Chapter 10: Pepper’s Friendship

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the lab as Tony paced, his fingers tapping against his tablet. The Mark 70 was progressing nicely, and the space-worthy enhancements were nearly ready for testing. But today, Tony had something else on his mind.

Pepper Potts was scheduled to visit.

It had been months since their relationship had shifted from romantic to platonic, but Tony still felt the need to maintain a strong connection with her. Pepper had been his partner for years—not just in romance, but in life and work. She understood him in ways few others did, and while they were no longer a couple, she still held a special place in his life.

As if on cue, Tony's personal assistant, FRIDAY, chimed in.

"Miss Potts has arrived, boss. Shall I show her in?"

"Yeah, send her up," Tony replied, running a hand through his hair. He glanced over at Shuri, who was working intently on a new energy conduit for the Mark 70. She looked up briefly, catching Tony's eye.

"Your ex?" Shuri asked, her tone light but curious.

Tony smirked. "Something like that. We're still close. Just... in a different way now."

Shuri nodded, her eyes focused but understanding. "Makes sense. I'm sure it's complicated."

Tony chuckled. "Everything with me is complicated."

Shuri grinned, her attention already returning to the tech in front of her. "Don't I know it."

A few moments later, the doors to the lab slid open, and Pepper stepped in, her usual air of calm confidence immediately filling the room. She was dressed in a sleek suit, her auburn hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, and she smiled warmly when she saw Tony.

"Hey, Tony," Pepper greeted, her tone bright but familiar.

"Pepper," Tony replied, walking over to her with a smile. "Good to see you."

They shared a brief but genuine hug, and for a moment, Tony was reminded of all the years they'd spent side by side. Pepper had been there through it all—through the highs and the lows, the battles and the breakthroughs. And while their romantic relationship had ended, the connection between them had never really disappeared.

"So," Pepper said, glancing around the lab. "This is the famous Wakandan lab. I have to say, I'm impressed."

Tony grinned, gesturing to the various projects scattered across the room. "Yeah, it's pretty cutting-edge. Shuri's been a huge help—couldn't have done half of this without her."

At the mention of her name, Shuri looked up from her work, offering Pepper a polite smile. She walked over, her tone respectful but warm.

"Miss Potts, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Pepper smiled back, her expression friendly. "Likewise, Princess Shuri. Tony's told me all about the incredible work you've been doing together."

Shuri raised an eyebrow, glancing at Tony with a playful smirk. "All good things, I hope?"

"Mostly good things," Tony teased, earning a chuckle from both women.

The mood was light, but Tony couldn't help but feel a subtle shift in the air. Pepper's presence brought with it a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of the life Tony had once lived. But now, with Shuri standing beside him, the future felt different—more open, more exciting.

Pepper glanced at the holographic display of the Mark 70, her eyes widening slightly. "Is this your latest project?"

Tony nodded, his enthusiasm returning. "Yep. Vibranium-enhanced, space-worthy, and neural-linked. It's going to be a game-changer."

Pepper studied the projection for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You never stop pushing the limits, do you?"

Tony shrugged, his grin widening. "What can I say? It's what I do."

Pepper smiled, but there was a softness in her eyes that Tony recognized. It was the look she always gave him when she was proud of him—when she saw past the bravado and saw the man behind the tech.

"You're doing amazing things, Tony," Pepper said quietly. "I'm glad you found a way to keep moving forward."

Tony nodded, appreciating her words more than he could express. Pepper had always been his biggest supporter, even when things between them were rocky. And now, even though they had both moved on, her friendship meant the world to him.

"Thanks, Pep," Tony said, his tone sincere. "That means a lot."

Shuri, sensing the moment between them, stepped back to give them some space. She returned to her work, but not before shooting Tony a knowing glance. It was clear that she understood the importance of Pepper in his life, and she respected it.

Pepper took a step closer to the projection of the Mark 70, her fingers brushing the holographic interface. "You're really going for it with this one, huh?"

Tony chuckled. "Yeah. We're thinking big this time. Space, interplanetary defense—everything."

Pepper smiled, shaking her head slightly. "Well, if anyone can pull it off, it's you. I just hope you're taking care of yourself in the process."

Tony paused, her words hitting a little closer to home than he expected. He had been pushing himself hard—harder than usual. Between the work on the suits, the neural interface, and his growing connection with Shuri, he hadn't really stopped to think about how it was all affecting him. But Pepper's concern wasn't unwarranted.

"I'm trying," Tony admitted. "But you know how it is. There's always another project, another problem to solve."

Pepper nodded, her expression softening. "Just don't forget to take a break every now and then. You're only human, Tony."

Tony smiled, appreciating her concern. "I'll try to keep that in mind."

They talked for a while longer, catching up on everything from Stark Industries' latest ventures to the Avengers' ongoing work. Pepper seemed genuinely interested in what Tony and Shuri had been building together, and she offered her own insights and advice where she could.

But eventually, the conversation began to wind down, and Tony knew it was time to let her go. She had a life of her own now, one that didn't revolve around him, and he respected that.

As they walked toward the exit, Pepper turned to him, her tone gentle but firm. "Take care of yourself, Tony. And if you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

Tony nodded, his voice softer now. "Thanks, Pep. You too."

With one last smile, Pepper left the lab, the doors sliding shut behind her. The room felt a little quieter without her, but Tony didn't feel the same sense of loss he might have once felt. Instead, he felt... content.

Shuri approached him, her expression curious but understanding. "You okay?"

Tony nodded, his smile genuine. "Yeah. I'm good."

Shuri raised an eyebrow. "You sure? That seemed... significant."

Tony chuckled, glancing at the closed doors. "It was. But in a good way."

He turned to face her fully, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. "Pepper and I... we were always going to end up as friends. It's better this way. We both know it."

Shuri smiled, her eyes reflecting her understanding. "I'm glad."

For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the weight of the past lifting off Tony's shoulders. With Pepper, it had always been complicated—filled with expectations and the pressure of their shared history. But now, with Shuri, things felt... lighter. Easier.

Tony exhaled, feeling the weight of everything slowly melt away. "You know," he said, glancing back at the holographic display of the Mark 70, "this suit might just be my best one yet."

Shuri grinned, stepping up beside him. "I think you're right. But don't get too comfortable. We still have a lot of work to do."

Tony laughed, feeling a sense of renewed energy. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

As they returned to the project, Tony couldn't help but feel that everything was falling into place. He had the work, the partnership, and now the clarity that came with knowing where he stood with the people who mattered most to him.

And for the first time in a long time, Tony Stark was ready for whatever came next.