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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.

"Maybe one day... I'm in no rush though." Gladio replied as he idly ran his fingers up and down Tony's arm, not really paying attention to what he was doing as he considered Tony's words.

He was right in a way. The present was a precious gift, but it was hard to really think about his future when he wasn't even home. So far he'd been on a train travelling the Void and now here. Maybe in a few months, a few years, he'd be somewhere else completely. Maybe he'd finally be taken home? Who knew? Maybe he'd grow old here? Who knew?

Tony could've purred. Good food, good wine, and these quiet, comfortable touches made him feel peaceful. It was a rare feeling and one he was taking advantage of- and by that, he was doing nothing but enjoying it.

"One of my biggest issues with this place- besides being trapped in a bubble and whatever the hell is happening outside of it- is the issue with wood and paper. I miss trees and having wooded areas. I lived in Manhattan, a suburb of New York City, one of the largest and busiest cities in the world. After we lost so many people from Thanos' first attack, I moved my family to the foothills. It was to get away from the chaos while I recovered and Morgan was due to be born... anyway, it had the loveliest fireplace in the den." He sighed, looking at the blank, non-descript wall in this room. "Even if we have to go with a fake one, we're getting a fireplace in our next house here."

Gladio was very quiet as he listened to Tony. A snippet of his life, of the things that had happened to him, wrapped up in the innocuous subject of trees. He continued to lightly run his fingers along Tony's arm, not stopping, he liked it just as much as his friend did. The simple touch, a connection, it was something that made him happy.

"... We'll get a fire place. Even if I have to knock a wall out and build it myself." Gladio promised him warmly, smiling. "And maybe we should find a way to bring trees back to this place ourselves?"

"Tell me about your world?" Gladio asked then, after a brief pause. He wouldn't ask about that Thanos guy, not just yet. He'd rather hear about something easier, something he hoped wouldn't stress his friend out. And since he didn't know much about this Earth place, he was curious.

He remembered how often his old life had been full of social events, business deals, saving the world, etc etc. He felt so busy and important. Next came the chaos of having a child and then living on a crowded train. Now here they were, sore from a day of hard labor, full from a delicious meal, and completely content to lay on the couch and talk. They weren't even using a movie as a pretense tonight.

He felt the tiniest of flutters in his chest at Gladio's comment and Tony bit his bottom lip for just a moment as he soaked up the affectionate words. He was so close to letting himself feel it.. to say it.

Fortunately, he was distracted by the suggestion and was able to push the thought away. "Hmm? Maybe. It would be a worthy goal. If we really tried maybe we could really save this world. Once we got the right momentum and perhaps some solid reasons to back the gods, we could make a difference here." Maybe this time, they could save a world and then stay. It would be a world Tony didn't have to die in and Gladio could have a family at some point. The possibilities were endless, especially if they were this world's saviors. If nothing else, it would make for a fun dream tonight.

"You want to hear about Earth?" The request drew him out of his little fantasy and he smiled. He didn't know what was prompting this, but it made him feel important and cared about. He lifted his head and leaned down to press a soft kiss on Gladio's lips. "Since you asked so nicely," he teased gently and found his comfortable spot on his roommate's chest again. Where to start..

"I'm not sure why there seems to be so many versions of my world compared to others both here and on the train, but it's a very large place. There's our planet, Earth, but in the last ten- fifteen years or so we've learned how much more it includes. For the most part though, my world and my life is Earth. I'm from a country made up states called the 'United States of America'. My state is New York, which is by far the best."

He paused to snicker, because, of course he'd say his was the best. "That isn't just me bragging, although some of it is. New York- specifically- New York City, is a metropolis of global commerce, fashion, news. It's where people who want to be at the very heart of civilization are and naturally, it's the birthplace of Stark Industries and myself. Ironically, one of its nicknames is 'the city that never sleeps'." He lifted his head again to smile at Gladio, amused at the symmetry he hadn't thought of till that moment.

"Could do what I'd planned on the Voidtrecker... I'd wanted to get fruit trees. A-Qing had me convinced, we needed to be self-sufficient." And he'd planned on doing just that. The last thing he'd done before leaving had been to buy a hell of a lot of fruit, vegetable and herb seeds to grow and start to fend for themselves. The train couldn't be trusted to give them food that would last, food that could keep almost 300 people going. And if this world was going to grow, maybe they'd have to do the same thing. They'd have to seed it, to help it thrive again.

"I want to hear about Earth." Gladio confirmed with a smile, a smile that widened when he was kissed. When Tony moved to lay more on his chest, Gladio's hand moved from his friends arm to his back, slowly moving up and down.

He wasn't wrong though. There seemed to be many versions of Earth. He'd heard a few, though not in detail. It was one of the reasons he was curious about where Tony came from, how much it differed from what he knew. So he listened quietly, slowly rubbing Tony's back as he spoke.

"The city that never sleeps, huh?" And his own beloved Insomnia. He could see the similarity and it amused him. "So big city, center of your world. Tell me more?"

"Add space for fruit trees, big ass work space, bath for two, and.. whatever else to the list with the fireplace," Tony recommended with a grin. He was getting a very strange combination of his Malibu and cabin homes in his mind and it was making him want to laugh. Gladio would hate that California place.

Given where he kept placing his head, he couldn't help but admire the man's chest. Gladio's body should be sculpted in marble. His lip curled as he ran a hand along toned muscles and broad pecs. The man's chest would put some women to shame- and that wasn't even mentioning these perfect little nips. He ran his fingers over it, enjoying how it felt in his hand.

He kept talking, pretending he wasn't doing anything distracting with his hands at all. "There are other important cities, but yeah. Very central, particularly to my worldview. Let's see.. the country is so large it covers just about every kind of terrain depending on the state. New York is on the northeastern coast, so the winters can get rough."

Palming Gladio's whole breast was fun too. Squeeze. "Our country's technology is better than what I've seen so far of Verstael's and Sully's, though much closer to Verstael's. Magic isn't something known to most people except what they've seen on TV with the Avengers- which is the group I was apart of. Up until our first encounter with a global invader, the worst we'd seen were the evils and ugliness that were just other people- which.. can be really ugly and evil."

Did he have the energy to bang Gladio? He really liked banging Gladio.. he had such a great ass.

Space for trees, a big bath and a fireplace. He was sure they could work that into the design and he would have said as much, if he wasn't distracted by what Tony was doing. The hand running over his chest was bad enough, but when the asshole just went and straight up squeezed his pecs, Gladio had to stretch a hand down and swat his friends ass.

"Oi... We're having serious talks here. Stop copping a feel." In truth it didn't do much for him, clearly it was more entertaining for Tony though. He was trying to pretend he wasn't doing anything, but Gladio could tell from his smile and the look in his eyes. Tony liked what he was doing. And that was just a little confusing but Gladio wasn't going to knock it.

Tony wondered if they could have a custom house built. This place was simultaneously both so normal and unfamiliar. It was hard to always gauge how things worked here without having to research every detail. To be honest, it sometimes gave him a headache, but at least they had the opportunity to do things they wanted here.

He busted out laughing when he was abruptly spanked. He lifted his head and grinned roguishly down at his roommate. "What?! You have an amazing rack! Have you seen this thing? I'm only human." Still, he tried to settle down again. "I've always admired your bird too. That's.. actually why I used to call you 'Tweetie Bird'. It was a joke because he's the most famous cartoon bird.. a yellow sparrow I believe. And this is.. what? A hawk? Eagle?"

He probably would know the difference if he'd had any interest in learning more about them. Up until this exact moment, he hadn't felt the need but now he wished he did.

"Rack...?" Gladio looked down at himself and just didn't see what Tony saw. Muscle, sure. But clearly his idea of breasts and Tony's where two different things. And he wasn't entirely sure how he felt about Tony seeing female attributes on him... Gladio was generally pretty secure in his own masculinity but that didn't mean he needed to be told he had a great set of tits.

"... It's a Raptor. I suppose an Eagle'd be the closest comparison. What it really is got lost generations ago, it's a symbol of the Shield." And he might have gone all out on his tattoo. "Took weeks to get it finished. You really like it?"

Tony laughed, catching that look. He shook his head and leaned down to plant a kiss on Gladio's cheek. "I'm just playing around with you. You have a very sexy, masculine chest. But, come on, you're more impressive than my wife was... you sure I cop a feel a little longer?" He teased, putting his hand back where it was to grope his pec again.

"Why did they pick that as the symbol? Is there a legend or story behind it?" He nodded, guessing that kind of detail had to have been a ton of work. Gladio and these other Shields clearly were a little crazy. "I love it. I couldn't take my eyes off it when I first saw it. Still can't most of the time."

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