FIC: These Days Are Ours, Pt 1
Hey all, this is the story that some of you have been requesting to see. 4persephone and I wrote this awhile back, as a Halloween inspired little ficlet where Tony gets to interact with some kiddos.
Author: 4persephone and NeonDaisies
Rating: T for Teen
Words: 9594 total, 3722 this part
Spoilers: IM1, slight
Chapters: 1
Status: Complete
“Don’t worry, Babe. I’ll be done with work and out of the office on time. It’s been a slow day. I’ll be on your front doorstep ready to go by hopefully 6:45.”
Tony Stark pauses on his way into the living room from the back hall, towel still in hand as he rubs the last of the moisture from his hair.
Pepper is sitting on the far couch, laptop in her lap and earpiece connected to her Blackberry. She’s speaking into the mouthpiece with an affection he finds a little bit alarming. She hasn’t noticed him, judging by the sheer open ease on her face.
‘Babe?’ Some part of his subconscious sits up and takes notice. ‘Who the hell in Pepper Potts’s life has the right to that title?!’ He knows for a fact that he’s keeping her too busy these days - whether that’s his intention or not - to allow her the time to date. He’s also pretty sure that she doesn’t have any old boyfriends to whom she’s stayed close enough to call by pet names.
So either he’s missing something huge…or… ‘Or you missed something medium sized?’ he asks himself with dry humor. Either way his curiosity is only peaked when Pepper notices his presence finally and lets out a little squeak.
“Okay E, I’ve got to go for now. I promise I’ll call you back later.” And then she hits the end button on her BlackBerry. “Tony!” She tries and utterly fails not to look like a child with its hand cut in the cookie jar. “I thought that you left an hour ago. You’re going to be late for your party.”
She means the costume party of course. The big gala event he attends most years on October 31st. This year though…well he guesses he’s lost his taste for it. The downside perhaps, of wearing a suit of armor semi-professionally.
He’d been hoping to convince her to let him treat her to a late lunch. Unfortunately it looks like she has other plans though.
Not that he lets the disappointment show. “I didn’t have a costume that was non-lethal,” he deadpans as he takes a seat on the couch. “I’m not really in the mood for a big party anyway.” Besides, he’s trying to curb his drinking and he doesn’t do causal sex anymore, so that more or less takes care of his reasons for going out. Without the sex and alcohol, it was just him standing around in a funny outfit with a bunch of adults talking business and politics.
Bor-ing.
Pepper looks sympathetic. “Not feeling up to uncontrolled revelry at the moment?” Her eyes sweep his form in concern. “I know you took a pretty good beating when you went out earlier this week.”
He smiles a little wryly. “Nah…I just got scratches and bruises. Nothing that can’t be treated with ice and the occasional application of Ben Gay.” Then he raises an eyebrow. “I just don’t feel like being in a crowd of obnoxious idiots. You on the other hand, sound like you’ve got definite plans for this evening.”
Pepper flushes a little, but her voice and hands are steady as she starts tapping away at her keyboard. “Yes, I do, though in a less formal setting.”
“So who’s this ‘E’ guy?” Tony questions. “That’s an unusual name. Since when did you start dating guys with such a low attachment to the alphabet?”
Pepper rolls her eyes. “His full name is Eduardo. And for the record we’re not dating…just hanging out for the evening.”
“A nice guy I hope.” There’s a smile flirting with the corners of Tony’s mouth as he leans back into the sofa.
Pepper nods. “I mostly enjoy his company, yeah. He’s a little short for my tastes but always wonderfully polite - holds doors and has impeccable table manners.”
Tony raises one eyebrow. “Ouch. I think I’ve been chided for my behavior.” He then grins at Pepper. “You’re being circumspect.”
She grins back, obviously with no intention of satisfying his curiosity. “Yup.”
“I’d think you’re trying to drive me crazy but then I’m already probably there.”
She nods, then looks thoughtful. “You know, if you want to, you’re welcome to join us. As I said, it’s not a date - just dinner and then a walk to enjoy the ambience. Maybe a movie later on. It won’t be as upper crust as you’re probably used to, just E, his sister and I.”
“Sister?” Tony asks semi-suspiciously. “You’re not trying to set me up, are you?”
Pepper snickers. “Don’t worry, Stark. I’m pretty certain you’re not her ‘type.’”
“Then why am I being invited along?” He looks at her in genuine confusion
“Because we’re just out to have fun and you look like you could use some yourself. I mean, face it Tony, you’ve been all but moping around the mansion all week long. I thought maybe you’d like a fun diversion and some hopefully pleasant company.”
Well, she had him there. He’s bored out of his mind, and with his main source of amusement about to leave for the evening it’s not likely to get much better.
Still there are complications. Tony rubs his face before saying, “Is this a costumed event? Because if so I really have nothing to wear, Pepper.”
She looks reassuring. “There’s not going to be a costume contest or anything. You could probably get away with cutting holes in a sheet and throwing it over your head.” Before he can protest she raises a hand, “But since you’re probably not thrilled with that idea, just let me loose on your closet. I bet I can come up with something that will work.”
Tony shrugs. “If you’re really sure I’ll be welcome.” This his solemn mood falls and he grins again. “So, costumes huh? What are you going out as?”
She chuckles. “A fifties maltshop waitress. I’ve got a white blouse and a long purple poodle skirt.”
Tony sighs. There go his plans for maybe seeing a little bit more leg out of her than usual. Still… “You have oxfords to go with that?” He can warm up to that mental image.
Pepper nods. “I’m also going to pull my hair up in a truly obnoxious ribboned ponytail.”
That does make him smile, or more precisely smirk. “You know, the more time I have to think about this, the more I find the whole concept to be…” He trails off, waiting for her to finish the sentence just so he can correct her.
“Be careful how you finish that sentence, Stark.” Pepper smirks right back.
Then her brow wrinkles. “Okay, then you definitely need a costume…” She chews her bottom lip. “So do you care if you’re noticed while we’re out or all you tired of all the cameras? Because I bet that I could probably come up with something incognito.”
“Incognito, please,” Tony says with feeling. “And I can’t help it. You in a poodle skirt and oxfords? Pretty hot, Pepper.”
She groans. “Oh great. I’m going to be stuck with a twenty first century version of Fonzie…” She pauses and her face lights up. “Speaking of which…” She sets aside her laptop and rises from the couch, heading for his closet while doing a quick mental inventory.
If he’s still got that old black leather jacket, she’s got the perfect easy costume.
Tony stands waiting on Pepper’s apartment doorstep, rubbing his face as he tries to get used to the sensation of being clean-shaven. Pepper’s right that shaving off the goatee and mustache increase his chances of going incognito greatly, and that it’ll grow back more or less overnight. (He’s not sure if she actually called him hairy, but the implication was definitely there.) He hasn’t been without facial hair in just over a decade, though.
It feels really weird.
Still, looking down at his well worn jeans and his black leather jacket, he has to admit that with a little hair grease and a slight slouch to one side he does look an awful lot like Fonzie.
“Pepper? Potts, let’s get a move on!” He knocks on the door, “You told them 6:45 and it’s already 6:30. I don’t want this guy pissed off because he thinks I made you late!”
The door creaks open and Pepper sticks her head out. “Just come in and stop hollering. I need maybe five more minutes.” She’s wearing poodle skirt and white shirt, but has yet to produce a ponytail or the appropriate shoes.
Tony looks down at his outfit, then at hers again. He scratches. “Uh Pepper, it looks a lot to me like we’re in a ‘couple’s’ outfit. This isn’t going to upset the guy you’re supposed to be meeting tonight?”
“E is really easy going, Tony. And as I said, we’re not dating - he’s just a friend. He’s going to have no issue with the costumes at all, especially if I offer to buy pizza for all of us for dinner.”
Tony’s not sure about that. He’s starting to feel the smallest bit uncomfortable. No matter what Pepper says, he’s a little worried about being some kind of third wheel. Or fourth, as the case may be, since there’s a sister along for the ride too.
“What’s the sister’s name?” He watches Pepper head over to the bathroom, where she stops in front of the mirror and opens the top drawer to her vanity, producing a hair binder and several brightly colored strips of cloth.
“Her name is Gabrielle, though we mostly just call her Gabby.”
“And I’m not her type?” he asks again just to be certain this isn’t a cleverly hidden blind date.
“Oh, I’m not saying she’d hate you. In fact, she’ll be thrilled to have someone to talk science with. Just don’t get her started on volcanoes though or she’ll drone on and on for hours.” Pepper smiles and ties the last ribbon around the waterfall of red hair before tilting her head in his direction. “Don’t worry about it, Tony. I wouldn’t have invited you along if I wasn’t absolutely sure that you’ll be genuinely welcome.”
“I like talking science,” Tony acknowledges, starting to relax a little. Maybe this evening won’t be a total loss. He’d wanted to take her out to dinner after all, and he’s getting that in a round about sort of way, albeit with more company then he’d hoped. However, her evasiveness when it comes to answering his questions keeps the hair on the back of his neck at half-attention.
“There’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?” he asks. It’s not really a question.
“Yes,” she says without a hint of apology. “But don’t worry, it’s nothing particularly humiliating or anything.”
His eyes narrow a little. “She’s a total dog isn’t she? Or she’s got an annoying voice or a massive overbite?”
Pepper shakes her head, snickering softly. “She’s got hair and eyes as dark as yours and a face that most people would call pretty. She also loves science as I said, but otherwise isn’t all that much of a talker.”
“You’re hard selling her, Potts. I thought you said that you weren’t setting me up.”
“Then why are you concerned about her being a ‘dog’?” Pepper shoots back. “Tony, just relax, okay? I have to go finish getting ready because we’re already going to be late now.”
Tony nods and sighs, allowing her to disappear into the bedroom in search of her shoes, wondering what exactly he’s missing.
Something quite obviously, because Pepper keeps smirking in his direction like she’s having the time of her life.
“Pepper!” The word is a loud delighted squeal, and before he can even slam shut his car door, a small figure comes barreling out of the house and straight at his P.A. Tony Stark blinks several times as Pepper is bowled over by a three foot tall cardboard-constructed replica of Iron Man.
“E!” Pepper laughs as the child throws his arms around her skirt. “I’m happy to see you too. Just be careful there, sweetie. If you break my leg we’re not going to be able to go anywhere.”
The pint sized superhero nods and steps back looking sheepish. “Sorry.”
Tony’s free to watch the scene as he stands unnoticed on the other side of the car. While there’s a possibility that there’s an Eduardo Sr. around here somewhere, Pepper’s earlier reticence on the subject makes him doubt that, especially in light of the smug little smile she’s now throwing at him.
Pepper has managed to let him hang on his own assumptions: it had been a remarkably well played out prank.
He feels a smile start to curve up his lips, because it’s rare to see her this unabashedly playful. Even if the price of it was the realization he was going to be spending the evening not with two other adults, but likely with two children.
‘Well here’s your good news, Stark: Your competition’s three feet tall. And your suit is definitely more shiny.’
“Care to introduce us, Ms Potts?” he asks as he closes the door to the car and quickly steps over to where the two are standing.
Pepper nods and gestures between them formally. “Tony Edward Stark meet Eduardo Thomas Ramos.” The little boy blinks for a moment, clearly surprised, but then straightens up and holds out a hand almost solemnly.
“E. Nice to meet you.” The boy maintains eye contact for perhaps half a second before his eyes slide to the side, clearly ill at ease.
His speech pattern is…not quite normal. Like he’s reciting something he’s memorized rather than speaking with ease.
“Pleasure to meet you, E.” Tony crouches down so that he’s at an equal level with the boy. “Did you make this yourself?” He gestures to the costume, studying it closely. The detail is pretty impressive really, considering it looks like’s it’s been hand drawn with a black pen.
Eduardo’s eyes slide toward his face again, looking at him again for a little longer before darting away again. “Yes,” is his reply. “With a big box, scissors and pen.”
The words were obviously a struggle, and Tony rewards him with a smile. “It’s very nice. I like making things too. But I think your costume might be missing something.” Tony carefully reaches out to tap on the cardboard over the little boy’s chest. “You need something to power your suit.” Before the boy can say anything, Tony cranes his head up to Pepper. “Do you still have those LED puck lights in your emergency travel kit?”
She nods. “I’ll pop the trunk. Those will do really nicely. In the meantime E, why don’t you go and get Gabby and tell Ms Kaggs we’re leaving now.”
“She left,” the little boy tells her simply. “We’ve been watching a movie until you got here.” He turns and darts into the house before Pepper can make any sort of reply.
Tony stands up slowly before turning to look at Pepper who seems to be motionless in shock. “Did he just say that there’s no adult supervision around here?” he asks carefully.
“It isn’t normal. Their mother works evenings…but she’d never…” Theresa Ramos adored her children. None of this made any sense. Then her head came up. “She just lost her old babysitter. Kaggs was a temporary replacement. Their mom said she was going to try and find someone else though, since Gabby claimed she was making fun of E…”
“How old?” He doesn’t need to finish the sentence.
“Gabby’s nine and Eduardo is five. He’s got mild autism.” Her hands curl into tight angry fists at her side. “She just walked out and left them here?”
Tony’s own hands tighten, but he focuses on getting Pepper to calm down. “You and I are going to figure out how to solve this later, Pepper.” He doesn’t mind involving himself, because no matter what, this is completely inappropriate and any responsible adult should find themselves concerned. “But right now, let’s just get that puck light and try to go on with evening.”
Pepper nods. “I’m going to call Theresa to tell her what I found and that both the kids are all right as far as I can tell. Then after we eat and go trick or treating I guess I’m staying here until she gets home from work later tonight. If you decide you’re ready to head home earlier, we can drive you back or you can call Happy.”
“I’m fine with hanging out if that’s what we need to do.” Tony reaches out and brushes his fingers across the back of one of Pepper’s still fisted hands. “Hey, is there anything I need to keep in mind while dealing with Eduardo? I mean, you told me to avoid volcanoes with Gabrielle, so I thought I’d double check.” His smile is lopsided, and he hopes she understands that his only intention is to watch his behavior if necessary. Pepper’s affection for the boy is obvious.
“He gets over stimulated sometimes. And he wanders off without meaning to, so you have to always keep one eye on him. Don’t worry though - Gabby’s really protective. She’ll help us keep watch over him. Otherwise,” Pepper shrugs, “he’s a lot like most five year olds, he just has more trouble than most with things like making eye contact. My suggestion is you treat him as normally as you possibly can.”
“Gotcha, status quo, unless there’s an emergency, at which point I’ll holler for you or Gabby. Now, if I’m going to make a kiddie-safe arc reactor, I really do need that light, Pepper. Mind popping the trunk?”
The tension finally starts to ebb from her form as Pepper digs out her car keys and hits the trunk’s release latch.
It doesn’t take Tony long at all to find what he needs from the survival kit. He’s trying to decide how much duct tape he’s really going to need to hold the light in place when he hears the door to the house slam again.
Eduardo is returning, this time with a slightly taller sibling in tow. As he looks up, Tony finds his lips quirking, because Pepper was wrong about one thing at least…tonight Gabrielle Ramos isn’t a brunette.
Her hair - though obviously a wig - is a light strawberry red.
Dressed in a black skirt with a white shirt and some sort of black cardigan, the young girl does make for a credible mini-Pepper.
“See Pepper, I always knew you were scary.” Tony gently elbows Pepper as he pulls out a pocket knife and makes a quick estimation on the diameter of the light. If he cuts a hole in the suit just a little bit smaller than the light, then tapes the light to the inside of the costume….
Pepper snorts but smiles at Gabby, holding out her arms for a welcoming hug. “You look wonderful, sweetie. Your costume came out really well.”
Gabby beams. “Mama let me get the wig with my allowance money and a little she’d saved.”
Pepper reaches out and squeezes her shoulder. “Honey, I’m not mad but I do need to know: how long have you been here alone, and does your mother know?”
The little girl shrugs. “Two hours now. Ms Kaggs just took off in the middle of making E and I’s after school snacks. I tried to call Mama at work, but no one is answering, so I left a message on her cell phone. It’s her busy time, but she usually calls back when she eats her dinner.” The little girl’s stomach growls and she looks at Pepper hopefully. “Are we still gonna get pizza before we go out to trick or treat?”
“Of course we are,” Pepper says reassuringly. “Gabby, let me introduce you to my friend Tony -”
“No need. I’d know Ms. Potts anywhere.” Tony makes a show out of first shaking Gabby’s hand and then bowing over it. “You look wonderful tonight, Ms. Potts. I must say that Iron Man is a very lucky man to have you as a friend.”
Gabby blushes, but a pleased little smile curves her lips, and then she offers him a handshake. “I’m please to meet you too, Mr Stark.”
Tony blinks, for the space of several seconds, but the little girl’s face remains placid. She leans forward and whispers, “You shaved off your beard, but your eyes are the same. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you. And call me Tony.” Tony turns to Pepper and just looks at her.
This kid is eerily smart.
Pepper looks at the house and chews her lip. “I don’t suppose Ms Kaggs left behind a key or your brother’s booster seat?”
Gabby chews her lip then shakes her head. “There’s a key for the house in a cup on top of the stove, but Ms Kaggs took the extra booster seat Mama bought along with her.”
Pepper sighs, “Well, then it looks like we’re stopping first at the Wal-Mart just down the street.” Because there’s no way she’s going anywhere with someone else’s child unless she’s met the required child restraint laws.
“Wal-Mart? Really? ‘Cause I need a beard and mustache.” Eduardo points at his face, before digging into his pocket and pulling out a picture of Tony, minus the mask. He’s clearly unhappy with the obvious lack of facial hair on his own face.
Once again, Tony crouches down to speak directly to the boy. “Pepper’s pretty good at applying makeup, Eduardo. I bet she could give you one.”
Gabby rolls her eyes, “It doesn’t matter either way E - you’ll be wearing your mask so no one will see whether you have the mustache or not.”
“It’s supposed to be the same,” her brother retorts stubbornly.
“Hey Pep, you can give E here a hand, right?” Tony asks, a little amused by the boy’s pure tenacity. Of course the fact that he’s not currently wearing a mustache or beard himself has obviously escaped the child’s attention.
She nods. “Face paint is cheap. We’ll get it when we pick up the booster seat.” Then her voice turns businesslike. “All right everyone in the car. Wal-Mart run to be followed by a ‘spooky themed’ dinner at Cossetta’s.”
The kids’ squeals of delight clearly show their opinion of the promise.
Author: 4persephone and NeonDaisies
Rating: T for Teen
Words: 9594 total, 3722 this part
Spoilers: IM1, slight
Chapters: 1
Status: Complete
“Don’t worry, Babe. I’ll be done with work and out of the office on time. It’s been a slow day. I’ll be on your front doorstep ready to go by hopefully 6:45.”
Tony Stark pauses on his way into the living room from the back hall, towel still in hand as he rubs the last of the moisture from his hair.
Pepper is sitting on the far couch, laptop in her lap and earpiece connected to her Blackberry. She’s speaking into the mouthpiece with an affection he finds a little bit alarming. She hasn’t noticed him, judging by the sheer open ease on her face.
‘Babe?’ Some part of his subconscious sits up and takes notice. ‘Who the hell in Pepper Potts’s life has the right to that title?!’ He knows for a fact that he’s keeping her too busy these days - whether that’s his intention or not - to allow her the time to date. He’s also pretty sure that she doesn’t have any old boyfriends to whom she’s stayed close enough to call by pet names.
So either he’s missing something huge…or… ‘Or you missed something medium sized?’ he asks himself with dry humor. Either way his curiosity is only peaked when Pepper notices his presence finally and lets out a little squeak.
“Okay E, I’ve got to go for now. I promise I’ll call you back later.” And then she hits the end button on her BlackBerry. “Tony!” She tries and utterly fails not to look like a child with its hand cut in the cookie jar. “I thought that you left an hour ago. You’re going to be late for your party.”
She means the costume party of course. The big gala event he attends most years on October 31st. This year though…well he guesses he’s lost his taste for it. The downside perhaps, of wearing a suit of armor semi-professionally.
He’d been hoping to convince her to let him treat her to a late lunch. Unfortunately it looks like she has other plans though.
Not that he lets the disappointment show. “I didn’t have a costume that was non-lethal,” he deadpans as he takes a seat on the couch. “I’m not really in the mood for a big party anyway.” Besides, he’s trying to curb his drinking and he doesn’t do causal sex anymore, so that more or less takes care of his reasons for going out. Without the sex and alcohol, it was just him standing around in a funny outfit with a bunch of adults talking business and politics.
Bor-ing.
Pepper looks sympathetic. “Not feeling up to uncontrolled revelry at the moment?” Her eyes sweep his form in concern. “I know you took a pretty good beating when you went out earlier this week.”
He smiles a little wryly. “Nah…I just got scratches and bruises. Nothing that can’t be treated with ice and the occasional application of Ben Gay.” Then he raises an eyebrow. “I just don’t feel like being in a crowd of obnoxious idiots. You on the other hand, sound like you’ve got definite plans for this evening.”
Pepper flushes a little, but her voice and hands are steady as she starts tapping away at her keyboard. “Yes, I do, though in a less formal setting.”
“So who’s this ‘E’ guy?” Tony questions. “That’s an unusual name. Since when did you start dating guys with such a low attachment to the alphabet?”
Pepper rolls her eyes. “His full name is Eduardo. And for the record we’re not dating…just hanging out for the evening.”
“A nice guy I hope.” There’s a smile flirting with the corners of Tony’s mouth as he leans back into the sofa.
Pepper nods. “I mostly enjoy his company, yeah. He’s a little short for my tastes but always wonderfully polite - holds doors and has impeccable table manners.”
Tony raises one eyebrow. “Ouch. I think I’ve been chided for my behavior.” He then grins at Pepper. “You’re being circumspect.”
She grins back, obviously with no intention of satisfying his curiosity. “Yup.”
“I’d think you’re trying to drive me crazy but then I’m already probably there.”
She nods, then looks thoughtful. “You know, if you want to, you’re welcome to join us. As I said, it’s not a date - just dinner and then a walk to enjoy the ambience. Maybe a movie later on. It won’t be as upper crust as you’re probably used to, just E, his sister and I.”
“Sister?” Tony asks semi-suspiciously. “You’re not trying to set me up, are you?”
Pepper snickers. “Don’t worry, Stark. I’m pretty certain you’re not her ‘type.’”
“Then why am I being invited along?” He looks at her in genuine confusion
“Because we’re just out to have fun and you look like you could use some yourself. I mean, face it Tony, you’ve been all but moping around the mansion all week long. I thought maybe you’d like a fun diversion and some hopefully pleasant company.”
Well, she had him there. He’s bored out of his mind, and with his main source of amusement about to leave for the evening it’s not likely to get much better.
Still there are complications. Tony rubs his face before saying, “Is this a costumed event? Because if so I really have nothing to wear, Pepper.”
She looks reassuring. “There’s not going to be a costume contest or anything. You could probably get away with cutting holes in a sheet and throwing it over your head.” Before he can protest she raises a hand, “But since you’re probably not thrilled with that idea, just let me loose on your closet. I bet I can come up with something that will work.”
Tony shrugs. “If you’re really sure I’ll be welcome.” This his solemn mood falls and he grins again. “So, costumes huh? What are you going out as?”
She chuckles. “A fifties maltshop waitress. I’ve got a white blouse and a long purple poodle skirt.”
Tony sighs. There go his plans for maybe seeing a little bit more leg out of her than usual. Still… “You have oxfords to go with that?” He can warm up to that mental image.
Pepper nods. “I’m also going to pull my hair up in a truly obnoxious ribboned ponytail.”
That does make him smile, or more precisely smirk. “You know, the more time I have to think about this, the more I find the whole concept to be…” He trails off, waiting for her to finish the sentence just so he can correct her.
“Be careful how you finish that sentence, Stark.” Pepper smirks right back.
Then her brow wrinkles. “Okay, then you definitely need a costume…” She chews her bottom lip. “So do you care if you’re noticed while we’re out or all you tired of all the cameras? Because I bet that I could probably come up with something incognito.”
“Incognito, please,” Tony says with feeling. “And I can’t help it. You in a poodle skirt and oxfords? Pretty hot, Pepper.”
She groans. “Oh great. I’m going to be stuck with a twenty first century version of Fonzie…” She pauses and her face lights up. “Speaking of which…” She sets aside her laptop and rises from the couch, heading for his closet while doing a quick mental inventory.
If he’s still got that old black leather jacket, she’s got the perfect easy costume.
Tony stands waiting on Pepper’s apartment doorstep, rubbing his face as he tries to get used to the sensation of being clean-shaven. Pepper’s right that shaving off the goatee and mustache increase his chances of going incognito greatly, and that it’ll grow back more or less overnight. (He’s not sure if she actually called him hairy, but the implication was definitely there.) He hasn’t been without facial hair in just over a decade, though.
It feels really weird.
Still, looking down at his well worn jeans and his black leather jacket, he has to admit that with a little hair grease and a slight slouch to one side he does look an awful lot like Fonzie.
“Pepper? Potts, let’s get a move on!” He knocks on the door, “You told them 6:45 and it’s already 6:30. I don’t want this guy pissed off because he thinks I made you late!”
The door creaks open and Pepper sticks her head out. “Just come in and stop hollering. I need maybe five more minutes.” She’s wearing poodle skirt and white shirt, but has yet to produce a ponytail or the appropriate shoes.
Tony looks down at his outfit, then at hers again. He scratches. “Uh Pepper, it looks a lot to me like we’re in a ‘couple’s’ outfit. This isn’t going to upset the guy you’re supposed to be meeting tonight?”
“E is really easy going, Tony. And as I said, we’re not dating - he’s just a friend. He’s going to have no issue with the costumes at all, especially if I offer to buy pizza for all of us for dinner.”
Tony’s not sure about that. He’s starting to feel the smallest bit uncomfortable. No matter what Pepper says, he’s a little worried about being some kind of third wheel. Or fourth, as the case may be, since there’s a sister along for the ride too.
“What’s the sister’s name?” He watches Pepper head over to the bathroom, where she stops in front of the mirror and opens the top drawer to her vanity, producing a hair binder and several brightly colored strips of cloth.
“Her name is Gabrielle, though we mostly just call her Gabby.”
“And I’m not her type?” he asks again just to be certain this isn’t a cleverly hidden blind date.
“Oh, I’m not saying she’d hate you. In fact, she’ll be thrilled to have someone to talk science with. Just don’t get her started on volcanoes though or she’ll drone on and on for hours.” Pepper smiles and ties the last ribbon around the waterfall of red hair before tilting her head in his direction. “Don’t worry about it, Tony. I wouldn’t have invited you along if I wasn’t absolutely sure that you’ll be genuinely welcome.”
“I like talking science,” Tony acknowledges, starting to relax a little. Maybe this evening won’t be a total loss. He’d wanted to take her out to dinner after all, and he’s getting that in a round about sort of way, albeit with more company then he’d hoped. However, her evasiveness when it comes to answering his questions keeps the hair on the back of his neck at half-attention.
“There’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?” he asks. It’s not really a question.
“Yes,” she says without a hint of apology. “But don’t worry, it’s nothing particularly humiliating or anything.”
His eyes narrow a little. “She’s a total dog isn’t she? Or she’s got an annoying voice or a massive overbite?”
Pepper shakes her head, snickering softly. “She’s got hair and eyes as dark as yours and a face that most people would call pretty. She also loves science as I said, but otherwise isn’t all that much of a talker.”
“You’re hard selling her, Potts. I thought you said that you weren’t setting me up.”
“Then why are you concerned about her being a ‘dog’?” Pepper shoots back. “Tony, just relax, okay? I have to go finish getting ready because we’re already going to be late now.”
Tony nods and sighs, allowing her to disappear into the bedroom in search of her shoes, wondering what exactly he’s missing.
Something quite obviously, because Pepper keeps smirking in his direction like she’s having the time of her life.
“Pepper!” The word is a loud delighted squeal, and before he can even slam shut his car door, a small figure comes barreling out of the house and straight at his P.A. Tony Stark blinks several times as Pepper is bowled over by a three foot tall cardboard-constructed replica of Iron Man.
“E!” Pepper laughs as the child throws his arms around her skirt. “I’m happy to see you too. Just be careful there, sweetie. If you break my leg we’re not going to be able to go anywhere.”
The pint sized superhero nods and steps back looking sheepish. “Sorry.”
Tony’s free to watch the scene as he stands unnoticed on the other side of the car. While there’s a possibility that there’s an Eduardo Sr. around here somewhere, Pepper’s earlier reticence on the subject makes him doubt that, especially in light of the smug little smile she’s now throwing at him.
Pepper has managed to let him hang on his own assumptions: it had been a remarkably well played out prank.
He feels a smile start to curve up his lips, because it’s rare to see her this unabashedly playful. Even if the price of it was the realization he was going to be spending the evening not with two other adults, but likely with two children.
‘Well here’s your good news, Stark: Your competition’s three feet tall. And your suit is definitely more shiny.’
“Care to introduce us, Ms Potts?” he asks as he closes the door to the car and quickly steps over to where the two are standing.
Pepper nods and gestures between them formally. “Tony Edward Stark meet Eduardo Thomas Ramos.” The little boy blinks for a moment, clearly surprised, but then straightens up and holds out a hand almost solemnly.
“E. Nice to meet you.” The boy maintains eye contact for perhaps half a second before his eyes slide to the side, clearly ill at ease.
His speech pattern is…not quite normal. Like he’s reciting something he’s memorized rather than speaking with ease.
“Pleasure to meet you, E.” Tony crouches down so that he’s at an equal level with the boy. “Did you make this yourself?” He gestures to the costume, studying it closely. The detail is pretty impressive really, considering it looks like’s it’s been hand drawn with a black pen.
Eduardo’s eyes slide toward his face again, looking at him again for a little longer before darting away again. “Yes,” is his reply. “With a big box, scissors and pen.”
The words were obviously a struggle, and Tony rewards him with a smile. “It’s very nice. I like making things too. But I think your costume might be missing something.” Tony carefully reaches out to tap on the cardboard over the little boy’s chest. “You need something to power your suit.” Before the boy can say anything, Tony cranes his head up to Pepper. “Do you still have those LED puck lights in your emergency travel kit?”
She nods. “I’ll pop the trunk. Those will do really nicely. In the meantime E, why don’t you go and get Gabby and tell Ms Kaggs we’re leaving now.”
“She left,” the little boy tells her simply. “We’ve been watching a movie until you got here.” He turns and darts into the house before Pepper can make any sort of reply.
Tony stands up slowly before turning to look at Pepper who seems to be motionless in shock. “Did he just say that there’s no adult supervision around here?” he asks carefully.
“It isn’t normal. Their mother works evenings…but she’d never…” Theresa Ramos adored her children. None of this made any sense. Then her head came up. “She just lost her old babysitter. Kaggs was a temporary replacement. Their mom said she was going to try and find someone else though, since Gabby claimed she was making fun of E…”
“How old?” He doesn’t need to finish the sentence.
“Gabby’s nine and Eduardo is five. He’s got mild autism.” Her hands curl into tight angry fists at her side. “She just walked out and left them here?”
Tony’s own hands tighten, but he focuses on getting Pepper to calm down. “You and I are going to figure out how to solve this later, Pepper.” He doesn’t mind involving himself, because no matter what, this is completely inappropriate and any responsible adult should find themselves concerned. “But right now, let’s just get that puck light and try to go on with evening.”
Pepper nods. “I’m going to call Theresa to tell her what I found and that both the kids are all right as far as I can tell. Then after we eat and go trick or treating I guess I’m staying here until she gets home from work later tonight. If you decide you’re ready to head home earlier, we can drive you back or you can call Happy.”
“I’m fine with hanging out if that’s what we need to do.” Tony reaches out and brushes his fingers across the back of one of Pepper’s still fisted hands. “Hey, is there anything I need to keep in mind while dealing with Eduardo? I mean, you told me to avoid volcanoes with Gabrielle, so I thought I’d double check.” His smile is lopsided, and he hopes she understands that his only intention is to watch his behavior if necessary. Pepper’s affection for the boy is obvious.
“He gets over stimulated sometimes. And he wanders off without meaning to, so you have to always keep one eye on him. Don’t worry though - Gabby’s really protective. She’ll help us keep watch over him. Otherwise,” Pepper shrugs, “he’s a lot like most five year olds, he just has more trouble than most with things like making eye contact. My suggestion is you treat him as normally as you possibly can.”
“Gotcha, status quo, unless there’s an emergency, at which point I’ll holler for you or Gabby. Now, if I’m going to make a kiddie-safe arc reactor, I really do need that light, Pepper. Mind popping the trunk?”
The tension finally starts to ebb from her form as Pepper digs out her car keys and hits the trunk’s release latch.
It doesn’t take Tony long at all to find what he needs from the survival kit. He’s trying to decide how much duct tape he’s really going to need to hold the light in place when he hears the door to the house slam again.
Eduardo is returning, this time with a slightly taller sibling in tow. As he looks up, Tony finds his lips quirking, because Pepper was wrong about one thing at least…tonight Gabrielle Ramos isn’t a brunette.
Her hair - though obviously a wig - is a light strawberry red.
Dressed in a black skirt with a white shirt and some sort of black cardigan, the young girl does make for a credible mini-Pepper.
“See Pepper, I always knew you were scary.” Tony gently elbows Pepper as he pulls out a pocket knife and makes a quick estimation on the diameter of the light. If he cuts a hole in the suit just a little bit smaller than the light, then tapes the light to the inside of the costume….
Pepper snorts but smiles at Gabby, holding out her arms for a welcoming hug. “You look wonderful, sweetie. Your costume came out really well.”
Gabby beams. “Mama let me get the wig with my allowance money and a little she’d saved.”
Pepper reaches out and squeezes her shoulder. “Honey, I’m not mad but I do need to know: how long have you been here alone, and does your mother know?”
The little girl shrugs. “Two hours now. Ms Kaggs just took off in the middle of making E and I’s after school snacks. I tried to call Mama at work, but no one is answering, so I left a message on her cell phone. It’s her busy time, but she usually calls back when she eats her dinner.” The little girl’s stomach growls and she looks at Pepper hopefully. “Are we still gonna get pizza before we go out to trick or treat?”
“Of course we are,” Pepper says reassuringly. “Gabby, let me introduce you to my friend Tony -”
“No need. I’d know Ms. Potts anywhere.” Tony makes a show out of first shaking Gabby’s hand and then bowing over it. “You look wonderful tonight, Ms. Potts. I must say that Iron Man is a very lucky man to have you as a friend.”
Gabby blushes, but a pleased little smile curves her lips, and then she offers him a handshake. “I’m please to meet you too, Mr Stark.”
Tony blinks, for the space of several seconds, but the little girl’s face remains placid. She leans forward and whispers, “You shaved off your beard, but your eyes are the same. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you. And call me Tony.” Tony turns to Pepper and just looks at her.
This kid is eerily smart.
Pepper looks at the house and chews her lip. “I don’t suppose Ms Kaggs left behind a key or your brother’s booster seat?”
Gabby chews her lip then shakes her head. “There’s a key for the house in a cup on top of the stove, but Ms Kaggs took the extra booster seat Mama bought along with her.”
Pepper sighs, “Well, then it looks like we’re stopping first at the Wal-Mart just down the street.” Because there’s no way she’s going anywhere with someone else’s child unless she’s met the required child restraint laws.
“Wal-Mart? Really? ‘Cause I need a beard and mustache.” Eduardo points at his face, before digging into his pocket and pulling out a picture of Tony, minus the mask. He’s clearly unhappy with the obvious lack of facial hair on his own face.
Once again, Tony crouches down to speak directly to the boy. “Pepper’s pretty good at applying makeup, Eduardo. I bet she could give you one.”
Gabby rolls her eyes, “It doesn’t matter either way E - you’ll be wearing your mask so no one will see whether you have the mustache or not.”
“It’s supposed to be the same,” her brother retorts stubbornly.
“Hey Pep, you can give E here a hand, right?” Tony asks, a little amused by the boy’s pure tenacity. Of course the fact that he’s not currently wearing a mustache or beard himself has obviously escaped the child’s attention.
She nods. “Face paint is cheap. We’ll get it when we pick up the booster seat.” Then her voice turns businesslike. “All right everyone in the car. Wal-Mart run to be followed by a ‘spooky themed’ dinner at Cossetta’s.”
The kids’ squeals of delight clearly show their opinion of the promise.