In My Heart (You'll Always Be)

Chapter 16

Tony quietly stepped out of the elevator to his penthouse, letting out a deep sigh as he rubbed his eyes tiredly with one hand. The events of the last few months were a lot to deal with and he felt like he was perpetually exhausted. His father, Perseus, had offered his help when the president was in danger, but he had refused simply because Tony could see the bags under his dad's eyes every time they called. Angasiiars were never meant to be apart for long once they were bonded and Tony only knew that because he grew up on the stories. The flowers, once aware of their love, became an extension of the couple and exchanging the golden flower was like giving them your heart.

"So, I take your surgery went well?" A voice said in amusement from the living room area.

Tony nearly jumped a foot in the air, looking over quickly to see Perseus lounging on the sofa in casual clothes with a soda can in his hand. "Dad? You-"

"What, did you think Pepper wouldn't tell me that you were having surgery to remove the shrapnel from your chest?" He stood up and walked over to the other man, an eyebrow raised. "You have an awful habit of never asking anyone for help."

The Stark shrugged, shuffling in place for a moment. "I didn't want to bother you. You already look so tired."

Perseus sighed, shaking his head. "I will never be too tired to help you, Καμάρι μου (my pride). Your Pepper is a great fit for you." His eyes shined as he looked at his son. "So?"

Tony smiled nervously. His dad always knew when he was taking the biggest and intimidating leaps when it came to love and emotions. "I was thinking about proposing but..."

"But?" Perseus gently prompted, a knowing look on his face.

"I want to do it right. Can I- Will you help me?"

"Of course, πουλάκι μου(little bird). You only have to ask." With a wave of his hand, the air around the pair seemed to change, becoming clearer and refreshing. The walls appeared to blur, soft greys and cream morphing into beautiful trees and fields of flowers. With a single gesture, Perseus had somehow managed to make Alltid form in Tony's living room and it left the inventor in awe. 

Perseus nudged him towards the batch of golden flowers near their feet. "Go ahead, pick one."

Tony reached for one but hesitated before his fingertips could brush the petals. "How do I know they're blooming for me and Pepper?"

"Well, they're certainly not blooming for me." The god chuckled gently. "Loki and I have already exchanged ours, we do not need more. You and Pepper are so young- don't give me that look. I am much older than the two of you and I have seen much of what the universes have to offer... But I have never seen Angasiiars shine as brightly as these." Perseus stooped down and touched one of the flowers that seemed to sway towards him despite the direction of the wind. "You and Pepper are destined for greatness together."

Tony felt a weight in his chest lift at his father's words. Perseus had never lied to him before, not even when he was a child. He had always said that life for mortals were too short to waste it on something inconsequential. It was better to allow for humans to live their lives to the fullest and to take care of their problems head on. Tony was just happy to know that he wouldn't be putting Pepper through terrible times if she was married to him.

With gentle hands, Tony picked up the Angasiiar and cradled it close. The petals seemed to shimmer underneath his fingertips, and he felt himself smile as he looked down at it. "Is there a bag or box I can put it in? Will it be okay for a few days?"

"The Angasiiar is linked with your essence." Perseus explained as he began creating a wooden box with the limited magic he knew. "It will not die so long as you do not. Here, will this work for you?" He handed him a nice mahogany container with tiny red and gold gems embedded on the sides. On the lid was a gem that reminded Tony of Pepper's fiery hair.