In certain fanfics, the change in their relationship is a slow and painful process. Steve might feel guilty about the rift he caused, especially if he realizes that his actions during the civil war had a huge impact on Tony personally. Tony, who has been deeply hurt, has to overcome his bitterness. Fanfics often explore how they both have to face their own flaws and how those flaws contributed to the breakdown of their relationship. As they do this self - reflection, they begin to have more empathetic conversations. Steve might share his reasons for his actions more clearly, and Tony might open up about how he was affected. This sharing and understanding are the building blocks for a new and improved relationship between them.
In many fanfics, their relationship starts off very strained. For example, in some, Steve is full of regret for how things ended and tries to approach Tony cautiously. Tony, on the other hand, is initially hesitant to forgive Steve. But as the story progresses, they often find common ground through shared goals or mutual friends.
In the fanfiction, Steve leaving Tony for Bucky could also make Tony more guarded in future relationships. He might be less likely to trust people easily, especially those who were close to Steve. And Steve, on the other hand, might be focused on building his relationship with Bucky, leaving little room for any kind of reconciliation with Tony.
At first, their relationship would be very strained. The guilt would make it hard for them to even look at each other. But as time passes, they might start with small gestures. For example, Steve could leave a note for Tony apologizing for some of his actions. Tony, in turn, might respond in a similar way. This could lead to short conversations, which gradually get longer as they start to open up more about their feelings.
Well, it could severely strain their relationship. Tony might feel betrayed and hurt. He could start to question Steve's loyalty. Since Steve is ignoring him for Bucky, Tony might become resentful towards both Steve and Bucky. It could lead to a rift that's hard to mend in the story.
Often, their relationship is tested. Tony's involvement in the Civil War can cause stress between them. Pepper might worry about his safety and the moral implications of his actions.
One great fanfic could be 'Reconciliation'. It focuses on Steve and Tony slowly rebuilding their friendship after the events of the civil war. They start by having small conversations and gradually learn to trust each other again.
One possible plot could be about their journey of self - forgiveness. Maybe they start to realize the mistakes they made during the Civil War. Steve could be feeling guilty for not signing the Sokovia Accords and for how things turned out with Bucky. Tony might feel guilty for his extreme actions against Steve and his friends. They could gradually start to communicate again, perhaps through letters or secret meetings, and slowly work towards rebuilding their friendship.
The 'Hydra' element makes the relationship between Steve and Tony much more complex. Normally, Steve is seen as a paragon of virtue, but with the Hydra influence, Tony becomes very distrustful. It's like a complete shift in their usual dynamic. Steve may act in ways that are contrary to his true self, which confounds Tony and makes him both angry and sad.
In some Civil War fanfictions, Tony might die due to a malfunction in his suit during a battle. Maybe an enemy manages to hack into it and cause a critical system failure that leads to an explosion.
At first, it might be a bit rocky. Tony, being used to his own space, might feel smothered by Steve and Bucky's over - protectiveness. But as time goes on, he'll start to see their good intentions. Steve's moral compass will inspire Tony to be a better person, and Bucky's loyalty will make Tony feel secure. Eventually, they'll become like a real family, with Tony looking up to Steve as a father figure and seeing Bucky as a cool older brother.
Their relationship might become stronger as they go through the pregnancy together. They'll have to rely on each other more, which deepens their bond.