Pepper feels it in his every touch, every look; tonight moreso than ever before, which is saying something. She takes one hand off his shoulder and strokes his hair gently, smiling lovingly down at him as her fingers delve through the strands before skipping down to his cheek, thumb brushing his lips lightly. Life with Tony hasn't always been easy and it's unlikely to change, but she loves this man so thoroughly and so deeply that sometimes her heart overflows with it. She can't picture ever not having him by her side.

She watches closely as he works the tiny buckles, mesmerized by the movements of his clever fingers. Her tummy tightens a little at the kiss on her foot, lips parting to breathe out a soft exhale at the seemingly innocent gesture as she meets his gaze. Setting her bare foot back on the cool floor, she switches slowly, lifting her still heeled foot on his thigh now with a knowing little smirk-- the lacy scrap of her underwear dangling around her ankle still.