I'm Iron Man, And I'm Agent Coulson

Chapter 113 Christmas Eve

Tony tried to coax me into explaining why my hair was done, and I had makeup on later that night, but I brushed off his comments, and focused on the huge list of food his caterer provided for Christmas. Everything from Turkey, and sides to Christmas cookies were on the list. So,
I spent the next few days trying to figure out if I was going to cook a few things or go ahead and have all the food for thirteen-fifteen people provided, quickly coming to the conclusion I would just make desserts.
I also finally decided on an engraving for Tony's watch, and let Tony know I bought tickets for The Natural History Museum for Vision, and some sports jerseys for Sam.
Over the next week I began decorating the common room floor,  and talked Tony into helping me. At first he seemed a little annoyed, but after ten minutes he was all smiles, and talked about the Christmases his mom would throw for him. He actually had me in tears from laughing so hard after he decided to don his suit, in order to put decorations on the very top of the tree, along with lights.
I bought bushels of mistletoe and hung them up all over the place, including stockings for all the Avengers, Clint's kids, since they accepted Tony's invitation, and FRIDAY. I filled them with gifts that fit, along with tons of candy. I wrapped the left over presents, and placed them under the tree, including some last minute ones for Mama Rhodes, and Clint's family. I was actually excited to be seeing everyone, including Rhodey's mom, it'd been quite a few years since I'd last seen her, and I was sure I was in for an earful.
I made sure most of the extra bedrooms had been cleaned, and stocked with fresh towels, and sheets. All the while, working out, going over the photos Nat edited, and finally making a slideshow, and notecard for Tony.
I was so busy finishing up these little last minute things, that my questions about my abilities, and heritage, took a back seat for awhile. I was too caught up in wrapping, and the holiday season.
I was a little annoyed to learn of a last minute meeting with Tony's Foundation was scheduled for me. I tried to weasel my way out of it, but with Tony busy working on the agricultural portfolio for the company, I went. The meeting was only an hour, but some of the members were surprisingly coming around about going to Africa and Mexico. I still didn't hold my breath we would be dispatched anytime soon, but it was a positive notion in the right direction.
Tony and I were both so busy, with our own projects, we didn't get to spend much time together, but I direly missed his arms around my waist, and his lips against my skin. I missed his body over mine, and his voice, but I stayed busy, knowing things would hopefully settle down after Chistmas.

The two weeks before Christmas flew by in a flash, and by the time Christmas Eve came around, I was falling asleep on the couch, while watching The Hobbit, after baking cookies, and a few pies. I even pulled out my grandmother's old recipe for bonuelos, and the smell of flour tortillas and cinnamon, reminded me of her, and her smile.
The only damper on my Christmas spirit was that I was alone, since Tony decided to fly to L.A., and hand deliver his portfolio, last minute. I didn't let on how upset it made me, to be left alone on Christmas Eve, but I kept my curiosity and misgivings to myself. Even though he eyed the small wine and food tray I'd put out for us, but he said nothing, only reiterated he needed to get this done before everyone left the office for the holiday. So I just kissed him goodbye, and curled up on the couch.
I knew Pep was going to be there, and I firmly believed I had nothing to worry about, but I was still a little apprehensive at his absolute need to go, knowing I wanted him to be here with me for our first Christmas Eve together.
As I sat there and drifted, I began to wonder if he was worried about Pep being alone for the holiday, and why he couldn't just tell me, if that was the case, but I kept my phone close to me, holding out hope he'd be home soon.

Tony walked into the tower, and headed to the common room once FRIDAY mentioned (y/n) was in there. He just got back from L.A., after a meeting with Pepper and the agricultural department. He could of held off and delivered the portfolio via email, or after the holidays, but he wanted to go, partly to check on Pepper. He knew how hard the holidays could be, and this was the first Christmas they wouldn't be celebrating together, in years, but he had to make sure she was alright. Yet, he saw the dramatic change on (y/n) face after he told her he was leaving.
She didn't mention the small food tray she'd layed out in front of the couch, along with a bottle of wine, with two glasses, and a blanket, but neither did he. So, he took her indifference, grabbed a quick kiss, and flew to L.A. to get this meeting over with.