[ There is so much to say to that, how Tony should have known better too, how he shouldn't have let his jealousy, his fear, get the better of them. How he just wanted everyone safe, but he let his fears and the voices in his head get the better of him and now-- now he doesn't even know if there is anything left to save.

But he never had much of a choice when it came to Steve. Always ended up falling into his fucking gravity well like some lost fucking comet. This time is really no different.

Tony comes to a stand still all but a foot away from Steve and just... stops. He stares at Steve, Steve who is too young and too old, too good and too much all at once. He is a soldier, and a fucking kid as far as Tony is concerned and it just-- it hurts. All he wants to do is press forward, rest his forehead against Steve's shoulder and stay there, ignoring the world, but he can't and he doesn't think Steve will let him. Not after everything.]

We both know you aren't that old, Steve. I should have-- I didn't mean--- [ He looks down, breath pushed out harshly as he fights for words. ] If its any consolation, I know it wasn't him. I know now. He will be exonerated. All of you will be.