Tony couldn't tell if Steve was tired or just worn out, but he was sure the strain of whatever secret had him running to Tony for help rather than anyone more qualified wasn't doing him any favours. It wasn't a state Tony saw him in often. He rarely even saw Steve break a sweat, never mind be overtaxed. He was always even fucking awake before Tony could blink, like he could just flip a switch and skip all of that half-functioning stage that Tony needed four litres of coffee to get over.
It was infuriating. More so because this was kind of endearing. It was probably the blood loss, did that make it less endearing?
"Maybe you should play it safe and try on both answers, see which one fits," he suggested, and his driving clip was gone, replaced by a honeyed murmur that was low enough to be inviting if Tony wasn't already leaning so close, still and unchanged.