Traitor

Chapter 14

"Would you pass the asparagus, please?" Tony muttered, barely coherent. Even so, Clint heard him and reached over the table for the container. Tony didn't know if Clint sat next to him because the seat next to Pietro was already occupied by Sam or if he was worried about him.

He found he didn't really care why, just that he had an arm to lean on—quite literally. He was slumped on his best friend as he mostly eyed at his food that looked horribly unappetizing, it had been Vision's night to cook. Tony was only eating dinner because he didn't want to be alone down in his lab. Pathetic, huh.

Tony scanned the table, noting the missing avenger. "He's not here." Clint whispered smugly. Tony hummed, pretending not to know who Clint was referring to.
"What are you talking about?" Clint humored him.

"Buck. He caught wind that Vis was cooking and decided to sit this one out."

Tony suppressed a smile. "Smart."
He shook off any thoughts of Bucky, remembering his latest night out with a shudder. 

Steve had left a few hours ago to go on a very brief solo mission, it was intended for a single Avenger. So, naturally, the captain had been the first choice. Tony couldn't bring himself to feel the slightest bit of guilt at the overwhelming relief that he felt as soon as Steve had been out the door. He could finally breathe.

The next few days without him were sure to bring Tony the break he needed.

"You sleepy, Tones?" Clint patted Tony's unruly hair affectionately.

He was exhausted. He hadn't slept all night, fearing the person who slept next to him. What he might do and who he was becoming. No one could know that though, so he lied.

"Nah, just miss Steve already."

Clint took a bite of his chicken to avoid replying.

"Yes, we all miss him." Natasha's voice prompted Tony to lift his head, confused by the random comment. "You're not the only one who cares about him, you know."

Tony couldn't school his face into indifference, he was beyond insulted and there was no hiding that. Clint straightened in his chair, squeezing Tonys thigh reassuringly under the table.

"Is there something you want to say, Natasha?" Clint asked, raising an eyebrow in silent challenge.
Natasha paused in surprise, not having anticipated Clint to step in.

"I just think Tony should be considerate, is all. We'll all miss Steve these next few days, you don't hear us whining about it."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Clint's startlingly angry voice shocked everyone. Natasha and Clint had never come to blows before.

The table was completely silent in anticipation.

"Do you really want to do this with me, Clint?" Natasha eyed Tony silently as if to say: 'Over him?'

Clint stroked the nape of Tony's neck, grounding him. "You're the one creating unwanted problems. Honestly, never knew you were the melodramatic type."

Natasha paused, indignant and eyes ablaze. "Reconsider where your loyalties lie." Clint looked at her with unwaveringly stern face.

Just as Clint was about to fire back Tony's collected voice regarded her instead.

"I don't know where this is coming from or what your deal with Steve is, but let's get one thing clear."
Though upset, he held himself gracefully and concealed his voice from the anger he was feeling.

"I'm dating Steve. Have been for over a year, so it's not a new development. You have no place in my relationship or the way I talk about Steve."