silence after that. He look hurt and she was confused at his confession. There was an awkward moment and neither had the courage to break eye contact, but at the same time, neither that the courage to speak again.
At that moment, Natalie and Happy enter her office informing her that the plane was already ready and waiting for her.
"Can I do anything else for you boss?" questioned Happy. And both Tony and Pepper answered "No". Tony look from Happy to Pepper and then to Pepper and his former driver and let out a laugh. A laugh that Pepper knew it was out of nervousness.
"I lost both the kids in the divorce" he joked. Pepper ignored him and sign the papers that Natalie had brought her. "I thought you two didn't get along" he questioned pointed at the two women.
"No. That's not so". Spoke Pepper getting up and giving Natalie the papers.
"It's me that you don't care for." Concluded Tony and Pepper nod already walking out of the office leaving a confused Tony behind. She was followed by Happy while Natalie stay in the office for a few moments.
Pepper made a quick stop at Bambi's and gave her a few instructions, during that time Natalie came to her side. Pepper decided to take her to New York with her for Hammer's presentation. If Tony decided to do something stupid in the meantime Pepper would need all the help she could get, and Natalie proved herself to be a great help in damage control.
During the flight, she couldn't help but think about Tony's words for her.
"I need you too. That's what I'm trying to say" What did he mean by that? How can he say that after what he's done yesterday? Did he regret making her CEO and now wants her back as his PA? Is that what he meant by "needing her"?
Forget Tony. He is a mess and you don't need this right now… There was a few more papers that she needs to look before they get in NY but Pepper didn't have the energy right now. It's been what? Four? Five days since she had this job? It wasn't even a week yet!
It feels like it's five years. She thought opening the files in front of her and trying to focus on what's she is good at. Her job.
I'm waiting for your review ;)