Re: Pepper and Phil (open to Tony and Maria)
Phil was relived that whatever previous tension that there had been between Virginia and Maria had been resolved, down to a quiet respect between the two women. They were both so similar, and yet had their unique differences. He was glad to enjoy their company, in very different ways.
Taking her hand in his and placing his other on her waist, he moved them slowly around the dance floor with the other guests of the party, his expression going thoughtful. "It's very hard to break out of that routine," he admitted. "Especially when you're so used to controlling everything, yes, or at least have it planned out. Maria and I are very similar in that respect. We thrive on order. Chaos, because of our work is seen as a bad thing. But I think we could do with a little bit of the constructive kind." Another hesitation, and his expression went uncertain.
"I'm going to tell you something in confidence, and it's because you have a great deal more experience with relationships than I do. I've told Maria that I love her, and I do love her." They moved to the music in silence, Phil carefully thinking out his next words. "We've started talking about a future together, with whatever that entails with both us and SHIELD. And I'm ... I'm excited, Virginia." He cleared his throat, feeling a little strange talking about his relationship with someone other than the one he was involved with.
"She brings to me a kind of stability that I don't know that I could find in someone else. Both of us working for SHIELD could be a hindrance but it isn't. We both know and understand the constraints that our jobs put on each other. Our schedules don't allow for much regular time together, and we're happy with time that we do have. It's strange but ... I find more comfort in it than I've found in something in a very long time." Another silence. "But I worry that I might push her too far into her discomfort zone, or profess my feelings about her once too many and that would scare her off."
"I love her. And I don't care if she can't ever say it back to me, I just want her there."