The following morning, Tony and Kagome woke up to the smell of Aiko cooking a traditional Japanese breakfast for Kagome. Her mouth watered when she smelled her mother's cooking. Tony sat up and yawned, "Man, that smells good. I haven't had a good Japanese breakfast in years."
"Oh, Tony, then you'll love my mom's cooking. She's an excellent cook."
Tony kissed Kagome's cheek, "I'm sure she is; Honey, let's get up and have some breakfast and open the rest of the presents."
Kagome nodded, and she crawled over to Tony and went to the bathroom to do her business. After she was finished, she washed her hands and brushed her teeth, then left the bathroom so that Tony could do his business. Kagome grabbed her robe and headed downstairs, where Aiko finished making breakfast for everyone. She smiled when she saw Kagome. "Good morning, Dear; how are you feeling?"
"Hungry? Your cooking woke us up," Kagome said.
"Good, I was hoping it would. Why don't you sit down and let me get you some tea?"
"Is Souta up yet?"
"Not yet."
"JARVIS, could you wake up, my brother, please?"
**Of course, Ms. Kagome.**
A few minutes later, a bleary-eyed Souta came downstairs, "Is breakfast ready?"
"Yes, we're only waiting for Tony," Kagome said.
"Okay, I'm here. Let's eat," Tony said when he came into the kitchen, "Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Tony," Aiko and Souta say.
They sat down at the kitchen table and had their breakfast. Aiko poured Souta a cup of tea and refilled Kagome's, but for Tony, she poured him some coffee, "Thank you, Aiko."
"You're welcome, Tony."
They began eating, and Tony hummed, "Oh my god, this is so good."
"Thank you, Tony."
"You're welcome."
They ate their breakfast and talked about what they would do with the rest of their vacation. Tony suggested just lounging around the house, at least for the day, and watching Christmas movies after opening the rest of the presents. The others agreed, and then the following day, Tony would take them to Universal Studios; after that, they could do whatever Aiko and Souta wanted.
"But for New Year's Eve, we're going out," Tony informed Kagome and her family.
"Where are we going?" Kagome asked.
"The annual Stark New Year's Eve party. Unfortunately, I have to go; many associates are invited, and so is the board of directors. I have to make an appearance, at least. But if you don't want to go, Kagome, that's fine."
Kagome smiled sweetly at her boyfriend, "Of course, I'll go with you, Tony. We're a couple, and we'll do this together."
Tony thanked Kagome and kissed her. He wanted her to come with him, but if Kagome didn't feel up to it, he wasn't going to force her. Now that it was settled, Tony, Kagome, and the family decided to open the rest of the presents and enjoy Christmas day together.
As promised, Tony took Souta wherever he wanted to go. Tony bought Souta anything that caught his eye for himself and his friends in Japan. Since Souta was now in college, Aiko decided that if he wanted, and if it was alright with Tony and Kagome, he could go to the New Year's Eve party. Tony and Kagome agreed that it was okay though he wouldn't be allowed to drink. Tony decided that he would take Souta out to get a tuxedo for the party, and while they were out, Tony would take Souta to the jewelry store to get Kagome an engagement ring. Tony had decided to propose at the stroke of midnight, right when the fireworks were set off.
Tony explained his plan to Souta, and the teen thought it was a brilliant idea. So, after getting their tuxedos for the party, Tony and Souta went to the jewelry store to look at engagement rings. The jeweler was ecstatic to see Tony in his store, knowing full well that Tony enjoyed spending a lot of money on jewelry and watches.
"How can I help you today, Mr. Stark?" The Jeweler asked.
"I'd like to see your collection of engagement rings," Tony told him.
The jeweler beamed at Tony, "Congratulations, Mr. Stark,"
Tony gave the jeweler a genuine smile, "Thank you, Ray; I only hope she says yes,"
Souta rolled his eyes, "Tony, don't worry, my sister is going to say yes."
The jeweler looked at the Asian teen and realized that the potential bride was not Pepper Potts and was suddenly glad he did not open his mouth about that. He led Tony towards the engagement rings and began showing him the rings, but none of them were good enough for his Kagome.
"Don't you have something a little more unique?"
The jeweler thought for a moment, then went to the back room and brought out a ring he thought Tony would like. He showed Tony a Platinum Rose Flower Diamond Engagement Ring. It was 1.01 Carat GIA Certified Handmade. Tony took the ring and examined it; he smiled and showed it to Souta. Souta looked at the engagement ring and nodded, "Kagome will love it."
"Yeah, I think so too. I'll take it," Tony informed the jeweler, who took the ring and put it in a box for Tony.
After buying the ring, Tony and Souta went out for lunch and talked about Tony asking Aiko for permission to marry Kagome, "It isn't necessary, Tony, but I think my mom would appreciate it."
Tony took a sip of his coffee and thought for a moment, then he agreed with Souta, "Okay, kid, I'll ask her tonight. I only need you to keep Kagome busy."
"No, problem, Tony."
When they returned to the mansion, Souta asked Kagome if she wanted to see his new tuxedo, and she agreed. They went upstairs to Souta's room, and Tony took the opportunity to talk to Aiko. He told her how much he loved Kagome, not because she was the mother of his child, but because Kagome was everything he never knew he wanted in a partner.
"I'd like to ask your permission to marry your daughter."
Aiko smiled, "I thought as much when you and Souta took so long. Of course, Tony, you have my permission and blessing. I know you and Kagome will be very happy together."
"Thank you, Aiko," Tony said with a relieved smile.
Aiko grinned at her future son-in-law, "You're welcome, Tony," and then kissed his cheek.
At the New Year's Eve party, Tony and Kagome socialized with Tony's associates and employees. Rhodey was there, so he spent most of his time with Aiko so she didn't feel left out, while Souta flirted with the girls.
They only stayed long enough for Tony to make the rounds and wish everyone a Happy New Year. Once he had done that, He, Kagome, and the others returned to the mansion to have a private party. At the stroke of midnight, Rhodey ended up kissing Aiko while Kagome kissed her brother's cheek, then she turned to Tony and kissed him on the lips and wished him a Happy New Year.
At that moment, JARVIS set off the fireworks, and they all watched from the rooftop. Suddenly Kagome gasped when she noticed the fireworks spelled out, WILL YOU MARRY ME, KAGOME?
Kagome turned toward Tony, who was now on his knees beside her with the diamond engagement ring. Kagome started to cry, "Yes, Tony, I would love to marry you."
Tony quickly slipped the ring on her finger, then stood and kissed his fiancee and hugged her tightly but not too tight so that he didn't hurt the baby. The others clapped and congratulated the newly engaged couple. It was the happiest night of Tony's life.
