Emotionally, this apology can be a turning point. It can show Steve's vulnerability, which might make Tony see him in a new light. Tony, who might have been angry and resentful, could start to feel empathy for Steve. This can change the whole dynamic of their relationship in the fanfiction. It might also inspire other characters to resolve their differences in a more positive way, seeing Steve and Tony's example.
One possible reason for Steve to break Tony's heart in fanfiction could be due to ideological differences. Maybe Steve's old - fashioned values clash with Tony's more modern, technological - based thinking. For example, in some stories, Steve might oppose Tony's use of advanced weaponry, leading to a rift that shatters Tony's heart.
One common scenario in such fanfictions is when Dean's actions towards Castiel are influenced by his own internal struggles. Maybe he's dealing with self - loathing or fear of getting too close, and he takes it out on Castiel. This can really hurt Castiel who has been so loyal to Dean. As a result, Castiel may start to distance himself, which in turn makes Dean realize the magnitude of his mistake and start to make amends.
It could be that Steve breaks Tony's heart because of loyalty issues. If Steve is perceived to be more loyal to someone else, like Bucky, over Tony, it can cause Tony to feel betrayed and heartbroken. Tony may have expected a different level of loyalty from Steve, especially considering their relationship within the Avengers.
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.
One reason could be a misunderstanding during a battle. Maybe Steve made a strategic move that put Tony in danger without realizing it fully. Another might be that Steve said something harsh in the heat of an argument, like criticizing Tony's technology when it was actually saving lives. Or perhaps Steve made a promise to Tony and failed to keep it, which made him feel guilty and led to the apology.
The plot could start with Steve realizing that his bond with Bucky is stronger than his relationship with Tony. Maybe there have been some misunderstandings or conflicts between Steve and Tony that make Steve reevaluate his feelings. Then, Steve decides to break things off with Tony in a rather dramatic way. After that, it could explore how Tony reacts to this rejection, and how Bucky fits into the new dynamic between Steve and the rest of the Avengers.
Perhaps in a post - Endgame world, Tony didn't die but lost his memory. Steve takes it upon himself to help Tony regain his memories. Along the way, they re - explore their relationship, the Avengers, and all the events that led to that point. Steve shows Tony videos and tells stories, and slowly Tony starts to remember, leading to a renewal of their friendship and a new start for the Avengers.
Natasha Romanoff would be disappointed. She values the unity among the Avengers and sees Tony and Steve as important pillars of that unity. She might try to mediate at first, but if the divorce is inevitable, she'd be sad to see the team's dynamic change so drastically.
One possible plot reason could be ideological differences. Tony Stark is often portrayed as a tech - savvy capitalist, while Steve Rogers has more traditional values. Their views on how to protect the world, like Tony's preference for high - tech solutions and Steve's leaning towards more human - centered approaches, might drive them apart to the point of divorce in the fanfiction.
I would recommend 'Steve and Tony: The Unlikely Pair'. In this fanfiction, their relationship starts off rocky due to their different ideologies but then blossoms into a strong partnership. 'Forging a New Path' is also worth reading. It shows how they navigate through political intrigue together while also strengthening their bond. 'The Promise of Tomorrow' is a heartwarming story that focuses on their hopes and dreams for the future and how they support each other in achieving them.