* Stark POV Flashback*

Tony Stark's mind flashed back to the moment when Pepper Potts had resigned.

"I'm done, Tony," Pepper said, her voice firm. "I quit. You're constantly putting yourself in danger, and I just can't handle the stress."

Tony looked at her, his eyes filled with understanding.

"You're right, Pepper. You deserve better."

Pepper's expression softened, and Tony took her hand, pulling her close.

"We'll get through this, Pepper," Tony said, his voice low and husky.

"Together."

Their lips met in a gentle, tender kiss.

"Weird," Tony said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not weird," Pepper replied, her voice equally soft.

Just then, Rhodes Said on them. "It's weird, get a room!"

"Get out of here, Rhodes," Tony said.

"I got here first," Rhodes said, grinning. "And by the way, my car got exploded in the explosion, so I'll borrow this armor."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Not okay."

Rhodes shrugged. "It wasn't a question."

And with that, Rhodes flew off in the armor, leaving Tony laughing.

*************************************

Later, Tony sat in a secret warehouse, surrounded by various projects and documents.

Nick Fury walked in, a folder in his hand. "Tony Stark, I have something to show you."

Tony looked up, curious. "What's this?"

"It's the Avengers Initiative preliminary report," Nick Fury said, handing Tony the folder.

Tony opened it and began to read.

"'Mr. Stark displays compulsive behavior in his own defense,'" Tony read aloud.

"That was last week," Tony said, chuckling. "Prone to self-destructive tendencies, Nick. I was dying."

Nick Fury raised an eyebrow. "Textbook narcissism."

Tony grinned. "Agreed."

"Recruitment to Avengers Initiative: Iron Man?" Tony read.

"Yes," Nick Fury said. "We think you'd be a great fit."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "You think? I'm not just a great fit, Nick. I'm the best fit."

Nick Fury smiled. "Modest as always, Tony."

Tony shrugged. "Hey, someone's got to be confident around here."

Nick Fury chuckled. "Well, let's see what else we have here. 'Not recommended'?"

Tony read the last part, his expression growing more serious.

Nick Fury smiled. "Well, Tony Stark, you can't say I didn't warn you."

Tony shook Nick Fury's hand. "You can't afford me, Nick."

Nick Fury raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why's that?"

Tony grinned. "Because I'm worth billions, Nick. Literally."

Nick Fury chuckled. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to find a way to make it work."

Nick Fury stood at the front, his expression serious. "Tony Stark, while you're unsuitable for the Avengers Initiative, S.H.I.E.L.D. wants you as a consultant."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Unsuitable? I'm the best suit in the business, Nick."

Nick Fury smiled. "I'm not saying you're not capable, Tony. It's just that... well, you're a bit of a wild card."

Tony chuckled. "Wild card? I'm the one who's been saving the world one suit at a time."

Nick Fury nodded. "I know, Tony. And that's why we want you as a consultant. We need your expertise."

Tony thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Nick. But I have one condition."

Nick Fury raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I want Senator Stern to present me and Rhodes with our medals for bravery," Tony said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Nick Fury chuckled. "You drive a hard bargain, Tony. But I think we can arrange that."

************************************

Later, Tony received an honor in Washington.

"Mr. Stark, thank you," the presenter said. "You deserve this."

Tony smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It's about time someone recognized my genius."

The audience laughed, and Tony took the stage, his speech filled with humor and wit.

"I'm just glad I could make a difference," Tony said, grinning. "And if anyone needs me, I'll be in my lab, saving the world one suit at a time."