[ Tony's still wheezing by the time his fit of laughter has passed, wiping at his eyes, face half burrowed into Bruce's shoulder because it's there, it's warm, it's solid and it's safe. Every last thing that felt like it was going to kill him half an hour ago? Out of his mind.

He can't regret helping Bruce become...Bruce. Giving him bones, giving him space to grow and figure himself out. He won't. And he won't apologize, not when this is the result. A person. No more, no less, a complicated, creative, fucking brilliant person that's still learning and growing and adapting at a fascinating rate, with wit and humor to spare and oh fuck there are so many red flags here.

So many.

The biggest would be that he was willing to Fight Pepper on this. It's not something he does much of anymore, not since the split, it's not often worth it but this? He was braced for it and would in a heartbeat. Everything else is set dressing. Bruce- matters.

The way Pepper Matteres. The way Rhodey Matters.

Why does he have such a fucking type? ]

I'm serious- I'm gutting that thing as soon as it gets here and replacing it with a Starkphone. No friend of mine is walking around with that antiquated bullshit.