InsaneJournal

Who: Tony and Pepper
What: a proposal.
When: The night before Sam's party.
Rating: Green

Pepper had been spending more and more time with Tony after their lunch. She had moved beyond the stage of pretending to remain firm on their break. It had been a losing battle from the get go, but her pride had demanded that she at least try to resist Tony’s charms for a bit. It was just supposed to be a longer bit. The best laid plans of mice and Pepper.

Tony wanted to marry her! That word and anything remotely similar to it had been forbidden. Pepper hadn’t really minded. They had been together. That was what was important. But he went there. And he had meant every word of it. If Pepper hadn’t insisted on tradition they’d be engaged right now. She had wanted a little time between that moment and her actual decision to make certain she hadn’t just been overwhelmed. Well, that time had passed.

Tony had invited her to the penthouse on Fifth Avenue. There was only one observatory in that area and it was more than a little luxurious. Tony had apparently left her name at the security desk and she had been escorted to the elevator bay that would take her right up to the penthouse. When she reached the top and the doors opened she couldn’t help but stare. Being Tony’s assistant exposed you to a lot of opulence, but this was ritzy even for him.

Pepper hadn’t really known how to dress so she went with what she was used to: business chic. “Did you buy this place?” she asked as she stepped in. It wouldn’t surprise her, but she had thought he had enough property.

The door was held open for her and Tony was still admiring the view when she walked in.

"Yeah, after we split up. Before this time. Or the time before that. Now we have hers and his penthouses," Tony said, closing the door and the locks clicking in place automatically. "Like it? I might have room for you. Or rooms. Plural, not singular. Somewhere. We'll manage."

He quickly swept in, placing one hand against the small of Pepper's back while walking beside her toward the outside observation deck. Candles were lit, casting a warm twinkling glow throughout the open area, the breeze causing the flames to flicker and dance. There wasn't any sign of flowers or champagne though, which might be deemed suspicious.

He let his hand drift up over her back until he could put one arm around her shoulders and draw her closer. There wasn't anything about the view that was as captivating as she was, so he didn't bother with looking out at it. Instead, he watched the way the wind toyed with any loose strands of her hair and looked as though he was burning every feature of her face into his memory.

It wasn't often that he said anything that wasn't tainted by sarcasm or cynicism, that didn't have some bitter edge to it, or was laden with an undercurrent of chatty anxiety. But at this moment, he sounded like a perfectly normal person, issuing a compliment to someone he cared about more than anything.

"There's nothing more beautiful to me than you are," he said, without it being rushed to the point of words trying to tumble out like gun fire. He looked utterly at ease. "You're perfect. Always have been. Always will be."

“Oh yeah?” Pepper’s smirk was amused as she nodded her head. She let Tony direct her to wherever he wanted them to go as she looked around. “So is this one his or hers because there’s a lot I could do with the place.” She looked at Tony with a chuckle. “Yeah, I’m sure I could squeeze into a closet or something and be very comfortable.”

Stepping out onto the deck turned her smirk into a smile. Candles or no, she always found it amazing to look out over a city...any city...from a height like this. New York looked quiet, peaceful. Central Park looked safe and inviting. It was a pleasant ruse.

“It’s beautiful,” she said in a hushed tone. Tony sounded as calm as the city looked. Pepper turned to look at him with a smile of fond approval. “I think we both know I’m far from perfect, but thank you.” She rewarded him with a kiss. A real kiss, thank you, but not one that would lead them to investigating one of those bedrooms he’d been talking about.

It was rare when Tony instigated a kiss. He always found himself the center of attention, unwanted or otherwise. That included touching, and there were very few people he wanted invading his personal space. Pepper always possessed a free pass to hand him things and physical contact. Including kisses, which he leaned into and let it last for as long as possible.

"You're perfect to me. And for me. And that's why, your special place isn't here. Glad I didn't tell you to take your coat off. I've got to sweep you off your feet and fly you there."

Tony winked as he stepped back toward what looked like the Mach VI suit, but it opened up to allow him to hop inside before the faceplate dropped down over his face. Both arms were held out and the hands were making a beckoning motion to come closer.

"You trust me, right?" his voice could be heard through the suit's outbound communication. "It'll be good. Breezy. Romantic. I promise. I got this. Don't worry, because it'll all make sense when you get there."

Before they had started dating Pepper had never been certain why Tony had trusted her enough to allow physical contact. It had certainly made her job easier. Then it had made things so much easier...and fun...after they had become them. Take now for instance. This right here...this kiss...it was a pretty nice culmination of so many years together. The smile that was left on her face after held all of that gratitude, understanding and yes, love.

Pepper’s brows lifted to see the suit, but the fact that he had to fly her to wherever they were going to be tonight made her side eye him a bit. “Of course I trust you,” she said as she hesitantly stepped forward. “But I’m wearing a skirt, Tony.” She reached out a hand toward one of those armored ones.

Sure, he cared about other people - sometimes way too much - and he had a hard time showing it. But Pepper? He had been in love with her from day one, when she walked in wearing ridiculous high heels and not letting him get away with murder. She could handle him at his absolute worst with the sort of candor and caring he needed. So as he looked up to start the flight trajectory and the repulsors kicked in some thrust to take off, he made sure to take good care of her just like she took care of him. Every safety protocol was in place, and he knew the exact speed and trajectory to keep her comfortable. It was fine if he was a speed demon. But not when Pepper was on board.

She couldn’t help it. She clung to Tony’s suit like a lamprey. Humans weren’t meant to fly unless they were in a pressurized can. It was the same reason she didn’t go swimming. Humans didn’t breathe water either. She was much happier in the environment nature provided for them, thank you. However, she could tell he was being careful...which was sweet.

It wasn't a long flight. Tony stayed low and slow to not rustle her up too much. They wove between buildings and over busy New York streets, until they reached Flushing Meadows, and the planet sculpture where the Stark Expo had taken place. He flew past it in a half circle, and headed toward a nearby rooftop, setting down in a landing. This time, years later, he wasn't in ruined armor and staggering around to get his helmet off. The other thing was that there was no signs of fires in the distance, either.

The significance of this rooftop became apparent when Tony stepped out of his armor and waved one hand out toward the Expo grounds, saying with a smile, "I still think I did ok."

In fact, the only signs of fire were some lit candles on top of a table, including a bucket with chilled champagne. No doubt it was the good stuff.

Careful or not, her hair was completely rumpled by the time they got to wherever Tony was going. Pepper pulled her head out when he landed, but it took a moment before she was ready to put her feet on the ground. Once she did however her eyes took in the delight that was the atmosphere for tonight’s date.

Pepper looked back at Tony. The location was not lost on her and her eyes were a little shinier as she nodded. “You did great.” In fact he earned himself another kiss.

When their lips met, Tony was always reminded that it was sweet, and it was loving, but it was also like two forces feeling a gravitational pull toward one another. His hands found their way to her waist and the kiss threatened to go on until he tipped his head back. Still not weird. That was a good thing, except he had a lot to say.

He stepped back only enough to hold her hands and look into her eyes.

"I am great, so, you know what? It comes with the territory." He took in a deep breath. "This is where you and I really started. Not playing games anymore. First kiss. Not ideal circumstances? But I'm not the best go-to example of that."

He was quiet for a moment, his thumbs caressing over her the tops of her hands.

"I know I mess up a lot. I say a lot of things I shouldn't say. I do a lot of things I shouldn't do. But the one thing I'm always sure of, is that I love you. And I've never once regretted a day since I first kissed you on this roof, with sirens in the background, and a few fires....and Rhodey trying to steal my pun thunder. And failing miserably. Because he's not me."

He almost looked sheepish, if not for the fact he was Tony Stark, and he didn't have a sheepish bone in his body. He did have a lot of blunt honesty, though. And that was evident when he murmured, "I'm not sure what I'm doing anymore. And this timeline is broken. So if it breaks entirely, I don't want to have any regrets. That's why...ok, wait, hold on."

He looked like he was a cross between thoughtful and disgruntled.

"Yep, that's indigestion and not a heart attack. We're good. I'm gonna keep going now, ok?"

Pepper smiled at him as he took her hands. He had a speech prepared. She knew that look. He was also nervous, but not in his usual anxiety attack way. The best thing to do was to let him have his moment. She was kind of caught up in her memories of this place as well so she let him go first.

She nodded along with him. “Yes, you do.” He had always lacked verbal filters. Before Afghanistan he had done it on purpose for the shock value. Time and responsibility had altered that. He still didn’t have any filters which was why when he made his medical diagnosis she just about fainting.

“Heart attack?” Pepper’s hands tightened in Tony’s as she dipped her head a little to look him over. “Tony, oh my god! Does this happen a lot? You are so going on a schedule and sticking to it or your stress levels will put you into an early grave.” She sighed as she shook her head a little bit then nodded. “Yes, fine. Keep going. But don’t do that to me! I’ll have my own heart attack.”

Tony was staring at Pepper, sure that when she found out he scheduled an elective surgery would be the day she killed him. Better break that too her soon. Ish. First?

"Nope! No heart attacks for you. No stealing my cardiac thunder either." He let go of her hands after luring her in closer, and rested his hands on her shoulders. That felt awkward, the whole thing felt suddenly very off kilter, causing him to look around and swallow down the sudden tightening in his throat and Pepper was talking. He couldn't stop to answer. If he did, then he wouldn't finish.. "All right. All right. Here goes. Yep. Still going."

He drew in a deep, deep breath.

"Like I said? I've never regretted a single day since then. But I also feel like I've wasted a lot of time with my stupid bullshit, and I've put you through so much. And you've always been good to me, and really have taken good care of me. Made sure that I had everything I ever needed, whenever I needed it. So. Wait! I have to go this way. Be right back. Just shh, not yet...gimme a mo."

Tony pointed down, followed by getting down on one knee and drawing a ring out of his pocket. As he moved, it sparkled between his fingers from the lights of the surrounding buildings, and in the dim light, resembled a twinkling star. It wasn't, of course, although he would've given her a piece of one of he could. Instead, she'd have to settle for a diamond of many carats set in platinum.

"Hi! I'm back," he said with a bright smile, reaching up to hold one of her hands again. As much as he liked to come off looking cocky and snarky, Tony's eyes were wide and hopeful. "I know you're saying stuff,because we talk over each other all the time, but before you get too far? I'm not ever gonna stop saying that I met my match, and that's you. So I'm here to negotiate an iron clad merger with the most beautiful, smartest, most kick ass CEO in the world. Virginia Potts, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

“No one could steal your thunder, cardiac or otherwise.” Like they have always done Pepper replied as Tony was still talking. Somehow they always managed to hear each other. “You’re so loud and insistent you drown everyone else out.” She smirked as he released her hands only to move toward him as he silently requested. She nodded, smoothing her features to neutral, bordering on serious. Pepper couldn’t make fun of him since this was obviously important. She was pretty sure what was going to happen, but obviously he worked so hard at this. Just as she’d asked him to.

“...Tony,” Pepper protested. “If that’s all it was...putting up with your shit...I would have left a long time ago. You know that.” She covered one of those hands on her shoulder with hers in reassurance. The soft smile on her face was offered to him as well.

Then he was on the move again. Pepper blinked as he began doing...whatever it was he was….oh! Her heart felt ready to pound out of her chest. The hand Tony didn’t take hold of was pressed against her chest. Yes, she had been expecting this. She knew Tony was going to propose. She’d given him the challenge after all. But here it was. Right there in front of her and that rock gave off a light of its own! There had never been a doubt that Tony would have bought the biggest and the best but wow!

Overwhelmed, Pepper had to swallow a couple of times before she found her voice. Her hand tightened in Tony’s as she nodded. “Yes, Anthony Edward Stark, I would be proud to marry you.” Proud to be Mrs. Pepper Stark. Hmm. That sounded like a new spice. Maybe they would have to address that.

Not only did it sound like a new spice, it seemed like they finally reached a sealed deal. Tony's expression was as brilliant as the shimmering of that diamond ring he was slipping onto her finger, while making a barely audible little 'yay' noise. As he stood up he put both arms around her waist and gave Pepper the sort of kiss that didn't seem like it was ever going to end.

Which was fine. For one of the few times in his life, he didn't feel the need to rush.