[Third Person's PoV]
Two Days later – Sunday: July 4th
Tony walked up to the Yaoyorozu residence and rang the doorbell, shifting slightly as he waited. He couldn't help but feel a tad awkward—this whole situation still felt surreal. Here he was, a committed man, dressed up, about to take out a girl who wasn't his girlfriend on what was technically a date.
Momo slowly opened the door and stepped out. Her gaze was lowered, lips pressed together in a tight, awkward line as a soft blush colored her cheeks. She quietly closed the door behind her.
"Hello," Momo greeted, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes avoiding his.
Tony, meanwhile, took in her appearance. She wore a soft, elegant outfit that balanced casual grace with a touch of sophistication—a long-sleeved, off-shoulder white blouse that revealed her collarbones, cinched at the waist with a dark belt. Her skirt was sky blue with delicate orange floral patterns, flowing gracefully. Black tights hugged her legs, complemented by stylish black heels with ankle straps. Her long, dark hair was loose, cascading elegantly over her shoulders. The pastel wreath in the background almost looked like it bloomed just for her.
Tony blinked, stunned for a moment, before offering her a sincere smile.
"I have to say, I'm feeling quite lucky."
"Hm?" Momo looked up, her embarrassment giving way to confusion as she tilted her head slightly.
"To think I get the honor of spending this evening with such a lovely girl~ You look amazing, Momo."
Her face flushed a deep red as she grew flustered. "Thank you..." she mumbled, her stomach fluttering. "Melissa helped me pick out what to wear last night."
"Of course she did," Tony chuckled.
As he had been observing Momo, she began to look him over in return.
Tony wore a velvet button-down shirt, the top few buttons undone and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He paired it with sharp black dress pants and red-tinted glasses. His hair was styled neatly, completing the refined look.
The longer she looked, the warmer her cheeks became. "You're not so bad yourself," she admitted before smirking slightly. "Although, if I say anything more, you'll probably respond with something arrogant—so I'll refrain for now."
"Wow… I totally would have~" Tony replied, feigning offense before his lips curled into a trademark cocky grin.
It had the intended effect—Momo laughed.
Tony extended his hand to her. "I think we've lingered here long enough. Shall we get started on our evening together?"
Momo smiled, slipping her hand into his. His fingers gently curled around hers in a warm, secure grip.
"So... do you have something planned?" Momo asked, inching a little closer, still flustered from holding his hand.
"I did... at first," Tony sighed, a bit of disappointment lacing his voice.
"You did? What does that mean?" she asked, eyebrows knitting in curiosity.
"Well, originally, I planned to take you to the land of the free to watch a fireworks show... but then I remembered time zones are a thing," he said with a crooked smile, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
Momo stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Yes, I suppose that would be a problem. I forgot Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. With the time difference, it's not even morning over there."
Tony sighed, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. So I thought, well, what could be even better than that? After some brainstorming... it hit me. We'll become international criminals."
"I'm sorry, what?" Momo blinked, staring at him like he'd grown a second head. "We'll become what?"
"International criminals! It's perfect. I mean, I didn't want to waste the whole date using a private plane... so instead, we'll just enter a foreign country illegally!"
He raised a fist in mock-righteousness, grinning.
Before Momo could even react, Tony scooped her off the ground, drawing a startled squeal from her as her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.
"T-Tony! Let's think this through!" Momo stammered, "There are better ways to do this!"
Tony only smirked. "Hold on tight~" he said.
In the blink of an eye, his liquid metal suit encased his body, a glowing force-field forming around the both of them. Then, with a burst from his thrusters, they shot into the air.
"Up, up, and away!" Tony called out triumphantly.
"TOOOONYYYYY!!!" Momo screamed as they became a silver blur across the sky. The protective force-field shielded her from the wind and the intensity of their speed, leaving only the shriek of laughter and disbelief trailing behind them.
Thanks to the force-field surrounding them, Tony was able to withdraw his mask, revealing his face as they soared through the air, the ocean now beneath them.
Momo had her face buried in the crook of his neck, eyes tightly shut, her black hair streaming wildly in the wind.
"You can open your eyes, you know," Tony said with a faint chuckle. "You're supposed to enjoy the ride."
Momo shook her head furiously, still refusing to open her eyes. But then she froze—the faint scent of salty ocean air began to tickle her senses.
"I'm flying slow for now," Tony murmured softly near her ear. "Just take in the view~"
The warmth of his voice so close sent a shiver down her spine, and only then did she become aware of how tightly she was clinging to him. Her cheeks warmed. Hesitantly, she peeked over his shoulder—and froze, stunned.
They were flying above a vast ocean, sunlight glimmering over the endless blue surface. Below them, the sea was parting slightly from their movement, leaving shimmering ripples in their wake.
Momo's eyes widened with awe, captivated by the beauty.
Tony, catching the sparkle in her gaze and the ocean reflected in her eyes, smiled to himself. A mischievous glint sparked in his expression.
Suddenly, he dipped her just slightly, pretending to lose his grip. "Woah! Almost dropped you!" he exclaimed.
"Ah!!" Momo squealed, clinging tighter to him in panic—only to hear him burst into laughter.
"That's not funny!" she pouted, cheeks puffed adorably as she slapped his armored shoulder.
"I'm sorry, haha—really, but your reaction was just too good," Tony laughed, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
As his laughter faded into a soft chuckle, he asked, "Wanna run your hand through the water?"
Momo looked down at the glittering ocean below and hesitated. "Can I?" she asked shyly.
Tony slowed their flight and dropped the force-field. The salty breeze hit her more strongly now, but it wasn't unpleasant—it was fresh, alive.
She narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "Don't drop me, alright?"
"Don't worry," Tony replied with a confident grin. "The safest place you could ever be is in my arms~"
Momo stared at him, her heart fluttering. That smile of his—so effortlessly charming—completely stole her attention from the world around her.
Tony blinked as he noticed the blush spreading across her face. Her lips parted slightly, as if trying to form a smile but unable to settle on one. She looked at him like a deer caught in headlights.
"D-Don't do that," she muttered, placing a hand to her chest. "That wasn't good for my heart…"
"No promises," he said with a wink. "I might do it again just to see that expression."
"Melissa warned me about this side of yours," she murmured.
"Oh yeah?" Tony grinned.
Momo chuckled as she rested against him, lowering her free hand and letting her fingers trail across the ocean's surface. The water was cool and smooth, leaving droplets on her skin.
"She called it your 'playboy side,'" she said, her tone light. "I didn't believe her at first, but… now I think her warning had some truth. She said it was the most dangerous thing about you."
Tony snorted and shook his head, amused. "I'm gonna have to talk to her about talking behind my back."
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