Even after almost five years, the pain was still fresh.

Steve could still remember every moment he ever spent with Tony, every conversation they ever had, and what those bright eyes looked like when the life left them.

The super soldier's blue eyes looked up towards the statue that honored the man. It displayed the man in the last iron man suit he made standing tall, wielding the infinity gauntlet toward the sky was his face, outside the suit, displayed that same determined face Steve recalled so well. At the bottom of the statue was a plaque that read:

"Tony Stark

Hero For All

1970-2019"

Pepper had worked hard to get a statue of Tony made, wanting to remember his sacrifices. The testimonies of several Avengers helped, especially Doctor Strange. He revealed to the world that it was only thanks to Tony's determination that half the population was spared from Thanos's snap. Tony's use of the infinity gauntlet was viewed by millions, and only furthered the support for one to be built.

Eventually, it was completely… It was perfect. It truly displayed what Tony should be remembered for: his heroism.

Steve lost count of how many times he sat by that statue in his disguises, paying respects to the amazing man he never took the time to respect when he was still alive. In fact, that was exactly what he was doing today too.

"Oh, Tony…" He whispered, tears starting to slip down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry… I- I can never forgive myself…"

He said those words every single time, and they were true every single time… He lowered his head, standing in honored silence for the man he missed so dearly.

Silence that was quickly interrupted when a child crashed to the ground in front of him.

Steve's eyes widened behind his sunglasses, caught off guard from being jerked out of his mournful trance. Before he could kneel down to help the little one, a frantic voice called,"Lucy!"

The avenger turned, seeing a very tall, lean redhead kneel down and pick up the child. He turned to Steve, quickly saying,"I'm very sorry about that, she saw the statue and got really excited-"

Steve quickly waved the young man off. "Don't worry, I understand," He replied,"No need to apologize."

"Iron man! Iron man!" The little girl in the redhead's arms squealed, squirming out of his arms. simply tugging at his hand, and pointing up at the statue.

The red headed young man smiled, turning to let her get a better look at the statue. That's when Steve noticed a little iron man keychain attached to the young man's phone.

"So, you're iron man fans?" He asked curiously, making the two turn back to him with curious looks.

The little girl spoke first. "Yeah! He's super cool!" She exclaimed,"He took the thing and kaboom! He saves everyone!"

Steve noticed that she had a slight accent, but one that he couldn't place, so he ignored it. He knelt down to her level, and said,"Wow! He really did that? How cool!"

The little girl suddenly became shy. She grabbed the back of the tall young man's pants and hid behind him slightly, but she still nodded in return to Steve's words.

"He was pretty cool," The tall teen agreed, looking back towards the statue. "I mean, not many people could touch those infinity stones, let alone wield all of them! It would be like trying to use a potato battery to power your car!"

The super soldier couldn't help but be surprised by the kid's intelligent comparison. "Sounds like you know a lot about science and power," He pointed out.

The kid froze, his cheeks turning a shade of pink. "I- Well, I hope to make a career out of it eventually, so I've learned as much as I can," He sheepishly admitted, pushing his two index fingers together and looking down at them.

Steve suddenly felt sad all over again. This kid sounds like Tony… Whenever he'd go into one of his science rants… He remembered, turning his eyes back to the statue with a sad sigh.

"Why are you sad?" The little girl's voice broke through his thoughts again. He turned, seeing both kids looking towards him inquisitively.

Steve didn't know what made him do it; Maybe it was because the two kids were strangers, or maybe it was because the Avengers wouldn't hear his true feelings. He told them,"I lost someone during Infinity War… I took them for granted, I didn't appreciate who they really were. I regret it every day, but now I have no way to tell them how much I really did care for them."

He looked down again, not wanting to see the pity that always seemed to be in people's eyes. Why did I do that? They didn't need hear that, I'm just bothering them…

"Hey… It's okay, I know how you feel," The older teen's soft voice admitted, making Steve look back towards them. That freckled face had a gentle smile, and those eyes were filled with understanding, not pity.

Steve swallowed down the lump in his throat that made him want to burst into tears and slowly asked,"You do?"

The teen nodded. "Our mother, she died when Lucy was a newborn," The teen explained,"I felt horrible, it tore me apart. I always wondered if there was anything more I could do or say to her, or what I would have told her if I had more time… But I know now that she wouldn't want me to dwell on what I could have done. She'd want me to keep on living, and I'm sure that's what your friend would want too."

The Avenger couldn't believe his ears, but the teen was totally right. Tony wouldn't want any of us to mourn forever, he'd want us to keep protecting the world and remember him fondly. He wouldn't want to be the reason we give up! He'd want us to stay strong!

The sadness on Steve's face melted away, and his usual smile took over. "You're right, he would have," He admitted to both the teen and himself, turning to face them. "Thank you, young man."

"Just Jamie is fine," The teen said, returning the smile with one of his own. "And you're welcome."

"And I'm Lucy!" The little girl exclaimed, having emerged from behind her older brother.

Steve smiled and nodded in acknowledgment toward the little girl, and softly replied,"Nice to meet you both."

He looked around, making sure that no one was too close by before he whispered,"Would you two like to know a secret?"

Lucy nodded excitedly, but Jamie looked a little apprehensive. Steve didn't blame him, it was New York after all. So, he moved quickly, and pulled his sunglasses off.

"I'm Captain America," He revealed, watching as their eyes widened in surprise. "But you have to keep it quiet, I only wanted you two to know. It's our secret."

Lucy's eyes practically sparkled with awe, and she nodded frantically. "Yes Captain!" She whispered, jumping up and down a bit.

Jamie looked more shocked than excited, taking several steps back. "I- No- You- We…" He stuttered out,"I thought…. I'd never-"

Before the young man could finish his frazzled thoughts, Steve heard another voice call,"Jamie! Lucy! You ready to go?"

An older brunette man holding a food bag and a Japanese man with chestnut hair and glasses approached, smiling at the siblings.

Jamie quickly turned back to Steve, bowing in what Steve assumed was respect. "Thank you for speaking with us sir, have a good day!" He told Steve, and Lucy waved goodbye as they hurried over to the two men.

Jamie and Lucy hugged the two men, and then began chatting excitedly as they wandered away. Jamie turned and looked back at him once more, his face looking inquisitive and confused. But, when Steve waved back at him, the kid returned the wave with a smile.

It hurt Steve's heart as he watched them wander away. Their interactions were that of a close knit family… Such a sight made Steve sad all over again…

Because it reminded him of that blessed time when the Avengers were together…

When they were a family…

Tony, despite his initial reaction, actually felt more at ease after running into Steve than when he was when Fury picked him up. Well, Steve thought I was just some random stranger off the street… SHIELD is actually suspicious of me…

He let out an annoyed sigh, running a hand through his messy hair and leaned back in the car. It'd be nice if nothing else like that happened during this trip, I'd really like that!

He looked out the window, watching the scenery of upstate New York as it passed them by, nerves and excitement starting to build up in his chest. His dad was taking them to meet their extended family.

When he dug through his memories, Tony found that Jamie had only met these people a few times. I mean, that's not surprising. We live in Japan, we can't visit all the time. It's too expensive… He took a deep breath. I hope they like me… I hope they like Lucy…

"We're here!" His father's voice broke through his nervous thoughts. "This is where I grew up… I mean, it looks a little different now, but this house has been here for generations."

His father's blue eyes were glowing with excitement and memories that Tony couldn't see as he looked on the house, so the redhead turned to look at it himself.

The home was two stories and had a front made of red bricks, along with a nice green yard with a large oak tree. Tony already saw a few children running across the yard, their hair all different shades of red.

There were a couple of adults outside as well, chatting idly with each other until the oldest of them noticed Tony and his family approaching. He pointed his drink toward them and said,"Hey! Scott's here!"

The other two turned around. One looked a little older than Tony's father, and had a lean face with auburn hair, blue eyes, and a goatee. The other had light red hair and brown eyes, and was a little larger in muscle mass. Tony recognized them from Jamie's memories as his uncle Connor and uncle Oliver.

The auburn haired man smiled widely, turning around to look at them. "Hey, little brother! I'm so glad you guys could make it!" He cheerfully said. "Everyone's been dying to see you!"

Their father chuckled, sheepishly rubbing his neck. "Well, when you're usually fourteen hours ahead there is plenty of jet lag!" He pointed out,"I'm just glad we got here in time!"

Tony felt someone grab the back of his shirt all of a sudden, and instantly knew who it was. He turned and saw little Lucy clinging to him nervously, shy around the new strangers. He knelt down, taking her hand, and softly said,"Lucy, these are our uncles! Uncle Connor and Uncle Oliver!"

Lucy still somehow managed to hide behind him still, and softly whispered,"H-Hello…." She then hid against Tony again.

Despite his muscular height, Oliver was very gentle. He also knelt down, gasping excitedly. "Is that Lucy?" He whispered,"Look at you! You're such a big girl!"

The little girl giggled, a blush dusting over her freckled cheeks. She looked back at their father, and then ran over to Oliver, wrapping her arms around him.

Tony smiled in relief, glad the little girl was already getting used to the family. He stood up to his full height again.

"Whoa!" Connor exclaimed,"I didn't realize how tall you'd gotten, Jamie! Last time I saw you, I could hold you!"

The redhead chuckled, smiling widely. "Six foot three!" He proudly declared, smiling widely. Little did the family know, but the main reason he was proud of that fact was because he was taller than Captain America by three inches. Sure, it was a small victory, but the Avengers always made fun of him for his height.

"Well hot darn!" Connor exclaimed again,"Quite a growth spurt, huh?"

Tony heard his father laugh, and say,"You don't even know the half of it, Connor. He has stretch marks around his spine because of how fast he grew! His body just couldn't keep up!"

Connor and Oliver (who was now holding Lucy) laughed while Tony blushed deeply at his father's words. After their laughter ended, their attention now went towards Tenshi, who looked a little lost.

Oliver was the first to move, smiling at the Japanese man. "And you must be Tenshi!" He said,"It's nice to meet you, especially since you and my little brother will be getting married while you're here?"

Tenshi's face grew pink as well, and he softly asked,"Y-you're not mad? Even though Scott was married to a woman before?"

Connor openly laughed at that, and said,"Believe me, Scott has been Bi all his life. I'm proud that I'll soon be able to call you part of my family! Now, come on you guys, everyone's been waiting for you to get here!"

And so they went inside, and Tony got to meet the people from his memories. There was the grandparents, the cousins, and even a great grandpa who fought in world war 2 and had many good stories to tell.

He played with Lucy and the younger cousins, joked around with the older ones, met all his aunts and uncles, and listened to the grand and great grandparents stories. The whole time, Tony couldn't stop himself from smiling.

He had never had something like this, a big family who all enjoyed each other's company and now he did. The genius could hardly hide the joy from the world, as that happy glow was on every person in his family too.

Although he had already know if for several years, Tony once again reminded himself that he truly was home.

One Day Later

Goddammit, Mr. Noodle.

Tony narrowed his eyes at the hotel television, while Lucy watched with rapt attention while sitting in his lap. Sometimes she would giggle, and cheerfully say,"Silly mister noodle!" but most of the time she was too engrossed to notice anything.

Meanwhile, both his father and Tenshi were getting ready to start prepping for their wedding. Tony heard them the night before listing all the places they needed to go and things to get done. They were skipping some traditions, like having groomsmen or bridesmaids and only wanted a small ceremony that brought together both their cultures and a big reception.

Tony knew they already booked a reception area, had outfits, and knew which bakery they wanted. They just needed to do some tasting and a few other things before it was wedding time.

"Alright you two!" His father said, walking into their part of the hotel. "We're going to go run some errands, what do you have planned for today?"

The genius quickly answered,"I'm thinking of taking Lucy to Central Park! I think she'd love it! What do you think, Lucy?"

The little girl made an affirmative noise, whipped around to face Tony, and firmly said,"But after Elmo."

Tony waited until she turned around to send the two older men a desperate look. They simply laughed, used to the siblings' antics, and headed to the door.

"We'll be back after dark," Tenshi reminded them,"So feel free to order something from room service or get food while you're out, just make sure to be careful!"

The redhead nodded back, waving one hand. "Okay, have fun!" He called, turning back to Mr. Noodle as the door shut and locked with a click.

Thankfully, Tony only had to endure a little more of Elmo before Lucy was ready to go. She was dressed in her favorite blue dress with white bloomers underneath. Tony himself wore a simple gray T-shirt and some black pants, along with a metal bird necklace that his uncle gave him.

Then, off to Central Park they went. They took a scenic route there, letting Lucy observe some of the glorious buildings that surrounded them before they reached the park.

Tony, remembering that the Avengers would sometimes hang out in Central Park, was quickly to scope the area. He saw none of their usual disguises, but they didn't calm him down.

That doesn't mean anything. He quickly reminded himself. Rogers was at the statue and I didn't recognize him! What if they get more suspicious? What if I say something I shouldn't when they're neary? What if-

"Jamie!" Lucy suddenly exclaimed, jerking Tony out of his nervous thoughts. "Look Look! Horsies!"

The teen looked towards where she was pointing and saw one of the carriages with the horses. "Oh!" He said, looking down at the little girl; She was jumping up and down, but somehow still managing to keep ahold of Tony's hand.

He smiled, feeling his love for his little sister return full force. "Would you like to ride the carriage?" He asked.

Lucy gasped, turning her excited blue eyes toward him. "Can we? Can we?" She begged, hands clasped together.

Tony smiled wide himself, and nodded,"Sure! Let's go!"

The little girl squealed, glowing with happiness as she ran towards the carriage. Tony's happiness grew, and he followed after her. You know what? Why should I care if they're watching? I'm not in Central Park to hide from them, I'm here to help my little sis have fun! Let's do this!

And so Tony took her all around the park. They took a carriage ride, listened to storytelling at the Hans Christian Anderson statue, he took Lucy to the carousel and one of the playgrounds, and then they bought some food from one of the vendors and sat down in a nice green clearing to eat.

Tony couldn't help but release happy noises when he bit into the hot dog he bought; Even though he didn't miss his old life, he had to admit that he did miss New York food.

Lucy grew tired after that, and Tony knew that it was time to go back to the hotel. Hand in hand, they started walking home. As they got around halfway across the Bow Bridge, Tony asked her,"Would you like to watch more Elmo when we get back?"

"Mmm-Mmm," Lucy answered, rubbing her eyes. "M'go to sleep."

Tony nodded, turning his gaze up just in time to see several things in the sky flying towards the bridge. What the-

BOOM!

Several blasts hit the bridge, sending pieces of it crumbling into the lake below it. Lucy screamed, and Tony pulled her behind them as he backed up. His wide, mismatched eyes looked up again to try and figure out what had just occurred.

Several bulky looking robots were floating in the sky, and several were aiming at all the civilians. What?! What is happening!?

One larger robot began to descend, acting more humanoid than the others. It floated above the hole it had just created, and a seemed to scan the crowd. People began to frantically talk or cry, and the strange robot interrupted them.

"SHUT UP!" The deep, mangled voice snarled,"You fools should consider yourselves lucky. None of you are on my radar… For now. There's only one person here who I need."

The robot head turned completely around, the red eyes seeming to peer into Tony's soul. He felt his heart speed up as the bulky arm raised, the fingers scraping as the index finger pointed… Right at him.

"I need you."

Oh shit...