[ the ' I don't doubt it' is swallowed down with a mouthful of Tony's coffee, lips quirked as he looks at Steve. he knows that the other wouldn't hesitate to sit on him if it meant that he stayed put while healing. but he also knows that there are more important things to be dealt with right now.

like the grief that Tony can see on his face. in the lines of his shoulders. this might not be his Steve, not the Steve that he has known for most of his life, but that doesn't mean that he is going to let him suffer through this alone. it is still Steve and, if Tony is being honest, this one looks too young to be dealing with this much heartache. without much thought, Tony reaches out and puts his hand on Steve's shoulder, gripping tight but making sure he doesn't hurt him.]

You're more than a soldier, Steve. More than the sum of your parts, you know. You're a good man, great one even. I'm glad-- well I'm glad you didn't die trying. [ again. this time. unspoken honesty in the press of his fingers against Steve's shoulder. he has lost Steve so many times, many because of his own doing, but still--] You'll live to fight again, fuck, even if you don't want to fight anymore, that's fine.