Anthony Edward Stark | Iron Man (616) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
definingfuture) wrote2015-04-20 03:07 pm
definingfuture) wrote2015-04-20 03:07 pm
IC inbox for duplicity
Tony's Mailbox.
IC inbox for
Tony's Mailbox.
[It's a small thing when he really thinks about it, but something that matters to him and might feel wrong if he brings it up too late after the contract is already written out. It'll feel staged or forced. He can't do that.]
In that case, will you let me kiss you?
[He's very honest about this question.]
In that case, will you let me kiss you?
[He's very honest about this question.]
[Herbert wasn't really expecting anything, so this isn't exactly more unexpected. It's mostly just confusing, as Tony's statements and requests often are to him.]
Why...what for?
Why...what for?
Well, I'm free. I wouldn't want to interrupt your busy schedule, though.
Would that be a problem?
[It seems like he's always doing things that make Herbert uneasy. Tony can't tell yet if that discomfort is nervousness or disgust. At least he knows now that it isn't dislike, which is nice to know. He can take more of a risk now.]
Not really for anything, just... I thought I would ask. You don't have to worry about it.
[It seems like he's always doing things that make Herbert uneasy. Tony can't tell yet if that discomfort is nervousness or disgust. At least he knows now that it isn't dislike, which is nice to know. He can take more of a risk now.]
Not really for anything, just... I thought I would ask. You don't have to worry about it.
[Herbert decidedly has no experience with this, with someone just wanting to kiss him. Not as a side effect of sexual intercourse, or some strategic purpose, just...
Does this imply Tony likes him as an actual, physical person, beyond an interest in his work or a general friendliness? It...might, and he doesn't know what to do with that. People, especially people like Tony, don't like him, they tolerate him for his genius. Or they don't.
His expression goes soft and a little lost.]
No, no problem--you can if you feel, inclined.
Does this imply Tony likes him as an actual, physical person, beyond an interest in his work or a general friendliness? It...might, and he doesn't know what to do with that. People, especially people like Tony, don't like him, they tolerate him for his genius. Or they don't.
His expression goes soft and a little lost.]
No, no problem--you can if you feel, inclined.
[ Herbert looks like he's trying to figure out what Tony just said, like he suddenly started talking in another language. Then his eyes look more than confused. The expression is something else, almost sad, and Tony suddenly has the urge to protect him. He knows that Herbert can take care of himself, but he leans in and puts his hand around the back of his neck almost like he's trying to hug him. He presses their foreheads together with a smile before tilting his head and guiding Herbert into a kiss. It's chaste, but held out, and when Tony pulls back again he strokes his fingers over Herbert's neck. ]
Thank you.
Thank you.
[This is a feeling that Herbert doesn't really know what to call, what to attribute it to. He's felt it before, or something very like it: a thick excitement in his chest while demonstrating his work to a fascinated Tony or Dan. Shared spirit of scientific discovery with someone on his level, he assumed.
But this isn't that, even if it feels the same.
He blinks at Tony when he presses their heads together, closes his eyes a little belatedly when their lips meet. It's not pointless, then, under certain circumstances, maybe, not a waste of better spent time when it's indicative of rare trust.]
Mm. Feel free to...take that as, blanket permission.
But this isn't that, even if it feels the same.
He blinks at Tony when he presses their heads together, closes his eyes a little belatedly when their lips meet. It's not pointless, then, under certain circumstances, maybe, not a waste of better spent time when it's indicative of rare trust.]
Mm. Feel free to...take that as, blanket permission.
[Herbert is quiet, but actually not as put off by the kiss as Tony initially thinks he might be. He's never really seen Herbert show much enthusiasm for romance or physical contact, but he's never been against close proximity either, which is why Tony has to make his move. And when he does pull back to examine Herbert's reaction, he finds that his advance is being accepted rather well. Tony smiles, cupping Herbert's cheek with his palm. He's feeling more confident now that he has that assurance.]
In that case, maybe I should ask for more.
In that case, maybe I should ask for more.
I know what a goddamn prostate is.
Kind of concerning that you felt the need to clarify that to begin with. Having trouble finding something, Steve?
Tony, what? Are you
Oh. I didn't mean to send that out, sorry.
Oh. I didn't mean to send that out, sorry.
No. No apologizing to me, Cap.
What's up? Someone questioning your physical training?
What's up? Someone questioning your physical training?
Just not real impressed with the mandatory sex education at the moment.
Questioning your experience, huh?
I can see how that would ruffle your feathers a bit. Need a hand convincing them?
I can see how that would ruffle your feathers a bit. Need a hand convincing them?
That you don't need lessons. It helps if you've got a
[shit. uh.]
friend next to you.
[shit. uh.]
friend next to you.
Well, I mean. There's some things I haven't done.
[ Why are they discussing this help. ]
Doesn't mean I want a whole lecture.
[ Why are they discussing this help. ]
Doesn't mean I want a whole lecture.
Oh, you know people like that. They're just excited.
What exactly is the lecture about?
[Should he even be asking? No? Too late!]
What exactly is the lecture about?
[Should he even be asking? No? Too late!]
Sex, far as I can tell. How you're supposed to have to.
Was pretty sure there aren't meant to be 'supposed to's involved.
Was pretty sure there aren't meant to be 'supposed to's involved.
Well, no, we shouldn't have to...
It's just how they are. You sure you don't want a hand?
[He totally needs a hand.]
It's just how they are. You sure you don't want a hand?
[He totally needs a hand.]
I want to not have to listen to this. I'm all for education but some of this stuff is meant to be private.
I'm not embarrassed, I'm annoyed.
[ And a little bit embarrassed. ]
[ And a little bit embarrassed. ]
Page 8 of 20