After Bruce's awkward-then-good encounter with Tony that night, life definitely… changed. He was never going to call it amazing or perfect; to be honest, there were still absolutely dreadful days. Sometimes, Bruce's paranoia about harming his boyfriend almost set the Other Guy off, and he was often terribly worried about their future. There were too many unanswered questions in the back of Bruce's mind. What if he needed to end the relationship? Would Tony accept? Would their friendship be tarnished forever? And what if Tony was the one who ended it? Was it possible for Bruce to recover either way? Some nights, Bruce would panic so badly he couldn't sleep.
There were also plenty of fights; Tony had very short-tempered days, days when he wished for a relationship that was more than two men who would occasionally kiss and would only share the bed for sleeping. Some days, he wanted less. There were so many times Bruce had rush out and find a quiet space for him to calm down and the Other Guy to become bored, and every time he returned, Tony would either be incredibly upset or incredibly drunk. A few times when they argued, they became so loud that Pepper had to intervene only so she could concentrate.
It was almost dysfunctional, but all beginning relationships are rocky. Especially theirs, since there were so many things at stake.
But, despite the constant disagreements and unbearable nights, the good always seemed to outweigh the bad.
Some of Bruce's favorite moments involved the all-nighters they would pull, especially if they stayed awake for forty-eight hours or more. By the second day, Tony would behave like a happy drunk, and Bruce would be extremely slap-happy.
"You're so beautiful," he'd giggle, even though Bruce was still wearing the glasses Tony claimed made him look like a large-eyed insect about four hours before.
"You're tired," Bruce would respond back, abandoning his gloves for the opportunity to walk over and muss up Tony's hair.
"I'll only sleep if you sleep with me," Tony would say, a very devilish smirk on his face.
Rolling his eyes, Bruce would bargain with him, saying, "I'll agree to that only if 'sleep' means the literal term for sleeping, not a euphemism for sex."
Tony would always agree, only negotiating that their sleep excluded shirts.
If the all-nighters were great, the sleep was fantastic. Bruce loved to wake up in Tony's arms. It was his very favorite spot in the entire world. Even though Tony was determined that the lab would possess such a title—he often bought new toys for Bruce to work with so the experience would always be entertaining—Bruce suspected Tony felt the same way. After all, there was always something magical about waking up in the arms of the person you love.
That's where he was when Tony broke the news to him: all cuddled up in his boyfriend's arms, perfectly content with his life for the meantime. After all, how could life be so bad when he loved someone like Tony?
But, when Tony's facial expression darkened, Bruce immediately became serious. That was not an expression that should ever enter a peaceful environment.
Dread settled in his stomach; was Tony about to break up with him? Were there more serious problems with their relationship that Bruce had overlooked?
And, when Tony said, "Bruce, we need to talk," he found himself verging on sickness.
He just prayed the Other Guy wouldn't come out this time.
Trying to keep his voice level and the absolute terror from his eyes, he asked, "What is it?"
He watched in horror as Tony took in a deep breath, as if he was preparing for the words that would conclude their romance. "I'm really sorry, Bruce," Tony began, with an apologetic look on his face, "to have kept this from you. It was dishonest of me, and Pepper thought it was best I introduce you to the idea, instead of springing it on you last minute. Apparently I do that, even though I personally don't see it. But, then again, I do believe that—"
"What are you talking about?" Bruce finally blurted, unable to bear his fear—and now confusion—for any longer. "You're rambling!"
Tony blinked, as if the thought of rambling had never occurred to him. "Sorry," he apologized, appearing to be as confused as his boyfriend, "I didn't mean for that."
"What did you mean for then?"
Moving his arms so that he could grasp Bruce's hands, he held them tightly, his eyes very serious. "Pepper and I are going to begin building a Stark Industries headquarters next month. It was Pepper's brilliant idea. You and I would work there, eat there, live there. It'd be home, while this—" he gestured to the walls "—would become a vacationing home."
Now Bruce was confused. "But, wait, why are you acting like its bad news, like I might smack you?" Because Tony was truly cowering, occasionally checking Bruce's hands to make sure they were not in fists.
"Well… I'm pretty sure you won't like the location."
"You didn't…"
"There's a very good location for a building site already lined up. Plenty of space, surrounded by good businesses, easy to access. And I will be much more eventful than a secluded house.
Releasing an overly-dramatic sigh, Bruce finally let his voice rise.
"You know that I hate New York!"
[Anybody else see where this is headed? :3
And also, tomorrow's the day I move into college. Cross fingers for me that it goes well, and expect for my chapter posts to be a little more all-over-the-place, instead of the usual two-to-three days.
I always forget to tell you guys, but thank you so much for the review and support. It always makes me excited to post the next chapter whenever you give encouragement. But don't worry, I'm open to criticism too. :)]