One way could be through communication. Steve could come clean to Tony about his feelings for Bucky and apologize sincerely. Tony might be able to forgive Steve over time if he sees that Steve is truly remorseful.
One possible reaction could be Tony's heartbreak. He might feel betrayed and angry, leading to a rift in his relationship with Steve. He could also become distrustful of others in the future.
I think this kind of fanfic can be quite controversial. In the Avengers universe, Steve and Tony have a complex relationship, and adding such a plot of 'cheating' with Bucky can change the whole dynamic. Some fans might like it for the drama it creates, but others might feel it goes against the original spirit of the characters' relationships.
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.
There's also 'Forging New Bonds'. This fanfic focuses on the post - conflict relationship between the three. It explores how they start to understand and accept each other better. The writing style is quite vivid, making it easy to picture the scenes in your head.
The fanfic alters the perception of the characters in multiple ways. Steve's reputation as a trustworthy and noble character is at stake. His actions of 'cheating' are not in line with what fans usually expect from him. Tony, who already has a complex personality, now has another layer of being wronged added to his character. Bucky, who has his own set of issues in the official stories, is now part of this love triangle that further complicates his image. It shows how fanfics can reshape the understanding of beloved characters in unexpected ways.
One possible aspect to consider in this fanfiction is the complex relationships between the characters. Steve and Tony have had their own share of differences and tensions in the original storylines. Steve choosing Bucky over Tony could be a way to explore deeper emotional bonds. It might also be about loyalty, as Steve's loyalty to Bucky is a strong theme in the Marvel universe. Maybe the fanfiction delves into how this decision affects the Avengers as a whole, causing rifts and new alignments within the team.
Friendship is a very common theme. These three characters often form a strong bond in fanfiction, relying on each other for support, whether it's during battles or in dealing with personal issues. For example, in many stories, they help each other overcome their past traumas.
A prevalent theme is also sacrifice. Each of them is willing to sacrifice for the others in many fanfictions. It shows how deep their bond is. And the theme of trust is also there. They need to build and regain trust among themselves, especially given all the things that happen in the Marvel universe.
One great Steve Tony Bucky fanfiction is 'The Avengers Reunion'. It beautifully explores the complex relationships between them. It shows how they overcome past differences and work together again. The characterizations are really well - done, making it a must - read for fans.