Tony, surrounded by beautiful women at the baccarat table, suddenly caught sight of Pepper holding Steve's arm. His brain almost short-circuited.
What's going on? Is Potts really that easy to get?
You… Steve, with your thick eyebrows and serious eyes! And you said you were traditional!
"Of course, Potts, can I call you Pepper?" Steve asked smoothly, giving her a nickname—a subtle signal of growing intimacy.
Pepper, of course, recognized the move. She smiled softly. "Of… of course you can."
Steve leaned closer. "Pepper, let's find a place to sit and have a drink. Honestly… don't laugh, but I don't understand any of these modern devices.
I'm old-fashioned—I haven't adapted to the new era yet." His whisper carried a faint hint of ambiguity, and his posture only made it more suggestive.
Tony's eyes nearly popped out of his head. If I weren't sure this was Captain America, I'd want to hit someone! I treat you like a brother, and you're hitting on my secretary?!
Alright, alright… so this is how you want to play!
He watched Pepper walk with Steve to the restaurant, arm in arm. Could this… be the start of a date? After dinner, would they…?
No! He couldn't let Steve succeed!
Tony pushed away the socialite beside him and grabbed his phone.
Meanwhile, a military banquet was underway, attended by celebrities and businessmen.
Tony was supposed to receive a prestigious award, but he hadn't shown up, leaving Major Rhodes embarrassed.
Luckily, the vice president of Stark Industries accepted it on his behalf.
Rhodes, fuming, received a call from Tony. "Tony, did you forget about the banquet tonight? Do you know how embarrassed I was?"
Tony held the phone at arm's length, suppressing laughter. "Rhodes, you won't believe it—I met a legendary figure, your military's idol!"
Rhodes stiffened. "What idol? We don't do that effeminate stuff here!"
Tony grinned. "Captain America! He's awake! Dug out of the ice! I'm in Las Vegas with him right now—want to come see?"
This wasn't just to show off—Tony had a plan. If he brought Steve along for the Middle East exhibition, he could keep him busy and away from his secretary.
Rhodes was ecstatic. "Captain America? Really? I'll be right there!"
Back at the restaurant, Steve was recounting fascinating World War II stories. He didn't need to impress anyone with money or modern gadgets—his past was remarkable enough.
Pepper listened intently, admiration in her eyes. "Why did you throw yourself on the grenade back then?"
Steve's expression became solemn. "If I had run, dozens of comrades would have died. Sacrificing myself to save them… that made everything I did meaningful.
My father was also a soldier. Protecting my home and country has always been my ideal."
He paused, eyes turning melancholic. "It's a pity…"
Pepper frowned. "A pity about what?"
Steve lowered his gaze. "I don't have a family. Every time I see others with their loved ones, the happiness… I feel envious."
He reached for Pepper's hand, looking at her with unwavering sincerity. "Pepper, can we try dating?"
Pepper froze. She hadn't expected such a proposal and didn't know how to respond immediately.
Steve feigned disappointment, lowering his head. "Alas, an old-era relic like me… not worthy of love in this time."
"No! It's not that."
Pepper squeezed his hand, a shy blush coloring her cheeks. "I… I can."
Steve's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Really!" She beamed, determination and joy shining in her gaze. "I might not be a perfect girlfriend, so don't regret it!"
"I won't. I will cherish you with my life, Pepper. Can I… have a kiss?" Steve leaned in.
Pepper nodded softly. "Okay… mmph!"
Meanwhile, Tony ended his call and looked at the pair being intimate. He nearly dropped his phone.
"This Steve! He's really not the traditional Captain America! How did he do that?"
Tony knew Pepper well—capable, beautiful, intelligent. Yet he had never felt this uneasy before. Seeing her falling for Steve unsettled him.
No! I must become friends with Steve! Let him teach me how to pick up women!
Jealousy—and curiosity—sparked in him.
Meanwhile, Steve's system chimed:
Ding! Pepper Potts has become your girlfriend. Mission complete.
Ding! Tony Stark has become your friend. Mission complete.
...
Author's Note – New Patreon Tier: Story Seeker (18+)
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