Chapter Two

Author's Note: Glad to see something I've written has received such a positive response. So here is the chapter as a thank you and apology. I won't be posting anything else until next Saturday. Real life and all that.

Special thanks yet again to my super secret beta and anyone who's lent inspiration.

Performing around-the-clock surveillance was far from easy, especially when one had only two amateurs, including himself, to assist. Fortunately the teens had camera phones and a huge social network at their disposal. Who would have thought intrusive rich kids with laptops and too much free time could be so useful?

The three best friends had a least four classes together and in all but one either Tony or Rhodey had the same class as Pepper. The last class was covered by someone with the online handle "Teamwhocares". All anyone knew was Pepper had a stalker after her and needed some help to keep the psycho away. Now the redhead was never completely alone, except at home.

Tony and Rhodey knew they couldn't afford to relax until Gene was caught but at least now they stood a better chance of keeping Pepper safe.

Tony had gone over to the Potts' residence under the pretense of helping Pepper with her chemistry homework. He installed Makluan energy detectors, motion sensors, and a few cameras in the kitchen and living room. They were so invisible even Virgil Potts would have difficulty spotting all the devices intended to ensure his and his daughter's safety. He talked Rhodey out of live cameras in the bed and bathrooms; Rhodey felt they were necessary to catch Gene because he was most likely to attack Pepper if she were alone. Tony thought they might violate Pepper and her father's privacy. Rhodey had blushed because he hadn't thought of this. And seeing her or her dad naked would be...awkward. They compromised on infrared scanners.

Tony had sacrificed his own feeling for the sake of Pepper's safety and kept dating Whitney to keep up appearances. Rhodey was proud of him for that even as the tall boy worried about Whitney's reaction when she learned the truth.

Much to both girls' chagrin the young genius found ways to double date with Happy. The jock seemed more than pleased to share time with his girlfriend and people he considered good friends. Tony couldn't help but feel ashamed of his unkind words and thoughts towards the other boy. Sure, he was Happy's intellectual superior but that didn't give him the right to put his unknowing love rival down. Now and then when Tony saw how generous Happy was with his time and heart he could see why Pepper could like a guy like Happy Hogan. Even...over himself.

Maybe I'm getting over her.

Patrolling the city as Iron Man and War Machine had its own set of problems but at least they could keep Pepper firmly in the armory with its new, post-Ghost security systems. It wasn't teleport proof but other than that, they had taken every perceivable precaution.

With all the safety protocols in place the two best friends felt reasonably comfortable Pepper was safe. Tony still worried he wasn't doing quite enough to protect her. This knowledge kept him awake at night, as Rhodey could attest. He often heard his best friend walking the hall, double back, then walk again. Rhodey hoped the situation would be resolved soon. Tony was hardly the picture of mental health these days. His concern for Pepper combined with his unresolved feelings for the redhead strained the brown-haired boy to the snapping point. Not that he would admit it or ask for help. Tony was kind of stupid that way.

The mildly tense situation continued for several weeks. Tony and Rhodey were confident they had their best friend fooled. Yet again they had underestimated the observation skills of one Pepper Potts.

Tony had been walking with Rhodey and Whitney, who were talking amongst themselves and he was too involved with is POD to pay attention. He was busy checking posts of alleged sightings of Tong activity and perusing pictures of girls mistaken for Pepper. One picture was actually of a girl named Bethany Cabe, as confirmed by her friends. Yow. He'd file that away for later.

He was so absorbed with his efforts to keep Pepper safe he never even sensed he was being followed until he heard a female voice yell "Ninja!"

"Holy-!" Tony yelped, his feet nearly leaving the ground and he scrambled to keep his very expensive electronic device from hitting the ground. He turned towards the giggling young woman behind him.

"Pepper?" He looked her up and down once. "Nice."

The redhead's smile was almost coy as she did a twirl for his approval. She traded in her usual tomboyish attire for a ruffled peach blouse and navy slacks. The overall effect was charming and Tony had to keep his jaw from dropping.

"Thanks. You think Happy will like it? Whitney helped me pick it out. Rona says I'm pandering but I think it looks good."

"It does." Tony told her before he could stop himself. He blinked as a thought occurred to him. "Wait, what? You went shopping with Whitney? When did this happen?"

Pepper waved a hand. "I know, right? Sounds about as likely as you and Stane playing air hockey. Now that we don't have you coming between us we get along great!" She laughed at Tony's dumbfounded expression. "Once she stops being cold and...a little snobby," she whispered after looking around, "she's really nice!"

The teen grinned, glad to see his two favorite girls becoming friends. Despite his conflicted emotions that was wonderful to see. "What did I tell you? Whitney's great. Sorry I was holding back such a beautiful friendship," he told her with mock sadness.

The two laughed together and the redhead's smile faded. "You wanna tell me what the heck you and Rhodey are doing behind my back?"

Uncharacteristically flustered, Tony blushed and stammered at being found out so easily. "How did-I mean...I have no idea what you're talking about. None."

He kept his blue eyes wide and guileless but at her teasing smile he quickly gave up. "How did you find out?"

Pepper laughed at him and shook her head. "You're kidding, right? I know you two. You guys stick at hiding things from me." She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head up at him. "I am an FBI agent's daughter, remember?"

"You stink, Pepper." She was right and her sleuthing skills were impressive even if being found out so easily was embarrassing. Then again, she figured out he was Iron Man much faster than he would have guessed. Whitney had known him since he was potty trained and still didn't have a clue. "So why interrogate me? Why not Rhodey?"

She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand and she was once again struck by how cute she was. "Because you're a really bad liar. Plus, I know I can wear you down faster than Rhodey. You better hope you never have to take the witness stand. You'd crumble in the time it takes for me to tie my shoes."

"Especially if it were Roberta doing the cross-examination," he agreed and they smiled at each other in perfect camaraderie.

She sobered and continued. "You're changing the subject."

Tony ducked into the janitor's closet and motioned for Pepper to follow. He checked the hall and closed the door. Staring down at her he confessed. "Rhodey and I have been following you for the last month. Both as ourselves and in armor. We've had a few people on our social network keep an eye on you too."

Pepper rested one hand on her hip and flicked him on the ear with the other. "Well, duh, smart guy. Did you think I didn't notice all the times you and Whitney just happened to show up at the same places me and Happy were? Although it was kinda cool to see her relax and go bowling. Stane doesn't seem the type of dad to do fun stuff like that."

"He did once attend a tea party with teddy bears for her." All traces of mirth faded from his face and Tony's expression took the serious cast he only showed when things were dire. Or someone's life was in danger.

"Gene is after you. I don't know why yet, but he's been keeping tabs on you for at least two months."

He stared pointedly at her, waiting for the redhead to confess their former friend had been in contact. When she simply stared back in alarm he gave up and continued. "He may be planning to use you to force me to help him with the remaining rings." Tony still remembered the shock of learning of the five other rings from a Sherpa in Tibet. He knew what he had to say next would scare her and make her angry so he said it as gently as he could.

"Happy could be in danger if Gene knows you guys are dating. Your dad too." The teen's voice became bitter. "We know Gene doesn't give a damn about hurting someone's family if it gets him what he wants."

Pepper paled and looked horrified. She began to imagine every terrible scenario her former crush could put her dad and boyfriend through for the sake of his stupid "destiny."

Tony saw that she was taking him seriously so he thought she might listen to his proposal. "I think you and your dad should go into hiding for awhile. If Gene can't find you, Happy should be safe. Gene wouldn't bother trying to interrogate him for information. Me or Rhodey, but not him."

Pepper blinked. "You're kidding, right? Where are we gonna hide that some obsessive weirdo with mystical superpowers can't find us?"

Tony was ready for that. "I have contacts in SHIELD, remember? I'll talk to Fury. He owes me."

Her reply was a mindless squeal as he knew it would be. She was so predictable it was hilarious.

Tony shook a finger at her. "You can't tell anyone. If someone asks, your dad has been transferred temporarily and you're going with him. Just don't ask too many questions, okay? I can't prevent them from kicking you off again. I doubt you being in danger would sway the good colonel."

She nodded then frowned. "But-"

"You can't tell Happy. You'll put him in danger."

Pepper's face crumpled into tears and Tony pulled her into his arms for comfort. Her freshly washed red hair smelled of peaches. He took a moment to breathe her in before letting her go.

"Trust me. Just do what I say and I'll make sure you and your dad are safe. We'll catch Gene before he can hurt you. Everything will be fine."

Happy seemed as far from his namesake as a butterfly was from a turtle. His posture slumped as he gazed at his girlfriend helplessly.

"Bummer."

Pepper had snuck out and surprised Happy by suggesting a trip to a nostalgic drive-in. Everything about it was retro; from the refreshments to the staff's uniforms to the movie they were seeing, a Hitchcock film named "Vertigo". Neither of them were watching it after Pepper dutifully repeated all the pretty lies Tony had told her to tell. At least they were more believable than a pet lemur up a tree. She tried to be kind and optimistic but she could tell by his puppy brown eyes her sweet boy was heartbroken.

"I know." She took his hand. "I'll be back. And there's Shype."

"It's not the same," he told her dejectedly.

This totally stunk. Happy had finally found a cool girl who liked him for more than just being a basketball player. Someone he could be himself around, even when he said stupid stuff. Why did she have to leave now? She'd probably find somebody else. Someone smarter, who didn't eat pie with his hands.

The couple didn't talk for several minutes, lost in their own thoughts. The moans and squeaks from the vehicles around them made the pair flush and laugh nervously at each other.

"The management's gonna be mad. This is supposed to be a respectable Thea-tah," Pepper informed her date in a lofty voice. When he didn't answer she snuggled against him and asked, "Will it make you feel any better if I told you I'd miss you too?"

"It might," Happy told her in a small voice. Pepper smelled nice, like peaches and the fresh vanilla beans his mom used on the rare occasions when she baked. He gently brought her closer and rested his chin on the top of her head; lightly, so he didn't hurt her.

Pepper closed her eyes briefly and opened them again, feeling resolute. She'd been thinking of doing this for weeks. Now she might not get the chance for a while and it was time Happy knew how much he meant to her.

She gently removed his chin from her head with her hand and maneuvered her smaller body so she was now sitting in his lap. He started and put his hands on her shoulders as if to carefully push the redhead away.

"Pepper? This isn't the time or place for that. I mean, I want to...you know...but not in a car. I'll miss you and all but you'll be back. You girls like it to be special, right?" At her surprised stare Happy blushed. "Don't get me wrong. I want it to be special too! Which is why we should wait...and stuff."

She couldn't help herself. He was so cute. Pepper giggled at how her boyfriend had misinterpreted her actions. What girl wouldn't be touched when her sweetie thought she was worth waiting for?

Pepper caressed Happy's cheek as she turned his face against hers. "I know, silly. It's just easier to kiss you if I can reach you."

"Really?" Happy closed his eyes and leaned in, anticipating her kiss. He wasn't disappointed when her lips touched his. Her head tilted so their noses wouldn't smash together and his arms held her in secure tenderness so she wouldn't fall off his lap.

Pepper's mouth was so soft and felt so right against his own. Her lip balm tasted like lemon and mint and his tongue peeped out for another sample.

The redhead took this as a signal and her lips opened, her tongue gliding against his and Happy's last coherent thought during his first kiss was every guy in their school but himself was a frickin' moron for letting this girl stay single so long.

His kissing partner was thinking very similar thoughts. She had allowed herself to be dazzled (no pun intended towards the singer) by the adorkable Tony Stark for too long. She'd been so superficial to Happy; fooled by his outward goofiness into overlooking the sweet, genuine guy underneath.

Pepper's arms went around Happy's neck in a loose hug while she deepened the kiss. She felt something stir underneath her and the girl knew Happy did indeed want to...you know. He was also the type of guy who would never pressure a girl into sex and she was grateful he was such a gentleman. Even if it meant a cold shower later. If what rubbed against the backs of her thighs was any indication, Happy really, really liked her. A lot.

She felt his large hands rub her back and knew she should stop things before she was enjoying herself so much she didn't want to. Happy's touch felt so good and so loving she just wanted...a little bit more...

A flash of white energy burst forth, startling the other patrons as it headed for their car.

"Pepper, run!" Happy shoved her off his lap and stood up, bravely shielding her from its power with his body. Obediently she scrambled out of the car and crouched beside it, having the sense to grab her purse and look inside for her cell.

The blast hit her date square in the spine and he collapsed with nary a whimper.

"Happy!"

He was dead. Oh, God! He was dead. She hadn't wanted to listen to Tony. She was hoping he'd been mistaken or maybe it was his angry paranoia talking. Now because of her arrogance and stupidity her steady was dead. Pepper had been selfish and reckless for wanting to see him one last time before she left and now she really would never see him again.

Her tears slid down her face as she silently reproached herself as she punched the familiar three numbers into her phone. Her call connected and chirped. Pepper's eyes widened. There was hope.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"Yes! I'm at the Starlight Drive-in. We were attacked by a supervillain. A boy's been hurt. Send an ambulance!"

Her voice barely shook and she was proud of herself as people screamed and fled all around her.

"Ma'am? Can you verify your location?"

"We're at the Starlight-"

Pepper's words cut off as a second, less powerful energy burst hit her spinal column. It was true. After all they'd been through, even though he sacrificed himself to save her, the Mandarin wanted her dead.

"Gene...Khan..." she whispered into the phone. Pepper wanted to stay conscious but her vision was darkening around the edges. She lost the battle and everything went black.

"Ma'am? Ma'am! If you can hear me, respond. Gene Khan? Is that the boy who..."

He never should have come here.

His spies had told him she was seeing that ignorant wall of flesh and he refused to acknowledge it. Perhaps it was pity. Or she lost a very stupid bet.

This theater was notorious as a hook-up spot and he'd thought she'd had higher morals. He once wanted to believe she better taste in men as well but he was proven wrong.

Pepper, how could you? How could you choose HIM over ME?

It was his fault, he knew. He should have taken her with him, willing or not. Taken her to a place where no one would ever find them. Time to rectify his mistake.

He tried to ignore that still small voice in his brain known as a conscience. It kept telling him this was all his fault; not Pepper or her boisterous beau. He'd lied and then betrayed those who were supposed to be closest to him. Attacked them when the opportunity presented itself. They really should have known better than defy him.

Had he lied to his "friends"? Of course. Organized crime was a nasty business and he had hoped to protect them. Shield them from the ugly reality of his life. He was far from being an indulged rich kid. He was dangerous and did not like to be thwarted when he wanted something. Pepper belonged to him. She failed to recognize that just yet.

So focused was he on his own reverie he forgot about the couple he was supposed to be observing until his love climbed into that lout's lap and was shamelessly grinding against the buffoon.

That disgusting little whore. Had Hogan seduced her or had she always had this wanton side to her personality and he'd never noticed? It didn't matter. One more personality quirk he'd have to remove from her.

He fired at Hogan. To his credit, his enemy tried to shield Pepper from harm. Admirable but unnecessary. His favorite girl was not in danger.

She was brave. Instead of running like the panicking movie patrons or collapsing in a sobbing heap she had the presence of mind to call 911.

I'm sorry, Pepper.

He tried to use as little force as possible but just enough to knock her unconscious. She crumbled to the ground as expected. He paused for a moment to make sure someone got a clear picture of him. He wanted to make certain they all knew exactly who was responsible for this attack.

Ignoring the screams enveloping him he tenderly caressed the one he loved and was away, leaving her where she lay.

Unbeknownst to him a member of Project Red Angel (What Tony had dubbed their social network created to protect Pepper from the Mandarin) was present. He had the good sense to keep calm long enough to pull out his camera phone and take some snaps before running away. Now pictures of the fireball's attacker would be online in seconds.