Steve and Bucky-the prized assets of HYDRA

Chapter 10 Stony connection

Don't worry this book is Stucky. 

The clanging of weights, the rhythmic thump of treadmills, and the faint hum of my arc reactor usually filled the Avengers' gym, a symphony of industrial exertion. But today, a strange rustling sound cut through the din, a discordant note in my meticulously curated auditory landscape. I paused mid-bicep curl, my reflection in the polished chrome a picture of perplexed concentration, the sleek, custom-designed StarkTech weights hanging motionless. I narrowed my eyes, scanning the room landed on Steve, who was crouched behind the leg press, his broad shoulders hunched in a way that screamed "suspicious." He was definitely not doing his usual routine.

He seemed to be wrestling with something, a small, crinkling package that looked suspiciously like... leftover takeout? And then, with a furtive glance over his shoulder, a move that would have been comical if it wasn't so out of character, he slid... something... behind the machine. My eyebrows shot up, nearly reaching the hairline I'd so carefully maintained. Food? Was he hiding food? Steve? The man who could bench-press a small car was sneaking snacks like a teenager hiding contraband? This required further investigation.

Later that evening, JARVIS alerted me to movement outside of Steve's room. I was on my way to the kitchen, craving some of that experimental molecular gastronomy I'd been working on, a late-night snack of edible glitter and nitrogen-frozen fruit, when I saw him creeping out of his room, a small, foil-wrapped bundle clutched in his hand. He darted towards the living room, moving with a surprising stealth that belied his bulk, and disappeared around the corner. Tony decided then and there that he needed to act, to unravel this culinary conspiracy.

"Friday," I murmured, my voice barely audible above the hum of the tower's systems, "record all security footage from the gym and Steve's hallway. Analyze for any instances of... suspicious activity."

"Analyzing, sir," Friday's cool, synthesized voice responded, the tone perfectly neutral. "I have identified multiple instances of Captain Rogers concealing food items behind the leg press and within his personal quarters. Shall I compile a highlight reel, perhaps with a dramatic slow-motion sequence?"

"No, Friday! No highlight reel," I snapped, absurd a sudden, almost panicked, wave of... something, washing over me. "I need to speak with Steve. Privately. Discreetly. No AI-generated cinematic masterpieces, understood?

A soft knock made him look up Tony was leaning on his open doorway "Hey Steve can I speak to you?" Steve wary took the sketchbook off his lap "what's up?" Tony fully entered the room sitting down on the bed next to the blonde. "Look Steve there's no easy way to say  this" he held up the small, foil-wrapped bundle Steve paled "no stark it's not what it looks like I-"  Tony silenced him with a wave of his hand. "I'm not here to guess at what's going on, I know.... because I did the same thing" Tony's eyes were cast down looking earnestly. Than Steve caught his eye "You, you hid food too?" He questioned

Tony s nod was all he needed before he metaphorically launched at him "why?" Tony chuckled lightly "I could ask you the same" Steve twiddled his thumbs and they remained in an awkward silence. Until
"I've been hiding food for a while, since I woke up. Tony, I- during the war we weren't exactly well off, the house wasn't always a constant. We could've lost it at anytime"

Tony nodded in understanding

"So whenever I saw food, whether that be inside the school canteen or in a dumpster I'd grab it and hide it. It's never really worn off. I still panic thinking that this'll be the day that I'm booted out" Steve confessed. Tony placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Steve I can assure you with my iron heart that I will never stop you eating or take away food or or kick you out...ever" Steve smiled up into Tony's uncharacteristically warm eyes "thanks Tony". "So what's your story?"