Well, this is a dark one. It's been on my mind a while and just would not leave me alone.

This takes place after Civil War and is whatever the opposite of a fix-it is.

I lean towards Team Cap in this story, but I'm more of a neutral.
Sam Wilson does not agree with my neutrality, so if you're going to flame, just don't read it.

I've also had people tell me I'm too easy on Tony and don't give team Cap enough representation. *shrugs*
Just read and decide for yourself. That's not thr point of this story.

WARNING: STORY INCLUDES

Anxiety Attacks

Suicide

Please stay safe!

~TH~

Tony never intended to call. He only kept the phone with him for reassurance. No matter how much he didn't want to admit it, the fact that he could contact Steve and the rouge Avengers whenever he needed to, gave him a sense of peace. He wasn't over everything. Not yet. But he was to a point where he realized they both had their faults.

Tony never intended to use the phone. He certainly didn't expect it to start ringing.

He found himself staring at it for several long seconds before he picked it up.

"Hello." He tried to sound firm, not questioning. He wasn't ready for this.

"H-hey Tony." It was Steve. It was definitely Steve.

"Rogers. What do you think you're doing? I could call Ross right now with your coordinates." He wasn't really angry anymore. A few months ago, it wouldn't have been an idle threat. But now, he just couldn't bring himself to do it.

A soft laugh sounded from the phone, "That's true. And if you did..." There was a pause. The billionaire felt a catch in his breath. "I'm sorry Tony. I-I was wrong. Should have, should have told you. My fault. I-I'm sorry."

Well, he hadn't been expecting that. "You know, uh" Tony found his own voice cracking slightly, "I could talk to Ross. I bet he'd pardon you, or whatever political thing needs to be done, if you'd just sign."

"I think it's too late for that." It wasn't said with enmity or hatred. It wasn't even said with the righteous indignation that was so familiar. It was quiet and honest and... Weak.

Tony tried to sound light-hearted and convincing, "Aw come on! It'd be fine! You may not agree with it, but it's better than being a fugitive, right?"

"Tony..." He sounded so tired. Where had he been the last couple months?

"Is this about Barnes?" A wave of anger passed over him. "Because you know-!"

"He's gone." The brokeness stopped the billionaire's rampage.

"What do you mean?" Did the Soldier escape his friend's careful watch? If so, this was exactly why...

"He went under cyro. He didn't... He didn't want to be a danger to anyone."

That... Wasn't what he was expecting. "Cap...."

"I'm sorry Tony." It was said in a deep sigh. The billionaire had a dread-filled feeling he was no longer referring to what the news had dubbed the "Civil War".

"Steve, what-?"

"Goodbye,"

"What? Steve? What's happening. What do you mean its too late? Steve?!"

"I'm sorry." The broken whisper was followed by the sound of a gun discharging.

"Steve!"

There was only silence.

~TH~

I'll post the next part tomorrow.

Don't expect it to get happier.

If this upset you, I suggest not going to the next chapter.

It only gets worse.

Please review!

God bless,
Jamie