It makes sense logically, but the reality is harder to accept.

Everything is so tiny.

Steve looks at the bed he slept in for about 11 years of his life and wonders how he ever survived if he'd been that small.

It's decorated differently now, the comforter a deep purple with silver designs. It doesn't belong to him anymore and he wouldn't fit there anyways.

The chest of his belongings is also strange to stomach. The clothes looking like doll clothes to him now. The cane resting at the bottom. The pill organizers still stacked and filled as if he might still need them. His box from his home and the sketchbook of pictures. A pair of hearing aids and glasses. All kept in memoriam to the frail person he'd been before.

"If you don't want them—" he turns to see Sam watching him, "I want them."

Steve bites at his cheek, nose and eyes burning as he tried to keep the emotion down, "I can't believe you dealt with me through all this."

Sam walks over and hauls him up, hugging him tightly, even though Steve dwarfs him now. But the size difference doesn't change the way the comfort feels. This is his dad.

"Oh buddy," Sam says firmly, holding him tight, "you were never a burden."

Steve closes his eyes and just holds his dad tightly back.

—-

Natasha sits on the couch, Bucky at her feet. Tony is coming later with Howard and Clint's with Melissa and Laura until dinner.

Rebecca was going to come straight here after school with Yelena and Wanda, Peter too. It was going to be a huge surprise for all of them.

"You're thinking."

Natasha arches a brow, "I'm always thinking."

"True. But right now you're contemplating."

He can always see right through her.

"Are you going to be done too?"

Bucky grins, "yep. Worked it with Castle. Like Steve we can go if needed."

"MIT?"

"Howard was already making calls before I could ask him."

Natasha frowns, "so now I'm the only one not here…"

Bucky reaches up, head tipped back into her lap and a soft expression on his face, "you're doing what you need to do. Chasing your dream. Don't worry about us. We will always be here waiting for you."

"But you'll come visit me all the time?"

Bucky nods, "every break I can. I'm going to get a job too. Can't always be getting handouts from the Starks."

She laughs at his joke and is about to say something else when they hear the front door open.

"Sam!" Peter calls, "we're home!"

They bolt to their feet, they're early.

She can hear footsteps above them and turns to Bucky, "ready for a reunion?"

He's grinning as they head towards the door.

—-

He and Natasha make it just in time to see Steve on the top steps and Oeter catch sight of him from the front hallway.

"Steve?" His voice, still high but deeper than before cracks, "STEVE—"

"Hey Pete—"

The kid is up the steps and into Steve's arms before Bucky can blink and Steve doesn't hesitate, wrapping his arms around the wiry frame of the growing kid and holding him tight.

Sam joins the hug and Natasha turns to the door, "Yelena!"

Bucky senses more that sees the brunette hair that flashes towards him.

He grins, hugging her back, "hey Becca."

She's crying against his shoulder and he'd be lying if he said his own eyes were dry.

—-

Clint's not sure what wakes him, as the room is silent except for the soft breathing, but his nerves fire and he sits up, looking around in the darkness. They'd had plans to go their separate ways for the evening but then the kids had begged and begged Steve and the others to stay the night and so now they were piled into the living room and even spilling out into the foyer and entryway.

But the main event is missing. The large gap where Steve was is now empty.

He waits, thinking maybe he went to the bathroom, but when he doesn't return in the next ten minutes, Clint reaches up on to the couch, gently nudging Peggy awake.

"Hmm?"

"Carter, where did Steve go?"

She yawns, not opening her eyes, "he went to think he said. He said he'd be back before too long."

To think.

"Oh okay, thanks." He stands and then feels a hand, looking down to see Peggy squinting one tired eye open at him.

"Should I be concerned?"

He shakes his head and whispers, "no, I know where he is."

—-

The cold air is refreshing instead of bone chilling like it used to be.

The city lights at night make him feel a deep sense of nostalgia for who he once was and who he could have been. But… he's also grateful for what he is now.

The telltale creaking makes him grin.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"How'd you find me?"

"Asked Carter."

"Ah," Steve responds. After his time MIA, he knew he didn't want anyone feeling like he'd disappeared. So he'd woken her softly, told her his plan, kissed on the cheek, and then left her to sleep.

"So…" Clint settles beside him. Way less room than there used to be on the unfishies stone bell tower.

"I'm thinking… that I have. O idea what the hell im going to do now."

Clint laughs, the sound ringing through the night and back to them. "You're 19. That's normal."

"Yeah but… I always…" man how did he word this without sounding melancholy, "I always knew I wasn't going to have much time. Even before the diagnosis. Something in my gut didn't let me plan too long. And now…"

"And now you've got your whole life."

"Yeah."

"The city has you in the past doesn't it?"

Steve huffs a laugh. "I took one look at that house and the bed and my clothes and suddenly the last year of missions feels like it never existed. Like I grew from broken frail Steve to this overnight."

"But you didn't," Clint corrects. "You became this new version of you through hunger and training. You earned it. Now you get to do what you want."

"What do I want?"

"You're asking me?"

"Everything I want seems so ridiculous."

"Like?"

"Like going to art school."

"Why is that ridiculous?"

"Because it's… I don't know it seems frivolous compared to what we were doing out there."

Clint reaches out, resting a hand on Steve's shoulder to get his attention.

"Steve. That's why we fight. That's why we did what we did. So that way people can live in safety enough to create. Life's purpose is not to fight wars. It's to end wars. To be at peace. To get to go home and live. Create. You fighting through horrible missions and coming out wanting to create beautiful things is the entire point."

"But I could be out there saving lives."

Clint shakes his head, "and there's a million fires to put out and a million cats up in trees, and people in car accidents and I think Yelena had a paper cut so that's your fault to that you didn't prevent that, so better go give her a bandaid and then—"

"Enough," Steve sighs. "Enough."

"You're not responsible for world, Steve. You said the conviction was gone. Don't second guess your gut."

"But I should be able to do something."

"Well, don't rush it. When the right answer comes to you, you'll know."

"Maybe—" Steve thinks, an idea ruminating in his mind, "maybe I know a way to make things better."

"Oh yeah?" Clint asks, "pray tell."

"It's what they always say," Steve grins, "it's not what you know, it's who you know."

—-

"A meeting?"

"That's what Steve said. He wants to meet with me."

"About what?"

His dad laughs, "I don't know, I assume I'll find out at the meeting."

"There he is—" they both turn to see Obadiah walk through his dad's large office doors, "you're finally back home."

The guy raps him on the shoulder and Tony grins easily, "finally home. Bet you're really glad now you didn't go on that trip."

His dad sighs but Obsdiah just shakes his head mournfully, "awful. Just awful what happened. You're dad was worried sick, but I knew you'd pull through. 'He's a tough one' isn't that what I told you Howard? A Stark through and through."

"Well, thanks," Tony shrugs.

"I'll see you next Tuesday for the conference with the Generals?"

His dad nods, "yeah. I'll be there."

Obadiah leaves with a short wave and the click of a door.

"Tony, you can't joke about that. Obadiah was beside himself when you were taken."

Tony rolls his eyes, "he's a big boy, he can handle it." His chest aches and he winces.

"What's wrong?"

"I have a metal device implanted in my chest, dad. it's going to ache from time to time."

"We're going to get the shrapnel out," his dad promises, "you hear me? And then get that device out of your chest."

"Alright," Tony concedes, "but can I keep it when we're done? Pepper says it's proof I have a heart."

His dad laughs as they head out of his office doors.

—

Chapter 59

"I don't like this one as much as the last one."

Steve raises an eyebrow, "and why is that?"

"The last one had charm," Peter says firmly, "it had an artistic aesthetic that really fit you. This one's boring industrial."

Steve laughs, "artistic aesthetic huh?"

"Yeah."

It had been a very nice apartment. Even had an elevator to get to the floor which was a huge bonus. It did have some charming elements like antique brass door jobs and some crown molding that needed a little bit of love. It it was the bold tile in the two bathrooms and kitchen that had really made it feel like he could make it a home.

And it didn't hurt that the deep fig color matched one of his favorite lipsticks that Peggy wore.

"Plus," Peter said, attempting nonchalance, "that one was bigger. Had more space."

Steve nods thoughtfully, knowing what the young teen is poking at, "that's true. That would be nice for when all the kids come to stay over."

Peter's shoulders sag in relief briefly before he'd nodding enthusiastically and pulling Steve back through the door, "okay then it's a done deal, you'll do the other one!"

Steve laughs as they walk back towards the stairs.

—

"So?"

"So what?"

"Are you happy?"

Peggy gives him a withering glare that doesn't last for long and morphs into a dazed grin. "Decadently."

"He sent in the last application?"

"He did," Peggy confirms, "hopefully we hear soon."

"

Bucky nods, his own laptop perched on his lap and he fills out some forms MiT sent him to fill out for his return.

"And you?" She questions.

He laughs, "deliriously."

"And Natasha?"

"Pouting about being in Russia. But she said after she gets another year or so under her belt she'll apply to the New York ballet and they'd be idiots not take her."

Peggy nods thoughtfully and then eyes him, "have you had that conversation Tony and Clint were hinting at yet?"

Bucky wrinkles his nose, "there's no point. Steve's smart. He's figured it out."

"Oh?" She asks mockingly, "he has? Silly me I guess that was the whole point of the conversation. Whether he knew or not. Not his everlasting guilt at having had to make such a drastic and life changing decision after you were basically dead. Pardon me."

Bucky glares at her and she glares back.

"What's to talk about? He saved my life. I'm better off."

"And does he know you feel that way?"

"It's not like I seem unhappy."

"You're impossible," she sighs, eyeing the door they expect Steve and Peter to walk through any time now. "He's your best friend and he made a choice that changed your life without your permission. For better or worse, he feels guilt."

Bucky studies her serious expression, "he told you this?"

"Not in as many words," she responds cryptically. "But Steve is Steve. He's not difficult to figure out."

"I'll talk to him," Bucky relents. "Okay?"

She grins, "good."

—

"I wish you wouldn't," Howard sighs, looking at the room, "you don't need another place."

Clint laughs, that feeling of warmth not having left his chest since he told Maria and Howard he was going to get his own place and they'd vehemently opposed.

"What do you need a new place for?" Howard groused, "my homes not enough for you?"

Clint shook his head, resting a hand on Howard's shoulder, "I can't mooch off you forever. I've got good money now from the last year, and I don't want to overstay my welcome." Howard looks ready to protest, again, but Clint chuckles, "I'm just teasing you. You know a kid can't live with their parents forever. I'll get my own place and I'll come over to steal food and swim in the pool often enough to annoy you. How about that."

Howard's expression at being called his 'parent' makes his throat get tight. Howard valiantly nods. Swallowing clear emotion and clearing his throat.

"Alright fine. But with everyone back in the city I'm installing mandatory weekly dinners. Sam's already agreed to Wednesday nights. So clear your oh-so-busy schedule."

Clint grins, "yes sir."

—-

Natasha stares at all of them, with a longing expression, as she stands right outside security, a group of almost 30 there to see her off.

Yelena is holding her hand and Wanda is resting a head on her shoulder.

Somehow leaving now, when all of them are staying is worse than when they first all went their separate ways.

"We've already scheduled a visit," Bucky says calmly, kissing her cheek and then forehead, squeezing her free hand.

"I know," she whispers back.

Everyone gets in a last minute hug and then she really has to go. The line for security is growing longer and she can't miss this flight.

Steve and Bucky walk her to the line and Steve looks at her seriously, "anytime, we've got a flight from Howard on standby."

She gives a weak smile, "I know."

Steve hugs her tightly, and then walks back towards the group. Clint appears and shoves something into her bag, "for the flight. From me and Tony."

He hugs her again and then Bucky is kissing her and hugging her. And she doesn't cry, but she wants to as she joins the line and everyone she loves waves at her one last time.

—-

Tony taps his fingers on the arm of the chair while Steve sits quietly beside him. A single slip of paper folded nearly three times in his hands.

"No hints?"

Steve just raises an eyebrow and says nothing.

Tony starts to joke, "It's a list of grievances—" but his thoughts go darker, "since I couldn't rescue you and you got tortured…"

Steve's head swings towards him, a look of disbelief on his face, "Tony, what?" He reaches over, resting a hand on Tony's forearm, "I would never ever regret letting you go free. All I felt when you flew away was relief. I—"

The door cracks open, and Tony hears his dad's voice, "I guess I don't mind but it is annoying."

Tony hears Obadiah's laugh and then he responds, "hey maybe if they keep ignoring us, they won't get first pick next time, how bout that?"

Something catches Tony's eye and he turns to see Steve stiffening, eyes wide and gaze unfocused.

He stands and looks back at the door, which causes Tony to do the same.

Then Steve is gone, a blink and you'd miss it motion. And before he can react he hears a "hey! What the hell!?"l

"Steve! What are you doing!? Let him go!"

Tony jerks his head to see Steve holding Obadiah's neck tightly, the older man grasping and looking enraged but also fearful.

He finally manages to gather his wits and leap over as his dad who is pulling on Steve's arm.

"Hey!" He shouts, adding into the mix of chaos, they've stumbled backwards out of the office, Steve having Obadiah almost parallel to the ground, "Steve what the hell!"

"I thought it was—" his voice gets rough, eyes closed like he's picturing something, "maybe the drugs they'd had me under, I didn't know, wasn't sure. In fact, it hadn't crossed my mind until I heard his voice."

"Who's voice?" His dad is asking, still trying to get Steve to let go.

"This guy hired Raza to kill Tony."

The words make everyone fall silent. The temperature of the room drops 20 degrees.

Color leeches from everything and his vision I gray.

Howard Stark, a naturally verbose man, is stunned speechless.

But Tony's focus shifts to only one man, Obadiah Stane.

Whose face registers shock, then fear, then false confusion, "what?" He rasps out, "what the hell are you talking about?"

"I heard you—" Steve insists. "I heard you complaining to Raza that Tony had escaped. And he was mad because he accused you of paying trinkets to kill a prince!"

The complete confidence in Steve's voice leaves no room for questioning. But it's still hard to grasp.

"Steve," Howard says softly, "are you sure?"

"You gave me these abilities!" Steve snaps, eyes still on Obadiah, "you know my memory, my recall is perfect. I was heavily drugged, yes, but the memory is real. There's nothing fake about it."

"He's lying!" Obadiah stutters out, "this maniac is insane! Let me go!"

"This maniac—" his dad says, "is my son." He turns to Steve, "let him up." Steve lifts Obadiah back into a normal standing position but doesn't let him go. "Explain the situation."

Steve's voice shifts, almost like he's mimicking what he's remembering."

"-were supposed to kill Stark! And suddenly he's being found and flown home!"

"My priorities shifted." Steve's voice takes on an accent that Tony recognizes as Raza's

"I paid you! I paid you to kill Tony Stark and you failed! If you do not give me back my money, I'll blow this place sky high!"

"You are a fool. You paid me trinkets to kill a prince."

Steve's eyes open and he's glaring at Stane. "Not only did I hear your conversation. I saw you partially. I know it was you."

And Tony looks at Obadiah who looks like a man caught in a trap. Hands still clutched around Steve's around his neck.

"Obi—" his dad's voice is shocked and distressed, "tell me it's not true."

"Of course it's not true!" The man blusters. "He said it himself he was drugged out of his mind!"

But there's something sickening in his gut. Steve looks fierce, determined, unwavered. Obadiah is fidgeting, defensive.

"Tony," his dad says calmly, "how quickly do you think you can make it through Obadiah's private server's firewalls to find any payments."

"Now wait just a minute—"

"Seven minutes," he responds firmly, "no problem."

"Oh come on!" Obadiah huffs, "there's nothing there! Even if I did do what he's accusing me of, you think I wouldn't erase it? Cover my tracks?"

Steve turns to him and raises an eyebrow, "sure he did. But did Raza?" Tony's eyes widen as Steve turns to Obadiah, "I may have been drugged, but I didn't imagine you."

His dad is still in disbelief, he can see it, "you tried to have my son killed? You've known him since he was an infant! We've shared parties and presents and hard time and—" he stabs a finger at the man who was looking more like a cat trapped in a cage, "you have a son! Imagine if someone paid for him to be tortured and killed you bastard!"

Tony lets out a gasp, getting everyone's attention, "Ezekiel."

Steve's brow furrows, "who?"

"Ezekiel Stane," Tony says in a shocked voice, "holy shit this is because I embarrassed your son? You were going to have me killed because of that?!"

Steve and his dad are looking at him in confusion but the rage— there. Clear in Obadiah's eyes.

"Your son is a bully and I showed him what for and you were going to have me killed for it? Steve you remember Ezekiel?" He turns back to Obadiah, "he came crying home to daddy?"

All false confusion evaporates, "you're a prick, Tony. An entitled little brat who's always gotten what he wanted. You embarrassed and humiliated him! He switched schools and you never even cared! You grew up together!"

"I grew up," Tony snaps, "Ezekiel only grew an ego."

"Why you little—!"

"Hey!" Steve growls out, readjusting his grip. Enough to hold, not to suffocate. "Don't even think about it."

He hadn't noticed his dad move to his desk, "call security. Send multiple."

"Howard—"

"Don't!" His dad bellows, "because of you! Because of you my son almost died! And you did it to soothe your son's ego? Get the hell out of my office. Expect to hear from Stark Industries' lawyers of which you are no longer employed. Criminal charges will follow."

"You've got no proof—"

"I am Howard fucking Stark!" Both he and Steve are wide eyed, as his father glares at Stane from across the room, "I need only time. I will have every ounce of proof I need to put you behind bars where you belong. And now that I know you're capable of this shit, how much further do I need to dig up? What other skeletons in your closet am I going to find, Obadiah?"

"Mr. Stark?" A security guard appears, two more behind him.

"Take Mr. Stane with you and call the authorities. Have him arrested and informed that charges and proof will follow."

"You can't do this!" Obadiah snarls, "you're both spoiled bastards you know that! I've given everything for this company!"

Steve releases his neck, the security guards taking over.

"And now you'll go to jail for it." His dad says blandly, "goodbye Obadiah."

Tony watches in disbelief as a man he's known his whole life, a man who tried to have him killed, glares at the three of them and is led away.

"What the fuck," he breathes out.

"Anthony," his dad sighs.

"Oh what! You just said it!"

His dad sinks down into his big chair and stars off into the distance.

"Sorry…" Tony looks up to see Steve looking apologetic. "I didn't mean to attack him, I just heard his voice and—" he grimaces, "sorry."

"Steve," his dad sighs, "I mean this with love. Shut the hell up."

Steve winces and then laughs, "you got it."

Tony feels strangely giddy. "Well now we know why I'm alive. None of Obadiah's plans or ideas are ever worth shit."

"Tony," his dad grumbles, "can we not joke around? A man I've known since college tried to have you killed and I just found out about it."

"You said 'remember Ezekial'," Steve turns to him, "I knew him?"

"Yeah, remember that asshat at the MIT party? The one who tried to throw you out?"

Steve thinks and then widens his eyes, "that's his kid?"

"Yeah, a real jackass."

Steve furrows his brow and shakes his head slowly, "but… I mean I won't say you were nice. But you didn't humiliate him. At least.. not that I remember."

"I didn't…" Tony grins, "then."

His dad sighs, "what did you do Tony?"

"Other than prove he was cheating in three different courses and hack his phone to post his camera roll on the public MIT Social media app? Nothing."

"Oh Tony…." his dad had his head in his hands.

"What!" He shrieks, "that jackass had Steve's collar in his grasp and was going to kick him out! He deserved it! And he was cheating!"

"And the pictures?"

Tony shrugs, "his ego needed a dousing of ice water to deflate."

Steve looks at him unhappily, "you did that for me?"

"I did what I did because Ezekial Stane is a dipshit and a tool. Sure him manhandling you was the catalyst but it had been a long time coming. He used to be a jerk to me too. Calling me a nerd and making fun of me because I was way advanced than him in everything."

"Ah geez," his dad seems to be unable to keep from sighing. "Guys, I know we had a meeting planned but I gotta make some calls okay? Can we reschedule?"

Steve reaches down, grabbing the paper from where it fell, "this was all I wanted to request." He slips the paper onto his dad's desk. "Whenever you get the chance."

His dad taps it and nods, "as soon as possible, I promise."

Steve nods, then turns to him, "you coming or staying here?"

His chest aches from all the excitement and he yawns, "how about some sandwiches?"

Steve grins, "I'll call Clint and Bucky and we'll go to Ricky's."

Tony nods, "sounds like a plan."

—-

"Ezekiel Stane?" Bucky gasps, "no way…"

"I'm chill with him getting humiliated," Clint shrugs. Now like son, like father."

Bucky's eyes trail to the phone where a news alert had popped up a bit ago.

Obadiah Stane arrested on multiple charges- details still unfolding

It had only been about two hours since Tony had called him crowing about what had happened. And already Obadiah was behind bars, charges being written up and lawyers being activated.

Money moves like nothing else.

"I always wondered why he switched to another college," Bucky muses, "I didn't know you were the one who posted his camera roll."

Tony shrugs, finishing off a slice of pickle and wiping his hands, "hey. I'm multi-talented."

"What you are," Steve corrects, "is an instigator."

Tony rolls his eyes and the rest of them chuckle.

"So a no go on the meeting then?" Clint asks Steve.

"I gave him my requests."

"Still no clue what they are," Tony pipes in.

"Things that I think are reasonable and doable," Steve clarifies. "Things I think should be done."

"Well it's up to pops," Tony sighs, leaning back against the vinyl seat and putting his hands behind his head, "we're back to being college boys, right Barnes?"

Bucky nods slowly, "hard to grasp it but yeah… I guess we are." He turns to Clint, "and what about you?"

"Coulson gave me my old job back with some perks," he smiles. All of them had grown rather fond of coulson back when Clint was first working there. "The hunt for an apartment imis going well, despite your dad's best efforts." Tony grins. "And Laura and I—" he pauses and smiles the most mischievous smile, "are engaged."

Bucky feels his jaw drop which matches both Steve and Tony's.

It's silent before Steve gets out a flustered, "w-what?!"

Clint nods, "asked her last night. Had my mom's ring resized and everything."

Bucky is flabbergasted, "why didn't you tell us?"

"It's been on my mind since we lost both Steve and Tony." The mood shifts to solemn. "Life is so… fragile. You never know what's going to happen next." Clint's eyes flick up to Steve, and then back down, "we've already lost you almost twice. And I know the circumstances are different now but—" his shoulders move up and down, belying the emotion in his voice, "I just don't want to wait for something else to happen. I have a job, and I'm going back to school. She's going through school and will have a job when she's done. I'm looking for a place, she's ready to be out of her parents apartment." He smiles, looking genuinely pleased, "it just makes sense."

Tony looks at them and they shrugs and makes a waving gesture, "when's the date?"

"Whenever we can get Natasha back from Russia."

"Oh man," Bucky huffs, "she's going to be pissed she missed this."

Clint rolls his eyes, "no, she's fine. She already knows. Hell you think I'd risk her wrath by telling you guys first? Yeah right."

—

"You think I can… borrow Steve for a sec?"

Steve looks up to see Bucky looking half nervous half antsy.

Peggy, who was sitting between his legs on the step below him, nods sagely and kisses his cheek before going inside.

Bucky sits in the step beside him and is quiet for a long time.

He doesn't push. He has an idea of what this conversation is about anyways.

"So."

"So."

"I told Clint you probably already knew."

Steve stays quiet.

"But he insisted."

"Insisted?"

"That I address the elephant in the room."

"Which is?"

"That your blood transfusion changed me."

Steve winces involuntarily. "I—"

"Shut up, Steve." Bucky cuts him off.

That seems to be a trend these days. People telling him to shut up. Was he really that much of a chatterbox? He internally grins at his own joke.

"Yes, sir." Steve teases.

"I don't mind. I don't care. I'm happy you did it. I'd rather be alive than dead. I only see the benefits other than my overwhelming temper which yours faded so I'm hopeful. Natasha is grateful. So are my parents although I wasn't too bountiful with the details. I don't want an apology and I think you did the right thing. But hey, I'm biased."

A weight lifts off his shoulders and he takes a deep breath and releases it.

"Okay. Good."

Bucky grins and then raises an eyebrow, "can you tell Clint I told you? He's been like a monkey on my back about it."

"I'll tell him."

"Steve!" They turn to see Peter and Wanda and Pierre walking towards them from inside the house, Peggy looking innocent behind them.

"What is it, Peter?"

"Peggy says you'd take us to the market to get popsicles!"

He eyes her and she's holding back a smile. "Oh she did did she? And did she check with Sam to make sure you wouldn't ruin your dinner?"

"I'm not a kid anymore. I can eat almost as much as you!"

Bucky snorts and Steve grins, "oh is that so?" He stands, tapping Peter's nose, "well we will just have to see about that."

The three and Bucky bound down the front steps and he holds out a hand to Peggy who takes it, still holding an 'I'm-so-innocent expression.'

"You just want that coffee cone with the Oreo crumbs."

Her expression shifts, "of course I do! It's fantastic. And they don't sell it in the bodegas near my school." He chuckles and they intertwine hands, walking towards the market as the four walk ahead. "And just to be clear," she adds looking sagely at him, "Sam would like a cherry Pepsi freeze and a bag of Doritos."

Steve laughs and nods his head, "I think we can manage that."

—-