"Voi sapete che siete molto importante per me, sì?" Leonardo patted his cheek affectionately, offering a wide smile. "And a good man."
‘ I, well ------- ’ which, is definitely not a proper sentence ; his gaze falls on the other and he watches leonardo move close enough to be able to pat his cheek. the engineer actually beams up at him, expression bright and maybe slightly child-like ( the expression of someone who maybe needed to hear something like that a little bit too much ; of someone who was craving casual affection ). he smiles back, almost unsure, and nods with as much conviction as he can muster.
he stays quiet for a moment, head ducked slightly as he tries to react to the sudden burst of affection. it’s no news that leonardo is touchy and tony doesn’t mind at all. he likes the casual pats on the back when they’re discussing possible inventions ; the soft squeeze the artist gives his shoulder whenever they’re close enough and they’re talking about past, present and future. it’s nice and gentle and soft. he sighs softly, the smile growing on his lips as he moves out of instinct ( does what he’d do if it had been rhodey standing there ) : he places his own hand on the other’s cheek, pats softly, and then moves it behind his neck to make him lean in. when they’re close enough, he places a kiss on the side of his head and then goes back to pat his cheek. ‘ Thank you. ’