As always, Tony wakes all at once, as if being violently yanked out of subconscious dreamland. He's used to sleeping in the same bed with her, enough that he's careful not to dislodge or wake her when he suddenly finds himself awake. The whole room is light despite the dark curtains so it must be later in the day than he's used to, but the rest is startingly similar by now. It takes a few moments to remember the difference, though, and that being that they'd consciously decided to take comfort from one another before sleep. Even though their positioning isn't new, the way they got there is and he's surprised to find it makes an even greater impact on the involuntary reactions of his body. He isn't any stranger to sporting some morning wood, and he had long since stopped concerning himself with it around Pepper. Not to say that there isn't still some awkwardness, but he's still reluctant to admit why that is -- even to himself.

Instead of worrying about it, Tony focuses on how good it feels to be wrapped up in her this way. He shifts his leg so their thighs rest comfortably together, then wriggles his arm out from under her head in the most gentle way he can, instead directing her to lay her head against his chest. He's learned that it takes her a long time to come around, so he may as well get out of this what he can. His arm prickles, numb from being trapped under her, but he runs his palm up and down against the fabric of her tanktop, rubbing her back until he regains feeling in the apendage. Also impulsively, he drops a kiss to her temple before resting his chin gently there as though he could keep her safe.