[ Steve gathers Tony up like the two of them are only one when they're like this, like anything where they're not holding each other is the unnatural state, and this is the way things should be. He curls his fingers into Tony's hair, and feels a whole rush of emotions even though he'd only seen him fifteen minutes prior.

The air seems to suck out of his lungs when Tony asks if he's okay.

He takes a breath. ]

No.

[ He clutches onto Tony, holds him tightly, inhales deeply. All these years and the only thing his love has done is grown. It's manifested itself in their marriage, distilled itself in that little girl. Every day she grows older, and gets smarter and kinder, is a day that Steve realizes they've done it right. They're good parents. They're a good team. ]

I was so scared today, that I was gonna lose you. And I know I'm not. I know we have a plan. I just can't shake the feeling off so easily.

[ Because Tony's worth everything to him. Just having to imagine a life without him wounded him deeply, and all wounds take time to heal. Even Steve's.

He lets go of the moment and walks over to the tub to stop the water, walks over to get his hands underneath Tony's shirt. It's a little more utilitarian than he usually disrobes Tony with, but he does take a few moments to appreciate him still, once he's a little more naked. Steve has always found him handsome, had always been proud of his scars. He drops his head to kiss Tony's shoulder. ]

You ready? Water's warm.