Bruce Banner was always a runner.

Tony Stark was always being abandoned.

Both were used to their situations. Both wanted something more. A stronger connection with another human being as brilliant as themselves. Pepper knew this within a day of Bruce coming to stay at Stark Towers. She also knew that her and Tony were over their heads with getting married. They were just lonely sometimes. Pepper knew that it was convenient for the both of them. Sure, the feelings had been somewhat real, but they weren't enough for marriage. So Pepper broke it off. Tony understood. Said he wasn't too sure about it lately either. They had shawarma with Steve and Bruce afterwards.

So all in all Pepper Potts was very observant. This meant that they way Tony actually let Bruce Banner hand him the shawarma soo did not go past the way Banner seemed to inch just a teensy bit closer to Tony when the waitress kept staring at him in a longing way. Even Steve had noticed they had something special. In his own awkward way, of course.

"So what does your lab look like, Tony? I'd love to see it. Your dad-"

"My lab is off limits." Tony had replied quickly.

Steve blushed and barely whispered, "But... Bruce... Didn't mean to intrude..."

He softened his tone as he went on. "No offense or anything Cap. I just get claustrophobic with too many people in there. Too many meaning anybody besides me and Brucey here."

Bruce ducked his head down and gave a small side smile to Tony. His eyes flickered to where Tony had placed his arm around his shoulders. Pepper could see conflict written across Bruce's face. She thought that he must not be used to simple, friendly (?) gestures. Pepper kicked Tony underneath the table. Tony gasped and grabbed his leg with both hands.

Oh yeah. Pepper forgot about that injury. Oops?

The conversation returned to its regular flow after that. At least until Pepper asked Steve about a woman named Julie and Tony immediately started to tease him. Pepper knew that Tony was just being Tony, but put her foot down when he started grilling Steve about his sex life. Because, really, it was just rude to ask a man from the 1940's about his sex life so openly and ask if he had ever been with a man. And then go on to question Bruce about his past sexual experiences. Tony even had the audacity to ask Bruce if everything got bigger when he Hulked out.

Bruce choked on his shawarma and Tony earned another kick from Pepper.

Steve being somewhat recovered lectured Stark. "Anthony Stark! That is simply no way to speak in front of a lady. Your future wife at that! I'm so sorry about that Ms. Potts."

Pepper blushed. Steve really was a sweetheart. "Oh no, it's fine. I should probably mention that Tony and I aren't getting married anymore. Sorry. Forgot to mention that."

Bruce and Steve slowly looked up from their food to look at each other, then to Tony and Pepper, and back at their food.

Bruce spoke up first. "Uh, when did this happen?" He asked his almost finished meal.

"Oh! Just.. What? An hour ago?" Tony looked to Pepper who nodded casually. "Yeah. An hour ago."

"Guys, it's fine. It just wasn't meant to be. We both know it. We're still friends. It's probably all we ever were." Tony noted that only Pepper would be able to say something like that and not sound like someone in pathetic denial. Which they weren't, but some people might still take it that way.

Bruce nodded, slightly uncomfortable. "Well alright then. Is everybody done? I think I left the stove on."

Tony smirked. "Really? Bruce you need to be more careful with my toys! They're expensive!"

Bruce let out a small laugh at Tony's whiny voice. "You know what Tony? You're right."

"Of course I'm right. I'm glad you noti-"

"It isn't as if you're a billionaire or anything. And you didn't happen to leave Davros the kitty alone in your bedroom, now would you?"

Tony gave Bruce a fake sheepish grin. "Well I just hope that she doesn't hurt your Tennis Table, Bruce. I know for a fact that she's pretty fragile."

"That's because you sabotaged her!" Bruce accused Tony, poking his shoulder.

Tony cowered in 'fear'. "Brucey. Don't...Don't get angry... I wouldn't like you... w-when y-y-you're angry, right?"

Bruce laughed out loud. Pepper and Steve stared at him. Bruce did not laugh out loud. He laughed to himself and kept his head down. It was an early Christmas miracle!

Steve leaned in to whisper in Pepper's ear. "Tony deserves an award for that."

Pepper nodded silently, watching the boys throw the plastic silverware at each other. They kept talking like they were before, probably in code. Tony always liked talking in code and it would appear Bruce did too. Pepper grinned. They were just too cute.

Pepper clapped her hands, getting Banner and Stark's attention. "We're all paid for, so you boys can run back to your lab and do "important" science-y stuff. Try not to have too much fun."

Bruce suddenly went back to his normal self, gave Pepper a hug good-bye and shook hands with Steve. He walked over to Tony who had ran over to start the car as soon as Pepper finished saying "fun".

Steve and Pepper watched them drive away. Steve cleared his throat and turned to Pepper.

"Ms. Potts, I, uh, I would like to ask a question about Mr. Banner and Mr. Stark if that's alright."

Pepper smiled up at him, gathering her stuff. "Of course, Steve. And I solemnly swear not to make fun of you like Tony does."

Steve laughed nervously. "I couldn't imagine you doing such a thing, Ms. Potts. The 21st century is... rather, uh, open about certain things, right?"

Pepper nodded.

"Well, um, being... I mean, is not being attracted to somebody-"

"Of the opposite sex okay? You mean being gay, right?" The red head finished for him.

"Well, yes. And I'll keep an open mind too. I-I just wasn't very s-sure..."

Pepper laughed and patted Steve on the arm. "It's perfectly okay, Mr. Rogers. Most people are more comfortable with people being gay. The ones that aren't are ass holes. Since you're probably going to ask, Tony is pretty open about his sexuality. Bruce I'm not a hundred percent sure of, but if the events of lunch today meant anything, then I'd bet he's the same way."

Steve looked relieved that Pepper was a mind reader and he didn't have to actually ask the question. His expression became confused at Pepper's last words. Opening his mouth to speak, Pepper waved him away.

"It's a woman thing, Steve. You wouldn't have noticed."

Steve nodded, thoroughly confusion. Standing up straight he bid Pepper goodbye and drove away on his motorcycle. Pepper walked out of the restaurant to see Happy waiting for her. Happy opened the door for her and then got in the drivers seat. He turned around to talk to Pepper with an amused glint in his eyes.

"Have you noticed Bruce and Tony being-"

"Oh, yeah." Pepper smirked, mischievous plans forming in her head.

Happy started the car and mumbled to himself, "I don't want to be involved, Pep. Please do not drag me into this."

Pepper's smirk just grew wider.