[ Admitting that he wasn’t sure when or if he’d want to come back had made him nervous, even if he hadn’t been conscious of it, because he half wondered if Steve would judge him for it. After all, they’ve been in this life together for years. It’s been one of their common grounds for so long. And, considering Steve and his sense of duty... Part of him had wondered if Steve would see him differently. If he’d be disappointed in him for this. Two years ago he told himself that what Steve thought of him didn’t matter anymore, but apparently that had been another lie he told himself.

The judgment doesn’t come, though. Steve is understanding, he holds him and kisses him, and Tony can’t help but melt into his embrace as the tension he had been feeling disappears. It surprises him that Steve feels this way, but he’s thankful there’s no pushback. He’s tired of arguments. ]

Promise me that you’ll tell me when you need to come back, though? I don’t want you to feel like you can’t come back because of me.

[ He has never wanted him to do that, has never wanted Steve to stop being himself for him. ]