The next chapter! I hope you like it, please let me know, that would be awesome! I'm sorry that I didn't update for so long, but my life's keeping me quite busy at the moment. A new job, moving to a new city, it all takes time and energy. But I hope I'll be able to write more soon. Until then please be patient!

As always thanks to everyone who read the last chapter and left a review! Tony's suit is from Iron Man 2, by the way.

The song to this chapter is 'Chances' by the Backstreet Boys.

I don't own the characters or places!

Tony

"The people are starting to get impatient here." Obadiah said, looking up from the paper he's been reading. "They want to know more about the future of the company. All those changes are making them nervous." Even if we were only looking at him through a screen, I could see that he was worried.

"I know that, Obadiah." I muttered with a sigh. "But I can't just fly to LA." I couldn't leave Pepper. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

"I didn't mean it like that, Tony." Obi threw in quickly. "I understand how important it is for you to be with Pepper in times like this."

"So what do you want me to do? Record them a message?" I raised my eyebrows.

To my surprise, he nodded. "That would be a start." He agreed. "They just need anything to hold on to. You're everywhere in the press at the moment, it's not good for their spirit."

I groaned and covered my eyes with my hands. Why did everything have to be this difficult? Maybe coming out to the public wasn't a good idea after all. However, it was done now and there was no way back. And maybe I also didn't want to go back anymore... It felt good not having to act anymore. "Alright, I'll record something and give it to you. And I'll be in LA as fast as possible."

"Stay in Washington as long as you need, Tony." Obadiah threw in. "I'll deal with everything here."

"You need me there." I argued and shook my head, even if it was killing me inside. "I'll come next week." I knew that I couldn't stay here much longer if it meant risking the future of the company. Of course my first priority was staying with Pepper and making sure that she was alright, but I knew that she wouldn't want me to risk the future of the company for her. We'd talked about it before and she made it very clear that she wanted me to make my dreams come true, even if I knew how much it hurt her to say those words. I knew that she was afraid of the moment I had to leave. I feared it too. I wasn't sure if I could deal being away from her, even if her life wasn't at risk anymore.

"Tony, are you sure?" There was doubt in Obadiah's voice. "It can wait."

"No, it can't. We all know that." I looked at my friends around me and from the sad looks on their faces, I knew that they were thinking the same. That we had to move Stark Industries now, otherwise it would never work.

"I could stay here in Washington with her." Bucky threw in. "To make sure that she's alright."

"You need to help Tony in LA." Loki interrupted him. "I could stay with her as well."

"And you can also keep her safe?" Bucky raised his eyebrows.

"She's got her own people for that." Loki said simply. "Fury knows what he's doing, as well as Clint. I meant rather mental support."

"You think I can't be there for her while Tony's gone?" Bucky frowned unhappily and I exchanged a look with Steve and Rhodey. I knew that they both liked Pepper, but this was... unexpected.

"Alright, stop it." I said loudly before they could start to argue with each other. "I appreciate your offers, but you should discuss this with Pepper and not me. Though I would be glad if one of you could stay with her a little longer." I ran a hand through my hair. "She's very stressed right now."

"Not a surprise after what's happening at the moment." Rhodey muttered. "The press is running wild and it doesn't look like it'll get better any time soon."

"They're planning more interviews to get the situation under control." I threw in. "And maybe the people just need something else to talk about." The idea came to my mind suddenly and I smiled.

Apparently, Steve could guess what I was thinking. "Like Tony Stark inventing a new technology and starting to produce clean energy in LA?"

I nodded with a grin. "Would be worth a try, wouldn't it?"

"Do you really think that it will distract people from Pepper?" Loki didn't look convinced. "Wouldn't it rather increase the focus on you two?"

"Not if Pepper also starts to talk about other topics openly." This came from Obadiah. "And if you tell them the whole story first. It would get boring soon."

"That's all very risky." Loki said thoughtfully.

"Telling them the truth was also a risk." I threw in. "Sometimes, we have to take them."

"Even if they make everything worse?" Bucky asked with a doubtful expression on his face.

"I dare to say that it can't get worse." Rhodey sighed.

"Most people believe us." I said. "So it could be worse. Much worse. There are always those to criticise things. Especially things they don't understand."

"Then make them understand." Steve suggested. "The first interview was very short, just the basics. You should get more into detail next time. Explain things. The difficult decisions. That you were also struggling with everything."

"Not a bad idea." Rhodey agreed thoughtfully. "Maybe you should mention that to Pepper and her team."

"From what I've heard so far, they have a similar idea." I nodded slowly. "Would be worth a try. But now let's get back to why we're here in the first place. The future of Stark Industries." I turned to Obadiah. "We've decided to keep the rooms at Bleecker Street in New York. It's always good to have an office somewhere else."

"And besides, we couldn't give them up." Rhodey added. "It's where everything started."

"When everything works here, we could expand to more cities." Obadiah agreed, looking thoughtful. "Maybe even to Washington?"

"Let's not start dreaming too soon." I interrupted him. "We're still thinking about the positions the others will have in the company."

"That hasn't to be decided right now." Obi muttered. "First, you have to build that reactor. All the supplies you need are already there."

"That won't take too long." I smiled. "The plan has been finished months ago."

"He's even working on another project next to that. Artificial intelligence." Rhodey explained with a grin.

"I won't ask what that means." Obadiah decided after a few moments of silence. "Let's rather talk about finances."

"Finances?" I echoed and held back a groan. "Do we really have to do that now?"

"Yes, we have." Obi smiled slightly. "Or did you really think that you can just build your reactor and everything's fine?"

"Something like that?" I asked weakly.

Obadiah raised his eyebrows. "Who took care of that until now?"

"I did." Steve threw in. "It doesn't bother me."

"So maybe you should listen closely now." Obadiah decided and started to explain the current situation. Even if I was pretending to be annoyed, I listened to the conversation closely. From the mischievous gleam in Loki's eyes, I could tell that he also knew it. However, he kept quiet.

When the meeting was finally over, nearly five hours had passed. We were all tired and couldn't wait to get back to the White House. We didn't talk much, everyone too lost in his own thoughts. After all, we'd made the final plans to change all our lives today. A year ago, I would have thought that this was quite exciting, but not anymore. Right now, I rather felt... how? I wasn't so sure.

Of course I was happy to got to LA and make my biggest dream come true. Building the Arc reactor. It was something I'd wanted to do for what felt like ages. However, that also meant leaving Pepper for now, which was the last thing I wanted to do.

She was scared, I knew that. Even if she tried to hide it as good as possible. Nevertheless, she couldn't fool me. The nightmares betrayed her, just like the way she looked at me when she thought I wouldn't notice. I wanted to tell her that everything was going to be alright so badly. I wanted her to be happy and make all her dreams come true as well. Unfortunately, that would be lying right now and I also couldn't do that to her. Because who knew how everything would turn out now that the press was running wild? I was still convinced that it would end well, but from what the others said, we couldn't be sure. I couldn't allow myself to be too optimistic.

I didn't want to leave her yet. The time wasn't right. There were far too many things we still had to deal with. Like the public reactions. Then there was also Sattler, who had to be questioned... But when would be the right time? Would it ever be there? Because one thing was for sure. Now that Pepper was President, there would always be problems to deal with. Everyone would want something from her, no matter if good or bad. So if I decided not to leave now, would I ever be able to do it?

It wasn't forever, I would come and see her as often as possible. And once everything in LA was settled, I would stay in Washington again. I couldn't shake off the guilt for this decision anyway. I knew she would never blame me, but it made me feel sick anyway.

"Tony, are you alright?" A quiet voice ripped me out of my thoughts and I realized that it was Loki. He was holding the door of the car open for me. We'd already arrived. I could also see the worry in the eyes of my friend.

"I'm fine." I replied and forced a smile on my lips. "The meeting today was a success."

"Stop lying to me." Loki said when we made our way inside. "Otherwise I might feel offended. Is this about LA? We don't have to leave yet."

"We both know that's not true." I muttered.

He sighed. "We'll support you whatever decision you make. And Pepper does as well."

"I don't want to leave her alone." I admitted and ran a hand through my hair. "She's not doing well."

"I noticed. That's also why I offered to stay." Loki said slowly. "Though I doubt that she'll take that offer. Or Bucky's. She's too stubborn for that. Something she's got in common with you." He smiled slightly at this.

"Of course she'll tell you to go with me. Pepper would never admit that she doesn't want us to leave."

"Because she wants you to be happy."

"She makes me happy." I argued softly.

"But you also want to go to LA." He pointed out. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have promised Obadiah to come."

"Also true." I sighed deeply. "I don't know what to do, Loki."

"You talk as if the decision wouldn't have already been made." He shook his head and smiled encouragingly. "It will all work out and now stop worrying, Stark! Otherwise, I might have to get you a surprise you won't like."

I quirked an eyebrow, but my lips twitched. "Do I even want to know what this means?"

"Probably not. So really stop worrying. When Pepper sees you like this, she'll know that something's wrong immediately. You should at least try to lessen her worries and not make them even worse."

Unfortunately, he had a point there. I sighed once more. "You make it sound so easy."

"It's just as -"

"Difficult as we decide to make it, I remember." I finished his sentence dryly. "Fine, I'll try to forget all my worries."

And I really wanted to do that, but that's when I met Fury in the hallway.

I found Pepper in her bedroom, reading a book. I wondered what she was already doing here since it was only late in the afternoon. But then I saw the title of the book and forgot about that again. It was a book about politics, of course.

She looked up and smiled when she saw me, but the smile was replaced by a frown when she took in my expression. "Tony, what's wrong?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded to know and took off my suit jacket and the tie, throwing the things on the nearest armchair carelessly.

"What are you talking about?" She placed the book on the nightstand, looking at me with worry in her eyes.

"I met Fury on my way here. And you won't believe what he just told me." I didn't try to hide that I was furious from her. So much to forgetting all my worries and putting her mind at ease.

She sank back down onto the bed when realization dawned her. "Tony..." She began, but I interrupted her.

"I won't let you talk to that man alone! There's no way you'll do that, Pepper."

"It's the only way." She threw in. "He won't talk to anyone but me."

"He will talk when I'm around." I argued and crossed my arms.

"He won't." Somehow, it made me even angrier that her voice was still so calm. "He already said that he'll only talk to me, without you around."

"Good, then one of the others will stay with you!"

"It doesn't work like that." Slowly, her voice was also getting louder. "He knows that they belong to you."

"I don't care! This man is dangerous. He tried to kill you several times, Pepper! He nearly did!" I knew that it wasn't a good idea to shout in this building, but I didn't care right now.

"This isn't your decision." Pepper insisted.

"I won't let you get in danger again." I argued. "I'll not allow it."

"Well, then maybe it's good that you're not responsible for my safety anymore." Once she'd said the words, her eyes widened slightly, realizing what she'd just told me. "Tony..."

Too late. Her words had already cut through me like a knife. They were true, of course. However, hearing it from her was something else entirely. "No, I get it." I muttered, my anger suddenly vanishing. "Not my business anymore, it's fine." The lie was far too obvious. "I'll just have to trust Nick that he'll keep you safe."

I was already on my way to the door again when she grabbed my wrists and stopped me. "Don't go, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that."

For a few seconds, I looked at her hands around my wrists silently. Then I sighed deeply. "I don't like this."

"There's no other way." There was, but I knew that it wouldn't be of any use to mention that. She could just not go to see the man who tried to kill her several times. Who nearly shot her, if I wouldn't have reacted fast enough.

"Would you have told me?" I asked quietly, still refusing to look at her face. "That you're going to see him alone?" It was hard not to feel betrayed at this, knowing that she'd always talked to me about those things first.

"I knew that you would react this way." She explained apologetically.

"So that's a no." I muttered, trying to step back again. However, she tightened her grip on my wrists.

"The time wasn't right yet." Pepper said hastily. "There were so many other things going on. I didn't want to worry you even more."

"Even more?" I echoed and finally looked up at her. The anxious expression on her face made me nearly look away again, but I forced myself to keep looking into her eyes. I felt guilty for making her feel this way.

"There's already so much on your mind. Like the company in LA." She sighed. "I know you don't want to leave, Tony. Because of me. I thought this would only make it worse. I know I was wrong about that now. And I'm incredibly sorry. I should have told you about it the first time Nick mentioned it."

"I still don't like it." I said hesitantly. "He nearly shot you."

She grimaced at this. "How could I ever forget that?" To my surprise, she placed a hand on my chest, right where the bullet had hit me. "I love you, Tony."

I smiled slightly. "I love you too, Pep. And I really wish you would have come to me before agreeing to all this." Now that I could see the pain in her eyes, it was incredibly difficult to be angry at her any longer. "There has to be another way."

"There isn't and you know it. I'll be fine." Even if she smiled, there was insecurity in her eyes.

I sighed once more and ran my free hand through my hair. "So much to forgetting all my worries for a while." I muttered, remembering what I'd promised Loki.

"What do you mean?" Pepper frowned. "How did the meeting go?"

"Fine." I lied and led her back towards the bed. "We made many plans."

"And where's the problem?" It shouldn't surprise me that she could see through my lie that easily. "You look worried."

"Because you're going to see that man without me." I threw in without hesitation. "I'm worried for your safety."

"He won't be able to hurt me." She emphasized. "And that's not the reason. Please be honest with me, Tony."

"The people in LA are getting nervous since I'm in the press that much. Obi is afraid that some will leave if I won't do anything soon." I gave in with a sigh. "I've recorded a short message for them, informing them about my plans for the company. But we're not sure if that's enough."

"You're going to leave." It wasn't a question and I noticed that Pepper paled at those words.

"I don't have to do anything." I emphasized. "I can also stay. You're my first priority, Pepper. Never forget that." I reached out and took her hands.

"When will you leave?" She asked, ignoring my last comment.

"Next week. The date's not set yet." I swallowed. "I won't be gone too long. And if anything happens, I'll be back within hours."

"I don't think it's that easy."

"My father owned a private jet." I smiled slightly.

Pepper rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant." She looked at me for a few moments in silence. "I don't want you to come once there's a problem. That's not how things should be."

"I won't leave you alone when there's trouble." I argued softly. "We're a team, after all."

"We are." She agreed. "But I want you to live your dream. I can deal with everything here. You don't have to run off all the time. You're meant to be in LA. I've already been holding you back far too long."

"You haven't." I argued seriously. "You're my life, Pepper. I don't even want to leave."

"But that's not entirely true, isn't it?" She smiled. "You want to be there as well."

"You know me too well." I whispered and leaned in to kiss her softly. "You will tell me when you need me, understood?" I could still see the hesitation in her eyes, so I pulled her closer. "Please? I couldn't stand it when you need me and I can't be there."

After a few more moments of hesitation, she gave in with a sigh. "Alright, I promise. But only if you promise not to worry too much. I have many people taking care of me here. I'll be fine."

I sighed. "Fine, I promise."

"Thank you." She wrapped her arms around me tightly and buried her face on my chest. "I'm really sorry for not telling you."

"I know." I whispered and ran my hands down her back slowly. "And I'm sorry for yelling at you."

"I get it." Pepper's hands began to draw random patterns on my back. "You have every right to be angry. I wanted to spare you this."

"Seems like that didn't work..." I placed a kiss on top of her head.

Without a warning, she sat up and looked directly into my eyes. "I will miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too."

"We've never been apart ever since we first met." She sounded thoughtful now. "So much has changed."

"For the better, I dare to say." I smiled slightly.

"You're still as impolite and full of yourself. I'm not so sure if that's better." There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes now.

"You make me better." I whispered and leaned in to kiss her. "Ms. President."

Pepper chuckled into the kiss. "And still as charming as ever."

"It won't be easy." I agreed. "Being without each other. But it will be fine, I'm sure of that. It won't be forever. Once the reactor is finished, I'll be here again."

"Is it stupid that I want you to go, but at the same time I'm afraid of it?" She didn't look me in the eyes when she said it. "What if you realize that you don't need me after all?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at this. "Sometimes, you can be very stupid. I love you, Pepper. With all my heart." I repeated. "There's no one like you. And I'll always need you by my side. If anyone can do better, it would be you. You should rather choose someone who's good for you. At the moment, the people make it very clear that I'm not."

"Nonsense!" She argued immediately. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me, Tony."

"Just don't change your mind." I muttered and kissed her once more. "I don't think I could stand it if you change your mind one day."

"I won't." She made it sound like a promise. "I don't want anyone but you." To underline her point, she pushed me down onto the mattress.

I grinned at her. "You should be careful, this suit has been ridiculously expensive."

Pepper smiled widely. "Maybe we should take it off, then? Otherwise, it might wrinkle."

"I like the way you think." She laughed when I began to unbutton my shirt and watched me closely while doing it. I slowed down in my movements and she quirked an eyebrow. When I slowed down even more, Pepper's patience lasted for about ten more seconds until she shoved my hands away and began to do it herself.