fic: Right Now
One noise kept on startling Pepper from five to five minutes. The first time she heard it, she thought it was just something stupid Tony was doing downstairs but when it started to beep loudly she cursed and moved her things in her office.
It was hard enough she had to stay in his mansion fourteen hours a day, not to mention that when she promised him she will always be there when he came back from a mission, even when he was safely tucked in his blankets that she won’t leave him alone.
Last week, when she moved her furniture and stuff at the other apartment she promised; at least to herself that she won’t have the courage to kiss him again. Not that it had to be her who made the first step but you know, she was wondering why he had kissed her the first time he caught her off guard.
It’s been a tough start of a year and they both felt the changes they’ve put themselves through.
---
The sound of a phone woke her from her reverie. The ringtone was unfamiliar to her and she presumed that most likely Tony didn’t have a better thing to do and went buying a new phone. Anyway, she went to check but as soon as she entered the large living room she spotted her Blackberry, laid on the table and to her surprise, the small device sprung to life; the ringtone familiar to the one who startled her only a minute ago.
Pepper walked towards the glass table and took the small beeping phone in her hand and checked the caller’s ID.
“Good morning James.” She greeted politely.
“Morning Pepper. How are you?” Rhodey asked happily.
“I’m fine. Just running another experiment on Tony; you know how itchy he becomes when I wake him at this hour.”
Rhodey managed a laugh from the other end of line.
“Are you in a mood for doing something tonight?”
“Of course. How may I help you, Rhodey?”
“I found this girl, Maria.” He started, easily embarrassed. “And I kinda hoped you’d convince Tony to come and join us tonight.”
“I’m glad for you, really. Would that be all?” Pepper asked, enthusiastically.
“Yes.” Rhodey hesitated for a second but before she could hang up he made up his mind.
“Actually no. I was going to ask you if you’d like to come as well, you know that I don’t like Tony all alone there with me and Maria.” He confessed with a small laugh. “It’s just anxious. I can’t imagine him now after Afghanistan because I haven’t got the chance to spend time out with him yet. And if he’s still the one before - believe me our relationship will end in a matter of minutes.”
“I know, I know.” Pepper agreed and continued. “And I won’t let something bad happen to your relationship. You sure he didn’t put you to do this?” She asked, curiously.
“Nope.”
They said their good-byes and then Pepper hung up, hurrying herself down the stairs, typing the code as she called his name.
After the second try, a husky reply came, making Pepper both drown in sadness and wince.
“What happened?” She asked slightly worrying.
“Oh - nothing… “Tony said from beneath his hot rod, trying to sound a little bit more enthusiastic but failing miserably.
He stood up; ignoring the panicked look Pepper gave him and wiping his hands on a used rag.
“Rhodey called.”
“Yeah?”
Pepper rolled her eyes and sighed while Tony managed an innocent face.
“You know you don’t impress me.” She said sternly.
“Okay, Potts. Why are you here?” Tony asked, smirking.
“So as I said before. Rhodey called-“She paused and looked at Tony who didn’t pay too much attention. “- he hopes you can join him and his new girlfriend tonight.”
Tony’s head jerked up when he heard her mention the girlfriend thing. He wasn’t paying attention and she just said the ‘G’ word. Fuck.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” Tony whispered quietly as he shrugged slightly.
Pepper sighed and came closer to him, her right hand resting on his chest.
“Rhodey has a new girlfriend and he’d like you to join them tonight to drink something on this special occasion.”
Tony blinked as he mentally kicked himself for actually thinking Pepper could’ve meant the word girlfriend; as if implying them.
“Yeah, why not?” He shrugged and moved away from her warm hand.
Pepper raised an eyebrow and looked at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Tony couldn’t look at her, especially not now when he was so exposed. He tried to ignore her searing gaze but gave up eventually when he felt every cell of his body go aflame.
“Come with me?”
Pepper couldn’t help the grin spreading over her face so she nodded easily, her hair bouncing over her shoulders.
She made a step towards him and he did the same. When Tony leaned forward, Pepper put two fingers on his lips so she could stop him from kissing her.
“Not so easily, Mr. Stark.” She teased.
Tony smiled and broke eye-contact.
“Be ready at seven sharp.” He told her and then he walked away from her.
Pepper straightened her pencil skirt, took the documents still laying onto the worktable and turned to leave, sighing in frustration. He almost kissed me again, she thought a bit shocked. But of course she had that part of her which told her to keep from going too deep, or she will be regretting it.
---
The day passed quickly and now Pepper was standing in a green evening gown, waiting for Tony to make his appearance in one of his expensive cars, or at least the limo.
She looked at the watch and sighed deeply. It was ten past seven and no sign of Tony.
Two minutes later, a man wearing a black, pinstriped suit with a gold tie came from the darkness and Pepper recognized him as Tony. She was utterly surprised that he’d walked till her apartment and didn’t drive a car.
“Hi.” He said, throwing one of his hands in his pocket, sheepishly.
“Hi.” Pepper greeted him back, a genuine smile lightening her face.
“Sorry, I was late but I have a good explanation for this.” Tony tried to get himself out of the mess he’d created.
He stood there, waiting for her to accept his apology but Pepper was getting nervous and impatient.
“Just come.” She motioned for him to come closer.
Tony nodded and came closer to her, trying to temper his rising pulse and breath.
They didn’t move but neither spoke, except they stared awkwardly one at each other before Pepper looked at his hand. Of course he’s been shaking like a tree in the wind until he arrived, almost fifteen minutes late because of his hair, damn it. He wouldn’t say it loud but he had to take three showers before his hair stood like he wanted and that was not something he did often.
And now, she was staring intently at his hand where he had brought her something to remind her of his appreciation - love. Anyway, he sighed and raised his hand, offering her the tiny rose he’d picked her up from his garden, on the way to her.
Pepper gasped a bit when he actually opened his palm, revealing one of the most beautiful gestures he’s ever done to her. She looked at him, holding his gaze for a couple of seconds and then moved her hand up, touching his and picking up the flower gently. She brought it to her nose and smelled it, before gesturing him to come closer.
Tony blinked rapidly before leaning in, hesitantly. Pepper inhaled deeply and their eyes-locked the entire time his lips neared hers.
Suddenly a familiar voice interrupted their frenzy.
“Look who we have here,” A female voice addressed them both from behind Tony. “Mr. Tony Stark and his PA, Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts.”
Jennifer smirked when she saw Tony letting Pepper’s hand go quickly and make a few steps back, a blush creeping on Pepper’s face as her hand where she had the rose quickly found the way behind her back.
Tony opened his mouth to speak but Jennifer intervened.
“Be careful, Mr. Stark and you Miss Potts. Someone will believe something is really happening between you two.” She threatened, a mischievous grin spreading on her entire face.
Tony opened his mouth again but this time was interrupted by Pepper who spoke for both of them.
“We are careful and just from curiosity, why are you following us?” She asked, her eyes glimmering with anger.
Jennifer shrugged and huffed.
“Just wondering what is my boss doing out with his so-personal assistant.”
This time Tony had no room for argument as he made a few steps towards her, anger boiling in his entire body.
“How dare you?” He asked in a high-pitched tone. “You’re fired.” He blurted out, not even caring whether she’ll punch him or not.
“So I am, Mr. Stark, so I am. Be careful.” Jennifer insisted.
Pepper looked horrified at both of them before calling his name with tenderness.
“Tony…”
The billionaire turned around and shook his head as he and Pepper disappeared in the shadows, leaving Jennifer eyeing them intently.
“I’m sorry.” He muttered but when Pepper touched his hand, he took hers hesitantly.
“Stop saying that.” Pepper said to him as she squeezed his hand gently as a reassurance.
Tony looked at her, right in the eyes and knew she meant it.
---
They arrived at the restaurant a bit late but Rhodey greeted them happily and presented them Maria who was a beauty.
“This man here is -“Rhodey said as he pointed Tony who was smiling shyly at her. “Tony Stark.” He said proudly.
“And his beautiful company is-“He told Maria with a huge smile. “Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts, his PA.”
Pepper smiled and shook her hand and Tony did as well.
“Nice to meet you two.” Maria told them, quickly pulling Rhodey down onto his seat.
---
The time passed and Tony didn’t notice until then that Pepper had placed the rose he gave her in one of the vases on the table. And she smiled when she saw him staring at the vase.
Pepper moved her hand on the comfortable bench they were sitting until she reached his, touching him slightly, and smiling again when he moved his gaze towards hers.
“Well, Pepper. She’s always so professional but what can I say, I tried.” Tony teased, looking at her amused.
“You tried.” Pepper shot back at him, her lips quirking up in a playful smile.
“And I’m still trying.” He whispered quietly just Pepper hearing those words.
“It didn’t happen yet.” Rhodey interrupted, kissing Maria gently on her knuckles. “But we hope it will happen soon.”
Pepper looked over at Rhodey who was eying Tony with a smirk on his lips.
Maria’s napkin fell and she leaned quickly to get it from beneath the table and that’s when she saw something she wasn’t expecting to.
She saw how Tony approached his hand to Pepper’s and when Pepper entwined her fingers with his, she gasped and turned to Rhodey, whispering in his ear.
“You sure they’re not together?” Maria asked confused.
“Uh. No. Why?”
Maria smiled and kissed him sweetly on his cheek, making him turn her head towards her.
“Because they’re holding hands.” She explained, giving him the logical part of the explanation.
Rhodey’s mouth fell and Maria kissed him deeply, to keep him from saying anything he’d regret in retrospect.
Tony observed them kissing but turned away, not wanting to interrupt their privacy, and resumed on watching Pepper’s beautiful lips and remembered the quick kiss they shared, only a week ago.
After a few seconds, Rhodey and Maria parted and blushed intently.
Tony chuckled in his fist and smiled.
“Hey, who wants some air?” He asked, hoping Pepper would say yes.
“I think a little walk will bring the party atmosphere back.” Rhodey agreed by nodding and so did Maria.
Pepper didn’t say a word and Tony turned his head to her noticing the spark in her eyes that made him both hot and wanting.
“You sure want a little walk.” He said for her as he stood up, letting her hand go.
---
Fifteen minutes after, the both couples were walking in the park, Rhodey and Maria holding hands and occasionally kissing; Pepper and Tony walking close to each other and sometimes after, Tony took her hand but held it behind her back.
“You’re cold.” He said as he slipped his hand on her bare shoulders, bringing her closer to his warm body.
Pepper relaxed and squeezed his hand gently, telling him she wants something.
Tony once again didn’t notice that she had taken the rose with her, and didn’t let it there as originally thought.
He went closer to Rhodey and told him, dramatically.
“I need to fix a problem. We’ll be back, just gimme a minute or two.”
Rhodey nodded and shot Tony a warning look, as if he understood what he was up to but Tony decided to ignore it.
They walked on a different path until they reached a fountain.
Pepper looked at him and when they were completely in the darkness, she squeezed his hand a bit tightly than before and the other one came to rest in his hair, at the back of his head.
“Thank you for the rose, Tony. It was a sweet gesture; I really liked it - this time.” She said, smiling.
Tony nodded and approached her slowly, almost painfully but when his lips were at an inch from hers he stopped. He wanted so badly to continue but he needed an approval. Instead of closing the space between them, Pepper tugged at his hair gently and that’s all it took him.
His lips brushed against hers, slowly and sweet at first but then she kissed him back, making Tony moan happily. They shared another couple of long, deep and passionate kisses before Tony backed, sighing but also smiling.
He knew it was a start of something beautiful.
It was hard enough she had to stay in his mansion fourteen hours a day, not to mention that when she promised him she will always be there when he came back from a mission, even when he was safely tucked in his blankets that she won’t leave him alone.
Last week, when she moved her furniture and stuff at the other apartment she promised; at least to herself that she won’t have the courage to kiss him again. Not that it had to be her who made the first step but you know, she was wondering why he had kissed her the first time he caught her off guard.
It’s been a tough start of a year and they both felt the changes they’ve put themselves through.
---
The sound of a phone woke her from her reverie. The ringtone was unfamiliar to her and she presumed that most likely Tony didn’t have a better thing to do and went buying a new phone. Anyway, she went to check but as soon as she entered the large living room she spotted her Blackberry, laid on the table and to her surprise, the small device sprung to life; the ringtone familiar to the one who startled her only a minute ago.
Pepper walked towards the glass table and took the small beeping phone in her hand and checked the caller’s ID.
“Good morning James.” She greeted politely.
“Morning Pepper. How are you?” Rhodey asked happily.
“I’m fine. Just running another experiment on Tony; you know how itchy he becomes when I wake him at this hour.”
Rhodey managed a laugh from the other end of line.
“Are you in a mood for doing something tonight?”
“Of course. How may I help you, Rhodey?”
“I found this girl, Maria.” He started, easily embarrassed. “And I kinda hoped you’d convince Tony to come and join us tonight.”
“I’m glad for you, really. Would that be all?” Pepper asked, enthusiastically.
“Yes.” Rhodey hesitated for a second but before she could hang up he made up his mind.
“Actually no. I was going to ask you if you’d like to come as well, you know that I don’t like Tony all alone there with me and Maria.” He confessed with a small laugh. “It’s just anxious. I can’t imagine him now after Afghanistan because I haven’t got the chance to spend time out with him yet. And if he’s still the one before - believe me our relationship will end in a matter of minutes.”
“I know, I know.” Pepper agreed and continued. “And I won’t let something bad happen to your relationship. You sure he didn’t put you to do this?” She asked, curiously.
“Nope.”
They said their good-byes and then Pepper hung up, hurrying herself down the stairs, typing the code as she called his name.
After the second try, a husky reply came, making Pepper both drown in sadness and wince.
“What happened?” She asked slightly worrying.
“Oh - nothing… “Tony said from beneath his hot rod, trying to sound a little bit more enthusiastic but failing miserably.
He stood up; ignoring the panicked look Pepper gave him and wiping his hands on a used rag.
“Rhodey called.”
“Yeah?”
Pepper rolled her eyes and sighed while Tony managed an innocent face.
“You know you don’t impress me.” She said sternly.
“Okay, Potts. Why are you here?” Tony asked, smirking.
“So as I said before. Rhodey called-“She paused and looked at Tony who didn’t pay too much attention. “- he hopes you can join him and his new girlfriend tonight.”
Tony’s head jerked up when he heard her mention the girlfriend thing. He wasn’t paying attention and she just said the ‘G’ word. Fuck.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” Tony whispered quietly as he shrugged slightly.
Pepper sighed and came closer to him, her right hand resting on his chest.
“Rhodey has a new girlfriend and he’d like you to join them tonight to drink something on this special occasion.”
Tony blinked as he mentally kicked himself for actually thinking Pepper could’ve meant the word girlfriend; as if implying them.
“Yeah, why not?” He shrugged and moved away from her warm hand.
Pepper raised an eyebrow and looked at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Tony couldn’t look at her, especially not now when he was so exposed. He tried to ignore her searing gaze but gave up eventually when he felt every cell of his body go aflame.
“Come with me?”
Pepper couldn’t help the grin spreading over her face so she nodded easily, her hair bouncing over her shoulders.
She made a step towards him and he did the same. When Tony leaned forward, Pepper put two fingers on his lips so she could stop him from kissing her.
“Not so easily, Mr. Stark.” She teased.
Tony smiled and broke eye-contact.
“Be ready at seven sharp.” He told her and then he walked away from her.
Pepper straightened her pencil skirt, took the documents still laying onto the worktable and turned to leave, sighing in frustration. He almost kissed me again, she thought a bit shocked. But of course she had that part of her which told her to keep from going too deep, or she will be regretting it.
---
The day passed quickly and now Pepper was standing in a green evening gown, waiting for Tony to make his appearance in one of his expensive cars, or at least the limo.
She looked at the watch and sighed deeply. It was ten past seven and no sign of Tony.
Two minutes later, a man wearing a black, pinstriped suit with a gold tie came from the darkness and Pepper recognized him as Tony. She was utterly surprised that he’d walked till her apartment and didn’t drive a car.
“Hi.” He said, throwing one of his hands in his pocket, sheepishly.
“Hi.” Pepper greeted him back, a genuine smile lightening her face.
“Sorry, I was late but I have a good explanation for this.” Tony tried to get himself out of the mess he’d created.
He stood there, waiting for her to accept his apology but Pepper was getting nervous and impatient.
“Just come.” She motioned for him to come closer.
Tony nodded and came closer to her, trying to temper his rising pulse and breath.
They didn’t move but neither spoke, except they stared awkwardly one at each other before Pepper looked at his hand. Of course he’s been shaking like a tree in the wind until he arrived, almost fifteen minutes late because of his hair, damn it. He wouldn’t say it loud but he had to take three showers before his hair stood like he wanted and that was not something he did often.
And now, she was staring intently at his hand where he had brought her something to remind her of his appreciation - love. Anyway, he sighed and raised his hand, offering her the tiny rose he’d picked her up from his garden, on the way to her.
Pepper gasped a bit when he actually opened his palm, revealing one of the most beautiful gestures he’s ever done to her. She looked at him, holding his gaze for a couple of seconds and then moved her hand up, touching his and picking up the flower gently. She brought it to her nose and smelled it, before gesturing him to come closer.
Tony blinked rapidly before leaning in, hesitantly. Pepper inhaled deeply and their eyes-locked the entire time his lips neared hers.
Suddenly a familiar voice interrupted their frenzy.
“Look who we have here,” A female voice addressed them both from behind Tony. “Mr. Tony Stark and his PA, Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts.”
Jennifer smirked when she saw Tony letting Pepper’s hand go quickly and make a few steps back, a blush creeping on Pepper’s face as her hand where she had the rose quickly found the way behind her back.
Tony opened his mouth to speak but Jennifer intervened.
“Be careful, Mr. Stark and you Miss Potts. Someone will believe something is really happening between you two.” She threatened, a mischievous grin spreading on her entire face.
Tony opened his mouth again but this time was interrupted by Pepper who spoke for both of them.
“We are careful and just from curiosity, why are you following us?” She asked, her eyes glimmering with anger.
Jennifer shrugged and huffed.
“Just wondering what is my boss doing out with his so-personal assistant.”
This time Tony had no room for argument as he made a few steps towards her, anger boiling in his entire body.
“How dare you?” He asked in a high-pitched tone. “You’re fired.” He blurted out, not even caring whether she’ll punch him or not.
“So I am, Mr. Stark, so I am. Be careful.” Jennifer insisted.
Pepper looked horrified at both of them before calling his name with tenderness.
“Tony…”
The billionaire turned around and shook his head as he and Pepper disappeared in the shadows, leaving Jennifer eyeing them intently.
“I’m sorry.” He muttered but when Pepper touched his hand, he took hers hesitantly.
“Stop saying that.” Pepper said to him as she squeezed his hand gently as a reassurance.
Tony looked at her, right in the eyes and knew she meant it.
---
They arrived at the restaurant a bit late but Rhodey greeted them happily and presented them Maria who was a beauty.
“This man here is -“Rhodey said as he pointed Tony who was smiling shyly at her. “Tony Stark.” He said proudly.
“And his beautiful company is-“He told Maria with a huge smile. “Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts, his PA.”
Pepper smiled and shook her hand and Tony did as well.
“Nice to meet you two.” Maria told them, quickly pulling Rhodey down onto his seat.
---
The time passed and Tony didn’t notice until then that Pepper had placed the rose he gave her in one of the vases on the table. And she smiled when she saw him staring at the vase.
Pepper moved her hand on the comfortable bench they were sitting until she reached his, touching him slightly, and smiling again when he moved his gaze towards hers.
“Well, Pepper. She’s always so professional but what can I say, I tried.” Tony teased, looking at her amused.
“You tried.” Pepper shot back at him, her lips quirking up in a playful smile.
“And I’m still trying.” He whispered quietly just Pepper hearing those words.
“It didn’t happen yet.” Rhodey interrupted, kissing Maria gently on her knuckles. “But we hope it will happen soon.”
Pepper looked over at Rhodey who was eying Tony with a smirk on his lips.
Maria’s napkin fell and she leaned quickly to get it from beneath the table and that’s when she saw something she wasn’t expecting to.
She saw how Tony approached his hand to Pepper’s and when Pepper entwined her fingers with his, she gasped and turned to Rhodey, whispering in his ear.
“You sure they’re not together?” Maria asked confused.
“Uh. No. Why?”
Maria smiled and kissed him sweetly on his cheek, making him turn her head towards her.
“Because they’re holding hands.” She explained, giving him the logical part of the explanation.
Rhodey’s mouth fell and Maria kissed him deeply, to keep him from saying anything he’d regret in retrospect.
Tony observed them kissing but turned away, not wanting to interrupt their privacy, and resumed on watching Pepper’s beautiful lips and remembered the quick kiss they shared, only a week ago.
After a few seconds, Rhodey and Maria parted and blushed intently.
Tony chuckled in his fist and smiled.
“Hey, who wants some air?” He asked, hoping Pepper would say yes.
“I think a little walk will bring the party atmosphere back.” Rhodey agreed by nodding and so did Maria.
Pepper didn’t say a word and Tony turned his head to her noticing the spark in her eyes that made him both hot and wanting.
“You sure want a little walk.” He said for her as he stood up, letting her hand go.
---
Fifteen minutes after, the both couples were walking in the park, Rhodey and Maria holding hands and occasionally kissing; Pepper and Tony walking close to each other and sometimes after, Tony took her hand but held it behind her back.
“You’re cold.” He said as he slipped his hand on her bare shoulders, bringing her closer to his warm body.
Pepper relaxed and squeezed his hand gently, telling him she wants something.
Tony once again didn’t notice that she had taken the rose with her, and didn’t let it there as originally thought.
He went closer to Rhodey and told him, dramatically.
“I need to fix a problem. We’ll be back, just gimme a minute or two.”
Rhodey nodded and shot Tony a warning look, as if he understood what he was up to but Tony decided to ignore it.
They walked on a different path until they reached a fountain.
Pepper looked at him and when they were completely in the darkness, she squeezed his hand a bit tightly than before and the other one came to rest in his hair, at the back of his head.
“Thank you for the rose, Tony. It was a sweet gesture; I really liked it - this time.” She said, smiling.
Tony nodded and approached her slowly, almost painfully but when his lips were at an inch from hers he stopped. He wanted so badly to continue but he needed an approval. Instead of closing the space between them, Pepper tugged at his hair gently and that’s all it took him.
His lips brushed against hers, slowly and sweet at first but then she kissed him back, making Tony moan happily. They shared another couple of long, deep and passionate kisses before Tony backed, sighing but also smiling.
He knew it was a start of something beautiful.