Author's Note: Here's Chapter Two of Standing Up for the Little Guy! I hope you enjoy it!
I had a bit of writer's block trying to figure out how to write this chapter, so I'm sorry if it's awkward.
Remember to review! Constructive criticism is always welcome!
Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Avengers or any places and characters associated with it. All rights go to Marvel.
Chapter Two
Tony didn't know what to make of Steve.
Though they had had a rough start full of disagreements and insults, they had become friends after the attack on New York.
They spent most of their time together. They did most everything together. When Tony was down in the lab working on the suit, Steve would be there sketching various things, people, and places. When Steve was training, Tony would be there to keep on a conversation. When Tony forgot to do things like eat or sleep—which was quite often, much to Steve's disapproval—Steve would always be there to keep the genius on track.
Tony had started to depend on Steve's presence. He had always seemed to be there. He was a constant in Tony's life. Being with Steve was as natural to Tony as breathing.
Then Steve started to pull away.
It was little things at first. Steve wouldn't spend as much time in the lab, saying he wanted to get some fresh air. He would start to bring down meals later and later. Every day he crept away from Tony's life little by little. Then one day Tony didn't see him at all.
He would avoid Tony, knowing his routine well enough to know where he would be at all times. He would get Clint or Bruce to bring meals down or remind him to sleep. He would train before anyone else was up.
Tony missed him.
He never thought he'd ever say that.
When he first met the guy, he had despised him. They didn't get along. Period. Then when they became friends they had spent so much time together that Tony never had a chance to think about what would happen if he ever lost the super soldier. The two heroes had been inseparable.
Tony couldn't bear it any longer. He missed Steve. He needed Steve. He needed to breathe again.
Tony decided then and there that there was absolutely no letting Steve go.
Steve missed Tony.
Knowing he had been apart from the billionaire for so long made his stomach ache. He couldn't count the times he almost gave up and came crawling back into Tony's arms.
But he knew that he couldn't. He knew that going back to Tony would break his heart. Staying away from the man seemed to be the only way he could ever possibly get over the man.
Yet it seemed he couldn't stop thinking about the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist. Steve couldn't stop thinking about the way Tony's ARC Reactor glowed softly. He thought about how Tony would get this silly look on his face when he was concentrating. He thought about how Tony would bury himself in his work or how he'd come and watch Steve train and talk to him endlessly. Steve would never respond, but Tony didn't care. He'd babble on about whatever was on his mind: usually some new improvement he was making to the suit or some new technology he'd invented or advanced. Steve barely ever understood a word, but he didn't mind. He was content to simply listen to Tony's voice.
Steve smiled at the thoughts running through his mind. It was the little things he liked about Tony. The things he loved most where the tiny little details no one else ever noticed. Like the way Tony would—
Snap out of it, Steve. Stop thinking about him. You'll drive yourself insane.
But Steve already knew that the damage was done.
No matter how long he stayed away, his thoughts always came back to Tony. Avoiding the man was no help. It made it worse, really. The longing was even more unbearable than before.
Steve wanted Tony more than anything. He wanted to know that the man was his. He wanted to know that Tony cared about him as well. He wanted to know that he wasn't alone. He wanted to know that Tony Stark was going to be a part of his life forever.
Steve realised that there was no getting around his feelings for this man.
As much as he tried to stop it, as much as he desperately wished it wasn't so, there was no getting around it. There never had been and there never would be.
Captain Steve Rogers was completely, desperately, madly in love with Tony Stark.