A/N: This story is dedicated to my friend and writing-partner-in-crime, Miranda, who challenged me to write a canon-compliant Marvel fic in 350 words or less. So, here it is! Hope you all enjoy and please let me know what you think! :)


No one had seen Tony all morning.

Pepper told Happy that Tony hadn't been at the mansion when she'd arrived that morning. "No idea where he is. I haven't seen him sinceā€¦" she paused, her face turning slightly red, "the gala." She'd quickly added that she'd spent all morning answering calls from the media about Tony's unexpected appearance at the gala last night and hadn't had a chance to see if he'd come in.

Happy shrugged and made his way down to Tony's workshop to take a look.

Tony had in fact returned from his early morning errand. Happy found him sitting at a workbench, his arms crossed on the bench and his chin resting on them. He was staring at a tiny open box that sat on the bench in front of his eyes. He didn't even look up when Happy punched in the code and opened the door.

"Hey boss," Happy called. "Where have you been all morning?"

Tony didn't respond. Curious, Happy walked over and rounded the bench to stand behind Tony. He laughed when he saw the object of Tony's focus: an engagement ring.

"Who's the ring for, boss?" Happy asked with a grin.

Tony's one-word answer was, "Pepper."

Happy missed the the gravity in Tony's voice. He chuckled. "No, really, why do you have that?"

Still staring at the ring in front of him, Tony sighed. Thoughts of Pepper in that blue dress and memories of how she had felt in his arms had kept Tony awake since last night. He said quietly, "I'm gonna marry her one day, Hap."

Happy, unaware of what had passed between the two the night before, was surprised by his boss' serious tone. He peered closely at Tony. "Are you drunk?"

Tony snorted. "Never been more sober." In one swift motion, he stood up, grabbed the ring box, snapped it shut, and tossed it to Happy. "Hold on to that for me, will ya?"

Tony strode out the door and up the stairs, leaving Happy with no choice but to shrug and shove the ring in his pocket.