It took a while before they faced each other again, before they fought on the same side. Tony made sure, damn sure to rebuild a legal umbrella wide enough to protect them again, so all of them could be safe; he’d called them family and that is not a term he uses lightly or often.
The flutter underneath his breastbone, Tony would attribute it to old-age instead of adrenaline and nostalgia, the gladness of seeing eye to eye on something. Working together like a well-oiled machine with all its cogs in place.
Later, he’d stand to the side, ready to leave again, he’d throw in a grin and a shrug, he’d turn around to walk away; they were his family but the reverse was not true and then the Captain -Steve, would hold onto his armored arm and look with earnest blue eyes at Tony.
“Tony…”
“You know why I forgive easily?” The non- sequitur throwing the other man for a loop, Tony continues. “Because my inability to forgive my father’s failings and shortcomings still follows me to bed. And I promised myself, to never again be so prideful and hold on to the past misgivings of the people I care about.”
Steve nods in what seem to be understanding. “This means that we…”
“That in the field, I trust you’d guide the team. It means that I will fight alongside you, have your back, all of yours.”
“And outside?” Tony gave him a wry smile.
“I forgive easily, Captain.” Gently shaking off the hand on him. “But trust is rare, and I ran out.”
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