Tony couldn’t honestly remember how long it had been like this. Probably since the day he’d called T’Challa and offered his help. At first it had just been compulsive self-denial: you can’t eat until you’ve drafted your opening remarks, until you’ve finished your research, until you’ve rewritten every last colon and comma and apostrophe in those Accords so that everyone can come home.
Those goals had been realistic. Lately, they’d become impossible. Until everyone forgives you. Until you forgive yourself. Until you make up for every bad thing you’ve ever caused.
He was fine. He was coasting in a dangerous place, but he was fine. He wasn't taking it too far - just far enough.
Sure, he moved to a new city on a whim, but he's an eccentric billionaire - that's allowed!
And sure, he moved from a massive compound, mansion, and tower, to a tiny little one bed apartment that barely has enough room for him - it was cosy!
And sure, he barely sees his friends and does nothing but work - his job right now is important, okay? He's got to fix the accords and bring the Avengers back, for the safety of the planet!
Tony Stark is fine. This is not a mental breakdown.
HYDRA didn't create only one magic-user while in possession of Loki's scepter. There's another, and his powers are... a little different from Wanda's. The Avengers crew breaks into a HYDRA base to rescue Tony, who was kidnapped three weeks ago. Only, he isn't the way he was when he left them to go check out the place. Instead, he's now five and a half years old. And he's absolutely terrified of Steve. The Avengers do what they can to keep little-Tony happy until they can get Strange to come take a look at him, and (hopefully) change him back to his rightful age. It's not so easy dealing with a traumatized five-year-old, though, especially one who has some major attachment issues. Toward Bucky, of all people. Throw in some HYDRA shenanigans, and it makes for an interesting time, if not the most peaceful. Older-Tony isn't going to appreciate how much little-Tony blabs, either, but it's pretty hard to tell a five-year-old to shut up when no one wants to hurt his feelings...