Captain America&Agent Carter: New Beginning

by Hollywood1946

AU of Captain America the First Avenger. Where Captain Steve Rogers and Agent Carter live a full life together. They go on numerous adventures and experience the ups and downs of life throughout the years. Recurring characters like Stark. Prologue is linear to get the bearings of the story. I'll do my best to be accurate to the eras. Not Canon to Marvel Universe. ALot of Steggy

37. Act II: Chapter 36 Kids

Chapter 36 Kids

"Act II"

I don't own Captain America

Edited: 7 Nov 18

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

March 1957

It's a beautiful early spring morning in the neighborhood of Scarsdale, NY in the fabulous 50s. Sleek new cars with tailfins and bright colors drove up and down the block, emulating the golden age of American auto design and the glimpse of a futuristic tomorrow. The early morning sun rose above the clear blue sky and shined on the trees and vibrant flowers of the community. A soft, fragrant breeze lingers in the spring air as it gently blows through the Rogers yard. The crape myrtle trees in the yard and the tall cypress trees around the house swayed gently in the wind. Peggy's flowers rustled quietly from the breeze in the front yard as loose pedals blew to the two shining cars on the driveway. The family's light blue and white 1955 Pontiac 870 Station wagon and Peggy's new 1956 all white Chevrolet four-door sports sedan basked in the morning sun. The sleek and clean cars shine brilliantly in the bright morning sun while inside the cool garage sat Steve's motorcycle and a new 1956 red and black accented Chevy four-door bel air.

Further inside, the house is quiet and calm with the sun peering through the closed blinds and illuminating the shadows. Light beamed through the kitchen window over the sink and shined on the cluttered kitchen counters and drawings made from kids hanging on the refrigerator. Upstairs through the dim hallway hung many photos of the Rogers family. From Sarah, Michael, Angela, and John as babies to family photos and photos of just Steve and Peggy. The house is decorated with an abundant amount of family photographs on the walls. In the quiet master bedroom, the sun illuminated the room like it did the rest of the house. The room is quiet with the light sounds of Steve and Peggy sleeping and the faint sound of the birds chirping and the trees rustling in the breeze outside through the closed window. The serenity marks the beginning of a beautiful spring day.

Steve and Peggy slept silently while cuddling closely like always. Peggy slept in a silver and black floral V-neck full slip nightgown while Steve slept in a white t-shirt and shorts. Like always, Steve had his arm draped over Peggy's side and rested silently with her back pressed up against his chest under the covers. Everything is peaceful, and the couple slept comfortably and securely in each other's presence. But the peace was disturbed by the sound of a door slowly creaking open. Peggy heard the door creak causing her to slowly awaken from her pleasant sleep. Peggy smirked but kept her eyes closed, "Prepare for an ambush," she whispered to her husband hugging her. Steve didn't respond and only grunted as he gently tightened his grip on his wife.

Suddenly, Sarah, Michael, Angela, and little John excitedly bolted into the room in their pajamas, and the three older kids jumped onto the bed with their parents while John ran to his mother's side of the bed. Steve grunted and laughed as he felt Sarah and Angela impact his side. Peggy giggled happily as she felt Michael jump onto her side. Peggy laughed, "Kids!"

Steve grinned after the kids jump-started his morning. He laughed, "Intruders!" he called as he quickly rolled to his back and wrapped his strong arms around his two daughters earning fits of laughter from them. The two daughters screamed happily as they fought to escape their dad's firm grasp. "You can't escape! You woke up the sleeping giant!"

Peggy giggled and kissed her oldest son. Michael grinned at his mother, "Good morning, mom."

"Good morning, darling," Peggy said to her son. She looked to her side and saw the girls happily struggling with their dad. "Go help your sisters, sweetie," Peggy said gently pushing her son toward her husband.

Steve looked back at Peggy, "Traitor."

Michael crawled onto his dad, "Morning, dad!"

Peggy looked to her side of the bed and greeted her youngest, "Good morning, sweetie."

John smiled happily, "Good morning, mama!"

Peggy sat up in bed while the older kids dogpiled their father and scooped up her young toddler in her arms, "Sleep well?" John smiled and kissed his mother on her cheek. Peggy giggled as she heard the kids and Steve laugh amongst themselves. She stood up with John in her arms and looked over her shoulder, "Kids, what would you like to eat?"

Steve released his daughters with a grin allowing Angela and Sarah to finally calm down. Angela smiled at her father, "Pancakes? Please?"

Michael agreed, "Yes! pancakes!"

Sarah nodded, "Yeah!" She looked up at her mother, "Can daddy make them?"

Peggy grinned, "Why don't you ask your father. He's laying right in front of you."

Sarah turned to her dad and grinned. Steve laughed, "Of course, I'll make pancakes!"

Michael smiled at his mother, "We asked you because we know dad loves to cook anything for us. You're usually the one who decides what we get to eat, mom," he said humorously.

Peggy shook her head with a wide smile, "Alright, that's enough of that. Everyone downstairs so mommy and daddy can get dressed." The kids all laughed and hopped off the bed to go downstairs. As Sarah was about to leave the room, Peggy called her back, "Sarah, darling, can you take your little brother down with you too. I'll be down in a moment."

Sarah turned around and smiled, "Yup!" Peggy grinned and put John down.

Sarah strolled over to John and picked him up effortlessly, "Here we go John. I'll get you downstairs!" she said happily as she walked out of the room.

Peggy grinned and called out to her daughter, "Be careful down the stairs, darling!"

Sarah called back, "I will, Mom!" She looked at her baby brother as she walked down the hallway, "And don't you worry one-bit, little John, Mama is coming down too."

John smiled, "I'm Hungwy."

"Me too. But, don't worry, Daddy is making pancakes for all of us before school starts," Sarah said as she neared the stairs.

Back in the bedroom, Steve stood next to Peggy with a grin. Peggy looked up at her husband, "What?" she asked with a smile.

Steve shook his head, "Sarah." He chuckled, "Always insists in carrying John downstairs even though he can walk down himself."

Peggy laughed and hugged her husband's frame, "She's just being a caring big sister."

Steve hugged her back and looked down at his wife, "And it's a wonderful thing." He kissed Peggy on the lips, "And, good morning to you, hon."

Peggy smiled, "And good morning to you too, darling." She kissed him again and stepped back from him, "As much as I want to stay in bed with you all day, we got to get ready for work and they need to get ready for school."

Steve smiled, "Yes, ma'am," he said kissing her again.

Peggy slapped his butt, "Now, go downstairs and get breakfast going. I'll be there in a second." With that Steve trotted off to cook for his family.

---

Peggy, in her pink and black robe over her nightgown, strolled into the kitchen to join her family as she ran a hand through her messy brown shoulder-length hair. As she walked into the kitchen, she could smell the sweet and pleasant aroma of Steve's cooking which made her smile instantly. Peggy saw her kids sitting around the kitchen table with John sitting in his table booster seat by Sarah. Steve had his back toward the family while he diligently worked at the stove to cook stacks of pancakes for his wife and kids. Peggy walked over to her kids and wrapped her arms around Sarah and Michael and kissed them both on the cheek, "Good morning," she said with a smile.

Sarah looked up at her mother, "Good morning, mom."

"Hi, mom," Michael replied with a big grin.

Steve placed the final few pancakes on the plates, "Order up," he pleasantly said. He picked up the first two plates of short stack pancakes and walked over to the table.

Peggy walked to Angela and wrapped her arms around her and kissed her youngest daughter on the cheek, "Good morning, sweetheart."

Angela smiled, "Good morning, mama." She nodded toward the counter where a coffee cup sat idly with steam rising from the top, "Daddy, made you tea."

Peggy smiled, "Did he?" she asked knowing the answer because Steve always made her tea in the morning.

Steve dropped off the first few plates on the table to Angela and John then turned back to the stove to get the other two. As Steve returned to the table with Sarah and Michael's plates, Peggy walked passed him to the counter to get her cup of hot tea. Steve placed the plates down and smiled, "Eat up, kids."

Peggy sipped her tea and smiled, "And what do you say, kids?"

Sarah, Michael, and Angela all cheered, "Thank you, dad!"

John cocked his head to the side and gave a goofy grin, "Thank you, daddy!" he said loudly earning a chuckle from everyone.

Steve returned to his wife and stood by her, wrapping an arm around her hip. Peggy smiled up at her husband, "Thanks for the tea, sweetie."

Steve smiled, "Of course," he said leaning down to kiss his wife. As the couple kissed they could hear Michael shriek.

Michael shook his head, "Ew, mom and dad, we're eating." Angela chuckled at her older brother.

Peggy smirked against Steve's lips before breaking the kiss. Peggy looked at her son, "What? Don't like your parents kissing, darling?"

Peggy left Steve's side and sat down by John to clean him up after he finished eating his pancake. Sarah flicked her twin brother, "Our parents love each other, Michael. That's a good thing."

Michael sighed as he continued to eat, "I know…"

Angela stuck her tongue out at her older brother, "Yeah! It's sweet."

Steve chuckled, "No faces at the table, Angela," he said mock seriously.

Angela chuckled, "Sorry, daddy," she said as she finished up her pancakes.

Steve nodded, "How's the pancakes?"

Michael grinned, "Delicious!" The other three kid with their mouths full nodded in agreement.

Peggy wiped John's face with a napkin on the table then checked the clock on the wall and saw it was 7:30. She looked at her kids, "Okay, kids. Finish up and put the dishes in the sink, and get ready for school."

The kids nodded in acknowledgment and let out an assortment of, "Okay, mom," and "alright, mommy."

Steve stood by the sink as the three older kids got up from the table with all their dirty dishes and trotted over to place them in the sink. As Michael and Sarah ran off to their rooms to get ready for school, Angela stood by her dad and smiled, "Thank you for breakfast, daddy."

Steve kissed his daughter on the head, "You're very welcome, sweetie." He patted her on the back, "I'll take care of the dishes really quick. Go and get ready for school." Angela nodded quietly then ran off to her room upstairs.

Peggy finished cleaning up John's dirty face and took his dirty napkin and dishes from the table and walked them to the sink. "Can you take the kids to school today? I think it's your turn. I'll pick them up," she said as she placed the dirty plate in the sink.

Steve kissed his wife on the temple earning a warm smile from Peggy, "No problem."

Peggy kissed her husband on the lips briefly before walking back to the table and picking up John from his table booster seat. "April should be here any second, so I'll go up and get ready for work." Peggy chuckled, "Don't worry about finishing up the dishes, you still need to get ready for work too, darling."

Steve smirked, "I know, Peggy."

It's forming to be a pretty standard day in the Rogers household with Steve and Peggy getting ready for work while the kids are getting ready for school. Everything looks normal and from the outside, boring. But after the lives Steve and Peggy have lived, boring isn't a bad thing, and normal is the goal. With a "crazy" and unique extended family, nothing is truly dull. A family is a beautiful adventure in itself. The life Peggy and Steve made together seems too good to be true. The couple is happy, happier than ever but sometimes it all felt like it was fake. Steve sometimes thought it was too perfect and he'd think it was all a dream. But Peggy and the kids always found a way unknowingly to ground him to that this is the reality.

---

Fox Meadow Elementary School

Steve pulled up his red and black Chevy four-door bel air to the busy curb of the school's grass lawn to drop off his three kids. The curb was busy with countless amounts of cars dropping off children, and the sidewalks were cluttered with kids walking and running to the school. The grass lawn in front of the school is also crowded with kids squeezing out a quick game of tag before it's time to head into their respective classrooms.

Steve, in a dark blue suit and tie, put the car in park and turned to his three kids, Michael in the front with him, Sarah and Angela in the backseat, "Got everything, kids?"

Michael gripped his leather school satchel and turned to his father, "Got everything!"

Sarah also responded with her leather bag, "Yup!"

Steve turned around to see Angela staring out the window, "Angela, sweetie? Got everything?"

Angela came back to reality and looked at her father, "What? Sorry, dad. I was daydreaming."

Michael chuckled, "Like usual." He paused, "B-But it's not a bad thing!" he said in case his last statement came off as harsh.

Steve chuckled, "Okay, do you have everything for school?"

Angela nodded, "Yup!"

Steve nodded, "Great! Off you go! Have a good day!"

The kids started to pile out of the car in a hurry. Sarah stepped out of the car and said goodbye to her father, "Bye, daddy! See you later!" she said as she bolted to her friends on the grass.

As Michael closed the front passenger door, he said goodbye to his father, "Bye, Dad! Have a good day at work!" he said as he closed the door. Michael then stood by the rear passenger door and waited for his little sister.

Angela stepped out of the car and waited by her older brother, "Bye, dad. Have a good day!" she called with a wave as Michael closed the door.

Steve smiled, "Bye kids!" he called back with a wave as he watched his kids head to school.

Steve smiled happily as he saw Sarah disappear as soon as she got out of the car with her two best friends on the grass. But Steve's heart melted when he saw Michael walk with his generally quiet little sister to the school. Though Michael didn't need to walk Angela to her class, Michael did it anyway to keep her company. Angela is a quiet little girl in public outside the family, so Michael took it upon himself to keep her company before and after school. Steve's positive that Angela would be okay without Michael keeping her company, but then again Angela never protested.

---

Michael entered his rowdy classroom after dropping off Angela at her second-grade class and walked directly to his seat where his friends were gathering. Michael dropped his satchel on the desk and took his seat as his small group of friends gathered around to greet him. His best friend Riley Richard, a boy and the second tallest in the class, Michael being the tallest, took his seat next to him, "Hey, Michael!"

Michael smiled at his friend, "How's it going, Riley?"

Rhys Chavez, his other good friend, leaned on Michael's desk, "Riley did you tell him about our plans?"

Riley sighed, "I was going to until you interrupted me, Rhys."

Brandon Wright laughed, "We're going to the hideout after school! Want to come?"

Riley frowned, "I was going to tell him."

Michael chuckled, "I was going to find out anyway, Riley." He smirked at his friends, "The answer is always yes." He frowned, "But my mom is picking me up from school, so I have to ask her."

Rhys nodded, "I do too, but we can go to the hideout around 6 for a little bit after dinner."

Michael nodded, "I think my mom will be okay with it."

Eva Akulov, a brown-haired Bulgarian girl whose family immigrated to the United States after World War I, sat down at the desk in front of Michael's, "Hi," she greeted softly. Eva was the only girl that Michael and his friends are close within class.

Michael smiled at his friend, "Hi, Eva." The rest of the guys greeted her in kind and instantly included her in the conversation.

Riley cheered, "We're going to the hideout today around six! Want to come?"

Eva sighed, "Have to ask my mother and father."

Michael smiled, "We do too, but if you can do you want to?"

Eva nodded, "Yep!"

Rhys smiled, "Then it's settled we're going to the hideout!"

Suddenly a tight group of girls from the other side of the room walked over to Michael. The girls bypassed Michael's friend's and greeted him directly, "Hi, Michael," the girls greeted him at the same time.

Michael faked a smile, "Hi," he said trying not to sound annoyed. That group of girls have been on his nerves since the start of fourth grade.

Michael James Roger is a pretty good-looking kid but wasn't super popular in school regardless of who his parents are. But this particular group of girls recently took a liking to Michael which tended to annoy him because of their attitude. He didn't admire their attitude and their treatment to other kids in the class or in the school, and they generally picked on girls who dressed differently or just didn't fit into their "click." These girls were particularly relentless toward the only Japanese-American girl in their fourth-grade class. A quiet girl named Irena Kawashima who usually stayed quiet and alone in school.

Brandon spoke up to one of the girls, "Can you girls leave us alone for a second? We're in the middle of something."

One of the girls looked at him with irritation, "Hey, we don't talk to him a lot, can we have our turn. Even Eva talks to him more than we do."

Another girl spoke up, "Yeah, I don't know why Michael would want to talk to a communist." She looked at Eva, "My daddy says people with your last name are Russian and Russians are Communist." Eva didn't say anything and looked down sheepishly, too scared to argue back against the group of girls before her.

Michael looked up at the girls, "Will you stop with that? If Eva's family was communist my mom and dad would tell me. Trust me they would know. Now if you don't mind, Eva and my friends are in the middle of something."

The whole school knew who the Rogers kids parents were, their father being the famous Captain America and their mother being the first woman to lead a government agency, didn't go unnoticed among the adults and kids. Their father being Captain America resonated more with the kids than their mother being Peggy, the Director of SHIELD. The school and the rest of the world also didn't know that the Rogers kids inherited the serum from their parents, particularly their father. The only one who knows of the serum inheritance outside of the Rogers is Howard.

The girls turned and walked away from them. One of the girls hit the other, "Why did you say that? Now I think he hates us now."

Eva chuckled as the girls walked away. "Thank you, Mike."

Michael smiled and shrugged at his friend, "Not a problem. My dad hates bullies and they're a group of bullies."

Riley nodded, "Yeah. Annoying ones."

Michael sighed turned and looked past Riley to see Irena sitting quietly at her desk, alone, while everyone in the class talked amongst themselves before school officially started. He frowned, feeling bad that Irena sat alone. As far as he could tell, she always sat alone throughout the school year and didn't have any friends or people she could spend time around. Michael doesn't know anything about the girl outside from his own observations. It didn't help that the group of popular girls that came by his desk picked on her which made other kids avoid her for fear of losing some social status at school. Michael felt bad for the girl and wanted to talk to her. Maybe befriend her, not for his sake but for hers. He did try a few times but never figured out what to say to her. Michael had little to no interactions with her, so he didn't know where to begin. Michael couldn't lie. He was curious about her and didn't like the fact she was always alone. Michael may be selective of who he calls a friend, but it didn't mean that this girl should be lonely, and it seems like everyone is ignoring her.

Michael was brought back to reality when his teacher, a red-headed woman who looked slightly younger than his mother, walked into the classroom with a big smile, "Good morning, class! Sorry for being late. Had a little impromptu meeting to attend to."

A girl rose her hand, "Mrs. Banks, what does impromptu mean?"

"It means, not planned," Mrs. Banks, the fourth-grade teacher, said with a warm smile as she reached her desk. She clapped, "Okay, we got a lot to do today, so let's get started shall we?"

---

The clock finally struck 12:15 and the bell rang throughout the school, signaling the sound for "recess" or "lunch." Almost instantly, kids started to pour out of their classrooms and fill the hallways to get to the cafeteria to eat or walk home for a quick lunch. Many kids brought their own meals and the others either carried lunch money to pay for school food or walked back to their house for lunch. In another fourth-grade classroom, Sarah Amanda Rogers took a minute at her desk, cleaning up her space before leaving for lunch. As she finished clearing her desk, her two best friends Hannah and Amy ran up to her excitedly.

Hannah, an energetic red-headed girl, spoke up excitedly, "Hurry up, Sarah. We have to claim our spot before the boys do!" The three girls lived too far from home to walk back and eat lunch, so they ate at school and claimed a favored lunch table outside nearest the playground. Naturally, the boys tried getting to the table first only because the girls wanted it.

Amy, a short fair-haired girl, agreed, "Yeah! Or else we're going to have to settle for the crowded tables by the cafeteria doors."

Sarah stood up and grabbed her lunch box off the floor, "I'm coming, I'm coming." Sarah is the tallest of her friends and likely the tallest girl in her classroom. As Sarah turned to walk out the door with her friends, she turned back to her fourth-grade teacher, "See you later, Mrs. Scott!"

The young teacher waved back at the trio of girls, "Enjoy your lunch, girls!"

Amy waved her hand excitedly, "Thank you, Mrs. Scott!"

Unlike Michael, Sarah was a popular kid in school even with her strong personality. Her caring and easy-going nature made her well-liked with the other students, especially with the other girls in the class. In fact, many of the boys in school liked her, and she knew it, but always remained humble as her mother continuously teaches her. Sarah is a brilliant and pretty girl and seemed to get her looks from her mother which answers why most of the boys have playground crushes on her. But outside of her looks, her intelligence, strong personality, and high self-confidence lead to some other students, mostly boys, to dislike her which lead to trouble more often than not.

After making their way through the hallways and out the cafeteria into the warm spring sun with their lunch, the trio spotted their table unoccupied in the crowded outside eating area. The handful of blue picnic tables outside the cafeteria looked crowded, but the girls knew that the cafeteria was a madhouse with hundreds of kids cluttered on the long lunch tables, so eating outside was clearly a better choice. It may be humid or warm out, but it was considerably worse inside.

Hannah pointed excitedly, "look, our table is empty. Let's go!"

Sarah shook her head, "Go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Hannah sighed, "Aw come on, the two of us won't be able to stop that annoying group of boys without you. You know that!" she complained.

Amy cocked her head to the side, "Wait, are you trying to find that weird kid in our class? What's his name?"

"David," Hannah said as she started walking to the table, not wanting to wait with Amy and Sarah following close behind.

"Oh no. You don't like him do you?" Amy asked concerned.

Sarah shook her head as she followed her friends to their favorite table, "No I don't!" she expressed defensively. "But doesn't it bother you that he keeps getting bullied by everyone?"

Amy sighed, "Uh. Not going to lie…it does make me feel sad to see him getting bullied all the time."

The girls got to their table and immediately put their various lunch boxes down and sat down next to each other. Sarah nodded, "Exactly! My dad always said there's never a good reason why someone should be bullied. Being different isn't a reason. He always tells me and my brother that if we see a chance to help someone then help them."

Hannah nodded, "easy for you to say, Sarah, because you're pretty. Your dad is a war hero and your mom is also super pretty."

Sarah sighed, "That isn't what I'm saying, Hannah." She frowned, "David doesn't seem like he has any friends."

"So, you want to protect him?"

"No. I want to try and be friends with him, so he has someone to talk to… and yeah. Also stop him from getting bullied all the time," Sarah said evenly.

Amy nodded, "That's nice of you, but you know the other kids will look at you weird, right? Might lose…"

Sarah waved her hand, "I'm not too worried about that."

Hannah sighed and wrapped her arm around Sarah's shoulders, "You're lucky we're best friends. I'll try and be friends with him if you try."

"Me too!" Amy exclaimed happily.

Sarah smiled, "We just have to find him." She looked around the outside area to see if she could find David in the busy table area. As she scanned around, Sarah saw her twin brother talking with his friends, and at another table saw her little sister, Angela talking to hers. But in the crowded outside lunch area, Sarah couldn't spot David anywhere in sight. Sarah stopped looking and decided to eat her lunch.

As Sarah opened up her lunch box, Hannah nudged her in the side, "Sarah," her friend said. "I found him."

Sarah looked up and saw David walking alone to an isolated table nearby. David Norris, the black sheep of the school, a young brown-haired boy in fourth-grade who was labeled as a loser by many of the kids at school. Sarah knew he was smart, and all the teachers liked him for his manners and hard work. But she also knew he was soft-spoken and socially awkward around many people. David didn't look like he had many friends or if any, and Sarah knew that other kids picked on him for everything from what he likes, what books he reads, and even the way he dresses. Sarah didn't know much about David, but she knew she needed to try and be friends with him.

Sarah stood up, "I'll be right back."

"Sarah, wait," Amy said taking her hand. Sarah stopped and saw a group of four boys walk up to David with mischief in their eyes.

Hannah sighed, "Great. Here comes the bullies."

Sarah watched as one of the lead boys initiated the bullying by taking David's lunch box and throwing it on the ground and stomp on it. The rest of the boys pointed and laughed at David as he looked down sheepishly and accepted the situation he's in. The boys started to make fun of David for everything, but today they excessively targeted his freckles. Sarah looked around and saw that some of the kids were watching, and laughing, but many others ignored the bullying entirely.

Sarah extracted herself from Amy's grip, "I'll be right back," she said as she walked over to the bullies.

Hannah called out to Sarah, "Sarah, no! Come back!" When Sarah didn't turn around from her determined path to David, Hannah groaned, "Not again!" she exclaimed as she stood up and chased after her friend.

Amy stood up and bolted after her two friends. "Hannah! We can't let her get sent to the office again!"

Sarah reached the group of boys pushing David around in a circle, "Why do you boys keep doing this? You know it isn't nice to pick on other kids like that."

The lead kid of the group stopped and faced Sarah, "Back off, Sarah. What do you know anyway? You're just a girl."

"I'm more than just a girl, Willie…" Sarah said coldly.

"Don't call me that!" the boy expressed angrily. "My name is William!"

Sarah smirked, "then stop picking on David."

William laughed, "Why do you care? Got a crush on him?" He waved his hands mocking girls, "Oh, look at I'm Sarah, I'm a girl, I'm Captain America's daughter, I'm a girl who doesn't know anything, and I got a crush on a loser." He laughed, "You'll never be like your dad. At least, your brother has that going for him. You're just a pretty face."

Sarah refused to let William's comments get to her, "Why do you have to pick on David so much? Is it cause your name is Willie and it sounds stupid and less manly?"

William pointed a finger at her, "Shut up! I'm not afraid to hit a girl you know?"

Sarah smirked, "Why wait?"

"You asked for it!" William said as he ran up to her to punch her.

Sarah sidestepped William's fist and punched him in the nose, breaking it. William fell over crying and screaming in pain.

Back at Michael's table, the boys and Eva were enjoying their lunch and the warm spring sun while holding fun conversations. Riley noticed Michael wasn't as talkative as he usually is during lunch. "Michael, you alright? You haven't said much all day. What's up?"

Rhys nodded, "Yeah. You seem out of it."

Eva added her comments, "Is it those girls that were annoying?"

Michael nodded, "Kind of." He shrugged, "You know Irena?"

Eva nodded, "The Japanese girl in our class? I only know her name, I don't know much about her other than that."

"Yeah, Irena."

Rhys looked confused, "What about her?"

"You ever notice she's always alone and never talks to anyone?" Michael said evenly.

Riley shrugged "Maybe she doesn't like talking."

"I mean no one seems like they want to talk to her or be around her. And it seems like she has no one here. She always seems sad." Michael sighed, "At least David has someone to talk to sometimes."

Rhys shook his head, "David only has someone talking to him because he can do their homework or get picked on by bullies."

Michael nodded, "True." All the kids knew about David, but rarely did any of them make a considerable effort to step in and prevent him from getting bullied.

Eva looked confused, "what are you trying to do again?" she asked Michael.

"I'm saying, we should talk to her and try and be friends with her. At least try anyway." Michael shrugged, "It'll at least get those annoying girls in class from bugging her."

Eva smiled, "Have anything to say to start?"

Michael shrugged, "Not a clue. I have no idea what she likes."

Riley shook his head, "Me neither. But I think it's a good idea to include her with us. We can take her to the hideout."

Rhys smirked, "let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Michael chuckled, "I'll figure something out."

Suddenly Michael and his friends started hearing chaos on the other side of the outside lunch area which gave them looks of confusion. Michael began to see a bunch of kids run over in that direction as a crowd started to gather near one of the far tables. Rhys looked confused, "What's going on over there?"

Riley stood up on the bench to try and get a better look over the crowd of kids surrounding the source of the commotion. All the group of friends could hear were kids yelling and screaming excitedly. Even with Riley standing on the bench, he could barely see what was going on because of how far their table was from the excitement. But suddenly, Riley caught a glimpse of Sarah's brown hair in the center of the crowd. "Um, Michael," Riley said cautiously.

Michael looked up at him, "What?"

"Your sister is fighting four boys at the same time."

Michael bolted up off his seat, "My sister!"

"Oh. She just got punched in the face," Riley replied.

"Not my sister!" Michael exclaimed angrily as he charged toward the commotion.

Eva sighed, "Here we go, again."

At the center of the ring of kids spectating the fight, William remained on the ground crying with a broken nose while his three faithful friends stood by him, protecting him from Sarah. Sarah rubbed her jaw, feeling the punch from one of the boys a few second ago, "That it? Your friend is crying like a girl."

The crowd of kids all laughed and chanted, "Fight, fight, fight, fight!" The boys in the crowd were cheering for the three boys still standing while the girls chanted and cheered for Sarah.

One of the boys gritted his teeth, "We're going to kick your butt!"

Sarah smiled and raised her fits, "try it."

Suddenly, Michael plowed through the crowd and body slammed one the bullies into the concrete ground and started punching the unfortunate kid in the face repeatedly. Because of Michael's strength from inheriting the serum, the bully rapidly neared unconsciousness after the first or so punch to the head. Sarah lunged forward and hit the second bully in the stomach before also punching him in the head. She then took the disoriented boy by the wrist and threw him over her shoulder onto the ground, hearing a snap in the kid's arm, breaking it.

Before the fight got any worse, numerous teachers rushed in and broke up the fight. The kids spectating all let out a sigh in disappointment, "Aw," the crowd of kids said unanimously.

A teacher grabbed Sarah and Michael by the arm, "You're going to the office and I'm calling your parents. This is the third time for you, Sarah!"

Michael and Sarah's friends looked at the two siblings with shock and admiration. Both groups of friends wanted to do something to protect their friends from getting kicked out of school, but they needed to think of something fast.

---

Time Square, New York City, SHIELD: AEGIS HEADQUARTERS

Conference Room

Peggy, dressed in a women's blue business suit and matching skirt, stood at the head of the conference table with Deputy Director Sousa and the members of the Major Cases Response Team consisting of Thompson, Li, Ramirez, and Kathryn sitting quietly and listening intently to her briefing. Behind Peggy is a blackboard with a map, pictures, and other essential papers taped to it, used for visual aids for the Deputy Director and the Major Cases Response Team to follow along.

Peggy stepped to the side of the blackboard and placed her hand on a photo of a man, "Find where he got the information and remove him and his associates. But the main target is his source. Getting the Hydra cell is easy, getting the source to the leak is hard." She stepped back to the conference table, "Find the source. Capture him or her then silence the cell. Keep Sousa in the loop. This is a priority task." Peggy nodded at Thompson, "As always, Jack is running point. Questions?"

Thompson shook his head and looked at his team of agents, "I got nothing. Any of you?"

Li shook his head, "None."

Kathryn smirked at Peggy and leaned back, "Seems like a piece of cake."

Peggy smiled, "Good. We're going to go over the layouts of the Hydra buildings…"

Suddenly the meeting was interrupted by a knock and the conference door opening. Peggy looked over to the back of the room and saw Rose, her secretary, peak her head in, "Director, phone for you. It's the school, says it's urgent."

The group of agents and the Deputy Director at the table looked at each other with concerned looks. Everyone in the room is connected to the Rogers kids in some way shape or form. Kathryn looked more affected than the others since she has more personal experience with the kids since she babysat them for over a year.

Peggy paused and did her best not to look concerned. She nodded at Rose, "Thank you, Rose. I'll take it in my office." She then turned to Daniel, "Daniel, can you take over from here?"

Daniel nodded, "Yeah. I got it." He stood up, using the table and his crutch to stand, then limped to the head of the conference table as Peggy made her exit.

As Peggy was leaving, Kathryn called out to her, "Did something happen?"

Peggy shrugged, "I'm about to find out. I'll let you know."

Thompson smirked, "Hey if there's a door we need to kick, we call first."

As Peggy left, she turned back to the room, "I highly doubt it's that bad, Jack. Besides, my husband will probably do the door kicking first." She then closed the door behind her and walked down the hallway toward her office. Peggy figured the school called because one of her kids got into another fight and got sent to the office again, and it was probably Sarah. Sarah definitely takes on after her father.

Peggy entered her office and closed the door behind her before making her way to her desk. Peggy sat down and immediately picked up her phone, "SHIELD Director Rogers," she said quickly.

There was a slight pause before Peggy heard the principal of her kids' school reply, "Mrs. Rogers? This is Principal Jerry from Fox Meadow Elementary. Sarah and Michael will need to be picked up from my office after school."

Peggy sighed, "What happened?" She was, however, surprised her son was sent to the office too which produced more questions for her.

Jerry replied calmly, "There was a fight and they were involved in it. We'll discuss this more when you pick them up."

Peggy nodded, "Okay, thank you very much." Peggy hung up the phone and sighed, running a hand through her long wavy hair.

Peggy sighed in frustration at the news of her kids being sent to the office, the third time for Sarah. Sarah is a good kid, and Peggy knew the only reason she gets in trouble in school is that she has a very protective nature for people and detests bullies as much as her father. Peggy's sure, without question, that her daughter picked up the intolerance for bullies from Steve. It isn't a bad thing, but Peggy wishes that Sarah wouldn't resort to fighting all the time. But Peggy knew, on a bigger scale, that sometimes a fight is the only option to prevent dangerous people from succeeding. She also figured her son was sent to the office because he joined the fight to protect his sister, which also isn't a bad thing.

Peggy leaned back in her chair and sighed again. She needed to call her husband. Peggy leaned forward and picked up the phone again to get a hold of Steve at work.

---

Stark Industries: New York City Facility, Manhattan

Civil Technologies Division (CTD)

Steve sat in his spacious windowed office on the upper floors of the Stark building discussing business with the lead engineer. Steve closed the folder on his desk, "That should take care of that part at least. Let me know what your team needs for the project and I'll make it happen. Don't worry about Stark or the board. Just let me know what you need."

The lead engineer smiled and stood up, "Thanks a bunch, Steve. We really appreciate it. We're working on something no one has ever thought of before so the budget and materials we need will change."

Steve stood up, "I know. We're working together on this." The two men shook hands, "Keep me posted, Frank," Steve said with a warm smile.

The lead engineer nodded, "No doubt." With that, the engineer left Steve's office and closed the door behind him.

Steve made a small smile then tucked the folder away neatly in his desk. He then turned around, stood up, and faced the window, propping his arm against the glass and placing his hand on his hip and stared at the city street below. He smirked, Steve never thought he'd be a businessman, but he did enjoy the work. His job included but not limited to assigning and prioritizing staff, leading recruitment and hiring to support business needs, ensuring the engineering teams have necessary tools, equipment, process, and training to meet the business plan. That's just to list a few of his tasks as a Senior manager at Stark Industries.

Steve's office is spacious but not as large as Peggy's at SHIELD. The best thing about his office wasn't space, but the large windows that spanned from end-to-end of his office. Steve's desk and walls are decorated with photographs of his wife and family and favored pictures of his time in the Army and SHIELD as Captain America. Steve couldn't lie, a part of him did miss being Captain America, but he wouldn't change anything for the world. He has peace, family, and a stable job, he couldn't ask for a better life. Steve did occasionally have bad dreams from his time at war, but he and Peggy manage to overcome them, most of the time. But in all, the normal life feels good.

Steve smirked at himself as he looked out the window. Suddenly, a knock on his office door brought him back to reality. "Enter!" Steve called as he looked out the window to the city street below.

Steve heard the door open and recognized Howard's voice, "So is this what you call working?" he asked humorously.

Steve turned around and smiled at his friend, "Hey, Howard," he said as he walked to greet him.

Howard walked in and closed the door behind and met Steve halfway and shook his hand. He smiled, "Good to see you, Steve."

Steve nodded, "likewise," he said as he let go of Howard. He turned to his desk, "Have a seat." Steve then sat down at his desk and grinned, "Getting tired of working in SHIELD?"

Howard laughed as he sat down in front of Steve's desk, "Ha. Not at all. I just have to split my time between the needs of SHIELD and my money making business."

Steve leaned back in his chair, "Your company has its own division dedicated to providing weapons, gear, and equipment to SHIELD. I'm sure you aren't splitting time that much," he said with a grin.

Howard chuckled, "Not that much time splitting. But I do like focusing on my own personal projects away from SHIELD. Big projects for the company that will keep the idea of progress at the forefront of our minds. The idea of a technological future."

Steve raised an eyebrow at him, "Are you pitching an idea to me or something, Howard? Because last I checked, I work for you and not the other way around." He grinned, "Or are you preparing for the upcoming Stark Expo or World's Fair pitch?"

"Sort of to both statements. I'll tell you about the idea later. You'll probably hear about it before the board does."

Steve smiled, "Glad you trust me with that."

"You're one of the few I actually do trust," Howard said smiling. He nodded, "Will your division have a functional prototype by the Expo or at least the Fair?"

Steve nodded, "Oh yeah. We're right on track, but my lead engineer and his team require some things to keep the pace." He leaned back in his chair and took out the folder he stowed in his desk, "we especially need more funds to get the hardware, electronics, and other resources necessary if we're going to meet the deadline for the prototype."

Howard nodded, "Let me know what you need and I'll get it to you. Money isn't a concern."

Steve leaned forward and handed Howard the folder, "All of it is in there."

Howard opened the folder and took a moment to skim through the documents and lists. He nodded and closed the folder, "Yeah, I can get all of this to you. No problem."

"Thanks. My guys will appreciate it," Steve said with a grin.

Howard nodded, "How are the kids? Feels like it's been a while."

Steve smiled, "It has. They're doing great and all of them are doing good in school. Well except John because he's only three." He chuckled, "But John is learning a lot and he can form sentences now. He's getting bigger every day."

Howard chuckled, "John. He's three right?" Steve nodded with a smile. "I remember when Peggy first got pregnant with him. Both of you were so surprised." He laughed, "Peggy more than you."

Steve shrugged, "Yeah, well, we sort of planned for Angela, didn't really expect John." He laughed, "Not saying we don't love John, we definitely do and he's a wonderful surprise. We're happy to have a big family."

Howard chuckled, "I know you two do." He leaned back in his chair, "I think it's that time again to have your kids' annual checkup with me to track the serum effects."

Steve nodded, "I'll talk to Peggy about a time that works. The kids have a lot of school stuff and…"

Suddenly Steve's phone rang, interrupting the conversation. "One sec," Steve said as he picked up his phone. "Civil Technologies, Rogers speaking."

He heard Peggy's sweet voice on the phone, "Hi, darling."

Steve smiled at the sound of Peggy's voice, "Oh Hey, honey."

"I'm going to pick up the kids from school this afternoon. Are you still cooking dinner tonight?" Peggy asked.

Steve nodded, "That's the plan. I'll be home around 5 and dinner should be around 6 or 6:30."

---

Back in SHIELD, Peggy leaned back in her chair, "Sounds good, darling." She frowned, "By the way, the school called."

Peggy heard Steve hesitate before replying, "Oh? What for?" he asked cautiously.

Peggy sighed, "Apparently our two oldest got involved in a fight. I have to meet the principal at the office to pick up the kids."

She heard Steve sigh, "Did Sarah and Michael fight or did they get into a fight with other kids?"

Peggy didn't wait to answer, "It sounds like they got into a fight with other kids."

Peggy heard her husband sigh again on the phone, "Okay. Well, let me know what happened and how that goes."

"You know I will," Peggy replied. She nodded "We can talk about it at dinner or after."

"Sounds good," Steve said.

Peggy smiled, "Anyway, I have to get back to work. See you this evening, darling. I love you."

Steve leaned forward on his desk and smiled, "I love you too," he said before hanging up the phone.

Howard raised a brow, "Something come up?"

Steve leaned back and sighed, "The oldest kids got sent to the office. For fighting other kids."

Howard chuckled, "They are you and Peggy's kids," he said humorously. Steve didn't laugh and remained stoic to the joke. Howard waved his hand, "I was kidding."

Steve smiled, "I know." He groaned, "This would be Sarah's third time I think."

"Three times?" Howard asked shocked. "Sarah is a good kid. I never thought she would be the one to be sent to the office. Not even once."

Steve shook his head, "She isn't a trouble maker, but… she does hate bullies."

"Sounds like you from what I heard from Peggy," Howard grinned.

Steve sighed, "Yeah. All three times for fighting." He shrugged, "She tends to get into fights when someone is getting bullied."

Howard gave him a questioning look, "You don't seem too upset at her."

Steve shook his head, "I'm not." He sighed again, "I'm more concerned that the kids don't realize how strong they are and how much they can hurt the other kids without even trying." He shrugged, "and also Sarah getting sent to the office for the third time."

Howard nodded, "I get that. Obviously, you told them about the serum years ago, but…"

"We remind them all the time about watching their strength since we first told them when they were six." He sighed, "But in the moment they get carried away." Steve shook his head, "Going to have to talk to the two of them tonight."

"What about Michael?" Howard asked.

Steve shrugged, "Michael looks out for his sister, so he probably got in trouble because he got caught in the fight while he helped her. Again, can't be upset at that." He shook his head, "We're going to have to talk to them about watching their strength again. This situation is complicated."

Howard sighed, "I sometimes like the fact I'm not a parent."

---

Fox Meadow Elementary School

Its midafternoon and the kids of Fox Meadow Elementary School just got off of school for the day. The school became chaotic with kids happily running out of class, a line of cars inching their way to the school of parents picking up their kids, and school buses occupying a large portion of the curb space. The sidewalks around the school are also cluttered with waiting kids and kids walking home. The children of all grade levels are happy to be going home after spending all day at school.

After waiting in a line of cars for a while on the road, Peggy finally got into the school parking lot and parked her car. Since she makes her own schedule, she left work a little early to pick up her three kids from school. Peggy's position has its privileges, but she never abuses it while doing her best to be a good mom for her kids. Peggy always wants to pick her kids up from school, play, and cook for them when she gets the chance. Obviously, duty calls and she can't always do those normal things, but she will ever try.

Peggy stepped out of her car and calmly walked toward the main school brick building. As Peggy neared the entrance to the school, she saw her youngest daughter, Angela Elizabeth, talking to her friend next to a tree by the schools' steps. Peggy smiled at the sight of her daughter as she started to walk in her direction.

Angela spotted her mom and turned to her friend, "My mom is here, bye lizzie!"

Her friend waved, "bye, Angela!"

Angela gripped her bag and rushed to her mother and gave her a big hug. "hi, mom!" She said happily.

Peggy happily returned the hug, "hi, darling. How was school?"

"Good. We did a lot of art stuff today about the Earth. It was fun!" Angela said energetically.

Peggy grinned, "sounds like it. You aren't usually this energetic. I like it." She bent down and kissed her on the cheek, "we got to swing by the office to get your brother and sister. Before we head home."

Angela took her mother's hand, "okay," she said as Peggy lead her back into the school.

Lizzie, Angela's friend waved at them, "hi, Mrs. Rogers!"

Peggy smiled back at the other little girl, "Hi, Lizzie!"

"Are you having a good day?" The girl asked happily.

Peggy grinned, "I'm having a great day now that I can see my kids."

"I'm having a good day too!"

As Peggy walked up the steps with her daughter, she smiled back at Angela's friend, "bye, bye Lizzie. Tell your parents I said hi!"

Angela waved at her friend, "bye lizzie!"

Lizzie smiled, "I will! Bye!"

Peggy and Angela then stepped into the school and walked directly to the Principals office. The halls of the school were empty and quiet, save for a few kids and teachers walking the hallway. The sound of Peggy's heels clicking loudly on the linoleum floor echoed through the mostly empty halls as the mother and daughter made their way to the office.

Once the two made it to the office, Peggy opened the door and let Angela in first. Peggy then stepped in and was immediately greeted by a pleasant lady at one of the desks. The office is a medium sized square room with two hallway entrances on either side. The office also had two desks on either corner of the room with two couches forming an L-shape at the corner adjacent to the door. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Rogers." The lady greeted pleasantly from her desk.

Peggy nodded, "mhmm. I'm here to see the principal."

The lady pointed to her right, "last door on the left. He's expecting you." She smiled at Angela, "you can have your daughter wait here."

Peggy smiled, "thank you." She looked at Angela, "wait here for me, okay? I'm going to get your brother and sister."

Angela nodded, "okay, mama." She then turned and made her way to the couches.

---

Peggy made her way down the hall and knocked on the door of the Principals office. She heard a faint voice reply through the door, "come in."

Peggy opened the door and saw the Principal sitting at his desk and her two oldest children sitting at the three chairs in front of him, obviously leaving the center seat for her. Peggy stepped into the office, closed the door behind her, and walked over toward the desk and took her seat, "what happened? Did my kids start the fight?" Sarah and Michael didn't look at their mother from the shame of being sent to the office.

The Principal smiled, "thank you for coming, Mrs. Rogers." He sighed, "as far as we could tell your kids didn't start the fight. Sarah, here, was protecting another student from being bullied by a group of boys. And Michael got caught in the fight because he was protecting his sister." He smiled warmly, "their actions aren't wrong, but respectable." He leaned forward, "though they aren't to blame for the cause of the fight, they still did get caught in it. Its procedure here to notify the parents of situations such as these."

Peggy nodded, "I understand. Are they in any trouble?"

The Principal shook his head, "No." The two kids faces lit up in relief. "But," The Principal began causing the twins to sweat nervously. "The outcome of the fight is concerning. They didn't start the fight so we won't punish them, but Sarah broke another boys nose, another one's arm, and Michael nearly knocked another kid unconscious."

Peggy frowned and looked upset at her two kids by her side causing Michael and Sarah to look down sheepishly. Peggy looked back up at the Principal, "please continue."

"This is Sarah's third time in the office for fighting. I don't know what to do or say different, but we need to find a way to communicate that fighting isn't always the first and best solution." Peggy nodded in agreement. The Principal continued, "I, however, told them, to try and find peaceful means for conflict resolution."

Peggy nodded, "their father and I will talk to them about it tonight." She sighed, "what about those other boys."

"They'll be punished severely for bullying the other student. Those two students injured in the fight went to the clinic to get checked out for their injuries." He sighed, "the parents are no doubt upset about what happened to them, but let us deal with them. Again, their kids did bully another so they will be punished. I can assure that."

Peggy nodded, "thank you."

"Your twins are good kids, and I hear they are a joy in class and they're doing great academically. It's just this conflict resolution is the problem." The Principal smiled, "they're free to go. Thank you for coming, Mrs. Rogers."

Peggy stood up as did the Principal, "thank you," she said as she shook his hand.

The Principal nodded with a warm smile, "My pleasure."

Peggy turned to her two kids and patted Michael on the shoulder, "let's go home, kids." Sarah and Michael stood up from their seat and walked out of the office with their mother following close behind.

---

For most of the start of the car ride, the car was dead silent with Peggy thinking what to say and giving her two oldest kids the silent treatment while the twins sat in guilt and worry for what's to come. The kids feared their mother more than their father concerning disciplinary actions. Angela sat comfortably in the front seat while Sarah and Michael sat in fear in the back.

Peggy sighed, "Sarah," she said looking back through the rear view mirror.

Sarah responded quickly, "yes, mom?"

"This is the third time you got sent to the office for fighting." She sighed, "The Principal is right. You need to be better at conflict resolution."

Sarah frowned, "but mom, I tried. I told those boys to stop bullying the other kid. They didn't listen to me. They decided to fight with me instead."

Peggy looked into the rear view mirror, "did you antagonize them?" Sarah looked confused. "Did you say something to make them angry at you and cause them to pick a fight?" Sarah stayed silent and looked down. Peggy spoke sternly, "Sarah Amanda. Answer me."

Sarah nodded, "yes. I said something to make them pick a fight," she said quietly. When her mother says her full name or doesn't say names like "darling" or "sweetie," Sarah knows she's in trouble.

Peggy sighed, "you are as much to blame for the fight as those bullies, Sarah. I know you wanted to protect the other kid, but if you see something like that going on it's okay to tell a teacher or an adult." She shook her head, "things don't have to end in fights all the time."

Sarah frowned, "but dad always says to stand up against bullies. Because bullying is wrong and ignoring it only enforces it."

Peggy sighed, "your dad is right, but that doesn't mean always get into fights." She shrugged, "morally you did the right thing." She looked at her son in the mirror, "you too, Michael, for protecting your sister."

"But why are we in trouble?" Sarah asked.

"Because do you remember you have superpowers? That you have super strength? Do you remember what your dad and I said?" Peggy shot back sternly. Explaining the serum regarding superpowers like those in comic books was the sure way to tell the kids about their abilities they inherited.

Sarah nodded, "yes, mom."

Michael also responded, "yes, mom"

"Sarah you broke a kids nose and Michael you almost knocked a kid unconscious. He probably has a concussion now. And I'll explain that later," Peggy said upset. She sighed, "you kids need to understand that not everyone has your abilities or strength. And it must remain a secret. AND you definitely need to be careful of your strength or else you can do more than just break someone's nose. Especially when you're older." She shook her head, "I'm just glad the last two times you showed some level of restraint or the last two times it didn't escalate to the level it was today."

Sarah nodded, "sorry mom."

"Sorry, mom," Michael also said.

Peggy looked back at Michael, "Michael you especially need to be careful with your strength." She sighed, "we'll talk more during dinner or after with your father." The two twins slouched in their seats and remained worried about being in trouble for the rest of the car ride.

---

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

It's 6:30 in the evening and the Rogers family sat around the kitchen table for dinner time. The setting spring sun glowed orange beams through the back door and windows, creating a pleasant atmosphere. In addition to the pleasant feeling of the evening, the house is filled with the beautiful aroma of a fresh home-cooked meal. Steve sat at the head of the table while Peggy sat on the other end. Angela sat to Steve's right and next to her sat Michael, closest to Peggy. To Steve's left sat Sarah and to her left is Little John sitting on his booster seat nearest to Peggy. Before dinner, Peggy changed into something comfortable after getting home from work and sported a light red short-sleeve swing skirt dress, far less restrictive attire for dinner and home.

Tonight's home cooked dinner is steak, sweet potatoes, an assortment of vegetables, and freshly baked rolls. The family ate together quietly, enjoying the delicious food made by Steve. Peggy smiled at her husband, "everything is delicious, darling."

Angela nodded happily, "mhmm," she hummed in approval with her mouth full.

Peggy saw John finished eating the small pieces of steak and veggies on his plate which signaled for her to cut more pieces of her steak to put on his plate. As she gave John more food, she looked at Sarah and Michael, "Sarah and Michael, do you have something to tell your father?"

Steve didn't reply as he continued eating, allowing his children to be honest with what occurred at school earlier in the day. Michael spoke up first, "Sarah and I got into a fight at school against a group of boys."

Steve put down his fork, "hm." He looked Sarah, "and what happened?" Peggy stopped what she was doing to hear and observe the conversation between her kids and their father.

Sarah looked up at her dad, "these boys were bullying another and they've been bullying him all year. I told them to stop and they got upset and we got into a fight." She rose her voice, "I couldn't let them keep bullying him!"

Peggy interrupted sternly, "Sarah, don't raise your voice at the dinner table."

Sarah frowned, "yes, mama." She looked back at her dad, "Dad, you said always help people in need and to never tolerate bullying."

Steve nodded, "that's true I did say that."

"But why are we in trouble for doing what was right?" She frowned, "both you and mom agree that bullying is wrong, what's wrong with what I did to help someone else ."

Steve spoke in a calm tone, "Sarah, it's not the intention that was wrong, in fact, we applaud you for standing up for that boy against his bullies. It's what how you did it and how it ended up into a brawl is the problem." He sighed, "your mother told me that you broke a kids nose and arm while Michael nearly knocked a kid unconscious. Is that true?"

Sarah nodded sheepishly, "yes."

Michael spoke softly, "yes."

Steve looked at his son, "Michael, I understand you were looking out for your sister. I applaud that and the fight you got caught in wasn't your fight. But the outcome is the problem and that's why you're in hot water too. But I'll return to that." He looked back at Sarah, "Sarah, did you sway them into a fight."

Sarah nodded, "he wouldn't stop bullying the other kid so… I also called him a name he didn't like," she said honestly.

Steve nodded, "okay. Do you see the issue?" Sarah didn't respond. "You pushed him to fight you by stooping down to his level. Essentially, you committed the same crime as him. You don't solve problems or differences that way. You escalated him into a fight. You don't always want to end up in a fight, Sarah." He sighed, "take it from me and your mother. Violence should be your last resort. Do you understand?"

Sarah looked down, "yes, dad."

Steve spoke up, "look at me, Sarah." He looked at Michael, "both of you look at me. We aren't done." He leaned forward, "conflict resolution. Do not always lean toward brute force or violence to solve problems. Show restraint. Show and convince bullies or kids who don't like you that they're wrong and use your words as your weapon. Your physical strength should be your backup because fights do happen, but they should never be plan A." He gave a small smile, "you all know who President Theodore Roosevelt is, right?"

Sarah nodded, "yes, dad." Michael nodded in response.

Steve nodded, "good. He once said, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.' Do you know what that means?"

Michael responded, "be peaceful and resolve issues but have the strength to overcome any situation if things go wrong."

Steve nodded, "exactly. Exercise intelligent planning or thinking in advance, that's called Forethought. Exercise forethought to deescalate the situation ahead of a fight, but if a fight can't be helped then it's okay to show them their mistake by force as a last resort. Understand?"

Sarah nodded, "yes, daddy."

Michael nodded, "yes, dad."

Steve tapped his temple, "Be mindful with your words. They often can do wonderous things. Say what you mean, mean what you say. You don't always need to fight to resolve a situation, okay? I had to learn that too." Peggy made a small smile as she watched her husband parent her kids. Steve nodded, "Be tactful."

Michael cocked his head to the side, "What does that mean?"

Peggy spoke up, "It means, have a sense what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with or to avoid an offense." She gave a disarming smile, "Darlings, sometimes fights do happen but if you can avoid getting into one by persuading them that what they're doing is wrong then do it. But if they want to fight and you did everything in your power to avoid it then we'll be okay with you defending yourself and your friends."

Sarah nodded, "Okay, mom."

"But never appease your enemies, Sarah and Michael. That means, giving into their demands. If they say they'll stop if you do this and this, and you do it, then those kids will use you and continued demanding from you and you'll never win," Peggy said sternly. She nodded, "Trust your friends but be aware of those who distrust and dislike you." Sarah and Michael nodded.

"The other issue is that both of you sent kids to the hospital." He sighed, "what did we say about your strength?"

"To be careful on how we use it," Sarah said.

"Do you know why?"

"Because we have superpowers and we have to keep it a secret. And that we're stronger than most adults," Michael replied.

"Exactly." Steve nodded, "you can seriously injure someone, like today, or kill them if you aren't careful. You have to control your strength in every situation and show restraint, okay?" The two oldest kids nodded. Steve sighed, "there's nothing wrong with you. You have extraordinary gifts that no one has, and the reason we must keep it a secret is for your protection."

Peggy spoke up again, "your father is right. For the safety of others and your selves, we must hide your powers. If someone finds out you have these abilities they might take you from us. It's unlikely but possible. So you kids need to be careful with your strength, okay?"

Michael and Sarah nodded, "yes, mama." The two said in unison as their parents' words sunk in.

Sarah looked at her dad, "Are you mad at us, dad?"

Steve shook his head, "I'm not mad, I'm a little disappointed. Your reasoning was okay, but lack of restraint and conflict resolution got me bothered." He nodded at Peggy, "your mother is upset because of the same thing but at a higher degree. Also because she had to pick you up from the office again." Sarah frowned. Steve gripped his daughter's shoulder, "let's finish dinner and talk more about it later tonight, okay? Now is family time." Michael nodded as he went back to eating his slightly cool food. The two oldest remained silent as they ate their food, still feeling down about being in trouble. Michael sighed to himself, he might not make it to the hideout with his friends tonight since he got lectured by his parents about the fight.

Peggy cut her steak and turned to Angela next to Steve, "Angela, how was school?"

Angela swallowed her food, "It was good."

Steve smiled, "How is your friends Lizzie and Jessica?"

Angela smiled at her dad, "They're doing okay."

Peggy grinned, "Angela, you were so energetic after school. What happened?"

Angela shrugged, "I don't know." She suddenly grinned, "Oh mama, daddy, we made a papier-mâché globe and we got to color it. It's in the classroom drying. Lizzie and I made the two biggest ones and they look really pretty!"

Peggy laughed, "see? that's something interesting and fun to get excited about."

Angela calmed down back to her mellow self, "Oh, mama and daddy? Lizzie wants to know if I can go over to her house on Saturday."

Peggy nodded, "Oh, of course. We can do that, right, darling?" she asked her husband across the table.

Steve smiled at his daughter, "Of course! That sounds like fun! We can drive you there. How does noon sound?"

Angela nodded, "Good. Thanks, mama, thanks, dad," she said softly before going back to her food.

Steve smiled at Angela, "Check out any new books from the library, Angela?"

Angela shook her head, "I haven't finished by other two yet," she said softly.

"Two books? Wow. I can only read one at a time. I think you have the marks of a genius, sweetie." Angela smiled at her father's praise as she continued eating.

Peggy nodded to her son, "Michael, other than the fight, how was school?"

Michael shrugged, "It was okay." He sighed, "I'm just trying to get to know some other kid in my class that I don't usually talk to."

Peggy interrupted her son, "Is it a girl?"

Michael turned round eye, "What?"

"It's a girl isn't it?" Peggy said with a grin.

Michael shook his head, "I'm already friends with a girl, mama. Eva, remember?"

Steve laughed, "Notice how he didn't deny it yet."

Peggy nodded, "I know Eva, darling. But it seems like this girl, whoever it is, is different to you." She grinned, "How do I know? Because when you talk about trying to be friends with another boy, you use the pronoun 'he' or 'him.' But when you were talking about being friends with Eva, you use the word 'kid.'" Peggy grinned, "You also haven't denied my statement, and it seems like you wanted to bring her up to us now, suddenly." Peggy wasn't a director of an intelligence agency for nothing. She can piece together the smallest of clues, and she's very attentive to detail.

Michael conceded, "It's a girl." Michael couldn't believe how observant to the smallest details his mother is sometimes. It's almost witchcraft.

Steve grinned and looked at Sarah to include her in the conversation, "Do you know about this mystery girl, Sarah?" Sarah looked up at her father and shook her head silently. Steve knew Sarah was still sulking after being lectured about today's events at school.

Peggy leaned forward toward her son, "Well? Are you going to tell us about her? Because it sure seems like she's troubling you. Did she reject you?" she said with a grin.

Michael waved his hand, "No. It's nothing like that, it's… It's hard to explain. I don't know where to start."

Peggy smiled, "Take your time. You can tell us later. But we do want to know."

Sarah put her fork down and wiped her mouth with the napkin, "Mama, daddy, may I be excused?"

Peggy turned her attention to her oldest daughter, "You may."

Steve nodded, "You may."

Sarah picked up her plate and walked to the kitchen counter to discard the dishes. As she walked away Peggy called out to her, "Remember it's your turn to help me for the dishes since your father cooked."

Sarah nodded, "Okay, mama."

Michael spoke up, "Mom, dad, may I be excused?"

"Yes," Steve said calmly.

Peggy again looked at her son, "Promise to tell me about that mystery girl, okay? Even if you just want to be friends." She grinned, "You're also excused."

Michael stood up and gave his mother a small smile, "I promise."

---

After dinner and cleaning up the kitchen, the Rogers household mellowed out with the kids going upstairs to play amongst themselves. With their homework completed before dinner, the kids had free time for the rest of the evening. But Peggy, like usual, made her way upstairs through the kids' rooms to check to see if they did all their homework, she noticed Michael and Sarah were feeling down and stuck to themselves quietly in their respective rooms. Peggy knew the twins felt terrible for getting in trouble school, but it was a lesson they needed to learn, especially with their gifts inherited by the serum. Peggy figured her son also wanted to go out with his friends to the place they call the "hideout," but she knew he wouldn't ask because he was sulking. She would also say "no" because of what he did at school today. As the sun set below the horizon and the sky got darker, Peggy finally returned downstairs to the family room to relax for the rest of evening and sit with her husband on the couch, and watch Little John play on the floor.

Peggy walked into the family room and saw her husband relaxing on the couch drawing in his sketchbook as John played happily with his toys on the floor. Steve heard Peggy's footsteps entering the family room causing him to look up at his beautiful wife wearing a light red day dress that accented everything physically beautiful about her. Steve lowered his sketchbook and smiled as Peggy stopped by John. Peggy saw her husband staring, "What?" she asked with a smile.

Steve chuckled, "You look beautiful."

Peggy shook her head with a wide grin, "I know that look, Steve. No matter how much I want to, but down, tiger, the kids will hear," she said chuckling. Peggy then bent down to her so son and kissed John on the cheek, "Hi, darling."

John opened up his arms, "Hi, Mama!" he exclaimed excitedly.

Peggy hugged her youngest son and kissed his cheek lovingly. She smiled at the small mess of toys around John, "Mama is going to be on the couch for a little bit. We'll play in a bit, okay?"

John smiled, "okay!"

Peggy stood up and walked over to the couch and sat down next to Steve, tucking her legs under her and propping her elbow on the back cushion and resting her cheek on her hand. Steve closed his sketchbook and leaned forward to put the book down on the coffee table. Peggy sighed, "So about today."

Steve leaned back and nodded, "yeah. About today."

"That's the third time this year Sarah got sent to the office for fighting. This would be number two for Michael," Peggy said softly.

Steve nodded, "I know. But...she never starts the fights. And Michael usually is in the office because of his sister."

Peggy ran a hand through her hair, "I can't really be mad at her cause she's doing the right thing for protecting that boy. She just jumps into fights." She chuckled, "Reminds me of someone I know."

Steve laughed, "Ha. Our oldest daughter turns out to be more and more like me."

"I know." Peggy smiled, "And that's not a bad thing."

"Neither of our kids like bullies and I'm proud they aren't ones either. At least I don't think they are," Steve replied calmly.

"You know they aren't," Peggy replied seriously.

"I know."

Peggy shrugged, "We raised them well in that matter." She chuckled, "At least I don't think we have to worry about Angela getting to a whole lot of fights. She's way too quiet and mellow."

Steve smiled, "I wouldn't run it by her though, hon."

"Neither would I," Peggy replied. There was a brief pause between the couple as a comfortable silence set in. In the silence, Peggy stretched out her arm and ran a hand through Steve's hair in silent affection.

Steve smiled at his wife, "Our kids are sheepdogs. Protecting sheep from wolves, and that's a wonderful thing."

Peggy laughed, "You're always so dramatic, darling. But, you have a point with the metaphor." She sighed, "Do you think we should ground Sarah and Michael for today? We told them to be careful of their strength repeatedly in the past, and this is Sarah's third time in the office for fighting."

Steve sighed, "I don't think so."

Peggy cocked her head to the side, "What's your reasoning?"

He shrugged, "They didn't start the fight and they acted in self-defense. Like any child Sarah and Michael get excited, and they forget to restrain themselves."

"They did seriously injure those boys, darling, and they didn't show restraint."

Steve nodded, "I know. But those injuries could happen in any fight. The difference is that those injuries are more likely to occur if our kids are in the fight. There could be far worse injuries if the fight progressed, but that's speculation." He leaned back, "I know they understand what we said and, in their own way, they understand how important it is to restrain themselves and be better at conflict resolution. That and they've been sulking about being in trouble since they got home." He shrugged, "besides, we never really talked to them about restraint, mostly Sarah, about the last two times she got sent to the office. Because we saw it as strictly self-defense. At the time, Sarah appeared to show restraint then but maybe it was because the fight didn't escalate to what occurred today."

Peggy nodded, "Yeah. Do you think talking to them will be enough?"

"I think so. At least for now."

"Okay. Then I agree, talking to them is enough, but if it happens for the fourth time then we'll do more than talk to them. Because it is the third time for Sarah. We can't keep letting it slide," Peggy said concerned. She sighed, "We'll have to ground her and punish her because this is serious."

"I know. But the last two times she didn't break any bones or send anyone to the clinic. The only reason both of them are in trouble is the fact they severely injured a few kids." Steve nodded, "And yes, she's in trouble for… kind of the fight and a lack of restraint. Our kids in general need to be better at conflict resolution too."

Peggy nodded, "You're right. We didn't lecture her or Michael the last time since we only saw it as self-defense and nothing bad happened to the other kids."

Steve smiled, "Exactly." He sighed, "Hopefully we don't have to punish them later because they won't get into a fight for the rest of the school year."

Peggy chuckled, "One can only hope." She sighed, "But you're right. I think what's really bothering us is that they broke a couple kids bones and gave a few concussions."

"Yeah. I don't blame them though."

Peggy nodded, "It's the effects of the serum. They can overpower any kid in the school."

"The kids are good at keeping it a secret even with today's outcome in the fight. I don't think anyone would even suspect a couple kids have enhanced strength from us," Steve replied calmly.

Peggy nodded, "What I'm really getting at is their parents might ask us about our kids, how we raise them, and what we give them, and so on and so on." She sighed, "Dealing with the parents of those bullies will be annoying."

Steve sighed, "I know. We can figure that out when the time comes, but we'll just turn it around on them like usual cause their kids picked a fight and our kids defended themselves and a victim of bullying."

Peggy smiled and leaned forward and cuddled with her husband, "I know."

Steve wrapped an arm around his wife, "You know? I'm glad that our kids don't have some sort of ailment from inheriting the serum, so they can experience a normal life… for the most part. And not experience growing up as sickly." He shrugged, "Well, they don't have an ailment that we know of."

Peggy kissed Steve on the chest, "Me too." She smiled, "I'm glad our kids don't get bullied either. But if they did, I hope they'd tell us."

Steve smiled, "I'm sure they would. We're a tight bunch."

Peggy grinned and kissed Steve on the cheek, "Yeah we are."

Steve remembered something from earlier in the day, "That reminds me. Howard says it's time again to have our kids' annual checkup with him to track the serum effects."

Peggy leaned her head back against Steve's arm, "Oh, it's that time now."

---

It's now late in the evening, and the orange tinted sky has been replaced by the night illuminated by the half-moon high above. Sarah sat in her dim room in her bed, only lighted by a lone lamp on the nightstand next to her as she prepared to go to sleep. Sarah sat quietly, propped up by her pillow as she read a small book her mother gave her a while ago. As she turned the page she heard a knock on her door followed by the door slowly opening.

Sarah turned her attention to the door and saw her dad peek his head in with a small smile. "Hey, honey," her dad said.

Sarah put her book down on her lap, "Hi, daddy."

Steve smiled, "Can I come in?" Sarah nods quietly signaling him to enter. Steve silently closed the door behind him and walked over to Sarah and sat down on the side of the bed. Steve noticed his daughter staring at him nervously. He chuckled, "What's the matter? You look scared."

Sarah looked down and frowned, "Am I in trouble? Is Michael in trouble?"

Steve smiled, "No. Why do you think that?"

Sarah shrugged, "I got sent to the office again for… for fighting. For the third time."

Steve nodded, "Well, yes you did get sent to the office again, but you aren't in trouble. Know why?" Sarah shook her head. Steve smiled, "Because you did the right thing. Yes, this is the third time, but the first time we had to talk to you about showing restraint and explicitly watching your strength." He chuckled, "You didn't start the fight and you protected a friend of yours. Consequently, your brother joined to help you because he loves you. A real dynamic duo if you ask me." Sarah laughed lightly at her dad's comforting words. Steve nodded and scooted closer to his daughter, "Come here." Sarah leaned forward and scooted toward her dad and hugged his big frame. Steve kissed Sarah at the top of her head, "I'm proud of you for doing the right thing. But if you can avoid breaking bones and giving concussions that be great too."

Sarah hugged her dad tighter, "I know."

Steve leaned back and looked at his daughter, "the other kids and most adults aren't as strong as you. It's because you…"

Sarah interrupted her father and finished his sentence, "Cause we got powers," she said siting what her parents tell her and her siblings.

Steve nodded, "You know what, Sarah?"

"What?" Sarah asked curiously.

"You're a lot like me, Sweetie." He chuckled, "You know when I was a kid, I wasn't as strong as I am now."

"Really?" Sarah asked surprised. All her life she saw her father as this extremely strong individual who she looked up too and the country praised for his heroics.

Steve smiled, "I was a kid of ill health. I was asthmatic and skinnier than you are now. I was a kid people bullied constantly and that continued way past high school. I hated bullies. Fought back against them every chance I got. Even if the bully wasn't picking on me, I'd pick a fight because he was a bully." He chuckled, "I'd get my butt kicked but that's aside the point. The point is, I was a lot like you and I wish I considered an alternative to fighting. That would probably save me a few hospital trips and broken bones. But what's done is done." Sarah nodded quietly. Steve smiled and hugged his daughter again, "You got that from me. Not tolerating bullies." He raised his finger, "But my rule of the thumb is doing something is usually better than doing nothing. It isn't always true, but that's for you to decide."

Sarah cocked her head to the side, "How do I know when it's the right time do something?"

Steve smiled, "That's based on what you feel like you need to do. It's a complicated answer, but there's no right way to explain it." He shrugged, "You have to come to that decision yourself. You have to take what you learned, what you see, and what you hear, and then you make a decision." Sarah nodded quietly trying to understand her dad's complex answer. Steve smiled, "You'll understand it eventually. But you might not always be right, but whatever happens…" He pointed to her chest, "you stand by your decision, no matter what. Don't hide from it and own it. Like you did today. Every action has a consequence. Good or bad, you have to own it, okay?"

Sarah nodded, "Okay, daddy."

Steve gave a fatherly smile to his daughter, "When I was selected to be Captain America, a good friend of mine, a mentor, once told me, 'a strong man who known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength and knows compassion.'" He nodded at Sarah, "You and your siblings have a gift. Don't lose respect for it. Never. Lose respect for it," he emphasized. "Be compassionate. You don't need to be perfect, but you need to be a good person." He smiled, "And your lovely mother would say, 'know your value. Be a better than yesterday.'" He chuckled, "I know this is a lot, but you'll get it someday. And your mother and I will guide you along the way."

Sarah hugged her father, "Thanks, dad."

Steve smiled, "Any time, kiddo." He kissed her on the top of her head again, "Time for bed." Steve took the book off her lap and closed it, making sure to mark the page she left off before placing it on the nightstand. He then tucked his daughter in, "Sleep well, sweetie. One more day of school before the weekend."

Sarah smiled at her father, "Good night, daddy."

"Good night, sweetheart," Steve said as he bent down and kissed her forehead. He turned off the lamp and headed for the door.

As Steve opened the door, heard his daughter call out to him, "Daddy?"

Steve turned around, "Hm?"

Sarah smiled, "Can I be like you someday!"

Steve made a proud but humble smile, "I don't see why not. You can do whatever you put your mind to, Sarah."

"I want to be like you, dad," Sarah said happily. She frowned, "But, I'm a girl. How can I do what you do?"

Steve smiled, "That never stopped your mother. Know your value, Sarah. The only one who can stop you is you." Steve knew that Sarah's sex will be a factor in her dreams and goals down the road, but he's confident that she can overcome any barrier or ceiling that society puts up to stop her. How Sarah is now at this young age, he knew that his daughter will achieve her goal no matter how hard. She is a persistent and strong-willed girl.

As Steve stepped out of the room, Sarah called out to him again, "Daddy? I know where we got our super strength from, but how did you get yours?"

Steve smiled, "It's a closely guarded secret, but I can tell you that some other day, sweetie. Now, go to bed." He slowly closed the door, "Good night, sweetheart." Sarah smiled at her dad and closed her eyes.

---

Steve closed the door and sighed quietly to himself. The kids didn't know much about his service as Captain America other than the favorite stories everyone hears about him. Truthfully, the Rogers kids didn't know much more than the average person about their father's service in the military and as a SHIELD operative. Steve hid the details of his time as Captain America from his kids because of all the memories, good and bad, it brought him. But he agreed to Peggy that he would eventually tell the kids the uncensored truth of his time as Captain America when they're older, but for now, he saw it best to keep up the romanticized image of his heroism for them. The kids are too young to grasp the things their father has done in war and as an operative. What truly troubled him is the fear of his kids wanting to follow his footsteps into service or Peggy's into SHIELD. He will support his kids no matter what they'll do and be a guiding force to them, but he didn't want any of his children to go through the things he has seen and done. No parent wants to their kids to experience war, but time will tell with what they want to do later in life. No matter what, Steve knows that his kids will excel and thrive in whatever they choose to do in life. But right now he will enjoy the time he has with his family when all his children are young.

Steve turned around from Sarah's room and was surprised to see Peggy leaning against the wall next to him. "Hey," he quietly said surprised.

Peggy smiled lovingly at her husband, "You're the best father in the world, you know that?"

Steve smirked, "Sarah wants to be like me," he said in a serious tone.

Peggy raised a brow, "And is that bad?"

Steve shook his head, "No. I just don't want her or either our kids to experience things we have."

Peggy nodded and crossed her arms, "I can understand that, darling." She sighed, "It's our job to be supportive of their goals and ambitions while guiding them to do what's right, but if our kids want to be like us, we'll have to support their decision when they grow up. It's not always going to be easy to support all their dreams, but we have to as parents." She stepped toward him and gripped his arm, "I know you don't want either of our kids to experience war, death, and the stresses of combat and espionage, but if they want to do those things later, I'll support them because I'm their mother. I'll be just as scared as you, but at the same time I'll be so proud if Sarah becomes the next 'Captain America,' Michael becomes a SHIELD agent, Angela a writer, and John, a doctor."

Steve looked at Peggy and nodded, "You're right."

Peggy smiled, "Our children aren't promised infinite success by us supporting them, but it'll feel like it to them, and that's what matters. How we support them will boost their confidence and encourage them which will, in the end, give them a higher chance of succeeding because we never made them feel like they're going to fail." She nodded, "If we raise them with ambition, and to fight for the pursuit of a career of their choice, they'll succeed no matter what they decide."

Steve smiled and wrapped his arms around his wife, "You're right again."

Peggy grinned, "Like always, my darling," she said as she leaned up and kissed his lips.

Steve nodded, "I'll support them no matter what," he said kissing his wife again.

Peggy smiled, "I know you will, Steve." She hugged his frame, "I don't want them to experience the things we have done either, but I'll be so damn proud if they became like us anyway."

Steve chuckled and rested his head on the top of Peggy's as he hugged her tightly, "me too."

Peggy leaned back and smiled up at Steve, "Ready for bed?"

Steve nodded, "Definitely." He chuckled, "It'll be an interesting rest of the school year," he said as he turned for their bedroom, wrapping his arm around Peggy's waist. Steve pressed Peggy to him, "Michael in bed?"

Peggy nodded, "Tucked him in myself," she said with a smile as they neared their bedroom.

"And John?"

Peggy chuckled, "Sleeping nice and cozy in his crib." Steve suddenly stopped and turned back toward the kid's rooms. Peggy looked at him confused, "What?"

Steve walked to Michael's door, "Just want to kiss my son goodnight," he said as he quietly opened the door. Peggy smiled warmly at her husband as she too walked to her oldest son's door.

Steve silently entered Michael's dark room and saw his son sprawled out on his bed with his bed sheets already in a tangled mess. Steve bent down and kissed his son lightly on the top of his head, "Goodnight, buddy," he whispered. He then quietly made his exit. His son is a heavy sleeper and is difficult to wake him up sometimes, so it was easier for both parents to sneak in his room and kiss him goodnight when he fell asleep. Without making a sound, Steve stepped out of Michael's dark room and held the door open for a moment to lovingly look at his sleeping son.

Peggy snaked her arms around Steve from behind and rested her cheek against his shoulder, "He's a heavy sleeper."

Steve lightly chuckled, "That he is."

"I remember there were times when he was a baby and he slept for so long I thought he was dead," Peggy said reminiscing.

Steve grinned, "Oh…I remember that. You were so scared."

Peggy nudged him, "So were you."

"Fair," Steve said silently with a smile.

Peggy pressed herself to him, "He looks like you every day." She looked up at him, "It's one hell of a life we have. It's never boring and there's always an adventure."

Steve chuckled, "Like Sarah's trips to the office."

Peggy rolled her eyes, "Not too fond of those." She smiled, "But, what I'm saying is, we have a great life. Can't imagine anything different."

"The best," Steve said quietly.

Suddenly, the sound of John's muffled cries echoed in the hallway, "Mama! Mama!" his cries roared.

Steve shut Michael's door and laughed, "I'll take care of it," he said as he let go of Peggy.

Peggy chuckled, "I got him, darling." She smirked, "He called mama, not dada."

Steve laughed, "fair enough."

Peggy walked off to the nursery to retrieve her weeping toddler with Steve following close behind. Peggy entered the room and instantly flipped on the light switch before walking to the crying John in his crib. Once at John's side, Peggy lowered the side of the crib and gently picked up her three-year-old. John continued to cry loudly as he rested his cheek against his mother's shoulder. Peggy bounced her son gently, "Shh, shh, Mama's got you. What's the matter, my darling?" She kissed his cheek, "did you have a nightmare?"

Steve smiled warmly as he leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.

Peggy continued to speak to her son in a gentle tone which turned John's cries into light sniffles. Peggy again kissed John on the cheek and started to sing a soft lullaby. "Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetops, when the wind blows the cradle will rock," she began to sing.

As Peggy sang softly, Steve smiled warmly from his spot at the door at the scene of his wife and their youngest son. It's a good life, but he hopes that Sarah and Michael won't get into any more fights at school for the rest of the school year.

---

Like Sister, Like Brother. Fluffy chapter and not much happened. But it was more to establish what's to happen next with the focus on the kids' lives, initially, Sarah and Michael's . Of course, Steve and Peggy will have more adventures.

Fluffy chapter and not much happened. But it was more to establish what's to happen next with the focus on the kids' lives, initially, Sarah and Michael's . Of course, Steve and Peggy will have more adventures.

Part of it inspired by the Incredibles.

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter! More to come with family adventures! As always, review and share to the world. Thanks for reading!

ALSO: Hydra and Leviathan are still around, so you'll see what happens with them.

EDITED: 19 OCT, fixed some details

EDITED: 7 Nov 18