I Love You 3000

The Gift

They meet up at the lake when the sun is just setting. They are the only ones there. Pepper finds Tony by following the trail of lights that lead to a rock on the edge of the water. Tony is sitting on a rock, not noticing his girlfriend, gazing into the water. He sees Pepper's reflection as she walks up to him. Tony looks up at her, then just stares.

"Wow." He says, breathless. "You look amazing,"

Pepper blushes, though it's hard to tell under the slowly darkening sky. "Thank you," she replies. "Not too shabby yourself".

Tony chuckles, that pats the space on the rock beside him. Pepper obliged, sitting next to Tony. They watch silently as the sun sets, afraid they would break the spell cast upon them in that very moment. When the last bit of light fades away, Tony begins to speak.

"Pep, I love you so, so much. I know I can be a handful at times," Pepper snorts at that. Tony rolls his eyes at her before continuing. "Fine, all the time. I so grateful for you and I just wanted to say thank you"

Pepper nods her head to acknowledge the sentiment, then lay her head on his shoulders, lacing her fingers through his. The pair talk through the night, under the shine of the moon and stars. Finally, when it was almost 10:00, the couple stood up, hands still connected before they leave, however, Tony has one more surprise. he disconnects his hands and reaches inside his pant pocket to pull out the tiny box he had been working on. The Stark hid it behind his back before Pepper could see what it was.

"You know how people always say be yourself?" Tony asks suddenly.

Pepper nodded hesitantly.

"Okay, so don't get me wrong, I really like Pepper Potts. But do you know who I would like better?" he asked, the continued without giving the lady across from him a chance to speak. "Pepper Stark".

Before Pepper could realize what was going on, Tony dropped down on one knee, then presented the box he had been hiding.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Pepper said, without hesitation. She was so happy. Tears were streaming down the girls face, her eyes the brightest they had ever been.

Tony opened the box to reveal an enchanting ring with a glorious, sparkling diamond. The band said, "Proof that Tony Stark has a Heart". Pepper laughed through her tears as she saw that. Tony slid the ring onto her finger.

She threw her arms around him kissing him, smiling, laughing, and crying all at the same time.

"Yes, yes, yes," She said into his shirt.

"Pepper, soon-to-be Stark, I love you 300".