I am back, got some lovely messages of support- thank you. I was not in a good place, still poorly and overly sensitive.

My country is in lock down, its all very scary so I have turned to my comfort zone- writing.

It is inevitable that not everyone will like your story; I forgot that. I do wonder why they continue to read though.

However, I do appreciate constructive criticism so I have taken your comments on board and done some re-writes.

When you write alone, you don't always notice if you are losing the thread, you helped me to see that.

So here's the elusive lost chapter.

Enjoy!

Thanks again for those who were so supportive; it was touch and go whether I would finish this, thanks to you I will.

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''That went well,'' Tony remarked as they cleaned up the mess which was extreme.

''Yeah it did, '' Steve nodded as he opened the dishwasher.

''Peter is a problem though. I knew he would be upset about the dirt bike,'' Steve felt badly for his youngest son.

''He'll get over it. He's too young Steve; we discussed this, when he is older but not now. The last thing Petey Pie needs is another way to maim and injure himself,'' Tony asserted.

''I know but we need to make it up to him. It's his birthday soon and we both know the other thing he wants even more than a Dirt Bike. I think we should consider it,'' Steve grinned at his husband who chuckled.

''And it doesn't hurt that it's pretty much your heart's desire too,'' Tony shook his head. Steve had made no secret of his longing.

''I have no idea what you mean,'' Steve grinned innocently.

''Sure you don't sweetheart, okay we can talk about it,'' Tony agreed gracefully, there would be no discussion-the decision had been made.

'' What is the deal with Natasha? I have never seen her be this way before; I appreciate her support with Pete but this goes above and beyond that,'' Steve stared at Tone who reddened slightly.

''I know, I think she just likes playing mommy,'' Tony looked uneasy as he spoke.

''Right, mommy?'' Steve was not reassured by his husband's overly cheerful smile- he was deflecting.

''It'll pass. I am going to the lab. Bruce and I are working on a more efficient, eco- friendly combustion system for older cars. Thought we might try it out in the Harley mobile,'' Tony waved his leave.

''I am gonna pick up Pete from school later,'' Steve called after him and Tony nodded, seemed like a good idea. Peter's lack of enthusiasm about going to a football game combined with his moodiness about Harley's gift, equated to an even chance he would come home at all left to his own devices.

Happy was fetching Harley and his friends in a limo.

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''What are you doing here?'' Peter said as he got in the car.

''Good to see you too,'' Steve laughed as he pulled away.

''I was expecting Happy is all,'' Peter shrugged.

''Harley liked his shirt, it would have been good if he had the chance to say thank you personally,'' Steve glanced at his son who pulled a yeah right face.

''Peter, about the dirt bike…'' Steve broached the difficult subject.

''I don't want to talk about it!'' He cut right across his father.

''Well sorry but we are going to because you're upset and we should talk about that,'' Steve said firmly.

''He didn't even ask for one, I think you got it for him to spite me. To remind me that you're in charge, like I don't know that! What the hell Pops?'' For someone who didn't want to talk Peter had plenty to say. He crossed his arms and scowled.

'' You need to watch your tone Pete,'' Steve warned and Peter rolled his eyes.

''Whatever!'' he muttered.

Steve took a moment, reminding himself he was being conciliatory- that Peter was only being difficult because he was upset.

'' Peter pal, what we got Harley as a gift was not because of you. We thought he would like it and he did,'' he said.

''I know and I am glad he likes it, I am. But why can't I have one too?'' Peter's scowl deepened.

''Peter, you are too young for a dirt bike, we have discussed this. When you are sixteen, you can have one just like Harley,'' Steve gave a reasoned reply.

''That was before I was strong, I'm strong now. I could handle one, I can,'' Peter argued back.

''It's not just about strength, it's about judgement and risk assessment and even you have to admit, you are not great at those things are you?'' Steve wasn't happy he was explaining himself to a twelve year old.

''Whatever! Kids way younger than me have dirt bikes,'' Peter argued back.

''And that is their parents' decision, ours is that you need to wait until you are older. I am sorry Bubba but that is final,'' Steve replied calmly.

''It's not fair,'' Peter grumbled.

Steve sighed and bit back an expletive as a car cut right in front of him.

''You should pay attention when you're driving!'' Peter said with a note of glee.

''Thank you Peter, I will try and remember that!'' Steve snapped.

''Let's be more positive, what would you like for your birthday? It's only a month away,'' Steve tried to be upbeat.

''Its Morgan's first,'' came the sullen reply.

Tony and Steve had the misfortune that all their children's birthdays fell within a month of each other; which is what happens when you don't plan any of them.

''I know but still what would you like?'' Steve asked between gritted teeth, this was not easy going.

''I only want one thing and you will say no to that as well,'' Peter looked at him with challenging eyes.

''Try me?'' Steve replied although he knew what his son was going to ask but there was faint hope he was wrong.

''I want to go out as Spiderman,'' he said exactly what his father expected.

''Peter, that is not going to happen and you know it. We let you have your suit at the compound when we train, so you get to use it. Plus Dad does that throwing you off the building thing,'' A pastime Steve absolutely despised but turned a blind eye to; he just had to trust his husband wouldn't drop their kid. He hadn't so far.

''It's not the same,'' Peter grumbled.

''Well, it's the best you're gonna get for now. It is not forever, once we feel you are ready then we will loosen the reins. You should train hard, listen to what you are told and before you know it kiddo, you will be ready. Okay?'' Steve gave Peter an encouraging smile and Peter shifted in his seat, muttering to himself.

''Come on, there must be something you want for your birthday,'' Steve smiled despite his irritation at how badly this conversation was going.

''Nope, there is absolutely nothing I want for my birthday. Nothing!'' Peter was obstinate so Steve gave up.

''Well let us know when you think of something.''

There was silence then Steve smiled evilly.

''By the way Uncle Thor wants to talk to you.'' It was childish but this kid was giving him a really hard time.

Peter went white- revenge was sweet.

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''Well good afternoon to you too,'' Tony said as Peter stormed past him.

''That bad huh?'' he said to his spouse who shook his head in despair.

''He thinks we did it to spite him and to remind him we're in charge. He basically hates us.''

''Well, we would be doing something wrong if at least one of our kids didn't hate us,'' Tony made Steve laugh.

''Yeah, I guess so.''

''I have been doing some research and I am pretty sure that I have found just the thing to turn Petey-Pie's frown upside down,'' Tony showed Steve his I-Pad.

''Is Morgan ready?'' He asked as he swiped through photos on the screen.

''All packed up for her fun evening with Aunt Pepper being spoilt rotten,'' Tony replied.

''Good, rock, paper scissors for who tells Peter we have to leave in five minutes,'' Steve held out his hand.

''I'll do it,'' a voice said from the elevator.

It was Happy, wearing a Jets jersey and a ridiculous matching hat on his head.

''Looking good there Haps,'' Tony gripped his sides in mock hilarity.

''Thank you Happy that would be a great help,'' Steve was more civilised.

''No problem,'' the man waved and disappeared towards the bedrooms.

''You should be nicer to him,'' Steve scolded.

''What are you talking about? He loves me being mean to him, he would worry if I wasn't,'' Tony retorted.

''That is actually true, which is terrible,'' Steve agreed.

''Hey kid,'' Happy rapped the door and stepped into an uncharacteristically tidy bedroom.

''Go away!'' Peter had his head buried in his pillow.

''No can do kid, we have to leave in about five,'' Happy sat on the edge on the bed.

''Did you hear what they did?'' Peter turned a tear stained face towards him.

Happy had missed the birthday breakfast, having to fly to Chicago to deal with an emergency security issue at the SI building there.

''They wanted to treat Harley, it wasn't about you,'' Happy rubbed his back.

''I would not have cared if they had just got him something else, anything but that. However much it cost, they could have got him a trip to the moon and I would have been happy for him. That is the one thing I want and they won't let me have. Its mean, they are being mean and I hate them!'' Peter was really hurt and truly believed what he was saying.

Happy paused; he had to be careful here. Peter was entitled to his feelings, but Happy didn't want to undermine Steve and Tony.

''I know it seems that way but it isn't kid. I am sorry but I agree with your folks about the dirt bike,'' Happy wiped away Peter's tears with his sleeve.

''They'll get you what you want within reason, you just have to ask, '' Happy raised his eyebrows.

''A trip to space?'' Peter grinned.

''If they could, they would. Those two men love you so much and they would do anything for you. When they say no, it's always for a good reason and usually to protect you. There must be something you would like,'' Happy was earnest and open. Peter blushed at his words- he knew they were true.

''I really want a dog, but they always say no to that too,'' Peter mentioned his other heart's desire.

Happy didn't say anything as he actually didn't understand why Peter couldn't have a dog; there was no good reason why not. Happy knew for a fact that Steve loved dogs and Tony had no issue, he had just never owned one.

''How about you choose your moment and ask again,'' Happy suggested- he would have a word, see what he could do.

''Okay but they will still say no. They like saying no to me, it's fun to them,'' Peter played the victim and Happy laughed.

''You gonna stop being a brat and come celebrate your brother's birthday?''

''Yeah okay,'' Peter swung his legs around.

''You need to put this on. I got it for you,'' Happy threw a package at Peter.

He ripped it open; it was a matching Jersey- the same as Harley's.

''Thanks Hap,'' Peter hugged him around the waist.

''You're welcome kid,'' the adult kissed the top of his head.

Tony pulled on his warmest coat, it was getting nippy.

Happy came in; Peter loitering sullenly behind him. The hood of the sweatshirt he had on under his new jersey pulled over his face.

''Cool jersey Smalls,'' Tony said in an attempt to ease the tension.

''I'm not talking to you. Come on Hap,'' Peter took Happy's hand and pulled him over to the elevator.

''So it's my fault, why do I get the blame for everything? 'Tony threw his hands up.

Steve shook his head as he shouldered Morgan's large diaper bag.

''Just be happy he's coming at all. We really are not his favourite people!'' he said as he handed the baby over to his bemused husband.

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It was a fabulous evening- Harley and his buddies' excitement adding considerably to everyone's enjoyment.

Sam, Steve and Clint spend the entire game with them- talking plays, pointing out tactics, debating coaching decisions and arguing constantly with each other; much to the boys' amusement.

Thor teased and scared the boys in equal measure- none of them entirely sure how seriously to take his threats to smelt them. This intensified when he picked up Peter, held him over his head and threatened to throw him over into the crowd.

He only put him down when a security guard asked him to stop because he was scaring the people below them.

''So Elsa is your favourite princess then? I prefer Mulan myself,'' Brad, one of Harley's friends, said making Thor guffaw with approval, almost crushing the boy with his shoulder hug.

''I like this one! Get this one a tankard of your best ale!'' he shouted at the waitress who looked absolutely terrified.

''Dope!'' Brad rubbed his hands together.

''No Thor, twenty one remember?'' Steve grasped his friend's considerable forearm.

''Oh yes, yes of course. Apologies, my captain. I am sorry young Midgardian, Cap's orders,'' Thor said with regret.

''But you can try some of this. This will knock your socks off,'' Thor winked and tried to pass over his hip flask.

''Thor, I said no!'' Steve snatched it away from him.

''Sorry, sorry,'' Thor pulled a face at the boys who collapsed in laughter.

''Your family is awesome dude,'' Brad said to Harley who nodded.

''Yeah they are pretty great,'' he felt like he was going to burst with pride- this was his family. His ridiculous, rag tag, totally out there family.

''Dude, you could play football. Why don't you play football? You would be awesome!'' Ned asked Peter as they sat huddled together playing Pokemon on their phones, ignoring the game.

''I can't Ned. I couldn't before so I can't now,'' Peter had a very clear set of rules regarding his enhancements.

''Do you get any of this?'' Ned waved his arm as the box exploded in celebrations- the Jets scoring a touch-down.

''Yeah I guess, but this is about Harley not me,'' he shrugged.

Peter was actually interested in the game, having picked up the intricacies and nuances of various plays from Pops but he was being indifferent on principle. Plus, he didn't want to ruin his brother's birthday so was keeping a low profile.

''You wanna bail?'' Peter said suddenly having heard Thor call Harley Starkson yet again- that really irritated him but he had to get used to it.

''Where? We can't,'' Ned stammered.

''Yeah, we can. They won't notice; we'll find an arcade. There's hours to go yet, we'll be back way before then,'' Peter didn't wait for a reply; he scrambled over the seats and Ned ever the faithful friend followed him.

They found an arcade and were soon engrossed in Street Fighter, it was retro; probably to appeal to the older audience that was prevalent at the games.

Peter became aware of a man standing very close to him, it was encroaching his personal space so he moved away; the man followed him.

He tried to ignore him then finally couldn't any longer.

''Sorry sir, is there a problem?'' he asked nervously.

''No, I was just wondering how come you're alone? I am surprised your Dads allow this?''

Peter frowned; it was the use of the word Dads that clued him in then he noticed the camera around the guy's neck and groaned internally.

''Hey man, what are you doing talking to minors? Could get you in a whole heap of trouble,'' Happy stepped between Peter and the reporter.

The man hesitated.

''I thought you were leaving? Go on!'' Happy was menacing and the guy nodded.

''Oh and not a word or the consequences will ruin your life and that is a promise not a threat,'' he added and the guy could not move fast enough.

Happy didn't say a word; he just took Peter's hand, pushed Ned in front of him and walked rapidly back towards the entrance to the boxes.

''You don't have to hold my hand,'' Peter was humiliated at being treated like a little kid.

''Oh yeah I do, I really do!'' Happy muttered.

Once they were away from watching eyes, Happy stopped and pulled Peter in front of him.

''Jesus, Peter! You cannot do that, he knew who you were. He knew! He was a reporter but what if he was something else? You could have been kidnapped or worse. Are you listening to me?'' Happy shook his arms.

''Yes, sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone would recognise me,'' Peter was shocked by Happy's vehemence. He had put his coat over his shirt so thought he was anonymous.

''You are damn lucky your folks didn't notice you leaving cos you kid would be in big trouble for that little stunt! Now you are going back in there and you will behave yourself. This is going to stay between us because it is your brother's birthday. Got it?''

''Got it. Thanks Happy,'' Peter didn't argue.

''Good, now move!''

The Jets won and it was a very tired but elated group that left the stadium that night; filled with birthday cake and in Thor's case a considerable amount of beer.

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Peter tore around the jungle gym avoiding the water jets directed at him- it was an uncharacteristically warm day for the time of the year. It was the weekend following Harley's birthday and Pops had brought him to a homeless shelter; he was having a brilliant time playing with the kids on the outdoor play area.

He was still giving his parents the cold shoulder and they were doing a pretty good job ignoring him; which was really irritating him.

''I like your sneakers,'' Brandon said to him, they were eating juice pops on the top of the slide. Peter was sitting on his coat- Brandon didn't seem to have one.

Peter looked at Brandon's ragged Converse, they were falling apart.

''Do you want them?'' Peter began to pull off his Vans that were only a couple of weeks old. He had hundreds of pairs of sneakers and wouldn't miss these, even though in the store he had insisted to his dad that he couldn't live without them.

''No, no, I just said I liked them. You can't give them away, they look new. Won't your dad be mad?'' Brandon was confused.

''No, he won't care. I have a bunch of others, here have them,'' Peter put them next to him.

''Wow, thanks!'' Brandon picked them up and nodded in approval.

''These are cool and they kind of fit,'' he said pulling them on.

Peter got a queasy feeling in his stomach; these people had nothing, absolutely nothing, not even somewhere to live and he had so much-too much.

He reddened as he recalled how he had behaved over the last week- he was suddenly deeply embarrassed.

''You can have my coat too. It's a real good one, here,'' Peter pushed it over. That was also new but again he had a lot of coats, he had a lot of everything- he just had a lot.

He turned as he heard his name being called.

''I gotta go, bye,'' Peter high fived Brandon who looked at him as if he was totally crazy but Peter didn't mind if he thought that, maybe he was? But at least Brandon had proper sneakers and a warm coat now.

Peter ran over to where Steve was waiting at the doorway, he wasn't in uniform; here he was Steve Rogers who helped in the kitchen. They all knew exactly who he was but respected his privacy.

''Bubba, where are your sneakers?'' Steve noticed straight away.

''I gave them away, oh and my coat,'' Peter replied as if it was obvious.

''Right, of course you did,'' Steve pinched the bridge of his nose to stop himself laughing which he didn't think Peter would appreciate.

''Sorry Pops, I figured he needed them more than me, '' Peter took his father's hand and Steve restrained himself from hugging him breathless, there was his golden boy.

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''So we're going shopping tomorrow then,'' Tony said after Steve told him what had happened.

''No, I don't want new ones. I have enough sneakers and coats, its fine,'' Peter surprised them both with this proclamation.

''Can we have cheeseburgers for dinner?'' he asked.

''Yeah kiddo, we can have cheese burgers for dinner,'' Tony hugged him tight, planting a kiss on his head; Peter wriggled away.

He ran off throwing his father a puzzled look- grown-ups were so weird sometimes!

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