Visitation

[greatdealofbravery]

Arthur hears that Bruce and Tony are having a rough time from Bruce, and plans a platonic, supportive visit- rather intending to come in where Peter let off.

He arrives, in fact, with take out.

Comments

[profiteering]

Tony has been swinging wildly from stable, supportive lover to a surly, trembling, silent wreck. He buries himself in work during those times (usually just after he wakes up). When he's got control of himself again he gathers Bruce up and turns on movies.

He's somewhere in the middle when Arthur shows up.

"This is better than roses."

[greatdealofbravery]

"I could get you roses, too."

He offers, stepping in to the tower with a little relief. It's good to be out of the line of fire.

"Bruce didn't tell me much, but what he mentioned sounded bad. Triggered during some play?"

[profiteering]

"Yeah, something like that. Want a drink?"

Tony sets out plates, too. He'll let Bruce give the details; he's not sure he can without knocking himself back down again.

[greatdealofbravery]

"Tony."

Stopping him, hand on the wrist.

"What do you need from me right now? Top, bottom, shoulder to crying, barbed wit to spar against?"

[profiteering]

He looks up at him after a moment, vulnerable for this little moment.

"I wish I knew."

[greatdealofbravery]

"Dream with me?"

He invites him.

"After dinner. Banner can supervise."

[profiteering]

"Okay."

He agrees immediately, thinking a break from his head might be nice--even better to have someone who understands dreams.

Finally he smiles, and claps Arthur's shoulder.

"I was going to kiss you but we're making this a platonic first day. I think. Thanks, for coming."

[greatdealofbravery]

Arthur ignores that, and leans in to steal one good kiss.

"Glad you called."

[profiteering]

"Where've you been?"

He pulls Arthur closer, grinning.

"You won't guess what I got inked on my ass."

[greatdealofbravery]

"I bet I won't."

He says, smiling at him.

"Can I see, or is that a little non-platonic?"

[profiteering]

"Platonic is overrated."

He turns, unfastening his jeans and sliding them down a bit.

"What do you think?"

[greatdealofbravery]

"I like that you've really clearly got Banner's handprint overtop of it."

Reaching down to thumb the bruise.

[profiteering]

Tony murmurs like he's being massaged.

"I think he likes it. We're taking a break from pain play but if you want to slap me around a bit..."

[greatdealofbravery]

"Well, I want to work this in."

He admits, thoughtfully.

"Is this a good decision, though? I don't know what's up with you, so we're relying on your judgement here. Good idea, or bad idea?"

[profiteering]

"Let's ask Bruce."

Tony decides, a reluctant bit of responsibility, and a not so reluctant moment of concern for Bruce.

"He's pretty much my Jiminy Cricket these days."

[greatdealofbravery]

"Okay, but- stand still. Just for a second."

Because what he isn't able to resist is leaning down and sinking his teeth into it, just quickly.

[profiteering]

Tony howls, and laughs himself silly as he turns to pull Arthur into what he and Ricki call a 'friend kiss'. in fact it's their way of making out.

"Keeping my bruises fresh?"

[greatdealofbravery]

Arthur is very happy to make out with him. Tony makes him come at least a little close to acting his age. He also grips either side of his belt, rubbing it just under his ass, lifting him up with it into their kisses so he has to stand on his toes.

"Reminding you that you like it."

[profiteering]

Tony purrs into the next kiss, and one hand slips around to grope Arthur.

"Keep reminding me, I'm still foggy."

[greatdealofbravery]

He laughs, and gives the belt a jerk, enough to be just a hint of mean.

"That's the hard part, right? Finding the joy again, after it goes wrong.

[profiteering]

"You wouldn't say that if you didn't have advice, would you?"

He murmurs, arching up against him even though he's not the least bit aroused--at least not as far as can be seen physically. But he wants to be, badly.

[greatdealofbravery]

"Advice? Not really. Experience, certainly."

He ruffles his hair, letting his belt go.

"Suck it up and pretend you're fine until you believe your own bullshit, has been my traditional approach."

[profiteering]

Tony claps a hand over his chest.

"Oh, my God. Mine, too."

But once they aren't playing, his mood visibly drops, and he fastens his belt again and starts fixing himself a plate.

[greatdealofbravery]

"So. Tell me exactly what happened the last time something like this happened."

He instructs him, seriously.

[profiteering]

"The last time I was 'triggered'--that's what we're calling it? Triggered--I just pretended I was fine, and then I was."

He starts making a plate for Bruce, too.

"I've never seen him like this. Both of us being a mess at the same time, that's new for us."