reunited front

5

When Steve Rogers goes on his morning run, he takes that time to think. One thing that's been on his mind since he returned to the states is how to make things right with Tony.

Outside of Bucky, Tony is the other connection of his past life. Well, Tony's father at least.

He hasn't been sleeping since he returned, but his sleep pattern has been messed up since he took off from Wakanda. If the nightmares of him murdering Tony doesn't plaque him, it's the overwhelming fear of losing Bucky again.

What he wants Tony to understand is the he would do anything for him. He knows the billionaire won't believe his words, and he can't blame the man.

When Steve was on the run, he had Natasha run some background on Stark. He wanted to know everything possible about the man. Now that he knows more history on the Stark family, he wants to look after him.

It's later in the afternoon before he sees Tony again. Since everyone is out and about, he plans to use that free time to attempt to talk with the mechanic.

He sees Tony sitting on the floor with a bottle of jack in hand. He walks over to the man and sits next to him. If Steve's being honest, he doesn't know how to get the man to talk about his problems.

"Tony has walls around him. It's hard to tear them down. It's almost like they're made of cement," Rhodey says. "Ultron was made out of pure fear, but he won't dare to tell any of you that."

Steve remembers his conversation he had with Colonel Rhodes after the events of Ultron. He shakes his head of the memory of that diaster and focuses to the present.

"Tony," Steve calls gently. "What're you doing? It's noon."

He sees Tony glance at him.

"It's nothing, Rogers," Tony responds with no emotion. "Even if it was something, it doesn't matter because it never does."

Steve slowly takes the bottle away from Tony and sets it across from them. "It does matter. I know you don't trust me, but let me help you...please."

It takes the mechanic a few minutes before he starts talking. "I didn't know Aunt Peggy died until a few minutes ago."

Steve pales at the name. "P-Peggy...what's her last name?"

"Carter," Tony responds as his voice wavers. "I should've been there at that nursing home."

Steve wants to vomit at the revelation. He glances at the man and pulls him into a tight embrace, covering Tony's head in his shoulder.

He fights the wave of tears that are fighting to break through over his best girl.

"I didn't know she was your aunt," he reveals. "I didn't even know you knew her."

Tony nods. "I know."

Steve rubs Tony's back to soothe the other man. "I'm so sorry, Tony."

Tony's body shakes with sobs. "I miss her, I still need her."

It's Steve who whines softly. "I do, too."

Tony coughs to get himself under control. "She was my godmother, Steve."

The captain freezes at the reveal. Does that mean I was meant to be his godfather?

He hears Tony trying and failing to keep himself together as he tugs him closer. "Tony, I'm here. I'm right here, I promise."

And Tony sobs even harder at that statement.
                            ____

As dinner time rolls around, he notices the genius missing. Steve looks down at his plate of homemade lasagna, courtesy of Natasha, and loses his appetite. Still, he eats because the serum roaring through his veins demands it.

He doesn't hesitate to bring him some in a Tupperware bowl with plastic silverware.

Tony's in his lab, building as a distraction from the real world. Steve learned in the past that the lab is Tony's safe haven, and he doesn't want to ruin that for him.

"Hey, Tony. I brought you dinner." Steve greets and sets it on the table.

"I'm not hungry, Cap."

"Tony, you have to eat. I know this is hard, but this won't help you."

Steve can see Tony's wheels in his mind work. He smiles when Tony decides to eat his dinner.

"Don't give me that proud dad look, Steve."

"Oh, hush. You know I gotta take care of my team, shellhead."

"Shut up, winghead."