He doesn't pull away when Bruce does, and he doesn't look disappointed when the kiss isn't warmly received. Tony understands more than he often lets on, particularly when it comes to how much Bruce struggles. He knows it's not that simple, and he respects Bruce for how much he holds onto himself. He fights hard, even when it seems like he's just running away. But Tony wants to give him something else. An option that isn't about fighting or running, but being himself.
"It's fine. You're okay," he tells him, and he means it. He knows it's a hard road to convincing Bruce that he can let go of his fear without losing himself, but Tony is willing to take that challenge. "I trust you. And I trust him, too."
His hand is still resting on Bruce's stomach with his fingers tracing the lines beneath the cloth and Bruce's own hand holding on. Tony fixes his eyes on Bruce's and holds the gaze. There's no doubt or hidden apprehension in his look. He believes in the Hulk as much as the scientist, and even if Bruce isn't confident, Tony is. He doesn't have to pretend that he's not afraid, and he doesn't have to force the moment to be anything more than it is. The two of them sharing space, trying out this new kind of touch. Slow is unusual for Tony as much as close contact is for Bruce. They can learn together.
"We'll go slow," he murmurs. And for once in his life he's not rushing. Not trying to out-talk anyone. "Breathe. Just feel it... and kiss me. A kiss won't hurt."
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He doesn't pull away when Bruce does, and he doesn't look disappointed when the kiss isn't warmly received. Tony understands more than he often lets on, particularly when it comes to how much Bruce struggles. He knows it's not that simple, and he respects Bruce for how much he holds onto himself. He fights hard, even when it seems like he's just running away. But Tony wants to give him something else. An option that isn't about fighting or running, but being himself.
"It's fine. You're okay," he tells him, and he means it. He knows it's a hard road to convincing Bruce that he can let go of his fear without losing himself, but Tony is willing to take that challenge. "I trust you. And I trust him, too."
His hand is still resting on Bruce's stomach with his fingers tracing the lines beneath the cloth and Bruce's own hand holding on. Tony fixes his eyes on Bruce's and holds the gaze. There's no doubt or hidden apprehension in his look. He believes in the Hulk as much as the scientist, and even if Bruce isn't confident, Tony is. He doesn't have to pretend that he's not afraid, and he doesn't have to force the moment to be anything more than it is. The two of them sharing space, trying out this new kind of touch. Slow is unusual for Tony as much as close contact is for Bruce. They can learn together.
"We'll go slow," he murmurs. And for once in his life he's not rushing. Not trying to out-talk anyone. "Breathe. Just feel it... and kiss me. A kiss won't hurt."