“You'd better see for yourself,” FRIDAY said as she threw up several articles. When Tony dared to peek a look he groaned. Laughing back at him was his own face as he seemed to hug a smug looking Barnes, topped by the header “Secret affair revealed?” There were more pictures, of them walking together through the ballroom, the two of them close together and staring out into the garden. The headlines weren’t any better. “Lovebirds seeking some alone time?” “Two sides of the war: modern Romeo and Juliet?’ And Tony's favourite: “True reason for Avengers’ fall out: Iron Man stole Cap's love interest!”
When Tony saves James from being harassed during their welcome home gala, the press smells a scoop. Instead of being outraged, the general public reacts overwhelmingly positive to the news, so much so they decide to play along for the time being. But how do you tell the man you orphaned that you might actually like him? Why would James play along for any reason other than feeling in debt? And how are they supposed to mend bridges and be a team again when Steve is so angry all the time?
Tony Stark is really too busy to be stuck in the mountains, let alone stuck in the mountains with the Winter Soldier of all people. But Hydra just had to go and make threats and ruin everyone's good time. The real kicker? There is only one bed. Which isn't a problem, a couch is fine, and they are both adults who can take turns. Except then it snows, and all heat and power in their shitty little cabin cut out. Whatever will they do?!
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...