Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for Auction: Day 30: Auction 2: "Well, do you know what I think? I think I need some chamomile before my slumber!"

Word Count: 380

Date

"Tony, I really think—"

"Well, do you know what I think? I think I need some chamomile before my slumber!"

Tony hightailed it from the room, leaving Pepper to stare after him. "He's so full of shit," she muttered, fondly shaking her head. "JARVIS, he's heading for the kitchen?"

"He is, Miss Potts."

She followed after him at a more sedate pace, reaching the kitchen a few minutes later. She could see Tony leaning against Steve's back, clearly trying and failing to hide from her.

She rolled her eyes and sat down at the breakfast bar to wait him out.

"Tony—"

"Shhhh."

Steve snorted. "MIss Potts knows you're there."

"Well she does now," Tony replied, a pout in his tone. He stepped out from around Steve with a large mug in his hand.

"Camomile?" Pepper asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Sure," Tony said, nodding his head frantically. "It's totally camomile tea. Totally."

"It's coffee," Steve said flatly. "The day anyone in this tower believes you're drinking tea is the day I'll know aliens have invaded."

"Again, you mean?" Tony offered.

"Yes. Again. Why were you hiding from Miss Potts?"

Tony grimaced and glanced at Pepper, who merely arched her eyebrow at him, unimpressed despite her continued amusement at his antics.

"She wants me to go to the Maria Stark Gala tonight. With a date."

"You enjoy the foundation Galas," Steve pointed out.

"With a date, Steven," Tony emphasised. "Do you know the kind of women that I have to take to these things? They don't have nails, they have talons. Scary red ones, that they try and hook into me."

"You never used to mind," Pepper pointed out, and Tony rolled his eyes.

"That was before. You know we don't compare before and after, Pep," he whined.

"I'll go with you," Steve offered, his lips tilting up in a small smile. "And I'll even protect you from the big scary red talons, how does that sound?"

"You'll come with me?"

"I will."

Slowly, a smile appeared on Tony's face. "As my date?"

"Yes, Tony. As your date."

"I'll be there at eight on the dot, Pep."

She shook her head, smiling. "I'll see you about nine then, shall I?"

Tony grinned and leant over to kiss her cheek. "You're the best."