Steve feels vaguely triumphant, watching Tony relax into the stroking. This feels more natural than the entire previous conversation, soft and comfortable. The talk-through had to happen, and they may still have to work a few things out later, but this may ultimately be a better way to communicate.

He chuckles quietly and just barely brushes his lips against the corner of Tony's mouth. The drop in pitch in his voice earns a little shiver. "Going to make me work for them, hm? It might not be a bad idea to just...do some more of this first, before we break out the whips and chains. You think? You already spent last night in my room, anyway..."