Friends With Benefits

Backstory.

It all began on the very first day of 6th grade. The moment Tony Stark laid eyes on Virginia Potts. He could have swore he saw an angel. The way her ginger locks sat perfectly on her shoulders with a little curl at the end of each beautiful strand. Her smile that showed off those perfectly straight and pearly white teeth. Even though he was young, Tony was a very smart little boy. He felt the connection instantly, so he walked up to her and asked her to be his friend. At first, Virginia was quite surprised. But being the nice person she is, she happily accepted his request. Their friendship quickly grew like no other. They did everything together, it was like they were tied at the hip. But when high school started for the both of them, it was a whole different ball game. Tony and Pepper (which was the nickname he gave her because of her freckles) were still friends. But, they were Friends....with Benefits. Tony and Pepper both made a promise to never fall for each other because of the consequences it would bring if they were to break up. "Tony, promise me that we won't ever have anything more that a friendship." It broke Tony's heart, but he always gave in to Pepper no matter what. "Okay, I promise." And neither of them wanted to risk a relationship for the strong friendship they have. Tony wanted to because he knew it would work, but Pepper didn't. So they decided to be best friends and use each other... for sex. They had no problem with it, but there was still that feeling inside of both of them that wanted more. The fact that Tony took Pepper's virginity was another thing. She was hoping that the person she was going to grow to love, and hopefully marry someday, would take her V card. But it just happened. It wasn't planned, two people of opposite genders simply suggested it, and it stuck. But here's the part that really made Tony fall apart. Junior year, Pepper started dating the quarterback of the football team, Michael. Of course, Tony didn't like him. He didn't like anyone for Pepper accept him. So soon enough after she got a boyfriend, it stopped. Tony and Pepper started to talk less often because she would always be with Michael. That tore Tony to shreds. He started drinking, abusing the amount of alcohol he consumed on a daily basis. Tony felt very empty and alone without Pepper in his life, but he couldn't do anything about it because of that stupid promise they had made back in the 8th grade. He eventually found a girlfriend as well, Maya. But when they were together, he would always think he was with Pepper. They would occasionally exchange a small smile as they're walking down the halls, Michael with his arm around Pepper and Tony with his arm around Maya. Both of them missed the way it used to be, but it was time for them to start settling down and getting serious.

It was the last day of 11th grade, which was known as annual skip day, so no one went to school. Tony had planned a party at his house and invited all of the upperclassmen. He was helping his butler, Jarvis, set up for the party. But he was thinking about Pepper. If she was going to come tonight. He wanted nothing more than for Pepper to be at his party.

A few hours later, guests started arriving and the music was loud, drinks were being served, and everyone was either dancing or drinking... Or doing both. A few hours into the party, Tony started to lose any hope that Pepper would come, so he stood outside on his balcony, downing the rest of his drink. He was admiring the view of the beautiful ocean. The way the moon glistened on the water and the sound the waves made as the water crashed into the rocks.

Tony felt a hand touch his shoulder, he recognizing the touch instantly. He slowly turned around to see a 5'7 red head standing behind him.

"Hey Tony." she said softly, giving him a small smile.