Time Stands Still (Eight)
Holla for some good communication between our boys, a smidge of Stony nekkidness, and Bucky opening up. I love this chapter, I love that they are finally starting to take those big steps forward like we’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait to hear what you guys think.
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Colonel Rhodes and Pepper were waiting at the Tower when Tony, Bucky and Steve finally made it back from the cemetery and Rhodey opened his arms immediately for Tony, who walked right into him and let Rhodey tumble them back onto the couch for a prolonged hug and a few cheek kisses and what sounded like a “Do you want me to spend the night?” and Tony muttering, “I have super soldiers for that” and huffing when Rhodey jabbed at his side.
“Oh Tony.” Pepper bent to give him a kiss as well, running her fingers through his hair before straightening to tell Steve– “Captain Rogers, one of the senators is having an impromptu gathering in honor of Agent Carter’s passing–”
“Meaning he’s throwing a party and is trying to gain voter points by saying it’s for Peggy?” Steve guessed, undoing his tie and stuffing it into his pocket. “Wonderful. She’s been gone for seventy hours and is already being used as a political talking point.”
“You’re very familiar with that sort of thing, aren’t you?” Pepper raised her eyebrows knowingly, and glanced over at Bucky as she added, “And not to pile onto the line of thinking, but considering your not-so-long-ago status as fugitives and the fact that technically you’re here in the country before you were legally invited back, it wouldn’t be the worst thing for both you and Sergeant Barnes to make an appearance. Shake some hands, flash those charming smiles– remind both the powers that be and the general public that you are the good guys, that regardless of being super soldiers you still love and grieve just like the rest of us.”
“Pepper–” Steve sighed. “I don’t think I can really handle–”
“I’ll go with you if you want me to.” Bucky muttered, not taking his eyes off where Tony and Rhodey were still snuggled up. “Unless you think it’s a bad idea for me to be there, I’ll go with you, Stevie.”
“Of course,” Pepper cut into whatever else Steve was going to say. “You can tell me no and I’ll tell them to fuck off. Not many people are willing to argue what the CEO of Stark Industries says and even less people argue with what I have to say, so there won’t be any issue.”
“Aren’t you the CEO of Stark Industries?” Steve deadpanned, and Pepper wrinkled her nose, her smile just past wicked. “If it’s all the same to you, I think I’m too tired to pretend to care what a room full of politicians have to say.”
“I’ll tell them to fuck off.” Pepper said cheerfully. “Rhodey, are you staying here for the night?”
