Attraction ~ a STONY Story ~

Chapter 14

Actually, the day started quite well. For real. He may have worked all night on Bucky's prosthesis, but it was worth it. As a reward he was even surprised by a donat for breakfast, Tony thought to himself. Tony was finally able to pay off part of his debt. It would work. He was sure. And Bucky would be ready for the next fight. 

Tony sensed something was coming. Something was in the air. For this they needed Bucky, the power of the Winter Soldier and also the guidance of the Captain. The determination of Steve Rogers.

But something was wrong with Steve. Sure they still have their differences and Tony knows how difficult he is to deal with. But he tried. In small steps he walked towards him. Even if it's hardly noticeable. But instead of getting closer to him, Rogers got farther and farther away. You could feel how thick the air was between them.

Was it him? For sure. It's always on Tony. No matter how many times he tries, he still manages to make people reject him. So Tony tried to be the first to keep people away from him instead of being the one who keeps getting hurt. And yes, this was certainly not the right way, but the most pleasant. Loneliness instead of a broken heart. He could deal with loneliness.

And as long as he had Dum-E, U, Jarvis/Vision and Friday with him, he wasn't lonely either. So he believed. So he repressed. They were his family. As well as his best friends Rhodes, Pepper and Happy. This was his closest family.

And then the Avengers came along. And then...then he ruined everything. He destroyed it. Believed to be doing the right thing. But there is a controlled border. He didn't want to harm anyone. Nobody from the Avengers, nobody innocent. Hence the Sokovia Accords. And then came James Barnes. And everything was gone. Steve was gone.

Everything he touches, everything he thinks he is putting right, somehow tears down. It had to be a miracle that Rhodes, Pepper and Happy still believed in him. It had to be madness.

Tony didn't deserve her attention. He didn't deserve her affection.

He could understand Steve all too well. Tony would certainly do anything for Rhodes or Pepper. So he tried to correct all his mistakes. But how could he believe that Steve would give him another chance.

Bucky's new prosthesis was a great success. The tests went great. Better than expected. Bucky was beaming from ear to ear. It was an incredible experience to be able to give something back what seemed long lost.

Maybe that was what bothered Steve. Maybe he just doesn't trust Tony and thinks his technology is dangerous. The arm was manipulated. That he would harm his best and oldest friend.

Steve would do anything for Bucky. All. Tony knew that all too well. He remembered that moment as he thoughtfully rubbed his chest.

Tony had just finished all the tests and wanted final feedback on the simulated nerves of the nanocells in the prosthesis when Bucky drew closer and closer.

His lips met his own. Dry, rough but also somehow gentle. Tony was lost in thought, startled as he was, his heart skipped a little as well. And that wasn't an uncomfortable feeling.

Why and especially how?! Why him? What did Bucky see in Tony? Was it just curiosity? Should Tony give in to this? Or should he protect himself and especially Bucky? 

Tony would hurt him, snub him, do anything that would break him. In the end, Tony would be alone again. Broken again and full of guilt. Wasn't it always like that?

He gave in to the feeling at first, trying to find the longing he was looking for, but then he put his hands on Bucky's chest and pressed against him. Unsure and full of shame, Barnes looked down at Tony. A small but fine size difference.