He hated the rector. Finally, he was ready to try and work things out with Erica, but he was a dead man walking. Looking at his will he knew he would leave the company to Pepper after all she ran in better than him but as far his personal things, he was going to leave them to Erica. It was the least he could do for the years he lost being a coward and purposely being a womanizer in hopes she would not love him. But of course, she fell in love with him any despite his flaws she saw the real Tony. Did not help that he was his real self around her.

But now here he was about to go with Pepper to Monte Carlo and then have his birthday party. Of course, she would come for that part, but he honestly did not know if he should just cancel it or go ahead and have his traditional crazy drunk part he always has. One to which she is there the next day nursing him threw his hangover as she talks about her projects. he was so deep in thought he did not hear the very woman he was thinking about come in. she was standing before him halfway thru the process of replacing the power core when I snaped out of in.

"didn't hear you come in."

"I called you a few times. I figured the core needed replacing."

"right, wasn't expecting you."

"you wanted me to come to the expo remember."

"about that I have something for you. Jarvis bring her online."

She looked worried until a silver and blue suit came up from the floor. It did not take a genius to see it was for her since in was a female version of his suit.

"it can collapse into a brief case that way you have some extra protection."

"Tony, I don't"

"please for me at least, I have to know your safe."

"ok so how does it work."

I smirked and got my own out.

"watch and learn beside you need to learn how to fly it. I put Monday in it also."

I stepped into my own and she watched as it formed around me then copied me doing the same thing. I had to catch her before she took out my desk and I could help but laugh.

"ready to fly?"

"I think so sure."

"just try not to take out my roof. Been there its not fun to fix."

"do I want to know?"

"nope"

I took off and she was right behind me. Soon she had it down and we were flying side by side. I was not going to tell her yet that I wanted her to take over as Iron Man well Iron Maiden I guess but for right now I was just enjoying her being close and enjoying the flight.

Once back in the garage she stepped out and stumbled a bit.

"ok that was just wow. Now I know you didn't do this just for my protection Tony."

"latter any way I've got to get ready for the expo and so do you."

"my dress is upstairs."

"you go ahead use my room I still need to put a few touches on the suit in using tonight."

She nodded then saw the lines on neck sighing she came over and pulled my collar down.

"it gets worse when you use the suit doesn't it?"

"yes"

"Tony?"

"I know."

She kissed me softly then left. She knew I was not going to stop and did not try to convince me otherwise. I watched as she left then lost my temper throwing and breaking everything in sight until I came across her picture on my desk. It was at one of her themed events and that time it was medieval times. She was wearing a pure white dress with a sash around her hips that tied in the front and a silver circlet with blue gems weaved thew out it. she looked like a princess I had given her a circlet, earrings and necklace that were silver with blue gems. I had taken to picture when she was not looking, and she was smiling.

I took the picture in my hands and sat on the floor silently crying. This was the closest I would ever see her as a bride, and I wanted to be the one she was walking to. Yes, I loved her but by god I wanted her to be my wife. Thanks to my father's legacy of weapons and me fallowing in his steps I wound never see that happen. I was dying and so far, there was no way to stop it. I heard the heals click against the floor so wiped my tears away and put her picture in its place.

"ill be ready in a minute Pepper."

"not Pepper."

There she was again walking towards me in a red dress that matched suit even had gold accents. Her dress was down to her knees, had long sleeves and the neckline was exposing her shoulders. Her dark red hair was pull to one side and pined on the other with the hair pin he had given her for her last birthday. She was by far beautiful. Slowly she walked over and wiped away the tear I did not know I let escape while looking at her. She said nothing as she wrapped me in are signature hug. I held on to her as if she would disappear but in truth, I was the one who would disappear soon. Holding her tighter she started to hum a song that I could not make out until Jarvis started to play Metallica's nothing else matter.

Smiling I grabbed her hand and lead her away from the mess even picked her up over some broken glass. Once in the center I twirled her, and we started slow dancing as she sang the song. I guided her in the dance twirling her at the right times and dipping her a few times but as the song ended, I kissed her softly the hungry. Stopping when the song ended, we brought are foreheads together and I could not stop myself form it anymore.

"I love you."

She picked my head up and the fire in her eye relit a fire with in myself.

"then fight, I have seen kids stare death down with no hope and win I'll be dammed if the man I love gives up now understand."

Griping her hand, I brought it up and kissed her knuckles.

"ill fight I'm not done yet."

"no, you're not. Besides how else or you going to see me in that dress again."

She kissed me one more time and went back upstairs. She was right and she relit the fire with in me with just one look. I am not done, not until I am old and gray with are grand kids running around giving their parents gray hairs.