MWM Chapter 275

“Well, well, this is quite the gathering! Even the old popsicle has shown up!” 

Tony Stark’s face lit up with surprise when he saw Captain America arrive. After several joint missions against Hydra, Tony had come to understand Steve Rogers, the hero his father had often spoken about. Steve was a stubborn, old-fashioned guy, but certainly someone worthy of respect.

However, Tony figured Steve would prefer spending time in his small cabin punching a heavy bag, not joining them for a barbecue and camping trip.

“And this guy, what’s he doing here?” 

Tony’s gaze shifted to Bucky, who followed Steve with his head hung low in guilt.

Tony still remembered Bucky as Hydra’s top assassin. During the recent takedown of Hydra’s base, Bucky had caused them plenty of trouble before being knocked out by a lightning strike from Thor.

“Tony… I…” 

Steve stammered, which was rare for him. He was about to explain when Leo cut in.

“Let’s sit down and enjoy the barbecue first. We can talk after the camping trip.” 

If they brought it up now, it would kill the entire atmosphere. There was even a chance that things would escalate into a fight. This outing was primarily meant to relax and let Wanda enjoy some downtime. Helping Steve resolve the conflict between Tony and Bucky was secondary.

Leo handed a freshly grilled skewer to Steve, who gratefully accepted it, visibly relieved to have a bit more time to deal with the situation.

Tony sensed something was off but decided not to dwell on it, out of respect for Leo. Instead, he shifted the conversation to lighter topics.

Everyone enjoyed the food and beer, and the mood lightened up. Thor shared stories of his 1,500-year-long adventures, talking about the many worlds he’d visited besides Midgard. Tony, on the other hand, eagerly described his latest innovation—a new suit that could fly to him from Stark Tower, no matter where he was on Earth, with just the press of a button.

Steve, to subtly prepare for what was to come, mentioned Bucky’s past. He explained that Bucky had been a member of the Howling Commandos and his best friend. He also talked about how Bucky had been controlled by Hydra.

The afternoon passed, and as the barbecue and camping trip neared its end, Leo and Wanda waved their hands, using magic to clean up the campsite.

“Alright, the gathering is wrapping up. Steve, I think it’s time you told him.”

Seeing Leo’s face grow serious, everyone turned their attention to Steve.

Steve took a deep breath and led Bucky to Tony.

“Tony, what I’m about to tell you will probably make you very angry. But I ask you to stay calm and hear us out.”

“Old popsicle, this doesn’t sound like you. Just spit it out. I’m not the type to hold a grudge,” Tony shrugged with a smile, clearly not expecting Steve to say anything too upsetting.

Steve hesitated before speaking slowly. “Tony, based on the information we got from Hydra, your father—my friend, Howard Stark—didn’t die in a car accident.

He was assassinated by Hydra, who made it look like an accident as part of their plan to take control of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The assassin they sent wasn’t just anyone… it was Bucky, who was under Hydra’s control at the time.”

As Steve spoke, Bucky, who had been silent the whole time, lowered his head even further, his guilt almost palpable.

Tony’s face instantly changed.

Though he often joked about his father’s neglect and indifference, deep down, Tony had always harbored a deep love for Howard Stark. To learn that his father didn’t die in an accident, but was murdered by the very man standing in front of him—it filled Tony with searing anger.

“Tony, I beg you to forgive Bucky. He wasn’t acting on his own will—he was under Hydra’s control…” 

Steve quickly added, seeing the fury build on Tony’s face.

But Tony wasn’t listening. He jumped up, activating the Iron Man suit that had been standing nearby. A repulsor blast formed in his hand, aimed directly at Bucky.

“You’re dead!” 

Steve immediately grabbed his shield and positioned himself in front of Bucky.

“No, Tony.” 

At that moment, Leo moved, but instead of targeting Tony, he aimed at Steve.

“Expelliarmus. Levicorpus!” 

Two flashes of magic hit Steve, who hadn’t expected it at all. First, the disarming spell knocked the shield out of his hand. Then, his body floated into the air, leaving him helplessly suspended.

“Leo, what are you doing?” 

Steve flailed his arms as he hovered in disbelief, looking at Leo with shock.

Leo had promised to help him mediate and persuade Tony to forgive Bucky. Why was he controlling *him* instead of Tony?

Tony, too, was momentarily stunned as he saw Steve floating in the air, unable to return to the ground.

Thor, holding a beer in his hand, looked from Tony to the floating Steve, then back at Leo, scratching his head.

“Uh… so, who should I be helping here?”

The situation had escalated so quickly that Thor had no idea what was going on.

Leo waved him off, “You just keep drinking your beer. I’ll handle this.”

Thor nodded and sat back down. Of all the Earthlings, Leo was the one Thor trusted the most, besides his girlfriend Jane. If Leo said he’d handle it, Thor had no reason to interfere.

Turning back to Tony, Leo spoke, “Tony, as your friend, I’m on your side. If you want to kill Bucky to avenge your father, I won’t stop you. In fact, I’ll even hold off Captain Rogers for you.

I can even help you erase everyone else’s memory of this incident afterward.

But because I am your friend, I have to tell you that Steve wasn’t lying. Bucky did kill your father, but it was because he was under Hydra’s control. 

So, before you decide to kill him, think carefully. Don’t make a decision you’ll regret out of anger.”

Bucky, who had remained silent, didn’t flee. Instead, he stepped forward and faced Tony.

“Go ahead and kill me. I’ve done too much wrong. My hands are covered in blood—your father’s, many innocents’, even my friends’ and their descendants’. Maybe death is the only release for me.”

‘Kill or not kill?’

Tony, looking into Bucky’s reddened eyes, slowly began to cool down.

…

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