Very, very interesting. Inclusive instead of excluding, and your story makes it work. My impression of Pepper and Tony from the movies is that they somehow sequed(spelling?)into an old married couple kind of relationship without having the crazy in love with you kind first. They love each other strongly, they're best friends, Tony trusts her with his life, and she's looked after him for so long that just loves him with a fondness and affection that won't be ever lost.

And then he and Bruce just clicked so fast, Tony was fascinated by Bruce, and Bruce kind of relaxed more with Tony than he did with anybody else, I thought.

I also thought that there was UST between Tony and Steve, but that's a thought for other stories.

I kind of wonder why Betty and Bruce didn't touch base sooner, but well, Bruce had left her alone for her own good before, so I'm guessing that it was Pepper who negotiated for them, after getting Bruce to have some heart-to-hearts with her.

Laurie