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When Bruce is upset, he needs gentle. He needs soft words and delicate touches. Anything else would startle the Other Guy, more prominent in Bruce's vulnerable state, and the Other Guy doesn't like to be startled. He needs Tony to gently take the gun from his hands, even though they both know it wouldn't have worked anyway. Bruce needs Tony to reassure him that he's okay, that Tony's okay, that team is okay and everything- yes, everything, Bruce- was going to be okay. He needs whispers and enveloping hugs and lightly brushing kisses.

When Tony is upset, he needs rough. He needs someone to be harsh with him, bluntly point out the truth. He needs to be startled. Anything less won't shock him out of his stupor. Tony needs Bruce to rip the bottle of whiskey, or gin, or whatever the hell it is that night and poor it all down the sink, because they both know drinking all night wouldn't have worked anyway. He needs Bruce to tell him in no uncertain terms that he's being an idiot, that if he keeps this up it won't- no, Tony, it won't- be okay. He needs straightforward words and tight, gripping hugs and deep, passionate kisses.

They both need different things from each other and they've learned to accept and give that. But in the end, it's always the same.

After Bruce has been talked down and Tony has been scolded, they both just want to lie down. Nothing more than just getting in bed next to the other. Bruce will hold Tony tight, he'll listen to him cry if it comes to that, rub his back if he sobs once or twice and tell him over and over that he loves him, loves him more than he's ever loved anything in his whole life. And Tony will do exactly the same for Bruce.

Because, at the end of the day, what they need is each other.