Day 22-Tony's House-Pepper's POV

I lingered just outside the doorway to his room, scared to go in, now that I had seen some small fraction of what he had been through, scared of what the sight of the normal familiar things he uses everyday might invoke in me. I had called Rhodey earlier. The conversation had been short and to the point. We would deal with any emotional reactions later.

"James Rhodes."

"Rhodey, I need you to get down here now."

"Pepper! You sound so much better… why do I need to come over?"

"I found something on.."

My breath hitched, got caught in my throat. I hadn't said his name in so long…

"…Tony's computer at the office. You need to see this. It may help us. In the search."

"Why don't you just email it to me?"

"Trust me, It would be easier for you if you were here in person."

"Alright. We haven't had much progress anyway. I'll be on the next flight over."

"Thanks. Bye Rhodey."

"See you soon, Pepper."

The line clicked.

So here I stood. I didn't want to be confronted by the scent I would always recognize from the moment I sensed it. Sandalwood, Vanilla, Leather. Tony. I lingered just outside the closed door, knowing that if I only opened the door, the scent I would always identify with him would drift out to greet me, undiluted by the days that had passed since his absence. It was as if his very soul had taken root, less noticeably than the workshop, but just as strong.

I walked in slowly, hesitantly, like a small rabbit afraid of crossing a great plain. I sat down on the bed, and just breathed. Tony's scent assaulted me, causing me to see him. I gasped, trying to shy away from the image of Tony in the video, but it was like it was burned in the back of my eyelids, even if I closed my eyes, it would follow me, the way his eyes looked, at first panicked and scared as he saw the situation he found himself in, then glazed with pain as he felt the full extent of his injuries. I was scared of what had happened to my Tony that had caused him to look that pained.

I knew he had been injured, but I did not know the full extent of his injuries, and that terrified me. I knew I was having a panic attack, but I could not stop my thoughts from flying from one horrible situation to the next, and I pulled one of the pillows down with me as I sank to the floor, trying to breathe as terrible thoughts floated through my head. I lay there on the floor, and allowed the dreams to take me.

Tony…

I woke up in a bed. I sat up, and gasped. I was in Tony's bedroom, but it was drastically changed. On the other side of me, a closet was open. There was all my clothes in there, and even some more expensive looking things that I couldn't remember buying, much less being able to afford. The dresser was neat, the entire room was neat.

I looked at the door as it creaked open. It was Tony, looking adorable as he stumbled to the bed half-asleep.

"Why aren't you up yet?" he mumbled.

He glanced at me, his brown eyes glittering mischievously between closed lids.

"Or you could stay in bed with me… Mini-me is still asleep…."

My eyes widened slightly as he reached up to caress my left hand, and the rings there. Wait. RINGS? I glanced down, seeing a moderately sized diamond with a thin gold ring below it. I started to suspect….

I glanced at Tony's left hand. Their was a ring there too. Slightly bigger, and a simple gold, but it was there, claiming him as mine. We were married.

I slowly pulled my self out of his arms, and pulled the covers over him.

I heard him mutter, "Love you Pep…" as I snuck out of the room.

In the hall there was other evidence of us being married, pictures of us together. In front of the house. Me in a wedding dress, him by my side, smiling at me. And, at the end of the hall, next to an open door, pictures of me in the hospital. Smiling. With a baby in my arms.

A whimper. I froze. Glancing in the open doorway, I saw a small shape moving in the crib. I moved into the room. It had a car theme, with little cute cars on the walls. I smiled. Another whimper.

I went toward the crib, looking down at the child. He had a head full of soft ,downy black hair. He opened his eyes. I silently gasped. My eyes.

The child-my child- looked at me curiously. His eyes held such awareness and intelligence. He reached toward me with his chubby little arms. He gave me a look. Aren't you going to pick me up? I reached down and gently picked him up.

He giggled at me as I held him. I sighed. He was so like Tony. I cuddled him to my chest, stroking his downy soft hair. When he fell back asleep, I laid him back in his crib, pulling the blanket over his breathing form.

Warm arms encircled my waist. I started slightly, but relaxed as I felt Tony breathe in my ear. He rested his head on my shoulder, and kissed my neck.

"You are such a good mother, Mrs. Stark.. Jamie will be loved to death."

I gazed down at the baby. Jamie. He was mine and Tony's. Our son.

I gasped as I moved from my stiff position on the floor, the image of my baby still lingering when I closed my eyes.

I wanted it.

All of it.

I wanted to live the rest of my life in Tony's arms. I wanted to be the mother of his children and be his.

Which wouldn't happen unless he came home. I curled into a ball and breathed, staring at nothingness, dreaming of a future that may never be mine.

And hours later, that's where Rhodey found me.

"Pepper? What's wrong?"

I gazed up at him from my spot on the floor, knowing that my eyes were showing my hopelessness, and hope.

"On the computer. Video of -Tony. Obadiah planned to kill him."

Rhodey's features, normally so gentle, contorted in rage.

"That bastard! We will make sure he will go to prison for a very long time for this, Pepper."

I smiled sadly at him.

"That's not all. He's been selling weapons to the Middle East terrorists. There are shipping records in the files. Try looking at the shipping coordinates listed for him."

Rhodey's eyes gleamed with hope, then his face smoothed out as he roared with laughter.

I gaped at him, dumbfounded. What on earth was he laughing at?

His laughter subsided as I looked at him.

"I'm sorry. But just imagine what Tony will do when he finds out- Obadiah won't know what hit him!"

I giggled slightly. Contrary to public opinion, Tony was very serious about his company. When he wanted to be.

Rhodey stared at me intently. "We will find him. Now that we know what is going on, we can interrogate Stane and find out if he knows anything. That will help."

I closed my eyes as he hugged me. Taking some of his strength until mine returned,

We will find him.

I smirked.

And when we do, Obadiah better watch out. Cause hell is better then dealing with Tony Stark when his wrath is riled.

A/N: I am so sorry for not updating sooner. School and things just caught up to me after Christmas. I hope you liked it, things will be a little different than the movie. Review! They are my inspiration and my paycheck. -K