A few weeks after the New Year, all of Steve's friends learned of his mother's cancer. She was still responding well to the chemo, but then took a turn for the worse. After numerous successful tests on gamma radiation as a treatment for cancer, the F.D.A had approved more widespread use. Bruce knew this was his chance to test it on what seemed to be a more aggressive tumor.
"Steve, I know you're hurting right now. All of us are. Your mom was always kind to me and Tony. I don't want to pressure you, because I know Drs. Blake and Ellis are doing their best. But would you consider allowing us to try the gamma treatment? It's worked well so far. The F.D.A has approved it."
"I don't know Bruce. What if it doesn't work for her? I don't want to chance it doing more harm than good."
"Do what you think is right. But I at least wanted to make the suggestion. Talk to her Doctors. See what they think. Whatever you decide, I'm still here for you."
He did discuss it with her Doctors. They were willing to try. He discussed it with Nat and Bucky. They both said it was worth a shot. He talked to Sam and Sharon about it. Even Natasha's mother eventually weighed in. But he knew there was one person whose opinion he still has to ask for. A few hours later at the hospital, it was him and his Mom.
"Steve, what's wrong?"
"I'm worried about you, Mom. Dr. Blake told me the last round of chemo was unsuccessful."
"This was just a hiccup, Steve. Dr. Ellis is still optimistic that we can beat this. I'm not giving up, neither should you."
"It's not that. I talked to Bruce yesterday. You remember Dr. Bruce Banner?"
"He's a doctor now? How is he? Has he married Betty yet?"
"No, not yet. But he suggested something to me. He has been testing gamma radiation on cancer cells. So far it has shown positive results. He suggested we try it."
"Dr. Blake told me you had asked about it. He said he's heard about the testing. Is it something you want me to try?"
"Only if you want to. It's your choice."
"I'm not sure I should try it. We don't know if it will work for me."
"I understand. Could you at least hear Bruce out on this? Nat and I, all of us actually, just want you to get better."
"I'll hear him out. I want to get better too."
Steve makes the call, asking his friend to come to the hospital. He's been going over his notes on the results, and decides to bring the papers with him.
"Sarah, I know you have some concerns about this possible treatment. First off let me assure you that it's very similar to the chemo that you've already been undergoing. The difference in this treatment is that the gamma radiation is more concentrated. This enables us to use lower levels of radiation. Over the past few years, my team and I have been able to take the energy and focus it on just the cancerous cells. Working in conjunction with Tony Stark, we developed an X-Ray laser that finds the tumor and the pinpoints all the energy on that one spot."
As Bruce continues describing the treatment, Steve notices that Natasha is standing outside the room. He steps outside and she wraps her arms around his waist.
"Nat, when did you get here?"
"Just a moment ago. I took some time to read up on the treatment after you told me Bruce suggested it. What do you think?"
"Mom's listening. It is all I asked her to do. It's her decision."
"What if she decides to stay with the chemo?"
"I'll respect her choice. It could have been just a hiccup like she said, when the last round was unsuccessful."
A few minutes later, Bruce steps out of the room. The look on his face tells the couple what Sarah decided.
"Steve, Natasha, she listened to all that I had to say. For the moment she wants to keep going with the chemo. I respect her decision. And from what she said Dr. Blake told her, when the last round didn't work it was a minor setback."
"How often does that happen?"
"It's actually fairly common. So I wouldn't worry too much. The good news is that she's asked me to stay close, to help monitor the treatments. I'm going to help her fight this battle. I'll need to talk with Dr. Blake. She is his patient, and I don't want to overstep the boundaries. But I do believe we can beat this."
"Thanks for everything Bruce. Oh by the way, Mom was wondering why you and Betty haven't gotten married yet."
He gets flustered at the statement. They've been back together for a full year now, but her father is still an obstacle to their relationship. Thunderbolt Ross will always believe his daughter can do better. He's always wanted a soldier for a son-in-law. It even led him to suggest that she should date Steve. For a while both men were stationed in Iraq during the war.
"To be honest, I think he still wants her to be with you."
"I would never do that to you. I'm taken. Besides Betty always treated me like her big brother. You two are perfect for each other. One day, he'll see it as well."
As the couple walks away, Bruce mutters to himself, as he makes his way to talk with Dr. Blake.
"I hope you're right, Steve."