Tony never expected things to go like this after New York. He never expected the team to be anything close to an actual team. Bruce had been right when he called them a ticking time bomb. He never expected to get close to any of these people. The Battle happened and then they all went their separate ways, off into the wind. The only other person he saw was Bruce and that was because he dragged the man into his labs personally. He never expected to be a true part of it. Consultant, remember? Arrogant, selfish, textbook narcissism, doesn't play well with others. That's him. And, out of everything else, he wasn't expecting to fall in love with Steve Rogers.

But maybe that part he should have been expecting all along.

Growing up, all Tony had heard about from Howard was the great Captain America, the amazing Steve Rogers. He was the peak of human perfection in every way – strong, kind, brave, smart, charming when he wanted to be. He was the expectation of Tony's entire life.

It started off as hero worship when he was a kid. It turned to bitterness by time he was a teen, in MIT, and still not able to measure up. He was always lacking, when it came to the Great Captain America, saviour of us all. Whatever. Who needs Howard's approval? Tony is smarter than him anyways.

And then he learns this so called Great Captain was alive. He had been frozen for decades and now, when they thawed him out, turns out he survived. So he can continue to be the great saviour of us all. Great. Super. Fantastic. Call him with something really important happens next time.

Next then he learns that he is going to actually work with the man. Agent made the decision to bring him in and now he is going to be on a team with him. His child self would have been thrilled. His teen self would have spit in his face. Now? Tony isn't sure what to think, so he decides to wait. Overall, he isn't impressed. They rub each other wrong and fight and growl at each other like two alpha wolves competing for the title.

But, somehow, they work. They stop the aliens and save the world and go out for shawarma afterwards. It's good. When they part ways, he doesn't expect to see them again until the next threat, frankly. Why would he? Sure, a bond is formed, but one battle a team does not make. There is more to it than that. So he goes back to his Tower and drags Bruce along with him. He repairs the building and helps rebuild the city and then moves on.

But in the back of his mind, he can't help thinking about it. Eventually the team is going to need a place to stay, all together. He's seen what's out there. He knows what's coming. He has enough panic attacks about it. So he starts to prepare for that too.

He had thought about making the Tower the central for the team. But then he thought about how many other superheroes were popping up in the city. And he thought about the trouble it might cause if someone decided to attack Avengers headquarters. And how, while he could redesign the Tower, this isn't what it was built for. So he looks at the land he owns and finds a perfect place to build. It's an old warehouse of Howard's that hasn't been touched in years. Perfect. He begins construction immediately.

He makes sure it has all the necessary things like a gym sturdy enough to hold up to Rogers and Thor's strength, a shooting range with high tech targets that can move, a swimming pool – not that he would ever go near that one. He makes a living room filled with couches and chairs and pillows and blankets. He adds all the gaming systems one could ever want, a huge flat screen, DVDs and games already programmed into it, via JARVIS. He designs bedrooms and a large enough kitchen, a big dining room. A workshop for him and a lab for Bruce. Basically anything he thinks the team would need to make the place a home.

It takes time, but that's fine. So does the team. Bruce has already left for parts unknown again, not use to staying in one place. He misses him sure, but he sends him off well prepared, no matter how much the other man protests. His science bro isn't going to lack for a thing.

And in the meantime, he still has a Company to run. He has a wonderful girlfriend to date. He has his panic attacks to deal with. He's not lacking in things to do while he waits. While he prepares. Because, one day, it's going to be needed.

But then shit goes down. The Mandarin happens and Extremis and Killian. Everyone thinks he's dead and he's not sure if he should contact the team or not. Then everything happens all at once and he falls back on relying on himself, like he has always done. Rhodey helps of course and Pepper gets turned into a badass against her will. But in the end, it always seems to come down to him and his messes. He has to atone for his mistakes.

Besides, Rogers didn't pick up his damn phone when he called anyways. After all, nothing important. It's only the President of the United States of America. Why would he think Captain America would be of use?

The only saving grace out of this whole mess was that his bots were out of the house and into the Compound when it got destroyed. He isn't sure what he would do if his bots got damaged in the process. He'd never forgive himself.

So life goes on. He has the arc reactor removed and Extremis tweaked. Pepper has it removed entirely and Tony... may have injected himself with that tweaked version. And not just so he can have his operation either. Not that he mentions that to anyone.

Pepper decides she has had enough of this. She can be his friend. She can be his CEO. But she cannot be his girlfriend. Not after this. Pepper is a strong woman, he knows. She can take whatever he throws at her. She has always been there for him. But his world is changing and she can't change with it. She is still loyal, but her world is the business world, not superheroes and villains. He understands completely. He still wonders how this is his life sometimes.

And then Captain America is declared a fugitive and Fury is killed and the Winter Soldier is real. What a fucking disaster. Tony isn't surprised when he doesn't get a call. A bit pissed, but not surprised. At least Tony had tried. So, instead, he works in the background and grits his teeth when he has to clean up their mess. He prioritizes the information Natasha dumps, making sure it is HYDRA's secrets that are spilled and not anyone else's. He rolls his eyes at the dramatic way they take down the helicarriers. As if he didn't send JARVIS into their system first thing. He wishes someone would pick up their goddamn cell phone.

So SHIELD falls. Cap gets the shit beat out of him. And apparently no one stays dead. Ever. Because, as it turns out, the Winter Soldier is actually Bucky Barnes. Of course he is. Of course. Why the hell not? If it wasn't for the fact that he knows where Aunt Peggy is, he would expect her to pop up next. Hmm, he wonders if Extremis can help with Alzheimer's...

But after all that shit, then the team finally comes together. It is as messy as the first time, but Tony can't help but love it. He is an extrovert, he thrives on people. And these people, slowly but surely, are becoming a team. An actual team. Sure, they drive him crazy some days, but they are growing on him. Bruce returns and he has someone to talk science with. Clint is there to joke around with and watch cheesy movies and basically be obnoxious to. Natasha is like the scary, protective sister you never want to piss off. Thor... well, to put this in the nicest way possible, Thor is the golden retriever of the group. Not that he's trying to be an ass – this time – but Thor reminds him of a lovable, hyper dog. Plus, it's not like he's not stupid or anything, just not the best with Earth culture yet.

And then there's Steve.

Steve, who he finds out, is just as perfect and as wonderful as Howard always said he was. Not because he actually is perfect, but because he's not, but he is still the best person Tony knows. God he is so screwed.

"Hey Cap," Tony greets when he walks into the kitchen.

Steve looks up from the newspaper – the actual newspaper, not an electronic copy – and smiles. "Hi Tony," he says.

Tony feels his insides melt. Just a little bit. Thank fuck there are no mind readers on the team. His reputation would never survive. All this pining he is doing? Pathetic.

"Anything interesting?"

"They covered the latest battle on the front page."

Tony rolls his eyes as he pours himself a cup of coffee. "Giant rabbits," he mutters, "dear fuck, someone is either on acid or wants to good laugh. Giant rabbits. How is this my life again?"

Steve snorts in amusement. "How is it all our lives? Pretty sure none of us knew what we were getting into when we signed up for this."

"I'd say the aliens were a good clue," Clint tells them as he walks in, "Anyone accusing us of killing Bugs Bunny?"

"Not yet," Steve tells him dryly.

Clint pulls some leftover pasta from the refrigerator and pops it into the microwave. "Personally, I think we're all on acid and just don't know it. Some douche probably put it in the water and let us all drink it. Who'd know?"

"Don't be an idiot," Natasha draws as she casually steals the pasta from Clint.

"Hey!"

"It's most likely distributed through several fast food restaurants. It would hide it better and everyone eats it anymore. Too many people drink bottled water for your theory to work."

"What about the health nuts? I bet they don't eat fast food. And give me that, I was going to eat that Tasha. Find your own!"

"And that's why I am not simply referring to McDonald's and such, but a variety. Really Clint," she rolls her eyes and doesn't give Clint his food back.

"Fertilizer," Bruce tells them.

"What?"

"That would be the best way. It is unavoidable that way. No one is so self sufficient that they produce all of their own food. It wouldn't matter what you ate or where you got it from, eventually you would eat something that the acid fertilized," he reasons.

Tony laughs. "I'm with Brucie Bear," he agrees, "that would work the best."

"But what about Steve?" Clint asks, "wouldn't the serum burn it up before it affected him? He can't get drunk after all."

"With how much he eats?" Tony taps his finger to his chin, "hmm."

"Depending on how much was introduced to his system and in what quantities, as well as taking into account of how often it was, theoretically it could be possible," Bruce speculates.

"Great! That means Steve is as crazy as the rest of us," Clint grins. "Ow! Tasha, that hurt."

"Then do not be such a child."

"Oh like you're any better? You just pretend you are."

"That would explain why I live here," Steve teases.

Tony grins. It would explain a lot, but he can't say he minds. Over the past two years or so, he's gotten use to these nutcases. He can't imagine life without them anymore.

"So Steve," Tony says as he sits next to him, "there's a new Star Trek on at the theaters. Want to go see it? We can grab a bite to eat afterwards at that pizza shop you like."

"Sure Tony, that sounds great."

"Yeah, what time?" Clint butts in.

"Does it look like I was talking to you Legolas? Sorry, plus one only."

Clint sticks his tongue out at him. "Bros before hoes man, I thought we were cool?"

"Don't be an idiot Clint," Natasha says before she takes another bite of her stolen pasta. "It's date night. Let the parents have their fun."

As expected, whenever a comment like this comes up, Steve rolls his eyes at them. "And I expect you to be in bed by time we get home. No staying up late to watch horror movies now."

"But Dad!" Clint fake whines.

"I mean it. Bed on time or no TV for a week."

"No fair," Clint continues to pout.

It always makes Tony's stomach flutter to hear them joke like this. He knows Steve doesn't mean it. He knows they are just joking around. It doesn't have any special value to it. Not to the soldier. But it does to Tony. He has yet to work up the courage to ask Steve out for real, but he takes any chance to spend time with the man. He is sure the others know, especially by now, but they never say anything. He's more than thankful for that. He doesn't want Steve to freak on him. He is taking baby steps with this. Very, very, very small baby steps. He doesn't want to mess this up.

"Super. Show time is at six fifteen. Are we gonna take your bike?"

"You think I am going to let you drive?"

"As if you're any better Cap," Tony bumps his shoulder, "You just get away with more. No one wants to disappoint Captain America."

"It's the pout. No one wants to make Captain America pout," Clint adds, smirking.

"I do not pout."

"Lies. Lies and slander," Tony shakes his head, "who knew Captain America could be such a bad influence. No wonder America's youth is going down the drain, with you as their role model."

"I thought that was you?"

"No, no. That was last week. This week you are definitely the cause. I think someone caught you cussing out Bugs."

"Captain, language," Natasha fake gasps.

"It was going to eat me. Forgive me for being a little shocked."

"Is that what they use to call it?" Bruce asks innocently.

Tony cackles. Oh how he loves his science bro.

"Knock it off you guys," Steve grumbles.

Tony throws his arms around the other man. "Don't worry Steve, you're still my favorite," he reassures jokingly. Or at least it sounds joking. He's serious though. Steve is definitely his favorite.

"It's true," Clint adds, nodding vigorously, "he's always pining when you're not around."

Tony gives Clint the finger.

Natasha sighs. "Men."

Tony reluctantly lets go of Steve. "See you tonight buttercup."

"Bye Tony," he says fondly, smiling.

-xxx-

They are eating when it happens. The memory of this night will forever be burned into Tony's mind. The night he learns it is all for not. The night he learns he can never win.

"...Honestly, Cumberbatch was what made Khan this time around. Not sure how I felt about the rest of the movie," Tony continues.

"I don't know," Steve says slowly, "I can see where he is coming from."

"You can see where the mass murder is coming from? Something you want to share with the class Steve?" he raises an eyebrow.

Steve shakes his head. "No, not that part. I don't condone the violence. Killing is wrong. But how he would do anything for his crew... that part I can see," he gets a distant look on his face and Tony knows exactly what he is thinking about. Or, rather, who. Barnes. Bucky. Steve's best friend. He still looks for him, when he can. He still thinks about him. He still misses him more than anything.

It's another reason why Tony has never said anything. Because he has his suspicions and he doesn't want confirmation of them. This is painful enough as it is.

He grabs Steve's hand. "We'll find him eventually. Just give it time."

"It's been years now. I should have found him by now. I should be there for him."

"And you will be. When you finally find him, you'll be there for him. But, Steve, you know the only reason you haven't yet is because he doesn't want to be found. He's in hiding for now."

"But he shouldn't have to hide from me. He's always been there for me. I want to be there for him. I'll take care of him this time around. Till the end of the line," he murmurs.

"Steve," Tony sighs. He gets it. He really does. Or, at least he gets it as well as he can. Steve had lost his entire world in a heartbeat. One minute it was the 40s. The next it is seventy years later, a new century, everything he knew gone. It has to be rough. It has to be more than rough. It has to be devastating. He can understand why he is clinging to the past. But that isn't going to change things now. He can't go backwards, only forwards. And Tony is a futurist. He's not saying, that if he were in Steve's position, he would do any better. But he is use to looking forward, to things he can change. Clinging to the past has never helped him before.

Sometimes it feels as if Steve isn't even trying to fit in. That he is just floating through life. He has to wonder what SHIELD did, to prepare him for this new century. Anything? Or did they just throw him into the deep end, thinking he'd be fine.

Maybe he just needs a reason to look forward. One that isn't rooted in the past.

Tony shakes his head to be rid of these thoughts. No. He isn't going to go there. Not right now. Not with Steve sitting across from him.

"You okay Tony?" Steve asks, concerned.

"Yeah, just a stray thought. I'm fine," he smiles to prove his point. It doesn't feel completely convincing, but it puts Steve at ease.

"You and that head of your,"he teases the genius.

"I can't help it if my thoughts never stop. Everyone always thinks how great it would be. No one ever talks about the down sides of it."

"What, that you think you can build the Death Star at two am?"

"That was a great idea," he defends, "It just had some minor bugs, that's all."

"Or the transporter?"

"The explosion wasn't that bad."

"Or the AIs in the kitchen appliances?"

"Skip loves me. I don't know what your problem is."

"My problem is that it's a toaster. Toasters shouldn't talk."

"He is a fabulous creation and I'll warn you not to insult him. Or do you not want your bread golden brown in the morning?"

"It won't let Thor near it."

"Which goes to show what good sense he has. Have you seen what Thor does in the kitchen? It's not pretty. Skip is the fourth toaster we went through – this month."

"And now he has to use the oven for his pop-tarts."

"He'll survive."

"He eats at least two boxes a day."

"It's not my problem the man has a pop-tart addiction. He needs professional help for that. Do you think there is a pop-tart anonymous out there?"

"Isn't there suppose to be anything out there these days?" Steve shrugs. "If not, give it a day, it'll exist."

"Oh, look at you," Tony coos, "Figuring out the 21st century. That is true indeed young grasshopper."

Steve smiles, but it's a sad smile. He doesn't say anything though, just takes another bite of his pizza. He stares out the window as he chews.

Damn Tony and his big mouth. Why does he always have to say the wrong thing. "Would you go back?" he blurts out, not at all what he was intending to say.

"What?" Steve asks, brows furrowed.

"If you could, would you go back to the 40s. Live your life there?" This is not going to make things better, but now that he said it, he can't help but wonder. Would Steve go back if he could? Would he leave his new world behind for his old one? Would he think about it or decide instantly? Would he regret his choice?

Steve pauses for a long moment. "If I could... if the world was safe from Red Skull... if I could save Bucky and have that dance with Peggy..." he stops and doesn't continue. He goes back to staring out the window again.

But Tony doesn't need him to finish. He knows. He knows what Steve was going to say. He knows what he would choose. And it wouldn't be Tony. Stupid. He is so stupid. Did he really think Steve would choose him? That he isn't that important to Steve. He should have known better. He did know better, but he allowed himself to hope anyways. He can't help himself.

Steve is just so easy to love.

He pushes his feelings down. This changes nothing. He knew he never had a chance before. This is just confirmation. That's all. It doesn't matter. He can still be friends with Steve. It's not as if he can actually go back in time and leave Tony. Sure, as long as Barnes is alive, Steve still has some of his past in the future. And Tony will never have a chance.

But that's fine. It's all fine.

It's just his feelings after all. Nothing important.

He just wishes... But no. Best to forget about the entire thing right now. He may not be able to stop loving Steve, but he does not have to be so pathetic about it. He will not whine and complain about how unfair it is. Stark men are made of iron. He'll get over it. Eventually.

Hopefully.

Whatever. Time to move on. "Steve-" he doesn't know what he is going to say exactly. Something witty and funny and charming. Something that will make Steve smile again. Make his eyes light up. Something to take that offal sadness off of his face. Something.

But Steve's phone interrupts him. He gives Tony an apologetic glance, but answers it. "Hello?"

Whatever is said on the other side makes him freeze.

"He... he's really... are you sure?"

More tense silence.

"Yeah, yeah I'll be right there. One second. Just – Yeah, just keep him there. I'm on my way." Steve jumps up from the table.

Tony grabs his arm before he can rush off. "What's going on?"

"Bucky," Steve breathes and is gone.

Tony stares after him a long time before finally signaling for the check. He gets the feeling that this is an end of an era. And any chance of happiness he had just ended with it.

-xxx-

Tony doesn't hear from Steve for a week. A week of nerve racking, unyielding, unfocused silence. It's as frustrating as it is worrying. He can't concentrate on anything. Pepper about had his head at the one board meeting he showed up to. Even retreating into the workshop doesn't help. He keeps blowing things up.

"I'm sure he'll be fine man," Clint reassures him when he comes up for air.

Tony doesn't say anything as he takes a seat. He doesn't know how to explain it's not Steve's physical well being he's worried about without sounding pathetic. Just because the others most likely know about his sad, pitiful crush doesn't mean he wants to admit it out loud.

"He'll be back soon," the archer continues, "and then you two can be all cute and shit again. You know how he gets when he comes back from one of these."

Tony nods while suppressing a wince. Yeah, he does know. And it's never pretty. Tony's fairly sure that Steve suffers from at least a mild form of depression, if not more so. It makes sense when you take in some of his past behaviors. The peak of human perfection does not mean invincibility. Steve Rogers is just as vulnerable to mental illness as anyone. But no one wants to admit it, because it is Captain America. Himself included.

Sometimes he has to remind himself that Steve isn't perfect, no matter how much he may seem so. Just because Tony believes him to be imperfectly perfect, doesn't mean he is. He is still human. He can still fuck up. He still has problems and doubts and worries like anyone else on this crazy planet. It's hard because, growing up, all he heard about was the super duper, great, amazing, glorious, spectacular, always-going-to-be-better-than-you Captain America. He had the posters and the action figure and the comics. He was a fanboy to rival Coulson.

He was basically programmed to fall in love with Captain America. And falling in love with Steve Rogers was just as easy, if not more so. Damn Howard. Damn Rogers. Damn his fucking life.

"Don't quit your day job Legolas."

"Of course not, you'd be lost without me."

"Naturally," Tony deadpans.

Clint cackles.

It's after Clint leaves that Steve comes into the kitchen. He's back. Finally. "Hey Tony," he greets, somewhat sheepishly. But that doesn't take away from the pure joy radiating off of his face.

Tony's heart sinks. He raises an eyebrow in an unimpressed manner. "Hey yourself soldier. Imagine seeing you around. Come here often?"

"Err... sorry?" he questions more than says. As if he doesn't know why he should be apologizing.

Tony sighs. "None of you should quit your day job."

Steve furrows his eyebrows. "What?" he asks confusedly.

"Nothing," Tony waves him off, "Shall I assume from you sun shining face that your found Barnes?"

Steve brightens immediately. "Yes. Well, technically Sam found him, but he made sure Bucky stuck around so I could talk to him."

Sam Wilson, the Falcon and unofficial Avenger. Unofficial because he doesn't want to leave DC yet. He assumes it will happen eventually, but until then, he's essentially in the same category as Rhodey – call for emergencies only. Tony also doubts that Wilson 'made sure' Barnes stood anywhere. The man may be good. But against the Winter Soldier? No.

It seems Barnes is finally ready to come home.

"So where's your soldier boy now?"

"He's in the city right now," Steve tells him.

Tony is impressed. He didn't think Steve would let Barnes out of his sight. "Alone?"

"Sam is with him."

Ah, that makes more sense. "Why not bring him straight here? And does that mean Birdman finally going to join us then?"

"Not yet. He has a few things to wrap up first in DC before he makes the final decision. And Bucky... he wanted to make sure it would be okay with you first, before he moved in."

That surprises Tony. No one has ever asked if it was alright with them to move into the Compound. He built it specifically for the team after all. Why wouldn't it be alright? "Sure, why would I have a problem." As if Steve would stick around if he denied him anyways. He'd be gone so fast, Tony would probably be able to see the smoke as he ran away.

Steve shifts awkwardly. "Well, you know, HYDRA programming and all," he rubs the back of his neck, "Not that he's going to wake up in the middle of the night and kill anyone," he quickly reassures. He would have been better off without placing that mental image in Tony's head. "He's better now. Not a hundred percent or anything, but-"

"Steve," Tony interrupts him, "it's fine. I know what Barnes means to you." Oh boy does he. Now more than ever, watching Steve talk about him.

"You sure?"

Tony nods. "Yeah, whatever, the more the merrier and all that."

"And his past isn't going to be a problem?"

"I can hardly blame the man for being brainwashed can I?"

Steve smiles his hundred watt smile. "Thanks Tony!" Then he shifts, "Umm... Buck's arm is acting up. Do you think you could look at it when he gets here?"

Tony grins. "I get to play with his arm? Is it my birthday?"

"Tony," Steve sighs.

"Don't worry Cap, I'm not going to scare your pretty, pretty princess away with my evil science and dashing good looks. Trust me."

Steve looks skeptical for a moment before smiling again. "Thanks Shellhead, you're the best."

"Of course I am. Now go, bring your soldier home. Mi casa es su casa and all that shiz."

Steve practically runs out the door.

-xxx-

Barnes arrived at the Compound the next day. It was all rather anticlimactic really. Tony hadn't been sure what to expect exactly, but it sure wasn't... this. The so called invincible Winter Soldier looked like a shadow of his former self. He didn't talk, didn't explore any of the rooms, didn't watch tv or read or, well, anything. He essentially glued himself to Steve's side and stayed there. Or, rather, Steve glued himself to Barnes side and never left. Ever.

No more hanging out with the dear old Captain. Tony Stark was old news now that Bucky Barnes was here. Not that he's bitter about it or anything. No, not at all.

He'd like to say that he got to know Barnes right away. That he was polite and courteous and all the things that Pepper reminded him to be. But that would be a lie. It was harder than expected, considering the man was living with them. First of all, as previously stated, Steve was by Barnes' side. Constantly. Tony's not even sure Steve leaves the other man alone long enough to use the bathroom.

And when Steve is around Barnes, Steve does all the talking. Makes all the decisions. Handles all the choices. All Barnes has to do is sit there and stare. He might as well not even be there for all the he engages in daily social interaction. He is a mere shadow next to the glowing happiness that is Steve.

Because Steve is ecstatic to have Barnes back. He is always grinning and laughing and, just... glowing. He rivals the sun with his absolute joy of having Barnes by his side again. It's enough to power New York for a year. At least.

It... bothers Tony more than he thought it would.

Part of it is jealousy. He is mature enough to admit that, if only to himself. It was one thing to know that he would have truly have Steve, another to live with the proof. To see it daily. So yes, he is a little green around the edges. It wouldn't be so bad if Steve would at least talk to him or hang out, one on one. But he doesn't. He never leaves Barnes side.

And, alright, maybe he's bring that point up just a little too often. But it sincerely bothers Tony. Yes, there's the problem of the hole Steve ripped in his heart by basically abandoning him. But it's more than that. It's that it isn't healthy. He knows he has no room to talk. He's no poster child of good mental health. Or mental health at all. And it would be absolutely hypocritical if he were to start talking about that to Steve. He has enough problems of his own to deal with.

But, regardless, the entire situation stinks of co-dependency. Because he knows what that looks like. And he's thought that Steve had some problems before, but now he knows he does. Yes, call him a hypocrite, but he's worried about Steve's mental health issues. Sue him. He'll win, he has enough money to buy the best lawyers.

Maybe it wouldn't bother him so much if it looked like the co-dependency went both ways. If Barnes needed Steve just as much as Steve needed Barnes. But he's not so sure. Yeah, Barnes needs help. He isn't saying he doesn't. Just, you know, maybe not the kind of help Steve is giving him. Support sure, but not enough to suffocate the man. Barnes doesn't always look that comfortable around Steve. But what does Tony know. He might be reading the situation completely wrong.

Whatever.

But then Barnes comes down to the workshop so Tony can look at his arm. He invited the man down right after he arrived because hello. New tech, yes please. But it takes a few weeks for Barnes to actually come down, Steve right beside him. And yes, he is starting to sound bitter. He's going to have to work on that.

"Hey Robo Cop," Tony greets, "ready for an upgrade?"

"Tony," Steve sighs.

Tony sticks his tongue out at him. "Don't be a hater Cap."

"I'm not, but can you tone it down a little?"

"How long have you known me Steve? This is calm. Honestly," he rolls his eyes.

Dum-E, wanting to see who entered the shop, rolls over excitedly. Already knowing Steve, he rolls right up to Barnes and beeps at him. Barnes, naturally, jumps. Tony can't blame him. Dum-E always comes on a little strong when he meets new people.

"Tony, get your robot to back up," Steve commands.

"He's just saying hi," Tony answers exasperated, "no need to get your pansies in a twist."

"It's scaring Bucky," he insists.

Barnes, contrary to the previous statement, has gotten over his scare quickly. He's looking at Dum-E curiously. He tilts his head to one side and gives an experimental wave. Dum-E, being the polite bot that he is, waves back, beeping happily.

Tony walks over. "Barnes, meet Dum-E, he's my first AI. Learning bot," he adds when Barnes looks confused. "Talk to him and he'll understand you. Get really lucky and he might even listen to you. Just don't let him anywhere near you if he has a fire extinguisher on him."

Dum-E lowers his claw dejectedly.

"Don't give me that look Mister," Tony rests his arms on his hips, "You know very well why I have to give that warning. How many times have you sprayed me without any fire being present?"

"He is merely being cautious Sir," JARVIS pipes in, "After all, someone in the workshop has to be."

"Sass JARVIS. Don't think I won't send you off to community college. Let's see how you like all the little freshies picking apart your code."

"I am afraid Sir, that would merely start my foray of world domination."

As if that's a threat. "Just clear it with Pep first. You know how she gets when she has to deal with surprises."

"Very well Sir, I shall make note."

Tony turns to Barnes, who is staring at him with wide eyes. "And that is JARVIS. I'm sure you've heard him before, but he's the youngest of my four. Also, the most advance. You ever need anything, you ask him. Got it?"

Barnes nods.

"Might as well introduce you to the other two before they get jealous. You know how siblings get with new friends," he says, sounding exasperated. Because he is. Totally. Absolutely. Yes Sirree indeed. Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth at all. "Butterfingers, U, this is Bucky Barnes. He'll be in here for arm repair, so play nice."

"I'm not sure this is such a good idea," Steve says.

"Don't be such a mother hen Cap, the bots are fine. Right Barnes?" he asks him.

The soldier in question looks just a little bit fascinated with the bots in front of him, if still a little wary as well. Fair enough. It's not as if he would have seen anything like them before.

"Ready to run some tests then?"

Barnes flinches.

Oops, bad word. "Scans," he amends, "just some scans nothing more," he reassures. "Nothing that would hurt."

"You never said anything about tests," Steve says and Barnes flinches again.

Tony sighs. "How else am I supposed to find out what is wrong with his arm?"

"Can't you just," Steve makes a vague motions with his hand, "like you always do?"

Tony stares at the soldier. Just stares.

"What?"

"Steve, sweet heart, cupcake, honey pie?"

"Yes?" he asks warily.

"Get out!" he orders, pointing to the door.

"What?" Steve's face is incredulous.

"You heard me. Get. Out. You are not needed for this process."

"But Bucky-"

"Barnes is a big boy. He can take care of himself."

"But what if-"

"No."

"What if you trigger him?"

"Barnes, do you feel threatened?"

He shakes his head.

"But-" Steve starts.

"If I promise to explain everything I'm doing, can you handle it?"

He hesitates.

"Safe word, gorgeous, I'm all about consent here. You don't like something, you safe word out."

Barnes nods.

"Tony, that's not-"

"Pick a word," he says over Steve's protests.

"Pickles," Barnes says quietly.

Tony nods. "Sure thing. Say 'pickles' and we're done. Good? Yes? Great. Out Rogers."

"Bucky," Steve tries.

"I'll be fine," Barnes says softly, not looking at Steve as he does.

"You shouldn't let Tony bully you like this."

Tony opens his mouth to protest, but Barnes gets there before him. "He's not. This is my choice. Didn't you say I have choices now?"

That seems to make Steve deflate.

"Alright," he lays a hand on Barnes shoulder, ignoring Barnes' slight jump, "let me know if you need me. I'll be waiting for you to finish." He walks out of the room, but not before looking over his shoulder three times.

The door shuts and Tony huffs. "Honestly, what does he think I'm going to do to you? Eat you?"

Barnes snorts.

"Show time now," Tony rubs his hands together, "shirt off Terminator, I need a clear view for the scans."

Barnes bites his lower lip, but does as Tony says.

"Now, stand here in the center of the room. I need you to stand here and look pretty. Shouldn't be too hard for a handsome fella like yourself," Tony flirts automatically. "Now, I'm sure this was unpleasant before, but because I'm awesome and a genius with the best equipment around, it's going to be a snap. JARVIS is going to do the scanning. What you need to do is go through the motions and limits of the arm. How well can you move it? What are the bending limits? Any sensory feedback? Is there a delay reaction time? Got it sugar plum?"

Barnes nods.

"Get to it soldier," Tony commands.

He watches as Barnes go through each movement, analyzing where potential problems are and what probable limits the arm has.

"Know the weight limit on that thing?" he eventually asks.

Barnes shakes his head.

"Right, let's find out. Here..." he points out different things for Barnes to lift.

All in all, it takes a little over two hours to do. "That's all for today sour patch," he tells Barnes from where he is sitting on one of the benches. "I'll have to go through all the information and see what can be done."

Barnes just nods.

Tony hesitates, because restraint and all that recommended social stuff, but then goes ahead and asks, "I don't know if it is possible yet, but if it is, do you want a new arm?"

Barnes jerks his head up.

"I should be able to do at least as well as your old one, but probably better – I am a genius for a reason after all," he smiles winningly. "If nothing else, I want to reduce the weight. That has to be a bitch on your shoulder, isn't it?"

Barnes seems to think about his answer, before nodding in agreement.

"Thought so, it's a bit red around the connection. So?"

This time Barnes pauses for a long time. Tony is practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, but doesn't say anything. Sure, he wants do. Dear sweet science, does he want to. But he won't rush the man. Or force him. He knows a little something about unasked for body modifications for one's own good. They come with nothing but trouble.

Finally Barnes nods again and gives a small smile.

Tony beams at the man. "Great! I'll keep you updated. Until then, I can still fix the glitches you have now. Is tomorrow alright to start or do you want to wait a couple of days?"

"Tomorrow," Barnes answers and Tony counts that as a win.

"Sure thing buttercup."

And that is how Barnes became a semi-permanent fixture in Tony's shop as he works on the arm.

Apologizes to any true Star Trek fans out there. As should be obvious, the only thing I've ever seen is Star Trek: Into Darkness. And yes, it was because of Cumberbatch. I used the movie for foreshadowing, not because I know what I'm talking about. It was the best example I could think of at the time (and still is...)