So when I said I'll try to update sometime this week I REALLY meant four years later when I'm a senior in college.

Yeah that tracks.

Is this good? Probably not great.

I wrote it directly onto Wattpad for old times sake.

It's so short. Like guys why did I used to write 500 word chapter. Now I won't post if it's under 1k and typically hit 2-3k per chapter

I don't really write for Marvel anymore and I don't really plan on returning.

This was just... So close. I was going through my unfinished fics and saw how close it was so I threw something together.

Also, disclaimer: this is not meant to be Tony bashing. I love him. He's just... Drunk.

Anyway, please enjoy :)

~TH~

The twenty-first century was wild.

Polio was gone. That was nice at least.

Captain America was the face of patriotism and bravery. Which was... Cool... He guessed.

It was honestly a lot.

A lot of change.

A lot of his friends being gone.

A lot of his body being better but his mind being just as messed up as it once was.

Surprisingly his greatest challenge in the twenty-first century came in the form of his friend's son. Tony Stark.

He couldn't help but look at Tony and see Howard. But even saying that would send this Stark into a rage.

Steve didn't have all the details but it appeared that his friend had changed once becoming a father. And Steve would be the first to say that not everyone deserves to be a father.

But nights like tonight... Where Tony was drunk. And should probably be in bed. But instead was harassing Steve and the other Avengers.

"Why should I sleep when Captain Self Righteous is still awake."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"I dunno, what does it have to do with you?"

Steve sighed rubbing a hand over his face.

He was tired. So tired. And cold. And not in the mood to deal with Tony's insults. Especially when every word reminded him of what he had lost.

"I'm going to bed."

Tony was suddenly standing in front of him. Apparently a drunk Tony was a fast Tony. "Why? What are you afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid of you, Stark." He growled, marching Tony's affresion. "Let me leave."

"No I don't think so." The man said, pushing against the other Avenger.

Steve swayed with it, not injured but not absorbing the strike. It wasn't worth the energy it would take.

"If you don't stop you're going to learn just how I feel about bullies." Steve's patience was wearing thin.

This time Tony threw a full swing right at his face. Steve ducked, giving a full force shove in return. Normally he would pull his throw but tonight he was over it. Tony had done nothing but through verbal abuse at him all night. He'd heard enough over the years to know when someone was being intentionally cruel. And sure, it was probably the alcohol. But that wasn't an excuse.

Tony slammed into the wall and the collective gasp from the Avengers would have caused him to cringe if he didn't feel so angry. Right now he had only one focus.

"What's your problem, Stark? What do you have against me?" And he knee feel down it wasn't about him. None of this was. This was just pent up rage and anger that Stark would throw at anyone available to take. Steve was just an ample target.

Tony struggled to his feet, a fire in his eyes. "My father made you who you are. The least you could do is give me a little respect!"

"I don't owe you nothin'. And I don't cower to bullies.

"Really? Really Captain Perfect? You think I'm the bully here? What about you?"

And Steve stopped at that. It was a strong accusation. So he thought. And considered. And came to a conclusion.

He was not a bully. And he never planned to become one.

Tony wasn't either. Not really. But he could become one. It was a slippery road to walk.

"Y'know I knew your father. He was my friend."

"I know. That's my point." Tony spat.

"No. I knew a different Howard. One you never got to meet."

"What are you talking about?"

"In my time your father was brilliant. He figured things out no one else could even dream about. He had to defend himself after being accused as a traitor. He could be backhanded in his business dealings. He could drink with the best of them. Your father was a good man. But he was far from perfect."

"Trust me. I know."

"But he wasn't s bully."

"What are you even talking about?"

"He became one but he started off as a good person. I don't want to see the same thing happen to you."

That seems to at least slightly sober him up. "Are you saying I'm becoming my father?" He sneered.

"I'm saying it's possible. I've dealt with bullies. I've seen them in all shapes and sizes. And back then, back when I was a skinny kid from Brooklyn, there was nothing I could do about it. But now... Now I can. And I won't stand for it understand? I won't tolerate bullies. So you better not become one."

Steve didn't wait for a response. He turned on his heels and left to go to his room.

He meant what he said. He wouldn't tolerate bullies. He'd been given the ability to stand up to them. And he would continue to do so.

~TH~

Alas, the long wait is finally over. It is complete.

I don't expect many comments but I will gladly accept them lol.

Happy Endgame year/month. You can thank it for me remembering that this fic excists (my fyp on IG is all Tony at this point ).

If you stuck around for this long, thanks lol. Check out my other fandoms if you're interested. I move most of my stuff to ao3 so... I'm there now lol.

Much love and God bless,

Jamie