Iron and Steel (Part Three)
Natasha slapped him. His cheek burned from where her hand had struck him. Why did he have to ruin something that was so easy to break?
'I don't do rings.' Tony drawled out, his back to the other person taking space in his bed to avoid the blush he could see heating up his face.
'Here.'
A chain caught his eye.
'Got it engraved last week.'
Tony startled at this. 'But-Bucky and Peggy-'
'Are gone.' Steve's voice was thick with fatigue, but he was clearly awake and reasonable. 'It's time I deal with it.'
SHIELD HQ
June 26, 2012
"Are you Tony Stark?"
Iron Man's shoulders hunched, but it couldn't be seen under the suit. Thank God. He shook, trying his utmost best to remember how to breath. Good. In and out, in and out-
"What's it to you?" He put a smirk on his face, even though he knew the Captain couldn't see it.
The blond had pulled up his blue mask, eyes troubled. Tony fought to bite his lip so he wouldn't say anything stupid.
"Are we...close?"
It took every fiber of Tony's being to keep walking away, uttering the single most lie he had ever spoke.
"No."
SHIELD HQ
July 2, 2012
"Your name's Natasha...right?"
Black Widow schooled her features into an impassive expression. "Yes. What can I help you with?"
The Captain was taken aback by the use of his first name when he was clearly still in costume. He knew that his identity was revealed to these people, but it didn't take away from the fact that everyone was in on some big secret that he didn't even know was out.
"Were Tony and I...friends?"
"No." The Russian replied without hesitation, lying back against the fridge as she popped the lid off of a can of soda, downing it one go.
Steve's fists clenched together in aggravation.
"I'm sworn to secrecy, so I can't tell you anymore."
The blond snapped his head up at this, his expression disbelieving.
"That isn't his decision! I have the right to know, and he has no right to keep that from me!"
Natasha bit the inside of her cheek, coke streaming past her lips. She wanted to give answers to Steve, she did, but...
Steve gave her a last look and turned his back, most likely seeking his answers elsewhere.
She raised her voice. "Don't go asking the others. He's sworn them too. Even Thor."
The redhead winced at the sound of the vibranium shield making impact with what was most likely a baroque bust.
