runs_on_batteries | IC Inbox/ Interactions 2.0

"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."

"Ah..." Apparently they'd meant different things. And that was fine. Gladio was used to mental gymnastics by now and quickly changed gears.

"I'm tired, Tony. I'm not shutting you out. Wasn't tryin to punish you. I figured I'd already made my point, I don't like to drag things out. But... I'm tired." And that was the long and short of it. His energy levels where nearing empty. He hadn't slept well and was really considering just going back to bed.

"The naked thing was dumb though. Don't do that again. You'd pissed me off. You're lucky I didn't just punch you as I passed you."

"I can see you thinking and pretty hard about something," Tony pointed out. "You looked like there was more you wanted to say about the bar too, but you didn't." IF he wanted to say it was his energy level though, there wasn't much Tony could do about it. He wanted to offer ways to help make him feel better, but he wasn't sure it was welcomed.

He frowned at the last bit. "Why would that have pissed you off?"

"Not allowed to think now, huh?" Gladio couldn't even work up the energy to be really irritated, he just sighed and leaned forward and folded his arms upon the edge of the table.

"Synthetic wood. That's what I was thinking about the bar. But your idea sounded good. And the naked thing... You'd already pissed me off. That just added to it. You were going for funny? Looked to me like you were trying to use sex to apologise. That doesn't work for me."

Tony scowled realizing that is how his comment sounded, but it wasn't what he meant. He looked down, feeling frustrated that he was having trouble with this.

"That wasn't what I meant," he muttered, unsure why he was so frustrated. If this was Rhodey, he'd just let him go be mad for a while. His frown deepened, especially when he heard the rest of it. "That wasn't.."

He suddenly looked at Gladio curiously. "Why aren't you acting pissed off? I know what someone angry at me looks like and this isn't it." He gestures vaguely at Gladio's face. "I know how to forgive myself when I make people angry." His hand settled on Gladio's. "How do I go about forgiving myself for hurting you?"

"Because I don't actually wanna be pissed off. That simple." Was it really that strange? Gladio thought it should have made more sense, given the reasons why some of his closest friends get on edge around him. Sometimes he had a temper. Sometimes when he got angry or frustrated he'd shout. And somehow that had scared people he was closest to. This time when he'd gotten angry he'd walked away. Now it was the next day and he just didn't want to feel that anger anymore.

When Tony's hand landed on his own, Gladio didn't pull it away. He glanced down at the hand... and quietly sighed. "How the hell am I supposed to answer that? I don't know how you forgive yourself, Tony. I don't know what the hell you want from me half the time, what makes you think I've got all the answers here?"

Tony sighed and scooted so he was facing Gladio better.

"What I mean is, I know how to react to you when you're angry because that's how it's worked till now. It's okay to want to do something different, but if you see me over here floundering and saying the wrong thing that's probably part of why. I don't like not having the right answers or know how to fix things, but I want to support you." He'd had to work on his anger too at one point on the train, so he can respect that. He could even offer some suggestions.. but maybe not when Gladio was mad at him.

"And what I want, is for you to be happy. I want your friends to treat you well, to feel loved and cared for, and for you to have some well deserved fun after all that time in the train. Is there something else I seem like I want from you?"

"No, nothing at all." Gladio gave him a small smile then and carefully pulled his hand out from under Tony's to lightly pat it before he reached for his cooling cup of tea.

"I'm not angry at you. For the record. I was. I'm not now. I'm sorry you're struggling. I'll finish this tea and head back to bed. Maybe I'll be able to sleep. Maybe I'll be able to deal with this better then." Maybe Tony would stop beating himself up for stupid things. He was making a bigger deal out of all of this than Gladio ever had.

Tony watched Gladio and couldn't shake the feeling he had before. It felt like the other man had kept half the conversation to himself and it was frustrating and worried him. What had Gladio heard? He nodded and let the man go, before cleaning up.

He grabbed his jacket and left, unable to deal with that awful feeling. He'd missed something important. He just knew he did, but what, he had no idea.

What did he want from Gladio? How the hell should he know? He wanted his friend to be happy and healthy and safe. He wanted him never to disappear or die or get hurt or get mistreated. Sadly at some point most of those would happen and he'd already caused the last two. He wanted Gladio to be too smart to be with him.

He was gone for several hours, before coming back with some scrap metal and some buckets of paint. He set those down outside the front door since they were all covered in chocolate and not going in the house. Trudging inside, he kicked off his shoes and jeans (since they were also chocolate stained), he headed upstairs to the bathroom.

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