[He starts to argue, but catches himself, and it's for the best. It's one thing for Tony to keep what he feels bottled up, safe inside himself where he doesn't have to see it as real. But he needs to be aware of certain things, so he doesn't risk losing them. That people care about him, and that he cares about them, and that it's okay even if he's afraid of what it might mean.
He slips his hand into hers, and Pepper curls her fingers around his. She's a bit nervous when he looks at her that way, because she can see his determination, and the anxiety that goes with it.
And then he says something she doesn't expect. A feeling she knows he has, yes, but the words are direct, with no humor or snark to soften them. She's honestly shocked, but only for a moment before she smiles.]
I appreciate you too.
[That and so much more, but this is already such a huge step. Pepper squeezes Tony's hand, then leans over, giving Tony a quick and careful kiss.]
Re: [action]
He slips his hand into hers, and Pepper curls her fingers around his. She's a bit nervous when he looks at her that way, because she can see his determination, and the anxiety that goes with it.
And then he says something she doesn't expect. A feeling she knows he has, yes, but the words are direct, with no humor or snark to soften them. She's honestly shocked, but only for a moment before she smiles.]
I appreciate you too.
[That and so much more, but this is already such a huge step. Pepper squeezes Tony's hand, then leans over, giving Tony a quick and careful kiss.]