The reception on the hand was much easier to handle, Tony was able to socialize his friends. There were enough people to keep him from being bored and more importantly to avoid an awkward run in with either Steve or Buck...but mostly Steve. He actually had been spending most of the evening with Clint, Natasha, Thor, Bruce,Pepper and Ty - exactly the people he really wanted to be with, his friends. Thankfully they didn't interrogate him about his arm and accepted his story about a lab prototype gone wrong. Clint and Natasha's relationship was a strong as it ever, evident by the way a subconscious little smile tugged at the corners of Clint's mouth whenever she spoke and even though she'd never admit it the way Natasha's eyes would drift over look at him as if to make sure he was still really there said it all. Thor was as lighthearted as ever and lit up as he updated them all on what he and Jane have been up to lately. Pepper and Tony danced and joked and a few times found themselves laughing so hard they were crying. Bruce was quiet but clearly enjoying himself as he and Tony conversed on a level none of the others even tried keeping up with, sharing inside jokes that only they understood. Everyone at their table got along with Ty wonderfully, nothing that made his boyfriend tense up or leave the group abruptly, nothing that made the others look at each other with suspicion or unease. Tony was so relaxed and confident, this was the happiest he's been in a long long time.

Ty excused himself to go get he and Tony another glass of champagne, he kissed Tony before leaving and Tony watched him until he was no longer visible. Turning back around in his chair he was met with each one of his friends staring intensely at him.

"What?" This can't be good.

"You two have been together a while." Clint said nonchalantly.

"Okay, let's not take turns beating around the bush. Spill it."

The was a long silence as they each tried to will someone that wasn't them to speak. As he expected, it was Bruce who claimed the responsibility.

"Ever since you started seeing Tiberius...we hardly see you anymore. We see you on missions now and again but I think I speak for all of us when I say that's not good enough. We miss you Tony, every single one of us misses you."

"Are you asking me to leave Ty?"

"No, we don't have anything against Tiberius-"

"I do." Clint supplied.

"We're not asking you to end your relationship or change anything with Tiberius at all." Bruce continued, ignoring Clint.

"It's been agreed on by everyone unanimously and we want you to move back into the tower."

The proposition was so sudden that Tony forgot to breathe for a second. He sat there as they waited for a response of some kind, he wanted to say yes, of course. He wanted to tell them everything and watch from a safe distance as Thor exacted his revenge on Ty for sullying Tony's honor. Grab some popcorn and watch Natasha do what she does better than anyone. High five Clint and leave the reception to go play Xbox like they used to.

"Thanks guys, I uh...I have to think about it." He answered lamely.

Their faces all dropped the tiniest bit before they regained their previous composure, leaving the table silent.

"Jeez, who died?" Bucky's voice got their attention off of the moment.

It was at least their 20th trip to this table tonight, not to mention all the times one of them popped up out of nowhere to enjoy the company of their closest friends that might as well be family. But Tony had managed to "be in the bathroom" every time. Every time except this one.

"What do you say, Natalia? Want to show these people what dancing really is?"

"I was starting to think you'd never ask, James." She took his hand and they disappeared towards the dance-floor.

"May I have the honor?" Steve was holding out his hand as well.

Tony managed to nod his head in a way that was in no way up to Stark standards.

On the dance floor Steve let Tony take the lead and Tony was glad that at least some things hadn't changed.

"What happened to your arm?" There it is.

"Not even gonna give a change to congratulate you, Cap?"

"Tony, why are you staying with him?"

Tony stared at the blonde's chest as they swayed and turned to the melody. He felt the closeness of Steve's body- solid and safe. His muscular build contrasted against the elegance of his suit and the way his arm flexed around waist in a way that was so familiar. Tony almost couldn't take it.

"Because I love him Steve and he loves me too. You of all people should understand forgiving someone you love no matter what they did."

"That's not the same and you know it." Steve's jaw tightened.

Great, that's definitely the way to go Tony. Insult the man's husband on his wedding day. Wow.

"I know, I'm sorry I just-"

"I can't help you unless you actually want help, Tony...I just really want you to want help." His voice was gentle now.

"If I wanted to leave Ty I would have by now, can we please just drop it?"

Steve sighed and the look in his eyes sent knives into Tony's gut.

"Are you at least moving back in?"

"I have to think about it."

"You mean you have to beg Tiberius first."

Tony didn't answer, he let his eyes wander over Steve's shoulder to the other people dancing around them. Even on crutches and moving much more cautiously Bucky and Natasha still were more graceful and captivating dancers together than anyone else he'd ever seen. Using his other hand Steve brought Tony's head to rest on his chest, keeping his fingers in the brunette's hair.

"Please Tony I'm begging you. Please leave him."

The song ended. Tony went back the table before anyone could stop him. Steve stood alone, watching him getting farther away. Tony fell asleep in Tiberius' arms that night.