Updated: 25/12/2019
Merry Christmas
and have
a Happy New Year
Chapter .3.
New York…
Steve liked being cuddled into Tony as he listens to the story and lets out a small chuckle. Steve hoped this wasn't a dream being back with Tony and the others. Steve was having trouble keeping his eyes open.
"Steve would you like to sleep?" Tony asks softly
"Not without you", Steve says quietly
"I will always be with you sweetheart as you are one of my soulmates", Tony promises.
"So will I my Soulmate. But tonight I have to do a job", Stephen says apolitically
"I can't tonight stay with you Soulmate", Loki says
"I'll stay with you", Yelena volunteers.
"I will stay with you and Tony", Natasha says with a soft smile.
"Yes", Steve whispers
"Ok bed everyone. And if your up before us. Tell the kids the situation", Tony says to them
"We will", Carol promises
Tony helps Steve up and starts to lead Steve to his room with Natasha next to him. And Yelena following.
"You have kids?" Steve Whispers
"Adopted", Tony tells him
"I should not have come here", Steve says sadly
"Why?" Tony asks
"You have other responsibilities", Steve says brokenly
"Your my soulmate Steve. You mean everything to me", Tony replies opening the bedroom door
"Really?" Steve asks
"Yes my love", Tony says kissing Steve's head
"You need to change into some night clothes", Natasha says quietly
"Can I wear your clothes Tony?" Steve asks nervously
"Of course Love. If that is what you want", Tony says
Tony gets the clothes and hands them to Steve. They change with Tony helping Steve a bit. He could now see how skinny Steve now was he would have to fix that. Once done Steve climbs into the middle of the bed. Natasha goes one side and Tony the other. Steve curls up into Tony's chest. He was shaking a bit. Yelena goes on the other side of Tony.
"FRIDAY that lights off", Natasha says softly
"What is wrong love?" Tony asks feeling Steve shake
"I don't want to have nightmares", Steve admits
"Stevie I will help you in every way. When you have a nightmare I will wake you up and be by your side", Tony promises rubbing Steve's arm
"So will I", Natasha promises
"Really?" Steve asks
"Yes we love you so much", Tony says kissing his forehead
"You don't have too. I know having you ear aid on is annoying for you and gives you a headache", Steve says
"I won't turn it off. It will be fine", Tony promises
"Ok. Can you talk to me till I fall asleep?" Steve asks
"What do you want to hear?" Tony asks
"Anything", Steve says gripping Tony's top
"Ok I have just the story", Tony says beginning to talk with Natasha and Yelena.
Steve soon falls asleep showing how tired he was. Tony, Natasha, Yelena knew Steve had a long way to go...
Wakanda…
"Any sign of him?" Bucky asks T'Challa
"None I am afraid", T'Challa replies
"What about cameras?" Clint asks
"He doesn't appear on them and there are no cameras in the bedrooms", T'Challa says with a sigh
"He can't off just disappear!" Rhodey exclaims
"He has. But we won't stop looking for him", T'Challa promises
"Good he is not in a good way", Sam replies
"What do you think his condition is?" T'Challa asks
"I would say serve depression and I would say he is harming himself by cutting and not eating", Sam replies
"He has only eaten a little. He appears distracted", Clint says
"His Mind held a lot of despair", Wanda tells them
"Why didn't you tell us?!" Sam growls at Wanda
"I thought he had it handled. I didn't know he was cutting himself", Wanda says quietly
"Well he hasn't if the four razors we found in his room are anything to go by", Clint says
"I am sorry", Wanda says regret in her eyes
"What do we do now?" Scott asks
"We will continue the search", Bucky says
"He can't have gotten far", Rhodey adds
"Let's get going then", Sam says
"I will ask my sister if there is a way to track him", T'Challa offers them
"Thanks T'Challa. I hope we find him in time", Sam responds
"So do I", T'Challa replies
"We all do", Clint says with the others nodding
They all split up to go searching for Steve again and praying he was alright...
New York...Several Hours Later
Tony didn't go to sleep he decided to watch Steve to make sure he at least slept some. He had bought out his Starkpad and was redoing FRIDAY's code to make protocols for Steve's situation. Tony was determined to make sure Steve would be monitored he knew Steve would have his good days and his bad days. And Tony would be there through it all.
Tony also updated the schematics for the Stark Cameo Mask so Steve would be able to stay at his side all the time when he was out. He would be taking no chances of Steve getting arrested by the bastard Ross.
He would have to make sure Ross was never around Steve without him. He was sure Natasha, Yelena, Loki and Stephen would help as Steve was their soulmate. And maybe Nebula would turn up with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
He also sent a message to Everett Ross. A cousin of the bastard Thaddeus Ross. And Tony knew that Everett HATED the other Ross because of his view on the enhanced humans and the powered humans. Everett was Tony's ally in dealing with all the mess with the Accords and Pardons. And the fact the Everett was dating his cousin Sharon also helped things.
Tony was tapping away on his StarkPad when he hears whimpering. Tony looks at Steve to see him start to whimper and cry.
"Please come back. Don't leave me. I am sorry", Steve cries in his sleep
Tony gently wraps him in his arms pulling Steve to him.
"Shh love your alright. Come back to me now. I'm here", Tony says softly stroking him trying to gently wake him
Steve continues to cry and Natasha and Yelena wake up and starts to help wake Steve up. Both taking to Steve softly and soothingly, along with Tony.
Steve bolts up awake. He had tears falling and he was shaking badly.
"Hey love it is ok. Your at the Compound. Your safe we are here", Tony says gently pulling a crying Steve into his arms
Steve clutches at Tony's top trying to figure out if Tony was real. He wasn't so sure. He remembered earlier but that had to be a dream.
"Shh Steve. Tash, Lena and I are here", Tony says holding Steve tightly trying to ground Steve to reality
Natasha was rubbing Steve's make humming a Russian Lullaby, with Yelena joining her.
"Are you really with me?" Steve whimpers
Tony's heart breaks at Steve's words. Those words and the words from his sleep talking must be about him walking away from Steve. Tony knew he would have to prove to Steve that he would never leave him.
"I am my love. Fell my heartbeat", Tony says putting Steve's hand on his chest near his heart
Steve trembles as his feels Tony's heartbeats.
"That's real", Steve states burying his head in Tony's chest.
"Yes it is", Natasha murmurs
"I am sorry I woke you both up", Steve says trembling
"It is ok", Natasha replies
"I was still up Stevie. Working on a few projects", Tony says truthy
"How long did I sleep?" Steve asks
"FRIDAY how long did Steve sleep?" Tony asks
"5 hours Boss", FRIDAY replies
"That is the most I have slept in a while", Steve admits
Tony, Natasha, Yelena share a look. They would have to have Steve sleeping more.
"Would you like to talk about the nightmares?" Tony asks gently
"Please no", Steve begs gripping Tony's shirt again
"Ok but we will talk about this soon. I can see these Nightmares are terrifying you. Talking will help. But I would never make you talk to me. But as I said it would help. Anyone here would listen if you want to talk. And we won't tell anyone", Tony tells him
"Not yet. Please", Steve says looking at Tony with sad eyes
"Ok love. Do you think you would get anymore sleep?" Tony asks
"No", Steve whispers
"How about we go to my workshop huh? I can show you some of my new inventions. And we can see back your gear while we are down there. Does that sound good?" Tony asks him
"I won't be a bother?" Steve asks
"Never", Tony replies
"I don't want to be in your way", Steve admits
"You could never. Would you like to go then?" Tony asks
"Yes", Steve whispers
"Tash, Lena you coming?" Tony asks them
"Do you want us there Steve?" Natasha asks
"I…", Steve stutters
"It is ok Steve. All your soulmates understand you need Tony more then the others. Don't even be afraid to tell us. We all love you and want you to be happy", Natasha replies
"Thank you", Steve whispers
"Your welcome", Natasha says smiling
Tony helps Steve up and gives Steve some of his sweats.
"Come on Stevie. I have lots of cool gadgets in my lab", Tony says wrapping an arm around Steve
Steve nods.
"See you at breakfast Tash, Lena", Tony says
"Have fun boys", Natasha says smiling
Tony leads Steve to the elevator and FRIDAY takes them down to the labs. Tony puts codes in at one of the doors and it unlocks quickly.
"Wake up the babies FRI", Tony calls
Lights and holograms all light up around the room and Steve finds himself mesmerized once again at the technology. The technology here was what he always imagined the future to be like. Steve sees all the different projects at different tables. It looked like Tony was pretty busy.
"You are busy", Steve states
"Not that much. This is about normal now", Tony replies
"Am I making more work for you?" Steve asks nervously
"No Steve you aren't", Tony replies
"I am just a burden for anyone", Steve whimpers sitting on the couch
"You are NOT a burden love. I love helping you. We are in this together", Tony says squeezing Steve's hand
"I will try and believe that", Steve says
"Good. Now I will work on the Cameo Mask first because we are going to need it. I already have prototypes so I just need to work out the bugs. But why don't I tell you about what has changed here?" Tony asks going to his seat and reeling it to a bench
"What has changed?" Steve asks wrapping Tony's blanket around himself for comfort
"When now we have a lot of people working for us. Under different Divisions. Some people work in more then one Division", Tony explains
"Divisions?" Steve asks
"The Avengers Division that holds all the Avengers there is about 80 people with superpowers and enhanced abilities. But they don't work as Avengers full time they have day jobs", Tony tells him
"Does that conflict with anything?" Steve asks
"At this moment it hasn't been a problem. Next is the Charity & Fundraising Division, Clean Up & Damage Control, Communication Division, Extraction & Retrieval Division, Financial Division, Groundskeeper Division, Housing Division, Human Resources Division, Interns, IT Division, Legal Division, Liaison Division, Magic Division, Maintenance Division, Medical Division, PR Division, Research & Development Division, Science Division, Search & Rescue Division, Security Division, Special Operations Division, Spies Division, Transport Division, Weapons & Technology Division and the Young Avengers Division", Tony tells him
"That's a lot. Where do you fit in?" Steve asks softly
"I am in charge of Research & Development Division, Science Division, and the Weapon & Technology Division. And I am second in command after Captain Marvel in the Avengers Division", Tony replies
"Your not…overworked?" Steve asks
"I am fine. I like it this way", Tony assures him
"I like watching you work", Steve admits watching Tony
Tony smiles at him.
"Are you expecting me to go back into the field as an Avenger?" Steve asks nervously
"Not yet love. I want you well first. We can talk about being an Avenger later when I get your pardon. And we will discuss field work then", Tony says gently
"That is good", Steve replies
Steve knew he wasn't good for the field. He was relieved that Tony wasn't going to make him. Steve listens as Tony talks. It was relaxing hearing Tony's voice. He still couldn't believe he was so close to Tony. And that Tony wanted him.
"This device as a bracelet will show a different face once we program a look you would like", Tony says showing him the bracelet
"Will it work?" Steve asks softly
"Of course. We can program a look of your choice", Tony informs him
"Boss Breakfast is ready", FRIDAY says
"Well then we better get up there the ladies would shoot me if we aren't there", Tony says
"Who will be there?" Steve asks nervously
"The ones you meet last night. Plus my adopted kids, the Barton's and the Lang's", Tony replies pulling Steve to his side
"Mrs Barton and the kids are here?" Steve asks surprised
"Yep. I didn't trust Ross not to go after them the same with Maggie and Cassie. So they all live here now. Laura is planning of killing birdbrain", Tony says joking as they get in the elevator
"It wasn't his fault. It was mine", Steve says guilty
"We all make our own decisions Stevie. So don't feel guilty", Tony says sternly
Steve doesn't say anything as the doors to the communal floor opens. Steve looks nervously around as he sees all the kids and adults in the room. Putting breakfast on the table.
"It is alright Stevie. Your fine. You will be next to me", Tony whispers in Steve's ear
"Hi Steve how are you this morning?" Bruce asks kindly
Steve just shrugs. Tony gets him in a set next to him with Natasha one Steve's other side.
"How are you Steve?" Laura asks kindly
"It wasn't Clint's fault Ma'am", Steve says to her ignoring her question
"He has a brain and should have thought it through. So don't go blaming yourself", Laura says sternly
"I will try", Steve says
"Hello Captain I am Maggie Lang and this is my daughter Cassie", Maggie says from her seat
"I am sorry I dragged Scott into my mess Ma'am", Steve says softly
"Steve nothing is your fault. We should make a rule for you of not apologizing", Tony says jokingly and sternly
"What would you like to eat Steve?" Natasha asks
"I don't want much", Steve says
"Too bad. You need to eat. I think Natasha give him so strawberry pancakes. Laura a chocolate chip muffin. I will get his eggs and bacon", Tony orders
The three of them pile Steve's plate with food. And Bruce gives him a cup of tea.
"This is good food Steve. Trust them", Yelena tells him.
"Eat up Steve. And I will introduce you to the kids", Tony says smiling
"We aren't kids!" a teenage boy exclaims
"Could have fooled me", Carol mutters
"Steve this kids are Doreen Green aka Squirrel Girl she is 13", Tony says gesturing to girl with a tail who smiles at Steve
"Hello Captain", she says
"These are Kalama Khan aka Shifter she is 12, Lana Powell aka Bombshell she is 16. Greg Wallis aka Gravity he is 16. Dante Pertuz aka Inferno who is 14. Vance Astrovik aka Justice, who is 15. Riri Williams aka Iron Heart she is 16 and a protegee of mine. Kate Bishop aka Hawkeye, yes that might get confusing so we might change it, she is 16. Harley Keener aka Iron Lad who is 14 and is a protegee of mine, and Peter Parker, who you meet, he is Spider-Man and he is 16 and my last protegee", Tony says pointing at each kid who waves
"You're the guy from Germany", Steve states looking at Peter
"Yeh I am. Sorry for taking your shield Captain Rogers", Peter says sheepishly
"It is fine. I am sorry if you were hurt", Steve says softly
"I was fine. Not even a scratch", Peter assures him
"Oh and Cooper has an Avenger name even if he doesn't go out at the moment. He is Robin Hood", Tony tells Steve
"I am just like my Dad with a bow and arrow", Cooper says proudly
"I would like to see that", Steve replies
"I can show you after", Cooper promises
"Steve you should be eating", Tony says gently
Steve nods and starts to eat as he could see the concerned looks everyone was giving him. He hoped he wouldn't cause them too much stress. Especially Tony who was watching him like a hawk. Steve was uncomfortable with the looks but was relieved when Tony, Yelena and Natasha take up conversations with others at the table.
He was drawn into a conversation with Carol about different duties of being Captains. The conversation was taking his mind off everything. But he still checked if Tony was still there and he was.
Tony hoped he was doing the right thing. He also hoped he had prepared for Steve to do anything dangerous and getting himself killed. He hoped Steve being next to him ALL the time would stop Steve from harming himself. But he knew Steve would still find a way. It was just how these people who were suicidal were.
He just hoped he had done enough to get to Steve in time if was having a moment. But this was going to take time. And Tony was determined to help Steve through it all…
Author's Note: What do you think? Please Review:)