He Lets Go
He stood in front of the mirror, silent, the picture of grief. Black tie in place, suit jacket buttoned, he was finally ready. But he would never be ready, not really, not for this.
Pepper opened the door quietly, peering in at the man in front of the mirror.
"Are you ready?"
He regards her silently, giving a small nod before following her out.
Outside, only friends are present. He smiles a little. This was heartwarming, to see so many loving people around. It made him feel better, made him happy for the fallen.
For the one he fought with so much, to be loved just as much as he loved others.
He wished he'd said more, been more open, more loving. But he likes to think that the other knew, deep down.
He moves with Pepper, who's holding a bouquet in her arms, looking at him worriedly. He simply smiles faintly at her, taking the bouquet gently when they reach the lake they were holding the event at.
The funeral.
Looking down at the flowers, he feels tears spill over at what's settled in them.
Proof that Tony Stark has a heart.
He looks up again, across the lake, shoulders trembling. He can feel his friends at his back, grounding him for what he knows he has to do.
Taking a deep breath, he crouches at the end of the dock, gently placing the bouquet in the water.
He lets it go.
He lets him go.