✵ the conversation stopped and i looked down at the ring ✵

[letmetakeaselfie]

This has the makings of every Tony Stark party to date, plus a few. It's loud, dark; and so totally nineties. It's his era, he can't help himself. Big yellow sunglasses accompany his light-colored suit, hair slicked back and a smile glued on his face. He's ready to make this an affair no one will ever forget.

Before making his way out, he stops to see her, hanging in the doorway as she pulls on her dress. "Did I get you that?" he asks, slowly slipping into the room to help her zip. It's been a few days since he's seen her -- they've barely spoken. Sometimes he gets up long before her and is in the lab long after she gets home. Though they sleep in the same bed, it's as if they lead entirely separate lives at times. He owes her so much more, this week especially, and this is his grand occasion to make up all his misgivings.

He smiles softly, thinking of their night under the stars. Eating diner burgers and garlic fries and looking over their life together. It was impossible to look forward so they had looked back, enjoyed the past for what it was. Though he had never accepted there wouldn't be a future for them, he had had to entertain the possibility that his father would let him down one last time. Fortunately for everyone, Howard had come through, and just in the nick of time.

Tony's forty today and it feels ancient. He's known Pepper for well over half his life and here they are. Once her dress is secure, he pulls her into his arms from behind, hands winding possessively around her waist. "I can tell everyone to go home." Maybe he really should have listened -- made this an intimate affair. But the wedding would be small -- quaint and New England in every way. The engagement had to be big. West Coast big. He sighs against the side of her face, unable to keep from grinning.

--

He is very, very drunk when he gets up on stage, but no one here expects anything less. He has a glass of champagne and he calls Pepper out of the crowd. This is it; their moment. The one his family's been pushing him for since the moment they'd met. "Damn," he says into the mic as she stands, whistling lowly and shaking his head. "What took me so long?"

It gets laughter, of course, but then it's quiet like a library. The New Haven library where they first met, even. No music, no nothing. When Pepper joins him , a walk that seems to take forever, he doesn't hesitate to get down on one knee, his glass left on the podium as he pulls a box out of his pocket.

"I know you wanted to keep this small, so naturally I did the exact opposite." He drops the microphone so he can pry open the box, a giant but tasteful vintage stone shining up at her. Tony swallows back his nerves, playing up the cheese for the crowd, tipping his head with a lopsided smile. "Now that I'm not dying, what do you say?"

Comments

i thought the same earlier so obvs y

[efficacy]

She shivers when he palms her thigh, heat already blooming at the juncture of them, but this isn't just about sex. It never is, of course, but they haven't really done much by way of physical intimacy since Tony came back home. He was in recovery and Pepper had concerns about the arc reactor -- then along came the palladium poisoning, all in a fairly short span of time. But now they're finally here, engaged to be married. It's still a little unbelievable.

"Of cou--" Her response is cut off by his kiss, moaning into it as she tastes his mouth with relish, the hand on his shoulder fisting the collar of his shirt. Breathing hard when they break apart again, she goes on, "Of course I don't hate it, it's beautiful. Maybe slightly flashier than I'd normally go for, but I can forgive that."

As if in emphasis, she pushes her mouth back to his, wasting no time licking inside.

consider it done

[letmetakeaselfie]

"Okay," he gets out, moans drowned out by her mouth as his thumb gently strokes over the back of her hand in sharp contrast to the obscene way he kisses her back. When he gets to thinking about how long it's really been -- since they've been intimate -- it makes him feel lacking; and like he has something to prove. He knows Pepper doesn't feel that way, but with how mixed up he's been that part (arguably the most important part) never really entered the equation. "Because if you want a different one..."

Tony's hand moves right up the inside of her thigh, gently stroking between her legs through her panties. God how he's missed this. Missed her, this way.

yes good \o/

[efficacy]

"I don't want a different one," she barely gets out, breathless, shaking her head before anything else she may have been about to say gets cut off by a sharp breath, a whimper escaping her lips when his hand slips between her legs to stroke her. "Oh, Tony-- oh, yes..." she sighs, her dropping back a little, tightening her grip on the edge of the vanity.

It's only a light touch, but the gentle care he takes combined with the fact that it's been so long since they've been able to enjoy each other like this are already inflaming her, color rising to her cheeks as heat courses through her.

smooches

[letmetakeaselfie]

Her words crash into him, relief settling in the pit of his stomach with something else; something much more primal. Judging the distance between their feet so he doesn't get a stiletto through his toe in the process, Tony gently turns her with his other hand, pushing at her hip until her backside is flush against his rapidly forming interest. Satisfied with their arrangement, the hand that never left her center lightly moves over her underwear, catching on sensitive parts and rubbing the tips of his fingers over them through the fabric - his blunt nails providing added friction.

Tony's eyes dart up from his task, wide and wanting, to catch hers in the mirror; to watch her come apart. He wants this to be all about her, his birthday or not. There are much more important milestones taking place this night, and he's all too ready to give up his crown. "Look at yourself," he murmurs into her ear. "Look at how sexy you are. How perfect." How could he not want to spend the rest of his life with her, being the ultimate implication.

[efficacy]

"Tony..." she breathes out, cheeks blushing, torn between abashment and arousal at his words. But the vision in the mirror makes her breathing stutter, heat licking along every nerve in her body. One of her hands braces against the counter top to hold herself upright, bending over just a little; Tony at her back, lips at her ear and one hand slipped between her thighs, stroking her under the hem of her pretty yellow dress.

She's always thought they're beautiful together, aesthetically, but the contrast between her pale hair and skin next to his darker coloring strikes her as particularly appealing in the low lighting of the room. With a low moan, her hips roll lightly to rub herself against those wonderful fingers, her bottom pushing into his pelvis in the process. "Unzip me," she murmurs between shallow breaths, chest heaving.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He's making the same connections, tracing her features in the mirror before his eyes slide over his own. He doesn't look forty, right? A little gray or not. And she certainly doesn't look like she's marrying a forty-year old guy, as beautiful as ever perfect Pepper Potts.

Tony gently shakes his head as he pushes his nose into her throat, deft and callous-roughed fingers moving under the garment and pushing them down out of the sight of the reflective surface. He's a man, he always wants to get her naked -- so what gives? There are a few factors here, his free hand taking hers, and placing it over her stomach almost like a posable doll. Here they are, him in his smart suit and her in her pretty dress, big diamond displayed prominantly over her middle as his fingers work her over under their party clothes, gasping into her ear at how wet he finds her.

"Not yet. I like the way we look," he confirms his motives aloud, gently trailing his lips over her neck, letting her feel how hard he is through his trousers as she leans back against him. He needs to take a mental picture of this moment before it's gone forever.

[efficacy]

Pepper gives a soft cry when his fingers slip under her panties and stroke over her mound to gently delve deeper, rough fingers petting and stroking soft, sensitive flesh made slick by her desire for him. Attempting to widen her stance a little for him, she digs her own fingers at her belly in a little, tensing into the silky fabric, the stone of her ring catching the feeble light and winking at them through the mirror.

Pepper doesn't notice, though, tipping her head back to Tony's shoulder as his lips caress her throat, the hand on the vanity lifting up and moving to the back of Tony's neck instead.

"Oh, Tony. I've missed the way you touch me, just like this..." she croons, a nearly drowsy edge to her voice as the warmth pulsing between her thighs spreads and relaxes her, the heated passion from a moment ago calming into something more leisurely sensual. She can't even be upset about his denial when he's making her feel this amazing, breathing life back into their old connection; his hard erection pressed against her backside a reminder how much he's missed this, too.

[letmetakeaselfie]

"Sorry," he huffs out, knowing she won't appreciate the apology. But it's been him keeping this from happening and they both know it. It was unacceptable and selfish -- he really hadn't anticipated the hit his ego would take in this moment, which is why he needs to take it in. Remind himself how damn lucky he is. "You'll never have to miss it again."

That's better. That's real. Slowly, his lips work her flesh in time with his fingertips, stroking a little firmer now. His hand goes to the zip of her dress and pulls it down with practiced ease, careful never to vacate her gaze in the mirror.

[efficacy]

She hadn't meant it as a reprimand, but she finds it hard to muster up the focus or interest to scold him for apologizing, not when he applies a little more pressure and pulls a low moan out of her, hips circling just slightly in time with his touches. The sound of the zipper sliding down seems unnaturally loud in the quiet of the room, the dress loosening around her and one of the straps slipping down her arm on its own. The bra underneath is a sheer lace concoction in white and same pale yellow as the dress, meant to be seen rather than to cover up or support; her own concession to Tony's birthday.

"Do you remember our first time?" she asks out of the blue with a lazy smile, her tone low and warm as she fondly recalls it herself -- it had been hard to tell which of them had been more nervous, at the time. They've had some practice, since then.

[letmetakeaselfie]

His breathing goes even shallower as he realizes the lace wasn't part of the dress at all, groaning softly as his free hand moves over the fabric, appreciating it and the woman underneath. "Of course I do," he replies instantly, easily. There are just some things you never forget. Slowly, with reverence, his fingers pull away from her slickness, Tony bringing his hand up and popping them into his mouth to try out her taste. But also so he can start to pull the dress off without making a mess, tugging it down as he presses his face into her shoulder, calling up the memory.

"I really thought your mom was gonna kill me," he says around a chuckle, even as the dress pools to the floor and he has to take a breath in just to hold it.

[efficacy]

Pepper shivers at his exploration, pebbling nipples pushing up against the fine lace, even as the loss of his touch between her thighs garners him a small whine of protest.

It hadn't been amusing at the time, but now Pepper gives a small, breathless laugh at the memory of them getting caught by her mom in a compromising embrace. "Getting killed would have probably been less painful than the lecture about responsibility and safe sex she gave us after calming down."

Her fingers tighten against his skin at the nape of his neck as she silky dress slips off her frame, her panties matching the bra -- of course. "Do you like it? I got this set just for tonight."

[letmetakeaselfie]

"Probably. Elaine Potts is a scary lady," he says in his defense, but it's all affection. He loves Pepper's mom like he had his own, they were all already a family. It was just a matter of finally making it official.

But then he has to take them in all over again, him still in his suit and her... "Do I... Pepper." He kisses the side of her face, hunger and love in his eyes in equal measure. "Is this my birthday present?" One hand comes up to squeeze a breast, covetously feeling her through the lace. It's a damn good birthday, maybe even the best.

"I love it. And you. God fuck you're gorgeous."

[efficacy]

Pepper gives a soft, amused hum, thinking of her mother just as fondly. Though Pepper's practical nature comes undoubtedly from her late father, the tendency to remain calm and steady under fire is pure Elaine -- until something really and truly shook their composure. Then it was just best to get out of the way.

She tips her head a little into the kiss, smiling. "Uh-huh," she replies to the question, trailing off into a quiet whimper as his hand covers her breast and squeezes gently through the fabric, the lace rubbing lightly against her nipple; a teasing hint of pink amid the fairly sheer white and yellow patterning. She lifts her free hand to cover his lightly on her breast, curving her back a little to bump her bottom against his erection, frustrated and aroused in equal measures by the fact that he's still wearing all of his clothes while she stands nearly naked. The picture they make in the mirror this way is so plainly erotic that it sends another jolt of heat down her abdomen, pulsing hotly between her thighs.

"Love you, too," she sighs, rubbing her cheek against his. "Happy birthday, husband-to-be."

[letmetakeaselfie]

His eyes close briefly, nuzzling back against her as those words tug a string in his chest. Tony leans in to kiss her gently, though it's brief, drawing himself away from her as she leans back. His hand remains under hers though as he shifts around to her front, bowing his head so she never loses sight of herself in the mirror. If she got these beautiul panties for him he's absolutely going to enjoy them.

His cheek rubs against her other breast, sighing at the feeling of the scratchy fabric and her tightening nipple underneath. Though some men might prefer a little more to grab a hold of, Pepper's breasts were perfect in his eyes, just like everything else about her -- body and otherwise. He nudges his nose against her nipple, pushing the lace up against it and smiling softly.

"Are you looking? Look at the mirror, not at me," he reminds her gently, wanting her to see herself the way he sees her. Tony moves to stand on his knees, nose hitting her stomach just below the bra line, his tongue darting out to trace his mouth's downward track. One hand grips her wrist while he flips off his loafers impatiently, pressing his lips against her belly button then below, then over the band of lace holding up the tiny scrap of fabric. His other hand moves to squeeze her ass through them, looking all the way up at her through dark lashes. "Thank you."

[efficacy]

Her confusion lasts only a moment when he pulls away to switch sides, swiftly forgotten as he nuzzles and nudges against her lace-covered breast like a large cat, his gentle attentions drawing soft sighs from her lips.

She can only nod her head and wet her dry lips with her tongue at Tony's reminder, her hands going to his shoulders. She feels a little dizzy when he begins his meandering journey downward, the reverent, almost worshipful quality to his caresses stealing her breath away. She does her best to watch through the mirror, but she can't help but peek down every once in a while. A soft noise, not quite a whimper, escapes her at the kiss to her navel, her abdominal muscles jumping a little under his lips at the one that follows -- the squeeze of her buttock draws out a little gasp.

One of her hands delves into his hair to pet gently, the other touching his cheek gently, thumb brushing against his bottom lip. She's not sure what exactly he's thanking her for, but she smiles softly in response, watching him under lowered lids and feeling her love for him fill every fiber of her being in this very moment.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He feels his face heat up under her attentions, turning to kiss her thumb when she touches his lips, returning her smile with a loving gaze to back it up. A second ago his movements were fueled by sex and booze, but now it's obvious where his mind is going, eyelashes brushing over her skin as he nudges the lacy panties with his nose experimentally.

"Are you watching? Do you see how perfect you are?" His hand squeezes again, with more intent this time, whimpering softly in frustration. He doesn't want to pull away to get rid of his clothes but it's getting seriously hot in here. Tony kisses her right over her clit before reluctantly pulling back to mess with his shirt buttons impatiently.

[efficacy]

She breathes a soft sigh of pleasure at the nudge, fingers tugging gently and lightly at his hair, a quiver of excitement fluttering across her belly at the words.

"I'm watching," she says softly, and though she notes the rosy hue of her cheeks and the soft, lambent look in her eyes, her attention is still grabbed by the way they look together rather than her individual perfection. She thinks Tony is biased in that regard, anyway.

A cooing little moan leaves her lips as his brush a kiss over her lace-covered clit, a frisson of heat blooming inside her; her fingers tighten in his hair again, but do not hinder him from pulling back. Slow, shallow breaths pass through her parted lips as she watches Tony grapple with his shirt buttons, her free hand lifting up to carefully start pulling the pins from her hair. The little bits of metal tinkle uselessly on the floor somewhere as she slowly lets her wavy tresses down from the elegant coiffure.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He almost rips the oxford in his haste, but manages to shrug it off along with his sports jacket without damage to himself or his clothing. The arc reactor's pale light encompasses them both and catches his breath, looking up at her with his bare chest heaving from the effort. He can settle for her appreciating them both, together, even if he'd rather she understood. Tony can't be that much of a hypocrite, he's never understood what she saw in him, since day one. Even when he was an arrogant asshole kid.

One of the pins glances off his bicep, but he doesn't notice, too consumed in looking up at her, lost in her beauty. "Good," he breathes out dryly, swallowing as he moves back to his task, one palm smoothing down over her thigh and calf before resting on the heel of her pump, gripping it with a little inhale through his nose. "Keep watching."

Still holding her shoe, he rubs his nose over her through the panties, but strays to the creamy inside of her thigh, flicking his tongue out to taste and gently drag his teeth across. He intends to show his gratitude to every inch of her while the mirror is here to cement it in her memory.

[efficacy]

"Uh-huh," she acknowledges quietly, shivering a little as his hand skates down her leg and to her shoe, breath quickening minutely in response as she wonders where he's going with this.

Her fingers ghost along the back of his neck, smothering another tiny noise when he nudges her with his nose, sucking in a lungful of air at the sensation. But then he licks at her inner thigh and she can't help the soft oh! that escapes her at the drag of teeth, the muscles of her thigh twitching as her gaze flickers between the view in the mirror and that which she can see looking down her body, trembling fingers delving softly in his hair as she awaits his next move with bated breath.

[letmetakeaselfie]

Worship is a good term for what he's doing, reverently moving his lips down to her knee, hand smoothing over her ankle before tracing the straps of her shoe. Tony looks up at her, smiling as he catches her eyes. She's supposed to be looking in the mirror, but he can't help the way she makes him feel, chest full to bursting with how much he loves her.

"My beautiful goddess... fiancee. That whole thing was real in there, right? Not a dream." His smile turns a little hazy, kissing the side of her knee before trailing down over her calf, his free hand running a ghostly parallel against her other leg.

[efficacy]

Pepper shifts her weight on one hip, swallowing and trembling faintly under his gentle touches and reverent press of lips. It's hard for her to remain so passive, usually preferring a bit more active role in their lovemaking; but it seems important to Tony, that she lets him do this.

"Not a dream," she confirms gently, smiling lovingly down at him and brushing her fingers against his cheek before he ducks out of her reach. "Is it really that hard to believe?"

[letmetakeaselfie]

"That it took me this long?" he asks, looking up at her, pillowing his cheek against her thigh as his hands continue their track, fingers rolling over her ankles like they're the best ankles he's ever seen. Mostly because they are. "Yeah. That part's hard to believe, even for how thick-headed I am."

A brief frown creases his face but then it's gone, stooping at her feet to kiss each toe -- her shoe for the ones hidden by the leather.

[efficacy]

"Well, you know, there's a saying. If something's well planned, it's already halfway done." And they'd certainly taken their time thinking about it.

"...Are you seriously kissing my feet?" she says on a small giggle, perhaps breaking the sexy mood a little, but she's unable to help her endeared amusement.

[letmetakeaselfie]

He smiles up at her, pushing his nose over the top of her foot. "Problem?" Tony drags his lips along her sole, enjoying the imagery he must be creating for her in the mirror. She can laugh if she wants, it won't deter him in the least.

[efficacy]

"It's not a problem, just..." her words cut off on another light laugh, leg twitching. It's not that her feet are ticklish, per se, but that does admittedly tickle a little.