I'm prepared for this ✫ I never shoot to miss

[letmetakeaselfie]

I've been here before
But always hit the floor
I've spent a lifetime running
And I always get away
But with you I'm feeling something
That makes me want to stay

Tony's heart is still beating fast, though it's been nearly an hour since his house was destroyed (yet again) by supervillains. Why his house? Why is it always him? He's not really feeling sorry for himself though, because for as much as he criticizes Fury, his plan really worked this time. His face-plate flips up as he pries off the left arm of his suit, indented dangerously close by one of those feisty Doom-bots. He flashes a wan smile over at Pepper, similarly battleworn. They really do work extraordinarily well together, he can't believe how he'd ever dismissed being partners before.

"Thanks for saving me - again." She really was good at that, and without her he'd most certainly not be standing right now. Though, yes, he is still lamenting his poor house. Oh well, easier repaired than he would be, probably.

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[efficacy]

Her eyes slide shut the moment their mouths meet, one hand still gripping her plate tightly and the other coming up to cup his cheek. She keeps the kiss soft and affectionate, but lingering. But she does capture his bottom lip between hers and sucking on it lightly before slowly pulling away, breaking the kiss and opening her eyes, swallowing a little as the full weight of her careless action bores down on her. Her slim fingers against his cheek tremble faintly with sudden nerves, watching him for his reaction; he did return the kiss, but what if...?

[letmetakeaselfie]

He makes another soft noise at her treatment of his lip, squeezing her shoulder as the kiss breaks, his eyes coming open suddenly and almost owlishly. He feels her shake and wonders if she regrets what just happened, his brows furrowing slightly as he tries to suss out what's going on here. His fork clatters loudly against his plate then, he had forgotten himself and dropped it, and as a result he jumps a bit. His heart can't take this, and he makes a grab for his plate and hers, setting them on the cart before he can be even further frustrated by the logistics of this moment.

But when he turns back to look at her all of his nervousness just comes back full-force. He feels like he's done something wrong, however illogical that may be. The conflict shows clearly on his face, and he knows he has to push some words, any words out before he loses the ability altogether. "...What was that for?"

[efficacy]

Pepper flinches at the clatter too, nearly dropping her own plate before Tony relieves her of it. Just the same, she's lost her appetite anyway. Swallowing thickly when Tony's attention returns on her, she opens and closes her mouth several times like a fish caught on land, groping for words that have all seemed to desert her.

"I..." she stammers, flushing again guiltily though it's silly, probably. He kissed her back, surely he must feel this attraction, too? But suppose she can't blame him for his confusion. It's not like they've acknowledged it in any way -- drunken make-outs didn't count. She thinks. Licking her dry lips, she lifts her chin a bit, feeling a small surge of defiance all of the sudden. "Because I felt like it."

[letmetakeaselfie]

"Oh." It's stupid and he immediately regrets it coming out of his mouth. Why can he charm an entire room with ease but one-on-one it dissolves into mush? Especially when it's important. He hates it. Emotions flicker across his eyes too quickly to pick up individually and he has a strong urge to run away right now. He glances towards the door -- there's nowhere for him to go, even if he truly wanted to. Which he doesn't, the last thing he wants is to leave her. But facing that is scarier than outside right now. Which is pretty damn scary.

He's still on the edge of the bed, one leg dangling off as he turns to face her again. This is the part where they talk, isn't it? It feels like that, but he's rubbish at starting any type of real conversation. "Well, let me know if you feel like it again." Coming from someone else, or even him in another context, would seem like a cheesy line, but he's so genuinely lost and it shows and can be heard plainly in his voice. He needs to just ask her what's on his mind, but his pulse is racing and no matter how he moves his lips he can't get the words to pass through.

[efficacy]

He looks like he's about to bolt. Pepper bites her lip, her earlier defiance and certainty dwindling as quickly as it ignited. Is she really misreading the situation so badly? She doesn't think so. His glib-sounding response causes a flare of frustration to leap in the back of her mind. Is he really this thick? But no-- she needs to remember he doesn't have much experience with these things, as Pepper had learned during this charade. His demeanor only confirms it.

Pepper heaves a sigh, deflating a little. For god's sake, they were both adults, not shy school kids. This really shouldn't be so difficult. "Look. I don't know if it's a good idea because we're teammates and there's such a thing as professionalism and keeping work and personal life separate, which I'm normally all for, but..." She takes a breath to keep herself from spiraling into a rambling tangent like she has a habit of doing when nervous. "But, I... like you. I mean, I'm-- attracted to you."

Best to be clear about it. Her heart hammers furiously in her chest; he could fold or raise, but at least her cards are on the table now.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He might be a genius, but for all intents and purposes in this situation he is 100% dense. What is she saying to him? By the time she gets to the end of her speach he realizes his mouth is hanging open, and he rushes to close it though it does so with an embarassing click. Even for how bald that was a million more questions spring up and he swallows down another lump in his throat as he forces himself to look directly into her clear, blue eyes.

"I," Tony starts before he's ready to speak, only losing nerve once it's out and feeling even more dumb if that's even possible. He needs a minute. He needs like, no less than twelve minutes. Shit is getting intense inside his head right now. "Oh." He nods, though he still isn't sure what it all means or what he's supposed to say to that. Of course she knows he likes her, doesn't she? That he's attracted to her? His body hadn't exactly been shy about it up until now. But then it hits him -- he's never said the words so maybe she doesn't know. Or maybe she does but she could still need the confirmation. That's what communication is all about, right? He was good at it on the battlefield, but here in this hotel room he is so completely out of his element. Ironically Princess Bubblegum is screaming at Finn right now for not telling her something. He feels chagrinned as he looks down into his lap and tries to piece himself back together.

"I like you, too." His head slowly lifts as he's saying it and there's no wobble in his voice this time. Maybe he's got this, at least for this second. It somehow feels like the greatest declaration he's ever made, though he's certainly been more dramatic a time or two he can think of offhand. This just seems to trump everything else he's ever felt before and he can't explain it. "And you know I... I mean. You're gorgeous." Not that the attraction is purely physical, but he can't be sure that isn't all she means. Is she proposing some sort of friends with benefits arrangement? It's hard for him to imagine a world in which Pepper Potts would willingly take on all of the baggage she'd seen of his in the last month or so.

[efficacy]

Oh. Really? That's all he has to say? Pepper can't help but deflate some, shoulders slumping gently in disappointment. Some more impatient, emotional part of her wants to thrown up her hands and storm out or something, but it's tempered by her inherent kindness and poise. She draws in a deep breath through her nose and waits, reminding herself once more than Tony isn't like any so-called normal people when it comes to things like these. For someone so smart, he's a compete novice in some areas of interpersonal relationships.

Her patience finally pays off, cautious hope unfurling in her chest at his words. The small, gentle smile on her lips turns somewhat shy at the compliment, knowing she's blushing a little once more. "It's not just... I mean, I don't only refer to your looks," she confesses softly. "You're fun, too, and generous. I feel comfortable around you. It's... nice to spend time with you."

She's sure it's only likely to create more questions for Tony. Hell, she's not even completely certain as to what she wants to achieve herself by telling him all this.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He can feel her frustration in the space between them, but then that flush rising on her cheeks seems to herald being satisfied with his answer in the end. The bed-length suddenly seems much too far away, and he starts to scoot his way closer again, sitting next to her in no time at all. Fun is something people said about him enough, at least Before... his whole life changed. And even now, sometimes. But generous and comfortable to be around? Not so much.

"I think... you might be my best friend. Is that weird?" His eyelashes flutter as he meets her eyes again, less concerned with labels and how the pieces all fit than just -- what she said. Spending time with her, getting even closer if that's possible.

[efficacy]

She smiles more fully when he scoots closer, happy to lean her arm against his again, meeting his gaze under her lashes. Her smile turns more muted at the question, but no less warm and genuine. She shakes her head a little. "I don't think so," she says softly after a moment. "You might be mine."

She may be better adjusted socially than Tony, but she doesn't still have any close friends to speak of. If she had to name someone she felt closest to and trusted the most, it would be Tony.

[letmetakeaselfie]

When she leans against him he does her one better and wraps his arm around her shoulder, content to just be for a moment or two. This is something he can work with -- a jumping off point. It's more than he ever thought he'd get out of this charade, that's for sure. "Let's not tell Nick." He doesn't really think about the connotations of what he's saying, just that he could do without all the obnoxious I-told-you-so's.

[efficacy]

Smiling, she allows herself to tip toward him a little further, content to share his warmth. "Okay," she agrees easily. Yeah, she's no more keen to give Fury any credit for... anything, really. Lifting a brow, she makes sure after a moment, "But we are still totally sending him the bill for all of this, right?"

[letmetakeaselfie]

"Uh, yeah," he says in his best valley girl accent. "Duh." Again, without thinking, he brushes a kiss against her temple and leans his face against hers. It just feels so natural to be this way with her, but he knows they've only scratched the surface in terms of hashing everything out between them.

[efficacy]

She hums a little with a smile of fond amusement, lids fluttering and heart skipping at the tender way he brushes his lips against her temple, eyes closing entirely at the touch of their faces. She doesn't remember the last time someone held her like this, the last time she'd felt this content, this... safe, though she hardly needs a knight in shining gold-titanium alloy. Still, there's something uniquely comforting about it.

"I'm kind of getting that feeling again." The soft words are out of her mouth before she properly realizes what she's saying, but she doesn't want to take them back, either.

[letmetakeaselfie]

His pulse leaps at those words, even without knowing what they mean. Tony pulls back a little in case he's overstepping somehow, something he'd never been all that concerned with before Pepper. But now he's constantly on guard and trying to ensure she's comfortable. "...What feeling is that?" he asks hesitantly, hating to admit when he's not keeping up.

[efficacy]

Pepper lifts her head a little to better meet his eyes, her lips curving into a warm smile. "Well, you told me earlier I should let you know if I felt like kissing you again," she clarifies, a bit of fond amusement leaking into her tone.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He blinks owlishly at her, brain working overtime to try and process those words. "Oh." He really needs to stop saying that, but this time it has a bit of a bite; like he's catching on or something. (About time.) Tony's gaze travels unshyly down to her mouth, his own throat going dry at the prospect. "Thanks for letting me know."

Now he's torn on whether he should leave the next move up to her -- Pepper is so good at putting him on the spot; and he's certain by now that she knows exactly what she's doing. He remembers vividly their drunken makeout session and perhaps in hopes to redeem himself, or to keep her from thinking he doesn't want to kiss her again, Tony goes ahead and steals her thunder. His eyes slide shut as he leans in to close the small distance, pressing his lips to hers firmly, and dryly at first. Satisfied with that, he turns to face her a little more as he deepens the kiss, his heart pounding furiously behind his breast as though trying to leap up his throat.

[efficacy]

It's a little endearing how out of the loop he is, her lips pulling into a fond smile at one corner. "Yes. Oh," she teases playfully, her smile twitching into a near smirk. His initiative shakes off her playfulness, however, though she's still smiling gently when his lips press against hers. It's a good start, just not quite what she had in mind. As if reading her mind, he deepens the kiss and she hums softly in approval, one small hand settling on his chest as she kisses back, parting her lips to invite him further.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He feels the gentle pressure of her hand through his shirt as it sends electric shocks through his middle. For that second he completely forgets about the reactor and presses closer, fastening his arm around her waist and cupping her lower back in support. It would feel juvenile, probably, if he had had normal experiences like this in his youth and he does feel a strange tug like he's doing something wrong, but it doesn't feel bad. It's exciting if anything, and Tony strokes his tongue against hers, grateful that he's finally able to turn off his brain and enjoy the moment for what it is.

[efficacy]

It feels anything but juvenile to Pepper, rest assured. Eyes lightly closed, she kisses back with a certain slow indulgence, enjoying the fact they're finally doing this sober and in mutual agreement, sighing at the way his tongue strokes hers. Her hands slides up his chest slowly, fingers spread slightly, lingering for a moment over his pectoral and rubbing lazy circles before venturing upward again to cup the side of his neck gently. The burning in her lungs eventually forces her to pull back, but only enough to break the contact between their lips to pull in a deep breath and huff another out with a thready chuckle. "Wow," she deems after a beat, a crooked grin spreading to her mouth.

[letmetakeaselfie]

His nipples tighten and his skin tenses under her touch, loving the way that feels. It's been so long since he's been touched with any sort of affection that it's hard not to chase it down, even as she's pulling back and he's sucking in greedy gulps of air -- realizing he'd run out seconds ago but just hadn't cared. That laugh sends lightning down his spine and he nods helplessly against her face. "Yeah... wow." That about sums it up.

[efficacy]

"Wanna do that again?" she breathes impishly after a beat, grinning broadly as she rubs her nose against his affectionately, her hand sliding down from his neck and back to his chest. She's not much better than him; she may have gone on a random date here and there in the recent years, but none of it ever went this far or felt this right. It's hard to stop chasing the warmth that blooms inside her chest when they're close like this.

[letmetakeaselfie]

She has a beautiful smile, and he finds himself so captivated by her that he almost doesn't process the words at first, opening his mouth to question it before he realizes how much of a mistake that would be. Chagrined, Tony feels heat pull up under his cheeks, staining them a noticeable pink; the flush traveling down his throat when her hand settles back on his chest. "I think it's your turn," he points out, lifting an eyebrow even as he slides in even a little closer, effectively closing any distance between them that still remained.

[efficacy]

"Well, I'd never shirk my duties and not pull my weight," Pepper teases on a barely there whisper, the smile still on her lips as they brush oh-so lightly against his with every uttered word. All she needs to do is tip her chin up a little to press their mouths back together; and she does just that, eyes closing as she kisses him sweetly at first, lightly. But soon, she lets her tongue enter the fray, running slowly along his bottom lip before testing the seam of them, begging for entry and taking advantage the moment it's granted to explore every nook and cranny with deep, slow indulgence, humming softly in contentment.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He breathes out a laugh against her lips, but quickly loses any sense of bemusement when she proves she wasn't bluffing. A woman has never kissed him like this, and he finds himself immediately swept up in it, eyes closing tight and fingers balling in the fabric of her shirt. It's automatic, the way he opens his mouth to her, trusting her easily with all that he is when usually he's so closed off and inaccessible, even to the team. Unable to be idle any longer, his other hand climbs once more into her hair, tongue meeting hers without trying to take over the kiss himself. His heart is pounding loudly again, unable to keep from wondering what happens next. As much as he wants to move things further, he isn't sure if she'd welcome it, though his hand lets go of the bunched fabric at her back only to climb gently under the shirt and over her bare skin, tracing her spine while trying to draw out the kiss even as the burning in his lungs becomes too much.

[efficacy]

Pepper utters a soft, helpless sound of enjoyment into the kiss when Tony's hand slips under her shirt and tickles up her spine, her back arching gently and skin trembling at the sensation. Facing similar trouble with running out of air, Pepper gasps softly against the corner of his mouth when they're forced apart by the fact. She touches his throat lightly as she catches her breath, huffing out a faint laugh -- a happy sound -- and leaning her face against his. "I..." she begins, but doesn't really know how to continue, trailing off with a slight shake of her head as her fingertips draw errant circles against his skin. She can't deny how good this feels, all of this; and she can't deny the longing for more, but what exactly are they doing? How are they supposed to move onward from this? Trailing her fingers along his throat, she pulls her head back enough to meet Tony's eyes. "What are we doing? Where is this going?" she asks softly, tone calm. It's not that she knows much better, she just wants to hear his thoughts on the matter.