A/N: Hmm...well first of all, I'm sorry for not updating in time. It's been very hectic at work and all. I'm not very happy with this chapter at all. Mainly because it was rushed. I only hoped it turned out okay. I didn't have time to read over it as I normally do so forgive me if everyone in this chapter is way out of character. I'll do better next week I promise :)

The first thing she noticed after stepping away from the flashing cameras and endless reporters was the very fixed and stern stance of his back facing her. He stood at the other end of the room by the windows with eyes fixed outside. But it wasn't until she neared him did she catch the serious and resolute stare plastered across his face. He looked almost comical as he stood there with a hand firmly on the railings and the other scratching at his beard.

He looked distant and lost in thought as she watched him. She could only wonder what it was that was bothering him this time. She quietly hoped it wasn't another one of his missions again. She knew how excited he had been when he planned this vacation to Monaco to show Jared the real Monaco GP. Fury always did have the knack for needing his assistance at the worst times.

She glanced briefly at Jared who busied himself with another game of chess with Happy. They seemed to be head to head at another threatening match which she could only guess that Jared would win again. She smiled warmly at the bemused grin that Natalie threw over Happy's shoulder, the woman's eyes watching Jared as he moved his pawn forward. She sighed as she slipped a hand around her slightly rounded stomach and decided to make her way to the very serious Tony.

"Are you okay?" she asked quietly.

He turned to her and smiled instantly. "I thought you were with the reporters," he murmured as she slipped a hand around his arm.

"I was," she said softly, "But I was getting a bit tired of all the flashing cameras."

"I can imagine," he smirked as he slid his arm around her before he pulled her close, "Its difficult being famous."

She rolled her eyes at him before she sighed and leaned into him.

"It's one of the many downfalls of marrying a superhero."

"Oh yes," she agreed sarcastically, "It's got nothing to do with the fact that said superhero named me CEO of his billion dollar company."

"Ah..." he sighed, "You are perfectly right. Nothing compares to Ironman's greatness."

She narrowed her eyes but yet smiled at him. "You're incorrigible."

"You've got to be proud of my greatness, Pepper darling..." he mused sarcastically.

"Sometimes," she replied swiftly, "But I think your ego is big enough to fill the world as it is."

"That's a serious blow to my undying greatness," he mumbled with a sarcastic yet serious tone in his voice.

"Yeah, yeah," she lulled indifferently, "Oh great one..."

"Greatest one."

"Speaking of the greatest...your great son over there is murdering Happy at chess."

"Jared's not going to lose no matter how hard Happy tries to beat him."

"I know."

"But anyway, speaking of Jared...he asked me something really weird earlier."

"I hope it wasn't about the baby again."

"No, but I sort of wished he did... at least I have an answer for that," he paused to scratch his chin.

"What did he ask you?"

"He asked me, why is a raven like a writing desk?"

"Alice in Wonderland?"

"What?"

"The Mad Hatter asked Alice that."

"Mad Hatter?"

"You've never heard of Alice in Wonderland?"

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"It's a story book for children, Tony," she informed him softly. "I think I remember Natalie giving him that book before we took off from Los Angeles Airport the other day."

"What's the answer then?"

"There isn't one."

"What the heck am I supposed to tell him?"

"That you haven't the faintest idea?"

"That's hardly my way of doing things. I'll ask Jarvis later."

She sighed.