It had been 7 months since the Rouges had been brought back to the states.
It was certainly not the way Steve thought it would be like. The Accords were still around, and the only way that they could return was singing them. They weren’t even brought back because the world needed them, it was made clear that the reason they were brought to the states was because all hands on deck were needed to fight Thanos. If it wasn’t for that....the only other way they would have returned to the states, would be heading directly to jail cells.
When they returned, everything had changed. Steve was stripped from his post as leader of the Avengers, and he could do nothing about it. Rhodes And Danvers were in charge, and any favoritirism the Rouges enjoyed under Steve’s leadership was long gone. The training they got was harsh, and it was clearly a way to get back at them, but the Rouges didn’t have any way to proof it was intentional.
They were heavily restricted. With the compound renovated since the team expanded, their old rooms with all of their personal tastes were gone. They were confined to a wing, which each Rouge was given a simple room, and they had a common room for themselves. Many areas of the compound were off limits to them, like the west wing where most of the team members that stay at the compound live, or the labs. Each member of the Rouges (except Scott that had returned to the states long before the rest and had already passed threw everything, and Bucky who stayed in Wakanda, much to Steve’s sadness) had to wear electric tags and were watched at all times. FRIDAY was ordered to monitor them and report anything she thought was suspicious. If they did any offense, it would be reviewed, and should it be considered serious enough, or if they had already committed enough prior offenses, the pardon would be scrapped and the Rouges would be sent straight to the Raft to face trial.
Yet despite all of this, what shocked the Rouges the most, was the level of hostility they faced with the rest of the team. The new faces wanted nothing to do with them, while the old ones clearly didn’t want them here. Even Thor and Bruce, who weren’t present, and Steve was sure they would side with him, didn’t hide their anger the times they saw them. One of the times they tried to speak to the latter ended with the Hulk showing up and telling them just what he wanted to do to them. That ended all attempts to get them to their side.
Yet what confused them the most was that all the hostility had one thing in common. The protectiveness the new team have for Tony Stark.
The Rouges didn’t understand, sure things certainly didn’t end how they thought they would. But why would the New team be protective of Stark. Specially after what he did in Siberia. Yet any mentioning of the event brought anger towards the Rouges.
They had tried to speak with Tony, specially Steve, but the genius avoided them constantly. Steve really wanted to speak to the genius. He hadn’t taken the silence well, or the fact that Tony returned the phone he gave him.
He specially didn’t take well when he heard Tony had began a relationship with Nat’s sister, Yelena Belova. It took almost a whole afternoon back in Wakanda to calm Steve down.
The Rouges knew Steve had feelings for Tony, which of course made the, angrier about his betrayal in Siberia.
Speaking to Tony thought was practically impossible. The man was never alone when they saw him, someone else prevented them from taking the man to a private conversation. Steve was so desperate to talk to the man, that he had taken to actually stalk Tony, following the man around every time he was in an area he could be. Steve only stopped after Carol and Everett Ross had placed him aside and warned him his behavior was not acceptable and could put his pardon in question. He later learned Tony had filed a complain about it.
Steve destroyed four punching bags that night. And somehow got in his head that Yelena filed that form, since she was afraid Tony would go to him.
I. Short. Instead of being the heroes of the day, and returning to how things were, itching went according to the Rouges plans. The Accords are still around and stronger. The people disliked them. Didn’t trust them. The team was all against them. Tony refused to pay for them, make their equipment, or even talk to them.
All they still had was their unity as a team, facing all of this challenges.
Yet one morning, that was all about to change.
Steve had woken up and joined the others on the common room. For once they didn’t have morning training on a weekend. Carol had meetings and Rhodes was busy on a conference.
“Hey Guys, look at this.” Sam said. “Stark is giving a conference on live news in 20 minutes.”
“What ?” Steve asked. “What is it about.”
“Here says it’s mostly to announce the new Earth defense mechanism S.I developed with the Baxter Foundation and Pym Tech.....though there is also a headline of a bit suprise.”
“A big suprise ?” Steve wondered what could it be. Ever since they returned, no one told them what Tony was doing. The times Steve mentioned Ultron got him into trouble with the other members. “We should watch it.”
“Ugh.” Wanda groaned. “Why would we watch what Stark is saying.”
“Because That suprise might involve the Avengers.” Nat said. “And that could either involve us or could give us something to use and finally get some power back.”
“Ugh, it’s gonna take a while for him to get to that surprise.” Clint said.
“Nat is right Clint. We need to see this.”
Steve needed to know what Tony is doing. He misses the genius so much. Why did Tony have to be hard and not just come to Steve. Didn’t he miss the team ? The family !
There is no way Tony hasn’t gotten over Siberia. Steve did the right thing there. He us sure Tony understands.
Not to mention whatever he has with Belova, does not compare to Steve’s feelings.
He wants Tony, he wants to be with him, and once e finally gets to speak to the genius, he will get the life he deserves.
No Accords, no hostility. The team will be united, under Steve’s leadership. They would all follow him and they would protect the earth. And Tony would be at his side,
It would be perfect.
So with that, Steve turned to the TV.
He frowned though. Tony wasn’t alone. Rhodes being there was no surprise....but why were Thor and Bruce there as well ?
He glared When he saw Belova as well. Steve is sure she was the one to write that complain against him, keeping him from Tony. Could she be secretly abusing him, of so then Steve will take care of it.
Like Clint said, most of the conference were company stuff that honestly only Nat understood. Steve almost regretted watching this.
“Guys he’s doing it !” Sam called.
Finally ! Steve turned to look at the tv.
Tony then grabbed Yelena’s hand and started saying things about....how much he loved her.
Then.....then he got on his knees.
No.....
“Yelena Light of my life.” Tony said on the tv. “Will you marry me ?”
The world froze to Steve.
Tony....had just asked her to marry him !
This can’t be happening ! What about Steve !
Then Yelena....she said yes.
Steve exploded.
“NOOOO ! THIS......THIS CANT BE HAPPENING. HE CAN’T DO THIS TO ME !”
Steve started walking around stressed.
“Steve calm down man !” Sam said.
“Calm down ! CALM DOWN ! THE MAN I LOVE IS GETTING MARRIED AND FORGOT ABOUT ME ! I THOUGHT WE HAD SOMETHING.”
“That was before the Civil War. You know how petty Tony can be.” Natasha said, with a small sad tone on her voice. She had tried to get along with Yelena, but her sister was avoiding her.
“BUT WE.....I.....AAH !l
“I still don’t understand what you see in Stark.” Wanda grumbled. “You are better without him. Bastard....after all he does and now he is getting married, while Vision won’t even talk to me ! He should be suffering !”
“That’s enough Wanda !” Sam said. He was angry with Stark as well but that didn’t mean anyone should wish someone suffered. “And Steve you need to calm down.’ Get that this hurts you, but man.....this is Tony’s choice. She is his partner, not you. I’m sorry man but that’s life. There is nothing you can do about it.”
“NO...NO YOU DONT UNDERSTAND. THIS.....THIS IS A FARCE, IT HAS TO BE, I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING !”
Steve in frustration punched the table, breaking it.
“I NEVER THOUGHT TONY WOULD GO THIS FAR...HE JUST WANTS TO PUNISH ME. PUNISH ME FOR NOT TELLING HIM THAT BUCKY KILLED HIS PARENTS. ACH HE CAN BE SO PETTY ! IT IS NOT FAIR.”
Steve started to go to the door. He had to stop this he had to....
“Steve....What is this about Tony’s parents ?” Natasha asked.
“What do you mean, what about....”
“You just said. This is Tony punishing you because.....you didn’t tell him Barnes killed his parents.” Sam said slowly.
Steve suddenly pales.
In his outburst.....he had spoken more of what he intended to.
He slowly turned to his team.
“Guys....”
“WHAT THE HELL STEVE !” Clint yelled suddenly. “You.....fuck how the fuck could you do that to him !”
“Guys..”
“Steve.....did you just call Tony being angry at you....hiding his parents murderer....petty ? Oh my god. All those times we used his money and Tec to find Barnes,... we used his money to find his parents killer !”
“No Sam it wasn’t like that ! Bucky is innocent, it was the Winter Soldier !”
“Do you seriously think that matters now Steve ! You lied to him ! They were his parents, he had a right to know !”
Steve started panicking. This wasn’t supposed to happen ! He knew he couldn’t hide the events of Siberia forever. But he wanted to talk to Tony first, so they could agree that it was better for Tony to accept his fault and that Bucky’s part was kept secret.
“That’s what triggered the fight in Siberia.” Natasha said. Steve looked st her in panic. “You said that Tony betrayed you, that he attacked you and Barnes without reason.....but that was also a lie right. Tony learned about this in Siberia. That’s what triggered the fight.”
Steve didn’t speak. And that made it clear to the team that Natasha had hit the spot.
“If I may Ms. Romanoff.” FRIDAY spoke. “Instead of letting Mr. Rogers tell another fake retailing of the story. I could show you the suit cam from the fight, as well as footage from the Hydra base. I must warn you, the footage is not easy to watch.”
“Do it FRIDAY.”
Suddenly the TV played the fight. From the moment Zemo turned the screen to show Tony the truth.
Steve wanted to turn the dam thing off. But when he tried Clint pointed an arrow at him. He could do nothing to stop this.
Sam, Clint, ans Natasha were all horrified from what they saw. Even Wanda, who didn’t like Tony, started to wince and Yelp at that. Even she was horrified.
Soon, Steve’s lies came crumbling down.
When the video finally ended, the TV shut up.
“Lucky for Boss. King T’Challa wasn’t fullish enough to believe Mr. Rogers when he claimed Boss was Allright. He called for help, and Vision extracted Boss as soon as he could. Boss spent 2 months in a coma.” FRIDAY spatted. “He almost died three times. And we almost had to put the arc reactor back.” At that Natasha And Clint winced. They knew what that thing did to a person. “Lucky. Thor managed to get a stronger cure for Boss from space. I hope this clears out all of the lies Mr. Rogers has spilled.”
Steve glared at the roof. FRIDAY should not have done that. Steve was gonna explain !
“What.....what the fuck Steve.” Clint said quietly. “You.....oh my god....all the times we blamed Stark.....and it was never his fault....it was yours !”
“No Clint....you saw the footage, Tony attacked us !”
“Yeah, BECAUSE HE SAW THE MAN KILLED HIS PARENTS RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. IF I HAD SEEN LAURA OR MY KIDS GET KILLED BY BARNES, I WOULD SHOOT HIM IN SIGHT !”
“But it wasn’t Bucky !” Steve cried. “It was the Winter Soldier ! Tony knew that !”
“Steve.....you think that matters right there. Seriously !” Sam said. “Do you know what grieve is ? Tony had just seen his parents die ! By Barnes’ hand. At that time, it was impossible for him to rationalize. Grief took over him.”
“And even then....” Natasha said. “Tony didn’t attack Barnes after he saw the video. He stopped when you told him....he only attacked....when you confessed to have lied. He attacked you Steve, and then Barnes got in it.”
Steve looked around and saw disgust and anger in their faces. Even Wanda wasn’t looking at him !
“You told me you told him Steve !” Natasha said. “You told me when you went to ask for funding for the search that you told him and he understood ! Those were your words !”
“You also knew..” Steve said quietly.
“Are you.....ugh. Yes I knew and if I remember I was gonna tell him until you said you would. Because you thought it was better coming from you because of your connection to Barnes. I’d admit I should have checked on him. But you told me he didn’t want to talk with me about it, because he was still mad at me for the poisoning issue. I respected what I thought were his choices. You lied about that as well.”
Steve didn’t speak. But that was all the others needed.
“Holly shit. Turns out everyone was right. It’s okay about Barnes with you.” Clint said. “As long as Barnes is safe, fuck everyone else. I mean you claim to love Tony, but you decided to fight him the moment he understandably got mad at Barnes. Fuck that fight...that fight was awful, how could you do that Steve !”
“I had to fight him ! He was gonna kill us ! It was self defense !”
“No Steve.” Natasha said firmly. “Tony wasn’t fighting to kill. He has gone toe to toe with Thor and defeated the Hulk with less advanced versions of the suit. If he wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be here. He could have done it in a second.”
“Tony held back, Barnes held back. But you....you didn’t.” Sam said. “You didn’t Steve. You were the one with the clear head. You should have just hold him down while he calmed down but....you fought him like he was an enemy, if someone was fighting to kill....it was you.”
“I didn’t try to kill Tony !”
“No ! STEVE, YOU CRUSHED HIS CHEST WITH YOUR SHIELD. IF IT WASNT FOR THE SUIT PROTECTING IT AND FOR T’CHALLA, TONY WOULD BE DEAD. AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AT YOUR HANDS !” Clint yelled.
“We all knew not to target Tony’s chest. Because of his condition.” Nat growled. “Even Wanda who doesn’t like him at all, doesn’t do that in training. But you did it.”
“I...”
“You left a man behind Steve. That’s the number one rule.” Sam said sick. “You don’t leave an enemy behind, and specially not an ally. Clint is right, if T’Challa had believed you, Tony would be dead, and his death would have been on you.”
Steve looked down. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
First Tony getting engaged to Yelena, and now this.
Steve had to make them understand. He had done the right thing, he protected Bucky. He never wanted to kill Tony, he just wanted to stop him.
He turned to the one person that hadn’t spoke. Wanda would understand. She would be st his side.
“You know.....I knew you were hiding something. I sensed it, your nervousness any time Siberia was brought up. But I didn’t look, thinking it was something good. But seeing this....wow. Vision said I needed something to open my eyes, and I think I got it.”
Seeing Stark go threw the same pain as her, see his family die just like her. It finally did it. It finally opened Wanda’s mind. It showed her what she had denied all this time,
“Stark and I fought for the same reasons. Avenge our parents. The difference. He did try to fight to kill the man that did it.....but I did. And.....not to the person responsable.”
Sam sighted. At least one good thing was happening from this.
“And you claim to love Tony.” Clint spatted.
“I do.” Steve said. “I love Tony. Which is why I need to do something about this engagement.”
“The hell you are,” everyone said.
Just then, the door to their quaters opened. Carol Danvers And Stephen Strange came in.
“We heard the commotion.....and see the broken chair. Would someone like to explain ?” Carol asked.
Sam was the one that talked. Despite Steve signaling him not to.
“We saw Tony proposing to Yelena. Steve....didn’t react well to it.”
“Why would Rogers not react well to the engagement.”
“Steve...has feelings for Tony.”
At that, Carol and Stephen looked at the disgraced Captain in disgust.
“Wow. That’s just wow.” Stephen said. “You try to kill the guy, and you claim to love him. You disgust me Rogers.”
Steve glared And was ready to say something but Sam spoke first.
“Anyway in his emotional outburst.....Steve revealed what truly happened in Siberia.”
“Wait what do you mean.....what did he tell you happened there ?”
“He said Tony betrayed his promise of going as a friend. That he attacked him and Barnes the moment he saw him. But thanks to his outburst and FRIDAY, we know what happened.” Sam glared at Steve, who looked down in shame.
“Wow....I knew Rogers was a liar but,,,,wow.” Carol said.
No one spoke for a moment.
“Dr. Strange.” Wanda said. “Is the offer to train in Karma Tarch still open ? I’d like to take it. I need....I need a new enviroment to think things threw.”
Stephen looked a bit shocked. He didn’t expect this to affect her of all people. But it did, and knowing the power she could have. This was a good sign. “Of course Ms. Maximoff. I’ll prepare the transfer and your room, you get your things ready.”
“Wanda what are you doing !” Steve yelled.
“It is clear that I have deluded myself enough. And you..,you took advantage of that. Because it helped you get what I wanted. I made mistakes, tons of them, wronged so many people....I don’t think I’ll ever be forgiven, but I must try. Life won’t keep giving me chances...I’m determined to use this one well.” With that, she left to pack her things.
“Allright.” Carol said. “That’s something unexpected, but positive. Now, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Barton, Ms. Romanoff. I assume this commotion had a right reason, and that this might change things for you three. If you want to, we can go over the deals and new leadership you have constantly denied, now that your eyes have been open.”
The three nodded. It was time for things to change.
“Good. I’ll meet with you soon. As for you Mr. Rogers. I would like to think you will use this as a chance to reflect over what happens instead of your constant avoidance and neglect to accept things. But I won’t hold out hope. And by the way, that table will be discounted from your salary. No matter your distresse, it doesn’t mean you can destroy things.”
Carol left to the door as well. Natasha quietly after her.
“You might want to warn Tony and Yelena of this.” She whispered. “Steve doesn’t take no for an awnser. After this he is gonna be desperate. He thinks Tony is the key for him to get what he wants and Yelena is the obstácule he has to go threw. They should be prepared.”
Carol nodded. “It’s never too late to be a good sister to her Natasha. You might finally start opening up and seeing the value of honestly after being lied to yourself. I do hope so.” Carol,left with that.
Natasha then left to her room without another word.
Sam looked at Steve once more and shook his head. It was clear he hasn’t been thinking clearly.
Clint glared at Steve. “I said that we should watch our backs with Tony...but it’s clear you are the traitor. Fuck you Rogers.” With that he left, leaving Steve alone.
Steve collapses on the couch. He fought the urge to cry.
He could feel his goal of getting things to how they were getting farther and farther. Now even his own team is drifting away.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
When Carol called Tony about what happened, he didn’t know what to feel.
The fact that Rogers had feelings for him made him sick. He almost threw up (Yelena actually did throw up, so did Rhodey). That he lied to his team about what happened, not surprising. Rogers always lies to make sure that the story make him look good.
What did suprise him. Was how the others reacted. They....they cared about it. They cared about his parents and what happened about it. Even Wanda did ! That was the biggest shock of all.
Wanda was off with Stephen. Which was good. There she could he properly watched, and if she truly desires to redeem herself, that is a good way to start. As for the others, they will probably start being less of a problem.
Rogers is bound to be a bigger problem now of course.
Tony felt a weight come on his shoulder.
“Natasha called me.” Yelena said. “She...she apologized. No excuses, no lies. She has never been like this before. This....truthful.”
“I guess the pain of being lied to by someone she trusted finally made her see how had it is.”
“She said she wanted to talk but she wasn’t gonna Force me, that it’s my choice.”
“And what do you want to do ?”
“I don’t know. I’ll think about it for a while. I need time.”
“That’s fine. That’s your choice.”
“Also if I go to the compound, I might end up shooting Rogers.”
Tony laughed at that.
“Now come on, I know we got Thanos to contend but...it doesn’t hurt to start planning a wedding,”
“Sure we can, let’s go.”
The future might be uncertain.....but it did look bright.
Steve’s outburst turned out to be what the Avengers needed.
Sam, Clint, And Natasha finally started acting like members of the team. They followed orders, they read and followed the Accords, and even got jobs of their own. Clint also started to work things out with Laura, now that he wasn’t blinded by rage.
Wanda was true to her word. She took her training seriously, and stopped trying to get into people’s mind.
All of them had also apologized to Tony as well. Either on person or in a letter.
It also made planning for Thanos easier. No longer did the Rouges hinder or complain about the plans, but they actually listened. They even offered actual helpful feedback when they could.
That as all well and good except for one thing.
Rogers.
While the others got better, he got even more delusional.
Even with his own team done with him. Steve still thought that he could get things back to how they were, to how he wanted them.
And he saw Tony as the key of it. Not to mention of course, his love for Tony, despite the fact Tony is revolted at that, And is very much in love with Yelena.
They only had one confrontation. When Rogers caught Tony alone at the compound kitchen.
“Please Tony. Just listen to me !”
“Fuck off Rogers. I’ve heard you and I have no interest in what you want.”
“But I love you ! I love you much more than she does !”
“Oh sure you love me so much that you almost killed me. Read the book Rogers. I love Yelena. I don’t love you. I don’t even like you. Leave me the fuck alone !”
Tony wanted to end it there, but Rogers held him.
“What the hell....let me go you creep !”
“I love you so much Tony. I’m gonna show it to you and you are gonna see the truth.”
Steve went to kiss Tony ! Tony had never been as grossed out as he was know.
But before Rogers could do anything else. Red myst grabbed him and threw him away.
Tony looked in shock at Wanda....she had stopped this. She...helped him.
“Wanda please. I love him !” Steve cried. Wanda just knocked him out.
She then turned to Tony.
“I know I have done unthinkable things to you. I will never be able to make up for it but...I’m so sorry. Truly. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.”
It was a shot but sincere apology. It meant much more to Tony than that shitty letter Rogers called apology.
They would never be close friends. But if they could get to the point of being comfortable with each other, that would be nice.
Tony reported this of course, Rogers was told he was close to loose his pardon. Pepper used this to get Tony a restriction order from Rogers, as well as getting one to Yelena as well, for her safety.
Speaking of, Yelena at first was beyond eranged from what happened. But then the next day....she looked quite happen. That day Rogers was hospitalized because of a....training incident. His fiancée only told him she and Valkyrie had gone to a girls night out..
Tony knew them becoming friends was a bad idea. So did Bruce.
Thanos came. They fought for two hard weeks. Had many close calls, but in the end. They did it. Tony and Carol held Thanos long enough for Thor to come in and chop his head off.
They had won. The universe was safe.
In order to celebrate, Tony and Yelena wedded sooner than planned.
By this time. The members of the former team cap had redeemed themselves and were all invited to their wedding. All but their former leader of course. Who he later learned had attempted to get into the wedding, but was held back by many of Tony’s new friends.
Then two months after they got married. Rogers finally blew all of his chances.
Key word, Barnes.
Barnes had finally gotten free of the triggers. Like the others, he apologized to Tony, and Tony responded with an apology of his own. They made up and a new friendship was born. But James (he doesn’t like going by Bucky any longer) had found a new home in New Asgard. With certain trickster specifically.
Rogers or course blew up when he heard his precious Bucky was with that war criminal Loki. He tried to get to New Asgard, and assaulted the agents that tried to stop him. He later claimed he thought they were Hydra but no one believed him. A whole street was evacuated and 4 agents were seriously hurt, before Carol came in and finally took care of Rogers.
When one of those agents died from a blow on the head, the council had enough of Steve Rogers and his troubles.
His pardon was scrapped. He faced trial for his actions in the Civil War as well as what he did after. Rogers would Later he sentenced to life in prison.
He tried to get in contact with Tony (up to this date, he was still in love with Tony and thinks he can win him over) but Tony was done with Steve Rogers.
As for his former team....
Clint fixes his marriage. He fully retired after Thanos and he stuck with it. He trained an apprentice, Kate Bishop, who became the new Hawkeye.
Sam would end up becoming the new Captain America after Steve’s arrest, having proven himself. He became one of the leaders of the Avengers alongside Rhodey and Carol.
Wanda stayed with the Sorceres, and became Stephen’s partner in dealing with magical issues. She and Vision didn’t recandle their romance, but did become true friends again.
Natasha After years of changing, finally became a trusty person. And after a long progress, she and Yelena made up. They became sister, to the point Tony was more than fine with her being Auntie Nat to little Morgan, when she was born after Tony, Bruce, And Shuri managed to fix the damage Yelena suffered from the Red Room. She then gifted the world with his little girl. Who was born in a much better world.
Who knew that outburst from Rogers would have changed everything for the better.
Tony looked at his wife, who was holding their daughter as she ate her meal.
Tony was happy. He had finally reached that point where he was happy with his life.
And it couldn’t feel any better.