Even if Tony knows damn well that he's revealing more about himself to Steve right now than he has in all the years they've known each other, he doesn't clam up or put up the usual walls that keep him shielded from the world. Maybe he should - that would generally be the usual response, but it's almost like Steve is slowly drawing him out of those shadows that he has kept himself in for most of his life.

That is why, when Steve gives him that playful look, his smile is just as playful but it looks more genuine than anything else. There are no masks. He's as real as he can be right now, even in this teasing exchange. "Maybe. Probably? We'll go with sure."

Keeping his arm around Steve, he grins again when Steve is comfortable against him. For a moment he doesn't answer, not because he wants to stall, but just because he's more or less admiring how damn gorgeous he looks right now.

But, right. He asked a question, and he brushes his fingertips gently against the small of Steve's back as he answers. "It's better now. Back then I didn't really wait too long between putting it together and going out on my missions. I couldn't wait. I probably shouldn't have," he concedes with a slight eyebrow raise, "but...you know me." He notices the concern in Steve's eyes and it makes his heart feel like it's being squeezed for a moment. "It's not a big deal, babe. It's protective enough. I promise not all of these are from missions." His tone turns slightly playful again. "Your boyfriend has done plenty of dumbass things to earn him some markings without it being from work."