Chapter 28: Tony
The Bifrost deposited Tony on the flight deck of Avengers Tower and vanished. He glanced at the slight scorch marks the beam of energy had left as he regained his balance from the novel form of travel and made his way towards the tower's glass doors.
The familiar lights of the night-time cityscape stretched out around his high vantage point, reminding him that he was back on the planet where he belonged.
Tony let himself inside, glancing around the living room. The lights were on but he was alone at the present. He moved straight to the minibar and poured himself a glass of something strong, downing it in one.
That was better. He was refilling his glass when Pepper walked into the room.
"Tony?" She sounded surprised and relieved, but that quickly morphed into concern as she came over. "Where are the others?"
Tony refilled his glass again, willing himself to stay calm. "Oh, I expect they'll be along soon."
Pepper's frown deepened. "Is everything alright? Did you get to Asgard? What happened?"
Tony took a sip of his drink. "We got to Asgard," he replied, his voice losing its unconcerned tone. "Then there was a battle. I got shot down, taken prisoner, and tortured, then rescued and almost pickled. Then I get back to Asgard and find out that Barnes is alive and Loki's teamed up with the Avengers."
He paused, taking a calming breath. "Other than that it's been a perfectly good day." He took another drink.
Pepper stared at him, speechless. Finally she asked, "Tony … why did you leave the team?"
Tony's last bit of restraint seemed to snap. "Because Captain America just went all buddy-buddy with two murderers and I need a minute!" he snapped, taking another drink. "Or a week," he added sullenly.
"I'm sure Cap knows what he's doing," Pepper replied calmly.
Tony chuckled bitterly. "Sure he does." Rogers always knew everything, even when he knew nothing.
Pepper moved around the minibar bench and stopped in front of Tony, gently taking the glass out of his hand. "That's enough," she said quietly.
For just a second, Tony wanted to snatch the glass back. But what was he thinking? His fight wasn't with Pepper. He sighed, letting his anger ease away. "You're right," he admitted. He took the glass back and dumped its contents down the sink. "What would I do without you?" he asked.
Pepper smiled, relaxing. "Let's never find out, okay?"
"That's a good idea," Tony said. "In fact, it's the best idea I've heard all day." And he sank down onto one knee, taking her hand in his.
Pepper's eyes widened, but she appeared too surprised to speak.
Tony took a steadying breath. He'd put this off for years. He wasn't putting it off any longer. "Pepper," he began, "you're the cleverest, most beautiful, and most perfect woman I've ever known. I don't deserve you now, and I never will, but I want you to know that I love you more than anything else."
Tears welled in Pepper's eyes as Tony continued. "I don't know what's happening and there's a chance the world might end soon, but regardless of all that, will you marry me?"
A tear trickled down Pepper's cheek as she nodded, smiling. "Yes!"
A wonderful mix of relief and happiness flooded through Tony, washing away his weariness and pain. If he'd had a ring, he would have slid it onto Pepper's finger, but instead he simply stood, pulling her into his arms, and kissed her.
She returned the kiss, but pulled back after a moment, wrinkling her nose. "What is that awful taste?" she asked.
Tony thought back and smiled slightly. "Alien slime. Sorry."
Pepper smiled, wiping his lips with her fingers. "I forgive you."
And then she kissed him properly.