Another one of those nights where Tony knew he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. Not that he expected to—he had far too much to do.
Working on a new prototype really does make you tired, especially when it has been more than 24 hours you haven’t gotten any sleep; the repetitive clanking sound of metal tools, the (impressively) soothing voice of Jarvis not helping in keeping you awake, advising Tony to go get some rest— as usual, his creator didn’t listen, and kept his mind focused on that new device he held in his hands. A new sort of weapon he wanted to integrate into his latest suit.
As his eyes wandered over the metallic object, he heard a knock on the door behind him. Well, he heard it, but paid no attention to it, his hands and mind too busy with work to focus on something else.
“Sir, Mrs Potts.” Jarvis informed his creator, making him furrow his brow.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Open the door.”
Tony answered, as he turned around on his seat, finally letting go of his new creation. A smile automatically appeared on his face as he saw the face of his lover.
Pepper was like the sun, casting her gentle warmth upon him. He would always compare her to the sun. She always said she didn’t like it, but Tony knew she did. He also knew she was going to scold him, like you would do with a child that refuses to go to bed. But that’s okay. It was more than okay, actually ; Pepper could shout how much she was done with him, Tony would sit down and admire her.
“Tony, what are you doing?” Pepper asked as she entered the room, her gaze shifting from him to the tools on the table that Tony was previously using.
“What’d you think?”
He answered, standing up to approach her. Pepper didn’t say anything, looking down as she noticed some bruises on the back of his hands and arms. There was also a fresh cut, with dried blood on the edge. She looked worried for a second, before looking up at him with exasperation.
“T-”
“Hey- No. Don’t say anything.” Tony interrupted her, carefully putting his hands on the side of her arms. “I know. It’s okay, I’m okay, we’re fine.”
“I just wanted to say that I made dinner.”
She said, softly scoffing at the sight of Tony’s confused face. The sound made his smile even wider, as his eyes met hers. God, those eyes. He had never realized that simply looking into her beautiful blue eyes could bring him such peace. Until now. A sort of romantic atmosphere was unfolding, as Tony let his hands slide down her back, until they reached her hips. Pepper looked down again—she always does whenever she feels flustered or embarrassed, and Tony honestly found it so cute— as she didn’t know where to place her own hands. Then, Tony leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. He stayed in that position, then gave her another kiss. And another one, and another one. Until she couldn’t help but laugh at the tickling sensation.
“Tony– Stop–”
But he didn’t. Why would he? Instead, he softly bit onto her ear, gave it a kiss, and whispered:
“I love you. Thank you for making us dinner.”
Pepper softly chuckled as they both locked eyes. Tony leaned in first, softly kissing her lips as she finally crossed her arms around his neck, kissing him back.
“‘Love the taste of your new lipstick.”
“Oh really?”
Pepper answered, passing her thumb on his lips, noticing the pink-red color mark on her finger.
“Mh. It kinda suits you.”
The remark made him laugh as he went to kiss her again. The kiss was gentle, pure, loving. Pepper always closed her eyes when they kissed, unlike Tony. He liked looking at her pretty face, no matter the situation.
Pepper drew back, letting go of Tony’s neck and carefully taking his hand.
“Let’s go have dinner.”
Tony nodded, following her lead.
*
Pepper eased herself onto the bed, letting a relieved sigh slip out. Tony didn’t take too much time to get in bed as well, laying beside her. He had on a black t-shirt and boxers. Sleeping in a t-shirt wasn’t his favorite, but Pepper had mentioned that the light coming from his heart’s device bothered her while she slept. Tony didn’t need to be told twice to come up with a solution. Pepper, meanwhile, appreciated sleeping in just a t-shirt and panties.
Tony got closer to her, laying on his side, he just stared at her.
“What’s wrong, puppy?”
The nickname almost made Tony jump as he gave her a suspicious glance, a wide smile accompanying it.
“Hey, don’t call me that. You know what happens when you call me that.”
Pepper softly chuckled as she got closer as well, carefully laying beneath him. Her right hand gently went to caress his iron heart through his shirt, which made Tony's cheeks flush a little.
“I just think you’re as cute as a puppy.”
“Oh– And– And– What about brave as a lion?”
Pepper smiled, shaking her head in disapproval.
“Not when you’re with me.”
Tony bit onto his lip, his right arm coming to wrap itself around her.
“I think you are as beautiful as a swan.”
Tony replied, hand softly caressing his lover’s hair, which made her close her eyes.
Pepper, for once, truly felt relaxed as Tony’s fingers gently massaged her head. Her work was so exhausting, and it was known that Pepper always did good with social interactions, but everyone has their limits.
“Goodnight baby.”
Tony whispered to her, offering her a kiss on the head, noticing her hand slowly sliding down his chest, as she fell asleep. He stared at her, played with her hair, observed as she breathed. She was so precious to him; she was everything to him. What would he do if he ever lost her?
Carefully and slowly, Tony rested his head on hers, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep as well.