The Revenge of Devil | Irondad, pepperony

Chapter 42

"Are you a dancer?"

Michelle turned in surprise and raised an eyebrow when she saw Peter standing nervously behind her. She looked a little lost as he reached out and winked at her.

"Um, I'm not, and-" She wanted to speak out of it and pointed to her camera with her free hand, but Peter carefully took it from her hand and laid it on the table. Then he took her hand, intertwined her fingers, and before she could protest, he was already dragging her to the others on the floor.

"That's good, because I'm not good at dancing either, but this is a slow dance and we probably won't get another opportunity to dance anyway," he blurted out, as he was really nervous. Dancing with Michelle was a premiere for him, and so he was a little afraid of it, after all, almost like all the things one did for the first time in one's life. But all he had to do was look at her and his courage began to return slowly, she was so beautiful, and besides, she looked as uncertain as he did.

"I'm not even wearing a dress," she said quietly as he gently placed his palms on her waist and pulled her close.

"It doesn't matter," he whispered as quietly as if he feared he might be too loud to disturb the calm and light atmosphere that prevailed here. MJ didn't seem to come up with another argument why they shouldn't dance, so she just sighed and she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing them even closer. "You're beautiful," Peter told her, and as they swayed to the beat of the slow music, he looked deep into her chocolate brown eyes. She smiled at him. "Really. Don't question it," he warned her. "Although I'd like to see you in a dress, this... this is perfect. This is you. And I love you," he told her quietly and a little shyly because these two words were not often said. "With everything. The way you are."

"You're crazy, Peter," Michelle breathed, closing her eyes as he leaned over and leaned his forehead against her. Neither of them knew the other couples were dancing around them. As if they were alone, just the two of them, trapped in the endless loop of this perfect moment. Michelle herself was surprised when she realized that - but she hadn't felt so good in a long time. And only thanks to Peter and his family. "Peter, I..." she began cautiously, not wanting to ruin this moment. But she felt safe. She was in his arms. And a kind of openness awoke in her. "Sometimes I'm afraid I just won't be enough for you," she admitted him. "And I'm so sorry because I'd love to. But I'm afraid that... that I'll mess something up or rush it and then... then I'll create a block in myself and... and I won't be able to—"

"Michelle," he said softly, then stroked her cheek with his knuckles. "You don't have to hurry. You don't have to push yourself. I'm so glad you told me. That you're talking to me about how you feel. But if you think... that you owe me something or something like that... you don't. Because this," he smiled at her, "this is perfect."

•••

"Did I tell you today that you look stunning, Mrs. Stark?" Tony muttered in Pepper's ear as they pressed together and just swayed gently to the beat of the music. He had one hand on her exposed back and the other in her palm, Pepper rested her head on his shoulder and watched with a smile as their fingers intertwined and a beautiful wedding ring shone on her left ring finger.

"I think you already mentioned it, Mr. Stark," she replied, raising her head so she could look him in the face. It still felt like a dream. The ceremony had been behind them for several hours, and she felt indescribably happy. And so did Tony. His face was relaxed, and deep love shone in his eyes.

"It might not hurt to repeat it a few more times," he said, pressing his lips to her forehead. "Thank you, Pepper. For everything. That you endured it with me and stayed by my side for so many years."

"Stop it or you'll make me cry," she whispered shakily. "That was enough for your vow," she laughed, and yet she felt tears sting her eyes. Her happiness almost hurt, and she wished everyone in the world to experience that feeling. With Tony by her side, she felt they could handle everything in the world.