runs_on_batteries | IC Inbox/ Interactions 2.0

Wow. Okay.. but, wow. Um.. wow.

He knew he'd screwed up. He knew he'd hurt Gladio in a pretty serious way. It hadn't been intentional and it certainly hadn't been malicious. He'd hoped that would be obvious. He hadn't known what to do with Noct right there and then that bastard had yelled at him too...

Tony slowly shut the door, feeling the sting from that rejection sharply. It had him in all the most sensitive parts, which if it hadn't hurt so bad, he would've been proud of the asshole. Okay, so he was still a little proud of him and god, he knew he deserved it too. That's just made this all so much worse. He had absolutely no excuse for it other than something juvenile and unimportant.

He pulled on a pair of lounge pants and came back out. He stood in front of Gladio's door, hand on the wood, waiting for the guts to knock and actually tell him the apology he'd intended, but he chickened out. He went and cleaned up the bathroom and freshened up. He found himself in front of the door again but still couldn't bring himself to knock. With a sigh, he went to bed. He couldn't sleep. He never slept with the door closed anymore, needing to hear the sound of another person to relax. Tonight, he resorted to a slight OD on his pills to do the trick.

He somehow still woke before Gladio did- or at least before the large man went downstairs. It was probably creepery, but he did stop to listen to make certain he was still in the house. It gave him time to get in the kitchen and get to work fixing french toast with a berry compote (sort of), bacon, eggs, coffee- for Gladio-, and hash browns.

Edited 2021-02-27 01:47 (UTC)

After he'd closed the door Gladio had stopped. He felt bad. He almost turned around and went back to apologise. But it was that thought that stopped him cold. There was no reason for him to apologise. What the hell was Tony thinking just just standing there naked? Had he really thought that would make things right? That somehow he could use his body instead of his words? Who the hell did he think Gladio was?

Any guilt he felt on closing that door was burned away by a fresh wave of anger that made him turn around and lock the damn door. No. Just in case the asshole thought he could sneak in. He was having none of that.

The next half hour saw Gladio drying the rest of the way and then crawling into bed. It took him a while to sleep, his mind racing, thoughts chasing each other around his mind until he thought he'd scream in frustration at them. But at some point he did fall asleep. Fitful as it was, it wasn't until the early hours before he actually got any quality sleep. It still wasn't enough.

When he woke the next morning he felt exhausted. He tried rolling over to try and sleep more, but with light coming in from the crack in his curtains, he knew he wouldn't be sleeping for much longer. It took way too long to get himself up and dressed, so he shoved a pair of pants on and headed to the bathroom. After splashing some water on his face and running a brush through his hair, Gladio headed down. Though he stopped on the stairs when he heard, and smelled, that Tony was up and cooking.

A childish part of him wanted to turn around and head back to his room. But he knew that would be ridiculous of him. He couldn't avoid Tony forever...

So he headed the rest of the way down... and looked a bit lost. Couch or kitchen table. Where...

He decided the couch. He dropped himself down onto it and grabbed the blanket from the back to cover his legs. A barrier between himself and the rest of the world.

Tony stopped what he was doing, a tray half full, ready to go upstairs and.. he wasn't sure. Leave it in front of Gladio's door? Knock and run? Wait and hope? He didn't know. However, his plan was shaken a bit when his roommate woke on his own and came downstairs. Tony waited... hoped. He sighed and his shoulders sagged when the other man didn't brave the kitchen. He knew why and whose fault it was.

So after setting down the cup of milk for Gladio's tea, he flipped the knobs on the stove off. This could take a while. He debated for a moment longer, before picking up the tea and carrying it out to the living room. He didn't strut in all confident like he normally would, but a much quieter, less certain manner. He came over to Gladio and offered the cup and a weak smile. "It'll get cold," he said as a lame excuse for why that gesture might get a free pass before they said more. He stepped back and sat on the arm of the love seat, facing his friend.

"I'm so sorry, Gladio," he began, voice almost cracking but not quite. "I thought.. I wasn't thinking. I have no excuse for treating you like that. It wasn't right. It was unfair. And.. I'm sorry."

Part of him didn't really expect much. Wasn't even sure if Tony would want to deal with him after last night. Wasn't even sure if he could deal with Tony. But he was tired, too tired to work up to being angry again. So when a cup of tea was brought out to him, Gladio just stared at it for a long few seconds before he reached out to take it an uttered a quiet 'thanks'.

He was just about to bring the cup to his lips to take a drink when Tony moved away and spoke.

The cup was lowered and he sighed softly.

"Yeah, it wasn't fair. You should be sorry." He finally looked over at Tony with a level stare. "You were showin off at my expense... You didn't give a damn about me."

Tony nodded in agreement. He should and he was. "I was showing off, but no, not.. I had you, Gladio. I would never have let anything happen to you, ever. Before you say anything, I am in full agreement. I was wrong. But, there's nothing I would do that would make me not give a damn about you. Was I showing off and it went too far? Yes, absolutely and I'm sorry. It was the first time Noct looked at me as something other than gum stuck on the bottom of his shoe." Which really hurt, but this conversation wasn't about that right now. It was on Gladio.

"And it's been so long since I've been able to fly, it is hard for me not to get caught up in the adrenaline rush. I may also have thought that maybe if you saw how much fun it could be it wouldn't have been so bad. And while none of those are excuses or make what I did any better, I just wanted you to know.. but I'm sorry and I swear, I'll never do anything like that again."

Gladio really wanted to throw his tea at him. Take a leaf out of his book and throw a thing when he was annoyed. But the drink was hot and he didn't actually want to hurt Tony...

"Maybe I could've found it as fun as you, if you hadn't just grabbed me up. Maybe if you hadn't spun..." Oh yeah, the anger was thick in his voice there and he had to pull himself back to take a deep breath. Gladio sipped at his tea in a bid to calm himself down.

Alright. Maybe he believed that Tony wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt him. But he still didn't like being used like that. "I'm not a toy, Tony. I'm not a tool. I'm not something you can use to impress... You could've done anything else to impress Noct. Not ignore me when I told you to let me go."

Tony nodded, agreeing with everything his roommate was saying. He got up and moved closer, sitting on the edge of the seat next to Gladio on the couch. He reached a hand out to him. "You're right. I'm very sorry and I won't let that happen ever again. But please don't think because I did something stupid, I would ever stop caring about you. I'll rightfully take the blame for everything, except that."

He stood and leaned forward so he could press a kiss to Gladio's brow. "Never that."

He was silent as Tony approached and sat beside him and said nothing when a hand landed on his own. Maybe he was being stubborn here but he wasn't ready to let Tony off the hook. Not yet. He'd pulled a stupid stunt and he should feel bad about it.

Then he stood. And Gladio remained still even as Tony leaned over him to press a kiss to his forehead. He sighed.

"You're an asshole..." But... "But I know. I know." And he did. And that made it worse. Tony cared but hadn't taken that into consideration when he'd taken off. Gladio just couldn't maintain that level of anger though.

"I am." He sighed with relief to hear that insult. He knew what it meant and it was the start of forgiveness. He could wait for the rest, so long as there was a sign.

"I know I'm a long way from forgiven," he began carefully, "But please, darling, won't you come and enjoy the breakfast I made for you while it's still hot? It changes nothing, I know, but please? Knowing you, you went to bed angry and that meant you haven't eaten. I'm the one who should be punished here, not you."

He gave Gladio's hand a gentle tug.

Darling? That was a new one. Gladio wasn't entirely sure how he felt about it. Maybe a little amused. Where they at that point in their... whatever they were... where terms of endearment was allowed? Or was Tony just feeling so bad that he wasn't thinking? That he'd automatically slipped into a placating tone because he thought Gladio was going to fly off the handle at him?

It was a valid worry, Gladio supposed. Except for the fact he just didn't have the energy to get really mad anymore. He'd worn that out last night. Now he was just tired and... hurting. But he'd get over that.

Gladio let himself be pulled from the couch. The blanket fell away, half on the floor, but he left it where it was and just let Tony lead him into the kitchen. It wasn't until they were in there that Gladio realised he hadn't spoken and probably should say something. "Yeah, I forgot to eat..." Though even if he'd remembered, he hadn't been the least bit hungry when he'd gone to bed. And if he was honest he wasn't too hungry now but knew he should. Especially since Tony had put in the effort.

What? Was he not allowed to call his lovely friend darling? He didn't see that rule written anywhere!

He leaned down and scooped up the blanket, before tossing it aside. He basically cleared the path gently as he coaxed Gladio to the table. It was clear once they were in the kitchen, the plan had been for a breakfast delivery, but it didn't take hardly any time for the older man to get the tray set aside and everything oriented around his roommate's chair instead. After he set, the last dish at Gladio's side, he pressed another kiss to his temple. "I'm really sorry, my friend.

After that, he wasn't sure what he should do then. "Would you prefer to have some peace and quiet or for me to stay?" He asked. They knew each other pretty well, but for whatever reason this hadn't come up before.

Once he sat down, Gladio just watched Tony fuss around with a look bordering on amused and irritated. He got it. He did. And while he wasn't ready to give up on being hurt just yet, he didn't want to hurt Tony either. But he'd wait. Gladio remembered how he'd felt when Tony had collapsed. That need to want to do something. To be useful. To make better in the only ways he knew how. His proof that Tony was doing this happened when he kissed him again. And apologised. Gladio bit back a sigh.

"You better sit your ass down and eat." He muttered, tone gruff but not unkind. "I'm not sittin here eating alone." And he was more than aware that if he had gone to bed without eating... he didn't think Tony had eaten either.

Okay yes, he was over functioning and probably being a pain in the ass. He appreciated the guidance since he didn't know what Gladio preferred here. He'd be careful to talk it over with him later, how he wanted to be cared for when Tony inevitably messed up again. He was human and a very flawed one, it was going to happen. However, he was going to try not to with everything he had or at the least minimize the damage.

He sat down when asked and flashed Gladio a cautious but grateful smile. "Would it help if I talked about something else?" He asked. It wasn't so their current situation was forgotten, but maybe a break from it was needed? He'd have to introduce the concept of 'pausing' an argument like he'd done with Pepper.

That was a conversation that Gladio wasn't looking forward to, because he wouldn't have answers. He wasn't really used to this type of situation. He'd never really been this level of hurt or angry with a friend or partner. If he did ever get angry with someone he tended to go off and take it out on himself, or whatever poor sap agreed to spar with him to blow off some steam. Giving him last night to cool off had helped. Gladio just wasn't really used to being fussed over and it made him feel guilty that Tony was acting like this. It made him feel like somehow he'd broken the guys spirit by being mad at him. Even the smile he got when Tony finally sat down with him made Gladio feel like he'd been roaming the streets kicking puppies.

"Yeah, sure. Talk away." Maybe a distraction would help? Gladio sure hoped it would because this was painful.

Tony scooped a piece of french toast onto his plate and cut the corner off. He swirled it thoughtfully in the berry sauce he'd made. "I know the place I'd be most useful in this city is with one of the research centers. From what it sounds like, this world's medical science is seriously lacking. It's not my forte, but I could help bridge the gap between robot and human biology."

He frowned and glanced out the window, suddenly feeling tired. "I spent so much of my energy on being efficient. On leading. On what the train needed.. I don't know if I have it in me to do that all over again." His gaze shifted back to Gladio to gauge his reaction. "What if I opened a bar?"

He listened and ate, the food was good, aside from the aftertaste that always came from this synthetic food. When they were able to upgrade things would be marginally better, he hoped. But for now it still beat the stuff they were able to make on the train. At least there was a variety here.

"I'd say do what makes you happy, Stark. There's people here already working on those things. Could you help, sure. But if it wouldn't make you happy..." He took his tea and had a sip. "Do it. Open a bar. It's something we're lacking."

Tony was quiet for a few moments, thinking it over. It seemed selfish in a way, but if he made it clear to those who might need to know that he was always available to assist as a consultant like he did back home maybe..

"Would you join me?" He asked. Now might not be the best time with how angry and hurt Gladio was, but he could always ask again later if the man went off on him now over this. If he didn't though, he could see how the bar would give them both a direction and something to focus on and build. It wouldn't have to be something they did forever. They could get it started and then either hire people to run it for them or sell it later once it was established and others would want it. For now though, it could belong to them.

He thought about it, lightly tapping his finger upon the side of his cup. "Yeah, why not? It'd give me something to do."

Doing odd jobs and such was good enough to keep him marginally busy. Decorating the house helped too. But if Tony wanted to actually set up shop and offer a service, Gladio was more than happy to help with that. He didn't have to like Tony to offer his help.

Tony smiled, relief clear on his face. That was for more than one reason. He was glad the man hadn't used it to get him back, Gladio hadn't thought he was being incredibly selfish for wanting to do something other than assist in the research labs, and of course, doing it with him meant even more hope he was going to be forgiven.

"Yeah? That's great. I was thinking somewhere nice and casual with maybe a small stage for live music on the weekends or something and a big long bar. Wood seems to be at a premium around here, so maybe more metal/ industrial looking." He could see it. Some wonderful dive bar that was nice and smokey with billiards and darts and people puking in the alley out back. He could hire a few busty girls who know how to put a guy in his place.. it'd be a great spot. "What about 'Peppers'? And have a spicy theme.. but also, obviously for Pepper?"

Gladio, again, was quiet. Clearly thinking that over. But thinking about several other things as well.

The idea was good enough. Wood was in shortage since there were no trees. Lots of metal though. They could synthesise wood he was sure of that, so while wood furnishings might not be real they could have the 'look' should they want it. But it was Tony's choice for what he wanted the look and feel of the place to be.

And the name.

He didn't know much about Pepper. They'd never really spoken at length about her or their kid. But this told Gladio more than he really needed. It answered several questions that had been bothering him over the last few days. And it felt somehow good to know where he stood here. So Gladio nodded. "That sounds good. The name too. It's a good name."

Tony shifted uneasily. Gladio was too quiet and it was making him worry. What was the man thinking that he wasn't saying? Was it really this hard to talk to him after what he'd done? God, he'd known he'd been an ass but, he really hadn't realized how badly he'd hurt his friend.

He would actually have liked the idea of wood, but he hadn't thought of the synthesized wood. He was good at making machines and weapons, but a bar? He'd never done anything like this. Everything he made was fancy and over the top. That wasn't quite what he wanted here, but he didn't really know what he wanted. It was the first time he'd let him think so.. small.

He nodded with a frown at Gladio's answer. At least he hadn't been shot down, he was going to count that as a win. He even appreciated that the response had been rather warm. "Thanks." He wasn't hungry. Despite the effort he put into this meal, it wasn't that good. "Hey, you.. don't have to eat this. It tastes kind of like canned fruit and spam." The idea of spam made him want to hurl.

"I don't like waste." Gladio replied with a slight half-smile. "It's not that bad. Better than some things I've eaten." And Tony had gone to effort to make it. And before he'd come down had seemed happy with the idea of making it.

Maybe he'd fucked up by showing his face too soon? Though Gladio wasn't sure why Tony would be upset with him...

It was about that point that Gladio realised that things were getting strained. That there was an air of awkwardness in the room and he really didn't like it. Though he supposed it stood to reason. This was, technically speaking, their first fight while... doing whatever it was they were doing. And the realisation of that hit Gladio like a tonne of bricks. So much so he found himself sitting back in his seat and just staring down at his plate as he thought it all through.

If they'd 'just been friends', Gladio might have just punched Tony. He probably would have yelled. There would have been several choice names and accusations thrown at the man. And then he would have stormed off. Making up would have come a day or two later once they'd calmed and would have been done over a drink and maybe a few appropriately rude names.

But Gladio was hurt... and that implied a level of caring that had crept up on him without his realising. And wasn't that just the kick in the balls he hadn't really needed that early in the morning?

Tony had been on the verge of getting up and tossing the plates together so he could ditch them in the sink. He stopped though and looked at the man when he spoke. The smile, though small, confused him and had him searching the younger man's face to try and understand what the hell was going on.

Something was going on in that head of his, Tony could see that clearly but he wasn't sharing what yet. This was why robots were better than people! If Jarvis had ever taken this long, he would've threatened to soak his power cords in the sink.

"You're driving me crazy!" Tony finally blurted out. "I can't stand this. You're thinking something and I have no idea what. I appreciate you being nice enough to talk about the bar idea, but that was stupid when you're not willing to actually talk to me about it. I know I hurt you. It kills me that I hurt you. Is this how you're going to get me back though, by not telling me what you're thinking? That's not going to work for us. I know that's not fair and I shouldn't have any say in that, but I can't do it this way. I gotta know what you're thinking."

The outburst surprised Gladio. It again made him realise that he hadn't actually spoken and he wasnt entirely sure why other than he'd just wanted to get his thoughts organised first. He was learning things on the fly here and it was hard working through them when someone was sat beside him eagerly waiting for his next word. Or needing to know what was going on in his head.

And wasn't that a revelation in itself? Usually no one cared much about what he was thinking... No one bothered to ask. So maybe Gladio kept things inside a bit more than he would have liked. But now Tony had his attention.

"Why won't it work for us?" Gladio, picking through the things he could say, finally settled on that. "Can't do what this way?"

Tony made a frustrated sound with his throat before answering that. "This! This style of fighting. Look, I know I'm a difficult person to live with and I really do try my best to appreciate everything you do for me. I get it's a lot. I don't want to make this any harder and I definitely don't want you to regret me moving in here... but, okay, I had it coming last night. I thought you'd find it funny or you'd be so annoyed I was standing there naked you'd stop and we could talk. You didn't, it really sucked and hurt, but I deserved that."

He sat back and crossed his arms in front of his chest and shook his head. "But, you got a find a different way to punish me than shut me out."

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