Proof Pepper Potts has Tony Stark's Heart

[Genkai]

Things were very complicated for Pepper Potts, but it was so typical, it wasn't complicated at all.

Some people might think Pepper cried herself to sleep due to the job she had of keeping Tony Stark in check. Some would like to claim Pepper Potts didn't sleep at all, considering the amount of work she had shoved on her lap on a daily basis. And others would believe that Pepper Potts was just some mechanic robot created by Tony Stark himself. That way he could have the perfect assistant and be able to turn her off when the nagging software would kick into overdrive. But all of that was folly. Pepper Potts didn't cry herself to sleep, and yes, she did sleep. And she wasn't a robot either. Pepper Potts was a perfectly normal human being who thrived on achieving perfection. She didn't back down from a challenge and she enjoyed keeping her life organized and heading in a successful direction. Though her job may be riddled with chaos and migraines, the idea of quitting wasn't something she often toyed with in her head.

Maybe she was just too busy working to consider quitting. Or maybe she had a reason to stay. If she didn't find her job meaningful, she wouldn't have stayed around Tony for as long as she did. The red haired woman knew no one else could do what she did. And no one else was as close to Tony as she was. That placement took time to develop and though she wouldn't admit it, she was pleased that she was the privileged one who could see beyond his mask. Tony Stark loved to put on a show for the public, he developed a reputation and fed off of the energy around him. But deep down inside, she knew loved his lab the most not center stage, she knew he assembled his own friends to help him, she knew he didn't care about the one night stands he used to have, and she knew he wasn't as happy as he liked others to think. She knew that she and Rhodey were the closest people he had. Did she liked it that way?

Sometimes.

But thanks to too many near death encounters, Pepper Potts was now finding her place by Tony's side to be a bit chilly. Was she realizing that even though she had Tony, she didn't really have him. So she was alone, throwing herself into work, like a black hole, it ate her time and energy. But while people her age were getting married and having kids and settling down, what she doing? She was filing papers, commuting from home to work, and getting coffee for the genius who liked making his own plane wait for him to arrive three hours late. What was she doing with her life? Really? Would she die working for Tony Stark? Would she be left alone suddenly when Iron Man didn't come back from saving someone? Those nights where she would be alone, worrying about the man who was just her boss. The last thing Pepper wanted to relive were those long nights when he was missing in Afghanistan.

And then after several incidents, Pepper couldn't help but feel like life was demanding that she take a look at herself before she got lost in a black hole of loneliness. Did she want to be like Tony? Closed off and alone? No. So Pepper had forced herself to try and go out, meet more men. Of course in doing so, she had to keep it from Tony. One of these men was named Steve Rogers, otherwise known to some as Captain America. Pepper was asked by Nick Fury to help Steve get comfortable within the 21st century. Pepper had helped Steve find a place in LA close to her own apartment and the two had gone out a few times. Still, she was very hesitant about Steve and Tony meeting but it was bound to happen sooner or later, which only gave her additional anxiety. The annual SI Halloween Party was approaching and Pepper had decided she could bring the boys together then and maybe they would behave themselves.

So Pepper had decided to throw on a simple nurse's outfit. It wasn't too long or revealing, it showed just enough to make some heads turn. She had on a simple white dress and red shoes, she also had on long white sheer stockings and a matching hat atop her redhead. She had convinced Steve to dress up as a doctor with a white coat, the blue scrubs underneath brought out his eyes quite nicely. So she and Steve headed up to Tony's house where the party was already getting underway. During the work day, she hadn't mentioned bringing a date with her to the party. In fact she recalled Tony mentioning how she shouldn't show up unless she was out of her usual business attire. It made her roll eyes. He could be so immature, it made her wonder if he would also die alone.

Because sometimes their bickering and flirting would remind Pepper that it was likely they would die together but alone and that broke her heart ever so slightly. Arriving at his Malibu home, she got out with Steve and put her arm around his own and headed inside. Many of the other employees were around; drinking, dancing, talking and the such. Pepper made her way over and got her and Steve a drink. She kept her eyes out for her meddling boss. Either this would go well or not at all. She left Steve for a moment and found Tony talking to a group of girls who looked as if they had just came in swimsuits. Pepper rolled her eyes and tapped Tony's shoulder from behind. "They're fishing for a raise, you're not that stupid you'd fall for it...Mr. Stark?" Pepper hummed softly, a bit close to his ear.

[chulance]

Tony Stark’s life was hardly ordinary, it was anything but that, if his life could be described in word it would be chaos.

Various people had varying opinions about the CEO of Stark enterprises, just like a politician. Some good, some bad, some neutral, often these opinions varied even within certain groups. The U.S Government for example many considered his technology a threat, and would like nothing more than to send tanks down and raid the building and collect the armors. That wasn’t to say that he simply wouldn’t respond by remotely deactivating the armors, and unveiling a new superior more portable armor to deal with such raids but still it was a possibility if they were ever fed up enough with him. Terrorists despised him for mainly for how effective he’d been in dismantling many of their operations, while the average Joe’ opinion ranged from him being a hero for his attempts to provide free energy, to perhaps he’s secretly allied with North Korea.

However he didn’t let people’s opinions of him shape his life, considering most of the world didn’t know the real him. That unique level of knowledge was known only to three people Pepper Potts, Rhodney and Nick Fury, the world’s greatest spy, the latter was not one whom he wanted in his personal life. But, when one ran an international security agency it was hard to keep much from him, that meant a lot coming from one of the greatest hackers in human history. Aside from them he put on a show for the rest of the world as a boisterous egotistical play boy who cared only for money, fame, and bragging about how he single handedly brought about World Peace. Although even though it was only a shell he did enjoy the fame, and his ego was something that didn’t fade away even in the presence of his favorite red head.

Perhaps one of the great things going on in his life right now aside from Jarvis’s new coffee making abilities. In many ways she was the closest thing he had to a real relationship, he didn’t count the numerous women he’d lured into his room for one night stands. Pepper meant more far more than that to him, not that he wouldn’t enjoy himself under the sheets with her. She’d stuck with him through thick and thin, before and after the revelation that he was Iron Man as well as the dangers that came along with association with him. She’d even ran the company for him during his time of distress when he feared his life was coming to an end. Only one question came to his mind, why? Why had she put her life in danger, and tolerated this hell of a life? Was it because of mere dedication to the job she was known to be a workaholic after all, you had to be to try and run Stark Enterprises. Or perhaps for a more emotional reason, feelings for him.

He couldn’t deny he felt something for her, was it love? He didn’t know what to call it, but he did no how to get through the day without having to deal with it too much. Alcohol, he was miles away from being a drunkard flying around L.A without his helmet on, but this was still a vice that haunted him. If it was true that everyone faced their own personal demons, then his was in a bottle of Champaign. Speaking of which he was cracking open a bottle of said beverage, sipping the contents. A fresh way to start the morning, and set him in the mood for the annual SI Halloween Party. He already had his costume together, and luckily this time it wasn’t his armor. More so due to Pepper he’d chosen not to wear the armor that, and the last party he attended in armor ended with Rhodney delivering one of his suits to the U.S Government, which then slipped into Hammer’s possession and rest made CNN.

He decided he’d go for something opposite of himself, a magician. He was never one to believe in tricks or spells, but he did believe there was a certain spark or magic when it came to charisma. In his own “humble” opinion he that in spades. He’d dressed in all black, managed to order a wand from Universal Studio’s very own Harry Potter amusement park, and even grab the stereotypical hat magicians would often pull bunnies or other assortments of mystical related items out from. After finishing the Champaign he had developed the brilliant idea to wear his costume all day, which also served as a sort of reminder that the party was tonight.

Two hours later it had begun, the spellcaster was already seated down at the bar sipping on a margarita through a straw. That had been a last moment addition the straw just for Pepper to prove that he was not letting the alcohol control him. But he soon forget about that, he was surrounded by his usual crowded loosely dressed women, whether they were his employee’s or not no longer mattered to him. “Yes to everything ladies, you know sometimes people ask me is it hard to be a billionaire superhero about to revolutionize the world with free energy? I’d say yes, if I wasn’t me, plus the added bonus if having you beautiful ladies around makes it all the more worth it.” He’d already gotten his flirt on when he felt a familiar tap on his shoulders Pepper.

“Excuse me, the party pooper is here, allow me to let the fun be drained from me, but I’ll be right back.” With that he turned his full attentions to Pepper observing her nursing costume. “Hmm..with the way they look, maybe a raise is well deserved, let’s say top floor, they can replace the guards Coulson left, there much prettier anyway. But I see Miss Potts has went out of her way to out do them, so maybe the raise belongs to you, glad you took my advice and actually dressed up this year. I was actually feeling a little nauseas earlier now I have a nurse to make me all better.” He flashed her his signature smile before taking another sip of the maragarita.

[Genkai]

Giving him an annoyed, unimpressed look, she just shook her head. Now Pepper was already thoroughly regretting coming at all, let alone in an outfit. "Is that what I do? Drain fun from you? That's nice, I wish I could do that, you'd be easier to deal with." Pepper forced a smile. If Tony wanted to play around, so be it, but she would deal with important matters and let him have his fun. "Too bad I'm not a super hero like you." She said to him and glanced over her shoulder at Steve and then glanced back to Tony. "Us mortals have real life to attend to...so I'm going to have to pass on giving you a check up. I'm sure if you stayed away from dirty girls you wouldn't feel so sick." She sipped her glass of wine and made her way back to where she had left Steve unattended. Returning to his side, she apologized for leaving him. He didn't seem to mind but she could tell he was a little uncomfortable.

Pepper didn't blame some discomfort. After all, Halloween likely didn't entail dressing up like sluts. Letting their free hands clasp together, she walked around and began to talk to some of her other colleagues. Introductions were made and the redhead was considering just ducking out earlier than usual. She wasn't a big party person, much unlike her boss who would probably party every day if she wasn't around to tighten the leash around his neck. Work was picking up, though in a way it never slowed down. Tony was off more often though, working a lot and doing whatever it was Iron Man did to save the day. And because of that, Pepper had a bit more time on her hands to spend with Steve. And having a bit more time was something new for the woman. Sure, she knew her work kept her running around but now she had someone to talk to.

Really, really talk to.

And Steve was a great listener, unlike someone else she knew. When she did have time to herself, she headed to museums and parks. She wanted to take things slow. Thankfully the press had yet to really make a big deal out of her and Steve but she was sure that sooner or later things might blow up and that was the last thing she wanted. Tony might be used to the spotlight but she was not. And she was sure that Steve wouldn't care too much for it either. The couple didn't want to be plastered all over and let silly rumors spread. Imagine the chaos which might ensue if Tony's PA was with some guy, let alone Captain America. Pepper would surely be labeled a few nasty things. Just the notion made her finish off her wine rather quickly. This time Steve handed her a glass and she just smiled. He knew she liked chilled white wine.

The pair made their way around, it took some time, but finally she decided they couldn't avoid Tony any longer. It was probably about time he found out rather than finding out through someone or something else. Squeezing Steve's hand, she found Tony and approached him. "Hey." Pepper said, clearly a bit nervous. The wine wasn't taking an edge off like she had hoped it would but she wasn't going to hit the bar as hard as Tony tended to. "So Tony, you've um...you know Steve Rogers right?" Pepper smiled and glanced to the man by her side. "Well Nick Fury had asked me to show him around the area and so far I've been doing so while also keeping Stark Industries afloat and we're...dating now." Pepper finally said. "I just thought you should know before anything else happens. Clearly it won't get in the way work or anything."

Well now she could leave right? She had attended, mingled and had informed her friend of a new budding relationship. "Anyway I'll just see you tomorrow, we're going to head out now. Night. Don't um, doing anything stupid." Pepper said and smiled to Steve and quickly ushered them off. She was sure he wouldn't mind anyway, he had plenty of others to attend to and it was getting a bit too hot for Pepper. Some air would be great. The two finished their drinks and headed outside. Pepper sighed and felt a need to just go home and relax. You would think after a great weight had been lifted, that she would feel great but she didn't feel too different. Something still felt a bit weird and it was muddled inside of her. Heading to her car with Steve he drove them back down to LA. He dropped her off first and then headed to his apartment. He had offered to stay with her but she declined, saying she wouldn't be good company at the moment. Steve of course said she would be but she just headed in by herself.

At the moment, Pepper wanted to just get some rest alone. When the next day rolled around, she got up and got ready for work. Getting into her usual, professional attire, she quickly headed down to her car and paused to see a classic red rose on her car. Steve had dropped it off with a note saying he had a nice time last night. Smiling, she got in the car and set her flower aside and headed to pick up Tony's coffee and head up to his house. She wanted to know how much damage control she would have to do in regards to his little party. Arriving at his house around her usual time of eight thirty, she got out and let herself inside. "Good morning JARVIS." Pepper smiled, in a much more relaxed mood than usual. "Where's Tony hiding?" She asked as she just walked into the kitchen and filled a cup with water and slipped her rose in it. There it wouldn't wilt during the day, Tony wouldn't mind.

[chulance]

Tony was use to those looks Pepper would give him, he worked with the woman all day. It seemed he got them more when he was drunk as if she disapproved of his actions. “Well generally that’s the effect you have, but when you’re not being a stick in the mud you’re alright to hang around.”He remarked taking another sip of his drink, he’d probably had too much by now. But anyone that knew him knew that it was never enough for him especially at parties. “Too bad, maybe if you were you wouldn’t be boring? But you’d need a good code name though. Also this is what I meant about the fun draining you’re like the Antithesis to it. I’ll stay away from dirty girls if I can have a clean girl like you.” He said off handedly as she walked away.

He thought about calling his women back, not knowing if Pepper would come back or not. Although he had to say she had done a great job with the outfit, it showed off all her curvy features. Thoughts like these filled his head from time to time, hell they’d kissed. But, was it worth pursuing a relationship with her, he’d thought about it. He’d often heard relationships can ruin friendships, he wouldn’t know Pepper was really the only female friend he had. The other women he around where one night stands, maybe few days, or even a week if they were famous enough.

He decided to call back two of the ladies, both eager to come back. Again proving the quirks of being a billionaire superhero far outweighed any negative aspects. “Come on sit on my lap, unlike Santa I can make your wishes come true any time of the year.” As he got his flirt on he forget all about his encounter with Pepper only moments ago. He was sure she would get over it, she loved him. He was her Iron Man, however the events that transpired completely ruined his night in a way he’d never expected. He should have known something was off when Pepper spoke in a nervous tone, something foreign to him as she was usually very confident or at worst annoying.

“Oh of course It won’t, I mean your dating a senior citizen as slow as he is he can’t take up too much of your time.” A witty remark, and he smiled patting Rogers on the shoulder. However if he had done what he wanted to do he would have suited him up and blasted him off the top of his tower with a repulsor ray. Pepper was dating someone else, he knew she dated other people, hell she’d seen her. But, this time it was different. He was done with flirting for the night, the only relations he that night where with too many glasses of wine.

After the party he’d snuck into his room, tossing and turning until he fell asleep. Tomorrow he’d have to deal with the fact that he was no longer Pepper’s super hero she had a new one. He awoke the next morning with a pounding in his head, with the way he drunk last night he should have expected it. However even now nothing irritated him more than a hangover, especially one this bad. “Damn it! I can’t believe this!” He slipped into his shower to bathe and get ready for the day still seething with an emotion he never thought would ever be associated with thoughts of Pepper, jealousy.

After getting out the shower he was thinking with a clearer pounding head. He was a rich, had cool toys, and a genius. Rogers was a revived Popsicle he’d whisk Pepper away from her easier then he stopped armed robberies in the Mach 7. He made his way down to the kitchen, contacting JARVIS on his I-phone to ask about the new Repulsor drones he’d been developing. He had no use for them before, but now was the perfect chance to test them out. “Tony isn’t hiding anywhere, he’s ready to work unlike some people who are too busy planting flowers.” He was responding to the rose, usually he didn’t mind that kind of stuff from Pepper but today he wasn’t in the mood.” We have a lot to do, so get ready to start draining the euphoria out of my life, it might actually be helpful today.” He had more of an attitude then usual but he wasn’t going to give a reason he would pretend he could care less about her and Rogers.

[Genkai]

Pepper Potts looked at her flower and smiled. Steve really was sweet, quite the opposite of her MIA boss. Before she could ask JARVIS again, she turned and saw Tony walking toward her. She wasn't too sure what the dynamic would be between them now. In all honesty, she was hoping to move forward. Maybe cling onto some hope that Tony was going to be a better man and not make any more childish jibs at her or Steve. Of course when the dark hair man strutted over and began talking, she knew she was being far too optimistic. He was insufferable, really. "That's funny, coming from someone who hardly does work unless he's asked about a hundred times." She retorted as she noticed he didn't look as put together as he usually did. It likely had something to do with the party last night.

That wasn't her problem though.

If Tony lacked self control, that was his issue to manage. She glanced to him when he then went on to say there was a lot to do, which caused her to raise a brow. Was he suddenly showing interest in work? But then his ending comment made her blood turn quite icy. He was giving her attitude? Really? It was highly unwise for him to be getting into affairs which didn't concern him but maybe that's why he was acting immature, well more so than usual. Pepper glanced off and just fished out her PDA fro her purse. Her calm happiness had quickly faded as if they hadn't ever been there in the first place. "Yeah work...right." She grumbled as she checked the hundreds of e mails regarding the party last night. She was becoming so livid that she was having trouble even figuring out what she wanted to say to Tony first. Clenching her phone and slamming it on the counter, she glared at Tony.

Holding her gaze, she wondered how much work he was going to do compared to her. Unlike him, she had to handle everything while he picked whatever he did which usually coincided with him just working on his stupid suits. "I work. You don't. You never do." Pepper snapped and pushed her PDA toward him. "You can answer all the e mails and give press release statements and hold three meetings and sign dozens of paper work if you want to work so badly. Because yes, there is a lot to do. Most of which will usually be me working alone but there is no us, Tony. Because I clearly suck the fun out of your life." She said. "There's obviously no need for me to be here if you think I'm boring and act as some weird anesthetic to your life. That's great. Really great." His words from last night and this morning had hurt.

Why would she want to stick around and let him continue to insult her, her job and probably her boyfriend? "I don't know what your problem is and I'm not paid to care that much so I'm taking the day off which should be a joy for you." Pepper huffed and turned around and took her rose from the glass and glanced back to Tony. Somehow all of the anger she had saved up was coming out all at once but it was Tony's fault. "Keep treating your friends like this and JARVIS will be the only one around." She told him as she felt her eyes already brimming with burning tears. "I guess it was my fault for thinking you could greet Steve without insulting him. Why can't you just be happy for me instead of...this?" She just gestured to him, unable to find proper words.

If anyone was going to make her feel better, it was likely going to be Steve or a tub of ice cream, either of which were easy to acquire. She could probably even have both if she wanted. Why was dealing with Tony such a pain? She was trying to do something for herself and he was acting like a child. Was it because Steve was also Captain America? There had to be more to it than that but Pepper just couldn' care. It wasn't safe for her to put her heart out constantly. Tony was Tony and he'd never really change because he was seemingly happy with things as they were, her pestering him and hie returning the favor. Her heart was really aching at this point and it was Tony's fault. Why did he have to say stupid things and why were they bothering her now? No, they always bothered her but now it was too much now.

"At least Steve likes being around me and knows how to show it." She finally added, not wanting to say too much because she knew she would start crying her eyes out and she didn't want Tony to see her cry. It would likely just fuel his insane maddness or something. "And not...act like a jerk!" Pepper yelled and threw the cup down between them and grabbed her purse and headed out. There was no reason for her to stick around and make a fuss if Tony really felt that way about her. Heading out to her car, she realized she left Tony her PDA but didn't care, she had her cell phone and just called Steve in tears. He agreed to meet her to have some brunch and talk things over. Pepper honestly didn't care what they did, she just needed to be comforted at the moment. So she drove back down to LA, torn between feelings.