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“You know you don’t have to do this, right?” Happy asked, Tony held his hand up to silence him.
“It’s fine, Happy. I’m happy for her. I was too late to ask the question, it’s on me. I shouldn’t guilt trip her into wanting to be with me. Seeing her happy is good enough for me. At least she thought of me..sent me an invitation. I wonder if she thinks I won’t show up. Do you think she sent an invitation to anyone else? Bucky? Sam? Natasha?”
“I think Natasha will be there. Last I heard, she even invited Peter-“
Tony cut him off, “Did you only hear that because of his aunt?”
“I don’t like her-“ Happy stopped himself, “Just know that I know she invited Peter. He’s bringing Ned with him. It’ll likely be filled with lots of heroes. She even branched out and invited Thor.”
He shook his head, “Should I have waited to ask her? Is this my fault?” Everytime he had thought about popping the question, he didn’t do it. Of course she was going to find someone who would ask the question. However, he wasn’t expecting to hear that it was Bruce.
“It’s not your fault,” Happy placed his hand on his shoulder. “If the worst comes to worst, we’ll leave during the wedding.”
“If we leave during the wedding, we’ll look like pricks.”
“Tony, I’m sorry you have to hear this, but you are a prick. She knows you. It’ll be fine. I know you don’t want to watch her walk down the aisle and get married to someone who isn’t you, but we can’t stop her. She’s a grown woman.”
Tony knew Happy was right, but he hated it when he was right.
“Okay, it’ll be fine. Although it feels like one of my friends stabbed me in the back.” Tony muttered, looking back at Happy. “All I’m saying is Bruce knew I was dating her, and then he swooped in immediately after we ended things.”
“Well, Tony, you did end things with her. You can’t exactly blame Bruce for that.”
Again, Happy was right and Tony knew it.
No more moping. The wedding was going to have many guests. Tony knew most of them, considering he was friends with them. He had already seen Thor, Natasha, Peter, Stephen.. Huh. He had never expected her to invite Dr. Strange.
He posed for a picture with Ned, after constant begging from Peter for just one photo. He gave a peace sign, his sunglasses covering his eyes. Although he was smiling, he wasn’t happy.
Bruce had given Tony a clap on the back. “I’m happy you were able to make it, Tony. She really wanted you to be here.”
She wanted him there?
“Of course, buddy. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
He lingered in the midst of conversations. Peter was talking to Ned about a project for school. Natasha was in the middle of talking to Bucky and Sam before they noticed Tony lingering and asked if he wanted to join in on the conversation. He declined.
He finally made his way to Dr. Strange, sitting beside him.
“I know.. we haven’t been on the best terms since.. Thanos. But I have to ask you a question.”
Stephen glanced over at him. “What is it?”
God, this was pathetic. “In how many realities does she marry me?”
Stephen was silent for a moment. “One.”
Tony went quiet. “Is it.. this reality?”
Stephen shook his head no. “In another time, Tony. Just not this one.”
He nodded his head. “Thanks, Stephen.” He got up from his seat. In another time; he would hold her face in his hands, they would be together and Tony wouldn’t have decided that he didn’t want to marry her. Tony rarely made mistakes, but god, this was a mistake.
She looked beautiful in her dress. He looked around at all of the happy faces. He couldn’t lie, he had smiled as soon as she walked out. Happy had chosen a seat next to Tony, in case he wanted to leave early.
The wedding was almost over. He didn’t have to stay for the reception.
“Do you, Bruce Banner, take (Y/N) to be your wedded wife?”
“I do.” Tony groaned, Happy gave him a look.
‘Do you want to go?’ He mouthed, looking back at the couple when Tony shook his head no.
“And do you, (Y/N), take Bruce Banner to be your wedded husband?”
She seemed hesitant. Almost like she didn’t want it to happen. In the sea of people there, she was looking for Tony. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe she should have waited for Tony to ask the question.
She turned, “I do.”
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Tony looked away as Bruce leaned in to kiss her. However, he noticed her looking at the crowd. Was she.. was she looking for him? He didn’t dwell on it long, not like it mattered, the two were technically married now.
Now all Tony had was what Stephen told him: ‘In another time, Tony. Just not this one.’