The feeling is very mutual. [Said on a soft murmur, turning into Steve's kiss at his cheek for a second. He wastes no time, either, dropping his hands to Steve's belt to help him out of his pants and the rest of his clothes. This has been an extremely emotionally charged day so he really isn't looking to get wound up with Steve, even though sometimes they seem like they can't help it. Just might not be the right time and place.
Except for anything other than what Steve's requesting. He sinks into the tub first, a pleased, low noise escaping him on an eased breath out. The water an almost perfect temperature, something he sinks into immediately. It only gets better, though when Steve joins him.
He welcomes Steve about as close as he can have him, always just as delighted as he is anchored by him. He presses himself against Steve as he turns, fully settling with him and eventually drops his forehead to rest at Steve's shoulder, eyes closing, the sweep of his lashes drifting against Steve's skin. As deep a breath as he can take, he does, chest expanding and then slowly lets it out. His palm over Steve's heart presses in just a little, fingers flexing as he feels that steady heartbeat underneath. Something he couldn't do with the other one anymore.]
I love you. [It escapes out of him in the barest of voices, not that he needs much with how close they are. There's so much there suddenly, reassurances ache to spill out of him. He knows Steve is used to being the strong one, always, but he'd do anything at all to take the world off his shoulders. Very lately, and almost exclusively both times due to Thanos, Tony has been very aware that their troubles have left him unable, have made Steve have to carry it all. It makes him feel like he's not doing enough. Like they've fallen out as equals because he's too weak to hold up his end of their vows.
His eyes close tight, brows knotting as he swallows around a lump in his throat. The image of Steve crying in his hospital room hours ago will probably be branded into him forever. The crush of guilt is something he's intimately familiar with but when it comes to Steve it's hard to bear. Somehow his voice stays steady as he can't help himself, saying it again.] I love you.
[If that could be the only thing that mattered and the only thing that had the power to solve all their problems they'd be so lucky. The hand at Steve's chest presses just a little more, as if he could pull him any closer, face still buried in his shoulder. Maybe even a little in shame.]
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Except for anything other than what Steve's requesting. He sinks into the tub first, a pleased, low noise escaping him on an eased breath out. The water an almost perfect temperature, something he sinks into immediately. It only gets better, though when Steve joins him.
He welcomes Steve about as close as he can have him, always just as delighted as he is anchored by him. He presses himself against Steve as he turns, fully settling with him and eventually drops his forehead to rest at Steve's shoulder, eyes closing, the sweep of his lashes drifting against Steve's skin. As deep a breath as he can take, he does, chest expanding and then slowly lets it out. His palm over Steve's heart presses in just a little, fingers flexing as he feels that steady heartbeat underneath. Something he couldn't do with the other one anymore.]
I love you. [It escapes out of him in the barest of voices, not that he needs much with how close they are. There's so much there suddenly, reassurances ache to spill out of him. He knows Steve is used to being the strong one, always, but he'd do anything at all to take the world off his shoulders. Very lately, and almost exclusively both times due to Thanos, Tony has been very aware that their troubles have left him unable, have made Steve have to carry it all. It makes him feel like he's not doing enough. Like they've fallen out as equals because he's too weak to hold up his end of their vows.
His eyes close tight, brows knotting as he swallows around a lump in his throat. The image of Steve crying in his hospital room hours ago will probably be branded into him forever. The crush of guilt is something he's intimately familiar with but when it comes to Steve it's hard to bear. Somehow his voice stays steady as he can't help himself, saying it again.] I love you.
[If that could be the only thing that mattered and the only thing that had the power to solve all their problems they'd be so lucky. The hand at Steve's chest presses just a little more, as if he could pull him any closer, face still buried in his shoulder. Maybe even a little in shame.]