Who: Tony and Pepper Where: Pepper’s Office When Fourth of July What Fireworks Status: Complete Rating: Low/Flirting/Kissing
Tony had a bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and a smile on his face. This was one of his favorite holidays of the year, mostly because of the pyrotechnics involved. They had an amazing view from either his or Pepper’s office window, and he decided to surprise her with champagne and music. And chocolate covered pineapple. They were waiting in the hall. He only had so many hands.
Of course, he was still sick. But Pepper knew about it, and he wasn’t going to let that stop him from having a good night tonight. If this was going to be his last Fourth of July, he wanted to enjoy it.
Pepper was worried. Which wasn’t unusual but she was more worried than usual. And had she known what Tony was thinking she’d have even more cause for concern. They’d both been so sure that it wouldn’t take long to come up with a cure for Tony but so far. Nothing.
She was stood at her office window looking out at the city. She really did love her office, how could she not with this stunning view. Hearing a noise behind her she turned and smiled, “Tony, what are you doing?” she asked moving towards him.
“Surprising you with a romantic evening,” Tony responded as he moved further into her office. He held out the glasses to her. “If that’s all right with you. I actually put time, thought and effort into it, so I’m not sure if my ego could stand a rejection right now.” He started to untwist the metal cage over the cork on the champagne bottle.
Pepper smiled, “It’s perfectly alright with me” she assured him as she took the glasses from him, “No chance of rejection don’t worry”
“Good.” His poor ego. Tony popped the cork out of the champagne bottle with expert skill. It wasn’t the kind of pop that sent things flying, and champagne spouting all over the place. But a loud noise and the fluid stayed in the bottle. Expertly. Then he poured them each a glass. “So. Happy Birthday, America.”
Oh yes, Tony’s poor ego. It didn’t really need stroking any more but it really was a sweet thing to have set up. “Happy Birthday” she echoed as she handed him his glass and clinked them together.
Tony sipped. It was just about time for the fireworks to start. He wrapped his arm gently around Pepper’s shoulders, and led her over to the sofa to sit. “I’ve got some snacks in the hallway. Hold that thought.” He set down the bottle and his glass, then popped out into the hallway to get the chocolate covered pineapple skewers.
She watched him go with a smile, which turned into a chuckle when he brought the snacks in. “Pineapple, Tony that’s perfect” she told him happily, as she placed her glass on the table near the sofa.
“I remembered.” He said, proudly, bringing the tray over to her to sit on the sofa. He had a pang in his chest, but chose to ignore it. Tonight wasn’t about sickness or arc reactors. Tonight was about chocolate covered pineapple, champagne, and fireworks. “I mean, about your allergy. That’s why it’s pineapple and not strawberry.”
“I can’t believe you remembered” she said leaning over to kiss him sweetly, “Thank you Tony, this is absolutely amazing” she smiled.
Tony returned the sweet kiss. He was grinning smugly as he offered her the plate of pineapple. “You deserve it.”
Pepper blushed a little, she wasn’t completely immune to Tony’s charm no matter how much she tried to be. Taking a piece of pineapple she bit into it and moaned happily, “This is so good” she said smiling before offering some to Tony.
Tony wasn’t really interested in the pineapple. He took a small bite, but then wrapped an arm around her shoulders and moved in closer. He would much rather nibble her skin than the confection. So… that’s what he did. Leaning in, hoping not to distract too much, he brought his lips to her neck.
Pepper smiled as he moved closer, he was going to completely distract her from everything but she couldn’t say she minded in the least. She finished the pineapple before tilting her head to allow him better access to her neck, sighing happily and running a hand through his hair.
Her fingers in his hair made Tony’s breath catch. He swallowed, simply nuzzling his nose against her skin. The fireworks started going off. From their vantage point, they could see a half dozen displays, all throughout the county. One set was rather close, and quite beautiful, but the loud BOOMs that accompanied the fireworks were muted by the thick windows.
Well Pepper always knew Tony would cause fireworks when he touched her and then she rolled her eyes at herself at the cheesy thought. It was a beautiful display but Pepper was only half paying attention, because when you had Tony Stark being sweet and loving that was really what required your focus.
Tony sighed, bringing his head to rest on her shoulder. His arms wrapped down and around her, and he cuddled her close. “I love you, Pep.” He breathed out. “I hope you’ll always remember that.”
Pepper held him close to her, fingers stroking through his hair, “I love you too Tony” she replied softly, “And I’ll never forget because you’ll always be there to tell me” she wasn’t having him saying anything depressing and that sounded too much like the beginnings of a goodbye.
Though he wasn’t so sure about that, he wasn’t about to argue. Tonight wasn’t a night for arguments. He lifted his hand to her cheek, pulled up his head, and drew her in to kiss her. Hungrily, passionately, with fireworks going off in the background.
As soon as he kissed her Pepper wrapped herself around him and let herself forget everything except Tony. It felt good to be in his arms properly, it was always the perfect way to end the day.