Next chapter! This one's longer than the last one and I hope you like it. Please let me know what you think, I've already got a few ideas for the next chapters. But as always, your ideas are welcome. And thank you for the reviews, it makes me happy to know that you like the story!

I don't own the characters or places!


The next morning, Tony and Pepper were sitting in the kitchen next to each other, a cup of coffee in front of them. As always, Steve was preparing breakfast while Natasha and Bruce had a quiet conversation at the other end of the table. When Steve started to prepare breakfast, Pepper had protested. However, Steve had just looked at them and shook his head. "You both look like you didn't sleep at all last night. So you're going to sit down, coffee will be ready soon. You seem to need it."

And now they were sitting there, watching Steve doing things in their kitchen. It was true, they didn't sleep very much last night. At the memory of it, Tony couldn't keep the smile from his lips. He took Pepper's hand and squeezed it. After the events from the previous evening, now everything seemed to be alright again. And tomorrow, they would leave for New York. Pepper had to go to the company again today, she still needed to deal with some things concerning her absence. Luckily, Tony had convinced her that leaving early wouldn't be necessary.

"Oh, look at that!" Natasha said loudly and held up her phone. "A picture of you, yesterday at the charity event. You were looking great together!" She showed them the picture Tony had already seen last night in the car and which was the background of his phone now.

"I want to see it as well!" Steve exclaimed and Natasha turned around her phone so that he could see it. Steve grinned. "Wow, that really looks good. Did you have a nice evening?"

Tony grinned immediately. "It was very good, you know that I always like to make an appearance on events like that. Especially when no one expects me to come."

"He stole them the show, when we came in, all they talked about was Tony Stark." Pepper added and rolled her eyes theatrically.

"And the most beautiful woman of the evening." Tony kissed her cheek and grinned when she blushed.

"That's not true. There were many others who also looked very good." She protested.

"Nope. I don't believe that." He shook his head. "You're always the most beautiful woman in the room." He glanced at Natasha. "No offense."

Natasha just laughed. "Not taken. And you're right, you looked great, Pepper." She looked at Tony. "You too, Mr. Stark."

Tony raised his eyebrows. "Since when am I Mr. Stark again?"

"Wasn't yesterday about that? Tony Stark making an appearance?" Nat repeated his own words.

He chuckled. "Not fair and besides, you know that I like to exaggerate. Yesterday was about us." He said with a look at Pepper. It was true, they'd been there for themselves. No one would have expected that things went so wrong… But the dancing had been nice. "We've been dancing together."

"There are pictures of that as well." Bruce, who was reading something on Nat's phone, informed them. "Here, look at it."

It was true, apparently someone had made photos during the event as well. Most of the pictures showed Tony and Pepper together on the dancefloor, they were smiling at each other widely. Once, their faces were even so close to each other that it seemed like they wanted to kiss. Which they had done, on the dancefloor, in front of those people. One photo showed Pepper's face while she was looking at Tony. Her expression showed so much love that it made Tony's heart beat faster. He really didn't deserve her, did he? Tony Stark and Pepper Potts together on the charity gala last evening the headline said.

He kissed her on the cheek. "We really look good together. JARVIS, I need those pictures."

Pepper laughed. "And what will you do with them?"

"Frame them? They would look good in the living area."

"Shall I save them on your private server, Sir?" JARVIS asked.

"That would be great JARVIS, and on my phone, please." Tony said with a smile.

Not long after that, breakfast was ready and Thor joined them. He was looking restless, which wasn't a surprise. Ever since he returned to them and they didn't have much to do, Thor was feeling useless. While Natasha spent time with Bruce, Clint was reading books and Steve was doing his workouts on the beach, Thor didn't have anything to do. He couldn't contact Jane anymore since she was busy. Sometimes, he talked with the others about Asgard, joined Steve in his workouts or watched TV. Nevertheless, he didn't seem to be happy. Maybe he'd get better soon, when they were back in New York and planning their next step against Hydra.

Now that they were all there, Tony decided to talk about it. "Tomorrow, we'll return to New York." He announced what everyone already knew.

"Finally! All this waiting makes me impatient." Thor exclaimed loudly.

"And you will join us, Pepper?" Steve asked and smiled at her.

She nodded. "I will have a look at the Stark Industries facilities in New York." After those words, she glanced at Tony. Of course the others knew that it wasn't the main reason why she went with them. He grinned.

"Happy will come with us too." He would look after Pepper while Tony was busy with the Avengers and he was glad about it. The thought that she would be there alone made him shiver. Ever since the incident with the Mandarin and Extremis, Tony felt sick when Pepper wasn't with him.

"And then we'll start planning our next steps." Steve said thoughtfully. "And since we already have an idea where we'll start, I think you won't have to wait too long anymore until we make the next move against Hydra." The last sentence was directed at Thor who nodded contentedly.

"And we'll have to think about something concerning our main problem." Tony added.

"You mean your main problem." Thor threw in.

He sighed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. They had already discussed this. "No, I mean our problem. It concerns you too, since without communication we'll not be able to do too much."

"He's right, Thor. We need our technology, it's not just Tony." Bruce explained, trying to erase the tension between them.

Thor held up his hands. "You've already explained all that, I understand why this is important to you too. Even if you won't get crushed as easily without technology as Tony. I won't say anything else."

Next to Tony, Pepper flinched. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and looked at Thor angrily. "Not helping." He muttered and tried to look at Pepper, but she was just staring at her hands on the table.

"Maybe we should discuss this later." Natasha threw in and they started to talk about something else quickly. Tony didn't listen to their conversation, he just heard pieces like beach and swimming.

He touched Pepper's hands on the table carefully. "Hey Pep, are you alright?" He whispered and hoped that no one was listening to their conversation.

Pepper breathed in deeply and closed her eyes for a few moments before she nodded. Finally, she looked up at Tony. "I'm fine. And that was stupid, I'm sorry."

He shook his head and kissed her cheek quickly. "No, it wasn't. Not at all. I get it." He really did, the constant worry and everything that came along with it. "And don't apologize, it's not necessary."

She nodded and slowly, she relaxed again. The look which was directed at him now told him that they would talk about this later, when they were alone. He bowed his head, telling her that he understood that she didn't want to talk about it now.

About five minutes later, Pepper excused herself. "I need to go to Stark Industries, there are a few things I have to deal with before I leave." She explained when Steve asked her why she already had to go. "After all, being the head of a company goes along with big responsibility." She said it lightly and Tony would have nearly believed her that she was alright again. The others seemed to believe her. Tony was about to leave the kitchen with her when Thor stood up.

"I'm sorry, Pepper. I didn't think about the things I was saying. And I didn't want to offend you in any way." He apologized formally. Again, Tony was surprised by the Asgardian. Even after the months he'd spent with Thor by now, he could still surprise him.

Pepper smiled at him. "It's fine, it was nothing."

When she left the room, Tony smiled slightly at Thor. "That was nice. But make sure something like that doesn't happen again when she's around, will you?"

Thor nodded seriously. "I know that it's not easy for both of you. I'll be more careful, I promise."

"Thank you." Tony said and followed Pepper to the door.

Happy came about ten minutes later and Pepper left with him for LA. However, Tony stayed at home with the rest of the Avengers. He was still feeling tired. He really needed some sleep, maybe then the last thoughts of the accusations Anna had thrown at him the previous evening would vanish as well. So he excused himself, went to the bedroom again and fell asleep the moment he laid down on the bed.


He woke up about three hours later, it was nearly noon. Sleeping had been a good idea, his mind was clearer again. When he came into the living room about ten minutes later, Tony was surprised to find only Steve there, sitting on the couch.

"Where are the others?" He asked and sat down next to Steve.

"On the beach. They wanted to go swimming." Steve explained and put the book he'd been reading down on the table.

"Why didn't you join them?" Tony raised his eyebrows. It was a beautiful day and very warm for this time of the year.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you." Steve looked at him for a few moments. "You're looking better than this morning."

Tony chuckled. "I really needed some sleep. We've been very late last night."

"But it's not just that, isn't it?" Steve asked slowly and frowned. "Something's wrong. It's not just the way Pepper reacted when Thor said those things, I get that it's still difficult for her. And I bet that it won't get easier. For you as well. Before Natasha showed you the pictures, you've been very quiet and that's unusual for you."

"Well, in the past weeks, I've often been quieter, haven't I?" Tony asked immediately. Steve really used to notice everything. Apparently, they hadn't been as good at hiding it as they wanted. However, he doubted that he could convince Steve that the last evening had been good anymore. Once his friend got a hint that something was wrong, he didn't stop asking until he knew the truth.

Steve shook his head. "Not since you and Pepper got back together. In the past days, you've been incredibly happy." He leaned back on the sofa and crossed his arms. "Do you want to talk about it?" Steve, polite as always. Tony could say no and he would drop the subject. But did he want it? He already talked to everything about Pepper, but maybe Steve could understand him better…

He ran a hand through his hair and before his mind could fully process what was happening, he'd already told Steve the whole story. About Thomas and, most importantly, about Anna and her accusations. And he also told him about his conversation with Pepper and how he came to the conclusion that Anna had been wrong. "I want to help people and I'm doing what I can. I don't know if that already makes me a good person, but I can't be entirely bad either." He finished his explanations.

While Tony had been talking, Steve just listened to him silently, a neutral expression on his face. However, there had been something in his eyes when Tony told him about Anna's accusations. Was it anger? And then later worry, when Tony admitted how much her words hurt him?

Now Steve was smiling at him. "Seems like you figured it out all by yourself." Suddenly, his expression became serious and he leaned forward. "And you are a good person, Tony. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Pepper had been right, everyone who counts knows this. That woman has been angry and hurt. All the pain that she's seen has made her furious and you were the first person she could tell all this. You shouldn't take it personally. I know that it's hard, I had to learn that lesson too."

"Not too long ago I've been able to ignore all this." Tony muttered.

"The past months – no, the past years have been difficult for you, Tony. And that changes us, if we want it or not. Ever since we first met, you've changed. Back then, I would have never believed that you would be my best friend in the future." A small smile appeared on Steve's lips when he thought of the first time they've met, trying to catch Loki.

"You thought that we'd never stop arguing, then?" Tony asked and smiled slightly.

Steve chuckled. "Something like that. To be honest, I've been unfair. When I think about it again, they've told me horrible stories about you ever since I woke up. And of course I believed them instead of getting to know you myself." He shrugged. "And then we met and the circumstances weren't that good and with Loki and the scepter… I really thought you were like they've always told me. Selfish, arrogant and that you didn't really care about others."

Tony shook his head. "I haven't been very nice back then, that's true. I haven't been too fond of whole Avengers Initiative first, probably because Fury just wanted me as a consultant. And SHIELD has never been my best friend either…" He ran a hand through his hair. "And I didn't really know what to think of you. I mean, my dad has kind of loved you. He used to talk to much about you and then we met and I was just…" He sighed. "I've been an idiot."

"We both made mistakes." Steve corrected him firmly.

"And look at us now." Tony said with a smile.

"Everything has changed in the past years." Steve said thoughtfully.

He nodded. "And it's still changing. I think it'll never stop."

"It won't." Was Steve's simple reply.

They sat there in silence for some time, both lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, something else came to Tony's mind. "Any news from Sam?"

This caught Steve's attention. He'd been looking out of the window and now he turned to Tony again. "Actually, we've talked this morning."

"Is he still following him?"

Steve nodded and now he looked concerned. "Sam says it's difficult. With the information from JARVIS, he's been able to follow Bucky to Canada. He could follow him to Yellowknife, that's a city far in the north. However, he lost the trace after that. Apparently, Bucky is still heading north."

Tony frowned. "What on earth does he want there?"

Steve looked troubled. "Maybe there's been some kind of Hydra base, like the place they've kept him all those years."

"But why should he return there?"

"Honestly? I have no idea. But maybe he's looking for something. Information about his past? About the things they did to him?" Steve sounded hopeful. Tony knew he believed that Bucky would recognize him when they met again. Tony had his doubts about that and he knew that Sam didn't believe it too, after all, he'd been there when they've been fighting him the first time. And when he talked about this to Nat, she also didn't look convinced. It was true, Bucky didn't kill Steve back then. But what would he do if they met again? When the time was there, Tony would be at Steve's side. And if Bucky tried to hurt his friend, he would do everything to protect him.

"Hydra will be looking for him." Tony said slowly. They've also talked about this before. What if Hydra found Bucky before they did? And what if they turned him into the mindless Winter Soldier again? Maybe Bucky wasn't just on his way north because he wanted to find out something about his past. Maybe Sam wasn't the only one following him?

"Sam didn't notice anyone until now, he's keeping his eyes open. And now that he lost the trace of Bucky, he looks for people that don't belong into that city. Apparently, Bucky stayed there for a few days in a small hotel. Sam was able to find the trace. When Hydra's looking for him, they'll find it as well."

"And Sam will see those people when they approach the hotel." Tony muttered. "Clever idea."

Steve nodded. "I hope Sam doesn't get in trouble."

"I think he's proven many times by now that he can look after himself." Tony said slowly, trying to reassure him.

"I know that, Tony. But it's just… I don't want him to get hurt because he's doing this for me." A pained expression appeared on Steve's face. "And when we find Bucky and confront him, you'll be with us as well and then you could also get hurt. And what about Pepper when something happens to you? She would never –"

"Stop that." Tony interrupted him loudly, his voice hard. "Don't think like that. You are not responsible for our actions, Steve. It's Sam's decision to go after Bucky. And it's my decision to stand by your side when we face him." He looked at him for a few moments. "We know the risks and how dangerous that man is. But that won't stop us from helping you. Did you ever consider how Sam would feel when something happens to you? Or how I would feel? And all the others?" Slowly, Steve's expression turned guilty. "You can't face him by yourself, not when his mind is still clouded by Hydra. You need our help, Steve." He smiled at him. "You can't get rid of us that easily."

After a few seconds of silence, Steve nodded slowly. "Sam said something similar to me."

Tony grinned. "You see? Don't try to go after him on your own. We're in this together."

"Somehow, I'm glad about it." Steve admitted and looked down at his hands. "That I don't have to face him alone."

"Even Captain America needs help sometimes."

"So does Iron Man." Steve reminded him.

Tony laughed. "That's why we're a team." He ran a hand through his hair. "I've got an idea."

Steve raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"When someone's following Bucky, Sam just has to follow those people, right?"

Steve nodded. "Right. And he has to be careful because they shouldn't see him."

"Maybe there's a way to track those people, if Sam really finds them." He had invented something like that some time ago, together with Bruce. It was like a liquid, with very small, traceable particles inside.

"We don't even know if Hydra's after him." Steve reminded him.

"JARVIS?" Tony asked loudly. "Can you look into the databases and try to find something about it?"

"I already did that while you were talking, Sir." JARVIS answered immediately. Tony and Steve exchanged a look. Steve looked impressed, Tony grinned.

"That's great, what did you find?"

"In the past weeks, there has been someone looking for Bucky Barnes. The source is difficult to locate, it changes places. I suspect an algorithm that prevents me from tracking the server." JARVIS informed them.

"Can you find out if they've found out about the hotel?" Steve asked now.

"I can do that, though it will take some time." JARVIS answered.

Tony could sense Steve's impatience. "Doesn't matter, just try it, J." He said loudly and smiled at the grateful look on Steve's face.

"I will inform you when I find out more, Sir."

"Thanks, JARVIS." Tony nodded. "When someone's looking for him, JARVIS will find out everything about it. And when we're in time, I can get Sam everything he needs to trace them. And when he follows them, maybe they'll lead him to Bucky."

"When we're in time." Steve whispered.

"Hey, don't look so worried. It'll be alright, I'm sure of that."

Steve sighed. "I'm worrying too much?"

Tony nodded. "We both do."

Steve's lips twitched. "Seems like we're good at it at the moment."

"I don't know if that's something positive." Tony admitted.

"You're still thinking about that conversation yesterday evening, right?" Steve asked suddenly and caught Tony off guard.

He breathed in deeply. "No, it's not that. Well, yes, kind of. I've been wondering if we could help all those people."

Steve put a hand on his shoulder. "You know that we can't help anyone."

Tony nodded. "Of course I do."

"Don't get me wrong, I would also like to stop all the fighting in this world. But it's impossible, there will always be knew wars. New attacks. You can't see everything before it happens and just stop it…" Suddenly, Steve stood up. "Come on, we need to get out of here. I heard that today's the perfect day to go swimming."

Tony's eyes widened. "You want to go to the beach with the others? And swim?"

Steve nodded. "We will do that." He said and his tone didn't leave space for an argument. "And once we're back in New York, I'll teach you how to fight without your suit. Since we came here, we've neglected that."

Tony hesitated. "Alright. But swimming?" Honestly, he didn't mind swimming in the ocean. He'd liked it when he was younger. That was before the Arc reactor and the huge scar covering his chest now. Except from the doctors, only Pepper had seen it. And she didn't care. But what would his friends say?

Again, Steve seemed to know what Tony was thinking. "We all have our scars." He said simply and smiled. "We've all seen you with the reactor in your chest. What's different now?"

Good question. Was this different? They were his friends. No one else could see them on the beach right outside his house.

"It will be fun." Steve tried to convince him again.

Tony stood up and followed him.