They were.. something. True, he didn't know what. He knew what he couldn't call them but to say they were merely friends was also incomplete. Sometimes he wished Gladio would take the lead here and insist they be more than what Tony was allowing himself to offer. The other man hadn't and had accepted the terms given early on.

It was surprisingly liberating to hear Gladio didn't mind him talking about his past. The issue the Shield had was perfectly reasonable but sadly not one Tony could do a whole lot about. He set his plate on the coffee table next to Gladios and moved closer so he could curl against the larger man's side.

"I wish it didn't hurt too. Just when I think I've come to terms with it, something catches me off guard and knocks me down. It isn't helping that this mess with Era happened and I'm rationing the anxiety medicine I have left." He shook his head and sighed. He was so grateful Gladio was there and maybe he didn't really owe the younger man special dinners or treats, but it was the thank you he couldn't find words for.

"I realized when I was with Ignis that it was possible to love more than one person. It doesn't cheapen my love to Pepper to also love him. Some things are different and sometimes I want to talk about those memories but it was never to make him feel bad or judged. Remember when we were sharing all of our Earth holiday traditions? The idiot couldn't have been more jealous," he breathed a laugh. That young fool would always have a piece of his heart, but he was satisfied that chapter was closed.

He looked up at Gladio then. "How have you been feeling lately about your boys from the train?"