Traitor

Chapter 5

"They found him."

The words had been uttered in disbelief, Bruce looked distraught as he continued to speak to the person on the other end of the line.

After all, there had been many instances where the team had thought Bucky would be found, but for it to happen once and for all was unsettling. Bruce stumbled out of Tony's room, presumably to deliver the news to the rest of the team.

As soon as Tony had heard Bruce's announcement, he felt an overwhelming sense of hope grip him. One similar to what he felt the day Steve had first asked him out, he wondered then whether he wasn't the dreadful person he had made himself out to be.

How bad could he be if Steve wanted him? Though, in truth, Tony hadn't believed Steve's intentions were pure in the beginning, even now he couldn't understand how he was worthy of Captain America.

After a year had passed, however, Tony came to accept the fact he had been provided a rare blessing that took form in a patriotic man from Brooklyn. He wasn't sure that he would ever give it up without a fight.
So, that's what Tony planned to do. Now that Bucky had been found, Tony would be there for Steve and things would go back to how they had been.

"You're awfully quiet." Clint told his friend from his place beside him on the warm bed. Ever since Clint had indulged him in his embrace once, Tony hadn't slept alone again.

What he found unusual was the lack of complaints from Clint, sure there was the occasional tease, but he never made Tony feel as if he was being a bother. It was something Tony had been puzzled but pleased about.

"It's a lot to take in, I guess." Tony fell back into the bed, releasing some of the tension in his shoulders. Clint hummed in silent agreement. "But you're happy, right?"

Tony flashed his friend a confused smile. "Why wouldn't I be? Steve finally got what he wanted all this time."

"Did you?"

"Did I, what?"

"Get what you wanted." Clint's eyes were surprisingly knowing. Surely the team hadn't known much about their relationship struggles, had it been obvious? A change in dynamic like that was bound to come to light, he just hoped the team hadn't overestimated the severity of it.

"I just want Steve to be happy." Clint shook his head disbelievingly. "What happened to the Tony from years ago, who cared for no one's happiness but his own?"

Tony scoffed defensively, he was still himself, thank you very much.

"I'm still him, jackass. When Steve came along though, he showed me not to be so selfish." Clint's eyes narrowed calculatingly. "Sounds more like he changed you to me." Clint muttered under his breath, unbeknownst to Tony.

"You shouldn't put Steve first all the time, you know?" Tony was confused now, isn't that what was expected of him? That's just what good partners did, and Steve deserved the best.

There was silence as Tony considered Clint's comment, and as the latter debated whether to address his friend once more. He was a spy for good reason, and he had picked up on some of Steve's behaviors that were borderline toxic. At first, he had left it alone because Tony was no idiot. he was an adult that should have been able to recognize those signs.

Time went on though, and Tony still seemed painfully in love with the self righteous bastard. Even if Steve snapped at him in public, Tony would just play it off and laugh awkwardly. His love had blinded him to the truth.

One thing Clint wouldn't tolerate, however, was the abuse getting physical. He was only waiting to have any suspicions confirmed so he could march right up to Steve and swing.

"Tony."

"Hmm?" Tony hummed, hoping the archer would just drop the subject. It was all too overwhelming.

"You can tell me anything." Tony smiled, resting his head on Clint's lap. He was pleased when he felt hands start to rake through his hair.

"I know."

✯✯✯

Tony was pacing in front of the elevator, he had been doing so for half and hour. Steve was due to arrive back at the tower, and Tony was eager to welcome his boyfriend home back from his successful mission.

He also wanted to meet the best friend Steve was willing to risk it all for. Tony supposed Bucky Barnes must be one hell of a person if Steve had done so much for him.

Finally, the elevator doors could be heard opening and Tony stopped abruptly. The urge to run into his lovers arms vanished when he saw the worried expression on Steve's face. Surely they hadn't run into any more issues, right?

Tony noticed that there wasn't an additional person in the elevator, where was Bucky?

"Tony, you've got to help us." Steve came forward and seized his shoulders.

"Bucky got taken away to get evaluated, they want him behind bars." Tony blinked blankly, the first thing Steve says and it's that. He mumbled greetings to Sam and Natasha as they walked by him to give the couple some privacy.

"You've got more power and influence than all of us combined, I'm sure you can pull a few strings."
Steve pleaded. It was an odd sight, Steve never begged. He was too prideful, Tony figured.

"Okay, calm down." Tony soothed, both to himself and the distressed blonde. "I'll see what I can do."

Steve didn't seem reassured by the words but he gave a curt nod, Tony would fix it. He had to.

"Do you want me to run you a bath? I've got a bubble bath soap shipped from Italy.." Tony tried alleviate Steve's stress.

"The last thing I'm worried about right now is some damn soap, Tony." Steve snapped, he sighed when he saw his boyfriends face fall.

"Look, I just want Bucky to be safe in the tower with us."
Tony nodded, he supposed he understood why Steve was anxious about the situation.

"Right, I'll get to that and make some phone calls." Steve smiled and kissed Tony's head.

"I knew you'd understand, babe." Tony nodded, he'd always understand. He'd be patient and understanding if that's what it would take to keep Steve around, even just a bit longer.

✯✯✯

A/N- I'm going back to the fiery depths of high school soon and I'm going to cry :(