"Happy birthday-." Was the first thing that spewed out of Tony's mouth upon sight of his brothers. He froze and recounted the men, took in the triumph shown as they delivered Zola that was tampered with grief. They'd lost a man. Worse yet, they'd lost the Captain's right-hand, and that made it even more terrible.

Steve looked the worst for wear, and when he was done with Phillips they loped to an abandoned bar and he slumped into his brother's arms.

"I'm sure you did your best." Tony muttered.

"He was right there." The supersoldier whimpered. "We were hanging off the train and I let him fall to save my own skin. I shouldn't have left him, I could have-."

"Done what? Besides get yourself killed?" Atros demanded. The oldest of the former trio sighed and ran a hand through silver-specked hair. "You did what you could and Joclar knew that. We knew the risks going into this mess. It's war, Socren. People are going to die no matter what you do."

"But why?!" The youngest snapped, wrenching out of his brother's grip and beginning to pace, hands moving agitatedly.

"It would have made sense if one of us missed the window to jump or slipped and fell from the line, but we got there just fine! We fought, we took over the train, we finished the mission, damnit! What the hell was he thinking?!" Steve snarled, tossing a stool across the room.

A startled shriek told the brothers that they were no longer alone.

"Whoever you are, bar's closed." Steve snapped. Peggy stepped into the entrance and Steve deflated. "Then again, I guess you're not here for the drinks."

"Certainly not." The British agent snorted dryly. "Howard didn't know if you wanted him around but he insisted on accompanying me here. He's right outside, if you want to see him." She threw toward Tony. The Alpha nodded, knowing a cue when he saw one. Margaret Carter would do far more good than he, at the moment. Women almost always knew what to say.

"Let me know when you're done. I doubt the brass will let us stay out all night."

"Will do." Peggy assured the older man as he walked out of the abandoned bar.

Thank you for letting us have this.

Tony jolted when he got outside, the soft voice drifting to his ears reminiscent of the young woman that stayed with his brother.

"You lucky dog." He snickered to himself.

Who am I to get in the way of love. He snorted.

Howard wasn't far off, as Peggy promised, and he'd found his girl again. Maria turned out to be Maria Carbonell, a young woman around their age whose family emigrated from Italy to the States a generation ago. She was one of the many nurses they let behind the scenes, and how good she was at her job shone through in how she dealt with Howard. Reassuring, yet straightforward.

Yes, they would definitely go well together. All they had to do now was stick together and hope they didn't have any kids. He'd gotten a glimpse of their future, and it was glorious… and tragically short, for a pair of wolves. He wouldn't put any child through that.

"The future is never set in stone." Maria insisted softly, jarring him from his thoughts.

"You are a Seer." He muttered, surprised. Seers were rare, and for two Alphas to have the same gift and be in the same proximity, let alone to actually meet, the odds were ridiculously low.

"But then, we are not true Alphas." Maria smirked. "At least, I am not. I don't know as much about you, Son of Frigga."

"It is impolite to read someone's mind without their knowledge and permission." Tony growled.

"But why would I bother reading your mind when the truth is written all over your face?" Maria grinned sharply. Tony rolled his eyes and glanced at Howard, to find that his Charge was extremely confused.

"Do you two want a room or somethin'?" He scowled, irritated.

"A room with you would be rather interesting, miei cari, but I'm almost positive that we all have work to do. Do we not, Son of Frigga?"

"I have work to do." Tony snorted. "You two are free to do whatever you like."

"Oh?" Maria purred. "Then a room we shall get, Mr. Stark."

Howard raised an eyebrow, clearly torn between staying with his newfound mate and following one of his only friends.

"Stay, buddy. I need someone to keep an eye on my brother. I can handle things back at camp."

"If you're sure." Howard drifted off uncertainty.

Indeed, Tony was. His friend shouldn't miss out on a once in a lifetime chance because he was too worried.

"If you insist, then we shall take our leave. Your brother will be in good paws with us." Maria assured him. "Good luck, Son of Frigga. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"To you as well, volta e futura regina. And my name is Atros. You may call me Anthony."

"What was that just now? He called you the once and future queen. What is that, a royal title?"

"You know your languages." Maria murmured, impressed.

"I catch on pretty fast, if you haven't been able to tell." He offered smoothly.

"It's a compliment for those considered disgraced by their Pack… those who have chosen to leave and those who were cast out. It is his way of saying he still sees my worth as a Wolf. Nothing more, nothing less."