Tony could hear the piano when he stepped back inside after talking to the police.

Pepper was sat at the piano stool, toying with a few keys. Emma was asleep in her carry chair on the sofa.

Tony walked over to Pepper and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

'You need to rest Pepper, get some sleep.'

Pepper shook her head. 'I can't sleep Tony. I tried but all I got was nightmares.' Silent tears ran down her face.

Tony pulled Pepper onto his lap and reached round her until his fingers brushed the piano key's surface.

Pepper leaned back in his arms and listened as Tony ran his fingers over the keys. She didn't recognise the tune until he began to sing. He had a lovely voice, she'd never noticed before he'd sung to her at the hospital.

'Take a breath
I pull myself together
Just another step till I reach the door
You'll never know the way it tears me up inside to see you
I wish that I could tell you something
To take it all away

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there're so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up till it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know

When I hear your voice
Its drowning in a whisper
It's just skin and bones
There's nothing left to take
And no matter what I do I can't make you feel better
If only I could find the answer
To help me understand

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there're so many things that I want you to know
I wont give up till it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know

That if you fall, stumble down
I'll pick you up off the ground
If you lose faith in you
I'll give you strength to pull through
Tell me you won't give up cause I'll be waiting if you fall
Oh you know I'll be there for you

(Ahahaha)
If only I could find the answer
To take it all away

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there're so many things that I want you to know
I wont give up till it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know
(Oh)
I wish I could save you
I want you to know
(Ohohh)
I wish I could save you (oh).'

'You have a beautiful voice,' Pepper said, before she pulled Tony to her and kissed him.

'You know, I was thinking,' Tony said, pulling back when they were both gasping for air and kissing the top of her nose. 'You have a mum and dad, I had a mum and dad, Rhodey had a mum and dad... you noticing a pattern here or is it just me?'

Pepper lay back, winding her fingers through his hair. Tony stood up and took Pepper's hands, leading her out onto the balcony before continuing.

'Emma should have both her parents. Children need both parents.'

Pepper stood back. 'I'm not going back to Max, Tony, no way.'

Tony smiled. 'I don't want you to,' he said softly. 'I want you here with me, forever.'

Pepper stared at him, and then she got it. She looked out over the calm water belong Tony's beautiful home. The night was still, except for the gently lapping of the water below. Stars twinkled overhead and the air was warm, with a gentle cool breeze blowing in off the water.

'Pepper…' Tony said, taking her hands and turning her face towards his, before kissing her lightly on her lips. 'I want to be there for you and Emma; I want you by my side for the rest of my life. I know I'm not Emma's father but I want to be like one to her.'

Pepper slipped her arms around his waist. 'That's what I want,' she whispered quietly.

'Good,' Tony said nodding, and then he took both of Pepper's hands in his and dropped down onto one knee in front of her, before letting go of one of her hands and pulling out a small velvet box.

'Virginia Potts, will you marry me?'

Just then they heard Emma yell. It was a very indignant yell.

Pepper smiled and bent down next to Tony, covering his mouth with hers.

'Yes, Tony,' she said softly into his ear. 'Of course I'll marry you.'

Yeah! Soppyness!!! The song is Save You by Simple Plan.

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