"We just do what feels right and stop when it's too much and then go do some physics," Tony replies, so much more gentle now that Bruce is stroking his chest. Stroking the scar. The biggest mistake of his life. Living without Iron Man, with the suits, the arc reactor-- He'd done it for Pepper but he feels so empty. He'll never tell her. She might never forgive him.

Or maybe she'll come to resent him after that--

Yeah, he shouldn't be thinking about Pepper right now. Tony lays beside Bruce, dragging him along to be close. Fingers find tendons and run along them. Neck. Shoulders. He steals kisses here and there whenever Bruce looks unsure or too curious or about ready to balk.

Slow and steady wins marathons. This isn't really a race, though.