[Steve helps him relax, he doesn't even realize he's been holding his shoulders tight, but he lets go slowly. Tension slowly fleeing. But there's something about it, too. Something that registers in his awareness, when Steve asks one more time what he needs. Tony's not sure at first what else to say, but the realization comes only a few moments after. And then he's not sure how to voice it.]

Do you remember... a long time ago I told you you wouldn't break me? I know right now especially you probably don't believe me, but. [He lifts his hand, cupping the side of Steve's face in his palm, skin on skin. Gazes at him. Grins in a way that's almost apprehensive.]

When we go to bed tonight. Can you just. [He's having trouble getting it out. No idea why. It just sounds dumb in his head. But he presses forward.] Hold me. Tight. I'll let you know when it's too much. [It's something that he misses terribly. And he knows why Steve treats him gently. He has to. Especially right now, yes, when he might seem frail as the news of his body all but giving up has just dawned. But really nothing has ever been as grounding or more comforting to him as when Steve either held on to him as tight as he could or put all of his weight atop Tony. And since one seems more realistic and easier an ask than the other, that's what he wants. What he needs.]