p • r • e • s • s • u • r • e

Truth or Dare

Well, I know what I'll be doing tonight.

He smiles sickly to himself, brooding anticipation washing over him.

He felt so goddamn numb.

A hand snakes up to his chest.

Maybe if I'm really quiet, he won't notice?

He presses down oh-so-lightly, his fingertips tingling. Tony grits his teeth, hiding the shudder that ripples through his body by squirming a little in Bruce's lap.

The engineer gives up when Bruce holds his wrists, kissing his hands.

They wrap everything up, stuffing the blankets and pillows back in the basket before sending it off.

"Shit, where's my car?"

"In the garage. We walked, remember?"

"Oh yeah."

Tony calls the suit and flies the two of them down to the ground, Bruce opting to walk the rest of the way.

"Oh come on. A nice stroll."

"But-why walk when we have the suit?"

"I honestly don't relish the idea of flying across the whole of New York City with you carrying me bridal-style like Princess Peach."

"Who?"

Bruce huffs.

"Nevermind..."

They walk hand in hand down the busy streets, Tony shoving his hand back in his pocket in panic.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Tabloids," Tony explains.

"Right." He nods.

They talk about sciencey stuff that the author doesn't want to research, and their eyes lock more times than Bruce can count. After about two miles of walking, Tony complaining about his feet the whole time, they make it back to the tower. The engineer presses a certain sequence of buttons and the elevator rockets upward all 92 floors to his apartment. The living room is unusually desolate, and Tony heads upstairs to his room.

"G'night, Bruce."

"I'll see you in a few. I gotta shower."

Tony shuts the door behind him slowly, eyes shut tight. He feels a fluttering in his stomach, like nervousness or excitement. The feeling you get right before you jump into a cold pool, or the moment before collision in a car accident.

He breathes slowly, sauntering over to his closet. The engineer strips to his boxers and puts on a thin cotton t-shirt with long sleeves, leaving his clothing on the ground before plopping unceremoniously into bed.

"JARVIS is Bruce in the shower?"

"It would appear so. He's asking about you right now."

"Tell him I'm fine."

"For now."

Tony rubs his eyes.

"JARVIS, don't tattle on me."

"Sir-"

"That's an order."

"Yes sir," the AI responds, dejectedly.

The devilish grin from earlier returns, and he looks down at his chest in anticipation.

"I don't..." His facade cracks just a little and terror flashes in his eyes, but he grits his teeth and spins the reactor to unlock it from its chamber. He winces just a little, and pulls it up gently.