This has been bugging me since I saw the IMAA season finale. I may be taking the whole Iron Man thing a bit too far but, quite honestly, I couldnt care less, I actually really enjoy the series.

This is probably unrealistic and a little OC, but again, I dont care.

ENJOY! And review, I like reviews =D

(...)

It had been three very long weeks since...that day and to say Tony was worried was an understatement. The bright, bubbly, talkative Pepper he had known for so long had completely disappeared, replaced by a pale, silent, almost depressed imitation. Rhodey was just as concerned, but every time they tried to bring it up, she'd simply walk away. She even stopped coming down to help with the lab repairs.

"Dude, I'm not dealing with this any more."

"What?"

"Pepper. She's been so quiet lately and its actually driving me nuts. I know what happened was hard on her, but..."

"We're all dealing with this Tony."

"We shouldn't have to. I pushed Gene on you guys and a lost one of my best friends because of it."

"Tony." Rhodey hit his arm and pointed in the direction of the door. Pepper stood there, looking shy and slightly lost.

"Pepper."

"Can we talk?" Both looked at Rhodey.

"I'll...go do my homework." He gave them both a look but otherwise continued on his way to the door.

"I'm sorry." Came rushed out from both of them.

"I've been a jerk."

"This wasnt your fault Tony. I was trying so hard to keep our friendship."

"I forced this on you, I shouldnt have put you in that position." He slowly walked towards her, taking her hand in his. "Its just...I've missed you."

"You see me at school all the time."

"Since we got back...its like the Pepper I knew before disappeared. Its too quiet around here and I want my best friend back."

They were quiet for a moment, looking at their joined hands. Tony looked up at Pepper looking down. Shocking them both, he pulled on her hand, put his arms around her back and brought her into a hug.

"We'll okay right?"

"I hope so."

They pulled apart but stayed within each others arms. Suddenly Pepper stopped breathing.

"Pepper?" It could have been the confusion of the betrayal mixed with the fact that she wasnt thinking straight. For whatever reason, Pepper kissed Tony.

A few seconds suddenly seemed like a lifetime. Tony's mind blanked. All he could feel were her lips, he could smell her shampoo, taste the cherry chapstick and minty gum, her. As if realizing what she'd just done and who she was sharing her first kiss with, Pepper began to pull back. Only...Tony recovered her mouth with his. Pepper groaned, wrapping her arms around his neck.

An invisible bubble had formed around them, the world stopped circling, like this moment was made specifically for them. They were so in their own universe that they failed to notice Rhodey re-enter the lab.

"Guys, my mom wants to kn-" Rhodey froze at the sight before him, particulary the part where they didnt stop what they were doing. He stopped to take a quick photo and bolted when he spotted jaws starting to move.

Rhodey fell on to the sofa, his face slightly pale.

"James? Are you alright? You look ill." Roberta looked concerned.

"I dont know."

"Did something happen to Tony and Pepper?" Rhodey responded by taking out his phone and showing her the picture. Roberta took one look and laughed. Rhodey looked suspiciously at his mom.

"I just walked in on my two best friends kissing. I could perminantly scarred."

"Oh honey, your friends have found each other, be happy for them." She ruffled his hair and walked into the kitchen.

"Do you know any cheap psychiatrist?"