Hello!
So I am sorry. This chapter took me longer than I expected to get this out. I blamed the scene with Steve. It fought me.
Also, I am not anti Team Rogers. I have nothing Against the Clint or Steve or Natasha. Do I think Civil war was stupid? Yes, made no sense. "Hey, lets show the world that the Avengers don't need oversight while at the same time I burn the world down for my brainwashed buddy.' So while Clint isn't being buddy buddy with Tony, it isn't because he is stupid or just he hates him. They just hadn't made it to friends yet. Just keep that in mind.
Honestly, prior to fall of Shield, I don't know if they ever became friends. In my mind, they didn't bond until after they had to come together to get Hydra, so at this point in time, they are not friends. Just coworkers.
Anyhow, let me know what you think.
Chapter 12:
Newton's Third Law
It went to hell after Tony dropped the Hydra bomb, and that was not an exaggeration. It was a warzone. Struggling under the weight saving the world, the genius couldn't handle this right now – or ever-and needed a break. Tony would be lying if he said a small part of him wasn't triggered by Roger's yelling. Granted, yelling wasn't the best description for what Rogers was doing. Rogers, even in raging bull mode, wasn't much of a yeller, though that was not to say he didn't raise his voice. He did in a tone that could probably scare the devil. That was what did Tony in; it didn't matter at what level Roger's voice was. In addition, his Captain's death stare—Yes, his death scare, that thing was deadly—gave Tony the willies, and combined with his 'Captain's' voice, it triggered Tony more than he cared to admit.
Being the ninja that he was—or what he liked to tell himself-, he disappeared in the fray while Rhodey, Natasha, Clint and Steve were distracted. It didn't go unnoticed by Ayo, who trailed Tony to the lab like a momma dog following a puppy. She gave him a stern frown as she followed him to the lab. She didn't say much as she leaned against the cold metal door and watched him tinkered with a prosthetic. He had already delivered the promised prosthetics to the needy yet happy kids at the hospital, but he was unable to stop. No doubt Pepper would be pleased, because nothing spread happiness more than free (yes free. Not charging kids) prosthetic for kids. It made him happy. It was more rewarding than sex. Yes, Tony Stark was saying that.
"Are you okay, Stark?" Ayo asked.
Tony peeped up at her before turning his focus to different project. On a separate screen, he had the chosen students for the internship/summer camp. JARVIS had sorted and skimmed down the names with no feedback from Tony, giving the genius three names. Some may argue (and be correct) that the contest wasn't fair. This whole thing was orchestrated so he could spend time with Peter without it being weird, and Ned was selected because he was Peter's best friend. Yet, this did not take away from their accomplishments. Ned and Peter were exceptionally intelligent, and Tony had no doubt that they would've been selected regardless. These kids wanted to learn and with the other 3, Tony had no doubt they were just as intelligent. JARVIS would not pick them if they were not. Granted, it was strange that they all were from the same school. No doubt that would gather some attention.
"Stark," Ayo called when Tony did not respond.
He glanced up, a light smile on the face. "Ready to be famous?" Ayo narrowed her eyes at him. "Geez, don't look at me like that. Just going to announce the winners."
She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You still think it is a good idea, Stark?"
"Why not?" he said with a shrug. Ayo didn't respond. Besides, he needed this. He needed to see Peter.
*O*O*
After announcing to the winners and ordering JARVIS to send out the details, Tony pushed away from the desk and head back to the lounge, hoping it had settled. Ayo trailed behind him, an exasperated expression on her face. Tony had come to learn that she wore that expression often; most of the time, it was just a mask and not her true expression. She wasn't one to wear her emotions on her sleeves, but Tony, after time spent with her, was beginning to read through the lines. He wasn't perfect, missing some of her facial clue, but he was getting better at it.
"Oh, look who came back," Clint mocked as Tony stepped into the room, not giving him a second to speak. "So, you drop a bomb and leave?"
Tony exhaled slow, breathing slowly out his nose. "My ears sensitive and you folks are loud."
Clint snorted. "Can't blame Rogers on that one." He said, side glancing at Steve from his seat at the bar. There was a cup in his hand, half full. From this distance, it was unclear to what he was drinking, but judging by the golden color, it was whiskey. If it was from Tony's collection, it was the strong stuff.
That wasn't completely true. If Clint was calmed, Rogers was tensed and on edge. A wild look in his eyes, he paced the room with a tablet that Natasha had supplied him. With a harsh scowl, he scanned the info on it. If it was any other tablet besides a Stark Tech, it would've snapped under Steve's tight grip. "How long have you known, Tony?" He asked, barely keeping his cool.
It was odd to say the least to speak with Rogers, considering the last time he had seen the man—well in his timeline. Sure, Steve had mailed him a crappy cellphone with a feeble promise, but that was not a promise to be buddies. It was a promise to save the world. "Doesn't matter. Just long enough," he said, attempting to keep his tone neutral. It was easier said than done.
Playing neutral, Natasha's eyes shifted between the two, ready to intervene. She sat on the arm of the couch, while Rhodey leaned against the bar a few feet from Clint. A tall glass of water stood a foot from Rhodes, only a slip or two taken. Ayo, silent but not quiet, had not moved from Tony's side, as she eyed each person with a brutal stare.
Steve stopped pacing and turned fully to Tony, nailing him with a scowl. "You didn't think to tell us?!" The Captain struggled to keep his cool, his anger peeping through.
Tony stared at Rogers, itching for a glass of whiskey. Whiskey would make this conversion a whole lot better, even if he should step back from it. Drinking never did him any favors. "Hydra is so intwined in SHIELD that it's impossible to know which is which."
"Bullshit," Clint uttered, offended. "If that was true, you don't think we would know?"
Rhodey grimaced at Clint. "You act surprise. This isn't new. Sleeper agents aren't new. I have no doubt that I've worked with some in the Air Force and not know it. We all probably had at some point." He paused, thinking. "How many times have you go undercover? The same difference."
"I'm well aware of that! We are spies, but you make it sound like all of SHIELD is hydra." Clint shouted.
"Clint," Natasha spoke with composure. "I know how you feel. It feels like I had traded the KGB for HYDRA, but with everything I've seen lately, Stark is right."
If Tony wasn't hit with an intense 'Civil War' flashback, he would've laughed and/or teased Natasha over that one. Instead, he winked in pain, memories fighting in his head. "The issue, Bird Brain, is that we don't know who is Hydra and who is not. Considering they have a Senator and Alexander Pierce in their pocket, anyone can be Hydra."
Ayo took a step forward. "For once, Stark is thinking with his head."
"Hey!"
"It would be foolish to move until we know all of the pieces," Ayo continued, her accent out and proud. "Or at least, know how large this is."
Rogers narrowed his eyes, taking her in fully. The accent had not been there prior. "That does not explain why we wasn't told. We're a team, Tony."
Tony just stared at the Captain, really stared. Were they a team? No, it wasn't him being difficult. He was honestly curious. "Saving the world together one time does not make us a team." No, they didn't become a team until after the fall of SHIELD.
"Ouch," Clint mocked.
Natasha glances at Clint. "We're a team now, and as a team, we'll come up with a plan together to deal with Hydra."
Together? Um, no. Tony was leading this shit show, considering he knew how this would end. This was his show. "I don't remember inviting you all to the team." Yet as he said it, the Ancient One's word flashed in his head. The Avengers were the key to saving the future, and first part of that was them being a team.
"Stark," Natasha chastised, a warning in her eyes.
Steve looked between Natasha and Tony, his eyes calculating. "If you think we're taking a back seat, you don't know us well. I will not stand aside while Hydra exists." Anger danced across his expression, a vein popping on his forehead.
Tony, annoyed and drained, skimmed at everyone, eyeing them for a second. "Well, considering it was me, who figured it out. Me who tracked down the secret Hydra Base. Me who got his ass kicked for the cause. Me! So, forgive me if I refuse to give up the lead, Cap."
Clint cocked his head to the side, observing the odd expression on Tony's face. "What got your panty in a twist, Stark? You're acting like a child that got his favorite toy taken. I know I shouldn't be surprised. Do you not know how a team works?"
Rhodey glowered at Barton. "Can't blame him, can we? Who is a part of an evil organization currently? I let you in on a little secret: not the three of us." He nodded to Tony and Ayo.
"Come off it." Clint snapped, jumping to his feet. He pointed at the three of them, anger blooming deep within him. "Do you really think the 3 of us are Hydra? That Steve is Hydra? He's Captain Fucken America. He fought in World War 2 against Hydra. He wouldn't be Hydra! No, Stark kept us in the dark for a different reason." His eye was twitching. "Why don't you tell us what that is, Stark? Just want to play hero?"
Steve threw Tony the famous Captain's disappointed stare before it disappeared behind a pained smile. "Let's put that behind us. We've a new mission. A new goal. We need to focus on that."
Tony stared at Steve, just stared. It was interesting to observe the Captain, watching the emotions shift and morph behind his expression. It filled him with questions. Was Rogers just going through the motions? Did he mean it? Was this an act? Okay, stop, he scolded himself. They did not have time for this. The future did not have time for this. Whatever this was. "Sure, Cap." He paused, waving at him. "But I am still leading this charge."
"Tony, we need to be a team." Rogers countered, his eyes scanning over the injuries of Tony, Natasha, and Ayo. His eyes, full of concern and distrust, flickered away from Ayo, meeting her eyes for only a second.
Clint narrowed his eyes at Tony before looking at Natasha, a question forming in his eyes. He tilted his head to the side, observing the expression on her face. "So you agree with him, Nat?"
Natasha turned to Tony. With a calculating grin, she took the genius apart with her eyes. Natasha and Tony may not be on the same team or even close, but Barnes' name was unspoken on her tongue. "I do. We took down a Hydra base and that was without the Iron Man and War Machine armors."
That got a stars. "Really? Quite impressive, Stark. I didn't think you could." Clint's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Tony breathed through his nose, forcing down his anger. "Geez. I feel insulted. You feel insult, Rhodey?" He asked turning to his friend. It was odd to say the least, the two timelines mixing in his head. Different images, different pictures filled his head. He wasn't sure if he was doing this to himself as he tried to make sense of it all.
"Well, I don't look like crap." Rhodey replied with a smile.
Tony, ignoring the numbing pain from standing for too long, shot him a playful look, while Natasha cracked a smile. "He isn't lying," Natasha answered with a light smile. "You don't look so pretty."
A familiar yet strange sensation bubbled inside of Tony, bringing up once forgotten sentiments. An unknown hunger roared, and it was a battle to keep it down. He opened his month to speak but they were stuck in his throat.
Steve's eyes danced between them. He may not know what was going on or have any idea of what was going on with the Genius, but he knew something was up. "Can I speak to Tony alone?" he asked, dropping his Captain's voice.
No! was the first thought that popped into Tony's head, followed by panic. Then annoyance. He was too good and too old for this crap, but there he was. Plus, that was the old timeline. It had no place here in this timeline. Before he could ask why or blow him off, Ayo stepped forward. "What purpose would that be?" She asked, her accent heavy.
"I need to talk Tony alone." Steve answered. "To clear the room."
Rhodey looked ready to protest, but Tony raised his hand to silence the peanut gallery. "Fine, but you gotta keep your hands to yourself." he said with a smile. He briefly pondered what was written on his face to get such a strong reaction out of Rhodey and Ayo. "I get it. I'm cute and all, but no touching."
Steve groaned, exhaling harshly. "Really, Tony?" His response earned a high chuckle from Rhodey, a harsh sigh from Clint, a soft smile from Natasha and an eye roll from Ayo. However, the four of them did leave, one by one at the request from Rogers. Being last, Ayo lingered at the doorway, giving Rogers a silence threat.
Once she was gone, Tony turned to the bar, though he kept an eye on the man. He hadn't notice before, but Rogers must've come directly from a mission. He wasn't wearing the top half of his uniform, but those blue pants were his Captain America pants. Side note, why can't Rogers find some fitting shirts? "So, what do you want to yell at me in private about?" he asked, forcing some playfulness into his voice.
The Captain didn't respond, right away. His eyes drilled into the genius, reading his every move. "You're afraid of me," he announced, clearly puzzled.
"I'm not scared of you." Tony protested; his voice louder than he intended. "Or anyone." He added softly.
"Boss has nothing to be scared of," FRIDAY replied, harsher than anyone thought possible for the A.I. "Neither JARVIS or I would allow anything to happen to him."
"We would not." JARVIS interjected.
Confusion danced across Steve's face for a second. "Two? You have two A.I.s?" he asked, looking up. Much in the same fashion of everyone else had.
"No, just one. JARVIS like to do drag, and FRIDAY is his stage name. Right, J?" Tony hummed.
"Certainly, Sir." JARVIS replied.
Steve shook his head, as he rubbered his nose. "Tony," he chided.
"Okay, yes, so?" Tony rolled his eyes as he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "And again, not scared." He would never use the word scared; yet, it wasn't something he could deny. He knew what Steve was seeing; it was the same thing everyone was seeing, but he wasn't scared. He wasn't. Rogers just got under his skin, which was all. It was the memories, the severity of it that haunted Tony, and to be at the hands of his 'friend'? Yea, that was what got him. Yes, Rogers was a super soldier and could break a car apart with his two hands. Tony knew this, saw this, but it was one thing when it was turned on him. It was one thing to feel his own bones break under Steve's hands.
Steve was staring at him again. "Nervous then. Why are you nervous around me, Tony?"
"Who said I'm nervous, Rogers?" he asked, lifting his right eyebrows. He didn't think he showed any signs, but he supposed Steve was trained to pick up signs.
"I know you, Tony. You like to make jokes and hide behind them, but you're no liar. And when you do, you lie horribly." Steve retorted, folding his arms across the chest. He kept a good distance between the two as if to prove his point. "I know you're anxious. Why is that? Did I do something?"
Tony let out a deep sigh, as he pushed off the bar and toward to Rogers. "Cap, you're putting too much stock into this, and why does it matter?" Again, he was hit by Steve's Captain eyes, judging him.
Steve finally moved, not much. Only a foot. His eyes had not left Tony's face. "It matters, because I believe that's why you didn't share with the team."
Silence had befallen the room, Tony's hand balling at his side. He wanted to deny that, protested it until he was blue in the face, but yet, nothing came out when he opened his mouth. There was no denying it, was it? Tony didn't trust Rogers, which wasn't fair. This man didn't do anything… Yet. And was it so bad what he did? (Well, besides choosing his best friend over the world?) That was something that Tony went back and forward on. He was mad—hurt—that Rogers didn't trust him; however, that wasn't anything that Tony and his ego couldn't get pass. Even after the fight at the airport and his Rhodey's accident, Tony could see Roger's point. There was still some level of trust between them even though they beat the shit out of each other.
It just went out the window when he learned Steve had lied, been lying about his parents. The Murder of his Parents. Any trust that they had flew out the window knowing whose blood were on Barnes' hand. Tony didn't know if there was any coming back from that, especially with the aftermath. Zemo, even if it pained Tony to say it, was right: An empire toppled by its enemies could rise again. But one which crumbled from within? That was dead. The funny part of it all was that Tony was pretty sure that he would've forgiven Barnes at some point. Heck, he was sure he had already forgiven Barnes. It didn't take much to know why. Whiles Barnes had no choice, Steve had every choice, and it quite clear where Tony stood for the captain.
"Tony."
Tony's attention snapped back to Steve, his heart beating. "I can have JARVIS put together a 'briefing' for you." Yes, he put air quotes around the word. It wouldn't be a full briefing as he would be keeping the knowledge of Barnes to himself. He had no clue if Natasha would do the same. She hadn't mentioned it yet, so there was hope.
"Where did you go?" he asked, his voice suddenly soft.
"I'm done with this conversion. See ya," Tony said, waving his hand in the air. He gave Steve one more glance before he turned to the door.
Steve, not wanting to give in just yet, took a large step forward and reached for Tony as if to grab the man by the elbow. His hand frozen as if he was burned, and hovered a few itches from Tony, who flinched visibly. In addition to the flinch, whatever he saw in Tony's eyes stopped him cold. It had to be bad as the color drained from Steve's face. "Tony."
Fuck, Tony cursed in his head, more annoyed at himself. He had no idea of what expression had danced across his face, but judging by Steve's reaction, it was enough. There was no convincing the man now that Tony wasn't scared of him. "I got work to do."
"Tony," Steve called again, as Tony turned from him.
Said no man paid any attention to the flustered Captain and made his way to the door. A differ door from where the rest of the team had gone as he wanted-needed to avoid than them. He was madder at himself than anyone else in the tower. He had allowed these emotions to get the better of him.
*O*O*
Though it was hardly used, there was an old recliner in the lab. Tony himself had no use for it, as he was hunched over a project or standing at a monitor working himself to the bone. He had no use for it with how busy he was. Sure, he had a few couches in the corner for his guests (Not that he had many guests); so, they didn't get much use either. In the future, Peter would go on and on about his latest project on these couches and chair. Peter and Rhodey were the main users of those items. However, this old recliner was where Tony found himself at the moment. He was melted in it, almost completely hidden in it.
As soon as he had fallen into the chair, he ordered JARVIS and FRIDAY to into a blackout, keeping everyone out. And he meant everyone. Even without knowing his past, it was a red flag to all of those in the tower, and there was no doubt Ayo and Rhodey would waiting outside the door for him when he surfaced with angry scowls. Yet, he couldn't find himself to move. To be honest, it was nice just to sit, even if he wasn't doing nothing. He had an tablet in his hand and a video on a separate monitor in front of him.
His hands were shaking, his heart pounding. The air in his chest felt ice cold, while the video played for the third (Or was it more? He lost count) time. Both FRIDAY and JARVIS had protested it, threatening to call Ayo and/or Rhodey when they learned what the recording was. Tony muted them and ordered their silence. Guilt flooded himself for a second, but he shoved those feelings down. He would make it up to his A.I.s later, make them understand why he was doing this… Wait, why was he going it? Was he punishing himself? To make himself suffer? Was he trying to make himself hate Barnes again? Tony shook his head as he let out a shaky breath. His tried to bury himself deeper into the worn chair as the silent black and white video replayed again.
Or maybe, he was just a fool, who kept poking at the bruise hoping it would stop hurting. Everyone had done that before, right? Kept poking at something it until it stopped hurting? That was what Tony was hoping for. For it to stop hurting. He wanted to become numb to it. It couldn't hurt when he was numb to it, right? It would better serve everyone better. It would help Barnes. Stop him from hating Rogers. He just needed to build up a wall to it.
Like a silent horror movie, his parents' car was driven off the road, spun out of control and crashed. There may not have been any sound with this decade old video, but Tony didn't need it. His mind supplied the blood curling screech of the metal buckling on impact. He could hear the scream of his mother and the cursing of his father. It was torture, no doubt be worse than if he could hear it. But some might say it was worse to imagine. Snapping him back to the video, Howard was painfully yanked from the car, a cry exploding from his lips, and slammed against the dented car. Tony's eyes were glued to his father's face, trying to read his lips. It was hopeless and impossible to read the last word to cross from his father's lips. Although, it was probably for the best as that would haunt him until his death. Granted, it may still haunt him. Even though the video wasn't the best quantity, the realization on Howard's face when his eyes looked up into Barnes' face was clear and painful. It was enough to steal Tony's breath and send him into a panic; yet, he couldn't look away, even when Barnes proceeded to beat Howard's face in.
God, what must that feel like? But was it so foreign to Tony? It was not. He may be safe in his lab, yet he could feel the phantom touch of Barnes and Rogers. He knew exactly how that felt, but it was no where hear the level of fear his father must've felt. While Tony had a fighting chance with his super soldiers, Howard had none. The fear and panic in that moment must have heart breaking. Then to know your wife was next? God, that-
"Shit," he cursed as he pushed himself away from the screen. He forced his tears back as he tried not to think about her his mother's final thoughts. What must she have been thinking in her final moments? She had to have been dazed by the cashed, barely there before she had to hear her husband's murder. God, it pained Tony to even ponder it, yet he had to know. Hidden by the car, her death was masked, leaving Tony to imagine how she died. Judging by how Barnes had reached into the car, he choked her. It didn't take much of the imagination, but shit, the sheer strength of Barnes grip must had snapped in her neck in seconds, which was what Tony prayed for. A quick death.
Maybe, Howard was as much to blame as Barnes. Seriously, who transported Super Soldier juice unprotected with his wife in the car? "Fuck," he cursed as he turned away from the screen. His chest was tight, and he was reaching for his it before he knew what he was doing. His mother's murder may have been blocked by the car, but it was still excruciating. His heart broke, imaging the scream that erupted from her before her neck was snapped. That fear she must've felt hearing Howard's choking on his blood. God, what must she have been thinking? "JARVIS," he called, staring down his tablet. There was a frog in his throat.
"Oh, have you un-banished FRIDAY and I?" JARVIS asked. If the AI had a body, there would be an eye roll.
If his heart wasn't threatening to give out, Tony would mute him again. "Turn off the viewing screen." He ordered.
"It shall be my pleasure." Tony resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I would be remiss if I do not ask: can I delete this offensive video?" The fury in JARVIS's voice was chilling.
"No," Tony replied, his voice shakier than he would've liked. "Just hide it, and I mean it. I want no one to know of this video. No one. No trying to be cute. You have no form, so don't even try."
"Very well, Sir."
Tony didn't like the exasperated tone the A.I. had used, and if it wasn't for the fact that JARVIS couldn't defy him, he would be worried. Okay, he was still worried. JARVIS was resourceful, and he would find a way to work within his codes to disobey Tony. It was the A.I.'s gift. "Also, proof these forms for me and send them off."
"Will do."
With a deep breath, Tony set the tablet on the table next to him and got to his feet. His eyes were still red, and his throat was constricted. His cheeks were strained with his tears. He was totally and completely exhausted, and if a bus were to suddenly hit him, he would welcome it. "You can end blackout mode."
"It would be our pleasure," JARVIS answered.
"Might I add, Boss," FRIDAY started, "this blackout did not go unnoticed."
It didn't need to be spelled out for Tony to know what that meant. In the past (or future depending on how you looked at it), Rhodey and Pepper had lectured him every time, and no doubt it would be the same. With a weary sigh, he prepared himself for their judging faces and crossed to the door. It slid open, sensing his presence, and revealed Ayo and Rhodey, who were glaring at him. "Lookie here. Party going on."
Rhodey, unlike Ayo, had experienced a blackout mode before, and while he may not know what had caused it this time, he knew there was a trigger. "Tony." He said through his teeth.
Tony with a strained smiled replied, "Oh, hey. You two hungry? I was thinking tacos." He rubbered his stomach. "After I get some food in me, I will be golden. No worries."
Hands balling at his side, Rhodey snapped, "I need something more than that. What's going on? I know there's more to the story than what you told me. So, fill me in."
Ayo's eyes ran up and down the genius, focusing on the redness in his eyes. "Crying, Stark?"
Rhodey's eyes popped up to Tony's red face, his expression changing. "What's going on?"
Tony looked at them and deeply sighed. A lecture was coming; he could feel it his bones, but he was already creating an escape in his head. Rhodey may know escape was next as that man knew all of Tony's secrets, knew where the bodies were—all of the bodies. He knew his masks. He knew when Tony lied, and no matter what Tony said, there was no hiding. Ayo, on the other hand, only knew him for a month. There was no way to predict how she would react, but considering how she was staring at him, she was taking it just as well as Rhodey.
Yet, Tony couldn't find it in himself to care. "Where are Bird Brain and American Justice?" he asked, walking away.
"No, we're going to talk about this, Tony," Rhodey yelled, following his Best Friend. Ayo trailed behind, just watching.
"Nothing to talk about," Tony retorted, his mind already forgoing this conversion. "FRIDAY, are Rogers and Barton still in the Tower?" He asked.
"No, Agent Barton, Agent Romanoff and Captain Rogers were called away by Director Fury." FRIDAY answered.
Tony nodded as he continued to the lounge. He wasn't sure how long he had been hidden away, but it had to be a new day judging by the daylight that shined through the windows. "Is Barnes still a secret?" he enquired.
Rhodey answered as he trailed Tony. "For now, Rogers doesn't know about Barnes. Romanoff seems to be keeping it to herself for right now. Not sure for how long."
"I do not believe we have to worry for the time being," Ayo answered. "Romanoff appears to be agreement."
This would be a good test for the former Russian Spy. "How did they take the news of the other super soldiers?" He asked. Ayo and Rhodey shared a concern look, communicating silently with their eyes. "Okay, stop it! I'm fine. Just answer the question." As if they were twin, Ayo's and Rhodey's expressions mirrored, clearly not having any of it. "I can see that none of my shit is broken. That's a plus."
"Can we please talk about what happen?" Rhodey demanded, his nose flaring.
Tony glanced back but did not answer. Instead, he asked, "How was their take on the super soldiers?"
"As you expected it would be," Ayo replied. "They're in a state of disbelief, which is understandable. Their whole world turned on its head. To learn you were working alongside Hydra and there are other super soldiers."
Hesitating, Tony took a deep breath as he pulled memories forward. Memories of Rogers post the fall of SHIELD. It should be easy; yet, he was left with a painful headache. He closed his eyes and pulled the memories forward. In the other timeline, Hydra never used those super soldiers, fearing them; however, they used them in this timeline. Without Barnes as their Winter Soldier, Hydra had been pushed against the wall. "Let's visit our Super Soldier and see how he's doing."
There was a protest on Rhodey's lips and a scowl on his face. His entire body shook with anger as he stared at his best friend. "Stop changing the subject! What happened with you and Rogers? He looked like a kicked puppy."
"He did not want to leave even when Director Fury ordered him," Ayo added. "But it went without saying that that was a horrible idea. A red flag if you will."
Rhodey turned his glare to Ayo. "Stop it."
Ayo gave him a lazy eye roll. "You handle Stark your way and I shall handle him my way."
"I do not need to be handled," Tony pouted, which earned an eyebrow raise from the both of them.
"Then tell me why you locked yourself in the lab. I asked both FRIDAY and JARVIS, but I got nothing." Rhodey replied, folding his arms against his chest. "Does this have to do with that so call Civil War?"
Tony pointedly ignored the stare from Rhodey and headed to his bedroom. He wasn't heading to bed, but his room would halt this conversion and provide him space to think. He could recognize he was spiraling, but all of his fight had vanished. Maybe, it was that video. Maybe, he was just exhausted and lost his fight. "I'm just tired. I'm going to lay down."
"Tony" Rhodey called, stepping toward the tired genius. "I-" He was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder. Ayo was shaking her head.
With a deep breath, Tony walked past them and disappeared behind his bedroom door. He had no idea why he was hesitating to let Rhodey in. That man had seen everything, been there at Tony's worst, and had suffered for it. A part of Tony felt—still feels—guilty as that man had lost his legs because of him. Or could still lose his legs because of him. He was scared that it could repeat…Then there's the fact that I'm not his Tony. He wasn't the same Tony of 2014, no denying how different they were. Four and a half years would do that. Rhodey had no idea of who Vision was. Had no idea who Wanda was or what she did. No idea who Peter was, and that hurt.
*O*O*
Tony wasn't lying originally. Okay, he was, but when he got into his bedroom, the lie turned into fact. Maybe, it was gravity. Maybe, it was his seer exhaustion, but as soon as he neared the bed, he fell like a bag of bricks. He didn't kick off his shoes or even move once he collapsed, and he was out in a matter of second. If someone came to his door to check on him, Tony was too dead to the world to see it.
However, sleep, even the restless kind, didn't last long, and he was up two hours later with a deep throat scream. With the door closed, his screech did not carry, a blessing. He didn't need Rhodey to hover as he tried to force Tony to talk. Tony didn't want to talk. He didn't even want to think, not with his ghostly nightmare still playing in his head. His mother's death may have been partially blocked, but that didn't stop his dreams from creating blooding images. It was a mistake to watch his parents' murders on repeat; yet, he was sure he would watch once more. It was a bad accident that you couldn't look away from, and Tony couldn't look away.
Room dark, he laid there in bed for a few seconds, staring up at the ceiling. Sighing, he closed his eyes in attempt to force himself back to sleep, but sleep did not come. Restlessly, he jumped out of bed, his skin itching. He needed to hear someone else's voice. Needed to someone to be snapped out of his funk. He inquired about Ayo and Rhodey's location but declined alerting them to his current status. According to JARVIS, Ayo was in a briefing with Wakanda regarding the Hydra Siberian Facility. Like they expected, Hydra abandoned the base soon after the raid, taking everything and anything that they could. And anything that wasn't taken was either destroyed or burned to the ground. The Wakandans still searched the base, investigating anything they could.
Rhodey, still on an active call with the Air Force, was fielding calls from his higher ups, as they questioned his absence. He wanted to remain by Tony's side, but his hands were tied and he was being forced back without a value reason for his absence. Hydra was a snake in tall grass ready to strike with no telling how many snakes were hidden in the grass. So far, they figured 50% of SHIELD was Hydra. In addition, there was a senator. Who else could be Hydra? So, while he wanted to fill in his commanding officer, he couldn't. Instead, he tested the waters, seeing who they could trust. Tony had thought about interrupting them, but that would mean a lecture that he wanted to avoid.
With this in mind, he skipped out on them and headed—in the silver Iron Man suit—to the Playground. He needed to see Barnes. For what? Tony didn't know. He just needed to see the man.
*O*O*
"So nothing?" Tony asked, his eyes taking Barnes part piece by piece. He ignored any surprise or complaints Koenig had at his sudden appearance.
Koenig replied, "No. He hadn't move an inch."
James Barnes was stiff as ever. If it wasn't for his chest moving up and down ever so slowly, Tony would think that Barnes was one of those realistic dolls. Now, Tony knew some had legit reasons for those dolls, and he didn't fault any of these people, but those dolls gave him the willies. Getting distracted, he told himself. "Have you tried talking to him?"
The Agent gave Tony 'Are you stupid?' look before answering. "Yes. Even Friday tried speaking to him, but the man has not moved. I believe he is waiting for a certain phase."
"I'm going in." Tony spoke, loudly and firmly. It undoubtedly wasn't one of his best idea, taking into consideration his currently mindset, but that was how Tony found himself sitting across from Barnes in the most uncomfortable metal chair. The forcefield was up, trapping Tony in with the stilled man. Koenig was on the other side, preparing to step in if needed. On his hip and ready to use was an ICER, a tranquilizing weapon designed by some guy named Leo Fitz. A weapon that Tony would love to take apart at some point.
"Just be careful, Stark. I won't be able to stop him instantly, and I'm not sure of his reaction time. No idea if this thing will work on Super Soldiers." The Agent warned.
Tony nodded, aware at how uncomfortable Koenig was in this situation. "I supposed it'll be feedback that we can provide to that Fitz guy. I'm sure he would love that."
"No doubt."
Nothing happened for the first few hours that Tony sat in front of Barnes, who simply gaped at Tony. It was like they were playing a game of who would blink first. Tony would deny it later, stating it was him who won, but Barnes didn't fold. He was a super human and blinked once for every 5 blinks that Tony did. It was unnerving how unhuman Barnes, which wasn't too surprising. This man wasn't human according to Hydra. He was a weapon, a weapon that didn't feel. Didn't think. Just followed orders. Pain was his only reward.
Tony shifted uncomfortably in his chair, as Barnes continued to stare blindly at him. "How are you doing, Buddy?" He asked, unsure of what to say. Did he pull the blank out from under him and tell him who he was?
Barnes didn't move.
"Maybe, I should introduce myself. I'm Tony, Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist," He said, forcing a smile to his lips. For now, he didn't share his last name, in case it triggered something inside the man.
Not a muscle moved in Barnes' face. Not a single muscle.
Tony glanced back at the forcefield staring at the image that FRIDAY crafted. It was a peaceful ocean scene, waves crashing against the shore. FRIDAY, although, had turned down what Tony assumed to be waves playing softly in the background. "Nothing?" He asked, staring at Barnes. He forced his eyes forward. "You know. People love to be in the room with me. And here we are. You're throwing this golden ticket away."
Barnes picked his head up slightly. His eyes were glassy, not focusing on anything.
With a deep sigh, Tony stood and stepped around the wobbly chair. His hands reached high into air while he arched his back and stretched himself out. He heard a pop in his back and let out a soft moan, feeling better. He needed to get the blood back into his legs, not that his blood wasn't already pumping vigorously through his entire body. Being in a room with the Winter Soldier would do that for you. Again, not Barnes' fault, but there was still this painful itch. "Are you hungry?" He grabbed the chair and spun it. "Do you eat?" He paused and shook his head. "Of course, you eat. You're human. Kinda human at least."
Again nothing.
"Because we can get you whatever you want." Tony smiled as he sat backward on the chair, his chest against the back. "Tacos? Burgers? Steak? Or are you a chicken kind of guy?" He stared at the man, as he drew out the word. "Unless you're vegan… Are you vegan? Because we can work with that. FRIDAY will order you anything your vegan heart can hope for. Right, Baby Girl?"
Her response was immediate. "Yes, Boss."
"Thanks, Fri." He grinned. "Also, if you wanted to change out of that crap, we can give you a new closet of colorful things. Any color you want. Sure, black is slimming, but there're other colors in the rainbow." Tony compelled himself still as a chill ran down his spine. Barnes, now staring at him, was a blank slate, ready to be programmed. It shouldn't be surprising, but it was. There was nothing in those eyes, nothing, but knowing the future or what would've been the future, it gave the genius some relief and hope. Barnes didn't remain like this. "You want a haircut?"
Barnes' right eye flickered but just barely. It drove Tony crazy.
"Really is that all?" He hissed, his eye twitching. "Most people yell at me at this point. Telling me to shut up. I can't really blame them. I got a mouth on me, saying whatever I want. Any time I want."
Again nothing. This time Tony let the silent grow for a few seconds, bathing in. It fucken ate at him. Tony's nails drug into the back of the chair as this felt like nails on a chalkboard. "Speak damn it," he yelled, regretting it a second later.
"Ты не мой хендлер," Barnes finally spoke, his voice hoarse and dry from the lack of use.
Tony shot a look to Koenig, who looked equally surprised and confused. "FRIDAY, what did he just say?"
"You are not my handler," FRIDAY translated.
"No, I am not and you're not a weapon anymore. Hydra can't hurt you anymore." Tony stated, going tense in the chair. To him, all Russian sounded angry. "You're safe."
Barnes tilted his head, his soulless eyes drilling into Tony. "Ты не мой хендлер." He repeated, harshly.
"You are not my handler," FRIDAY translated automatically.
"No, I am not." Tony replied, his hands firmly gripping the top of the chair and pushing up. He was on his feet before he knew it. His nerves bubbled up, getting the better of him. He didn't want to be scared of his man, but he was a trained killer who had no control of himself. He wasn't Barnes just yet. This could turn deadly.
"Ты не мой хендлер." Barnes spoke once more, but this time, he was on his feet.
"Stark," Koenig called, remaining perfectly still. There was a warning on his tongue.
Tony held onto the chair, ready to use it as a weapon if needed. His heart thumped in his ear. "I'm a friend. Just want to help. Keep you safe."
"Ты не мой хендлер." He repeated for the fourth time. FRIDAY refrained from translating.
"I am not." Tony's hands were white knuckling the chair. "I'm Tony. What's your name?"
Barnes didn't take another step forward, his eyes narrowing at the genius. He froze, like a deer in headlights. He just stood, as if his mind spun.
"What is your name?" Tony asked, knowing full well what Barnes' name was. However, he wasn't sure yelling Barnes' name at him would help.
"Мое имя?" Barnes asked. His tone skipped.
"My Name?" Friday supplied.
Something in Tony broke and his grip loosened. All he asked Barnes for was his name, and this simple question broke him. It made sense. This man was programed, tuned to follow every order without question. How many times had this man been asked his name? And if he answered Bucky, how many times was his mind obliterated? Did Hydra give him a replacement name? Was he anything besides an asset? Assets did not have names. "Yes, your name."
Another switch had been hit in Barnes and a weapon was activated. "У меня нет имени. Я оружие," he hissed, viciously.
"I do not have a name. I am a weapon." FRIDAY translated.
Barnes, his shoulders hunched, advanced on Tony. Fury danced on his face. "Я Актив."
"I am the Asset." FRIDAY provided.
"STARK! Get out of there." Koenig lowered his tablet and raised the I.C.E.R. "Now."
"Boss." The A.I. called, directing him to the small opening in the forcefield.
Tony turned his head slightly to the opening but kept an eye on the Winter Soldier. It wouldn't be wised to show his back to Barnes, who looked murderous. "Okay, Buddy. I'm going to go." He said, his grip tightening on the chair. He picked it up and, with all that he had, threw it. Without a beat, he bolted to the opening. He didn't move fast with the heavy boot on his feet, and he wobbled, almost faceplanting a few times. His eyes closed without his say so, when he heard the chair slam against the wall and shattered. "Shit," he cursed, his lungs struggling to expand. He didn't know how close Barnes was to him, but now was not the time to check, and he pushed himself harder.
"Stark!" Koenig called, standing at the opening with the ICER. "Down."
It didn't take much convincing as painful memories were already forcing their way forward, clouding Tony's mind. Past and present mixed together, and everything blurred. Barnes was on top of him, hammering him and attempting to tear the Iron man suit part piece by piece. It was petrifying and chilled him to the bones. Tony didn't know how many seconds had passed, but Koenig's shouting snapped him back to the present. His heart was racing, his lungs struggling to expand. "Shit," he uttered, dropping to all fours.
Koenig, his eyes trained, fired one round. Barnes flinched, but the round did nothing. With Tony still in danger, Koenig fired again. Like before, the round bounced off him. "Holy Shit." He yelled in disbelief. "How is he still standing?!"
While it didn't stop the man, it slowed Barnes down enough for Tony to roll through the opening. "Super Soldier!" Tony yelled as FRIDAY slammed the force field. His hands went to his chest as he tried to stop the panic from taking over. Breathe, he yelled at himself. Breathe!
Fear flickered in Koenig's eyes as he stared down at Tony, who had collapsed in himself. "Can't blame this one on Agent Fitz. He didn't have a super soldier to test it on," the Agent stated, his voice calm as calm could be. That fear was gone.
With a stressed chuckle, Tony let out the breath he was holding. You're okay, he thought, closing his eyes. "I… I guess Rogers needs to report to testing. So this doesn't happen in the future." His nerves were on fire.
Koenig looked up, his eyes on Barnes, who roared like a wild lion. "I am sure he would love that."
Tony turned back, following Koenig's worried eyes. "Shit," he uttered, as he caught Barnes in his sights.
Gone was the statue, and in its place was a craze Super Soldier. Anything and everything became a weapon, and Barnes hurled it across the room like projectile missile. It didn't matter if it was bolted down as Barnes ripped it off the ground and flung it. The force field rippled with each contact, but it did not faulter. Seeing no change in the barrier, the Super Soldier pounded relentlessly on it. His face was the stuff of nightmares, showing how much of a killer the man could be. "Я ничто. Я оружие," he yelled. "У меня нет имени."
FRIDAY translated, "I am nothing. I am a weapon. I have no name."
From the ground, Tony's fear fell away as his heart dropped, listening to Barnes repeat this over and over again. His heart broke, realizing how broken this hero was. He didn't realize how hard this would be until now. "Shit."
Koenig spared Tony a sympathetic look before turning back to Barnes. "Stark, this may-"
Before Koenig could say finished, FRIDAY announced. "Boss, I lost contact with the Tower. Neither JARVIS nor I can reconnect with the Tower."
"What?" Tony asked, before a realization could dawn on him. "Shit." There was only one reason why communication would be cut off. As it was him who built the security system for the Tower, it was next to impossible to bring it down. Granted, he supposed it could be brought down if someone tried hard enough. Hydra popped to mind. "How long has it been offline?"
"60 seconds," FRIDAY answered.
That was enough for Tony to an ignore the pains in his body and pushed himself to his feet. Koenig yelled at him when he bolted to the door, but Tony unheeded whatever warning Koenig was spouting. His only concern was tower and his friends. Though Tony had enemies, there was only one that he pissed off lately. He wasn't stupid or maybe he was. He should've expected this was a possibility when he was forced to use his Iron Man suit. However, he was hoping against his better judgment that no one would've recognized his Iron Man suit. But he never expected them to attack right now, even if they knew it was Iron man who had stolen their Super Soldier.
He was an idiot. A fucken Idiot.
The end for now:
Again, I don't want anyone to hate Clint. Like Ayo stated, their entire world flipped on their head.
And oh, shit. What is happening at the Tower?
Until Next time.