It depends on the type of fanfiction you're looking at. In some darker or more alternative universe fanfics, this could be a common plot. Fanfic writers often play with the idea of changing the characters' moral compasses or the circumstances that drive them to extreme actions. So, while it's not a mainstream or pleasant idea for all fans, in the vast world of Avengers fanfiction, it's not unheard of for Tony to kill Steve.
Well, it's not super common but it does exist. There are different reasons for this kind of plot. Maybe the writer wants to explore the consequences of a breakdown in their relationship. They had their differences in the movies, like in 'Civil War', and some fanfic writers take it to an extreme by having Tony kill Steve to show how far things can go wrong when they can't resolve their issues.
One reason could be to explore the extreme consequences of their ideological differences. In the official story, they had disputes over things like the Sokovia Accords. In fanfiction, this could be pushed to the limit, leading to Tony taking Steve's life.
One possibility is that there could be a huge ideological rift between them. Maybe Steve discovers some dark secret of Tony's that he believes endangers the world in a way that can't be resolved through normal means, leading to the extreme act of killing him.
The theme of sacrifice is also quite common. They are often put in situations where they have to sacrifice something for the greater good or for each other. For example, in some fanfics, Steve might sacrifice his own safety to protect Tony or vice versa. And a lot of fanfics also explore the theme of trust. They start with a lack of trust due to their different personalities and views, but as the story progresses, they learn to trust each other more.
Some writers might want to explore dark and extreme scenarios. It's a way to break the norms of the usual heroic storylines. They may be interested in seeing how the characters and the Marvel universe would react to such a tragic event.
One possible plot could be a misunderstanding that leads Steve to believe Tony has done something extremely harmful to the team or innocents. For example, if there was false evidence suggesting Tony was secretly working with an enemy. Another plot might involve a moral disagreement that gets out of hand. Maybe they have different views on how to handle a new threat and Steve, in a moment of extreme passion, makes a terrible mistake.
One great Steve Tony Avengers Assemble fanfiction is 'The Road to Redemption'. It focuses on Steve and Tony's complex relationship as they lead the Avengers. The story has amazing character development and some really exciting action scenes.
Some fans would be extremely shocked and disappointed. Steve and Tony are two beloved characters, and their relationship is complex and interesting. Killing one of them off in such a way would be a huge departure from what many expect.
Perhaps there's a power struggle over a new technology or a powerful artifact. Tony wants to use it for what he believes is the greater good, but Steve opposes him. Their clash escalates to a point where Tony, in a fit of rage or desperation, kills Steve. Or maybe it's a situation where Steve discovers some dark secret about Tony's business dealings and Tony kills him to keep it quiet.
It's a complex issue. In the context of fanfiction, it's fictional and can explore different themes. However, from a moral standpoint in the real world, it's disturbing as both are heroic characters. But in the realm of creative writing, it can be a way to explore 'what - if' scenarios, like exploring deep - seated conflicts between the two that could hypothetically lead to such an extreme situation.
Steve might compare Tony to Howard based on their personalities or leadership styles. Maybe he points out similarities or contrasts in their decision-making.