His Armored Heart

Chapter Five

They laid there on the bed as Tony's eyes went wide with shock. Don't say anything stupid. "Are-are you sure? It could just be that I'm the one that's been here with you?" He suggested, trying to be logical.

Bree nodded and reluctantly removed herself from his body, putting space between them. I knew it was a bad idea to say anything. She willed the tears that threatened to fall to disappear. "I'm sure," she whispered.

"I... I don't know what to say." Tony said nervously. "This doesn't need to change anything between us right now, right?"

Bree looked up at Tony and instantly noticed that he hadn't made any move to reach out to her or say anything about his feelings being the same as hers. "No, nothing will change Tony."

"Bree... it's not you. I know I would be the luckiest man alive to earn your love... but... It's no secret that I have commitment issues. Maybe in time that could change, but right now, I like how things are between us." Tony truthfully explained. Please don't leave.

"I like how things are too," Bree said softly. "I can't help how I feel, but if you want to wait... to keep things slow. We can do that."

Tony nodded gratefully. "I would like that, but only if you truly understand that it's my commitment issues and not you."

Bree nodded, but didn't make a move towards him. "I understand. I know you're used to moving between women all the time. This... me... it's new to you."

"It is, and I'm not backing away from what we have. I just need more time to get to where you are." Tony said truthfully.

"Okay," Bree responded quietly, then turned to lay on her back and stare at the ceiling with a silent sigh. Then why do I feel like things are going to change?

Tony rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his arm to look at Bree. He could tell that his words had upset her, but he couldn't bring himself to return the affectionate words. "Please don't be distant," he murmured. 

Bree looked over at him and stared at Tony for a few moments before she reached out and grasped his hand. "I don't want you to be distant either," she said decidedly

"I won't be. Come back and cuddle please." Tony requested, then laid on his back, opening his arms to invite her closer.

Bree smiled softly. I'll do one better. She scooted back over to him and kissed his chest before she decidedly laid on top of him instead of beside him. "How is this?"

"This is also good." Tony chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Bree's waist.

"I figured you would like it," Bree responded softly. "Can I... still kiss you?"

"Of course you can. You don't have to ask." Tony said, then leaned up to capture her lips feeling Bree kiss him back instantly.

Bree felt herself relax once more as she slowly snaked her arms around his neck. "Getting excited?" she murmured, able to feel a stirring against her thigh.

"Don't worry about that. It's always up to no good." Tony chuckled against her lips.

"I could help you... if you would like me to," Bree replied.

"Are you sure? I don't want you triggered again." Tony said sincerely.

"I think as long as nothing is similar to that night, I would be okay. My attacker, he um... pinned me against the wall with his hands and attempted to... but I was fighting too much, so instead he attacked me with a knife."

Tony looked at Bree with sad eyes. "I hope you know that I never meant to... I didn't know." He said, feeling horrible. "How about we snuggle and watch a movie tonight, then try again tomorrow?"