Steve knew Tony was worried about Johnny, he wasn't eating or sleeping and it was beginning to affect his work. He was falling behind on projects for SI, Pepper trying to be as understanding as possible but even she can hold off the board for only so long. It was also beginning to take its toll on Steve, he needed Tony right now and it seemed that no matter how close they were, there was still a distance between them. Steve wasn't sure what it was but he pushed it to the back of his mind, they had more important things to worry about.

He sighed as he reached the garage and walked over to his bike. He knew he probably should have Happy take him but he needed to feel the power of the bike beneath him. The rumbling of the engine once started, and the soft purring sound that filled the space while idling. Steve loved his bike, it had been a gift from Tony a few months after they'd started dating. They had just had an argument about safety and why it wasn't good for Iron Man to be thrown into a building minus his helmet. Tony received a concussion and three broken ribs but was thankfully, unharmed otherwise. Tony, however, had been angry at Steve's decision to bench him for the next two missions or until fully healed.

"You can't make that call Cap. Not alone anyway and not without a team vote. I wasn't there so the vo..."

"It counts Tony, whether you were there or not, it counts. Majority rules, you're benched until you're fully healed or the next two missions, which ever comes first." Steve stared at Tony as he cut him off, he could see the rage boiling in him and felt his own anger starting to rise. He stopped Tony before he could get his protest out. "You almost died, Tony. This wasn't just some...walk in the park type of thing. You almost died and you made me...us...watch! Do you know what that did to us, to me, what it felt like watching you get thrown through that building! What the fuck were you thinking, Tony, for gods sakes, why would you..."

"They were aiming for you...Steve! I saw them aim directly at you and I just...I didn't think, I just reacted!" Tony looked down at the sheet and blanket covering him. He remembered how he'd felt when he'd seen the doom bot headed towards Steve. He'd forgotten to put his helmet back on and had just taken off, something that he was now regretting but Steve was ok, right? That's all that Tony had cared about, that Steve was ok. "I mean, the world needs Captain America. The world doesn't really need Tony Stark but they need Iron man. So the sacrifice would have been well worth it as long as you were ok. Who would have care if I died, Steve? I mean, come on, look at me, I'm a hot mess and everyone knows it. Who really needs me when they have you?"

Steve stood glaring at Tony, for four months he'd been trying to convince Tony of his feelings for him. For four months he'd been trying to show him that love was not always a bad thing but this...Steve couldn't handle this. Who needed him? "How can you say that? How can you sit here in front of me and make a statement like that, knowing how I feel about you, Tony? Who needs you, who would care?! Are you fucking serious! I need you Tony! I would care if you died! Pepper, Rhodey, all the Avengers, and what about Aveline?" Steve was shaking, his temper burning white hot with his rage. "I went into the ice...alone...Tony. Woke up...alone...until I found you and now...now you ask me who would care or need you. The world may not but I do...I always will but until you can believe that...trust in me that I mean that...there's nothing else I can do." Steve struggled to hold back his tears, he wouldn't cry in front of Tony. He wouldn't let him see that his heart was breaking because Tony had so little faith in him. Steve turned away from the bed, walking towards the door. He was stopped mid-way by Tony calling his name.

"Steve?" Tony called out hesitantly.

Steve didn't turn around, he couldn't and not break down in front of Tony. "Yeah?"

"Y-you're coming back, right? You, uh, you w-won't leave me here, will you?" Tony knew he'd fucked up. He knew how Steve felt about him, he felt the same about Steve, but he had just been venting and the words had left his mouth without him thinking about it. "I'm sorry, Steve, I didn't mean for it to come out like that. I just...look, I'll fix this, ok? I didn't...this isn't what I expected to happen. I was just...I-I can't lose you either, Steve, I wouldn't...there's no way I'd survive that and I've survived a lot but not losing you, I couldn't handle that." Tony watched as the broad back tensed, then relaxed. "Steve?"

"I'll be back, just going to go find the doctor." He gave Tony a small smile over his shoulder then left the room.

Two weeks later, Tony was doing better and Steve had been given one of the best gifts since his shield.

"I know I was an ass about things and maybe I could, umm, be a little more cautious but you, uh, maybe you'll forgive me when you see this?" Tony stood in the middle of the kitchen looking at Steve. He was aware that there were ten pairs of eyes on him but only one mattered. The sky blue gaze watching him with trepidation.

"Tony, you don't have to give me anything. I keep telling you this but you don't seem to be listening." Steve sighed as he watched Tony move closer. They'd finally started speaking after his release from the hospital and Steve wanted to keep things on an even keel.

"You'll love this, I swear. I did it myself so I didn't really spend to much on it. Well, if you don't count how much I spent to get it from ebay, but we can talk about that later. Just, will you come at least look and see what it is?" Tony was desperate, he knew that if he couldn't get Steve to come look at the new bike he may have lost a lot of ground in their relationship. Pulling on Steve's arm, he led him towards the elevator's.

Steve sighed, setting his coffee cup down, he glanced over at the others at the table then turned back to Tony. "Ok, ok, if it will get you to calm down, I'll come see what you got and if it costs to much you're sending it back."

"I can't, I've already modified it for you and you only." Tony frowned, maybe he should have waited to be sure Steve would forgive him before he gave him the bike. Stopping in front of the elevator, Tony turned to Steve, "You'll tell me if you don't like it right, I mean I can find some use for it if you don't but I really hope you do..."

Steve covered Tony's mouth with his hand. "Tony, stop talking. We'll see how I feel once I see what you've gotten. I'm sure I'll like it because you said you did most of the work yourself." Steve noticed they had stopped at the garage and not the workshop. Looking over at Tony in confusion, he followed him out of the elevator. "Tony, why are we..." He broke off as Tony led him over to a bike...his bike from the war. "Oh god, oh god Tony, h-how did you. W-where did you find her? They told me she wasn't salvageable but I had hoped..." Steve walked over to the bike, a watery grin on his face. He couldn't help sliding his fingers over every part he could reach.

"So, uh, you like? I didn't have to change much, the guy I got it from kept it in pretty great shape. I adjusted the engine and um, added new tires and mirrors. Had to reupholster the seat and change the handle bars but other than that, she's still your girl." Tony grinned up at Steve, his heart pounding in his chest.

Steve moved around the bike and reached for Tony. "Thank you, Tony. So much, I never thought I'd see her again." Steve leaned down and kissed Tony, pleased to finally be able to do it after all this time..

Tony melted against Steve, "A-anything for you big guy." Tony replied breathlessly. "So, uh, when do you wanna take her out for a spin?"

"Now, right now, go grab a jacket or something so we can go." Steve breathed against Tony's lips. They wouldn't be out long, just long enough to get to his apartment in Brooklyn. Thanks to Tony, Steve owned the entire fourth floor of his building. Which was going to come in handy for the way he planned on thanking Tony for finding and fixing up his bike.

Placing the key in the ignition, Steve turned it and smiled as the engine roared to life. Sighing at the rumbling feeling, balancing the bike between his legs, he kicked up the kick stand and revved the engine. If all went well, he would be able to enjoy lunch with Tony and Peter then they could come back and keep Johnny some company. Leaving the garage, Steve wasn't aware of the black SUV following him. His thoughts were on his family and the plans they had for the day.

The drive to Peter's school had been uneventful despite the afternoon traffic. Steve enjoyed the sounds of the street vendors and the different conversations as he parked his bike. The school used a local parking garage across the street for faculty and students as well as guests. After paying the attendant, Steve headed across the street, smiling at everyone who spoke. He liked the school the boys were enrolled in, despite taking advanced classes at home, both Peter and Johnny attended public school. Both were well rounded genius' as well, something Tony took great pride in because despite the boys intellect, they both had a large circle of friends. Something Tony had never had growing up and he encouraged them in everything they did, also something he'd never gotten from his father as a child.

Steve smiled at the staff he passed when he entered the building. Heading to the attendance office, Steve was stopped more than once by people who wanted to tell him about his sons or just ask general questions. He sighed once he'd reached his destination, smiling at the receptionist, Steve asked her if she would have Peter come down to the office. She immediately agreed, turning red at the thought of being able to help Captain America. Steve gave her a polite smile and moved from his position in front of the desk, taking a seat along the far wall and waiting for Peter.

It wasn't a long one, however, by the time Steve had begun to get comfortable in his seat, Peter burst through the door. Followed by Mary Jane Watson, Sue Storm, Harry Osborne, and Professors Reed Richards and Ben Grimm. "Pop? Everything ok? It's not Johnny is it o-or dad?" Peter looked at Steve, ocean blue eyes wide with concern.

Steve stood up quickly, he should have known Peter would have thought it was his brother. "No, I-I'm sorry champ, didn't mean to scare you. I just...I wanted to see if you wanted to have lunch with your dad and me?"

Peter let out a sigh of relief, a grin lighting up his face. "Yeah, sure, I thought something had happened. They said dad was here and you know dad only comes when something serious has happened or you can't come yourself, which is even worse because then dad starts acting really, really wei..."

Peter was cut off by a hand over his mouth. Turning, he glared at Harry, the son of Norman Osborn and Peter's best friend. "Are you done rambling? Looks like your dad could use a break and just relax." Harry glanced at Steve, he could see the dark smudges under his eyes, the exhaustion written on his face. "Stop talking and go at least give your old man a hug." Harry grinned as Mary Jane agreed.

"He looks like he could use it." Mary Jane said softly. She turned to Peter, "Go with your dad's, we'll catch up with you later." She gave Peter a quick kiss on the cheek then turned and hugged Steve. "We are praying for Johnny, Captain Rogers. He's a really sweet guy and I'd hate to see anything happen to him."

Steve smiled at MJ "Thanks MJ. We could really use them. Tony and Bruce are still trying to figure out what type of insect bite it is."

Peter looked at Harry, who slowly removed his hand from over his friends mouth. "Well, Pop, I think we can help with that. I emailed Uncle Bruce what Harry, Professor Richards, and I found, so hopefully they can use it. The toxin in his system isn't even from the states tough, it's from somewhere over in Afghanistan or Iraq, I think." He glanced back at Harry then Professor Richards. "There's a Professor in England who was working with it but he disappeared a few years back..."

"Captain Rogers, if your husband or Dr. Banner would like my notes, please, let me know. Johnny is a bright young man just like his brother and I would hate to see anything happen to either of them."

Steve nodded at Reed, giving him a grateful smile. "Thank you, I'll have one of them contact you as soon as we get back to the Tower." He nodded at Coach Grimm, the understanding already stood between them, if Johnny needed anything he would help.

Peter was talking to Harry when Steve laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready, Pete?" He looked at his oldest son and smiled.

"Yeah, uh, sure Pop." Turning to Harry, Peter handed him a folder. "Make sure you hold onto this Harry, ok? I'll get it from you later tonight." When Harry nodded, Peter gave his friend a quick hug. "Thanks Harry, tell MJ I'll call her later?"

"I'll tell her, you go with your dad and have fun." Harry and Sue pushed Peter out of the door, behind Steve.

"Captain Rogers, when Johnny gets better, my mom said he is more than welcome to come by the house. Something about to many left overs." Sue smiled at Steve's chuckle. She missed her friend as did most of those who knew him. She couldn't help the flush when Steve nodded and gave her a smile reminiscent of Johnny's.

Peter sighed, a laugh sounding in his voice. "Thank god MJ left or we'd have to deal with both of them drooling all over you, Pop."

Steve chuckled as he threw an arm around Peter's shoulders. "MJ is all yours, Pete. Your dad is the only one for me." Steve flushed at the words but meant them. He knew how the boys felt about he and Tony being so sentimental.

"Not what I'm worried about it Pop but good to know because I swear, dad can be kind of out there at times." Peter sighed, he knew he shouldn't talk about Tony and his flamboyant side. He did, after all, inherit that same trait. "I mean, sometimes even I know when he's gone to far on somethings..."

"Yet, you'll encourage him to continue with it for as long as you two can get away with doing it." Steve couldn't stop the laugh that left him. He hugged Peter close, sighing affectionately as they walked across the street. This time Steve noticed the black SUV parked a few blocks up from the school. "Did they change how security is done at the school?" Steve frowned, that was Tony's biggest issue with the boys being in public schools. The security around them was already tight, being that both Peter and Johnny had Tony as a father. The situation was compounded even further with the fact that Steve was their other biological father as well, both boys carrying Tony and Steve's DNA, with Steve genes being dominant.

Peter glanced up at the question. "Ummm, no, I don't...I haven't heard about any changes." He looked in the direction of Steve's gaze. The black SUV was idling a few blocks away but close enough for concern. "Pop, maybe we should have dad meet us? You know, Happy wouldn't mind bringing him." He knew he sounded nervous but the SUV looked familiar, reminding him of something but he couldn't remember what, until...

"What's wrong Pete, do you recognize the vehicle? We can have JARVIS run the plates if it'd make you feel better." Make me feel better as well. Steve thought silently, he watched how Peter kept glancing over at the vehicle, his nerves alerting him to a possible threat to his son. By the time they had reached the parking garage and Steve's bike, he had decided to call Tony and just have him meet them at the restaurant. He'd wanted Steve to have Happy drive him earlier, so maybe he wouldn't mind picking them up. "Let's go champ, the sooner we hit the road and call your dad, the sooner we can eat and enjoy the rest of our day."

Peter nodded, looking back at the dark vehicle one more time. "Pop, that truck was at the park yesterday. I swear they were around talking to Johnny, when I went to check on him, he was angry about something but wouldn't tell me until we got home..." Peter drifted off as he looked up at Steve. He was sitting on the back of the bike, helmet in his hands. "Do you think they could have infected Johnny? I mean they have government plates, so it wouldn't be hard for them to get close, we would never..."

Steve frowned, "You would never think they would harm you if they were a part of your security detail. Your dad would have told me if he made any changes though." Biting his bottom lip, Steve looked behind him to make sure Peter was ready.

They were stopped at a red light when Steve remembered to call Tony. Something wasn't right and it was setting his nerves on fire. "JARVIS, call To..."

Before Steve could finish the statement, they were hit hard by a fast moving vehicle. Both Steve and Peter were thrown from the back of the bike, landing hard on the ground. Groaning, Steve struggled to sit up. "Pete?" He called out hoarsely. His head was pounding and his ears were ringing, blinking his eyes to clear them, Steve slowly moved to his feet. He looked around for his son and that's when he saw them. A group of men dressed in all black were headed directly for Peter, who lay on the ground, unmoving. "Oh god, oh god, Peter!" Steve moved as fast as he could towards the unmoving figure of his son, his body screaming at him as his sore muscles protested the actions. Before he could reach him however, Steve had been stopped by a voice demanding he stand down. Steve could feel his temper rising as he glared at the man in front of him. "You're not American military or you would know who I am and that I don't surrender. Step back from my son or I'll make sure you regret it." Steve's jaw clenched tight as the other man laughed.

"I see why he wants you so badly, looks like we'll be getting a bonus though. The oldest son of Tony Stark and Captain Steve Rogers. What a bloody great feat this is!" A deep, heavily accented voice echoed around them.

Steve started, he, who is he and why would he be after his family? "I don't care who he is or why he wants me but he can't have my son." Steve started towards Peter but was stopped when a woman walked out from behind the man, a gun pointed at Peters head.

"Now, now Captain Rogers, it seems that we've gotten off on the wrong foot, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Col. Sebastian Moran and you're right, I am not American military." Sebastian laughed at Steve's surprised look.

"You're British? W-we don't know anyone in the British military or have any enemies in England..." Steve started, his gaze on the woman standing over Peter. He could see his chest rising and falling slowly, and a small sense of relief flooded his system. His gaze snapped up to Moran's when he laughed again.

"You may not Captain but your husband and his cousin does and I'm willing to bet that they won't figure out who's behind this until it's to late." Sebastian nodded to his companion, who then pointed the gun at Peter's chest.

Steve froze, "No! Wait, please! What is it you want from us?!" He could feel his heart racing as he tried to remain focused on Peter. "Why are you doing this?" It wasn't until he felt a sharp prick in his neck did he realize someone had been standing behind him. Swinging his arm around sluggishly, Steve stumbled forward, watching as the woman pulled the trigger, shooting Peter, once in the chest.