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Tony might have insisted more on that bath, but something about Gladio's arm going around him simply had the older man looking up at him with a warm smile. "Whatever you'd like." See? He didn't have to have it his way all the time. With how tired they often were after a full day at the work zone, they didn't need too much variety in the evening. Wherever they could hangout together and relax was the main criteria.

As they picked up his ingredients and the cake from Affurgato, Tony managed not to ruin the pleasant mood with jokes about making Gladio his dessert with a can of whipped cream. Really the only pseudo-naughty thing he did was kiss him breathless before letting his roommate go shower.

When Gladio came downstairs, Tony had peeled off his outer layer of clothes and given himself a very quick wipe down with a towel before getting into cooking. It was perfectly normal to cook in your briefs right?

There was a sauce pan simmering, kicking up the most delicious soy-garlic-mirin aroma. Something in the oven was also adding other meaty notes. Tony flashed Gladio a grin. "The chicken has twelve minutes left and this sauce needs stirred every few minutes. Will you have that covered while I clean up a bit more?"

Once Gladio left his room he found Tony hadn't yet come up. Curious, he headed downstairs to find his roommate in the kitchen in not much at all. Gladio probably should have been surprised, but he'd realised quite early on that nothing really surprised him about Tony. He just shook his head and wandered on over.

He'd opted for pyjama's. Dark green pants and a lighter green shirt, unopened, as was his way. His feet were bare and his hair pulled back in a damp ponytail. Strands of damp hair hung around his face that couldn't be contained by the hairtie. His clothes should have been black and dark gray. Just like his hair should have been brown. But even that was shades of green still. He really would be happy when these messed up colours went away.

"Twelve minutes. Go now and get washed up." Gladio reached passed Tony and took the spoon to take over starring the sauce.

Edited 2021-03-30 23:38 (UTC)

Tony had planned on coming up when he'd been called, but he'd gotten carried away. He was enjoying Gladio's rendition of the Green Man. After he quit getting migraines from the brightness of the white buildings, he'd enjoyed the spring weirdness a lot more. He didn't have much in the way of hair, but Gladio did and.. well, the man looked pretty!

He was as quick as he could be, given how filthy he was. It put him coming downstairs in vibrant purple sweatpants, pink socks, and yellow sleeveless shirt. He had no idea what this outfit's original color was but he hoped Gladio would be amused with it.

"Hey thanks, Gladdy," he said, giving the other man a quick kiss as he checked on everything. The chicken was done so he pulled that out and slowly started assembling their bowls. "I figured if I couldn't get you cup noodles then I owed you the next best thing."

While Tony was gone, Gladio dutifully remained where he was stirring the sauce. He did have a little taste, he couldn't help it, and it was pretty damn good. When Tony came back to take over, he grinned both at the kiss and his friends outfit. At least his own clothes where just green. A lot of people seemed to have gotten the rainbow treatment.

Gladio stepped back and pulled out one of the kitchen chairs to drop himself down into. "You don't owe me anything, Tony. But this is a nice surprise. And it smells amazing."

There was one common spice to this kind of dish that was notably left out, just because Tony's awesome like that.

He flashed Gladio a playful grin at the correction. "Hmm, well then you owe me now. How convenient." He chuckled and poured two glasses of rice wine. "We'll have to thank Wei tonight for this. He's the one who introduced me to this particular type of rice wine. Fortunately Affurgato had a couple extra that needed a good home now that he'd left the city."

He joined his roommate after serving them and turning off the stove. He raised his glass in a quick cheers for Wei before digging in.

Gladio just rolled his eyes. Sure, he owed Tony, if that's how he wanted to see it.

While the wine was poured, Gladio covered a yawn with his hand, and smiled hen Tony offered him a glass. The smile turned a little sad at the mention of Wuxian. He missed that guy. He'd not been around long at all... So he was more than happy to give his missing friend a brief toast before he took a sip of sake. It was really damn good.

After that it was just settling down to enjoy the meal Tony had prepared. And, he had to admit, it was even better than a Cup Noodle, though they still had a special place in his heart. There was just something about a homecooked meal that tasted even better. And Tony had a talent for it.

Tony laughed, humored by Gladio's expression. He wasn't being serious with any of this. He didn't care who owed who as long as they had what they needed and were both happy. Still, it was fun to play with the gentle giant.

As they moved from the dining table to the couch with their cake, Tony listened attentively to an amusing story about a family dinner made by Iris gone wrong and how they had to eat it anyway to keep her from crying.

"Sometimes Morgan liked to help with dinner too, but she preferred waiting till we were baking sweets. I usually let her but every once in a while- kind of like Iris there- it was just a little too complicated for her and you had to make a choice between doing the dish correctly or dealing with bruising her feelings. There's a reason why we ate spaghetti and like.. two other dishes for a month when she just turned four."

Another glass of sake in his hand and the cake on a small plate, Gladio headed over to the couch, laughing to himself at the memory. Iris had tried so hard, she'd told himself and Jared that they couldn't help her no matter what. The meal had been a special one, for their fathers birthday. Iris had been determined. And in the end she'd done her very best... And so had they to try and eat it. It had been awful and Iris knew it, but they'd ate it anyway and praised her.

The next time she tried she allowed them to help. It was a lesson learned and, luckily, she did get better over time.

It was as he was sitting down that Tony started to talk. Gladio took a sip of his drink before setting it down on the coffee table and sitting back to listen. Then he smiled. "That's cute. Just a shame when they have to grow up like that and try and take over the kitchen. They should stay little and sweet so we can dote on them forever."

It was easy to picture Gladio's little sister being so brave and independent. As a parent you both loved those moments and they broke your heart. As much as you want them to grow up, it's so hard to let go.

Tony went quiet for a few moments as he thought about that. His expression often bittersweet whenever he spoke of his family but, it warmed further now to a brighter grin. "She always will be that age to me." His gaze rose to meet Gladio. "I finally found a positive side!" It wasn't much, but hey, he'd take it! "Sorry, I don't mean to bring them up so much."

"Guess that's a dad's prerogative. She'll always be your little girl." And it was sweet. It was also reassuring to see Tony smile. It had Gladio a little on edge whenever the subject of Tony's family came up. He always looked so sad... or, worse, it sent him into a panic attack. Sometimes Gladio wondered if he should head these conversations off before they got started, but then that wouldn't have been fair to Tony.

So he was a bit surprised when the guy up and apologised.

Gladio blinked, a forkful of cake halfway to his lips. He laughed and set the fork down on his plate and reached over to gently pat Tony's knee. "You don't. If it's something you're comfortable talking about, you should talk about it."

Tony nodded. He was purposefully not thinking of what the other side of that statement was. The grief would come around some other time soon enough without him having to chase it.

He licked some frosting off his fork and gave his friend a lopsided, but grateful smile. "That's sweet of you, but you don't need to do that. I know it must be uncomfortable for you. Ignis hated it when I brought them up. Anytime I mentioned Pepper he said I was comparing them and imply where he was falling short." He sighed. It seemed rather ridiculous that anyone who knew Tony for longer than an hour would think he'd imply anything instead of outright say it. Sometimes, it was just nice to remember their stories.

Gladio had managed a few bites of his cake before Tony managed to annoy him. At least, it was more Ignis who had annoyed him than anything.

"The hell...?" He leaned forward and put his plate down on the coffee table so he could twist around and look at Tony, giving the man is full and complete attention. "You're comparing me to him, now. And that's annoying. Have I ever givin you any reason to think I didn't want you talking about Pepper or your kid?" He asked with an unhappy frown. Gladio didn't sound angry, even though he said he was. He sounded... a little hurt. Did Tony really think he was that insecure, that shallow that he'd resent him talking about someone he loved?

Tony's eyebrows rose in surprise when Gladio set his plate down and turned to face him. Unsure what he'd done, he followed suit and frowned as his roommate started talking.

His jaw dropped open as he sat there stunned. "I was trying to be considerate. I wasn't.. we haven't ever talked about it. The last person I was with besides Ignis, I was with for over ten years. So he's the only one I've had any recent experience dating or whatever. If you haven't noticed, I'm not that good at treating people well. I'm trying though.. with you. I thought I was being respectful."

The first several things that came to Gladio's mind right then he had to push aside. He had to resist pointing out to Tony that they weren't 'together'. They weren't a couple. There was no need for him to treat him right or respectfully. They were just friends, right? Weird friends, but they were friends...

"Tony..." He started carefully, calmly. "... I've noticed how you treat your friends and you treat them well. And as for me. I'm the kinda guy who'd expect you to be considerate and respectful to Pepper and your kid over anyone else. You were with her so long..." Gladio sighed. "My only problem, the only one, is when talking about them hurts you. Or sets of an attack. If you ever want to tell me about them, Tony, I'm here to listen."

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?"

In truth, Gladio might have taken the lead. At any number of points over the last two months he could have shaken Tony and demanded to know what the fuck was going on... but he didn't. And the reason was plain and simple. Tony Stark. The reason he said nothing was because he had no idea what Tony wanted. Some days he thought it was him and sometimes he believed Tony was happy just being what they were. And then there were moments like this. His issues where so far reaching, Gladio knew he could handle them if he was given the opportunity to, but Tony needed to let him. The idiot bottled it all up. Kept them all hidden from him because of... what? He felt he wasn't worthy? He was damaged? He'd messed up with Ignis so he didn't deserve to be with anyone? It was all bullshit and one day Gladio vowed to tell Tony just that. But until that time came he would bide his time and wait, and deal with these little pieces and hints that he was given.

He was still and quiet as he watched his friend set his cake aside and slide on up to him.

It was an easy thing to curl his arm around Tony's shoulders, drawing him closer, keeping him tight to his side. Tony kept talking and, just like that, suddenly things became clearer to him. Ignis.. had been jealous. Clearly he had been, but it also explained so very much more about his behaviour. The way he had been so single minded about Tony, the way he had almost forgotten that he and Prompto had even existed in favour of Tony and his 'new life'. He'd been possessive and he'd been jealous in a way that made Gladio feel a little ill to realise.

Because he knew he could be like that. He knew he could be possessive. And he knew he could be jealous. But he also knew that it was not to the same dangerous levels as Ignis had been. Because clearly Ignis had been unable to control his emotions. Maybe because it was his first time actually being in a relationship? Maybe it was the ghost of Pepper that had sent Ignis into a tailspin. For whatever reason, Gladio was understanding some of his actions on the Train a little better now. They where still unforgivable, but at least he could make sense of them.

"... I miss them." He replied after a long moment. Gladio leaned back a bit and closed his eyes. "Some days a little less than others. Sometimes it hurts so much I can barely move." He hesitated... voice quieted. "It's grief I feel. I'll never see them again, Tony. The people here aren't them. If we ever return home, it won't be them either. They're gone. I'll always love them. But they were a dream I've woken up from."

Tony didn't understand how Gladio could handle his issues when they kept nearly drowning the man of iron. He was fighting to be as okay as he appeared not to fool his roommate but because he really wanted to be okay. Fake it till you make it? He was a mess and always had been. The few moments like this were when he succeeded in figuring out how to break through enough of his own mental obstacles to be real.

There was more to that jealousy. There had been suspicion of Tony's actions and constant reaffirming their commitment. There had been pressure from the start to barrel forward with the relationship at breakneck speed despite Tony voicing concerns he wasn't ready. There was a reason he'd reacted so strongly to the emotional manipulation he'd recognized in Era.

In light of all that, he was still here trying on some level to connect with Gladio.

Tony frowned sadly, knowing exactly what his friend was saying. He slipped his hand in a larger one and gently brought Gladio's knuckles to his lips. "I wish there was a way I could bring them back to you." If he could trade his place for even one of theirs so Gladio could have his dream back, he'd do it in a heartbeat.

"I'll be fine, Tony." Gladio's eyes opened and he turned to look when his hand was lifted and lips pressed to his knuckles. It made him smile. He'd been on borrowed time, he'd always known that. Even here. People went away, not as often as they did back on the Voidtrecker, but more people had been there than Havenwell. It was only a matter of time before he was called away, or Tony, or any one of his friends and loved ones.

"I'm just glad I got the time I had with them. I've good memories. That's all I need." Did he wish they where there? Yes... There was a part of him that did. Probably the same part that Tony had that wished for Pepper and his child to suddenly appear.

But if they did... Gladio wondered what would happen to them. These little kisses, the touches, they'd have to stop. He wondered if that was really what Tony wanted...

He smiled back, glad his roommate could still be so strong in light of this great hurt. At least they were both going through it. As selfish and wrong as it was, there was some comfort in walking through this particular darkness with someone instead of alone.

"That's it? You don't need anything else?" He teased lightly, needing to chase that small smile Gladio had on his face a minute ago. It had been beautiful and had warmed him like the sun.

It was better that they stopped, wasn't it? Gladio deserved better than an old man with a heart problem and more emotional baggage than the sixties. Did he want them to stop? Never.

"I need a lot of things. But right now, that part of my life... Yeah." He couldn't have what he wanted, it was impossible. So now he had to reassess what he wanted. What his future would be... Gladio needed to work out what it was he really wanted and if it was worth the fight to get it.

He smiled though, gentle and warm, and tugged Tony closer so that he could pull him into his arms and held him. "Right now, I'm happy with this."

Tony laughed softly, happily being drawn closer. The arm he wasn't laying on, wrapped around Gladio. "You're so cheesy," he teased in an affectionate tone. He loved it, just don't make him admit it to anyone. After a moment though, he added, "I am too."

Pyra had asked him once if he ever told Gladio how he felt about him. He'd given his best excuse, but he quietly reflected on it now. "... still don't give a shit what you say, you're beautiful and you aren't changing my mind."

"So I'm told." And it always seemed to get a good reaction, so of course he'd maintain the cheese for as long as people seemed to like it.

Gladio shifted to the side some, so that he was leaning a little more to the arm of the couch and Tony was able to recline a little more against him, when his friend spoke next. He sighed. This wasn't an argument he could win, he got that. Tony was wrong though. He wasn't beautiful. He'd accept handsome or something like that, but beauty? Beauty was for soft lines, delicate features... Gladio didn't have a single soft line in his body. He was rugged, he was scarred and rough around the edges. But if Tony was going to see that as beauty, who was he to argue?

"... fine. Whatever you say, Tony." He replied, resigned to his fate.

Tony chuckled victoriously as he snuggled. It was spring outside but there was still a chill in the air in the evening. Of course, he didn't feel any of that when he was comfortably pressed against a giant Gladio-shaped space heater.

"It was fun hearing about your dreams about your family earlier today. I would've loved to have more children but I knew Morgan would likely be our only one. I was lucky to even have her given my lifestyle but.. she was a surprise. What else would you want in your future?"

Edited 2021-04-01 04:07 (UTC)

Tony's question took Gladio by surprise so much that he was quiet for a while, not sure how to answer it. Though hearing a little more about Tony's family was nice. He kind of wished he'd carry on like that. The little bits and pieces weren't always enough to paint a full picture.

"Not entirely sure." Gladio answered honestly. "It was 50/50 if I'd even have a future. My duty to the King could have come into play at any moment. But... my dad was able to live to a good age while being a Shield. He had kids. I guess in the back of my mind it's somethin I've always wanted but never with much certainty." Because his future had never been certain.

It would take hardly any encouragement at all if Gladio wanted Tony to keep talking. A question or a hint of interest in a particular subject and the poor man would never get another word in for the next hour. However, as smart as he was, he wasn't a mind reader. Between that and his own desire to learn more about Gladio- which could take some prodding, he'd discovered- the focus hadn't remained on himself. If that wasn't sign of how much Tony was into the younger man nothing was.

"It's never certain," he remarked with a sigh. "That's why it's precious." He turned his face so he could look up at his roommate and smile at him. "I really hope you get there someday. There've been a couple of big moments in my life where nothing was the same again and having Morgan was one of them."

He laid his head back down on Gladio's chest with a content sigh. Even though this was a heavy subject, he was comfortable and found himself... wishing? Praying? Whatever you wanted to call it.. that this would work out for his friend.

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