The Iron Captain

Chapter sixteen

 "You seem like you're in a better mood lately, what happened?" Bruce asked, and Tony looked up from the latest project of his. "Nothing, just," He smiled, and looked back down at his project. "Me and Cap are friends again, I'm glad to be talking to him again." He muttered, and he could hear Bruce chuckle. "Is that all? When are you finally going to break it off with Pepper and just finally be with the man already? He's seriously the only thing that can make you smile like that anymore." The other man pointed out, and Tony shook his head sadly. "I don't think that's going to happen." Not with Christine still in the picture, or rather, with the pictures... "Look, if you think he's still upset at you, I think you're wrong. You two need to-" Bruce started, but Tony put up his hand to stop him.

 "We've already discussed it, we're not going to get back together, we both agreed." He sighed, not looking up at his friend. "It's too difficult to try and hide it from everyone."

 "So stop hiding it!"

 Tony looked up, a little more than shocked. Bruce was rubbing his temples, trying to keep calm. "You always try to keep secrets, and look where that's gotten you." He said, and walked over to his friend. "You need to stop hiding, and just let everyone know what you feel for Steve, the fact that you love him." He reasoned, placing his hands on his friend's shoulders. "I can't do that Bruce! You don't get it!" Tony exclaimed.

 "Yeah, I love him, I love him way more than I have ever loved anyone, and I probably always will, but he doesn't love me. And I can't completely destroy what we finally built just because I'm in love, I'm... I can't be that selfish. It's better for everyone if I just keep my mouth shut, pretend like it doesn't hurt every time he puts his arms around her waist, it doesn't hurt every time she kisses him, and he kisses her back." He blinked back his tears. He wasn't going to cry, not in front of someone.

 He felt himself move forward, and Bruce wrapped him in a tight hug. "I'm sorry; I didn't realize how difficult this was for you." He muttered as Tony hugged him back. "No, you don't need to apologize, you're right... But I just can't do that. Not yet." He pushed his friend away, giving him a sad look. "I think it's time you knew, the truth." Tony pulled Bruce over to the chairs, and they sat down. The man explained everything that happened after the fight with Steve, he explained the deal with Christine, how if he tried anything, the pictures would leak, and it would completely destroy Pepper, and Tony's reputation.

 "God, so either you tell the world yourself, and lose Steve and Pepper... Or you hide from the world, dealing with the pain of seeing Steve with a woman, and suffer in silence until Christine decides she's done with you?" Bruce sighed, and looked up at his friend. "I'm so sorry Tony...." Tony laughed sadly. "I don't know what to do Bruce, I mean; she told me she'd call me when she knew what she wanted from me... But it's been a few months since then... What if she just wanted Steve? What if that's how she plans to get back at me?" "I think it'd be the easiest thing she could do." Bruce said quietly.

~*~

 Steve threw a few more punches at the bag, before giving it one final blow, still expecting it to fly off the machine. It stayed intact, and the blond smiled. Tony really put a lot of work into this thing. He sighed, grabbing his towel and wiping off the sweat that dripped over his face. His phone buzzed, and he smiled, hoping it was Tony calling to ask him to grab a bite or something else that would give them an excuse to see each other.

 The soldier frowned as he realized it was Christine texting him. Hey babe, want to get together later? Maybe catch a movie? -CE. He rolled his eyes, but texted her back anyways. Sure, sounds good. I'll pick you up at seven. -SR. He sighed, and headed into the showers, stripping and leaving his phone with his clothes. "Hello Captain." A voice said, and Steve turned around, thankful for the small half wall that covered everything below his waist.