Does Steve automatically know what to say? Is it part of the serum? Does he have a sixth sense? Tony dismissed that immediately. Of course he doesn’t. Tony has wanted to rain down fire and brimstone on Rogers off and on since the day that they met. The blond is unnerving and endearing and he just says what’s on his mind. Tony might appreciate that quality, but only in himself. So no. Steve doesn’t always know what to say. And he’s not being manipulative either or telling Tony what he wants to hear.

The brunet does step back to let Steve into his space, towards the beautiful glass shower with the rain head and the massagers. His chin immediately lifts and his eyes follow the progress of Steve’s shoulder and face as they lean passed him and back again.

The water steams the bathroom quickly, turning the mirrors and the expensive tile clammy.

“I’m not— You’re wrong about me. I do what I do because I know I’m capable. Haven’t died yet,” he says, putting off the compliment. He knows how to take them, he likes the stroke to his ego, but their not necessary. He doesn’t need someone to tell him what he’s good at. “If I didn’t think I’d always be coming back, I wouldn’t do half of what I do.”

Which isn’t true. Tony nearly killed himself twice hoping to save humanity. And both times involved space.

The rest were just bouts of misplaced ego.