AN: This is the shortest chapter by miles haha, it's set immediately after 'Iron Man 2' :)
June 2011
"Bit surprised you're going into work at all, if I'm honest, boss. After all that went on last night you'd actually deserve a day off." Happy called back from the driver's seat, rolling the divide down as they pulled up in front of Stark Industries.
"Yeah, well, figured I'd probably be needed to do press, so…" Tony replied distractedly.
"I suppose you're right," Happy replied, getting out of the car and opening Tony's door for him, "Just unnerving seeing you taking so much responsibility."
"Very funny, Hogan." Tony shot back as he stepped onto the pavement. "Do you know, is Pepper here yet?"
"Ah!" Happy chuckled, "That's why you're here!"
"I don't know what you mean." Tony declared seriously, meeting Happy's eyes in an unflinching gaze.
"Don't bother, boss. Rhodey told me what happened on that roof."
Tony began to climb the steps to the reception, shoulders tensed, handling the taunts with none of his usual swagger.
"It's been a long time coming, though to be fair to you, you did tell me you were gonna get it sorted out…"
Tony spun back to face him, and Happy calmly met his gaze as he slowly lifted one hand to pat the pocket of his jacket. Sending a knowing smirk that, to his surprise, caused a slight colour to appear on his employer's cheeks, Happy returned to his car.