Thank you for the amazing reviews. I have taken on board some of your comments and written several additional chapters as a result.

Thank you for taking the time- your suggestions really add to the creative process. You lot are basically my muse xx

Particular thanks to FTA92 for the suggestion.

Hope you like it, let me know.

Salutations

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''But why not? Why can't we get a dog? I would really like a dog,'' Peter was nagging them, trying to wear them down.

''We are not getting a dog. Go take a shower and get your PJs on. I am making hot chocolate,'' Steve sent him off with a pat on the behind.

They had dropped Harley off at a friend's house after grabbing some dinner; they were studying for finals together. It was a vetted friend; they had become ultra- cautious after recent events

''I'm sorry,'' Tony said quietly.

''What for?'' Steve looked at him in surprise as he put milk on to warm, ignoring the fancy machine on the counter.

''I didn't realise how much Peter being sick affected you, that you were still struggling with it,'' Tony smiled regretfully.

''I just… it would destroy me if anything happened to you or the kids. Being away from you was bad enough. But that… well that I cannot even start to comprehend,'' Steve blinked back unbidden tears.

'' I know, I know. This whole Spiderman gig, we have to stay strong about it. He's too young and he will get hurt or worse. It's too much for him to handle,'' Tony was unequivocal; pulling his son out of a lake half-drowned had convinced him beyond any doubt.

''It's too much for me to handle,'' Steve admitted.

''I know- me too, come here,'' Tony pulled Steve into his arms; he was stiff and tense but slowly relaxed as Tony rubbed his back gently.

''We will work through this together okay?'' Tony laid his hand on Steve's cheek and he nodded.

''Gizmo was crying, so I got her,'' Peter walked in with their daughter wide awake and giggling in his arms.

''Da, Da,'' she held out her arms out and Tony took her, enjoying the feel of her wriggling, sturdy body in his arms.

''Can I do my own marshmallows?'' Peter came around next to Steve; he climbed up on the counter to where they hid the treats.

''No, you can't. Get down,'' Steve grabbed him around the waist and swung him onto the ground.

''Here,'' Peter handed over the jar with a cheeky grin.

Steve hugged his son and winked at Tony over his head; yeah this was way too precious to risk.

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''I am not ready to go home, are you?'' Tony said as they sat sipping Italian espresso coffees outside a small Tuscan café in a medieval hillside village. The boys were back at the hotel, windsurfing or paddle boarding or some activity that involved water; it was hard to keep track as they were constantly busy.

Their vacation had been a dream, a romp across Europe; Paris, London, Provence, Rome, Florence and then the Tuscan beach. They had opted for a hotel, a very expensive 5 star plus hotel this time, it allowed the kids to make some friends and gave them some much needed alone time- Morgan was with her nanny.

They had broken their cardinal rule and employed a nanny- Alicia- to accompany them, help to care for the children and she was a godsend- she was young and fun so was as much help with the boys as their infant daughter.

Harley had a huge crush on her which Peter found hilarious, he teased his older brother with no mercy which had caused some arguments but they had quelled them immediately; not allowing anything to spoil their down time.

''No, but we have to, you know we do. We have been away too long as it is,'' Steve replied regretfully.

They had been able to be a normal family, no saving the world or worrying about Peter risking life and limb- it had been refreshing and relaxing but now they had to get back to the reality, or what constituted reality in their world.

''Yeah, you're right. A walk my love?'' Tony stood and held out his hand. Steve grasped it and they walked through the quaint narrow streets; enjoying the easygoing ambience, strolling around the local market buying some gifts for the team. For once, they were just like everyone else and it felt amazing.

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''Come on guys, we are going out for dinner,'' Steve called to their boys who were in the clear, azure water throwing a ball around with their friends.

They came with no further bidding, obviously hungry.

''Can't we have pizza on the terrace? You can go for dinner on your own,'' Peter was not keen on the whole dressing up for dinner aspect.

''No, we are taking Alicia out as a thank you and you guys are coming too,'' Steve replied firmly, they had already had this discussion at breakfast.

''I want to go,'' Harley said and Peter laughed.

''You're gonna make wussy eyes at her, bro you really need to be cooler around girls. You look like a retard with your mouth hanging open.''

''Hey, do not use that word. You know better!'' Steve frowned, if they had not been in public, he would have swatted Peter but they were (which was exactly why Peter said it) so he satisfied himself with a reproaching glare.

''Whatever,'' Peter skipped away before his parents could react.

''The little guy is getting a little big for his britches,'' Tony commented wryly and Steve couldn't help but agree.

Peter had an inclination to test limits- he was just naturally a naughty kid, always pushing against rules and restrictions. They had relaxed on vacation and were now starting to pay the price; the previous day he had run off whilst in Alicia's care- they found him jumping off the harbour wall (a forbidden activity) with some local kids.

''I know, but it's our last few days. Once we're home, we can pull him back in line. Just relax Tones, enjoy the evening,'' Steve had become indulgent recently, his constant anxiety disappearing on this extended break from saving the world.

''Oh I will but just need to instil the fear of God first; a little insurance that Petey Pie doesn't wreck what time we have left,'' Tony winked and walked off towards Peter before Steve could stop him.

''He's being a brat Pops, Dad'll straighten him out. Come on, I am betting you could use a very cold glass of Rose, you look kinda hot,'' Harley grinned at his father, who gave into the temptation graciously.

Steve had no idea what Tony said or did but Peter was perfectly behaved from that moment onwards- Steve decided he didn't want to know and just relished their last few days of freedom.

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''So a deals a deal right?'' Peter looked at Tony as they settled down for the long flight home.

Tony blushed and glanced at Steve, a flash of guilt in his eyes.

''What deal?'' Steve was on it instantly.

''Nothing, absolutely nothing honey. Would you like a drink? Let's have a drink to celebrate our vacation,'' he said quickly.

''Its eight o'clock in the morning Tony,'' Steve was not amused.

''Which means its 3 am at home babes so just right for a night cap , time we got back on New York time, will help with the jet lag,'' Tony was rambling and Steve looked suspiciously at him. Peter was smirking like the cat who got the cream whilst he watched this tetchy exchange.

''Peter, go watch the movie with your brother,'' Steve flicked his head.

''But it's sh…. '' Peter faltered when Pops glared at him.

''Now Peter!''

Peter slumped away.

''What did you do?'' Steve turned to his shamefaced husband.

''I wanted us to enjoy the last days of our vacation,'' Tony started to make excuses.

''What did you do?'' Steve asked more firmly this time and Tony cringed.

''I promised he could have his suit back if he behaved,'' Tony replied, Steve groaned loudly.

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Harley stared at his phone; it was his mother so she got his letter then.

He didn't open the message, he was too afraid to. Not at all sure he wanted to hear how she had replied.

Instead he went to breakfast.

''Hey big guy, you ready?'' Sam clapped him on the back as soon as he walked in.

''I am kind of nervous,'' Harley replied, he was quarter back today. The usual quarter back was injured and Harley was second string so now he had his chance- it was a daunting prospect.

''Buddy, do your best, you are talented, you know what you are doing; dig deep pal and it will all come good,'' Pops was upbeat and Harley took a moment, how did this happen? How did he end up with these amazing parents? They always said the right thing- always.

His mother would never say that to him, she would remind him he was a disappointment and a failure- just like his useless father.

''Harls, you okay?'' Tony asked as he placed a plateful of waffles in front of him.

''Yeah, yeah dad, just a little freaked out,'' Harley was honest; he knew no one would disparage him if he admitted that, he was totally correct.

''Kiddo, it's a football game not the end of the world. You are ready for this, you trained hard and you will be great,'' Tony ruffled his hair.

''Thanks dad,'' Harley smiled, his eyes bright.

''What he said! Can't believe I am saying that but what Stark said,'' Sam snarked.

''Remind me again why I let this person near my children?'' Tony rolled his eyes as he went to refill his coffee.

''Because he's a good influence,'' Steve countered and Tony frowned.

''Really?''

''Yes, really,'' Steve asserted again. Sam looked gratefully at him and Steve dipped his head to hide his amusement.

The relationship between his husband and one of his closest friends was bombastic but in truth they held each other in high regard.

''What is the freezing point of metal, you know when it shatters?'' Peter bounced in.

''I'm sorry, what did you say?'' Tony frowned again.

''Never mind, I will Google it. Google knows more than you anyway,'' Peter tapped at his Stark Pad.

'' So you are grounded from electronics so I will take that and I expect better from you than to use the generic term metals,'' Tony snatched the Stark Pad.

''Fine whatever,'' Peter shook his head at his father.

''Why do you want to know that?'' Steve was quicker on the uptake. That sounded like mischief of the highest order.

''So Harls, today you become the ultimate jock. You gonna suck or step up? Hash tag just asking?'' Peter ignored the question and grinned at his older brother who went white.

''Peter thin ice, hash tag just saying,'' Steve retorted instantly and Tony laughed.

''Wow Pops, do you actually know what hash tag means?'' Peter smirked at Steve.

''Hash tag about to kick your scrawny little butt, clear enough for you?'' Steve quirked an eyebrow and Peter pouted but shut up. Sam chuckled and winked at Harley; see they have your back.

Harley knew that, his parents always had his back, always.

'' Harley, go get your bag. I am taking you early, Coach wants to run through some plays with you,'' Steve smiled and Harley nodded.

'' So I ask again why do you want to know about the freezing points of metals?'' Steve addressed his younger son as Harley went to get his stuff.

''Not hungry, later,'' Peter hurried away.

''Do you have that?'' Steve asked Tony who nodded.

''On it,'' he affirmed as he took off after Peter.

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Harley had the game of his life; he was solid and strong, threw two touch-down passes and was an absolute warrior.

''So proud of you kiddo,'' Steve squeezed his shoulders when he came over.

'' That was amazing Harls,'' Tony embraced him and Harley vibrated at all the praise.

''You're okay for a jock I guess. Just don't turn into a prick,'' Peter was less exuberant and scathing which made Harley smile.

''Hey!'' Steve scolded and Peter poked his tongue out as he trotted away to talk to Ned and MJ.

''That was real good kid,'' Sam hugged him tight and Harley blushed.

''We are all going for pizza,'' Harley told his parents.

''Back by eleven okay?'' Steve said to him and he nodded.

As he walked away, his phone felt like a ticking bomb in his pocket, he would have to read his mom's message but maybe not tonight.

Tonight he would enjoy his moment of glory.

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''What's the matter bro?'' Peter came into his room as Harley lay on his bed looking at the ceiling morosely.

Trust Peter to be the only one who picked up his conflicted mood. He had always wanted a brother and now he had one; it was everything he had ever wished for; they were so in tune. Peter was the only one who sensed his less than stellar feelings.

''My mom,'' he handed over his phone.

''Oh shit, can she do that?'' Peter looked at him as he read the message.

''Yeah I think she can, it's not finalised,'' Harley replied miserably.

''Fuck,'' Peter summed it up perfectly.

There was silence then Peter roused himself.

''So we are going there right now, set her straight,'' Peter said firmly.

''What? No! We can't!'' Harley sat up; he had actually been considering that but now his brother had suggested it, he felt braver.

''Yeah we can, the grown-ups will take months to figure this out. It will be judges and lawyers and a bunch of crap. We can do this much quicker, just put her straight,'' Peter stood up.

''You coming bro or are you pussy?'' he challenged and Harley didn't need to be asked twice.

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''Which car is faster?'' Peter regarded the many options.

''It takes about 13 hours,'' Harley looked up from his phone.

''Let's take the really fast one then,'' Peter grinned and Harley laughed; his brother was a dare devil, no doubt about it.

''Yeah let's do that,'' Harley climbed in.

Peter got in next to him.

''What about FRIDAY?'' the older boy rather belatedly asked.

''Dude, just drive,'' Peter smirked; Harley rolled his eyes- like he needed to ask.

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''The kids are gone!'' Steve was near apoplectic as he ran into the kitchen.

''What?'' Tony looked at him blearily, only on his first cup of coffee.

''They're what?'' Clint was equally as incoherent.

''Tony, our children are not in their beds and according to your infallible AI that is where they are, so I say again the kids are gone!'' Steve was seriously pissed off.

''Yeah that is a problem,'' Tony admitted.

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''So she's in the bar then?'' Peter looked at Harley who blushed. They were outside the local tavern spying through the window.

''Dude, I don't give a shit, have you googled Dad? I was just saying cos it makes it kind of hard for you to go talk to her,'' Peter looked back at his brother as he sat back down.

''We are gonna have to wait it out,'' Harley was apologetic.

''Whatever, chips?'' Peter held out a bag of Doritos.

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''They took a really fast car, oh shit! A really, really fast car,'' Steve went white; his beloved boys were hurtling across country in a potential death trap!

''Where would they go?'' Natasha was the voice of reason.

''FRIDAY, any messages the boys got in the last twenty four hours immediately!'' Tony was panicking now as well.

'' I think this is the message that is relevant,'' FRIDAY relayed.

'' Harley you are my son, not those criminals. I have seen a lawyer. You are coming home, I am your mother. They have no rights, I am blocking the adoption,'' FRIDAY said very clearly.

''Tennessee, they are in Tennessee. I will meet you there,'' Tony said, his suit forming around him and he shot off.

''Let's go,'' Steve said to his team mates.

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''You really want to go in there?'' Peter asked. Harley's mother had a man with her and he was scary, Peter's spider senses were well into overdrive.

They were outside the run-down farm house that used to be Harley's home.

''You stay here,'' Harley moved to protect his little brother- there was yelling, loud yelling, both adults clearly drunk even though it was only the afternoon.

''Harls, I don't think it's a good idea. How about we go to your barn? There's a storm coming. We'll wait until they're sober,'' Peter wished he'd bought his suit now.

''That could be days,'' Harley was determined, there was no way his mother was ruining his new life and he had to make sure- this was his only chance!

''Okay but be careful,'' Peter agreed against his better judgement.

Harley went through the back door into the kitchen which was littered with dirty dishes and empty liquor bottles.

He took a deep breath, pulled back his shoulders and stepped into the Devil's Lair.

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