Steve shook inside Tony's embrace, burying his face in the crook of the brunette's elbow. The stark contrast of Tony's warm, soft skin against the super soldier's calloused, icy skin was unnerving.
A cold tear fell down his cheek, and when the billionaire's thumb came up to wipe it away, Steve could have sworn it would frost against his skin.
"E-Everything," Steve choked out, "I cared about…"
Another droplet falling down his cheek and dripping off his angled jaw, he whispered, "Gone."
It was silent for a few moments. Steve just barely shook, and Tony's grip on him just barely tightened.
Then, the inventor's lips were right next to the super soldier's chilled ear. "Not everything."
"Tony…"
"Don't leave me," Tony murmured, his voice a mix of worry and compassion. "Please."
The blonde shook his head, attempting to block out Tony's words. "I'm not who everyone expects me to be. I-I didn't want this. Any of this. I'm not who they want me t-to be."
Tony kissed the back of Steve's head, pulling him close again. "You're not alone."
