Hello,

It is me again... Hope the wait wasn't too bad.

And oh, I lied. I said, this was going to be a two shot, but as I was proofing this, I felt it helped the story better if I cut the final half into two chapters.

So this story is going to have three chapters instead of two. Hope no one minds! It just feels better to end this chapter where it ends...though you readers might not like where this ends. But I promise, this will have an happy end.

So, here you go. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter Two

When Tony comes to, the pain's gone, completely gone like he's on the good stuff, but unlike with the good stuff, the room's spinning and not the good kind of spinning. It's the pukey kind of spinning, and who likes that? Everything's moving too fast for him, and he doesn't know what to think. For once, he doesn't know how to. There're too many questions in his head, and they're coming at him at a rapid speed. He doesn't know how to answer any of them.

Where is he? Did someone find him? Does someone have him? Good Guys? Is he alive? Or is he dead? Did he die a fiery death? Did he get crushed to death? Is that why the ceiling is white? Is this heaven—not that he expects himself to go to heaven if it exists? Besides, doesn't anyone know that white is out? Why is the room so small? Don't they know his ego won't fit in a room this small? Plus, why is it loud? And why is he alone? Don't they know that's a bad idea?

Okay, he isn't alone…Once his vision clears, his hazy brain can make out that he isn't alone, though none of the avengers are present. Instead, there're two hospital employees—but do they count as people? Well, not people Tony wants to see, but it takes a few seconds for his mind to work who they are. They're both women: a doctor and a nurse, and the good doctor is shining a bright light in his eyes, which annoys the genius to no end. Is this woman trying to blind him? What's the purpose of shining it in his eyes? Does she not care how bright the cursed light is? Is this some kind of torture? Is she getting some kind of sick joy out of this? Is she an old lover or something? Does-

"—ark, are you there?" She asks, focusing on the flicker in his eyes. "Are you okay, Mr. Stark?" the Doctor asks, as she moves the light left to right in front of his face. "Are you with me?"

"Y-Yes," he groans as he tries to look away. He doesn't understand why it has to be so blinding. It's like looking at the sun, and he wants nothing more than to knock it away, but his body doesn't want to respond. "K-killing m-me."

"No, I am not. Now, where and when were you born?" she asks him, studying the movements of his eyes.

The genius blinks a few times as the reality of the situation comes rushing back at him. It's like someone has hit a switch in his brain, and he can see. He can think. "When were you born?" he counters, his throat killing him. "W-why is it okay for a woman to ask a m-man that, but yet, a man can't ask a woman that?" His voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard, and it hurts to speak, but he can't seem to keep his sentences short. "I-isn't that a bit sexist? Are you sexist, Doctor?"

"How do you feel?" she asks, not paying attention to any of his questions.

Tony tries to snort, but it just hurts and he's left trying to catch his breath. "Feels like I have been hit by a truck."

"Building," she corrects. "But close."

"O-oh, shit…Don't think my insurance covers that," he says, his voice cracking. It hurt to talk…well to do anything.

The woman- Dr. Helen Cho, he remembers suddenly—smiles, though she seems annoyed by his answer. "It seems like you're doing well, which's good especially after the trauma you faced. I, in fact, didn't expect you to wake so soon, but I'm glad. Barnes and Rogers are biting at my heels to get in here, and I can only deal with so much. Too much…" she pauses as if to think of a word "…urgh in the air," she says, waving her hand. "They're like animals trying to mark and guard their territory."

"No, I am not their territory." He replies coldly.

Cho gives him a look. "True, more like their mate," she says with a chuckle. "They might piss on you."

Tony stiffens suddenly, as he recalls their sudden abandonment. So why do they want him now? They didn't want him before. Are they feeling guilty? "And they haven't come rushing in?" he asks, knowing they're the type to do so… though they're here just out of guilt, so that 'protectiveness' is probably gone. No need for them to rush in.

"Never piss off the doctor. Never know what I might stick you with," Cho replies, as she scans him with one of her medical devices. "And it doesn't hurt that Natasha is standing guard. No one wants to piss her off. I mean no one… Are the rumors true about her?" she asks, giving him a look. She's being serious.

The genius takes note of Cho's use of Tasha's first name, but he doesn't give it much thought at the moment. His pain is slowly coming back, working its way up his legs, and it's too becoming difficult to think, not that it isn't already. His brain won't stop, and he has already come up with ten ways that the Brooklyn Boys are going to break up with him. "When can I get out of this place?" he asks, putting on a pouty face.

The Doctor gives him a look. "S-Tony," she say, slowly, as she waves the nurse out of the room. Her eyes travel down his form, surveying all of the cuts and bruises along his skin. "Your right leg has been crashed and you have several broken bones in your left arm. The dam-"

"I've been worse," Tony says, cutting her off. He doesn't want or need to hear the list of his injuries from her, not that he doesn't believe her; he just doesn't want to think about it at the moment. He doesn't want to think or look at the heavy, thick, black boot on his foot, and he wants to pretend the cast on his arm isn't there. He wants to ignore his injuries completely. He just wants to go back… Besides, FRIDAY could and will scan him later to tell him the full extent of his injures. With his AI, he doesn't have to worry about someone over or under selling his injuries; plus, he just wants this conversion over with as soon as possible, as he doesn't want to be in this room with the Brooklyn Twins waiting on the other side of the door. He doesn't want their fake pity or worry, which is all it is. He doesn't want them to stay with him out of some kind of honor. He isn't a charity chase. "Just let me out of this hell hole."

She looks at him for a second, studying his body language. "You're lucky that's the worst of it. I'm amazed that your lungs didn't collapse," she says. "You need to rest as the Nanos can only do so much."

Oh, how he enjoys the Nanos. "I can rest in my room," he says, strongly. "You know I won't rest here as I'll be planning a breakout, and I will escape at some point. There's no stopping that."

Cho laughs as she glances to the door, eyeing it. Though it's impossible to see passed the curtains and blinds blocking their view, shadows and shapes are visible. There're three forms on the other side of the door, and it doesn't take a genius—even if he is one- to know who they belong to. The smaller form leaning against the door is clearly Natasha, while the two larger pacing forms are the Super Soldiers. "I'm sure Barnes and Rogers will see to it that you remain in bed," she says as she turns back to him.

Tony groans loudly. "No, I don't want them in here," he says quickly. He can see the gears turning in her head as she stares at him. He can see her expression change as if she is hit with a realization, and he knows it isn't good.

Her expression turns soft. "Okay, I'll tell them no visitors. Doctor's orders, but you owe me. Something big."

"Thanks, Helen." He'll get her whatever she likes as long as she keeps them away from him. "Whatever you like."

"But you still need to rest," she says as she crosses to him. There's something in her hand, but he's unable to make it out before she stabs him. And before he can even react, he can feel whatever Cho stabbed him with take effect, and everything starts to fade. He can barely make out her form as she crosses to the door. She stands in darkness, pausing there for a second, before she opens it and stops out. Shadows forms in his eyes, stealing most of his vision, as the three forms jump. He feels himself drift into complete darkness as he hears one of the shadow curse and yell.

"-here a second longer while my fella is in there hurt, you're kidding yourself! Now move-"

Whoever that is, Tony knows he won't make life easy for anyone. But again, he's out before he can put too much stock into it.

*O*O*

When Tony comes to again, he's surprised to find himself in his room, because this is the last place that he expects to wake up. What he expects is to be tied down in the hospital bed, while Barnes and Rogers babysit him. Forcing fake pity down his throat. Being in his own room is truly the last thing that he expects, but he's okay with it. No, he's relieved with this, though he's still surprise the Super Soldiers aren't with him. But again, he's happy. He doesn't know what he would do if he's stuck with them and their phony worry for hours.

"You're awake."

Tony almost jumps, though he'll never admit that to anyone. "Tasha," he utters as he turns his head slightly to the left to look at the master Spy. She's sitting crossed legged in the chair with her head resting on her hand. "Come to tuck me in? Here to play nurse? I would ask that you to put on the uniform but I expect you to skin me alive if I do."

Her eye's brow rises as she eyes him. "So you heard that?"

"Heard what?" he asks, pushing himself up using his right elbow. His eye twitches as pain shoots through his back. I'm too old for this crap, he thinks, as he wishes for ice or something.

She gives him a look. "Don't play stupid, Stark. It doesn't suit you," she says, gravely.

For a second, Tony is shocked by her tone, but he doesn't show it. "Everything suits me, and I mean everything," he says with a dirty smile.

Natasha's eye twitches. "Idiot." Her tone changes slightly, more playful. "Play dumb, Stark, but I'm referring to Barnes' comment about him wanting Rogers to play nurse instead of you."

Tony has a love hate relationship with Natasha's honesty. He loves the fact that he'll never have to doubt if she's telling the truth, but he hates hearing the truth. There're times that he just wants to ignore his problems, and he can't do it when Natasha goes for the neck without hesitation, without pulling any punches. "If Barnes wants Rogers in a sexy nurse's outfit instead of me, that's his problem not mine, though I must say that I do not look good in a mini skirt. Trust me on that. And my bed side matter is horrible—like atrocious. No one in their right mind would want me as their nurse. I'll totally make it worst."

She gives him a look. "So what's with the mood? Why are you being a teenage girl?"

"What mood?" he asks, feeling the pain in his body intensify. "This is the standard Stark mode."

Natasha lets out a harsh sigh, clearly irritated. "If you want me to keep Barnes and Rogers out, you need to give me something more than that," she says, waving lazily at him.

She goes straight for the kill shot, doesn't she? Natasha will never hold back no matter what, but Tony wishes she would just this once. "Why did you move me to my room?" he asks, changing the subject. "Not that I mind. So love my bed. Had so many fun times in this thing."

The assassin gives him a look. "Wanda's idea," she says. "She thought you'll be comfortable in here. She seems to care about you… well, for the moment."

"Teaming up against me?" he asks, not liking that idea. He really doesn't like the idea of Wanda putting this much thought into his wellbeing. He can't help but think that she is up to something.

Natasha gives him another look. "You need a team of babysitters. One for every limb."

"I'm fine, Tasha. No need to babysit," he says, feeling exhausted. He would rather face an army of robots than deal with Natasha's hundred questions… Or maybe not. He's almost willing to answer Rogers' and Barnes' questions over hers. Almost. "I hear Rogers make a good nurse."

She's ungodly quiet as she leans forward in her chair. She's staring at him, a very calculated look in her eyes. "If you say so," she says, slowly after a few long seconds. "Saves me some work, because Barnes is pacing outside your doorway, and it isn't 'I'm bored' pacing. It's 'I'm on a mission pacing,' and he's ready to take on the world to get in here. And let me tell you, it's alarming. He has that murderous look in his eyes, daring someone to get in his way so he can knife them. He's scaring Rogers."

"You scared, Tasha?" he says, shocked. "I need to mark this down."

Natasha, who seems to be full of looks, gives him a nasty, playful look. "Don't make me hurt you, because I'm here trying to protect your ass," she says, as she slaps him playfully on the back of his head. "And me hurting you isn't a part of the deal, though it's quite fun."

Tony huffs in annoyances as he rubs the back of his head. The pain medication is wearing off, and it's making him grumpy, though it can be something else entirely. "Picking on me just like everyone else is. Geez, I feel loved."

She leans back slightly as her eyes travel the entire length of his body, but they focus on the expression on his face after a once over. "What's wrong? What did they do?" her voice turns cold, bitter.

"Nothing." He says, and he isn't lying. They haven't done anything really; Tony just realizes this isn't going to work no matter much he l- Nope! He isn't going to say or think those words, not now. Not ever. He can't think of those three little words, because they're only a painful reminder. A painful tease. Yes, Tony has no doubt that those two care for him, but he knows it can't be any more than that. He just knows it can't. "They didn't do anything."

The spy gets to her feet as she takes a deep breath. "I didn't think this had to be said, but I guess it does. I'm not an idiot; I know there's something wrong, Tony, and if you don't do something, you're going to break. Everyone can see it. Wanda can see it, and she wasn't even looking. But now, she's trying, which is saying something as she isn't exactly fond of you," she exclaims, sounding exhausted and a bit angry. "So don't be an ass, because I will kick your ass, and it won't be fun."

Tony has no doubt that she will, but his nerves and insecurities are in overdrive, and he isn't in the mood to play this game with her. "I don't need or want their—or yours for that matter—fake pity. So why don't you stop and shove it?" he demands, his voice cold. He know he will pay for this later, but he doesn't care.

Natasha's eyes narrows, and her expression changes. "Fake, Stark? I wouldn't use that word to describe Steve's, Barnes', or my feelings, so watch yourself," she says, slowly. Frustration is poking through. "I'll forgive your mistake this time as a building fell on you, but you won't be lucky the next time. And this isn't pity."

His eye twitches, knowing that he has to be careful, but he doesn't slow down. "That's exactly what it is. Don't confuse it with anything else."

She stares at him, eyeing him; there's something in her eyes, a knowing look. "What is it, Stark?" she asks. "What got your panty in a knot?"

Tony has grown tired of this conversion, extremely tired. "Nothing," he snaps back. "Just tired."

Tasha is still giving him a look, eyeing every twitch in the Genius. "So do something, because if you don't, I will, and I doubt you want that," she states.

He knows that's true, but he doesn't need her to tell him this. He knows he has to do something, even if he has no interest in admitting it. He knows he can't go on like this, because he's slowly going insane. "I'm fine," he says, sternly, as he falls back in the bed, hoping she will leave him alone. He doesn't want to talk about this or this fake pity that she thinks is real. Exhausted, he closes his eyes as if to pretend he's going back to bed, not that it's possible with the growing pain. "Not a teenager girl!"

Natasha looks at him one last time before she gets to her feet and walks to the door. For a brief second, there's a change in her expression, but it's gone in a flash. "If you say so. I don't want to see you hiding in your lab again," she said. "And I'm not alone. Remember that, Stark. Remember that."

"I remember everything, Romanoff," he replies as Natasha closes the door behind her.

*O*O*

Tony waits until Natasha is gone and down the hall before he opens his eyes, and for a while, he just stares at the ceiling before he rolls toward the edge of the bed. It's like he's in a slow motion movie as he's moving ever so slowly. Every movement feels like there are needles stabbing him, and it's extremely painful. Sure, the nanos are working and healing him quite well, but there's only so much they can do. Like with most injuries, he needs to rest. He knows he needs to, but he can't sleep here. Not here, not where he used to sleep with his Brooklyn Boys. Not where he used to feel so L—No! He refuses to use that word, because it isn't that. It was never that, and now, this place is tainted. He can't sleep here anymore.

Besides, the best place to rest is in his lab, where he can be left alone to his own devices. It's where he can be alone—No, he isn't hiding. He's Tony Stark, and he doesn't hide. He faces his fear, but the lab is just where he can think, where he doesn't have to lie. It's where he can be his truth self, where he isn't judge. It's his nest. His home. So who cares if it is his safe net, the place he goes to when he's hurting? Who cares if he spends hours in the lab? Who the hell cares? It's where he feels like himself, and he isn't giving that up. Not for anyone. It's the one true thing in his life.

However, just as he kicks his feet over the edge, the door to his room flies open, slamming hard against the wall. The loud thud snaps Tony back to reality, and it feels like someone has stolen his breath. Forcing himself to take a few deep breaths, he stills as he knows who it is before they even step into the room. He fights back his groan as their footsteps echo across the floor. Why couldn't they have held off a few minutes? He could've been gone…He could've been hidden. He isn't ready for this. He isn't ready to lose the two best things in his life, but it will happen and he knows it. Neither Rogers nor Barnes look happy.

Tony glances at the two from the corner of his eyes, reading their stoic forms. James and Steve are two different people, and that's perfectly clear. Steve's emotions are written over all his face; he's worried and tired, but yet, there's relief on his face as he looks at Tony. Bucky, on the hold hand, is stiff and closed off, and he's angrier more than anything else. He looks like he's ready to pounce on someone, and that look alone can scare small children—though he can do that to pretty much anybody.

Barnes doesn't say a word as he breaks away from Steve and essentially jumps over the bed to get Tony. For a second, Tony forgets his feelings and just stares at the man as his shirt—which seems to be a size too small- stretches against his chest. It seems like the both of them have the bad habit of wearing tight shirts that stick to every part of their bodies, leaving nothing to the imagination. Tony curses that part of his brain that stares, and he hates himself even more.

In Tony's distraction, Bucky doesn't waste a moment to get in front of him, and a second doesn't pass before Barnes' hands are on Tony, touching every part of him. Every inch. The hands start at the top of the genius and slowly work their down, touching as much skin as possible. Tony's face heats and brightens up to unnatural colors, and he doesn't have it in him to smash those feelings down. This is the first time that Barnes has touched him in over a week, and it feels amazing. He feels like he's loved, even if he knows Barnes and Rogers will never love him and that it's all fake pity. Using that, Tony snaps back and stays strong, as he refuses to fall apart now. He can't. Not Now.

"Why are you out of bed, Dollface?" James asks as he tries to get the genius back into bed. His grip is soft but firm, and it's hard to put up much of a fight against the former assassin. "You need to be resting."

"I'm fine," Tony says as he tries to scoot out of Barnes' hands, which isn't lost on the super soldiers. When he's able to break free of Bucky's grip—which isn't easy to say the least, Tony knows it isn't a result of anything that he has done.

Steve, who looks like he has ran an hundred miles, walks the long way around the bed to take a spot next to the stilled Bucky. "What's going on in your head?" he asks, putting a hand on Tony's knee. Tony doesn't answer and stares at the ground as he crowds near the head of the bed. "What jumpo do you have going on in there, Tony?"

"Nothing," Barnes replies back, bitterness in his voice. His eyes are drilling into the side of Tony's head as the genius doesn't speak, doesn't move. "Because why else would he fly into that building without backup? Without any advice from your teammates? From your goddamn boyfriends. Your boyfriends, who had to wait hours for an update on your status. Hours, Stark! We weren't even allowed to wait at your bedside with Romanoff standing guard? Do you fucken know how that feels?" He's shaking in anger as Tony remains quiet. "Damn it, Tony, answer me."

Hearing Barnes' angst and anger, the silent genius turns to them. Tony looks between the two, and he can't help but admit that these two look good together without him. Their looks compliment the other, and even, their personalities are a good match. They're the perfect fit for the other as they balance the other, and that balance doesn't include Tony. He sees it now, and he'll only hurt this perfect couple if he stays—not that he can. He, Tony Stark, is a completely asshole, who cares for no one but himself unlike these two. Just look at them. They save cats from trees while he just laughs. "I'm fine," he says, unsure what else to say. What can he say to Bucky?

"You have a broken arm and leg," Steve states, plainly, his eyes falling to the boot on his foot and the cast on his arm. He's glaring at them as if they're the devil.

Bucky's eyes narrow as he stares at Tony. "So you're getting back into that bed whether you like it or not, while Steve and I take care of you," he says, sternly. His expression is almost cold, like he's daring Tony to disobey.

However, Tony isn't one to back down from a challenge, and he's willing to face it head on, even if he's shattering on the inside. He shakes his head and pushes farther away from them. Even if he isn't looking directly at them, he can see the shock and surprise on their faces as he pushes away. "I don't need nor want you guys to play nurse," he says, scooting as fast as he can. He can't be this close to them, because he can't think straight with them close.

"Tony," Steve calls, his eyes studying him. He's breaking, and it's clear.

"No, you don't get to do this," Bucky snaps, pain present in his voice, as he follows after the limped Tony. "You don't get to be stupid, almost get yourself killed, and run away. You don't-"

"Bucky," Steve says, cutting him off. There's a soft warning in his voice.

Bucky turns to Steve slightly, giving him a look. "No, he doesn't get to do this, and you agree with me. I know you do."

"Yes, but, Buck-"

"No," Barnes barks. "I'm right and you know it. You were complaining about it too, complaining how he never takes anything serious. Never listens. Just rushes in head first without a second thought. Just admit it. For a fucken genius, he's fucken stupid." He's yelling now. "He doesn't care what anyone else is feeling. He just does whatever the fuck he wants!"

Tony can feel his heart shatter in his chest as he listens to James. Hearing them side with the other is the last shot to the heart he can take. He may lo—nope, nope, he doesn't. He can't. He may care for them, but he can't do this, be the odd one out. He really can't. Why did he ever think this was a good idea? He can't believe that he thought this could work. They'll always side with each other no matter what the situation is. If they do it now, what happens when they disagree on something bigger? Will they go to war against him again? "Is that how you feel, Rogers?" he asks, dryly, trying to hide both his mental and physical pain.

There's a small twitch in Steve's eye as he gets the last name treatment from Tony. Everyone knows what that means, and it isn't good. "Tony, it isn't-"

"The truth, Cap," Tony snaps.

There's an open struggle on the Captain's face, and it's clear that there's something he wants to say but is scared to say it. "Buck's right, Tony," he burst out, quickly and suddenly. "You're riskless and careless. Doesn't listen. I…" He drifts off as he takes a deep breath and rubs his chin. His eyes are glued on Tony. "D-Do you know how it feels to see you disappear into that building, refusing to accept our requests to talk?" His voice is breaking, shaking, but there's something else in his tone. "Do…you care, Tony?"

"You could've died, Tony." Bucky adds, bitterness still in his voice. "Do you understand? Can you with that fucken brain of yours understand how we felt? How we feel? I thought we lost you." He keeps close to Tony, almost as if he's afraid the genius will disappear. "I thought I lost you…"

Steve crosses to the other side of Tony as anger is suddenly in his voice. "You need to listen for once in you-"

When Tony's in pain, anger is his best friend, and he'll always go there. He'll always start a fight, always, because it's his safe place. "Sorry, I'm fucken Stupid," he snaps as he gets to his feet and pushes pass them. "I'm sorry I'm such an asshole. Such a fuck up." He knows he's starting a fight with them; in fact, he wants this to end in a fight. It will make it easier. "Why don't you two just follow me everywhere I go and stop me from doing anything remotely dangerous? It seems like I can't do anything right with the two of you."

Steve's eyes widen as the anger and color drains from his face. "No, Tony, it isn-"

Tony's eyes shift between the two. "I can't deal with this," he says, waving at them. He just can't.

Unlike with Steve, Bucky groans in annoyance and keeps going. "You can't just run away, Stark. We're in a relationship together, and you can't be pulling this shit."

Steve lets out a painful sigh as he looks at Bucky. He eyes the pain expression on his boyfriend's face before he turns back to Tony. "Come on, Tony…" He starts but is only met with silence. He takes a deep breath, waiting for Tony to speak, and when he doesn't, he adds, "He's right. You have to talk to us. I know there's something wrong."

"Since the two of you know everything, why don't you tell me?! Tell me where I'm going wrong," he yells, hobbling away from them and toward the door. They make no attempt to stop him, even when he limps pass them. They don't try to stop him when he almost traps over his foot, over the heavy boot. They just watch him with wide eyes. "Tell me what I'm screwing up, because I'm so fucken stupid."

Steve takes few deep breath. "No, Tony. It isn't that."

"Stop, Rogers. Stupid doesn't look good on you," Tony snaps, coldly.

Bucky closes his eyes for a few seconds, taking a few breaths, as he realizes that this conversion has turned dangerous. "Come on, Dollface. Let's get you back to bed," he says, his voice soft. "Please, Tony…" he begs as the genius doesn't turn to face them and remains deadly quiet. "I'm sorry. Please." His expression is nervous as he stares at Tony's back. "I just…I am…I…I worry. I can't lose you. I can't. Not after…"

Tony winks in pain as the pain meds have completely worn off, which is the last thing that he wants. He doesn't want to be around them when he's like this. He doesn't want to be a mess in front of them. "Don't worry. You two don't need to be concerned about me anymore," he says softly, as he reaches for the door.

He doesn't need to see Steve and Bucky to know that there's panic on their faces. "W-What are you talking about?" Steve asks, shaky. His tone is very unSteve like, and it almost makes Tony do a doubt take. Barnes, on the other hand, is extremely silent and standing very stiff, almost like he is a statue.

"I'm ending this," he says, turning slightly. He avoids looking at them in the eyes as he stares in their direction. "You two," he starts, waving mindlessly at them, "can do whatever you want but without me."

Barnes' hands ball at his side as Steve takes a shaky step forward. "W-what?" Rogers shutters. "You don't mean that."

Tony hobbles on his good leg as he turns back to the door. The pain is making it hard to think, and it is getting harder and harder to control his urges. He just wants to bury himself into their arms, but he can't. He knows he can't, but it doesn't mean that it isn't on his mind. "I meant what I said," he says. "I'm breaking up with you two, and you two can do whatever you two do, but leave me the hell out of it."

"Tony," Rogers utters again, his voice shaky. "No!" he says strongly. "Stop. Come on, Tony. Let's talk about this." His voice is breaking with every word. "Please. Tell us what's wrong. We can fix it," he begs as he talks a step forward.

Barnes hasn't spoken another word or moved, and Tony doesn't know which reaction is worse. Steve's voice hits him right in the heart, while Bucky's silence finishes the job. This hurts more than he expects to, hurts more than anything he has ever felt before. It hurts more than the two of them beating him into a bloody mess. "No, Cap. It's over," he utters as he puts on one of his many masks, which will be the only way he can make it through this. And before Steve can say another word, Tony limps out the door. "You two have fun without me, though I have no doubt that you will."

The end for now.

Don't kill me, but I love cliffhangers, and this chapter was calling to be ended here. It really was. When I was writing this, I kept thinking this was a good cliffhanger. So here you go.

Natasha gives some hard love, while Bucky and Rogers are wondering what the hell happened.

Anyhow, until next time. I should be able to get the final chapter out in a few days. Just need to finish it up.

:)