mrtonystark (mrtonystark) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2014-01-22 11:25:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, pepper potts, tony stark (iron man) |
I can free up a day to come along I’m sure
Who: Pepper Potts and Tony Stark
When: First week of January 2014
Where: Her office
What: Talking? Maybe a moment?
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete
Pepper was in her office, as usual, looking over a proposal from another company who wanted Stark Industries backing. If it was promising or something they would support she’d pass it onto Tony for the final okay. However, she wasn’t getting very far. She had a headache beginning to form and her sleep had been disturbed by dreams.
Turning her chair she looked out of her office window as she tried to collect her thoughts. It wasn’t exactly how she’d wanted to begin the New Year, headaches and dreams but still they had at least seen it in well. The party had gone off perfectly and everybody had been happy.
Tony pushed open the door and leaned into the room, while the voice of Pepper’s assistant could be heard scolding him in the background. She was obviously unhappy that Tony had simply brushed past her, and ignored her insistence that he needed to have an appointment.
“Pepper? You taking visitors?” He said, breaking into a grin.
Pepper turned around and smiled, “Well I wasn’t, but since it’s you I’ll make an exception” she replied, indicating to her assistant that everything was fine.
“I’m touched.” Tony said, then turned and waved off Pepper’s assistant before pulling the door closed behind himself. “You know, it is My name on the building,” he said rather loudly, mostly to the door as it closed--so her assistant could hear.
“Jeez, she sure puts the ass in secretary,” he said, wandering in a little further to perch on the edge of her desk. “Where’d you find her, anyway?”
Pepper couldn’t help but grin at Tony’s petulant call for her assistant’s benefit. It really was rather amusing.
That grin turned into a laugh as he perched near her, “I took out an add which only asked for ass-y secretaries to apply” she told him, lips twitching, “She’s actually very good, if you obey the rules”
“Not sure I like rules, frankly.” Tony said, giving his shoulder a shrug. “Not the ones that I can’t break every now and again. And honestly, I’m not sure you should be following the rules, either. It can’t be good for your stress levels. Speaking of, that’s why I’m here. I think Stark Industries’ hardest worker needs a lunch break.” It wasn’t clear whether he was talking about her or himself.
Pepper was well aware what Tony thought of rules and while she didn’t agree she did admit that he did fairly well considering he never followed them.
“I think that’s a great idea. Have a nice time and bring me back a sandwich” she teased him with a smirk.
Tony looked a bit offended. Playfully so, of course. “Just give me your order. Just don’t make it too complicated.”
She laughed, “In that case I’d better come with you, wouldn’t want you to get it wrong”
“Good girl.” Tony said, breaking into a grin. He jumped up off the desk and started toward the door, but turned around and waited while she climbed out of her chair to follow him. “I can’t guarantee a positive eating experience unless I’m right there with you, you know.”
Pepper raised her eyebrow at being called a ‘good girl’ but rolled her eyes at him and grabbed her purse as she followed Tony, “Well it’ll be an experience I’m sure” she told him stopping for a moment to let her assistant know she would be out for lunch.
Tony didn’t even acknowledge the assistant as he made his way through the hallway and toward the elevator. His step slowed a little so that Pepper could catch up with him, then he held the door open for her before following her into the metal box. “So. Sandwiches? Really?”
Leaning against the back of the elevator Pepper looked at him in amusement, “You’ve got me out of the office now so wherever you want to go is fine” she told him, figuring sandwiches weren’t really what he had in mind.
“Tapas?” Tony asked, turning to push the button for the lobby. One of the greatest things about Stark Tower is that it was pretty much walking distance from a handful of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and a bunch of other buildings. Tony had a few favorite places where he liked to go or to order in. He stood with his hands in his pockets, giving Pepper his full attention.
Pepper nodded, "Sounds good" she said, considering Tony as he stood watching her. "To what do I owe this lunchtime surprise?" she asked curiously.
Tony was caught a little off guard by that question. He hadn’t been expecting it, and honestly didn’t have an answer to it. He blinked for a moment, then broke into a little grin. “I didn’t know I had to have a reason to take my favorite gal out to lunch.”
“Oh you don’t need one, it just makes me wonder what you’ve done wrong that you’re going to confess over lunch” she told him before grinning. “I’m obviously too suspicious” but really, when it came to Tony, there was no such thing and they both knew it.
“Obviously.” Tony said. Though, he understood where her suspicions came from. It wasn’t like he had a perfect track record, or anything. He chuckled softly and cleared his throat. “I’m just… looking for good company for lunch. That’s all, I swear it. But if you want me to cause some trouble…”
“No, no you do that enough without actually putting your mind to it” Pepper told him, “You could do something for me though...” she told him slowly folding her arms in front of her, “...like maybe explain why a ten thousand dollar withdrawal appeared on your latest statement?”
Tony’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, so you noticed that withdrawl, did you?” He asked, then broke into a smirk. “I was wondering if it’d catch your attention. Did you see who the check was written out to?” The organization that Steve volunteered with already cashed the check. Good. That meant they were planning the Disneyland trip. Good for the kids, really.
Pepper shook her head, “I haven’t looked into the cheque number yet, I just noticed it this morning. I’ve made a note to enquire further but you can just tell me now” her voice was slightly reprimanding but not too much. She had come to expect these things from time to time so there was some assumption there.
“Steve came to see me in my lab.” Tony said, starting up the story. He moved to lean against the back of the elevator beside her. The ride wouldn’t take much longer, so he wanted to impress her before the doors opened. “He said he does charity work with this organization… mentoring kids. They’re doing some kind of fundraiser, so I cut him a check. To take the kids to Disneyland.”
“I’ve heard about it, they do some incredible work” Pepper said slowly, she knew Tony was a good person and the company donated to many good causes but this was somewhat unexpected. “Tony, that’s absolutely wonderful” she said with a very sweet smile.
Tony chuckled softly. “Thanks. Yeah, I thought it was a good thing to do.” He lifted a hand to rub at the hair on the back of his head. Now that the moment was here, he almost felt a little shy about her finding out that he’d made the donation. It was both to impress her, and because it was the right thing to do. He’d do it again, too, for the smile on her face.
“It is, it’s a very good thing” she told him, nudging him with her shoulder while still smiling. “You should go too. It’ll be good PR for the company and I bet the kids would love it too” Of course it would be good PR just donating but Pepper knew the big kid inside Tony would probably enjoy going too.
Tony wasn’t really planning on making a big deal out of it. He wanted to go, sure. He was a big kid, after all. But the publicity wasn’t what he was thinking of when he made the donation. “Sure, I’ll go. But only if you come along with me.” He said, then the doors opened, and he waited for her to lead the way out of the elevator and into the lobby.
She knew the publicity wasn’t what Tony was thinking of, but it would be good for the company and that was what she needed to think of too. She wouldn’t tell them before he went but she’d leak information after the event. Tony in disneyland was likely to draw a few people’s attention anyway. She stepped out and looked at him amused, “I can free up a day to come along I’m sure” she told him, “Thank you” she added, though for donating or for the invite it wasn’t clear.
“Good. It wouldn’t be the same without you, Pep.” He said, and then followed her out of the elevator. He didn’t really care if it was for the donating or the invite. He knew he’d impressed her, and that was what counted. He held the door open once they reached the far side of the lobby, and there was a driver there ready to let them into a private car. Tony let Pepper climb in first, then moved in after (and beside) her.
He’d definitely impressed her and, honestly, Pepper was rather hard to impress. So he should definitely be proud of that. Once they were inside the car she became very aware that she was going to lunch with Tony. It was a rarity that either of them took lunch so she supposed it could be seen as progress. “How is your latest project coming along?” she asked him once the car began moving.
“It’s good.” Tony had been working on some animatronics in the lab. Robots, actually. And he’d been working on some AI-like programs to help guide them. But it was slow. “Really good. I think I’ve got the wiring problem figured out. How about you? How’s running the company?” Because everyone in the car (the driver included) knew how important Pepper really was to Stark Industries.
"Well thats good" she smiled knowing it had been bothering him but then with Tony things never stayed an issue for long. "Everything's fine" she informed him, amusement lacing her tone, "I was just looking over proposals actually. A lot of people want to work with us"
“Oh? That’s good. Good news.” Having the best of the latest technology was really paying off, wasn’t it? They were the talk of the town and the envy of the tech-savvy. The trip was a very short one, and the driver pulled into the covered garage next to the Tapas joint. Tony climbed out of the car first, and reached a hand to help Pepper out of the car. “I’m sure to have a full schedule for the next six months or so, then. Am I right?”
“It is good. We’re the leaders in our field of expertise, which is of no surprise of course” How could they not be really? Not only did they have Tony but those within their employ were also the brightest minds around. Pepper was incredibly proud of what they had built. Taking his hand she got out of the car, “I’ll try not to work you too hard” she promised, “I know what you’re like” Which is why she made sure to bring him food and coffee and occasionally insist he get some sleep.
Tony ran his thumb over the back of her hand once, giving it a gentle squeeze, then released it. The lack of warmth made him instantly cool inside. He wanted to grab her hand again, but then realized how silly that urge was. “Oh? And what am I like?” He asked, giving her a grin.
Pepper was banking down the urge to retake Tony’s hand as well, her skin tingling where he’d stroked his thumb over it. “Hard working, brilliantly clever, uniquely gifted...” she told him with a smile before finishing with”...and completely unable to look after yourself. Honestly, people don’t usually need to be reminded that food and sleep are everyday requirements” she pointed out though her tone was fond.
He was breaking into a grin when she listed his positive qualities, but then Tony’s jaw dropped and he frowned when she said he wasn’t able to look after himself. He opened his mouth to make a rebuttal, but then the frown deepened as he realized he really couldn’t argue with that. A little chuckle escaped him. “I suppose I don’t need to remember so long as I’ve got you to remind me.” He said, then led the way into the restaurant.
Pepper watched the play of emotions on Tony’s face in amusement, which only deepened when he realised he couldn’t really deny the truth of it. “Guess that means I’ll have to stick around then” she teased as she followed him, “Although I can’t help thinking I’m just helping to perpetuate the problem”
“I hope you would, anyway.” Tony said, softly. He wasn’t really sure what made him go so soft and serious in the front entryway of the Tapas restaurant. But he stopped for a moment, right then and there. “I can’t think of a problem I’d rather have--so long as it means you’re going to stick around.” He added, then brought one hand up to touch her elbow.
“For two?” A voice came through and broke whatever bubble it was that Tony felt they were in. The maitre D of the restaurant was looking at them expectantly.
“Oh, yes. Two.” Tony said, releasing Pepper’s arm so he could hold up two fingers.
“Right this way,” the woman said, turning to lead them to their table in the back. She left menus behind, gave them some fresh ice water, then hurried back off to the kitchen.
Pepper was taken aback by Tony’s seriousness but before she could say anything they were being shown to their table. Once they were sat down and alone again Pepper smiled softly, “You know I’m not going anywhere. I couldn’t imagine not working with you Tony” She couldn’t imagine her life without Tony in it now and honestly she didn’t want to.
Tony gave a little nod, setting the menu aside. He didn’t really care what they ate. He was more interested in Pepper at the moment. “I know. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Working or otherwise. He cleared his throat, then finally picked up the menu. “So… a Special? Make it two?” He asked, opening it to look down at the menu items.
“Me either” Pepper said, ignoring her own menu in favour of Tony before he cleared his throat and she returned her gaze downwards. This is a really bad idea Pepper, she chastised herself, you can’t afford to make this into a messy situation. “Mmmhmm” she nodded, “Sounds good”
“Good.” Tony just closed the menu and set it down. It wasn’t like money was any object. They could order as much food as they wanted to, and ignore the stuff that wasn’t good. The waitress came by, and Tony turned to order a couple of the Daily Specials, a couple of drinks, and some starters. He was hungry.
Pepper wasn’t a fan of waste but with Tapas it was always a good idea to order a lot of variety and it wasn’t too bad. Once the order was placed and the waitress left Pepper smiled, “So do you have any other good deeds or secrets you’re keeping from me?”
“Nope. That’s all I’ve been up to lately.” Tony said, though there was a smirk on his face. He always had secrets. “What about you, Pep? What aren’t you telling me?”
“You know I don’t believe a word you’re saying” she told him, smirking himself before flushing slightly, “I’m an open book. I don’t have time for secrets”
Tony laughed softly. “No more secrets. I swear it.” He lifted his hand to give the boy scout signal. “Scout’s honor.” And then he lowered it again. The waitress brought out some beers in the bottle to the table. Tony lifted one for a sip, winked at the waitress, then leaned back in his chair. “Come now, you can’t possibly expect me to believe that.”
Pepper grinned at his boy scout promise, "You were never a boy scout" she laughed still smiling when the waitress came over. Pepper poured some of a bottle into a glass for herself, "It's the truth. I work, I train with Steve and occasionally meet friends for coffee" mostly when they messaged her to say they'd forgotten what she looked like.
Tony raised his eyebrows. “Hey, I could have been a boy scout.” He wasn’t, but he could have been. “...Steve, huh? I’ll have to ask him about that.” He said, nodding once. Maybe it was time for Tony to do some training of his own.
“Mmmhmm” Pepper replied unconvinced but amused. He had the ability to be a boy scout but he’d never have put up with the rules. “You should” she said, “He’s very good. Keeps you in line and on track”
“As if I need someone to keep me in line and on track,” Tony chuckled, starting in on his food. He ate for a while in silence, simply biting and chewing, watching her with interest as they ate. It felt very domestic, the two of them eating like this.
Pepper smiled, “The very thought” she teased before eating as well, blushing slightly as she felt him watching her. The same thought occurring to her about how domestic yet nice it felt to be eating together.
Tony gave her a grin. He couldn’t really put into words how this all felt. He was going to have to retreat to his office or his lab and think. And make something. He always thought better when he was soldering.
While Pepper would do paperwork while she mulled things over, in some ways they were actually quite similar.