Pepper stood at the door of her car and stared up at the vast house before her.

His house.

Tony's house.

Pepper couldn't help but feel that she shouldn't be here.

It felt wrong, somehow, to be here without him. To be entering what really was Tony's sanctum sanctorum without him just felt like... a violation. An imposition. An intrusion.

Wrong.

But everything seemed so wrong lately.

It had been thirteen days since Tony had disappeared into the Afghani desert. Thirteen days without him, without any trace of him, and it had been more than Pepper could handle.

If you had asked her before all this happened how she would expect she would feel if Tony ever disappeared, Pepper would never have been able to describe the overpowering mess of feelings that had overcome her for the last thirteen days. She would never have expected to be this affected by his disappearance, for one simple reason: she had never realized how much she cared about her boss until he was suddenly gone. She hadn't realized how used to him she'd gotten, how big of a role he had taken in her life... How much she needed him there. It had all happened so gradually that she never noticed.

And then he was gone.

Just like that.

No warning, no time to prepare, no time to think about what she would do without him.

He was just gone.

And now it felt like a critical piece of her was missing, too.

Pepper had so far managed to stay away from his house. She had kept herself busy fielding all the press calls from her own place and trying desperately to keep herself together and manage everything the way she hoped Tony would have wanted.

It had worked for awhile.

And then Obadiah had called.

He had called, and her world had come crashing down once again. It was more than she could take.

Pepper hadn't even made a conscious decision to come to Tony's mansion. She'd just need to get away from everything, and everyone, and return to whatever sense of normalcy she could find. So she'd gotten in her car and driven as far and as fast as she could, angrily wiping away the tears that threatened to impair her sight, with no clear destination in mind.

And then, after who knows how long on the road, she had pulled up to the one place that felt as much like home to her as anywhere else.

Tony's house.

With a sigh, Pepper shut her car door and went inside.

It was strange how empty the house felt. It had only been thirteen days, and none of the physical aspects of the house had been changed or removed, but the place nonetheless felt entirely devoid of life. Of spirit. Of energy. Of him.

Because, of course, it was.

Pepper took a few steps into the foyer, but winced as her heels echoed on the floor. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was intruding, which was ridiculous. She supposed she had as much right to be here as anyone, seeing as she'd had the key to get in. But still... it felt wrong.

Shaking off her discomfort, Pepper made her way down to Tony's workshop. It had always been her favorite part of the house; it was where Tony Stark was really Tony Stark. Where he could be and had been the truest and most honest version of himself, and where his genius had really shined.

As the glass door swung open, Pepper found herself swiping at her eyes once more. Everything in here was just so Tony. She found a chair behind his desk and sat down, slowly so as not to make the chair squeak.

Pepper had never felt more alone than she did in that moment.

But she wasn't alone, not really.

"Hello, Ms. Potts," came a familiar mechanical voice.

Despite everything, Pepper smiled a bit. "JARVIS," she said quietly.

"It is good to have you back, Ms. Potts," the voice intoned. "Can I be of assistance?"

Pepper sighed, pondering what to say. There were so many things she wanted to ask the AI... Had he kept track of the news reports of Tony? What did he know about Tony's disappearance? Had Rhodey made any progress convincing the military to keep looking? How much ground had they covered? What did he know about the attack on the convoy?

But she asked none of these questions, for she feared the answers.

All Pepper managed to ask was, "should I even bother hoping anymore, JARVIS?"

There was a pause before the disembodied voice answered, "hope is an entirely human construct, Ms. Potts. All I can tell you is that, after thirteen days, the likelihood of a kidnapping victim being returned home safely is extremely low. Typically, the first twenty-four hours are crucial, and we are much past that point. What is more, I have integrated all news reports of the incident from around the globe, including the classified military documents that Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes granted me access to." Pepper smiled at that. "Based upon the passage of time since the kidnapping, the news reports, and the dismal lack of information or success from the military search parties, I have currently calculated the likelihood of Mr. Stark's safe return to be-"

"Wait," Pepper cut him off. "I don't think I want to know."

There was another pause.

When JARVIS spoke again, it was much quieter. "It's above zero percent, Ms. Potts. And where there is a chance, there is always room for hope."

Pepper smiled sadly. She supposed JARVIS was right, although it seemed hard to believe right now.

"Did Rhodey tell you to keep watch for news of Tony, JARVIS?"

"No ma'am," JARVIS replied, "Mr. Stark programmed me with the ability to rewrite my own code to take over in case of emergencies. He called it the 'Vigilante Protocol.'"

"Of course he did," Pepper said quietly.

JARVIS continued, "I have the ability to initiate the protocol on my own, so I used it to rewrite my daily news surfing algorithms to troll the internet for news of Mr. Stark's disappearance. Each morning, I have compressed the combined information from all available sources to determine the daily likelihood of his return."

"I don't suppose it looks good," Pepper guessed.

"No, Ms. Potts," JARVIS replied, "it does not."

There was a long silence before Pepper quietly said, "Obadiah called me today."

She wasn't entirely sure whether she was talking to JARVIS, to the empty space, to the void, to herself... or, in some sense, to Tony.

The AI made no response, so Pepper continued. "They're talking about splitting up Tony's interest in the company. They don't think it's worth keeping his share in his name for so long, seeing as how they don't think... well, they assume the worst." She paused for awhile, still angry at the unfairness of it all. Eventually she said, "the problem is, they don't know what to do with Tony's share. Or any of his things, really. He didn't even leave a will."

JARVIS chimed in, "you are correct correct that Mr. Stark did not leave a traditional will, and certainly not one that would comply with the laws of this state or that could be properly probated. But he certainly left some things behind."

Suddenly, the computer screen in front of Pepper came to life. On it was Tony's face.

Pepper's mouth dropped open as a video began to play.

"Hey Ms. Potts," he grinned, "Pep." A pause. "I'm not even really sure why I'm making this video, but I guess I figured I should document these thoughts I've been having in some way. You know, just in case. Anyway. I've instructed JARVIS to play this video for you in case of my... untimely demise. Morbid, I know, but it is what it is.

If you're watching this, it probably means I'm dead. So I guess I just wanted to say thank you. You've lasted longer than any of my other assistants have, and you've certainly made Stark Industries a better place since you've been here. I'm sure I don't say it enough... Have I ever said it? I will now: you've become invaluable to me since you've been here. When you're gone, it's like a piece of me is missing. I don't know what it is about you, but you make me want to be better. Hell, you make everyone who knows you want to be better. Even Obi, though he'd never admit it.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that if something ever happens to me, I want you to take over. I want you to inherit my position in the company. You can probably run it better than I do now. You're a worthy successor Ms. Potts.

I hope you never have to see this, but in case you do," the digital Tony smirked, "try not to miss me too much."

As the video clicked off, Pepper sat there in silence. She knew there were tears on her face, but she couldn't even move to wipe them away.

After a long moment, JARVIS said, "As I mentioned, none of this is legally enforceable, and in any case, Mr. Stark's property will not and would not be distributed until he is either confirmed dead or declared so after seven years. So this video is moot at this point, but I thought it best you knew about it."

"Thank you, JARVIS," Pepper whispered. After another pause, she said, "I can't believe he would do that... leave everything to me."

"You were the logical choice," JARVIS intoned, "as you were the only person he truly trusted. Perhaps your surprised stems from the fact that you never heard the way Mr. Stark talked about you when you weren't around."

Pepper smiled. "But you did."

"Yes," JARVIS replied.

Then, to Pepper's surprise, Tony's voice came over the speakers again. In somewhat broken fragments, she heard him say:

"Ms. Potts just gets me, JARVIS... how does she do that? I don't even get me."

"Pepper is the best assistant I've ever had, and I'm not sure I like with that."

"What do you mean, 'Don't tell Pepper'? I tell Pepper everything! I'm gonna tell Pepper and there's nothing you can do about it."

"JARVIS, do you think Ms. Potts will like this suit? Or is it too flashy?"

"I think I need to consult with Ms. Potts before I decide anything. She's much more rational than any of us."

"JARVIS, Ms. Potts is upset today. See if you can find out why and let me know what I can do about it."

"Pepper's late for work today JARVIS. She's never late. Pull up all news reports of crimes and search all news outlets for her name. I want to make sure she's okay."

"No, I won't give you the pass key to the workshop. Only two people alive know that key, Ms. Potts and myself. And that's only because I trust her more than I trust myself, and certainly more than I trust you."

"Take it up with my better half. She's upstairs."

"JARVIS, I messed up. Pepper's pissed at me and I'm an idiot. I don't know why I did that, because really if she ever quit... I think Stark Industries would fall apart. At least, I know I would."

As the recordings stopped, JARVIS' voice returned. "Those are but a few of the recordings I have where he mentioned you. There are many more, I assure you."

Pepper just shook her head. What was there to say to that? It seemed so cruel that she should only be hearing this now, when Tony might be lost to her forever.

Not trusting herself to comment on what she'd heard, Pepper sought for some humor and asked JARVIS, "Do you record everything that happens in this house?"

"Of course," JARVIS said. "Mr. Stark programmed me to do so in case anyone was to break in or try to steal company secrets. Audio recordings might have been crucial evidence."

"Of course," Pepper repeated with a sigh. "You know, I can't help but wonder what he did that pissed me off in that one recording," Pepper said.

"My archives indicate that Mr. Stark slept through a meeting that you had reminded him about all week, and then told Mr. Stane that you had neglected to put it on his calendar."

Pepper laughed. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

It was so nice to be talking about Tony like this. In the last thirteen days, the only time she'd talked about him was in uptight and tense news conferences or on quick update calls with Rhodey, who was busy trying to find his friend. Pepper found that it was nice to just chat about Tony and pretend he was just away for a bit, even if the only "person" she could talk to was an AI.

Pepper moved to the couch along the wall of the workshop and stretched out. She and JARVIS continued swapping stories about Tony for the next few hours until she fell asleep on the couch. It was the best sleep she'd had in thirteen days.


For the next three months, Pepper made a habit of stopping by Tony's house regularly. JARVIS would share any updates he had flagged as worth her attention, and then they would tell each other stories of Tony's numerous mishaps and misadventures.

It made Pepper feel a little less alone.


They found him. He was alive. He was alive and coming home. Coming here, coming back to her.

It was over.

As soon as Rhodey had finished giving her the good news, Pepper dropped the phone and fell to the floor. She'd almost lost hope, but now it was all real.

It had taken three months, but the impossible had happened. He was coming home.

It was real.


The next 24 hours were the longest 24 hours of Pepper's life.


As she stood there on the tarmac waiting for Tony to come off the plane, Pepper did everything in her power to look professional and composed. There were cameras everywhere, and she couldn't stand the thought of looking overly emotional in all the news stories that would undoubtedly be published the following day. She must remain levelheaded.

But when the plane opened up and she saw Tony walking down that ramp with Rhodey's help, Pepper's best effots couldn't control the tears that welled in her eyes. She blinked them back fiercely, but she knew he'd see them as soon as he was close enough.

Of course he saw them.

"Your eyes are red," was the first thing he said to her after three months. "Few tears for your long-lost boss?"

Pepper nearly laughed out loud. Typical.

"Tears of joy," she retorted, "I hate job hunting."

"Yeah, vacation's over," was all Tony said before heading toward the waiting car.

Pepper shook her head and followed him, glad to be back to work at last.


When the press finally cleared out of the house, it was nearly 11PM.

After finally managing to shoo the last reporter out the door, Pepper went in search of Tony to check on him.

As expected, she found him in his workshop.

When Tony heard the door open, he glanced up from his work and smiled at her. "So," he said, "did you miss me?"

Pepper was not about to tell him how much she had missed him. Instead, she said, "Not as much as JARVIS did. He kept vigil for you."

Tony grinned. "Hey JARVIS," he called with a smirk, "did Ms. Potts miss me while I was gone?"

The disembodied voice replied, "Ms. Potts came over at least twice a week for updates on your disappearance."

"Thanks JARVIS," Pepper groaned.

Tony grinned insufferably. "Sounds like you missed me," he laughed.

Pepper considered throwing the nearest pen at his head. Instead, she changed the subject. "You have a lot of work to catch up on. A lot has changed in the last three months. Stark Industries has-"

"Let me guess," Tony interrupted her. "The Board thought it best to consider me dead and get me out as soon as possible."

Pepper grimaced and nodded. "They did. But legally, you weren't dead, so there wasn't anything they could do about that. I made sure of it. However, they were able to consider you an absent member, which allowed them to make some changes..."

Pepper paused as she ruffled through some papers, and Tony took that opportunity to stop her. "Pepper, I've been in capitivity for three months, and haven't even been home for twenty four hours. I have a raging headache, and I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna understand a word of what you're about to tell me. Can we do this tomorrow?"

Pepper smiled. "Of course, Mr. Stark." She laid the papers down on the nearest counter and joined Tony on the couch. She looked at him for awhile, assessing all the changes that the last three months had wrought in him. He was still Tony, but he certainly wasn't the same man who had disappeared into the desert. He looked older, somehow. Wiser. Sadder.

Pepper longed to ask him what had happened, what he'd experienced, and how he'd made it out. What he'd been thinking about for the past three months. But she knew this wasn't the time for that. He'd tell her when he was ready. Instead, she simply asked, "Tony, how are you? Really?"

Tony smiled at her. All those reporters had hurled millions of questions at him over the last few hours, wanting to know everything that he would never tell them. But not one of them had stopped to ask him how he was doing. No one had.

Except Pepper.

Only Pepper.

It was always Pepper.

"I'm fine," Tony lied. "I had an American cheeseburger, I used a real toilet, and get to sleep in my own bed tonight. Life's good."

Pepper knew he was lying but she didn't push him. All she said was, "you know you can ask me if you need anything, right?"

Tony smiled and nodded. "I know."

"Good." There was a long pause before Pepper said, "I still can't believe you would have left everything to me."

Tony sighed. "JARVIS showed you the video." He looked slightly pained at that. "Well," he sighed, "you weren't supposed to see that unless I died. But whatever. Of course I left you in charge. You know the business better than anyone, even me. And you can manage me, which means you can manage pretty much anyone. Let's face it, you're basically in charge already," he smiled. "You're the logical successor," he shrugged, "you always have been."

Pepper smiled. Quietly, she said, "thank you, Mr. Stark."

Tony smiled back. "You're welcome, Ms. Potts."

Pepper sighed and stood. "I should go," she said. "You need to get some rest, and I'm sure I still have a whole storm of fires to put out with the press." When Tony didn't respond, she added, "Tony, get some sleep."

"I will," Tony lied again.

"No you won't," Pepper smiled.

Tony snickered. "Probably not."

"Call me if you need anything," she said as she walked toward the door. Tony nodded absent-mindedly, his eyes and mind already fading out of focus.

As she opened the door to leave, Pepper paused and turned around. She caught Tony's eyes and waited until his focus returned to her before saying, "I did miss you, you know."

Pepper didn't wait for a response before leaving and letting the door shut behind her, so she never heard Tony's whispered, "I missed you, too."