I have had some fabulous reviews, thank you so much. Plus, a solid readership which is pleasing, so another thank you.

This chapter is a conundrum- some resolutions of issues but as always the peace doesn't last long.

Its a long one, hope you don't mind?

Enjoy and review.

Salutations.

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Felicity, the therapist was nice, she had a lilting soothing voice but what she was asking him was really unsettling Harley; he did not want to talk about this.

''So your Mom's boyfriends, did you ever like any of them?'' she asked and Harley began to bite his thumb nail, anything to avoid answering that question.

Tony very gently took his hand and pulled it away from his mouth.

''It's okay buddy, this is a safe space remember? Just tell us,'' Steve encouraged him.

''One of 'em I guess but he turned out to be an ass-hole,'' Harley's anger flared as unwanted memories flooded in.

''Why? What did he do?'' Felicity placed a settling hand on his knee which was jumping frantically.

''He was nice to me, real nice. We watched football, he played touch and catch with me. He cooked real food and bought me clothes; I got proper Christmas presents and he took me to the Laser dome for my birthday. Then…'' Harley stopped talking and stared at his hands clasped tightly in his lap.

''Then…'' Felicity coaxed him.

Steve looked at Tony, they were both struggling not to comfort their son but Felicity had told them to hold back, otherwise the teen would seek refuge with them and shut down.

''I came home from school one day and he was gone, all his stuff was gone, just like…'' Harley glanced at Steve who felt the air catch in his throat- he was going to say just like him.

''Pops came back though didn't he? He is here now,'' Felicity knew what had happened, she was SHIELD approved and had some basic information, but few details.

''I know but I didn't think he was going to and he might do it again,'' with that Harley began to cry.

Felicity nodded at Steve who instantly wrapped his arms around his eldest son offering much needed comfort.

It was a tough session, most of the burden falling on Steve as he tried to reassure his son that he wasn't about to disappear over the horizon at any moment.

''I love you all so much, so very much. I made a terrible mistake Harley but I was always going to come back to you, always. Dad, you, Peter, Morgan are my everything, I cannot even imagine not being with you- it would destroy me. I will not leave you again, I promise. I won't. I will never leave again!'' Steve was exhausted but he knew he had to continue for his child's sake.

''You and Dad hated each other,'' Harley whispered. Tony was the other side of him; he had been taking a back seat providing reassurance with his close proximity.

However he now spoke, unable to let that statement go unchallenged.

''No, no, we never did. We were just angry, it was anger not hate. Never hate,'' Tony interjected and ran a soothing hand through Harley's golden hair.

''I could never hate your Dad,'' Steve said softly and Tony glanced at him, they shared a loving moment amidst all the turmoil.

''Sure looked like you did,'' Harley flared up again.

''I know it did but honestly sweetheart, we love each other. We just got lost there for a while,'' Tony smiled through shining eyes.

''What if you do that again,'' Harley challenged.

There was silence for about a minute.

''Harley, are you going to steal one of my cars again?'' Tony asked out of the blue. Steve was puzzled, unsure where he was going with this but he trusted his husband so stayed silent.

''No, no I never would, I won't! What does that have to do with this?'' Harley wrapped his arms around himself in a vain attempt to self- comfort.

''Sometimes kiddo, people have to face the consequences of their actions to learn a lesson, just like you and your illicit driving. Me and Pops, we learned our lesson the hard way, now we understand what we have is something special; that you guys are beyond special, that we must always put our family first- always. Nothing will ever come before our family ever again,'' Tony glanced at Steve who nodded without hesitation.

Steve had been blinded by a sense of duty, by a commitment to doing the right thing, righting wrongs. He would not make that mistake again; from now on his family and their well-being trumped all those self-righteous beliefs and everything else, including the Avengers and Bucky.

''We are in this forever, you, your brother and your sister, you guys are our forever. No one is gonna leave and no one is being abandoned; you are our son and you will always be our son,'' Tony's eyes filled with tears. Much of this was very relevant to his own experience so was a little overwhelming.

''Don't cry Dad,'' Harley used his sleeve to wipe away the tears from his father's face and Tony smiled through his distress at the touching gesture- this boy deserved to be treasured and cherished until the end of time.

Tony knew then and there, that until the moment he drew his last breath that he would treasure and cherish all his children- it was his true purpose in life. Being a super hero was all very well, but parents were actually the real super heroes. Saving the world would take a back seat to his munchkins from now on.

''Harley, I am sorry, I really need you to forgive me. I know I have no right to ask that of you but please, please forgive me?'' Steve was also distraught and very close to tears.

He longed to remove the hurt and pain that he had caused, it ate into his soul the damage he had caused to the most important relationships in his life. He would go to the ends of the earth to repair them, do anything to earn back his children's trust.

''I do Pops, I do forgive you but don't do it again okay?'' Harley gave a watery smile and Steve nodded.

''I won't sweetheart, I swear I won't,'' Steve enveloped both his husband and his son in his arms, and they all cried it out together.

''I think we need ice cream, the biggest ice cream we can find with as many as flavours as we want. What do you say?'' Tony had his arm around Harley whilst clutching Steve's hand as they walked to the car.

He felt the need to hold onto his nearest and dearest; as he reflected on the session it dawned on him what he nearly lost and how that would have destroyed him.

''That sounds good dad,'' Harley grinned.

''Yeah it does,'' Steve agreed before kissing the top of his son's head.

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They were at Liz's party, Peter was finally no longer grounded so had permission. For once, Harley was the one in disgrace and was the subject of their parents' close monitoring so Peter was enjoying some breathing space.

He knew Harley and his parents were going to therapy together, he was hoping he wouldn't have to go. Harley seemed much happier (despite the hard core punishment) and he was being closely scrutinised by all the adults which suited Peter. Less eyes on him that way; he had his suit with him (yes he had found it again), hoping to squeeze in some illicit patrolling.

''You want some?'' Flash shoved a cup in Peter's face; he wrinkled his nose, smelling the alcohol instantly.

Flash had backed right off since Peter had destroyed him, nowadays he constantly tried to be friends which was irritating but strangely satisfying.

Liz's parents were upstairs- she was three years older than them; they had guested on the High School Academic Decathlon team (despite still being in middle school) with her which is why she invited them. This was a very adult party, seniors were present, hence the alcohol.

''Sure,'' he took it, what harm could it do? His enhanced system would deal with it quickly.

He swallowed it down, it tasted horrible then a warm glow spread through his chest.

Okay, so this was gonna be fun.

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''How are you doing kiddo?'' Tony flung his arm around Harley and gave him a squeeze.

They had attended their third joint therapy session and it was very constructive. The hard session that took so much out of them all had proved cathartic and opened up an honest dialogue; as a result Harley was making huge progress.

''Okay I guess. I didn't know I was that mad at my mom,'' Harley admitted and Tony nodded.

''Yeah it's tough, we all bury so many feelings but you are doing great. We are very proud of you,'' Tony kissed his head and Harley beamed at him.

''You are Harls, '' Steve smiled encouragement from the kitchen where he was making popcorn.

''Thanks,'' Harley was enjoying being the centre of attention for once.

''Your adorable daughter is fed, bathed and sleeping soundly,'' Natasha sat on the couch.

''Thanks Nat,'' Steve smiled at her. She nodded; the truth was she relished caring for Morgan, enjoyed playing the role of a mother occasionally.

''So what are we watching?'' Sam asked as he and Clint walked in.

Clint was just back from a week with his family, the team (minus Tony and Steve) were leaving on a short mission to South America in a few days; a request for support from the Bolivian government. Thor was off world again.

''What do you want to watch Harls?'' Steve sat next to him and handed over the bowl.

Harley looked over at Sam who winked- told you so.

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Peter held the blue glowing rock in his hand; the last couple of hours were somewhat fuzzy.

He recalled crashing through someone's pool party, scaring some little girls and offering himself up to be shot, probably not his finest moment but he was in one piece.

''Peter, you should go home, it's past eleven,'' Karen interrupted his mulling.

'' What? Oh no!'' Peter had been supposed to meet Happy outside Liz's house at 10, but he had been long gone by then.

He had no choice; he would have to swing home.

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Tony looked up as the elevator opened; Happy walked in, not looking happy which was usual.

''Where's Peter?'' Steve noticed immediately that he was alone.

''Hell if I know. Waited then went into the party but couldn't find him. Ned wasn't there either. You guys sure you should have let him go, wasn't really a little kid's party; there was alcohol, a lot of older kids, not what I was expecting. I figured cake and pizza,'' Happy relayed unhappily.

''What? Alcohol? He's twelve!'' Steve was alarmed, Alcohol?

''Oh man!'' Sam muttered, Clint stood up.

''I think we should go look for him,'' he reacted as he would if it were one of his own kids.

''Wait, I can track him. He's wearing his suit,'' Tony tapped his Stark Pad. Friday had failed to alert them (wonder why?) but Tony got past the patch easily.

''He's what? Why is he wearing his suit?'' Steve was now beyond rattled.

Harley realised this was because of him, their parents had been so focused on him that they had taken their eyes off Peter, which could now have potentially disastrous consequences. His little brother was determined to save the world and had no regard for his own safety whilst fulfilling that urge.

He felt instant guilt, then he met Sam's eye. Sam rose and sat down next to him, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulders.

''This is not your responsibility. This is your brother in all his glory but this is no way, no how on you. Do you understand? He would have done this whatever, he is wild and out of control right now,'' Sam spoke gently and Harley nodded.

''He has to stop, he's gonna get real hurt if he doesn't. He's a little kid,'' Harley was distressed and Sam kissed the top of his head.

''Trust your folks. They have this, just trust them,'' Sam replied and Harley nodded uncertainly.

Although they didn't look like they had it, they were both obviously panicking big time.

''They need a moment but they will get there,'' Sam said in his ear.

''I have found him, he's not far. What do you want to do? I can go get him,'' Tony looked at Steve who was fluctuating between anger and crippling anxiety, he could barely catch his breath.

''Sir, Peter is in considerable distress. He has been dropped in a lake and his parachute is restricting him from getting to the surface,'' Friday cut in, a stunned silence descended.

Natasha controlled her natural instinct, resisted exhibiting the myriad of feelings rushing through her. Steve and Tony would save him, they would. She had to trust them. A lot of people were looking to Steve and Tony to save the day, or more precisely Peter, at that moment.

Tony didn't hesitate; he walked towards the balcony, his suit appearing around him.

''Coordinates Friday?'' he barked as he swooped away, it was only seconds before he pulled Peter from the murky depths.

Peter slumped forward, breathing in sweet, fresh air as his Dad flew him home, or so he thought.

''I have him, he's safe,'' Tony spoke into the com.

They landed in a park and Tony deposited Peter on a jungle gym, hovering above him.

''What were you thinking?'' Tony yelled as his mask flipped back, he yelled loudly; scared out of his wits.

Peter flinched, this was not good, and yet again he was in big trouble although he had justification, well he thought he did.

'' You gotta listen, there's a flying vulture guy, he's the source of the weapons. He hijacked me then dropped me in the lake,'' Peter argued back, of course he did.

''I don't care, that's it Peter, you are done! I put your case to Pops but now I am done after this dumb stunt. You are not doing this, it's too dangerous!'' Tony surprised himself with the ferocity of his words but that had been far too close a call- he was still shaking.

''But I have to take him down!''

''No you do not! You are not taking anyone down; you are going to school, doing your homework and playing ball with your brother. The only injury you are going to get is when you fall off your skateboard! That's it, just that!''

'' Why? Why can't I?''

''Because I said so! I am telling you no, you have been told no and you will do as you are told. So help me Peter, if you disobey me about this, I will whale the tar out of you. Are you listening to me?''

Peter sighed and glanced up, his eyes defiant and resentful.

''I said are you listening to me?'' Tony demanded.

''Yes sir,'' Peter went for ultra-respectful as he had never seen his dad this mad before; he really didn't want to make him even angrier.

''Good, and you can explain your actions to your father alone; I am not helping you out. You can face the angry super soldier all on your lonesome and you should brace yourself, if you think I'm mad then you have no idea!'' Tony picked Peter up and they were home in less than a minute.

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Steve was pacing the living room, his agitation out of control. The others were as tense, this was exactly what they had all dreaded- that Peter would eventually run out of luck.

''I have him, he's safe,'' Tony's voice echoed through Friday.

''Vitals on Peter Friday,'' Steve snapped.

''35.8 body temperature, 95 heart rate, 0.04 blood alcohol level. He is cold, stressed and has drunk the equivalent of two beers Captain Rogers.''

''What? He's been drinking beer?'' Steve had to check again.

''Yes Sir.''

Harley cringed. Wow baby bro, way to go big!

Natasha closed her eyes and enjoyed the wave of relief that rolled over her. See? She could trust them to keep Peter safe she told herself, although she was beginning to have serious doubts about that assertion as that had been a close call- too close.

''I am going to kill him, what is he thinking?'' Steve was furious as he echoed his husband's sentiments.

''Well he's twelve, so probably not much. Kind of the problem,'' Sam came over and put his hand on Steve's arm.

''Cap, you need to calm down big guy. You need to remember he's a kid and kids do dumb stuff. Comes with the territory,'' Sam smiled and Steve nodded.

He did need to calm down.

''I am going to draw Peter a bath, he's cold,'' Clint assisted as well, going for the practical.

''You okay?'' Sam asked and Steve nodded again- breathing deeply in an attempt to wind down.

''Good, so the beer is not a real big deal, just should not have been at such an adult party with all the temptations; kid thinks he's all grown-up so you guys have to be more careful and remind him that he's a child as many times as it takes. As for the Spiderman thing, if he was my kid then I think maybe that I would put a stop to it for now. He's too young; he needs a few more years on the clock. In the meantime we can train him, make him more team orientated and safety conscious. Just my opinion,'' Sam talked Steve down very effectively.

''Thanks Sam,'' Steve was much more together now.

''Oh and obviously kid deserves a whupping, again just my opinion,'' Sam patted Steve's shoulder.

The balcony doors swung open and Iron Man landed; Spiderman dangling from one hand.

''Hold him and do not let go,'' Tony handed Peter over to Steve, who pulled his son's mask off.

''Do. Not. Even. Think. About. It!'' Tony warned as Peter looked frantically towards the still open doors.

Steve hugged Peter tight to him.

''What if Dad hadn't got there in time Bubba? Oh God!'' Steve kissed his child's head over and over, holding on for dear life.

Tony slammed the doors and took a moment, his heart thundering out of his chest.

'' I'm okay Pops,'' Peter said through chattering teeth, he was actually freezing to death.

''You sure?'' Steve held him at arm's length and checked him over.

Peter nodded and then shuddered. He was surprised that Pops wasn't yelling at him, instead he appeared upset which was somehow worse.

''Clint drew a bath, go take a bath. Warm up, I'll make you some hot chocolate,'' Steve kissed his forehead and gave him a gentle push towards his room.

Peter went casting a puzzled look at Steve – Pop's reaction unsettling.

Once Peter was gone; Steve dropped his head, gave a huge sigh and covered his face with his hands.

What were they going to do about this?

''Hey! Hey, it's okay. I got there, he's safe and sound,'' Tony embraced his husband who was overwrought; he was as perplexed as Peter by Steve's response.

''I know, I know. I just…'' Steve mumbled and Tony squeezed him tight, his super soldier was shaking.

They remained that way for a while as Steve slowly came down from his intense anxiety.

''Better?'' Tony pulled back and placed a reassuring hand on Steve's cheek.

He nodded, then took a hitched breath.

''Sorry, Sorry,'' Steve stepped back and gave himself a metaphoric shake pulling himself together.

''I told him no more Spiderman babe and I mean it. I don't want him doing it anymore, that was too much, way too much,'' Tony was determined and Steve nodded.

''We have no choice do we?'' he replied and Tony shook his head.

''No we don't, I couldn't bear it. It's unthinkable,'' his eyes glistened.

''We agree, no more Spiderman,'' Steve said softly.

'' No more Spiderman,'' Tony agreed.

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