Traitor

Chapter 6

Tony groaned, rubbing his face with his hands roughly. He had been up nearly all night, making phone calls and trying to ensure that Bucky would be able to live at the tower after his evaluation. Now, many officials were on him. Claiming that James should be behind bars for the rest of his life.

The government wouldn't let the Winter Soldier go without a mighty good fight, but luckily for Tony, he was head strong and more than willing to plead for Bucky's right to a fair trial. Now, Bucky would only be let go under the condition that he pass his evaluation, Tony only hoped Bucky was deemed stable enough.

"Are you alright, sir? I'm sensing high levels of destress." Vision's voice broke through the silence abruptly, making Tony's body jerk. Tony looked to see Vision make his way into the kitchen through a wall nearby. Living in a home with enhanced humans and robots could sure be a pain. "Vis, we've talked about this. Just use the doors." Tony rasped.

Vision looked sheepish. "Apologies, sir. I always seem to forget." Vision sat next to Tony on the kitchen island, looking at him inquiringly.

"I'm fine. I just have a lot to deal with. Ross is on my ass, and Bucky won't be able to live here if he fails his evaluation." Tony projected. It felt nice to be able to unload onto someone after such a long night, android and all.

"It sounds like you're in need of a break." Tony shook his head. He sensed he wouldn't be able to indulge himself to a break in a long while. "I can't afford a break until I know Bucky is under this roof." Tony stressed, hands tugging at his hair. It would surely start to fall out if he didn't leave it alone soon, he had been pulling it for hours.

"James Barnes is Captain Rogers' friend, correct?" Tony nodded. "Then why isn't he helping you in your efforts to bring the sergeant into the compound?" Vision's voice was light with genuine curiosity. He wanted answers out of Tony, but he wouldn't push him past his limit.

Tony shrugged. "Steve already found him, now he's relying on me to do the rest." Which was fair, right? It was the least Tony could do for Steve, given he had the means necessary to help out.

Vision looked at Tony, unsure of what to make of the situation. "It seems to me like the Captain is burdening you with pressure." Tony's eyes widened comically. "What? No, I'm fine. I'll be better once this whole situation is done and over with."

Vision hummed, and nodded hesitantly, his answer had sufficed. "I admire your grit, Mr. Stark." He smiled before flying off and heading out through a wall once again. Tony rolled his eyes half heartedly. They would have to have more talks about that, because Tony didn't fancy dying of a heart attack any time soon.

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"You- erm, you look nice tonight." Clint let out awkwardly as he passed Pietro on the way to the dinner table.
Tony had to cover his face with a hand to restrain himself from smiling wide. Pietro's cheeks flushed a lovely pink, he grinned up at Clint and muttered a quiet thanks. Clint smiled back before hastily pulling out a chair. "Here."

Pietro's brief embarrassment was gone as quick as it had come, he looked rather pleased as he sat down and allowed Clint to push his chair forward the rest of the way. The new development in their strange relationship was even more amusing than their old banter, now they looked like teenagers in love.
The whole team watched in silent amusement as Clint sat down next to Pietro. Clint looked far too proud of his tactics, Tony knew he's hear more about it later.

For now, he was concerned about him and his boyfriend. Steve had refused to sit by him at the table, he claimed it was so they wouldn't fight and cause a scene in front of everyone.

Things had been tense ever since Tony had admitted to doing everything he could, but that his hands were ultimately tied. It wasn't down to him anymore, it was down to the results of Bucky's evaluation.

He may be a billionaire, but there was only so much he could do given he wasn't a government official. He thought Steve would understand and at least be grateful that Tony had provided Bucky a chance, but he had been proved wrong. Tony Stark hated when he was wrong.

Nonetheless, Tony planned to enjoy dinner with his team mates. It had been a while since they had all been gathered together, enjoying a meal. Tony, admittedly, enjoyed moments where he could spend time with his family, there was truly nothing like it.

Tony hadn't ever enjoyed domestic scenes until he actually experienced them. Now, he supposed he was a soft idiot. He found he didn't mind all that much, however, as he looked at the team chattering away early into the night.

Wanda and Vision kept to themselves as always, talking quietly. Sam was telling a story animatedly, waving his arms through the air excitedly as Bruce listened attentively. Clint and Pietro were chatting, and by the look on Pietro's slightly smug face, Tony knew Clint was gassing him with compliments.

Lastly, Tony's eyes strayed to Steve and Natasha. They were close, talking almost secretively if Tony didn't know better. Natasha even leaned in, whispering something in Steve's ear. Steve didn't seemed fazed one bit, almost as if he was used to it.

Tony was painfully confused, he could have sworn he had heard some shuffling. Come to think of it, Natasha's hand seemed rather close to Steve under the table.
Tony was about to check, when his AI's voice interrupted his train of thought.
"Sir, General Ross has entered the premises. He's accompanied my officials, they have brought James Barnes."

Tony gaped, glued to his seat a moment too long. Bucky was in the building, which could only mean he was deemed mentally stable. Chairs scraping against the floor could be hard all around the room as the team rushed into the common room.

What a sight it must have been, the earths mightiest heroes gathered around staring at the elevator expectantly. Tony's breath spiked when the elevator doors opened moments later to reveal an annoyed Ross. Tony knew he was the first person who pushed for Bucky to be thrown into confinement, and admitting defeat must not have been easy.

"Where is he?" Tony demanded, stepping forward.

Ross gave him a nasty sneer before turning and grabbing a man from the back of the elevator, he was nudged until he and Tony were mere feet away from each other. This was it, it was him.

Tony had to swallow the lump in his throat when James Barnes looked up at him for the first time. His mother had always told him the eyes were the window to the soul, and as he looked at Bucky's, he could see all the pain he had endured.

He looked haunted, yet there was a life in his eyes that made Tony know there was still a part of him left. Despite the years of brainwashing and torture, Tony could see that Bucky Barnes still prevailed. That alone moved Tony in way he hadn't been before, he was beautifully broken.

Tony didn't mind at all when Bucky gave him a tired, but genuine, half smile.

"Well hello there, doll."
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A/N- Cliffhanger, I know..
I actually had to rewrite this because Wattpad deleted the original sixth chapter, but I stayed up late to make sure I finished it. :)