#thegoddamnirondad

@thegoddamnirondad

“I know that, Tony. But it always feels like I have to. I know I shouldn't blame myself for things that were always out of my hands, but I still…”

@thegoddamnirondad (x.)

Carefully, Bruce took the silly putty from Tony's hand before giving him a small nod. Both about being scared, and in thanks for the small gift. He knew what it was. He had played with it before. But it was almost always taken away from him for one reason or another, and he found himself unconsciously holding it close to his chest. A meek smile, one particularly rare amongst strangers, crossed his face as he kneaded the putty in his hands, and he gradually relaxed.

He didn't seem at all finished with his inspection of Tony, though. He looked and felt familiar, but Bruce couldn't quite place it. He kneaded the putty a little harder, digging his nails into it as he mulled over the possibilities. He knew Alfred and Ben were older now. So more likely than not, his friends were older too. But by how much? None of his friends should have grey hairs already, right?

His smile was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by an expression of deep worry. He hated meeting people's eyes. Something about always made him squirm. But for an instant, he felt he had to.

@thegoddamnirondad

Bruce didn’t greet Tony back, hiding behind Alfred’s legs. He had always been more anxious around adults than he was with other children, and he tightly gripped the fabric of his adoptive father’s pants in his small fingers. He only began to relax when Alfred gently patted his hair.

“It’s alright, lad. He’s a friend, and you don’t need to speak if you don’t want.”