Bring me to your house, Say sorry for the mess. (Hey, I don't mind.)

[letmetakeaselfie]

Tony is nervous. Tony is always nervous, but tonight is compounded by all his paranoid fear brought to life by none other than SHIELD's meddling. After chance (if you can really believe that) running into Steve Rogers on the street, Tony had refused to do anything less than become fast friends with the other man, hellbent on unwinding this insane tapestry they're all tied up in, even if he has to do it thread by thread. He had been shocked when it was so easy to get Steve to agree to come to dinner at his house with his cobbled together family, at least at first. The more he spends time with the other man, the more he understands just how lonely he is.

Without Pepper he would have lost his mind several times over by now (and that's just tonight.) He's dressed casually in a linen shirt and jeans, seeming unbothered by the way the reactor shines brightly through the thin fabric. JARVIS announces Steve's arrival and he nearly jumps out of his skin, running a hand through his already hopelessly unruly hair as his gaze flashes to Pepper for one last nudge in silent guidance. Swallowing his nerves, he goes to the door, assured that JARVIS had brought Steve up to the penthouse as per Tony's earlier instructions (that the AI had chided him for repeating too many times. I'm a machine, sir. I'm not capable of forgetting.) He doesn't think he is either, anymore.

"H-hey," he greets, a little wild-eyed and more than starstruck (still) though he tries desperately to rein that part in. "Uh. Come in." He steps back and gestures vaguely, almost vibrating for how much this is affecting him.

Comments

[efficacy]

Pepper smooths down the skirt of her simple, plum colored dress as she hangs back a few paces while Tony greets Steve. She's not without her own qualms regarding this dinner, but they have nothing to do with Steve personally. It's just hard, seeing more evidence of SHIELD's dirty work. She still isn't rid of her own guilt for the part she'd played for so long.

Tony's nervous energy is wreaking havoc on Pepper's own poise now, as calm as she usually is. Her heels click as she steps up next to Tony and lays a hand against his lower back in effort to take the edge off his nerves while smiling politely at Steve. "Yes, please do. Welcome."

[valuedstrength]

He almost didn't show up. What started out as an innocent request from Kate to help him pick out a decent suit turned into a rather heated fight. The good news is his phone won't be going off during dinner. The bad news is he's pretty sure he alienated the only other person who talks to him on a regular basis. He can't say he feels good about it. He doesn't feel guilty either for standing his ground.

How could a guy this nervous be trouble? The woman with him for her part seems warm and kind. He almost wishes he invited Kate along so she could see how little there was to worry about. He shelves that thought in favor of a polite smile, a nod of acknowledge as he smooths large hand over his gray suit jacket for the hundredth time tonight.

"Thank you." It's only then he seems to remember what he's holding in his other hand. "Oh... I brought cookies. Gluten-free." Steve reassures as he awkwardly holds out the plastic tub so he can properly head inside.

[letmetakeaselfie]

The touch immediately and visibly calms him, even as he reaches out to take the cookies from Steve's hand, a quizzical look splashed over his features. "How did you..." Maybe he doesn't know, at least consciously. Or maybe he had just googled it -- is that little nugget of information even online? Somehow he's sure his crazier fans must know about his Celiac disease. He shakes his head to clear the thoughts, it doesn't matter. Maybe he just felt like making GF cookies, he should probably stop reading into every tiny thing if he wants Steve to stick around.

"I mean -- thanks. They look great." He offers a wobbly little smile in gratitude, moving towards the kitchen so Steve will hopefully take the cue and follow. "Um. Do you want anything to drink? Beer or... anything?" He forgets entirely to introduce Pepper as he moves towards the fridge to gather whatever Steve's heart desires, and also set the cookies down. Oh well, she's very capable of navigating her way through social situations, unlike him.

[efficacy]

Pepper watches the exchange with a tiny smile playing about the corner of her mouth. It's thoughtful of Steve to bring over a gift, much less a homemade one suited to Tony's diet. Though like Tony, she has to wonder too how he knew about it, or whether it was just a coincidence. Pepper's just lost faith in coincidences as of late; but at least this is harmless. She has to shake her head a little when Tony begins to meander away with the cookies, skipping over introductions entirely. Not that it surprises Pepper any.

"Since Tony can only remember one courtesy at a time... which is still an improvement, to be frank," she teases fondly, throwing a quick look toward Tony's retreating form before returning her gaze to Steve, smiling warmly and offering her hand to the man. "Hi-- Pepper Potts. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Rogers."

[valuedstrength]

Captain America read the files, watched the videos, and studied his teammates very carefully at every opportunity. Steve just couldn't get the idea out of his head that he should use a gluten-free recipe. He watches Tony's back as he walks away. "Uh... water."

Steve glances awkwardly at Pepper since he's not the only one wondering when he'll get around to introducing the woman who must be his wife. Thankfully, Pepper catches it. He wastes no time grasping her hand and shaking it firmly. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Potts. Thank you for letting me into your home and hog so much of your husband's time." He releases her hand to run it through his hair. Yeah he's not exactly proud of that fact or catching onto the fact they're not really married.

[letmetakeaselfie]

His heart falls into the pit of his stomach when he overhears the introductions. He can't help beating himself up for that, even as he mulls over the options that come under the umbrella of what Steve is asking for. "Sparkling or filtered? And how do you feel about ice?" He's grateful too a second later that his back is still to them as he pulls out a cup and prepares to make this cup of water the most memorable cup of water Steve has ever had, because the 'husband' thing makes a flush rise up his throat and over his face faster than anything else. He waits on bated breath to see if Pepper will correct him.

[efficacy]

"Oh, feel free to hog it more. He could use more friends," she assures Steve with a smile once he's given his preferences for the water, knowing perfectly well Tony can hear every word. Though, Steve's use of the specific term in regards to their marital status draws a more abashed look from her as she tucks some unbound hair behind her ear. "But we're not... um, we're actually not married."

It feels impolite to point that out, but she doesn't want Steve to feel awkward later on when he realizes the truth if he keeps on thinking that. Smiling a little, she adds a bit playfully, "Though it often feels like we are." Making light of it helps with the tiny prick of strange longing she'd felt in her heart at that one word. Husband.

[valuedstrength]

Steve couldn't sound more unsure about ordering filtered ice water if he tried. He's a little out of his depth here since his comes from the tap sans filter. He does feel relieved that he isn't being a bother. Honestly he could use more or any friends too.

Though he should probably stop making assumptions about them, huh? Steve visibly reddens as he is corrected. "I'm sorry. It's just the way he talked and the kid... and I'm gonna stop making assumptions." Don't mind him. He's just going to walk very quickly over to nearest chair and try to breathe. That's one way to make a first impression.

[letmetakeaselfie]

Tony hopes his face is a normal color when he hands Steve his drink, moving to rejoin Pepper's side automatically. Things had been rocky for them for the past few weeks, but he still couldn't imagine his life without her. Steve's right, with the way he had spoken about Pepper and John it probably wasn't such a strange assumption.

"Assumptions are fine with us. Right, Ms. Potts?" He leans his shoulder against hers and hands over the wine he'd poured for her (or more accurately the wine he intends to share with her.)

[efficacy]

She feels bad for Steve's distress, biting her lip a little uncertainly. It really isn't a big deal at all, but apparently Steve doesn't think so. Tony returns and she leans subtly back against his shoulder, accepting the glass of wine with a murmur of appreciation-- and the look she gives Tony at the question is so terribly fond and grateful there could be no doubt of her sincerity.

"That they are, Mr. Stark," she agrees softly. Glancing back over to Steve, she adds, "It really is fine. No harm done."

[valuedstrength]

Steve takes in the fading pink from Tony's skin, to Pepper, and glances down. It really is fine, isn't it? As usual he let his nerves get the best of him. He takes a quick sip of his drink and explains himself. "Sorry, I guess I'm a little nervous. I don't wear suits or attend dinners normally." He cants his head to the side in a self-depreciating manner before glancing up with a warm smile. "But, I'm happy to be here. If you need anything just let me know. I want to be a good guest."

[letmetakeaselfie]

His smile turns a bit goofy when Pepper gives him that look -- it's one he knows well, but it never fails to melt his heart on contact. It takes him a second to refocus on Steve, but he's just as concerned with the other man tonight, if not more. There's a lot riding on this night.

"And we don't usually have guests. At least... ones with manners." Cough Harry Osbourne cough :) Tony makes a dismissive noise at the suggestion of Steve lifting a finger to help, how dare tbh. "Guest means you relax and we do all the hard stuff. You already made cookies." He won't hear an argument on this!!!

[efficacy]

There's something endearing about Steve's abashment, the way he tips his head and smiles; he reminds Pepper a little about a golden retriever. The thought brings a warm smile to her lips, but she knows better than to express it, though she certainly didn't mean it in any sort of unpleasant way.

"Tony's right, on both counts." Oh wow, there's something she doesn't say often, so enjoy it!! "We've got it under control, so you just sit back and take it easy. Thank you for offering, though."

[valuedstrength]

Steve nods after he realizes he's been essentially outvoted. He'll just sit here in his comfy chair. "Understood. May I ask what's for dinner? Not that I'm pushing for it, but I gotta admit I'm curious. I didn't really get a chance to eat locally last time I was in New York." He smiles bashfully. Surviving off convention and hotel food while you're in an exciting city isn't much to be proud of.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He smiles easily once Steve sits down and relaxes, moving to join him and waiting for Pepper to follow. Once she does, he takes her wine for a sip before handing it back. He's not technically supposed to be drinking right now, but if he's just taking some out of her glass it doesn't count, right??? "You're in for a treat, my friend. It's Pepper's famous eggplant parmasean." Which is a dish he never would have even tried before her, now he's obssessed.

[efficacy]

Pepper seats herself next to Tony on the couch, arching a brow a little when he takes the wine from her but saying nothing -- don't think she isn't keeping an eye on this, though! It's Pepper's turn to smile bashfully at Tony's words, a hint of color rising to her cheeks. "Well, it's not famous famous," she demurs with a tiny, breathed chuckle.

[valuedstrength]

Steve lights up not unlike an excited puppy. He doesn't really know what it is, but it sounds amazing. He feels like he's getting let in on something special which is an added bonus to all this.

"I don't know. It sounds like something that would be famous." He compliments earnestly. She's done a lot to bring his anxiety down so he feels comfortable giving those out now. "I've never had that before, but it sounds great, Ms. Potts. Thank you."

[letmetakeaselfie]

It really is cute, the wonder in Steve's eyes. But it causes a pang of hurt to lance through his chest, knowing he'll have to dash the other man's hope in the end. It steals his breath for a second, turning to Pepper in hopes of meeting her eyes; though that flush over her cheeks brings a wan smile to his lips despite himself. "Don't let her fool you. It's very famous in this house. Watch, we won't even have to call the boys for dinner."

[efficacy]

"Oh, please," Pepper says wryly and nudges Tony gently at the quip, but it's evidently nothing serious as she glances over with a small smile. She puts up a good front, her mind churning over similar concerns as Tony's; her expression wavers just a tiniest bit as she meets Tony's eyes, before turning over to Steve with a fuller smile again. "You're very welcome, in that case. But please, you can call me Pepper."

[valuedstrength]

Steve laughs fondly at the exchange. It's a beautiful image in his head; tugging at his heartstrings effectively. It's hard not to envy them for all his efforts to be a good man. He does his best to bury that bit of sadness as he responds.

"Okay, Pepper, but if we're on a first name basis, we're on a first name basis. I expect you to call me Steve." A beat barely passes before he caves somewhat. "Assuming you are comfortable, Pepper."

[letmetakeaselfie]

"I'm not comfortable," Tony jokes, looking between them like something is going on. Even for how jealous he can be at times, it is wholly just him being goofy though. It's hard not to think of Steve as a kid even if he's really not so much younger than them. "Oh, and I expect you to call me Papa Stark." He fully expects to get elbowed for that one :)

[efficacy]

Pepper rolls her eyes at Tony and drives her elbow into his side as requested. :)) "Stop," she admonishes him, but it's not in her actually serious voice. Tony can tell the difference, for sure. To Steve she flashes a smile and nods. "That's a deal, Steve."

[valuedstrength]

He actually snorts at Tony's joke. It catches him off guard for a second since he can't remember another time he's done that. That leaves him time to properly appreciate that elbow. Inexplicably he thinks of dark curls and bowler hats before shaking the thought off and shrugging.

"Sorry, pal. Deal's struck. And good luck getting someone else to go for that. It makes you sound like someone's grandpa."