Annnnnd we are back! After a little break, my friends and I have come up with all new ideas, maybe some twists and turns. This sequel will probably go 75/25 hero:villain ratio, meaning that a little bit of the story will revolve around the villain, and the rest will revolve around the villain. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sequel to write :D (We're picking up where we left off)

the funeral reception.

"Cynthia, meet Steve Rogers, otherwise known as Captain America."

Cynthia suddenly had the gall to let out a harsh laugh as she glanced up at 'Captain America'. "Let me guess, he's my dad? What are the odds, right? First, my sister dying, and now you're finally here," She simply stopped speaking as she realized that it wasn't a joke, that no one looked to be in a gaming mood, and her face dropped, "after fourteen years." The girl's brows furrowed, her fists clenching.

Steve looked down at Cynthia, glancing at Nick before starting to talk. "I… I'm sorry." He said quietly, knowing it wasn't enough. The cup Cynthia held was crushed in her hand, and she took a small step forward. "Let me tell you," she started, hesitating, "why that's bullshit." Steve seemed taken aback by his daughter's language, but remained quiet.

Cynthia paused before talking again, almost losing herself in her words. "You weren't there, and you have terrible timing, 'Captain America'!"

Back at S.H.I.E.L.D, briefing room, 5:32 pm.

Clint Barton and Natasha Barton.

"What if he doesn't like us?" the archer had asked his wife, giving her a glance. The redhead known as Natasha Romanoff smiled softly and shook her head.

"He will, Clint. Trust me."

Upon that five word sentence, Dwayne had shut the door behind him, his back turned to them. The room was silent, the agents sitting at the table tensing up considering they hadn't noticed Dwayne coming in. It wasn't like they were getting old – Dwayne must have been learning well.

Turning around, Dwayne held back a small gasp upon seeing his parents for the first time, and just sat at the table with slow movements instead. He was silent, staring at his parents for the longest time before Clint actually said something.

"I've seen you shoot. You're pretty good, y'know."

Dwayne was silent.

"Listen, it would be easier if we just came out with it," the redhead's calm voice cut through the atmosphere easily, "I'm Natasha Barton," Nat introduced herself, holding out a hand for Dwayne to shake, "and this is Clint Barton." She nodded at the man sitting next to her with a broad smile on his face, "we're your parents."

Dwayne's eyes went wide, but he still smiled.

briefing room, 6:17 pm

Anthony Stark and Pepper Stark.

Lauren notices the dark haired man has a circle of light glowing through his shirt, just like hers. Her face brightens, feeling genuinely happy. She sits at the table, greeted by smiling faces, and she knows that these two are hers, and that she is theirs.

"Hey, kid."

"Hi, dad."

Lauren turns to Pepper, and holds out a hand, smiling, "I'm Lauren. Lauren Noel…"

Pepper nods, and glances at Tony, "We know. Your name is Lauren Noel Stark. I'm Pepper."

Lauren has millions of questions already, and she holds a hand out for her father to shake. He does, his grip firm, and longing.

"How's the suit?" Tony asks, cracking his knuckles.

"It's great – the mechanics, the design, the genius, the – the everything! It's genius. It was surprisingly easy to build, too."

"I designed it that way, sweetie."

Lauren smiles at the 'sweetie', and realizes she now has someone to ask for help without getting a weird look.

Pepper puts a hand on Lauren's, and the two make eye contact. Glorious, amazing, familiar eye contact. "We have a surprise for you – well, more for the team."

"What is it?"

"We've built a facility for you and your friends – it's really nice. We put all the toys in there for your buddy Rex, and a workout room, a kitchen, everything. Plus, an allowance. All in New York City."

Tony is next, "I also put an AI in there. There are directions on the counter, alright? Nick will escort you guys there after everything here is done with."

Lauren's face twists from shock, to happiness – the gift sounds amazing, and there is nothing else on her mind. "Thank you two, so, so much. I – we'll take good care of it."

briefing room, 6:58 pm.

Bruce Banner and Darcy Banner.

Rex smiles upon coming in, and so do Bruce and Darcy. They're just happy to see that they're little (for the most part) boy is safe. He sits down, leaning forward a little to hug them both at the same time, wrapping one arm around their necks to do so. He sits back down, teary-eyed, trying so hard to contain himself, to keep from bouncing off the walls. He knows that these are the people that will accept him for what he really is. A monster he can barely control.

Darcy is a little teary-eyed, and Bruce reaches over to set a hand on Rex's shoulder – trying to initiate conversation.

"I heard of you after a while from Lauren's dad – Tony Stark. Have you heard of him?"

Rex nods slightly, remembering when Lauren told Rex about some labels on the parts of the suit that said Stark Industries.

"Well, anyway – I'm assuming that was your first accident?"

Rex nods more enthusiastically, eyes wide, he can't believe it – does this man know what it's like? "Yeah, it was. It's a long story."

Bruce shakes his head, "No need to explain, it's fine. You and I, we have the same problem. I actually… gave it to you. I'm Bruce. Bruce Banner."

Darcy adjusts her glasses, and Rex studies her, realizing he got some of her features. Like poor eyesight, apparently. "I'm Darcy – I'm your mom. We're so happy to finally meet you. I only have one question, though, and I'm sorry," she leans in, bringing her voice to a whisper. Rex does the same. "Is that – the blonde girl, is she okay?"

Rex shook his head, "No. She's not okay. None of us are."

briefing room, 7: 28 pm.

Steve Rogers.

The two sat across each other in strict silence, Steve thinking about how to explain his daughter's existence to her.

Cynthia sat across from Steve, glaring daggers at him, thinking of possible scenarios that could play out, right here and now. One of them included Cynthia punching Captain America himself in the face.

"Let me explain," Steve started, fingers drumming against the cold table of the room.

"Please do."

"I – okay. I'm actually a super soldier that was enhanced in… nineteen forty. I'm about ninety or so years old by now."

"Okay, grandpa, go on."

Steve rolled his eyes at the 'grandpa' thing, and sighed. "It's not about me, though. A while ago, we started having kids. Clint and Nat got married, then Mrs. Potts and Tony, and boom – kids. Boom – pregnant. So one day, Tony talked me into donating, telling me it would be better if I had a successor, anyway. So I did – "

"Wait, we're – I'm a test tube baby?"

"Yes. I specifically chose a woman that looked like a girl I liked a long time ago… Peggy."

"Yeah, yeah – does this mean I'll live longer than I'm supposed to?"

"That and much more."

Cynthia sat back in her chair, eyes flickering to the side. She wondered what Delano would think if she was still here. "Well," she sighed, "this sucks."

dwayne's room, 8:14 pm.

The night had almost ended recently on a funny note, Nick telling Thor that he had a niece and Thor responding with 'Another?'

"Odinson, did you know that your brother has yet another kid?" Fury asked, raising an eyebrow at Thor. Jane raised an eyebrow, coughing on her water out of sheer horror.

Thor blinked, throwing down his cup of water and stomping on it, "Another!"

So Dwayne had changed out of his funeral clothes and into some basketball shorts and a plain black t-shirt. Turning around, he nearly jumped out of his skin once he saw Laurel just sitting on his bed, legs crossed, along with her arms. Dwayne notices right away that she looks older – about sixteen-ish now.

His age.

He had first met Laurel in a hallway, and now here she was, sitting on his bed –

His reminiscent thoughts were interrupted by Laurel sighing. "I'm frightfully sorry to intrude, but I give my condolences to you and your… family."

Dwayne nods, backing away slightly, knowing he should be on his guard. Laurel stands, and Dwayne was right. She's taller. Almost taller than him.

"No, no – don't. I'm not here to cause any trouble, I promise you- I take breaks, unlike my father. I do give my condolences, once again – I was at the reception. No one noticed, thank the gods. It was terribly sad," While Laurel is speaking, Dwayne gets a good look at her for the first time. His first encounter full on with the girl who practically ruined Cynthia's life. Well, an accessory to ruining Cynthia's life.

She's taller, looks older. She looks… beautiful, Dwayne realizes. He steps back forward, ending up a few inches from Laurel. She notices, and becomes quiet.

"I… I, ah…" Laurel wets her lips, looking around to avoid Dwayne's wondering eyes.

"Shut up, now," Dwayne says, and leans in, catching her lips.

Laurel isn't exactly a master, but she knows what to do. She kisses him back, and turns her head. She feels hands on her shoulders.

Dwayne pulls away, and nods at her, giving her approval. She tastes like oranges and mint, for some reason. He likes it.

Laurel's porcelain face is on fire, and she looks away. "I have a plan," Dwayne is mulling over in his head what he just did, and the consequences, and quickly comes to the conclusion that no one will ever find out. He looks at Laurel, and nods.

"I'm in."