05 | A Starkmas Party | Action, Open to All

[notbuiltforthis]

[Pepper sent out the public invitation a week ago for the party. She'd been planning for a Christmas party of some sort for several months - money was always a concern here, compared to back home - and she had actually done most of the work herself

Comments

[ironfail]

[Tony's pretty pleased how things turned out - not surprised, exactly, but pleased. Pepper's always been a great party planner, but they're working with much more limited funds in Mandalus. Also she tends to veto some of his more ridiculous party ideas these days. Regardless, there's plenty of alcohol and Tony got away with putting up completely awesome lights, and he'd told JARVIS to play something other than Christmas tunes the whole time, so things were looking up. He'd even gotten dressed up for the occasion, red to Pepper's green for some holiday spirit.

If you're at the party tonight, Tony'll probably come bother you eventually. If you're not, expect a series of obnoxious texts telling you to get your ass over to Stark Tower.]

[notbuiltforthis]

Tony. I'm surprised you haven't absconded with half the alcohol yet.

[ironfail]

The night's still young, there's plenty of time. This is a wonderful party you've got going here, Ms. Potts.

[notbuiltforthis]

JARVIS isn't supposed to let you leave until I give you permission. [She laughs and leans over to kiss his cheek.]

Thank you for your help, Mr. Stark.

[ironfail]

JARVIS wouldn't betray me like that. [He meets her halfway for the kiss and grins.]

You don't think it's overkill? [He gestures at the holographic decor.]

[notbuiltforthis]

So you think. [She straightens his tie with a wink.]

I think it's just the right amount of kill. [And shush, Tony, that totally works.]

[ironfail]

I suppose if he did eventually betray me, it'd be for you. You humor him far too often.

That's a surprise. Is the spiked eggnog getting to your head?

[notbuiltforthis]

I don't know what you mean. [She gives him an innocent look and then shrugs.]

I haven't touched the eggnog. Christmas is supposed to be over-the-top, isn't it?

[ironfail]

I'm not taking the bait on that one. [She knows exactly what he means.]

Really? That's a shame, the eggnog is fantastic tonight. And of course Christmas is supposed to be over the top, that doesn't mean you have to like it.

[notbuiltforthis]

I'm trying to put up a strong front for the party. Don't tell anyone, I'll be back to my grouchy self when everyone's gone home.

[ironfail]

Ah, there we go, I thought so. It'll be our little secret. [He mimes zipping his lips and throwing away the key.]

[notbuiltforthis]

Yeah? What am I going to have to pay for you keeping that?

[ironfail]

Hm, what indeed. [He wraps his arms around her waist and leans forward to whisper in her ear.] Maybe we can have our own little private after-party?

[notbuiltforthis]

What if I want to go straight to bed afterwards?

[ironfail]

Then I guess I'd be severely disappointed.

[notbuiltforthis]

I should disappoint you. Why didn't you tell me you were going to make Elizabeth wear something like that?

[The poor woman.]