July 1963
Peggy and Steve were enjoying the quietness of their backyard, just resting under the tree and being in each other's arms. Their moment was interrupted when the backdoor burst open and both adults had a look of concern when their eldest appeared out of breath. "Cathy what happened?" Steve asked as they rushed towards their daughter.
"Mi-Michael, blood, run fast," she took a deep breath and pointed outside the house.
Both parents rushed outside their home and frantically looked for their son. Catherine followed suit before leading her parents a few blocks down where they saw Michael sitting on the grass with a cloth pressed on his bloodied nose.
Steve crouched down and asked, "what happened kid?"
The 9-year old shook his head and sighed, "Marcus and some of the kids, they said some bad things about our family. I-I don't like it. I told them to stop but they wouldn't listen, I pushed Marcus back but that's it! It got out of hand when the other kids joined in."
Peggy looked over her son's arms and legs in case of any injuries. She released a sigh when there's no other injuries beside minor scratches on his palms and legs. She shared a look with her husband before placing a gentle kiss on Michael's head as they stood up, "Oh love, I'm sorry you have to hear those things, but you know your father and I have always been honest with you kids, right?"
Michael leaned into his mother and nodded, "I know that's why I got mad. What they're saying is not true and they just say it in front of my face because they know it's mean and hurtful."
Steve sighed, "I know it's hard to hear bad things from other people, but you always have to remember what I keep on telling you okay? We have to learn how to pick our fights. For now, I will handle this Marcus situation all right? No more bloody nose and street fights."
"Yes dad."
Cathy smiled at her brother, "it was brave of you Mike, but next time, if something like that happens again. Wait for me and we'll take them down together."
"Hey!" Both parents scolded.
Cathy laughed, "I'm kidding!"
They entered their house and Peggy attended to their son's injury and cleaned him up. Meanwhile, Steve looked at their 13-year-old and patted the space next to him. Cathy obliged and leaned into her father's side. "I know it's difficult for both of you to have us as your parents, if anything or anyone is bothering both of you, please tell us. I don't want another surprise like that again. Your mother will either have my head for not doing something or launch a counterattack all by herself."
The teen laughed and shrugged, "some kids are just jealous, and they don't know what sacrifices you guys are making every day. They don't know what it's like to be in your shoes so it's easy to say things."
Steve looked at his daughter with awe, "when did you become so clever?"
Cathy rolled her eyes in a manner that reminded Steve so much of his wife, except for the blonde hair and blue eyes which she got from him. "I guess I got lucky having Peggy Carter as my mother."
Steve laughed before he pulled Cathy into a tight hug as Peggy and his son entered the living room.
The brown-haired boy stuck to his mother's side like a leech, needing the comfort after being beaten up by the others. "Feeling better buddy?"
Michael nodded, "mama said I could go with her later at work."
Steve smiled, "that's great! You think you can say hi to uncle Howard for me?"
The boy smiled widely, "yeah!"
Steve and Peggy shared a smile. Michael was a shy kid, but brave, just like his father. They knew that there were times he'll seek one of his parents' comfort when he feels down or in pain. It will take them great effort to help him grow out of his self-consciousness, but they would do everything, to help him be the best version of himself.
~kingdomfictionalia