This isn't the first time that Tony has heard that his reactor means something - after all, Pepper had given him that glass case with the first one - but...this is different. Hearing those words from him, with that sincerity that Steve always has, it tugs at something in Tony's heart that he doesn't expect.
That's why he stays still as he eases back onto the pillow, but his eyes never leave Steve's. Even if there's a moment where he almost squirms, because he's not used to compliments like this, and when he finally glances away briefly it's when he feels the way his cheeks warm up a little. Tony Stark is a lot of things, and one that brags and has no filter for his lack of modesty is something that is almost a trademark, but what very few people know is how much of an act that is. Because, if Tony can make the world believe he's the best - or that he at least thinks so - then they can't see how tarnished he really is. How little he truly thinks of himself; how even a compliment like this is almost new to him, because while Tony does feel proud of his accomplishments (sometimes) and he knows he has pushed technology forward in a way no one else could have... His self doubt is always there. It never leaves. It gnaws away at him every single day.
"I think it's beautiful when it's not in me," he admits with a sort of playful tone, but there's a wry smirk that tugs at his lips as he looks back at Steve, moving his fingers gently along Steve's warm skin. His question takes him by surprise, though, and for a moment he just pauses.
"Not quite like that, no," he finally answers, his voice soft. "But that's okay. Because it means a lot coming from you." He leans in to kiss his cheek, lingering for a moment, and when he settles back he leaves a small gap between them. Only so he can reach for his hand after a moment, and gently guides it so Steve's hand can rest against the arc reactor itself. Considering Tony's hesitance at even showing Steve his scars last night, this is surprising even to him, but it doesn't stop him. This is, in a lot of ways, Tony's most visible scar. The one he can't escape, and letting Steve be this close to it is his sign of trust and how much he means to him. His chest is littered with scars from the bombing, and at its center there's the reactor humming quietly beneath that blue glow. He can't feel Steve's touch where the reactor is, but he can definitely feel the way his hand feels against his chest, and Tony's expression is as unguarded as it can be. There are no masks, no facades. Just himself, and the love he feels for this man right now.
"I...lived for a long time not wanting people to even see it glow," he admits quietly. "I didn't think it should be seen. But...I kind of really love that you like it this much."
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That's why he stays still as he eases back onto the pillow, but his eyes never leave Steve's. Even if there's a moment where he almost squirms, because he's not used to compliments like this, and when he finally glances away briefly it's when he feels the way his cheeks warm up a little. Tony Stark is a lot of things, and one that brags and has no filter for his lack of modesty is something that is almost a trademark, but what very few people know is how much of an act that is. Because, if Tony can make the world believe he's the best - or that he at least thinks so - then they can't see how tarnished he really is. How little he truly thinks of himself; how even a compliment like this is almost new to him, because while Tony does feel proud of his accomplishments (sometimes) and he knows he has pushed technology forward in a way no one else could have... His self doubt is always there. It never leaves. It gnaws away at him every single day.
"I think it's beautiful when it's not in me," he admits with a sort of playful tone, but there's a wry smirk that tugs at his lips as he looks back at Steve, moving his fingers gently along Steve's warm skin. His question takes him by surprise, though, and for a moment he just pauses.
"Not quite like that, no," he finally answers, his voice soft. "But that's okay. Because it means a lot coming from you." He leans in to kiss his cheek, lingering for a moment, and when he settles back he leaves a small gap between them. Only so he can reach for his hand after a moment, and gently guides it so Steve's hand can rest against the arc reactor itself. Considering Tony's hesitance at even showing Steve his scars last night, this is surprising even to him, but it doesn't stop him. This is, in a lot of ways, Tony's most visible scar. The one he can't escape, and letting Steve be this close to it is his sign of trust and how much he means to him. His chest is littered with scars from the bombing, and at its center there's the reactor humming quietly beneath that blue glow. He can't feel Steve's touch where the reactor is, but he can definitely feel the way his hand feels against his chest, and Tony's expression is as unguarded as it can be. There are no masks, no facades. Just himself, and the love he feels for this man right now.
"I...lived for a long time not wanting people to even see it glow," he admits quietly. "I didn't think it should be seen. But...I kind of really love that you like it this much."