Life's a bitch {stony}

5

Tony finally decided

As the meeting continued, Tony found his thoughts drifting to the strange work calendar  that had formed between them. He had expected to keep his distance, to help Pepper as a favor to Pepper letting him get some more time with Morgan and nothing more. But the more time he spent with Pepper and work, the more he found himself drawn to work—He never tought this will happen ,now he got excited about working,almost taking all his time because half of the day he was at the lab and the other half now was at work.

And then, of course, there was Steve.

Tony snorted softly to himself, shaking his head. He was developing a serious problem. Here he was, starting to be a person of work ,a workaholic (Lab,lab and Stark Industries) while he was in love with Steve Rogers

Not that it mattered. Tony had learned long ago  to keep his emotions buried beneath layers of sarcasm and bravado. Maybe maybe not ,there was  point in risking everything for feelings .

---

Later that evening, Tony found himself in the Avengers Tower's conference room, skimming through reports but barely absorbing the words. 

As if summoned by his thoughts, Steve Rogers walked into the room, his broad shoulders framed by the doorway. Tony's heart did that annoying little flip it always did when his still husband was around, though he quickly pushed the feeling aside.

"Hey, Tony," Steve greeted, his voice warm and casual. "Got a minute?"

Tony raised an eyebrow, setting the report down. "For you? Always. What's up?"

Steve crossed the room, his presence as commanding as ever, even when he wasn't in full Captain America mode. He looked tired—he often did after a mission—but his smile was genuine. "I just wanted to check in about you. How've you been doing?"

Tony shrugged, leaning back in his chair." I'm fine,tought I don't need you checking or caring about me"

Steve's expression softened in his eyes unmistakable. "I can't thank you enough for giving..our relationship..time.It's complicated."

Tony waved a hand dismissively, though he felt a small pang of guilt at Steve's words. If only Steve knew how much more complicated things really were. If he knew the truth, would he still be that compressive? 

"Complicated's my middle name," Tony quipped, deflecting with humor as usual. "But really, I don't need you caring about me,you already got a lot on your plate,so do I ,but meh."

Steve's gaze lingered on Tony for a moment longer, and for a split second, Tony thought he saw something deeper there—something that made his pulse quicken. But before Tony could analyze it, Steve smiled again, the moment passing as quickly as it had come.

"Thanks, Tony. It means a lot. To our relationship."

As Steve turned to leave, Tony watched him go, his mind swirling with the unspoken feelings he once said and now that could never voice. The man was a walking contradiction—someone Tony admired and wanted to be closer to, but also someone he could never fully open up to. Not with all the secrets he was keeping. Not with the ghosts still lurking in the shadows.he never was open with anyone.

Tony took a deep breath and stared out the window at the city below. He had no idea that one of those ghosts would soon come crashing into his world—a ghost he thought he had buried long ago.

And when that happened, everything would change.

the next day

Tony headed to the training room for his session with Natasha. He kept his injured arm tucked close, trying to act casual. Natasha was already there, working on a series of combat maneuvers.