Chapter 37 Michael

I don't own Captain America

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

March 1957

It's an early Monday morning in the Rogers house, and the temperature remained cool as the sun slowly rose above the horizon. The sun filtered through the open blinds of the windows and illuminated the inside of the house with pleasant light. It looked to be another pleasant morning in the Rogers household. Sitting at the kitchen table is Steve and the four kids eating a hearty breakfast cooked by Peggy. While Steve ate and supervised the young John eating his meal, Peggy was multitasking with cleaning the kitchen and eating her share of food. Though the family started a little late on this Monday morning, everyone is dressed for the day with Steve and Peggy both dressed and ready for work in business attire, save for Peggy who had an apron over her suit.

Peggy walked over to the table with a bottle of milk, "More milk, darlings?"

Sarah smiled as she ate, "Yes, please."

Angela raised her hand, "Please!" she called.

Peggy happily poured milk in Sarah's glass then Angela's. "Thank you, mama," Sarah and Angela said in unison with smiles.

"You're very welcome, my dears," Peggy said as she headed back to the kitchen.

Michael shoveled the last bits of corn beef hash into his mouth and stood up from his seat, "May I be excused?" he said to his parents as he swallowed his food.

Steve nodded, "Go ahead. Got everything for school?" he said as he wiped John's messy face from food.

Michael nodded, "Yup."

"Then help your mother with the dishes before she takes you to school," Steve said evenly.

Michael nodded, "Got it," he said as he turned for the kitchen.

As Michael put his plate and cup in the sink and started the faucet to clean the dirty dishes, Peggy walked up to her son and kissed the top of his head, "Thanks for the help, sweetie." Michael smiled in reply to his mother as he started cleaning the dishes. Peggy looked at the clock on the wall and saw what time it was, "Steve, honey, you should probably get going or else you'll be late for work. Don't you have that meeting today?"

Steve looked up and saw the time, "Oh, shoot, I do. Thanks." He stood up from his seat, "Are you sure you can drop off the kids before heading to work?"

Peggy walked over to her husband, leaving Michael to clean up the kitchen, "I might be a little late, but it'll work out."

John saw his mother standing by him causing him to raise his arms, "Mama," he said calling out to her.

Peggy cooed lovingly at her youngest as she picked him up off his seat, "Hey there, sweetie. Are you full from breakfast?" John smiled and hugged Peggy tightly. "You look surprisingly clean. Thanks to Daddy, I'm sure," she joked.

Steve smiled, "Alright, I'll see you tonight, hon."

Peggy turned her attention back to her husband and smiled back, "Looking forward to it. Have a good day, darling," She leaned forward and kissed Steve on the lips briefly, "I love you."

"I love you too," Steve replied. He smiled at John and kissed him on the cheek, "See you later today, buddy."

John waved his hand, "Bye, Daddy."

Steve walked around the table and kissed Sarah and Angela on the top of their heads, "have a great day at school, girls, I'll see you all when I get home!"

Angela smiled at her dad, "Bye, Daddy."

"Bye, dad," Sarah replied, looking up at her father.

Steve walked into the kitchen and kissed the top of Michael's head, "See ya, buddy. Have a good day at school."

Michael turned around as his dad left the kitchen, "Bye, Dad!"

As Steve was leaving the kitchen he turned to his wife, "What time is April supposed to arrive to babysit?" he asked quickly.

Peggy looked at the clock on the wall, "Should be any minute now. She might be a little late."

Steve chuckled, "Everyone is a little late today." He then waved to his family, "See ya! I love you all!" he called as he exited the kitchen to the foyer.

Peggy smiled as her husband disappeared into the foyer. She was brought back to reality when she suddenly felt a painful tug on her hair, "Oh, ow! Darling, don't tug on my hair," she said as John playfully yanked on her long brown hair. Peggy gently took John's hand and forced him to let go of her hair, "It's okay to play with my hair, but don't tug on it. It hurts mommy," she said softly. John didn't say anything, but Peggy knew he understood.

Peggy turned her attention to her kids, "Everyone ready for school?"

Sarah nodded, "Yes, mama," she replied. Angela nodded quietly with her mouth full to acknowledge her mother.

"Good. Sarah, Angela hurry up and finish your breakfast. We have to go soon if we don't want to be late," Peggy said as she adjusted John in her arms. Sarah and Angela started to eat quickly to finish the little bits of food left on their plates. Peggy made her way back into the kitchen while still carrying John, "Oh and help your brother with the dishes."

Angela swallowed the last of her food, "Done, Mama," she said as she stood up from the table.

"Me too," Sarah said as she stood up with her plate.

Peggy started to wipe down the counter with a towel with her free hand, "quick clean-up of the dishes and we'll get going." She turned briefly to her kids surrounding the sink, "Just rinse the plates, sweethearts, save some time. I'll take care of it later this evening." Peggy then focused her attention at her oldest son at the sink, "Michael, thank you for doing most of the dishes."

Michael, who already cleaned a number of plates and pans, finished drying his last plate, "You're welcome, mom," he said cheerfully.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door which caught Peggy's attention. "Great, April is here just in time to babysit," Peggy said with a relieved smile. She turned to her kids, "Finish up and get your shoes for school." Her kids silently acknowledged her and quickly finished up with their quick cleaning of the dirty dishes.

Fox Meadow Elementary School

After getting dropped off by their mother, Michael walked with his little sister, Angela, by his side on the paved path toward the front entrance of the school along with dozens of other kids. Like usual, and though he didn't need to, Michael is walking his quiet little sister to her classroom. Although Sarah wasn't beside her siblings, she remained close by with her group of friends trailing behind them. It was the following Monday since Michael and his twin sister been sent to the office last Thursday and everything has seemingly returned to normal in school. But it wasn't all normal. Michael could hear other kids whispering about him and his twin sister, mostly about Sarah, as he walked toward the school with his little sister. The whispers weren't all bad, most were in praise, but Michael hoped Sarah wouldn't do anything rash from other kids whispering behind her back. But time will tell.

As Michael and Angela walked through the threshold of the school into the crowded and loud hallway, Michael spotted Irena keeping to herself in the crowd as she walked through the hall. Irena wore an old faded colored short-sleeve collared dress and kept an emotionless expression on her face. Her medium length dark black hair was a sharp contrast from her pale skin. Michael couldn't help but look in her direction as he walked with Angela through the hallway. Michael wanted to talk to her and befriend her because it killed him to see her alone in every passing hour of school. He didn't know anything about her, but the fact she was always alone was reason enough for him to want to befriend her. Irena was also vulnerable to the other kids picking on her because of the way she dressed, mostly from other girls. Most of the kids in the school came from well-to-do families and sported new clothes with bright colors, but Irena seemed to go to school in old weathered garments. It wasn't hard for Michael to figure that Irena came from a poor household. Michael made it his goal today to talk to her. Finally.

Michael was brought back to reality by a tug on his arm. He looked down at his sister, "Yeah, what's up, Angela?"

Angela smiled and spoke softly, "We're here," she said pointing to her classroom door.

"We are?" Michael asked confused. Apparently he's been lost in thought staring at Irena the whole time he was walking Angela to class. Michael's fourth-grade classroom is on the far end of the hallway from Angela's which is convenient for him to walk his sister to class.

Angela nodded, "Yup." She hugged her brother goodbye, "Bye, Michael."

Michael hugged her back, "See ya, Angela. Do well in there."

Angela smiled, "You know you don't have to walk me to my classroom every day."

"I know, but I…"

Angela interrupted him with a grin, "You can talk to your crush if you want. I'm sure she'll like the company." She waved, "Bye, big brother."

Michael sighed, "I don't have a crush on her," he said, but it was too late for Angela to hear him because she already disappeared into her classroom. He sighed and shook his head.

His best friend, Riley Richard calling out to him drew his attention, "Michael!" Riley called as he ran up to him.

Michael nodded at his friend, "Hey, Riley."

Riley chuckled, "I saw you eyeing Irena the whole time you've been walking."

Michael rolled his eyes and turned for their classroom, "I was not."

"You totally were," Riley said laughing. "I know last week you said you wanted to be friends with Irena, but you didn't say you had a crush on her."

Michael sighed again, "Awe come on. I do not. I just don't want her being alone all the time."

"Sounds like you have a crush," Riley said with a smirk.

"Shut up, Riley," Michael responded with a playful grin.

The two boys walked into their classroom and headed straight to their seats where the rest of their friends were hanging out. Michael stopped by his desk and dropped his satchel down on his chair and greeted his group of good friends.

"Hey, Michael," Rhys said cheerfully, lowering his book to greet his friends.

Brandon stood by Rhys and waved his hand, "Michael and Riley. Last to show up for our group every time."

Riley laughed, "Michael had to walk his sister to class."

Eva sat on Michael's desk and crossed her legs and chuckled, "Michael, I'm sure Angela can walk to her classroom herself. Doesn't that bother her?"

Michael shrugged, "She never said otherwise. I'm just looking out for her. She is my baby-sister after all."

Eva cocked her head to the side, "Wait…isn't Angela's class down the hall from us?"

"Yeah?"

Eva raised a brow, "And you're with her the whole time after your parents drop you off?"

Michael nodded, "Yeah," he said confused.

"Ah. Never mind. I guess it makes sense why you walk her to class," Eva said plainly.

Suddenly, Mrs. Banks, their fourth-grade teacher, stood up from her desk where she's been the whole time preparing for today's lesson, "Good morning, everyone!"

"Good morning, Mrs. Banks," The class collectively happily greeted their teacher in response.

As everyone started to take their seats and get their things in order, Mrs. Banks turned to Eva who just hopped off Michael's desk, "Eva, you know I don't like it when students sit on the desks."

Eva sat down at her seat and nodded, "Sorry, Mrs. Banks," she said sheepishly.

"That's okay, but don't do it again." She clapped her hands, "Okay, let's get started!"

As soon as class started, Michael's eyes trailed off to Irena's direction to look at her with curiosity getting the better of him. Riley sat next to Michael, nudged him, "I see you staring, buddy."

Michael sighed and shook his head, "Great." He groaned, I won't hear the end of this all day, now.

Of all his friends, Riley Richard, his best friend, is the most talkative and charismatic of the group. Like Michael, Riley wasn't super popular, but the two friends did know a vast majority of the kids in their grade by name. Rhys Chavez, another good friend in the group, is a boy with fair hair and enjoys reading books on a daily basis, and is a wealth of random knowledge. When his nose isn't in books, he's exceptionally talkative about random things and ideas of stories he thinks up. Eva Akulov, probably the smartest in the group of friends, has thick long brown hair and is generally quiet around people, but is hugely talkative around her friends. Also, a big book lover, Eva leans toward the introvert personality spectrum and tends to focus on her own thoughts, feelings, and moods. But though she enjoys alone time, Eva loves being around her group of friends. Brandon Wright, a tall brown haired skinny kid, tends to be quiet the majority of the time unless there's something that interests him. He enjoys reading comic books and manages to bring two or three with him every day to school. Brandon's love for comics has gotten him into trouble with school and his parents, but that never stopped him from spending his allowance on them or bringing them to school.

Later in the morning, Mrs. Banks called a fifteen-minute break after a few hours of the class learning language arts. The class was allowed to use the bathroom, stretch their legs, eat snacks, and talk amongst themselves for that short reprieve before diving back into learning their subjects until lunch time. Michael walked back into the classroom after using the bathroom and saw his group of friends hanging out by the windows, separated from other groups of kids. Michael made a beeline to his group of friends and joined in their conversation.

Brandon sighed, "So you think that because we don't all like the same thing, our group of friends is better because of that? But isn't having things in common a good thing?" he asked Eva.

Michael jumped in, "We do have things in common, but we don't need to all like the same thing. The good thing with our group of friends is that we all like different things which means we can learn new things and always talk about different stuff." He chuckled, "Also it's never boring."

Rhys nodded, "Yeah. Or else we'd be stuck talking about the same dumb thing like those guys over there," he said nodding to a group of boys. He chuckled, "They're always talking about the same thing."

"Or those girls who seem to be bugging Michael all the time recently," Eva nodded to the group of girls hanging out at the back of the room. She sighed, "It's always dolls, house, and the same book series. In that order," she said in annoyance.

Brandon nodded quietly, "I see. I understand."

Riley patted him on the back, "Our group is swell, Brandon. Heck, we're the only group that has both boys and girls."

Eva waved her hand, "Girl. Singular, Riley."

Riley sighed, "Always correcting me. We get it, you're smart." Everyone laughed.

Eva chuckled then turned serious as she focused on Michael, "Michael, can I ask you a question? It's kind of personal."

"What's up?" Michael responded curiously.

Eva sighed, "Earlier, I saw you staring at Irena." She paused, "Um. Do you have a crush on her?" Michael's jaw dropped in surprise. This was the exact topic he hoped to avoid since he talked about trying to be friends with Irena last week. His sudden focus on her the past few days set him up for this current situation. Michael honestly couldn't blame his friends for thinking that way, but it was a tad annoying that all his friends jumped to the same conclusion.

Riley grinned, "He does! I saw him staring at her twice today!"

Michael remained composed and waved his hands dismissively, "I don't," he said confidently to convince his friends. He shrugged, "I'm just curious about her and want to be her friend so she isn't alone."

Rhys chuckled, "Curious about her? That's the same thing as having a crush, man."

Brandon laughed, "You're brave to admit it."

"Guys, I only want to be friends with her. I said that before," Michael said plainly.

Eva chuckled, "I think it's great you want to get to know her, but have you figured out what to say yet?" She shrugged, "I mean, you're usually good at talking to other kids, and you always find words to say, so I think you'll be fine. But I'm just curious what you'll say."

Michael shrugged, "I actually haven't given much thought to it."

Riley stepped in front of Michael, "Don't worry, Michael! If you don't know what to say to her, then I do!" He laughed and placed his hands on Michael's shoulders, "Girls and romance are right up my alley! Don't worry just say what I tell you and you'll be dating Irena in no time!"

Michael groaned, "Riley, can you keep your voice down? Please?" he asked as everyone in immediate earshot looked at them in shock. Michael took a second to look around saw other kids starting to whisper about Riley's outburst. He then saw Irena sitting quietly at her desk on the other side of the room, expressionless, but Michael didn't know if she heard Riley. It was hard to tell with her since she always seems so stoic.

Mrs. Banks stood up from her desk and clapped her hands twice with a smile, "Okay, class, let's get started!" All the kids stopped what they were doing and quickly got back to their seats to resume their classwork until lunch.

Immediately after school, Michael found himself outside at the front of the school face-to-face with Irena, speechless. In the sea of hundreds of kids excitedly leaving school for the day, Michael felt he was in a bubble with Irena standing before him. The two kids stood on the grass by the main entrance of the school as kids walked past them without paying them any mind. But after a moment of uncomfortable silence, Irena spoke up, "You wanted to talk?" she asked in a neutral tone.

"Um," Michael responded nervously. He couldn't help but think that Riley must've told her that he had a crush on her, which could complicate things. It also didn't help that Michael was unnaturally tongue-tied and was at a loss for words. He usually has something to say when he talks with other people, but talking to Irena was different because he couldn't read her expressions since she's so stoic.

Irena looked away from him, "I overheard your conversation with your friends."

Michael nodded, "Oh," he finally said.

"So," Irena said almost impatiently.

Michael spoke up, regaining his confidence, "I just want to talk to you."

"Why? Do you want to be friends?" She responded in a serious tone.

"Of course, I do. I mean, I want to try and be friends if you let me," Michael responded quickly.

Irena paused for a long moment which made Michael tense uncomfortably. "Friends," she finally said. "What is it that you like about me?" Irena said coldly.

Man, she's cold, Michael said to himself. He honestly didn't know how to respond but he needed to say something, so he told the truth. Michael stepped toward her, "I want to be friends because I see you're always alone. And I don't want you to always be alone."

Irena paused again and looked like she was processing what he said. "Hm. You don't have to give me a real answer," she said unsure if Michael was genuine with his concern toward her. She then stared in his eyes, "But, I know you're just like me. Fake. We're all just fakers in this world. We're all hiding something, Michael."

Michael looked at her with a shocked expression across his face at what she said. He didn't know whether or not she's perceptive enough to tell that he is genuinely hiding something, i.e., his enhanced physical abilities, or said that to express her distrust in people. Even with the fight last week, there's no way anyone could tell Michael had enhanced strength just by looking at him without drawing his blood like his Uncle Stark does every year. Sure, he and Sarah had denser muscles than other kids, but they seemed normal from the outside. But Michael held onto the idea that she might be more perceptive than other kids and knows he has hidden physical strength. But the latter thought that Irena has extreme distrust in people worried him significantly. Irena's cold exterior made Michael more and more curious by the second as to what made her that way.

Michael didn't realize he was silent for several seconds when Irena spoke up again, "I saw you help your sister in that fight last week."

Well, she might know I'm super strong now, since she saw the fight last week, Michael said to himself. He sighed, she might know I'm keeping my strength a secret. That's probably why she asked.

"Do you love your family that much? To get into trouble for them?" Irena asked in a direct tone.

"Yeah," Michael responded without hesitation.

Irena gripped her old leather satchel book bag, "That's good," she said as she turned around to walk away.

Michael stepped forward, "Wait, Irena! So how about it? Do you want to be friends or what?"

Irena looked over her shoulder, "So does that mean you'll protect me and be there all the time?"

Michael nodded, "If that's what it takes. You shouldn't…"

Suddenly a distant call from Sarah interrupted him causing him to turn in her direction. "Michael! Daddy's here!" Sarah called and waved from the far sidewalk next to their dad's car.

"I'm coming! Gimmie a sec!" Michael waved back.

Michael turned back around to talk to Irena and saw her already walking away from him. She stopped and looked over her shoulder, "Your family is waiting," she said in a neutral tone before walking away again.

Michael sighed. He waved, "Bye, Irena. See you tomorrow!" Michael called out to her but got no acknowledgment from her. He had to admit, she's pretty. She may not smile or say much, but it didn't change the fact that she strikes him as pretty. With that, Michael turned and walked to his dad's car waiting at the curb.

When Michael got to his dad's red and black Chevy, he lost the front seat to his twin sister. He opened the back door and slid into the back seat next to Angela. Steve turned around and smiled, "Hey there, kiddo. How was school?"

Michael shrugged, "It was okay. Nothing spectacular."

Steve chuckled, "Really? We saw you talking to a girl over there. Someone new?" he said nodding to the front entrance of the school.

Angela grinned but didn't say anything. Michael chuckled, "She's in my class. A friend is all," he said hoping that Irena would want to be friends.

Sarah giggled, "IS that all," she said under her breath. Steve laughed at Sarah's response.

"Can we just go home, dad?" Michael asked with a smile.

Steve laughed, "Sure thing!" He turned on the car, "Next stop. Home."

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

Steve and the three kids entered the house and stepped into the foyer and were immediately greeted by the beautiful aroma of Peggy's home cooking. Steve put his briefcase down by the console table next to the door, "Honey, we're home!" he called out to his wife in the kitchen.

"Welcome home, darlings!" Peggy called back from the kitchen, her voice echoing in the foyer.

Angela raced toward the kitchen, "Mama!" she called excitedly. Sarah and Michael rushed after Angela to greet their mother in the kitchen too. Steve smiled and followed his energetic kids.

In the kitchen, Peggy was busy at the stove just starting to cook dinner. She got home from work an hour ago and slipped into something more comfortable that wasn't restrictive like her usual business attire. She wore a short-sleeve blue and white floral day dress with a dark blue apron over her dress while she cooked. As Peggy stirred the pot with a wooden spoon, she heard Angela rush into the kitchen calling for her, "Mama!" the little girl called happily.

Peggy smiled at the sound of her youngest daughter calling her as she removed the spoon from the pot and placed it on a plate next to the stove before turning around to greet her family. She faced her youngest daughter smiling at her. Peggy chuckled, "Welcome home, sweetie," she said as she walked up to her daughter and bent down to give her a big kiss on the cheek. Angela happily hugged her mother's frame, wrapping her short arms around her mother's shoulders. Peggy smiled, "It looks like you had a good day."

Angela smiled, "mhmm," she hummed in response. Peggy chuckled at Angela's usual quiet responses. Angela grinned and whispered to her mother, "I think Michael is in love with a girl in school."

Peggy smiled, "is that so? I figured it might be that mystery girl he talked about last week," she asked in a hushed tone. She then spotted Michael and Sarah entering the kitchen causing her to grin. Peggy chuckled and stood up, "thank you, darling. I won't tell Michael you said anything," she said quietly. She patted Angela on the shoulder, "Now run upstairs and wash up. If you want you can help me here in the kitchen if you'd like."

Angela smiled widely, "Okay!" she said excitedly. With that, Angela bolted out of the kitchen to go upstairs.

Sarah laughed, "She's always so energetic at home but never at school or anywhere else," she said as she walked up to her mother.

Peggy chuckled, "She's shy in public, Sarah. You know that."

Sarah hugged her mother, "Hi, mama," she said lovingly.

Peggy hugged her daughter back and kissed the top of her head, "Welcome home, darling." After a moment she let go of her daughter then looked at her son who instantly embraced her too.

"Hi, mama," Michael said happily.

"hey there, darling," Peggy said kissing him on the top of the head too. "How was school?" she asked to both her kids.

Sarah swung her arms absentmindedly, "Good. Same, same."

Michael stepped back from his mother, "Yeah. It was good. Nothing new," he said plainly.

"Mhmm," Peggy hummed in response to her son with a small smile across her lips. She patted both of her kids on the shoulder, "alright, wash-up. Dinner will be done in a little bit."

Sarah looked up at her mother, "Can I play outside with Erin and Ashley before dinner?" she said asking to go play with the neighbor's kids.

Peggy smiled, "Mhmm, as long as you get your homework done before bed time and wash-up before dinner."

"Yay, thanks, Mama!" she said running out of the kitchen, passing by her smiling father leaning against the wall by the pantry.

Peggy looked at her son, "Don't want to play outside today, Michael?"

Michael shook his head, "I want to do some other things first."

Peggy chuckled, "Okay, darling. I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"Thanks, Mom," he said walking out the kitchen.

When the kids left the kitchen, Peggy smiled at her husband leaning on the wall, "Welcome home, darling. How was work?"

"Busy but a good day. Getting ready for the upcoming Stark Expo," Steve said smiling. He pushed himself off the wall and walked over to his wife, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a kiss on the lips. He smiled at her, "I've waited all day to do that."

Peggy grabbed his tie and brought his lips to hers and kissed him again. "Me too," she said breaking the kiss.

Steve smiled, "And how's SHIELD doing?"

Peggy sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "Same enemy different day. Still battling Hydra and Leviathan." She rested her hands on her hips, "The sad truth is that Hydra has too many resources and too many supporters in foreign countries, mainly in communist and third world countries, for us to eliminate them all together right now." Peggy shrugged, "Unless we find a weakness that'll make them collapse on themselves, I don't see us completely destroying them anytime soon."

Steve nodded, "I understand. A small part of me hoped that Hydra would slowly fall apart after we got Zola and his Council of Nine all those years ago. Boy was I wrong. Hydra fragmented and reorganized again and maintained a strong presence in the East. Figures they'd be redundant."

"They do seem to come up from the ashes time and time again. I give them credit for that. But we always find a way to bring them down," Peggy said with confidence. She paused and furrowed her brows, "But we heard some whispers of something big Hydra and Leviathan are doing, and it involves Soviet nuclear weapons. Which is obviously very bad, so we're trying to gain more information to develop a plan to counter whatever it is." She shrugged, "Again, we don't have much to go on yet."

Steve crossed his arms, "Yeah, the idea of Hydra having access to nuclear weapons is not good. Their possession of Stark technology was bad enough, but with an arsenal of nukes, there's no telling what they can do."

Peggy sighed in frustration, "It gets tiring dealing with them, darling."

Steve nodded, "I know." He wrapped his arms around her and brought her close, "You know…if you need me to come back…"

Peggy looked up at him and placed a gentle hand on his chest, "Darling." She sighed, "We would always need you in SHIELD, but you put the shield down for a reason. The kids love having you around, and they don't need to worry about you going overseas on missions for weeks at a time... or for a year." She hugged his frame, "Sarah, Michael, and Angela were too young to remember that you went to war in Korea for over a year, and John never experienced a day without you nearby. I think our kids deserve to keep you around."

Steve smiled, "Yeah."

"Not to mention that I enjoy having you around. Housework and taking care of the kids is easier with you." Peggy smiled at him seductively, "Also you being home equals more time for pleasure," she said softly earning a chuckle from Steve.

Steve nodded, "Remember, if you ever need me. Just tell me."

"I know. I can always count on you, Steve," Peggy said with a smile. She kissed Steve again, "Now, let's drop this topic. I have to continue cooking dinner."

Steve let go of his wife, "Need help?"

Peggy turned around and grinned, "Think I can't cook dinner for my own family, Steve?"

"That's not what I said," Steve said laughing.

"I know, I'm just poking fun, darling." Peggy walked over to the stove to continue cooking, "I can handle the cooking. Besides, Angela is coming down to help cook later."

Steve chuckled, "Okay, I'll be upstairs for a bit working on a few things for Howard."

Peggy waved, "Have fun with that, darling."

Later in the evening as the sun continued to set giving an orange hue inside the house, Peggy continued to work diligently to cook dinner for her family while the radio softly played a lively rock-n-roll tune. The downstairs windows were open allowing the cool spring breeze to blow through the house, and letting Peggy hear the laughter and cheers of kids playing outside over the music of her radio. Peggy could especially hear her daughter yelling excitedly and laughing with her friends even though the kitchen window was at the back of the house.

Peggy scraped vegetables into the pot from her cutting board then set a timer for ten minutes to allow the contents of the pan to cook. She grabbed the timer off the counter and walked out of the kitchen and into the family room where John sat on the floor playing with his blocks in front of the couch. Peggy smiled at her three-year-old son, "Hi, darling," she said as she placed the timer down on the coffee table. Peggy then sat down in front of her son and his blocks, tucking her skirt under her knees, so it didn't get in the way of her son playing. She made sure she kept an eye on the timer, so she can know when to stir the pot.

John Steven grinned at his mother, "Hi Mama!" he called happily.

Peggy smiled, "I see you're having fun, John." She started to move around some of the discarded blocks, "Can I play with you, dear?"

John nodded happily, "Yup!" He put blocks together, "I want to build a castle," he said playfully in his normal high pitch voice. He smiled, "Do you want to help me?"

Peggy chuckled, "I'll love to, thanks for asking." She smiled widely, "Okay, then let's build a castle that even your dad can't destroy."

"Yeah!" he said happily as he and his mother started to stack blocks together.

John could probably say more words and form more sentences than most kids his age. He grasps things really fast and understands the concept of speech very well. Steve and Peggy consistently talk to John, and so does his older siblings, so he learns quickly from others talking to and with him. Steve and Peggy talk to teach, and all their kids quickly benefited from it and learned to speak at a higher level at an early age. John replicates speech from his parents and his older siblings and is extremely talkative. It isn't just his immediate family that John learns from, he learns from his extended family, mainly from Uncle Daniel, Aunt Angie, Uncle Howard, and Uncle Bucky. From all this positive influence on her youngest son, Peggy is still impressed by how much John has picked up from her and the family.

Just as Peggy started building the block castle with John, she heard her oldest son walk into the kitchen, "Mom?" Michael called.

"In the family room, darling!" Peggy called, not looking up from the task at hand.

Michael walked into the family room and saw his mother playing blocks with is little brother. He chuckled, "What are you making?"

Peggy smiled at John, "Want to tell your big brother what we're doing, sweetie?"

John looked up at Michael, "We're making a castle! Want to help?"

Michael laughed, "That's cool." He waved his hand, "I'll join you later, I want to talk to mom about something."

"Okie dokey," John said happily.

"Mama, may I ask you something?" Michael shrugged, "Um, in the kitchen."

Peggy nodded, "Okay, darling. I'll be right there." She looked at John, "John, I'm going to talk with Michael for a little bit. I'll be right back."

John smiled, "Okay, Mama." With that Peggy stood up and kissed John on the top of the head then walked into the kitchen with her oldest son.

In the kitchen, Peggy sat down at the table in the seat next to Michael. Before Michael could say anything, Peggy spoke up with a small grin across her lips, "Is this about the mystery girl you mentioned last week?"

Michael cringed in surprise, psychic witch, he thought jokingly to himself.

Peggy nodded, "It's the girl isn't it," she said acknowledging her son's sudden silence.

Michael nodded, "It's the girl."

Peggy chuckled, "So? What do you want to talk about?"

Michael rubbed his neck, "Um. How do you talk to someone who is super quiet, and you don't know anything about?"

"Well, darling, it's simple. Be yourself. I know that's a very generic response, but be genuine with her. Approach her and introduce yourself and just talk to her," Peggy said with a warm smile. Michael was about to speak but Peggy spoke up before him, "And you're going to say that 'it's not going to work.'"

Michael cringed, witch, he said jokingly to himself again. His mother wasn't the director of a spy agency for nothing.

Peggy chuckled, "It'll work, darling. It also wouldn't hurt to throw in humor because girls like humor. Find the humor in everyday life and make her laugh." She smiled, "Just be confident and sure of yourself. And I know you don't lack the confidence. Keep a stiff upper lip, honey." She nodded at him, "Also most importantly, be respectful to her."

"Hm," Michael hummed quietly.

Peggy chuckled, "Michael, you became friends with Eva. It's the same way you became friends with her."

"But, Mom, Eva was very open with me. She's easy going and is approachable. Irena isn't very approachable," Michael said quickly.

"So that's her name, Irena."

Michael nodded, "Yeah, the girl I'm trying to be friends with is named Irena." He sighed, "Anyway, we knew a little bit of Eva before she started hanging out with us, but Irena is different. I don't know anything about her."

Peggy chuckled, "Michael, it's the same process as becoming friends with Eva, but instead you'll have to approach her and do most of the talking first. It's simple, honey. Just talk to her and go from there. Find something in common."

"But what if there isn't anything in common?"

Peggy laughed, "Well, then you shouldn't be friends. But darling, you can't say you have nothing in common when you don't know each other yet. How do you know you don't have anything in common?" Michael shrugged. "Exactly, so don't put that idea in your head because then all you'll only see is differences and no commonality." Peggy smiled warmly at her son, "Find something in common. Be yourself and go from there."

Michael nodded, "Okay. That makes sense. Thanks, mama."

Peggy nodded, "Anytime, honey." She chuckled, "Do you want her as your girlfriend? Is that why you're so worked up about her?"

"WHAT? NO!" Michael exclaimed in surprise. WITCH! Michael screamed in his head.

Peggy laughed, "Okay, darling. Whatever you say," she said jokingly.

Michael waved his hand, "Come on, Mom." He shrugged, "Speaking of…"

"You want to know how to make her your girlfriend?" Peggy shot back with a grin.

Michael sighed, "Mom…"

"I was joking, honey. Please, continue," Peggy said with a light laugh.

"It's about you."

Peggy raised a brow, "Oh? And what is it?" The timer went off which signaled to Peggy that the food was done heating on the stove. Peggy shot up from her seat, "Shoot, I forgot to stir." She walked around the table to the stove, "Keep going, darling. I'm listening."

Michael stood up and followed his mom to the stove, "Um. How did you meet, Dad?"

Peggy paused and hesitated with the answer as she turned down the stove to low. After a moment she formed a small smile and lifted the pan lid, "What brought this on?"

Michael shrugged, "I'm just curious. Was he the first person you fell in love with?"

Peggy put the pan lid on the counter and picked up the wooden spoon by the stove to stir the food in the pan, "No. Your father wasn't the first person I fell in love with," she said with a chuckle. She continued to stir and looked over her shoulder to her son, "But he's the one I will forever love, now. I was going to get married to someone else long before I met your father, but lord I'm proud I never did."

"You were going to be with someone else?" He asked in surprise.

Peggy chuckled, "It's a long story that involves your Uncle Michael. Do you remember me telling to you about him?"

Michael nodded, "Yeah, I remember."

Peggy removed the pan from the heat and put it on a different burner that was off. She turned around and gave her son her full attention, "Anyway, to keep it short, your Uncle before he died during the war convinced me not to marry the man because he knew I wouldn't be happy with him. He told me that the life that my fiancé, at the time, wanted wasn't right for me. Your Uncle knew I wanted a life of adventure. And he was right." Peggy smiled, "I'm happy he convinced me to leave him because that lead me to a lifetime of adventures and experience, and eventually lead me to your father."

"But how did you meet?" Michael asked.

Peggy waved her hand, "Right, I met your father in New Jersey on an Army Base when I was working as a liaison from the British government to the Strategic Science Reserve, or SSR and he was training in the Army. The SSR was a top-secret allied agency created to battle the Nazi special weapons division named Hydra. Remember what I told you about Hydra?"

Michael nodded, "I remember. But, Mom, what's a liaison?"

Peggy smiled, "A liaison is someone who is works between two groups to communicate and arrange activities for mutual benefit."

"OH," Michael replied.

Peggy smiled, "Anyway, I met your dad when he was training to be Captain America, and I was one of the instructors and advisors overseeing his training," she said not giving too many details of what occurred during Steve's actual training.

Michael nodded, "I remember Uncle Bucky telling me he was a short skinny kid and was often looked at a loser."

Peggy chuckled, "It's true, your dad was short, skinny, and pretty sickly and many people considered him a loser. But he was incredibly smart, had the strongest spirit, and the biggest heart which is far greater than height, strength, and good looks in my opinion." She sighed, "Many people looked down upon him why he was in the Army, and at the start I did too, but eventually his personality rubbed off on me." Peggy chuckled, "One of the leaders in the camp had faith in him far before I did," she said mentioning Doctor Erskine.

"Did you love him then?" Michael asked shyly.

Peggy smiled lovingly as she remembered, "It wasn't love at first, but romantic curiosity that stemmed into interest." She clapped her hands, "Oh, I have a picture of your father when he was in training. I'll go fetch it and be right back." With that Peggy left Michael in the kitchen and went upstairs.

After a few minutes, Peggy walked back into the kitchen with a small picture frame in her hand and Angela by her side. Michael nodded at his baby sister, "Hey, Angela."

Angela skipped over to her big brother, "Momma says I can help with dinner. Are you helping too?"

Michael shook his head, "I'm just talking to mom about stuff."

Peggy walked over to Michael and leaned on the counter by the sink, "Angela, sweetheart, can you set the table for me? You can help me get the food and plates together when you're done."

Angela smiled, "Okay, mama!" She exclaimed instantly getting to work.

Peggy smiled then showed her son the picture of Steve when he was skinny, "This was your father before he became Captain America."

"That's him?" Michael exclaimed in absolute surprise. He shook his head in disbelief, "I barely recognize him!"

Peggy laughed, "Trust me that's your father." She smiled at Angela, "Angela, do you want to see daddy before he became Captain America?"

Angela who had a stack of placemats in her arms by the far counter, instantly turned around, "Yes!" she called excitedly. She ran up to her mother and brother and took a look at the small photograph in the picture frame in her mother's hand. Angela chuckled, "That's daddy?"

Peggy nodded with a laugh, "That's him."

"He looks so different," Angela said as she returned back to her duties. She laughed, "I like daddy the way he is now."

Michael chuckled, "Me too."

Peggy laughed, "I'd still love him the way I do now, and I'm sure you kids would too."

"Yeah," Michael acknowledged. He cocked his head to the side, "But how did he get so big and tall the way he is now?"

Peggy smirked, "He joined the Army," she said jokingly. "After training super hard for months, your father was given something to give him 'powers,' by a group of scientist," she said for lack of a better word. Peggy nodded, "What he received changed him forever and is why he's so big and tall now." The serum is still highly classified, but Peggy made an exception to tell her son some part of the truth while still giving an ambiguous response that wasn't far from fact. She importantly left out names, dates, and locations, though she doubts her son would remember anything but the "powers" aspect of the conversation.

Peggy wrapped her arm around her son, "That thing that gave your dad powers, gave you powers when you were born. You inherited his gifts." She smiled, "So if you ever wonder why you have super strength, just remember what I told you." Peggy turned stern, "But Michael."

Michael looked up at his mother, "Yes, mom?"

"Again, I can never stress this enough, you can never tell anyone about your powers, and you can't tell anyone what I told you about your father. Okay, darling?" Peggy nodded, "I'll tell you're your siblings this later, myself."

Michael nodded, "Got it," he said with an acknowledging smile. He cocked his head to the side again, "So… before Dad became Captain America, you had a crush on him?"

Peggy put the photo down on the counter then went to get plates for the food, "Toward the end of his training I started developing a 'crush.'" Angela finished setting the table and quickly joined her mother by the stove to help with whatever her mother needed.

"What did you like about him before he became the hero?"

Peggy looked over her shoulder, "Darling, love is more than just admiring titles, accolades, and the physical." She rested a hand on her hip, "He wasn't like anyone I've ever met. Unlike most men in the Army, your dad solved things with his mind more than his muscles. He also had the biggest heart, and cared for people and treated everyone with respect. Your dad made people feel like they were the center of the world when he talked to them. He was a good man long before he became Captain America." She smiled warmly, "I love your father for who he is, not what he is. His good looks and physical strength are extra." Honestly, Steve changed a little after fighting in World War II and Korea, but she didn't need to tell her son that. Everything Peggy told her son is true and she meant what she said.

"Oh," Michael quietly responded.

"Neither of us acknowledged each other's feelings until toward the end of the war," Peggy responded as she handed Angela a few plates from the cabinet to put on the table.

"So, before Dad disappeared, right? Uncle Dugan told me what happened during the war," Michael responded.

Peggy sighed, "Yes, before that. It's a difficult subject for the both of us, dear, but yes." She turned to her son, "Your uncle is right. If you're Uncle Howard didn't persist in finding your father, you and your siblings wouldn't be here."

"Oh."

Peggy stopped what she was doing again and faced Michael, "I won't go into all that detail about his disappearance. But after he was found, we started dating and got married soon after. We love and cherish each other very much. Then, after we were married, you and Sarah were born. Two years after that Angela then later your brother John." She smiled lovingly at her son, "You and your brother and sisters are our treasures. Everything we did lead us to this moment as a family." Peggy waved her hand, "I know I said a lot, but that was the basic story of how I met your father."

Michael smiled, "What's the whole story?" he asked curiously.

"Some other time, darling." Peggy gave her son a wide smile, "Your father is an incredible man, Michael. He taught me so much without him knowing it. He's the type of person I aspire to be. He always did the right thing and never turned away when things got hard. He's been through every struggle you can image, but never loses his enduring spirit." She nodded, "Always be proud of your father."

Michael smiled widely, "I am proud of my father. I'm proud of both my mom and dad!" he said proudly. Though Michael was satisfied with the talk he had with his mother, he knew there's much more to the story that his mom won't mention. Michael knew he could never convince his mother to say more than she's letting on. That's just the type of person she is, a fair, loving, and tough person. But even with a brief story, it's still amazing how his parents met.

Peggy chuckled, "Michael, I'll cheer you on for your crush, so do your best. I'm sure Irena is worth it."

Michael blushed, "TH-THAT'S NOT IT AT ALL!" He exclaimed in shock.

Peggy laughed, "Whatever you say, darling." She nodded to the foyer, "Can you go out and get your sister. It's time for dinner. We've been talking for a while, I'm afraid the food might be getting cold."

Michael nodded, "On it, Mom," he said walking out of the kitchen.

"Oh, and don't forget your father," Peggy called as her son left.

Fox Meadow Elementary School

The next day after school, Michael was lost in thought as he walked down the empty hallway toward his classroom after using the bathroom. School ended a few minutes ago and already looked deserted with the halls empty. All the kids were anxious to head home after another long day of school, but unfortunately, Michael had to stay behind to use the bathroom since Mrs. Banks didn't let him go in the last few minutes of the day. As Michael walked through the corridor, he couldn't stop thinking about Irena and how to continue his efforts in befriending her. Throughout the day, Michael kept an eye on Irena as much as possible. As usual, she remained quiet and secluded throughout the class, and Michael noted some girls in class slyly picking on her every now and then. From observation throughout the school year, Michael was sure that the reason she's so distant and quiet is due to the other kids picking on her during and after school. Of course, there could also be something going on at home, but Michael couldn't be confident unless Irena told him. Irena isn't like Angela who's naturally quiet, but instead, Michael could sense she was harboring deep pain that she was trying so hard to hide. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that, but Michael knew that the other kids elected to ignore her altogether. Michael would, no doubt, step in and defend Irena if she was being bullied, but the problem was that she would get bullied when he wasn't around and out of the supervision of teachers. So, the purpose of befriending her was to keep her protected with a group of friends so bullies wouldn't single her out. Clearly, Michael should tell a teacher about bullying, but he had a gut feeling that it wouldn't do much to help her anyway.

As Michael neared his classroom, he started to think about the conversation he had with Irena yesterday about hiding something. He doubts that Irena could tell he was hiding his "powers" of enhanced strength and endurance, but he wasn't sure what else she meant. Again, it was doubt, so Michael locked that idea in the back of his mind, so it wouldn't waste his time thinking about the possibility of her knowing the truth about his physical abilities. Though, he was sure she wouldn't tell anyone anyway.

Michael entered the classroom to find it empty with only his teacher sitting at her desk and his group of friends hovering over his in deep conversation. Michael trotted over to his seat and gathered his things into his satchel to get ready to leave for the day. As he slung his satchel over his shoulder, Rhys patted him on the shoulder, "So, how did it go?" his friend said with a smile.

Riley chimed in happily, "Yeah, tell us! Did you two hold hands?"

Michael raised his hands, "No nothing like that. We just talked."

Brandon spoke up uncharacteristically energetic, "Just you two? Alone? That means she's totally into you!"

Riley smiled, "Nice! That means she is into you because she never talks to anyone alone!"

As Riley continued to make a ruckus and pester Michael, trying to be his wingman, Michael couldn't help but sigh internally. Could they be any more annoying about this? Michael thought to himself.

Eva spoke up in a serious tone, "Take it easy, guys. Pressuring him isn't going to help him."

Riley sighed, "You're right."

Brandon nodded at Eva, "Eva, you're a girl, what do you think about this?"

Eva shook her head, "Don't look at me. Everyone is different."

Michael sighed, "Let's just go home, guys." He was thankful for Eva speaking up for him to shut his friends up about his apparent "romantic" interest in Irena.

The group of friends got their stuff together, said their goodbyes to Mrs. Banks, and left the classroom to head home finally. After exiting the school building, Riley, Rhys, and Brandon said their goodbyes for the day to Michael and Eva and started to walk home. Michael waved goodbye to his friends then spotted his dad's car parked in the usual spot by the curb. But just as he was about to make his way to his ride, Eva spoke to him, "Michael, can I talk to you for a second?"

Michael turned around to face his friend, "Sure." He smiled, "Hey, thanks for speaking up, those guys can get pretty pushy on some things."

"Don't need to thank me. I understand," she said with a warm smile.

Eva turned serious, "By the way, about Irena, I think it's great you want to get close to her and all, but I get the feeling you're exceptionally trying at it." Michael looked at her with surprise. "You said last week you wanted to include her in our group and didn't want her to be alone all the time and to stop the annoying girls in class from bullying her. But I get the sense there's something else that's driving you." She shrugged, "I don't mean to be nosey and I'm not judging, but I'm here if you need to talk to someone." She shrugged, "If not me then the other guys are here for you too."

Michael nodded, "Yeah. I appreciate that." He shrugged, "It's not as complicated as you think. What I said last week is still the reason why." He chuckled and changed the subject, "I think the only reason why she talked to me yesterday is because she overheard our conversation." He shrugged, "I don't know if Riley did anything to have her talk to me though."

Eva chuckled, "He did. I was there." She smiled, "Did you talk to her? Irena."

"Yeah. Only for a bit. She opened up a little though, but she's hard to read," he said plainly.

"That's good. Well, if you want to talk, let me know," Eva said politely. She nodded toward the street, "Your sisters are waiting for you."

Michael turned around and saw his twin and younger sister standing by their dad's car by the curb. He nodded, "Yeah." He smiled at Eva, "See ya tomorrow, Eva!" With that Michael turned and ran off to his siblings. Eva didn't say anything but only waved.

On the car ride home, Michael sat in the front seat and spent much of the start of the trip thinking about Irena. He figured out earlier of the two possible reasons why she acts secluded and distant, but now he started to wonder why her. Why are the other kids singling her out for their bully games? Michael knew that there isn't a complicated nor a right answer. Bullies could pick on her for any number of reasons stemming from Irena being different, her family, race, religion, money, and the bullies enjoying their superiority over her. Regardless of the reason, no act of bullying is right. Truth be told, Michael didn't need to worry about the reason why bullies picked on her and he didn't know why he was dwelling on it so much because he had a plan to shield her from bullies no matter the reason. But he continued to think about it anyway.

Michael couldn't stand bullies any more than Sarah, but he didn't know why he was so worked up about Irena's situation. Maybe it's her distant and secluded attitude that sparked a drive to shield her from the bullies, or that he genuinely cared for people. It can possibly be both, but maybe there was something more. Irena did pique his interest. Her silence spoke volumes.

Michael's thoughts were interrupted when he looked out the window as his dad drove the car by a park and saw a group of kids, both boys, and girls, kicking around an open satchel and laughing at a girl in a secluded part of the park. None of the passing kids walking home seemed to intervene or look concerned. The by standings kids simply ignored the situation altogether. As Steve maintained his focus on the road and started to pass by the scene, Michael recognized the girl to be Irena. He saw the young girl squatting down with her hands covering her ears as the group of kids picked on her.

As Steve slowed the car down at a stop sign by the park, Michael threw open his car door and ran out into the park. Steve quickly called back to his son, "Michael! Michael come back!" Michael didn't listen and continued to sprint, faster than any kid ever seen, toward the group of kids surrounding Irena. Steve put the car in park at the stop sign, turned off the car, and stepped out of the vehicle, waving to the cars behind him to go around and pass him. Steve looked into the car, "Sarah, Angela, stay here!" He ran into the park after his son before Sarah or Angela acknowledged what he said.

The two Rogers girls watched their father run into the park with confused looks across their faces. Angela looked at her big sister, "Sarah?"

"Yeah?" Sarah responded.

"Is Michael in trouble?" She asked innocently.

Sarah shrugged, "Maybe."

Outside, Michael charged at the group of kids picking on Irena, "Hey!" he called out to them. "Leave her alone!"

One of the boys hovering over Irena saw Michael, "Dang it! It's Michael, run!" The group of kids quickly scattered and ran away, leaving Irena alone.

One of the other boys yelled to the group as he ran away, "He's trying to be a hero, what's he going to do about it!"

"If he doesn't beat us up, he'll surely tell the school! Just keep running," called one of the girls.

Michael reached Irena and watched as the bullies dispersed in multiple directions away from him. The bullies did their best to hide their faces from him, so he wouldn't be able to tell a teacher or an adult who was bullying Irena. Michael had a gut feeling who it was but didn't have proof. Even with the gift of good eyesight, he couldn't see the other kid's faces as they ran away from him. Michael sighed and looked down at Irena who still remained in her position of staying squatted down with her hands over her ears. He could hear light whimpers from her who seemed to be afraid to stand back up, scared to see bullies still standing over her.

He frowned and began to quickly gather up all of Irena's books and papers he could get before the wind took them, and put them in her bag. Steve caught up to his son and stopped a few yards behind him and gave his son space and watched quietly. Michael slowly approached Irena and gripped her shoulder, "Irena?" he asked as he gently placed her packed school satchel by her feet. "Irena? It's me, Michael. It's okay," he said softly.

Upon hearing her name, the second time, Irena slowly lifted her head up and saw her bag with all her things in it. She sniffled and wiped away her tears then looked up to see Michael standing over her with a friendly smile. She slowly stood up, grabbing her bag as she got up, and didn't say anything. Irena made eye contact with Michael but remained silent, unsure what to say or do.

Michael pressed slightly, "Are you okay?" Irena suddenly became distant and emotionless and bolted away from him. "Irena, wait!" he called out to her but refrained from chasing after her. He sadly sighed as he watched her disappear on the path through the thick park trees.

Michael turned around and saw his father standing a short distance away from him with a sad look on his face. "Sorry," Michael said apologetically.

Steve walked up to his son and placed an arm around him, "It's okay. Let's go home."

Father and son got back to their car parked at the stop sign without saying a word to each other after what they saw. Steve turned the car back on and resumed the drive home. The car ride began in uncomfortable silence as Michael, Sarah, nor Angela wanted to say a word. After a while, Steve sighed, "Michael." Michael didn't respond and turned his attention to his father. "Do you know that girl? The one who was getting bullied back there?"

"Yeah," He began. "Well…I'm trying to get to know her."

Steve glanced at his son, "It's not your job, but…if you can… look out for her." He sighed again, "It's tough being bullied relentlessly like that. And from what I just saw, it looks like she's been going through it a lot."

"I'm trying to help her, dad."

What started off as a task just to befriend her to keep her from being alone and being bullied became extremely personal for Michael. He wasn't trying to be a hero, but he was trying to do the right thing to protect another kid from the others. Without a doubt, Michael knew that bullying is the cause for her distancing herself from people and her silence. He became determined not to let Irena fall victim to bullying again. If that means he has to suck in his pride and make a fool of himself trying to befriend her, then he will.

Steve glanced back over at his son, "Remember, teachers are always there in case you need to report bullying." He shrugged, "But, they don't see everything, so do what you have to do," he said giving Michael responsibility to do what his son thought was right.

Michael understood, "I know."

"But do me a favor."

Michael nodded, "I know, show restraint so I don't give away that I have super strength."

Steve laughed, "That's not it. I wanted to say, warn me next time when you want to get out of the car."

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

It's after dinner and still early in the evening, the sun cast it's golden rays down through the clouds and into the Rogers house, turning the atmosphere into a bright fiery red-orange glow. The glow of the setting sun brought the scent of memories of springtime's past. It's been a beautiful evening with family time and a home cooked meal prepared by Steve, but now with dinner done and the dishes clean, the Rogers relaxed together for a bit in the family room. While Steve and Peggy sat together on the couch reading different books, Sarah and Michael were sprawled out on the floor doing their homework, Angela busied herself with doodling in her sketchbook on the coffee table, and little John played with his toys in front of his siblings. It's just another pleasant evening for the family.

Sarah closed her book and put her papers away in her folder, "Done with my homework!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Peggy closed her book on her thumb to keep her page she's on, "Did you do everything, darling?"

Sarah sat up and crossed her legs, "Yup! Did everything. It was easy."

"Good," Peggy said with a smile. "Now run upstairs and put your homework with your school stuff so you don't forget it. We still have a couple hours before Lone Ranger comes on."

Sarah stood up and grabbed her things, "Okay," she said as she ran out the room.

Steve chuckled at his daughter's excitement for the "Lone Ranger" TV series and didn't look up from his book. Peggy leaned back into her husband's side, "How are you doing with your homework, Michael, sweetie?"

"Almost done with my last math problem," Michael responded quietly as he continued to work hard.

"Let me know if you want either your dad or me to help, okay?" Peggy said with a smile as she opened up her book again.

"Okay, mama."

The family lapsed back into relative silence as they resumed their own activities once again, with the only sounds being the hard doodles of Angela's pencil on her sketchbook and the sound effects from John playing with his toys on the floor. Peggy smiled and kissed Steve on the shoulder as she continued to read her book, comfortably positioned against her husband's frame.

After a moment, Michael stood up with his notebook and textbook, "Done. Dad, can you look over my math homework?"

Steve bookmarked his page and put his book down on the coffee table by Angela's drawing, "Sure can." Michael stood up and walked over to his parents sitting on the couch and handed his father his notebook and textbook. Peggy smiled at her son and sat up to give her husband space to work with their son.

As Steve began to look over Michael's homework, he heard Sarah call him from upstairs, "Daddy!"

"What do you need, sweetie?" Steve said as he looked over Michael's homework.

"The toilet's broken!"

Steve and Peggy shared a knowing look for a moment then both smiled at each other. Steve knew there's no way he can convince his wife to deal with the toilet and the possible mess their daughter may have caused. He chuckled, "I'll take care of it, hon. Mind taking over looking at Michael's homework for me?"

Peggy grinned and nodded, "I can do that. Have fun with the mess our daughter may have made," she said bookmarking her page and putting her book down by her side. Steve kissed Peggy on the cheek and handed her their son's notebook and textbook, then stood up and left the family room.

As Peggy took a moment to look over Michael's math homework, Michael hopped onto the couch and sat patiently next to his mother. After a while, Peggy flipped to the last page of her son's homework and checked remaining problems. Satisfied of her son's homework, Peggy closed the notebook and textbook, "Everything is good, darling. Good job!"

Michael smiled, "Thank you, mama."

"Here, run upstairs and put your homework away for tomorrow," Peggy said handing her son his things back.

"Okay," Michael replied gripping his notebook and textbook. "Um," he began.

"What is it, sweetie?"

"I saw Irena after school. And she was being bullied in the park," Michael said nervously.

Peggy nodded, "I heard. Your father told me what you did." Michael looked down, trying to think what to say. "What is it, darling?" Peggy asked softly picking up his hesitation.

Michael shrugged, "I'm not trying to be a hero, mom," he began, remembering what one of the bullies said after running away when Michael approached them. He sighed, "I just want…"

"You don't want to see her being bullied. I know. That's commendable, sweetie. You're father and I feel the same way you and your sister do about bullies," Peggy replied calmly. "You may not see yourself trying to be the hero and only see yourself as trying to do the right thing for someone who seems powerless to protect herself. But others may see you as trying to be a hero which can be good or bad." She gave her son a gentle smile, "It doesn't matter what other people think in the end. Do you remember what I always say to you?"

"Know your value," Michael responded calmly.

"And that means you understand how much of a difference you have made in any situation with the contribution you have made. Who cares what others think about what you're trying to do for that girl. You know you're doing the right thing and know you're making a difference with her and that's what matters. You don't need acceptance from others, but you do need to accept yourself above all." Peggy spoke calmly, "You shouldn't be discouraged if someone is calling you a 'hero.' Because heroes fight for good and are admired for courage and noble qualies."

"Like you, mom? You have all those qualities," Michael responded calmly.

Peggy smiled, "If you think I'm a hero then I am a hero." She wrapped an arm around her son and brought him close to her, "And you have all those qualities too. You may not see yourself as a hero but you might very well be one to that poor girl for standing up for her, and that's not bad either." She kissed him on the hair, "Darling, you're a good boy. You're doing the right thing for trying to look out for her." Peggy smiled down at her son, "I see why you want to befriend her so bad."

Michael nodded, "Yeah. Well, it was originally because she was always alone. I knew she was getting bullied but I didn't think it was that bad."

"Now you know, darling. Look out for her and continue to try befriending her. "

Michael nodded, "I will, Mama." He cocked his head to the side, "Mama, can I walk home with my friends tomorrow?"

Peggy smiled, "You're going to try and walk Irena home aren't you?"

Michael nodded, "Yeah. I'm going to try." It didn't take a spy or a genius to know what he wanted to do.

"Of course you can, darling. Just don't be late for supper. I hope she lives close by." Peggy smiled, "Do you know how to get home?"

Michael nodded, "Yup!"

"Make sure you tell your father okay?" Peggy asked with a smile.

Mother and Son were interrupted by Steve and Sarah walking into the family room together. Steve chuckled, "Took care of the toilet."

Peggy looked over at her husband, "What happened to it?"

Sarah put her head down with a grin as Steve spoke up, "Our daughter flushed too much toilet paper down again."

Peggy laughed, "Goodness, darling, what did we say about that?"

Sarah sighed, "Sorry, mama."

Steve walked over to the couch and sat down next to Michael, "So, Lone Ranger?"

Peggy chuckled, "That's not until an hour or so." She nodded at her son, "Oh, Michael, go and put your homework with your school stuff before you forget."

"Okay, mama," Michael said as he got off the couch. "Thank you!" he said as ran upstairs.

Sarah trotted past her parents and sat down by her little brother and began to play with him while she waited with her family for Lone Ranger to start. Peggy and Steve shared a loving glance with each other as they relished in this family moment together.

Fox Meadow Elementary

At the end of school when the final bell rang, Michael immediately gathered his things and prepared to leave class as fast as possible to chase after Irena who always seemed quick to disappear. As he slung his school satchel over his shoulders, Brandon spoke up, "Hey, Michael, we're going to the hideout, want to come?"

Michael shook his head, "Can't, going to try and walk Irena home," he said as he began walking to the door. "See ya!" he said waving his hand as he ran out.

Rhys grinned as Michael left the classroom, "Wow. He's getting more confident with her."

"He's always been confident, but when it came to Irena he seemed pretty lost," Riley replied humorously. "He totally has a crush on her," he said with a light laugh.

Brandon nodded, "He totally does."

"Just want to be friends, he says," Rhys said with a grin. Eva sat back at her desk silently with a neutral expression across her face as her friends joked.

Outside the school building, Irena walked silently by herself along the main path as dozens of other kids walked passed her, utterly oblivious to her. Irena continued on her way alone, keeping to herself as usual. Suddenly she heard a boy call her name, "Hey, Irena, wait up!"

Irena stopped and turned around and saw Michael running up to her. She spoke up in a neutral tone, "Michael? Don't you have a ride to catch with your parents?"

Michael stopped in front of her, and shrugged, "Not today. I told my mom and dad that I'll be walking home." Irena looked away from him and didn't show any emotion toward him as silence fell between them. Michael didn't want to bring up what he saw yesterday, and he was sure Irena didn't want to either. "I meant what I said. I want to be friends," he said breaking the silence.

Irena turned toward him, "I know what you're doing, Michael."

"Huh?" he said confused.

"You're just pretending. Pretending to be nice and worrying about people." She shrugged, "It's not bad or anything. I just can't tell what you're really like." Irena looked away, "That sounds funny coming from me."

Michael stepped forward, "I do care about people. I learned to like people from my parents and my siblings. They taught me all about loyalty and caring." He smiled, "I know it seems like I'm faking because I'm very selective of who I let in to be friends, but my care for people especially my friends and siblings are real." He spoke confidently, "But I know want to care about people, but you pretend not to." Irena looked at him in the eye and listened intently without betraying any emotion. Michael smiled, "I know it's hard to like people sometimes and be friends with others. But to get what you want you, have to make an effort. Have to try new things and keep inspiring yourself. That's how things change."

Irena sighed, "Do you know what I really am?"

"I think you can be anyone you want to be."

"Maybe in your world, but doesn't happen in mine," Irena said plainly.

Michael smiled, "Change your world. My mom always says know your value as a person, and never care what others think of you. She always says you don't need acceptance from others, but you need to first accept yourself." He sensed that Irena is pretending that she doesn't care about anyone or feel anything. She's only ten, and consistently being bullied makes her think she's not strong enough to change her situation.

Irena finally cracked a small smile, "You seem like you're okay. It's easy talking to you."

"I want to be honest with you." Michael didn't want to mention that he saw her getting bullied yesterday because he feared it scare her off. Well, he didn't want to say it right now.

Irena blushed and looked away from him for a moment. Michael smiled, "Tomorrow, hang out with me. The guys and Eva would love to have you around too."

"I…" she began softly.

"Hey, if you don't want to talk to them that's okay too. They're good guys, and you'll get to know them eventually. Perhaps even like them." He chuckled, "but if you're shy, just stick by me. I'll keep you company." He took another step closer to Irena, "Cool think about my group of friends, is that we look out for each other. We really do, and we just don't say it." Michael made a confident smile, "So? Want to be friends?"

Irena nodded quietly, "Okay."

"Can I walk you home?" Michael asked trying not to sound awkward. Irena blushed and didn't respond, but she also didn't turn away or run from him. "We can talk and get to know each other." Michael chuckled, "I can also promise that no one will bug us. If they know what's good for them."

Irena nodded, "Okay," she said softly.

"Great! Lead the way!" Michael exclaimed excitedly.

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

By the time Michael got home, it was nearing dinner time. As he walked through the front door of his house, he hoped his parents wouldn't be bad at him for being out later than he thought, or worse missing the start of dinner. Michael knew that his mother would chew him out for missing the start of supper, especially when she told him not to miss it. Once he set foot in the foyer, the smell of home-cooked food wafted over him which gave him a slight chill of fear of being late to dinner. He closed his eyes and bit the bullet, "I'm home!" he called out preparing for his mother getting upset at him.

"What are you doing, darling?" Peggy said humorously on the stairs.

Michael opened his eyes and saw his mother standing in a lavender colored short sleeve spring dress. He grinned, "Um… I thought I was late for dinner."

Peggy laughed and walked down the steps, "Not yet. Though I think your father is almost done cooking." She walked over to her son and gave him a hug, who he happily reciprocated. Peggy then bent down and kissed his cheek, "How did it go? Walk Irena home?"

Michael nodded, "Yup. I think we're becoming friends. Slowly."

"Did she get bullied today?"

"Not that I know of. No one bothered us on the way to her house," Michael said with a shrug.

Peggy smiled and hug her son tightly, "I'm proud you wanted to help her and happy she wants to be friends with you. We all need friends, sweetie."

"Thanks, mama," he said happily. He frowned, "She gets picked on by the richer kids because she's poor. That's one of the reasons."

Peggy frowned, "That's terrible. I'm sorry, darling." She cocked her head to the side, "Do you know anything about her family at all?"

Michael shook his head, "Nothing. She didn't say much. Almost like she wanted to hide it."

"Give it time, sweetie. She'll open up eventually," Peggy said with a reassuring smile. She nodded, "Your father and I should introduce ourselves to her parents. See if we can help a little."

"Really? That be awesome!" Michael said excitedly.

"Slow down, honey. We can't make them rich, but we can help them with other things if they need it. But, it's also entirely up to them," Peggy said gently.

Michael smiled, "You're the best, mama," he said hugging her tightly. Peggy smiled and kissed the top of his head.

Suddenly, Steve calling from the kitchen brought them back to reality, "Dinner!"

Peggy looked at her son, "Hope you're hungry. Daddy made your favorite. Spaghetti."

Michael grinned, "Yes!"

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Inspirations drawn from the show "Erased"

I know, heavy on the dialogue and heavy between Peggy and Michael.

Shout out to all those who reviewed, favorited, viewed, and read this story. You as the audience keep this story and my joy writing this alive.

If you enjoy this, feel free to share it on the interwebs!

To be continued with Michael's blooming friendship with Irena.

Steve and Peggy aren't done dealing with Hydra yet. They'll be more drama to come. Keeps things interesting.

But as always, fluff will be around.