Warning: a little foul language
Tony Stark hates politicians. There was no discrimination-he hated democrats, he hated republicans, he hated every other political party there is. And while he very much likes to be in the spot light, likes to be recognized for his achievements, his intense dislike of politicians wins out in the end.
Which would explain why he's in his favorite lab, wearing a dark t-shit that must be driving Pepper insane because she's staring at his biceps. He's more than willing to put on a show for her.
Just not for politicians.
Tony knows how to hold a grudge. He knows better than to forget how the Powers That Think They're In Charge wanted to take his suit away. And, by extension, take Tony himself. Because Tony is Iron Man, and Iron Man is Tony. At the fancy-shmancy ceremony in Washington, they'll all act as if they never turned their backs on him. The politicians will laugh and smile and praise, and in a short matter of time they'll go back to insulting him. And his new friends.
He's rather fond of Bruce Banner, looks forward to being Science Buddies with him for many years to come. He can't do that if some government power tries to lock the good doctor in a cage, or, for fuck's sake, dissect him.
And how sick of a person do you have to be to dissect a man? Especially one like Bruce.
These politicians would do that to him in a blink of an eye.
So in the end, it boils down to the fact that Tony does not trust these corporate assholes, and he'll be damned if he takes any sort of accolade from them.
Tony stretches and grins at Pepper, who just shakes her head with a smile.
Pepper doesn't really like politicians either. God, he loves Pepper.
I couldn't write this without some Pepperony and a little hint of Truce science bro-ness on the side.
Does anyone know of any Avengers fanfiction on livejournal they'd like to recommend? A link would be very helpful...