Tony walked into Pepper's office with a spring in his step and a huge grin on his face. "Hey Pep! Got some great news." Pepper was sitting at her desk filling out paperwork. The billionaire paraded in and flopped down into one of the chairs in front of Pepper's desk. "What is it Tony? I'm a bit busy." Tony grabbed her hands to get her to stop and actually look at him. "Nik and I talked and everything is good now. We're dating." He gave his thousand watt smile.

"Tony, you can't date your PA." Tony pulled back, frowning. "Why not? You and I did for a bit." "Yes and look how that turned out?" Tony waved her off. "Yeah, but that's because we didn't work out romantically." The CEO laughed, "That's because you're a pain in the ass." Tony smiled fondly. "Yeah." Pepper pulled her hands free. "Tony, you can't date your assistant. Think about what the media will say about it." "Probably the same things they said when we were dating. Besides, they don't need to know. I can keep it a secret."

Pepper looked doubtful. "What? I can keep it quiet." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Tony, you are oddly affectionate to anyone you are close to, let alone someone you are dating." Tony bit his lip. "I could do it." Pepper sighed. "Why don't you, Nik, and I sit down and talk about it? Maybe we can come up with something that will work" "That's a great idea! I can get him to come now." Tony giggled as he got out his phone. Pepper rolled her eyes at his immaturity.

Nik had been busy making Tony's schedule when his phone buzzed. -Hey handsome! Why don't you bring your sexy self to Pep's office. ;) He rolled his eyes and smirked to himself. -Is it important? I'm setting up your meetings for the week. BUZZ -Easy! Tell them I'm not here and cancel. And yeah. Pep wants to talk to us.- He couldn't help the anxiety that bubbled up in his stomach. Nik put his papers away and made his way up to the CEO's office.

When Nik arrived at Ms. Potts' office, he saw Tony walking around the room messing with things and Pepper looking ready to hit him. Now that he was actually here, Nik couldn't remember a single time where he had been more nervous since coming to Earth. ~This is it. I'm going to get fired and then I'm gonna have to live on the streets.~ Nik stood frozen in the doorway, biting his lip.

Pepper stood up. "Nik? Why don't you come sit down." He didn't hear her though. His mind is working into overdrive. Thinking of all the bad things that were about to happen in this meeting. His anxiety cranks up higher and higher, making his eyes water with tears and his breath harder to catch. Pepper was still trying to get his attention. She finally turned to Tony and gave him a look that said "Do something!" Tony slowly walked over to Nik so as not to scare him and put a soft hand on his shoulder. "Hey babe? You with me?"

Nik jumped, but his eyes found Tony's. Tony moved so he was rubbing Nik's back. "Everything's gonna be ok. Nothing bad is gonna happen. I'm right here with you." Nik's breathing was starting to return to normal. Tony's hand dipped down to the small of Nik's back, encouraging him to move to the chairs in front of Pepper's desk. Nik and Tony sat down. Tony moved his chair so he could face Nik. He held Nik's hand and stroked the back with his thumb in a gentle circular motion. "Nik? You back with me?" Nik squeezed Tony's hand.

"Huh? Yeah. Yeah. I'm here. I'm ok." Nik rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. That was pathetic. Anyways you said Ms. Potts wanted to talk." Tony gave Nik a look. "Pep wants to discuss our relationship and how to make it work." Pepper walked over and took her seat behind the desk.

It had been almost two weeks since Nik, Tony, and Pepper had sat down to discuss how to handle this new relationship blooming. They were going to take things slowly. Small things here and there to let people gradually get used to the thought of the two men being together.

It was hard on them both to get through each day without touching the other. But the two men would meet each other for dinner every night if they didn't have a meeting or event for SI.

They would take turns going to each other's floor in the penthouse. Things were going well it seemed.

Nik woke up alone in his bed one morning like he usually did, ready to start the day. But something felt off. He tried to sit up, but a horrible pain in his stomach had him laying back down.

He took several deep breaths to try to ease some of the discomfort. It helped a little. He threw the covers off himself, intent on getting ready for work but paused at what he saw.

Blood. But that's not what stunned him. He wasn't male anymore. It seems his body had changed during the night and he hadn't noticed. Nik got up, used his magic to clean the sheets and headed to the bathroom.

The redhead turned on the shower and stared into the mirror as he waited for the water to warm up. A purple glow filled the room as Nik attempted to change back.

Nothing happened. Dread began to choke him. It was a heavy weight in his chest. Steam clouded the mirror. Sigh. ~What am I going to do? I can't work like this. How would I explain this to Tony?~ Nik rubbed his head and stepped into the shower.

Tony was in his penthouse drinking coffee in nothing but a pair of pajama pants when he heard the elevator. "It's about time! Was about to head down to the lab without you. I'm sure there's-" Tony stopped short. It wasn't his personal assistant (and boyfriend) that had exited the elevator, but Pepper, his ex and now CEO of his company.

"Pep!? What are you doing here?" The brunette said, concerned. Pepper sighed. "I'm here to tell you that Nik won't be around for a couple of days." Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Nik's taking time off!? The guy who hasn't so much as taken a sick day the entire time he's worked here?"

Pepper rolled her eyes. "Yes Tony. That Nik. He texted me saying he wasn't feeling well and would probably need a few days off." Tony stood there biting his thumb nail for a moment. "So what's gonna happen? Am I gonna get a temporary PA?" Pepper grabbed Tony's hand before he chewed it down to a nub. "No temp. Nik said it'd only be for two or three days. Four at the most. I think you can handle a couple of days on your own." Tony nodded his head. "Yeah. I can manage a few days." Pepper smiled. "Ok. There's nothing major going on. I'm gonna trust you to take care of things." With that said, she turned on her heel, got in the elevator, and gave Tony a smile.