He almost misses it -- almost. A lot of people don't think Tony even knows the difference between fantasy and reality. The truth is, he feels it acutely, probably more than most people. His hand glides back up and cups her cheek tenderly, his gaze heavy and sure as it meets hers. A moment ago he didn't think there was a stopping point, but the second he'd seen the vulnerability on her face he put the brakes on automatically. He doesn't want this if she isn't sure, and once again he's caught up thinking this is all going far too fast; getting away from them both.

"Hey. Sure you do." It's weird as far as reassurances go, but people expect a certain amount of eccentricity from him by now, especially Pepper who has now seen every reach of a very peculiar man by now. "I don't want her anyway. I want you." That's all he's ever wanted, he realizes in that moment. This means so much to him, he couldn't dream of botching it. He presses a kiss to her lips, firm and constant and unlike the rollercoaster they've been on for the past few hours.