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cap_ironman2009-02-22 08:02 pm
kijikun.livejournal.com) wrote in cap_ironman2009-02-22 08:02 pm
Entry tags:
All That Remains (21/21) (NC-17)
Title: All That Remains (21/21)
Previous Parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6,
Part 7, Part 8 Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13,
Part 14, Part 15,Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kijikun
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts/Stephen Strange
Betas:pandanoai and ellyr_in_ink
Word Count: 5162
Warnings: Spoilers through "Fallen Son", references to an institutionalized childhood
Timeline: Marvel Time is always kind of flexible, so we're setting this somewhere in the first half of 2008. Secret Invasion does not exist in this universe.
A/N: Con-crit and comments welcome as always. It's been a great ride, thanks for going along with me. Stay tuned for the epilogue and the sequel.
Steve couldn't sleep.
It wasn't that he wasn't tired. He was exhausted from stress, worry, and fear. His brain was crowded with thoughts and plans -- and he didn't feel he could ever share them with Tony. Tony had enough on his plate.
Tony, who had been going non-stop for the last two days… Tony, who had been dealing with the brunt of the investigation, both into the video and the shooting… Tony, who had done everything he could, bent over backwards for Steve and to keep his secret, even when it endangered his own life and Maria's…
Beside him, Tony slept peacefully for the moment, but the stress and strain of the last few days was obvious in the lines of his face and the tension in his body. Steve ran his hand over Tony's back, wishing he could ease that pain.
Steve feared the decision he was slowly realizing he had to make. The thing he knew he had to do, the one thing that might strain the fragile, still-healing bond between him and Tony to the breaking point, would only cause Tony more pain. But his conversation with Bucky and Sharon, the look on Peter and MJ's faces, and the video that kept showing up on the news had convinced him that he had to make this choice.
He'd been in a limbo of sorts since he'd shown up at Tony's penthouse, and he couldn't stay there forever.
Steve sat up and rubbed his hand over his face. He'd go to the gym, try to work himself to a point where he could sleep. He wanted to be rested when he talked to Tony in the morning. And when he talked to Sharon and Bucky again.
God, he needed to talk to Sharon. They'd never finished… he'd become so distracted by Tony and Maria. He hadn't thought about her confession, about what she'd told him, since that day.
A baby.
His and Sharon's baby, and it was gone before he'd known. He'd been in a homeless shelter, barely aware of his own name, while Sharon was going through hell because of him.
Steve covered his eyes with a hand and took a deep breath.
"Hey," Tony murmured. Warm, calloused hands slid over his sides as Tony's arms wrapped around him.
Steve covered one of Tony's hands with his own. "Didn't mean to wake you."
Tony placed a kissed at the top of his spine. "You didn't," he assured him. "Are you alright?"
"I -- it's nothing you need to worry about," Steve said.
"Let me be the judge of that," Tony told him. He rested his chin on Steve's shoulder. "Are you still thinking about that video? It wasn't real. It was meant to stir up emotions and distract us from the real reasons behind the shooting."
Tony had told him this before, and Steve believed him. It was the fact that using his name had been possible. That people believed it.
"You aren't at fault here, Steve." Tony insisted firmly. "If it's anyone's fault, it’s mine. I ignored things I should have paid attention to."
Steve closed his eyes. "They still used my name. It doesn't matter whether it was the real reason -- it was a believable reason for people. Someone could decide to really 'avenge' me. Someone could really kill you."
Tony was quiet, his breath warm against Steve's neck.
"Because they -- the nation, and most of our friends --" Steve started to say.
"Your friends," Tony corrected.
Steve turned his head, trying to look at Tony. He could only glimpse Tony's dark hair. "Our friends," Steve said, firmly, "think I'm dead."
"That doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon," Tony snorted softly. "I'm not planning a press conference, and I doubt anyone else that knows is going to, either. Peter and MJ agreed not to tell anyone until you're ready." He rubbed his hands up and down Steve's forearms.
Steve looked towards the door, almost hoping to see Maria. He didn't want to have this conversation at three in the morning. Maria wasn't there. She was probably still tucked safe in her bed -- or under her bed, where they often found her lately. Tony would know.
"Steve?" Tony asked, softly.
He captured one of Tony's hands and kissed the fingertips. "You know I love you."
Behind him Tony went still. "I love you, too." Tony murmured against his skin. Steve could hear the fear leaking into Tony's voice.
"Can you set up a press conference for me?" Steve asked, softly.
Tony detangled himself from Steve and moved to a position where he could see Steve's face. "You don't have to do this, Steve." Tony gripped Steve's hands tightly in his. "You wanted time…"
"You've given me time, Tony. More time than I deserved," Steve told him, entwining his fingers with Tony's. "I have to tell people -- I need to tell people. Everyone deserves to know the truth. I can't keep asking you and Maria to lie for me."
"People aren't going to understand why you came to me first, Steve. They're going to think --" Tony started to protest.
Steve leaned forward and kissed Tony fiercely, cupping the back of his neck. "Let them think whatever the hell they want," he said, after pulling back only far enough to catch his breath.
Tony shook his head minutely, but Steve could already see him making plans, calculating options and scenarios. "It's not that simple."
"It is if we make it that simple," Steve told him, smiling slightly.
He felt, more than heard, Tony sigh. "Give me a day to set everything up. It -- it will go better if James calls the press conference." Tony paused. "And if I'm not there."
"Tony --" Steve was sure he sounded as exasperated as he felt.
"If there's anyone you don't want to find out your secret on national television, you should let them know soon. And -- you need to decide about the uniform," Tony finished, and then added. "I still have one of your spares. You'd have to talk to your kid brother about the shield."
Steve blinked in surprise. "How did you know I've decided to -- " be Captain America again, he didn't say. " -- to wear the uniform?"
Tony smiled, but it was sad and didn't reach his eyes. "Because you're you, Steve. The uniform -- the name -- is as much a part of you as the armor is a part of me."
"Thank you," Steve told him, titling his head to kiss along Tony's jaw line.
"For what?" Tony placed a hand over Steve's chest, his thumb stroking the bare skin, straying close to a nipple.
Steve nipped Tony's chin before kissing him lightly. "Knowing me so well."
The slow smile that spread across Tony's face sent heat coursing through Steve's body. He knew that smile. He loved that smile. Tony's thumb brushed against Steve's right nipple almost accidentally.
"It took many long years of study," Tony assured him, practically climbing into Steve's lap. "Would you like a demonstration of the practical applications of that knowledge?"
Steve settled his hands on Tony's hips, his arousal spiking. He could feel Tony hardening and growing through the fabric of Steve's blue flannel sleep pants and Tony's red boxers. "Always," Steve assured him with a growl. "Are you up for such a demonstration?"
Tony grinned wide and a little wild as he squirmed on Steve's lap. Then, he shoved Steve backwards. Steve let his back hit the bed, leaving Tony straddled over his hips. "Always."
Steve laughed and pulled Tony down for a kiss that was more teeth and tongue than lips.
***
There were a million things Tony could have been doing, but Pepper was insisting on dealing with the media, Hill was handling things at SHIELD (they'd apprehended the second hit man while Tony slept), and Carol was handling the supers side of things. His three furies.
Things were bad when he was grateful for Maria Hill.
Jan had called and offered to come by and keep an eye on Maria if he needed her to. She also reminded Tony that Maria had been promised a chance to meet Hank's ants, and that she and Hank would be happy to watch Maria whenever, and for however long, Tony needed. Tony wasn't sure if Hank knew about this, but it was good to know two of his oldest friends were still so willing to help him. Whether or not he deserved it.
The thought of Hank introducing Maria to his ants, who probably all had names, and Maria trying to remember them all, was more than a little amusing.
Tony smiled to himself and looked over at Maria. They were both sitting on the floor of the living room. Maria was drawing. There was an intense look on her face, and the tip of her tongue was sticking out. When he'd first come in and found her, he hadn't been able to make out what it was she was sketching; now it was pretty clear she was drawing Spider-Man. He was almost jealous.
He'd really just been passing through the room, but she'd looked up and smiled at him. He'd
sat down on the floor next to her. One of the best things, as well as one of the worst, was he could do most of his work just about anywhere now. The living room floor was as good a place as any, and watching Maria between emails and hitting one dead end after another tracking down the mastermind of the attack was calming.
Tony could pretend that the cut on her cheek was from some normal childhood accident, like falling off a bike. Tony didn't even know if she could ride a bike or where she would ride one in a penthouse. He could pretend that the lingering stiffness in his shoulder was really from an enthusiastic bout of sex with Steve, and that Steve wasn't in a closed-door meeting with Stephen Strange and James Barnes. He'd also like to pretend that he hadn't seen the way Pepper had smiled at Stephen.
The most important thing he could pretend, as he watched Maria draw in the ceiling Peter was hanging upside down from, was how much things weren’t going to change after tomorrow. Maybe he could even pretend he hadn't learned the name of the man who'd made it his mission to destroy Tony's life.
Ezekiel Stane.
Sadly, he wasn't that good at deluding himself these days.
*Tony,* Pepper's voice broke him from his thoughts. It took him a second to remember that he'd patched the intercom into Extremis.
*Yeah, Pepper?* he answered, watching as Maria started adding details to Peter's uniform. He frowned slightly. When had she seen Peter's black uniform?
*Reed and Franklin Richards are here. Did you know they were coming?*
*I would have told you if I had, Pepper. You trained me well, remember?* Tony shot back, almost smiling. *Send them on up. Maria will be happy to see Franklin.*
Tony reached over and tucked some stray strands of hair behind Maria's ear. "Franklin's here to visit, Maria."
She looked up from her drawing, eyes lighting up. "Did Val come too?"
"No, just Reed and Franklin," Tony told her. He tapped her nose. "Did you know they were coming, genius?"
Maria's eyes darted away. "How could I?" she asked.
Tony fought back a sigh and got to his feet. "I'm not upset. Just tell me next time Franklin gives you the heads up." She started to open her mouth, and he shook his head. "I know you two talk in some unusual ways, and that's fine. But keep me in the loop on surprise visits, okay?"
She nodded, scrambling to her feet as the elevator dinged.
Reed looked awkward to Tony as he and Franklin exited the elevator, but Reed never looked at ease in social situations. Dropping in like this, and Tony would bet a good deal of money that this was Sue's idea mostly, probably unnerved Reed a little. The man was a genius and one of Tony's best friends, but he was more comfortable in a lab and most people knew it.
"Reed, it's good to see you. How's Susan?" Tony asked, walking over to greet them.
"She's fine," Reed told him. "I hope you don't mind us coming over like this. Franklin was worried about Maria, and Sue thought it'd be good for the kids to have a visit…"
Franklin, who had hurried over to Maria and hugged her and to Tony's surprised was hugged back, looked over at his dad. "Mom told Dad to get out of the lab and come see how you were in person, and to take me with him," Franklin added helpfully.
"Franklin!" Reed protested.
Tony couldn't help but chuckle. "Actually, I'm glad you’re here, Reed. I wanted to talk to you about a few things." He looked over at Maria who was whispering with Franklin. "Maria, why don't you show Franklin your new drawing? Reed and I are going to be in my office if you need us. If you two get hungry, ask Jarvis to make you a snack."
Maria nodded. "Yes, Tony."
"How are you?" Reed asked, once they were out of earshot of the kids.
Tony shrugged. "I'm fine, Reed…"
Reed shook his head. "That's not what I meant, Tony. How are you…handling what happened?" Reed asked. He looked uncomfortable but concerned. "Having your child threatened or injured -- I know it's not easy to deal with."
"I'm handling…" just fine, Tony started to say. But this was Reed. He knew what it was like to wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares where you held a little broken body to your chest. "I don't want to let her out of my sight. I know she's safe here. I know Steve would keep her safe, but…tell me it gets easier. Tell me I'm not going to worry every moment she's not with me."
Reed touched his shoulder. "I wish I could, Tony. But it doesn't. You just -- try to deal with it. You try not to stifle them, even if you want to just keep them wrapped up safe and sound from the world."
***
Peter crouched on the ceiling and tried not to look like he was staring at the door. It wasn't so much the door he was trying not to appear interested in the door itself, but what was through the door. What was through the door was Dr. Strange, who'd been in there for several hours.
Not that Peter found Dr. Strange interesting enough to stare at a door for – well, he did find Dr. Strange interesting, but that was a different situation altogether. Magic was always pretty interesting, and Dr. Strange was one of the best magic using 'heroes'. Though whether you could really classify Dr. Strange as a hero when he liked working behind the scenes best --
"Peter?"
"Ahh!" Peter yelped. He almost jumped, which would have been bad because he could have wound up upside down on the floor.
MJ was laughing and shaking her head at him. She settled her hands on her hips. "My husband. So brave."
"You startled me," Peter complained. "And you snuck up on me. It's not my fault my spider-sense doesn't know you’re dangerous."
"Just how am I dangerous?" MJ asked, still laughing.
Peter grinned. "You could make me sleep on the floor. I could catch a cold or something."
She rolled her eyes and stole a kiss. "You'd wind up sleeping on the ceiling, more like it."
"Nah, it could tempt me to start web-slinging in my sleep. That would be bad," Peter told her in a confidential tone.
MJ nodded in agreement. "People might think I was beating you, from all the bruises on your face from swinging into the wall. Plus, Dr. Strange might get annoyed if you crack the plaster."
Peter jerked his head towards the door. "How long do you think he's going to make us wait?"
"It's not an easy decision for him," MJ said softly, and they both knew she wasn’t talking about Dr. Strange.
"Yeah, I guess," Peter rubbed his left arm. "He should have just told us straight out, instead of hiding. At the least I wouldn't be tackling nine-year-olds so they don't get their heads shot off."
MJ frowned, crossing her arms. "That isn't fair, you know that."
"It might not be fair, but it's true. Has he even told Clint or Sam?" Peter muttered. "And I hate that we know and no one else even knows this is coming."
"Knows what is coming?" Luke asked, from behind them.
Both Peter and MJ stared guilty and looked Luke's way. Jessica was standing next to him, holding baby Danny. Jessica Drew was in the doorway, leaning against the door frame.
"Uhm, nothing?" Peter offered, sheepishly.
Jessica Drew rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything. Peter wondered if she already knew -- she often knew things before they did, and that freaked Peter out at times. But she'd always proved herself to be on their side.
"What do you two know that we don't?" Luke demanded. "Do you know why Strange said he wanted to meet with all of us?"
MJ glanced at Peter, then to the door. "It's nothing bad," she assured him.
"We just sort of promised not tell anyone until he was ready to let people know," Peter babbled, waving his hands in front of him.
Jessica Jones preempted her husband's next outburst by handing him Danny. The baby cooed at her father, patting his face.
"We aren't going to make either of you break a promise," Jessica said, looking pointedly at her husband. "It doesn't have anything to do with Tony, does it?"
Peter shook his head. "No, it's -- well, it's complicated. But it's a good thing. A really good thing."
As if on cue, the door Peter had been staring at swung open. Dr. Strange walked out and smiled slightly. "I see most of us are here," he said, raising his eyebrow.
Dr. Strange stepped to the side and out of the room stepped…
"Oh my god," Jessica Jones gasped, covering her hand with her mouth.
Steve’s smile was sheepish and a little guilty. "Uhm, hi everyone," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
***
Steve wasn't sure this was a conversation he wanted to walk in on. He stood in the doorway of Tony's office, listening to Maria and Tony talking. He could only see the back of Tony's chair, but he could tell that Maria was curled up on his lap.
"Why wouldn't Steve be living with us?" Maria was asking. "He said he’d help me protect you. He can't do that if he leaves. Did I do something wrong? Is it because I couldn't protect you?"
Steve took a step forward then stopped himself, not sure if making his presence known would help things.
"No, no, no," Tony said softly, trying to reassure the child in his arms. "Steve wouldn't be leaving because of you, Maria. I promise. You haven't done anything wrong. What happened wasn't your fault."
"I don't understand. Why would he leave?" Maria persisted.
Steve could almost hear Tony grasping for words, even as he didn't understand why Tony would be bringing up the possibility of Steve leaving. Why would he leave?
He loved Tony, and Tony knew that.
"He -- things are going to change after tomorrow." Tony's voice trembled for a moment. "Remember how we talked about people thinking Steve was still dead?"
Steve couldn't see it, but he could imagine Maria looking thoughtful and nodding.
It still didn't make sense to Steve. Why would people knowing change how Steve felt?
The large desk chair shifted slightly before Tony spoke. "Tomorrow, Steve is going to tell the whole world he's still alive. He was gone all day today because he's letting his friends know in person, because it wouldn't be right for them to hear it on the news." Tony paused as if gathering his thoughts. "It's going to change things for him, for us. There are going to be commitments and loyalties more important than us."
"He said he’d work on my drawings with me," Maria’s voice was very soft, very small. "He said we'd go to an art museum together. He said he'd help protect you and that he wouldn't hurt you. He can't do that if he goes."
"I'm sure he'll still come to see you, Maria." Tony’s voice broke. "He -- I'm sure he didn't mean to lie to you."
Steve couldn't let this go on any longer. "But I didn't lie, Tony. I'm not planning on going anywhere," he said, moving further into the office.
The chair turned around, and Tony looked haunted. "How long have you been standing there?"
Maria was quiet, looking from Tony to Steve and back to Tony. Steve crossed the space separating them. He leaned in and kissed Tony gently, and then dropped a kiss to Maria's forehead.
"Long enough," he told Tony."I'm not leaving you. Either of you."
Tony curled his arm around Maria like he half believed Steve would snatch her up. "People aren't going to understand you living here."
"I don't care," Steve growled. "I'm not living my life by what other people expect from me or will understand."
Maria was looking up at him, quiet but watchful. Steve wondered if they should send her from the room for this conversation, but she had to learn sometime that people could argue without it being a bad thing.
Tony narrowed his eyes. "You'd better be sure," he told Steve. "This doesn't just affect you and me."
Steve knelt down and touched the side of Maria's face. "I know," he whispered. "I'm not going to leave, Maria."
Maria titled her head to one side. "Tony wants you here."
"I know," Steve assured her, looking up at Tony.
She nodded slightly, and Steve tried to read her expression but failed. "Tony, can I go to my room? I'm tired."
Tony nodded. "If you want to, genius," he told her. "I'll be in to tuck you in soon if you want to read for a while until then."
She nodded again and climbed off his lap. She gave Steve a wary look that was different from the almost-affectionate looks he'd gotten used to getting from her. Steve guessed he was back on her ‘people-to-watch’ list when it came to protecting Tony. He wasn't sure if he should blame himself or Tony for that.
"How could you think I'd just leave?" Steve hissed, keeping his voice low once she'd left the room.
Tony turned the chair again so he could gaze out the window. "It was a possibility Maria needed to be prepared for."
"And now she hates me again," Steve muttered, feeling a bit bitter.
"She doesn't hate you. Maria's just wary of things she doesn't understand. And she doesn't understand half of what's going on right now. She’s also had a very long few days and she's tired. Plus, Franklin and Reed were over early," Tony sighed.
Steve leaned back against the desk, letting his chin rest on his chest. "Oh."
"They're going to try to get you to live somewhere else," Tony murmured, getting to his feet. He pressed the palms of his hands against the glass. "They'll say I'm controlling you, or any number of things. They won't trust me."
"Bucky's already tried that," Steve sighed. "But no one today tried. Not even Sam or Clint. Sam frowned a lot, but I think that was because he was a bit miffed I trusted you over him."
Tony shrugged. "Give them time."
Steve pushed away from the desk and stood just behind Tony. He wanted to wrap his arms around Tony, tuck his chin against Tony's shoulder and just hold him. But he didn't. "Most of them are your friends, too, Tony. No one hates you as much as you think."
"You won't be able to restart the Avengers and live here," Tony pointed out softly.
"I --” Steve hadn't thought about that. "I wouldn't restart the Avengers until the SHRA is recalled or modified."
Tony thumped his forehead against the glass. "And you think you can accomplish that and be closely associated with Tony Stark, Registration's poster boy?"
"You could help me bring it down," Steve pointed out. He ground his teeth. Why did it sound like Tony was trying to convince him to leave?
Tony gave a sharp laugh and smacked his fist into the window. "They'll try to take Maria."
"Let them then," Steve snapped. "It would only serve to make them look bad. You wouldn't let them take her. Very few people would stand by while the government tried to take your daughter, Tony. I don't think the public would stand for it either."
"Steve, please…"
Steve grabbed Tony's arms and spun him around, pressing his back into the glass. "Jesus, Tony. It's like you want me to leave!"
Tony closed his eyes and let his head rest on the glass. "I'm trying to be noble."
"Well, stop it," Steve told him before he kissed Tony fiercely and with extreme intent. He didn't stop until Tony's jaw was slack and he was being kissed back with equal passion. He didn't let them part for air until Steve's lungs burned.
"I love you, Tony." Steve whispered, catching his breath quickly. "We tried it apart. We tried being at each other's throats. It didn't lead to anything good for anyone. Let's try doing things together this time."
Tony's eyes were almost black as he looked at Steve. "Together," he repeated as if Steve had told him the secret of the universe.
Steve sought and found Tony's hands and twined their fingers together. "A united front." He kissed Tony again, softly, tenderly.
"No one will expect it," Tony said, with a trace of humor, and, god, Steve had missed that. Tony initiated the kiss this time, nibbling on Steve's bottom lip.
They stood kissing against the window for what felt like hours but could only have been a few minutes. When Steve drew away, heat pooled in his stomach at the sight of Tony's lips which were red from Steve's kisses. Lips marked as Steve's for anyone that could read the signs.
"Be at the conference with me tomorrow."
Tony started to shake his head then stopped. "Are you sure? It would go better --"
Steve rested his forehead against Tony's and nodded. "I'm sure. I need you there just as much as I need Bucky and Sharon. Do this for me, Tony?"
It was unfair and Steve knew it. Tony had been shot at in a public appearance only a few days before. Maria had been threatened. Tony had every reason not to want to be in front of a camera or a crowd. Steve didn't have any right to ask him.
"Okay," Tony agreed, softly. "Okay."
Steve kissed him again. "Thank you."
They started to lean in for another kiss when a sound from the doorway drew their attention. Maria stood there, holding a book in her hands. It was black with silver writing on it, and it looked new. Steve could make out the title: Coraline.
A present from the Richards maybe?
"Yes, Maria?" Tony asked, sounding like he hadn't just been caught kissing by a nine-year-old.
"Could you read the next part with me? It makes me shivery." Maria was chewing on her bottom lip.
Tony glanced at Steve. "How about we all read it together in the living room?" he suggested. "With some milk and cookies?"
Maria lit up slightly at that, and Steve was thankful that in many ways Maria could act like a normal child. Not that he had much of a baseline for the reactions of normal children.
"Will you do the voices?" Maria asked Tony hopefully, as he took her hands.
Steve glanced at him questioningly. "Voices?"
Tony flushed slightly. "When I read out loud, I do the character's dialogue in different voices. She likes it."
Steve laced his fingers with Tony's other hand. How could Tony ever think he could leave this? "I look forward to hearing it."
This was his home. This was his family.
***
Steve could hear Tony speaking from the podium and he felt sicker to his stomach with nerves than he had his first day of training to be a super solider. He was wearing his uniform, though he had the cowl pushed back. He wanted it to be clear it was him, not just someone wearing the uniform.
"Are you ready for this?" Bucky asked, looking more calm that Steve felt. Steve had to admit Bucky wore his version in the uniform well. It suited the younger man.
He grinned and shook his head. "No, not really."
Bucky was running his fingers along the rim of the shield, and it was hard for Steve not to look at it. It was odd to be in uniform and not have the weight of the shield on his back. He missed it.
"You don't have to do this. Let Stark make something up," Bucky suggested. "You could retire some place and have a happy, normal life. Get married, raise some kids."
Steve shook his head again. "Bucky -- James," he corrected himself, resting a hand on Bucky's shoulder. "This is a part of my life. And I can't abandon Tony."
Bucky sighed, but nodded. "I thought you might say that." He lifted the shield and held it out to Steve. "I believe this is yours, Captain."
"No, James. It's yours. I passed it on to you," Steve protested. "You have as much right to the shield and the name as I do."
Bucky shook his head. "They were never mine. I was just keeping both safe for you." He pressed the shield at Steve again. "Take it. It's yours."
Steve carefully took the shield from Bucky, welcoming the weight. It was like regaining a limb, and Steve just stood there a moment looking at it. "Thank you."
Bucky smiled slightly. "See if you still thank me after the press eats you alive."
"They're ready for us," Sharon called from the doorway. She was back in a SHEILD uniform.
"We fought the Nazis, we can handle a press conference," Steve told him, shifting the shield onto his back.
"If you say so, Cap." Bucky shot back, falling into step beside Steve.
Steve smiled, and with Bucky on one side and Sharon on the other, he pushed open the doors into the bright sunlight. The flash bulbs started going off all around him, but Steve focused on Tony's face as he walked to the podium.
They'd handle this press conference together.
A united front.
End
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15,Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21
Previous Parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6,
Part 7, Part 8 Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13,
Part 14, Part 15,Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20
Author:
kijikun Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts/Stephen Strange
Betas:
pandanoai and ellyr_in_ink Word Count: 5162
Warnings: Spoilers through "Fallen Son", references to an institutionalized childhood
Timeline: Marvel Time is always kind of flexible, so we're setting this somewhere in the first half of 2008. Secret Invasion does not exist in this universe.
A/N: Con-crit and comments welcome as always. It's been a great ride, thanks for going along with me. Stay tuned for the epilogue and the sequel.
Steve couldn't sleep.
It wasn't that he wasn't tired. He was exhausted from stress, worry, and fear. His brain was crowded with thoughts and plans -- and he didn't feel he could ever share them with Tony. Tony had enough on his plate.
Tony, who had been going non-stop for the last two days… Tony, who had been dealing with the brunt of the investigation, both into the video and the shooting… Tony, who had done everything he could, bent over backwards for Steve and to keep his secret, even when it endangered his own life and Maria's…
Beside him, Tony slept peacefully for the moment, but the stress and strain of the last few days was obvious in the lines of his face and the tension in his body. Steve ran his hand over Tony's back, wishing he could ease that pain.
Steve feared the decision he was slowly realizing he had to make. The thing he knew he had to do, the one thing that might strain the fragile, still-healing bond between him and Tony to the breaking point, would only cause Tony more pain. But his conversation with Bucky and Sharon, the look on Peter and MJ's faces, and the video that kept showing up on the news had convinced him that he had to make this choice.
He'd been in a limbo of sorts since he'd shown up at Tony's penthouse, and he couldn't stay there forever.
Steve sat up and rubbed his hand over his face. He'd go to the gym, try to work himself to a point where he could sleep. He wanted to be rested when he talked to Tony in the morning. And when he talked to Sharon and Bucky again.
God, he needed to talk to Sharon. They'd never finished… he'd become so distracted by Tony and Maria. He hadn't thought about her confession, about what she'd told him, since that day.
A baby.
His and Sharon's baby, and it was gone before he'd known. He'd been in a homeless shelter, barely aware of his own name, while Sharon was going through hell because of him.
Steve covered his eyes with a hand and took a deep breath.
"Hey," Tony murmured. Warm, calloused hands slid over his sides as Tony's arms wrapped around him.
Steve covered one of Tony's hands with his own. "Didn't mean to wake you."
Tony placed a kissed at the top of his spine. "You didn't," he assured him. "Are you alright?"
"I -- it's nothing you need to worry about," Steve said.
"Let me be the judge of that," Tony told him. He rested his chin on Steve's shoulder. "Are you still thinking about that video? It wasn't real. It was meant to stir up emotions and distract us from the real reasons behind the shooting."
Tony had told him this before, and Steve believed him. It was the fact that using his name had been possible. That people believed it.
"You aren't at fault here, Steve." Tony insisted firmly. "If it's anyone's fault, it’s mine. I ignored things I should have paid attention to."
Steve closed his eyes. "They still used my name. It doesn't matter whether it was the real reason -- it was a believable reason for people. Someone could decide to really 'avenge' me. Someone could really kill you."
Tony was quiet, his breath warm against Steve's neck.
"Because they -- the nation, and most of our friends --" Steve started to say.
"Your friends," Tony corrected.
Steve turned his head, trying to look at Tony. He could only glimpse Tony's dark hair. "Our friends," Steve said, firmly, "think I'm dead."
"That doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon," Tony snorted softly. "I'm not planning a press conference, and I doubt anyone else that knows is going to, either. Peter and MJ agreed not to tell anyone until you're ready." He rubbed his hands up and down Steve's forearms.
Steve looked towards the door, almost hoping to see Maria. He didn't want to have this conversation at three in the morning. Maria wasn't there. She was probably still tucked safe in her bed -- or under her bed, where they often found her lately. Tony would know.
"Steve?" Tony asked, softly.
He captured one of Tony's hands and kissed the fingertips. "You know I love you."
Behind him Tony went still. "I love you, too." Tony murmured against his skin. Steve could hear the fear leaking into Tony's voice.
"Can you set up a press conference for me?" Steve asked, softly.
Tony detangled himself from Steve and moved to a position where he could see Steve's face. "You don't have to do this, Steve." Tony gripped Steve's hands tightly in his. "You wanted time…"
"You've given me time, Tony. More time than I deserved," Steve told him, entwining his fingers with Tony's. "I have to tell people -- I need to tell people. Everyone deserves to know the truth. I can't keep asking you and Maria to lie for me."
"People aren't going to understand why you came to me first, Steve. They're going to think --" Tony started to protest.
Steve leaned forward and kissed Tony fiercely, cupping the back of his neck. "Let them think whatever the hell they want," he said, after pulling back only far enough to catch his breath.
Tony shook his head minutely, but Steve could already see him making plans, calculating options and scenarios. "It's not that simple."
"It is if we make it that simple," Steve told him, smiling slightly.
He felt, more than heard, Tony sigh. "Give me a day to set everything up. It -- it will go better if James calls the press conference." Tony paused. "And if I'm not there."
"Tony --" Steve was sure he sounded as exasperated as he felt.
"If there's anyone you don't want to find out your secret on national television, you should let them know soon. And -- you need to decide about the uniform," Tony finished, and then added. "I still have one of your spares. You'd have to talk to your kid brother about the shield."
Steve blinked in surprise. "How did you know I've decided to -- " be Captain America again, he didn't say. " -- to wear the uniform?"
Tony smiled, but it was sad and didn't reach his eyes. "Because you're you, Steve. The uniform -- the name -- is as much a part of you as the armor is a part of me."
"Thank you," Steve told him, titling his head to kiss along Tony's jaw line.
"For what?" Tony placed a hand over Steve's chest, his thumb stroking the bare skin, straying close to a nipple.
Steve nipped Tony's chin before kissing him lightly. "Knowing me so well."
The slow smile that spread across Tony's face sent heat coursing through Steve's body. He knew that smile. He loved that smile. Tony's thumb brushed against Steve's right nipple almost accidentally.
"It took many long years of study," Tony assured him, practically climbing into Steve's lap. "Would you like a demonstration of the practical applications of that knowledge?"
Steve settled his hands on Tony's hips, his arousal spiking. He could feel Tony hardening and growing through the fabric of Steve's blue flannel sleep pants and Tony's red boxers. "Always," Steve assured him with a growl. "Are you up for such a demonstration?"
Tony grinned wide and a little wild as he squirmed on Steve's lap. Then, he shoved Steve backwards. Steve let his back hit the bed, leaving Tony straddled over his hips. "Always."
Steve laughed and pulled Tony down for a kiss that was more teeth and tongue than lips.
There were a million things Tony could have been doing, but Pepper was insisting on dealing with the media, Hill was handling things at SHIELD (they'd apprehended the second hit man while Tony slept), and Carol was handling the supers side of things. His three furies.
Things were bad when he was grateful for Maria Hill.
Jan had called and offered to come by and keep an eye on Maria if he needed her to. She also reminded Tony that Maria had been promised a chance to meet Hank's ants, and that she and Hank would be happy to watch Maria whenever, and for however long, Tony needed. Tony wasn't sure if Hank knew about this, but it was good to know two of his oldest friends were still so willing to help him. Whether or not he deserved it.
The thought of Hank introducing Maria to his ants, who probably all had names, and Maria trying to remember them all, was more than a little amusing.
Tony smiled to himself and looked over at Maria. They were both sitting on the floor of the living room. Maria was drawing. There was an intense look on her face, and the tip of her tongue was sticking out. When he'd first come in and found her, he hadn't been able to make out what it was she was sketching; now it was pretty clear she was drawing Spider-Man. He was almost jealous.
He'd really just been passing through the room, but she'd looked up and smiled at him. He'd
sat down on the floor next to her. One of the best things, as well as one of the worst, was he could do most of his work just about anywhere now. The living room floor was as good a place as any, and watching Maria between emails and hitting one dead end after another tracking down the mastermind of the attack was calming.
Tony could pretend that the cut on her cheek was from some normal childhood accident, like falling off a bike. Tony didn't even know if she could ride a bike or where she would ride one in a penthouse. He could pretend that the lingering stiffness in his shoulder was really from an enthusiastic bout of sex with Steve, and that Steve wasn't in a closed-door meeting with Stephen Strange and James Barnes. He'd also like to pretend that he hadn't seen the way Pepper had smiled at Stephen.
The most important thing he could pretend, as he watched Maria draw in the ceiling Peter was hanging upside down from, was how much things weren’t going to change after tomorrow. Maybe he could even pretend he hadn't learned the name of the man who'd made it his mission to destroy Tony's life.
Ezekiel Stane.
Sadly, he wasn't that good at deluding himself these days.
*Tony,* Pepper's voice broke him from his thoughts. It took him a second to remember that he'd patched the intercom into Extremis.
*Yeah, Pepper?* he answered, watching as Maria started adding details to Peter's uniform. He frowned slightly. When had she seen Peter's black uniform?
*Reed and Franklin Richards are here. Did you know they were coming?*
*I would have told you if I had, Pepper. You trained me well, remember?* Tony shot back, almost smiling. *Send them on up. Maria will be happy to see Franklin.*
Tony reached over and tucked some stray strands of hair behind Maria's ear. "Franklin's here to visit, Maria."
She looked up from her drawing, eyes lighting up. "Did Val come too?"
"No, just Reed and Franklin," Tony told her. He tapped her nose. "Did you know they were coming, genius?"
Maria's eyes darted away. "How could I?" she asked.
Tony fought back a sigh and got to his feet. "I'm not upset. Just tell me next time Franklin gives you the heads up." She started to open her mouth, and he shook his head. "I know you two talk in some unusual ways, and that's fine. But keep me in the loop on surprise visits, okay?"
She nodded, scrambling to her feet as the elevator dinged.
Reed looked awkward to Tony as he and Franklin exited the elevator, but Reed never looked at ease in social situations. Dropping in like this, and Tony would bet a good deal of money that this was Sue's idea mostly, probably unnerved Reed a little. The man was a genius and one of Tony's best friends, but he was more comfortable in a lab and most people knew it.
"Reed, it's good to see you. How's Susan?" Tony asked, walking over to greet them.
"She's fine," Reed told him. "I hope you don't mind us coming over like this. Franklin was worried about Maria, and Sue thought it'd be good for the kids to have a visit…"
Franklin, who had hurried over to Maria and hugged her and to Tony's surprised was hugged back, looked over at his dad. "Mom told Dad to get out of the lab and come see how you were in person, and to take me with him," Franklin added helpfully.
"Franklin!" Reed protested.
Tony couldn't help but chuckle. "Actually, I'm glad you’re here, Reed. I wanted to talk to you about a few things." He looked over at Maria who was whispering with Franklin. "Maria, why don't you show Franklin your new drawing? Reed and I are going to be in my office if you need us. If you two get hungry, ask Jarvis to make you a snack."
Maria nodded. "Yes, Tony."
"How are you?" Reed asked, once they were out of earshot of the kids.
Tony shrugged. "I'm fine, Reed…"
Reed shook his head. "That's not what I meant, Tony. How are you…handling what happened?" Reed asked. He looked uncomfortable but concerned. "Having your child threatened or injured -- I know it's not easy to deal with."
"I'm handling…" just fine, Tony started to say. But this was Reed. He knew what it was like to wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares where you held a little broken body to your chest. "I don't want to let her out of my sight. I know she's safe here. I know Steve would keep her safe, but…tell me it gets easier. Tell me I'm not going to worry every moment she's not with me."
Reed touched his shoulder. "I wish I could, Tony. But it doesn't. You just -- try to deal with it. You try not to stifle them, even if you want to just keep them wrapped up safe and sound from the world."
Peter crouched on the ceiling and tried not to look like he was staring at the door. It wasn't so much the door he was trying not to appear interested in the door itself, but what was through the door. What was through the door was Dr. Strange, who'd been in there for several hours.
Not that Peter found Dr. Strange interesting enough to stare at a door for – well, he did find Dr. Strange interesting, but that was a different situation altogether. Magic was always pretty interesting, and Dr. Strange was one of the best magic using 'heroes'. Though whether you could really classify Dr. Strange as a hero when he liked working behind the scenes best --
"Peter?"
"Ahh!" Peter yelped. He almost jumped, which would have been bad because he could have wound up upside down on the floor.
MJ was laughing and shaking her head at him. She settled her hands on her hips. "My husband. So brave."
"You startled me," Peter complained. "And you snuck up on me. It's not my fault my spider-sense doesn't know you’re dangerous."
"Just how am I dangerous?" MJ asked, still laughing.
Peter grinned. "You could make me sleep on the floor. I could catch a cold or something."
She rolled her eyes and stole a kiss. "You'd wind up sleeping on the ceiling, more like it."
"Nah, it could tempt me to start web-slinging in my sleep. That would be bad," Peter told her in a confidential tone.
MJ nodded in agreement. "People might think I was beating you, from all the bruises on your face from swinging into the wall. Plus, Dr. Strange might get annoyed if you crack the plaster."
Peter jerked his head towards the door. "How long do you think he's going to make us wait?"
"It's not an easy decision for him," MJ said softly, and they both knew she wasn’t talking about Dr. Strange.
"Yeah, I guess," Peter rubbed his left arm. "He should have just told us straight out, instead of hiding. At the least I wouldn't be tackling nine-year-olds so they don't get their heads shot off."
MJ frowned, crossing her arms. "That isn't fair, you know that."
"It might not be fair, but it's true. Has he even told Clint or Sam?" Peter muttered. "And I hate that we know and no one else even knows this is coming."
"Knows what is coming?" Luke asked, from behind them.
Both Peter and MJ stared guilty and looked Luke's way. Jessica was standing next to him, holding baby Danny. Jessica Drew was in the doorway, leaning against the door frame.
"Uhm, nothing?" Peter offered, sheepishly.
Jessica Drew rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything. Peter wondered if she already knew -- she often knew things before they did, and that freaked Peter out at times. But she'd always proved herself to be on their side.
"What do you two know that we don't?" Luke demanded. "Do you know why Strange said he wanted to meet with all of us?"
MJ glanced at Peter, then to the door. "It's nothing bad," she assured him.
"We just sort of promised not tell anyone until he was ready to let people know," Peter babbled, waving his hands in front of him.
Jessica Jones preempted her husband's next outburst by handing him Danny. The baby cooed at her father, patting his face.
"We aren't going to make either of you break a promise," Jessica said, looking pointedly at her husband. "It doesn't have anything to do with Tony, does it?"
Peter shook his head. "No, it's -- well, it's complicated. But it's a good thing. A really good thing."
As if on cue, the door Peter had been staring at swung open. Dr. Strange walked out and smiled slightly. "I see most of us are here," he said, raising his eyebrow.
Dr. Strange stepped to the side and out of the room stepped…
"Oh my god," Jessica Jones gasped, covering her hand with her mouth.
Steve’s smile was sheepish and a little guilty. "Uhm, hi everyone," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Steve wasn't sure this was a conversation he wanted to walk in on. He stood in the doorway of Tony's office, listening to Maria and Tony talking. He could only see the back of Tony's chair, but he could tell that Maria was curled up on his lap.
"Why wouldn't Steve be living with us?" Maria was asking. "He said he’d help me protect you. He can't do that if he leaves. Did I do something wrong? Is it because I couldn't protect you?"
Steve took a step forward then stopped himself, not sure if making his presence known would help things.
"No, no, no," Tony said softly, trying to reassure the child in his arms. "Steve wouldn't be leaving because of you, Maria. I promise. You haven't done anything wrong. What happened wasn't your fault."
"I don't understand. Why would he leave?" Maria persisted.
Steve could almost hear Tony grasping for words, even as he didn't understand why Tony would be bringing up the possibility of Steve leaving. Why would he leave?
He loved Tony, and Tony knew that.
"He -- things are going to change after tomorrow." Tony's voice trembled for a moment. "Remember how we talked about people thinking Steve was still dead?"
Steve couldn't see it, but he could imagine Maria looking thoughtful and nodding.
It still didn't make sense to Steve. Why would people knowing change how Steve felt?
The large desk chair shifted slightly before Tony spoke. "Tomorrow, Steve is going to tell the whole world he's still alive. He was gone all day today because he's letting his friends know in person, because it wouldn't be right for them to hear it on the news." Tony paused as if gathering his thoughts. "It's going to change things for him, for us. There are going to be commitments and loyalties more important than us."
"He said he’d work on my drawings with me," Maria’s voice was very soft, very small. "He said we'd go to an art museum together. He said he'd help protect you and that he wouldn't hurt you. He can't do that if he goes."
"I'm sure he'll still come to see you, Maria." Tony’s voice broke. "He -- I'm sure he didn't mean to lie to you."
Steve couldn't let this go on any longer. "But I didn't lie, Tony. I'm not planning on going anywhere," he said, moving further into the office.
The chair turned around, and Tony looked haunted. "How long have you been standing there?"
Maria was quiet, looking from Tony to Steve and back to Tony. Steve crossed the space separating them. He leaned in and kissed Tony gently, and then dropped a kiss to Maria's forehead.
"Long enough," he told Tony."I'm not leaving you. Either of you."
Tony curled his arm around Maria like he half believed Steve would snatch her up. "People aren't going to understand you living here."
"I don't care," Steve growled. "I'm not living my life by what other people expect from me or will understand."
Maria was looking up at him, quiet but watchful. Steve wondered if they should send her from the room for this conversation, but she had to learn sometime that people could argue without it being a bad thing.
Tony narrowed his eyes. "You'd better be sure," he told Steve. "This doesn't just affect you and me."
Steve knelt down and touched the side of Maria's face. "I know," he whispered. "I'm not going to leave, Maria."
Maria titled her head to one side. "Tony wants you here."
"I know," Steve assured her, looking up at Tony.
She nodded slightly, and Steve tried to read her expression but failed. "Tony, can I go to my room? I'm tired."
Tony nodded. "If you want to, genius," he told her. "I'll be in to tuck you in soon if you want to read for a while until then."
She nodded again and climbed off his lap. She gave Steve a wary look that was different from the almost-affectionate looks he'd gotten used to getting from her. Steve guessed he was back on her ‘people-to-watch’ list when it came to protecting Tony. He wasn't sure if he should blame himself or Tony for that.
"How could you think I'd just leave?" Steve hissed, keeping his voice low once she'd left the room.
Tony turned the chair again so he could gaze out the window. "It was a possibility Maria needed to be prepared for."
"And now she hates me again," Steve muttered, feeling a bit bitter.
"She doesn't hate you. Maria's just wary of things she doesn't understand. And she doesn't understand half of what's going on right now. She’s also had a very long few days and she's tired. Plus, Franklin and Reed were over early," Tony sighed.
Steve leaned back against the desk, letting his chin rest on his chest. "Oh."
"They're going to try to get you to live somewhere else," Tony murmured, getting to his feet. He pressed the palms of his hands against the glass. "They'll say I'm controlling you, or any number of things. They won't trust me."
"Bucky's already tried that," Steve sighed. "But no one today tried. Not even Sam or Clint. Sam frowned a lot, but I think that was because he was a bit miffed I trusted you over him."
Tony shrugged. "Give them time."
Steve pushed away from the desk and stood just behind Tony. He wanted to wrap his arms around Tony, tuck his chin against Tony's shoulder and just hold him. But he didn't. "Most of them are your friends, too, Tony. No one hates you as much as you think."
"You won't be able to restart the Avengers and live here," Tony pointed out softly.
"I --” Steve hadn't thought about that. "I wouldn't restart the Avengers until the SHRA is recalled or modified."
Tony thumped his forehead against the glass. "And you think you can accomplish that and be closely associated with Tony Stark, Registration's poster boy?"
"You could help me bring it down," Steve pointed out. He ground his teeth. Why did it sound like Tony was trying to convince him to leave?
Tony gave a sharp laugh and smacked his fist into the window. "They'll try to take Maria."
"Let them then," Steve snapped. "It would only serve to make them look bad. You wouldn't let them take her. Very few people would stand by while the government tried to take your daughter, Tony. I don't think the public would stand for it either."
"Steve, please…"
Steve grabbed Tony's arms and spun him around, pressing his back into the glass. "Jesus, Tony. It's like you want me to leave!"
Tony closed his eyes and let his head rest on the glass. "I'm trying to be noble."
"Well, stop it," Steve told him before he kissed Tony fiercely and with extreme intent. He didn't stop until Tony's jaw was slack and he was being kissed back with equal passion. He didn't let them part for air until Steve's lungs burned.
"I love you, Tony." Steve whispered, catching his breath quickly. "We tried it apart. We tried being at each other's throats. It didn't lead to anything good for anyone. Let's try doing things together this time."
Tony's eyes were almost black as he looked at Steve. "Together," he repeated as if Steve had told him the secret of the universe.
Steve sought and found Tony's hands and twined their fingers together. "A united front." He kissed Tony again, softly, tenderly.
"No one will expect it," Tony said, with a trace of humor, and, god, Steve had missed that. Tony initiated the kiss this time, nibbling on Steve's bottom lip.
They stood kissing against the window for what felt like hours but could only have been a few minutes. When Steve drew away, heat pooled in his stomach at the sight of Tony's lips which were red from Steve's kisses. Lips marked as Steve's for anyone that could read the signs.
"Be at the conference with me tomorrow."
Tony started to shake his head then stopped. "Are you sure? It would go better --"
Steve rested his forehead against Tony's and nodded. "I'm sure. I need you there just as much as I need Bucky and Sharon. Do this for me, Tony?"
It was unfair and Steve knew it. Tony had been shot at in a public appearance only a few days before. Maria had been threatened. Tony had every reason not to want to be in front of a camera or a crowd. Steve didn't have any right to ask him.
"Okay," Tony agreed, softly. "Okay."
Steve kissed him again. "Thank you."
They started to lean in for another kiss when a sound from the doorway drew their attention. Maria stood there, holding a book in her hands. It was black with silver writing on it, and it looked new. Steve could make out the title: Coraline.
A present from the Richards maybe?
"Yes, Maria?" Tony asked, sounding like he hadn't just been caught kissing by a nine-year-old.
"Could you read the next part with me? It makes me shivery." Maria was chewing on her bottom lip.
Tony glanced at Steve. "How about we all read it together in the living room?" he suggested. "With some milk and cookies?"
Maria lit up slightly at that, and Steve was thankful that in many ways Maria could act like a normal child. Not that he had much of a baseline for the reactions of normal children.
"Will you do the voices?" Maria asked Tony hopefully, as he took her hands.
Steve glanced at him questioningly. "Voices?"
Tony flushed slightly. "When I read out loud, I do the character's dialogue in different voices. She likes it."
Steve laced his fingers with Tony's other hand. How could Tony ever think he could leave this? "I look forward to hearing it."
This was his home. This was his family.
Steve could hear Tony speaking from the podium and he felt sicker to his stomach with nerves than he had his first day of training to be a super solider. He was wearing his uniform, though he had the cowl pushed back. He wanted it to be clear it was him, not just someone wearing the uniform.
"Are you ready for this?" Bucky asked, looking more calm that Steve felt. Steve had to admit Bucky wore his version in the uniform well. It suited the younger man.
He grinned and shook his head. "No, not really."
Bucky was running his fingers along the rim of the shield, and it was hard for Steve not to look at it. It was odd to be in uniform and not have the weight of the shield on his back. He missed it.
"You don't have to do this. Let Stark make something up," Bucky suggested. "You could retire some place and have a happy, normal life. Get married, raise some kids."
Steve shook his head again. "Bucky -- James," he corrected himself, resting a hand on Bucky's shoulder. "This is a part of my life. And I can't abandon Tony."
Bucky sighed, but nodded. "I thought you might say that." He lifted the shield and held it out to Steve. "I believe this is yours, Captain."
"No, James. It's yours. I passed it on to you," Steve protested. "You have as much right to the shield and the name as I do."
Bucky shook his head. "They were never mine. I was just keeping both safe for you." He pressed the shield at Steve again. "Take it. It's yours."
Steve carefully took the shield from Bucky, welcoming the weight. It was like regaining a limb, and Steve just stood there a moment looking at it. "Thank you."
Bucky smiled slightly. "See if you still thank me after the press eats you alive."
"They're ready for us," Sharon called from the doorway. She was back in a SHEILD uniform.
"We fought the Nazis, we can handle a press conference," Steve told him, shifting the shield onto his back.
"If you say so, Cap." Bucky shot back, falling into step beside Steve.
Steve smiled, and with Bucky on one side and Sharon on the other, he pushed open the doors into the bright sunlight. The flash bulbs started going off all around him, but Steve focused on Tony's face as he walked to the podium.
They'd handle this press conference together.
A united front.
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am totally reading this backwards but this is a great chapter and now I want to know what happened.no subject
And it's very much like Steve to try to protect Tony by not telling him about his own problems, but really, that never works. *pets the boys*
The mental image of Tony reading to his daughter is so very cute. <3
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You have Tony, and Steve, and Tony/Steve so beautifully here. Tony's so broken but still kick ass and awesome when he needs to be. You did his recovery with Maria and Steve's help beautifully.
Your Steve is great too, how he seems to think that if her wants something to be true enough, it eventually will be (possibly because it has in the past), and maybe not quite understanding how totally screwed up Tony is, but always wanting to make things better for him.
All the little things, like Steve loving Tony's smile that make them feel so real.
Maria = yay.
I really like your supporting cast too. I hope too see more of everyone in the sequel. Also, what Steve does when he figures out exactly who Maria is (which I imagine will help with any forthcoming custody battles).
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Thanks you I enjoyed this whole run really much! :) Now, I will just have to go back to the beginning and read it again! :D
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beautiful, very brava
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Woot!
I'm so glad that you had the nerve and commitment to hang on to this, to finish the story. You did yourself proud.
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... and did I hear the word sequel?!
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Oooh fun! Now I look forward to more, of course
Goo
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HOPE
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*starts chant* Se-quel, se-quel, se-quel, se-quel...
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*off to check your other stories*
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Did you ever write a sequel to it? I was browsing your tags, but didn't see one.
Incredible Work!
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Then I went to your journal looking for more to read and realized I've read your fic before, but just the supernatural ones.
Small world.
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