The American Son
*Captain America II AKA Steven Grant Rogers III portrayed by Mike Vogel.
Chapter 1: New World Order
Metropolis
Metropolis. One of the largest and most well-known cities in the US. Mostly because it's the adopted home of Metropolis' favorite son, Superman. It wasn't just the home of Superman but the home of so many including the 3rd generation Steve Rogers. Metropolis was the home to so many corporations and companies including but not limited to AmerTek and LexCorp.
Steve Grant Rogers III picked up the torch where his father left it and joined the military to be a driving force. To be someone who could continue the legacy and help to keep America safe without the use of the superpowered beings like Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash etc. He had no problem with them. None. In fact, he actually admired the heroes but he hated the idea that the humans couldn't do anything. He hated the feeling of being obsolete. The feeling drove him to excel in the military helping him earn the rank of Captain just like his grandfather. It was more than evident that he was gonna be stuck in his grandfather's shadow. He wanted so desperately to be better. He didn't just want to be known as a second-rate version of the original Steve Rogers, instead he wanted to be the new and improved Steve Rogers to leave his own Legacy and that's something he was gonna do.
Steve woke up from his slumber in his queen size bed in his one bedroom, one bath apartment in downtown Metropolis. The 6'0, Caucasian male rose up from his bed and grunted as he began stretching to start his day off. He popped his neck and made his way to the bathroom to get a quick shower in before he started his morning off with his jog. He turned his water on and put his hands together before splashing the water on his face.
He looked up staring at his reflection, watching as the droplets dripped off his face, trailing down his chiseled jawline, to the cleft in his chin. His ocean blue eyes trailed up and down taking note of his features. He ran a hand through his short, wavy dirty blonde hair. His ocean blue orbs trailed down looking at his toned body showing the evident work he had put into the gym.
There was a knock at his door taking his attentions off his reflection making him frown as he walked out of the bathroom and to his bedroom to grab his black Berretta pistol. He turned the safety off and made his way to the door, making sure to hide his pistol behind him. The time was 5:30 in the morning, so he was a tad bit confused as to who the would be at his door. He slowly peeled his door open landing his eyes on his current girlfriend, Stephanie McKay. Stephanie had tanned skin with long, straight black hair with green eyes. She had a tall, athletic built with a curvaceous body.
"Hey stud." She said in a seductive tone as she leaned up against the doorway. She was struggling to stand and was reeking of alcohol making him sigh as he stepped to the side allowing her to walk in.
This was a frequent thing for her. She was always up at the earlier parts of the morning in bars. Ironically, that's where they met 3 months ago.
Stephanie stood up on her tip toes and gave him a kiss before stumbling over to the couch. Steve shook his head as he closed his door and turned the safety back on his pistol, setting in on the table beside the door.
"Why don't you come on out here and sit down with me?" She slurred as she patted the seat down next to her.
"Steph, I'm not gonna play this game with you. Go get in the bed. I'll have some medicine on the nightstand for you when you wake up." She exhaled as she stood up to her and walked over to him stumbling but he caught her and kept her on her feet.
"You're no fun. And I was gonna let you get some." She slurred out as he guided her to the bed. He let out a deep breath before he helped her undress and gently placed her into his bed. He pulled the covers over her body and tucked her in like the good man that he was.
"Just what I get for being the good boyfriend." He muttered walking over to his closet taking out some clothes for his morning workout.
(!)
It had been about 3 hours since Steve had left the apartment and started his workout. Today the workout was very light since it was his off day from work. His workout for the most part was just a light jog around a couple of city blocks to get the blood flowing. He wore a pair of black joggers with a white compression shirt and black trainers.
Running gave him a chance to clear his head and try to sort through the thoughts in his head. There was a lot of pressure being who he was. He was essentially looked at as a second-rate Steve Rogers but honestly there were things that Steve did that his grandfather didn't. He was the first person in American History to receive three medals of honor not to mention all the other accolades. He was the 3rd generation of Roger's men to join the military. He received an honorable discharge around April of this year after his years of service. It felt good to be home but he missed it, he missed the life.
He missed the feeling of purpose. A lot of people were asking if he ever considered putting on the shield but the answer was always no. The world didn't need Captain America. The world was fine. But if it ever did then there would have to be a conversation had to see if it worth a shot.
Steve momentarily stopped his run as he came across Jitters. Jitters was a famous coffee shop primarily in Central City but over the past few years, they've been trying to expand and luckily, Metropolis was on that list.
Steve walked into the coffee shop, panting for his breath as he did. Luckily there was no line, perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was still early in the morning.
"What can I get for you today sir?" asked an energetic young girl in a black apron with a friendly smile.
"I'm gonna do one medium Iced Chai Latte and a regular medium coffee." It seemed rather basic but a regular black coffee did the job. He wasn't into the cold foam and iced drink like all the young kids today. He was your regular basic American male; he liked his coffee basic and easy.
"Alright sir, so I have a medium Iced Chai Latte and a regular medium coffee. Total's gonna be 7.64$." Steve handed her a $10 dollar bill. Most vets use their discount everywhere they went but not Steve, it felt wrong asking the country for a favor or asking the country for a hand-out. He just wanted to do his part to make the world a better place.
"Keep the change." He told her offering her a smile as she nodded and walked away, perhaps to help with the coffee order. Almost on que, Steve's phone starting to ring making him frown as he pulled it out. He rolled his eyes seeing the name on the screen before he answered the phone.
"So, what's the problem in DC now?" Steve asked receiving a chuckle from the other person on the line making him take a deep breath.
"No, hey dad. Just straight to the point."
"Dad, I think you and I are well past that."
"I need you and your grandfather in DC."
"What for?"
"The Smithsonian Museum is opening an exhibit on Captain America and they want to officially retire the shield. The President would appreciate it if all 3 generations of the Roger's men were there."
"When?"
"Friday night."
"Alright, I'll be there. I can't promise that he will. Kiss mom for me and I'll see you later." Steve hung up the phone, letting out a deep sigh as he slid the phone back into his pocket.
"Sir. Here's your order," the same worker that took his order said as she sat two coffee cups in a carton container on the countertop. Steve walked up to the counter grabbing the cartoon container.
"Thanks," he said with a smile as he turned around on his heel and made his way back to her apartment.
(!)
Steve walked into his apartment with the drink carrier holding the coffee for himself and his girlfriend. A smile snaked its way onto his face as he saw Stephanie in the kitchen wearing on his t-shirts, seemingly covering her hourglass figure. She had her hair up in a messy bun and a now had a clean face clear of make-up.
"Hey babe." She said as she turned her head looking over her shoulder seeing him walk into the kitchen with the container, setting it down on the countertop.
"Hey," he said walking over to her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. A smile sneaked its way onto his face as he saw his girlfriend of only 3 months in the kitchen making food. Stephanie was a woman who worked as a reporter and just so happened to like having a good time. Her definition of a good time was a bottle and music that she could dance to. One thing he couldn't understand was how she would have her partying nights and get up and run off little amounts of sleep.
"How was your night?" He asked her.
"It was pretty damn good," She replied with a smile.
"I bet it was. What are you making?"
"Your breakfast, A bacon and cheese omelet."
"I wonder what I did to deserve you," He said as he placed a gentle kiss on the nape on her neck as he walked into his bedroom, "You know I need to ask you something."
"What is it?" she replied as she transitioned the finished omelet onto a glass plate for his consumption.
"I'm being forced to go to the Smithsonian on Friday Night for an exhibit in honor of Captain America. The President wants all 3 Generations of the Rogers men to be in attendance. It's a goddamn photo op and I have to go. So would you do me the honor of accompanying me to this damn thing?" He said as he walked out of his bedroom now standing shirtless.
"I will go, if you can convince me to go," she said in a sultry tone as she walked over to him and placed a hand on his chest.
"Well, ma'am, I think I might be able to do that." He said with a smile on his face before she pushed him inside the room making him chuckle as she closed the door behind them and pounced at her prey.
(!)
Steve stepped out of the bathroom as he ran a towel through his short wavy hair. He wore a pretty basic outfit: dark blue jeans, brown boots, blue V-neck that seemed to hug his biceps. He looked at his girlfriend with a smile before he walked out of his bedroom grabbing his brown leather jacket off the couch. He picked up his set of keys off the kitchen island and walked out of the front door making sure to lock it on the way out.
Today was Steve's day off from his job. What was his job? Well, that was actually classified but it was something military-related. Something that would allow him to use his specialized skills to help protect the country he loved and protect the innocent. But Steve had planned to relax a bit before he had to go back to work and be the captain he was known to be once more.
Steve walked towards elevator and pressed the down button on his elevator waiting for the elevator doors to open. As he stood there, a blonde woman in pink nurse scrubs walked over to him standing next to him.
"Morning," Steve said turning his head, looking at the nurse standing next to him. In today's society, it was looked at as odd for complete strangers to greet, speak to each other or even help each other. There was a time when you were expected to help your fellow neighbor or help your fellow man in need but now, people had gotten so selfish that the idea of talking to someone or helping someone you didn't know was looked down upon.
"Morning, Mr. Rogers." The nurse responded making Steve chuckle as he looked down at the ground.
"No one's called me that in a while." He smiled flashing his naturally straightened pearly whites.
"Well, I guess respect is a lost thing nowadays."
"Unfortunately, so, my Grandma Peggy would kill me and so would Grandpa Steve."
"I gotta ask, how does it feel to be the grandson of the famous Captain America." He chuckled once more. It was something he got asked constantly and honestly it was a lot to live up to. No matter what he would do he would always be compared to his grandfather which wasn't really a bad thing, it was more of a source of motivation for him. Being related to the great Captain America gave him something to work harder for. He had broken records his grandfather held and had gotten multiple awards and ribbons in only 12 years of service.
"You'd think I know after getting asked that question all the time. Truth is, I don't really have an answer. I guess motivating if I had to give one. I want to be as good as he is but truth be told that's impossible when you're in the shadow of the greatest American solider in history."
"Thoughtful answer. Well, I'll see you around." The blonde nurse said smiling before she walked out of the open elevator's doors into the lobby of the apartment building. Steve exhaled and pulled out a pair of shades and putting them over his eyes before he walked out of the elevator into the lobby. He greeted the receptionist at the front desk with a smile and a nod. He walked out to his black Harley Davidson Street Bob motorcycle parked out front.
"That's a nice bike you got there, young man." Steve heard an aged man with silver hair and a silver mustache with a pair of sunglasses say as he was walking along the sidewalk.
"Thank you, sir." Steve said getting on his bike and turning on the ignition making the pipes roar before he took off down the streets of Metropolis.
(!)
Steve parked his bike right outside of the two-story townhouse in Mount Royal in Queensland Park, Metropolis. This was the home he spent most of his free time at when he could. Oddly enough being with Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Steve was better than being with his father Steve Jr and his mother Sharon. Steve Jr was so focused on being a successful politician attempting to get his way up to Presidency. Currently he was the Secretary of Defense for the President and his mother, well, Sharon Ross-Rogers was focused on trying to do a good job as the director of the CIA. They weren't focused on being the parents they should've been but focused on their careers.
Steve smiled as he walked up to the front door of the town home. He knocked on the door waiting for someone to open it patiently as he tapped his foot on the ground. After a few seconds, a red-headed nurse came to door.
"Hey Steve."
"Hey Alice, how's she doing today?"
"Good, although she's seen better days. You wanna see her?"
"No, not today. I don't want to start her up today." It pained Steve to see his grandmother in her condition. Her Alzheimer's was a strong case. At times, she forgot who her own husband was or worse, forgot who her grandson was.
"Is the old man up?"
"Yeah, he's in the garage working."
"Let me guess. The Harley?"
"You know it. You wanna see him?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind." He said as he stepped inside the house. He smiled as he walked through the house that acted as his family home growing up in his lifetime. He walked on his way to the garage but stopped momentarily seeing a picture of all of the Rogers' men together smiling. He looked at it proudly before placing it back down on the table he picked it up from. He soon walked into the garage to see his grandfather working on his motorcycle.
"Still working?"
"Yep, I got nothing better to do so why not."
"You let me take a look at it and it might be fixed."
"Truth be told, nothing's wrong with it. I take it apart and put it back together just so I have something to do."
"Fair," Steve III replied as he took a seat on a stool inside the garage.
"So what is my favorite grandson doing here?"
"I'm your only grandson, grandpa."
"That may be true but I just like saying it. What bring you by?"
"The Smithsonian is doing an exhibit and they would like for us to be there."
"Another photo op?"
"Pretty much."
"I'll go but only because you asked me," Steve I said making his grandson chuckle as he looked down at the ground. That smile soon faded away and turned into a frown as he looked on as if he was bothered by something. Steve I looked at his younger descendant with a frown and spoke up getting his attention.
"Something wrong?"
"I need your advice. But first I wanna ask you something," Steve III said as he looked up at his grandfather.
"Shoot." His grandfather replied.
"How'd you feel after you gave up the shield?"
"Honest answer?" Steve III simply nodded as a response to his grandfather's question making his grandfather sigh before he answered.
"At first, I was relieved. Being Captain America is a huge, huge weight to bear and if you're not the right man for the job it'll definitely show. But after the relief came the confusion. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I felt like I lost a piece of myself but I'm glad I had your grandmother Peg. She helped me realize who I was. Who I wanted to be."
"I'm going through that right now. When I was in the service, I had a purpose. I had a mission I had to fight for every day. I had a goal. I had motive. I left the service and all of that went away. I don't know who I am anymore. And I wonder if the job I'm doing right now is making a difference because I just don't feel it. It doesn't feel the same.
"I understand. Trust me everything you do has an impact whether it be big or small. Everything you do matters. Whether it be to one person or it be to millions, it has an impact. It matters," He smiled as he heard what his grandfather said making him glance down at the ground below him.
"Thanks, grandpa."
'Always. Now I don't know about you but I'm kinda hungry. So why don't we go inside, sit down, have a couple of hot dogs and beers, and maybe a slice or two of apple pie?"
"You had me at beer," Steve smiled looking at his grandpa as they both stood up and made their way inside.
A/N: Alright so check me out, I appreciate everyone who has showed support to this story so far. And thanks for bearing with me waiting for me to release this chapter. I got to say next chapter may not have so much action but more so plot kinda like this one was about introducing the main character.
Until Next Time!