Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Wanda hadn't been able to fight it. One moment, she'd been in her bedroom, dressing for a day with her father and brother. The next, she'd begun feeling dizzy...sick...and her reflection had stopped copying her movements.

Thanks to Clint, Wanda had much better control over her powers. But this was something she'd never experienced before. And before she could cry out for help, before she could react, she was crushed...submerged beneath a will more powerful than her own.

The woman now in control of Wanda's body took no time at all to look around...to wonder about where she was, or who might be around. With single-minded purpose, she walked out of the bedroom and began walking along the corridor, ruthlessly rifling through her counterpart's memories to find the exit.

"Wanda? We're supposed to be meeting Pop in the parking garage."

She froze at the familiar voice behind her. A voice she'd never expected to hear again. Slowly, she turned...stared into her twin brother's eyes. "Pietro." This wasn't the fake brother Agatha Harkness had attempted to trick her with. This was Pietro...entirely whole.

"Yeah." Pietro narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Wanda, what's wrong...?" His voice cut off as his sister stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, nearly desperate hug. Eyes widening, he slowly raised his own arms to wrap around her in return. "What happened?" His worry was intense. This wasn't normal behavior.

"Master Pietro, Mistress Wanda." Friday's dulcet tones carried through the hall. "Your father has asked that I inform you he is in the garage and not to forget a jacket, because it is chilly outside."

At the words, she pulled back slowly from her brother, looking into his eyes. Seeing him again reminded her of the loss of her family...of Vision and of her sons. It reminded her of the goal, of the sole reason for her coming to this dimension.

Billy and Tommy were her priority.

"I am glad you live here," Wanda whispered, before turning her back on her brother and beginning to walk away.

Pietro frowned in confusion and then his eyes widened as sudden realization hit. "Wanda." He began to chase after her.

"Stay back, Pietro." She turned to face him, her face pale but determined. "I don't want to hurt you, but if you stand between me and my boys, I will stop you."

Pietro was impulsive, but he wasn't a fool. He slowly raised his hands and backed away from the woman who wore his sister's face and body...but was clearly another dimension's version of Wanda. He knew firsthand how powerful she was; and if she had no ties to the family holding her back, he knew she could hurt a lot of people. "What do you need?" he asked her. "We can help you."

For a moment, for the briefest moment, she wavered. In her dimension, she was utterly alone. Only the thought of her sons drove her forward. They were all that she cared about. This wasn't her home...and these weren't her people. "No one can help me," she said, before striding purposefully away.

Pietro watched her disappear from view. "Please stay with her, Friday," he requested of the AI, before dashing at super speed to the parking garage and to his father. "Papa...it's not our Wanda," he gasped out.

It said something about the chaos that surrounded their family and everything they'd gone through that Clint took Pietro's words in stride. It said something more that it only took a few seconds for him to guess at what Pietro meant. 

"Friday? Any strange dimensional fluctuations we should be aware of?" he immediately asked.

"Yes, Master Clint," the AI responded. "But it wasn't focused here. The fluctuation came from the center of the city, which is where Mistress Wanda is headed."

Pietro frowned. "So, Wanda didn't actually swap places like Grant? Then what happened?" He stepped nearer to his father, clearly worried and scared for his sister's safety.

"Wanda left the building? Can you tell where in the center of the city? How fast she is moving? And can you have everyone meet in the war-room?" Clint asked as he quickly took Pietro's arm and began heading to where he could inform everyone what was happening.

Friday quickly informed Clint of exactly where the fluctuation had taken place and then added, "She is flying towards the area, so it won't be long before she reaches the place where the fluctuation took place. The other family members are gathering in the war-room."

"I could run after her," Pietro said. "She might let me talk to her. I told her that we could help her, but she wouldn't tell me what she wanted. Only said she wouldn't let me stand between her and her boys." He was talking fast, wanting his father to have all of the necessary information.

"I don't want you going after her until we have more information. That isn't something you'd say to someone you weren't prepared to hurt if they got in the way..." Clint said firmly. By this point, they were almost to the war-room themselves.

"Okay, Papa," Pietro said quietly, not arguing...but still clearly worried and on edge.

"What's going on?" Logan asked curiously, as Clint and Pietro entered.

Pietro glanced at his father before answering hesitantly. "I'm fairly sure Wanda...maybe she didn't swap places with another version of herself, because Friday indicated that there hadn't been a dimension fluctuation here, but it wasn't her."

Coulson looked worriedly at his son and grandson, remembering their experiences with Grant switching places with his counterpart. "I assume she left? Did she say anything that might have given a clue about what she's doing here?"

"She must have known that she wasn't in her dimension," Pietro said. "She hugged me and told me she was happy I was alive here." Shifting uncertainly, he added, "But she told me she wouldn't let me get between her and her boys."

May blinked. "Her boys? If she is a mother in another dimension, maybe her children somehow got sent over to our dimension?"

"That wouldn't explain the lack of dimensional residue that would indicate she switched places with our Wanda..." Stephen said in concern.

"Maybe she didn't switch places with our Wanda." Mordo spoke in a serious, almost grim tone.

Wong immediately darted a look towards his brother. "Dream-walking?"

Mordo nodded. Then, with a glance around at the other family members, he proceeded to explain. "One of our duties as sorcerors is to protect a book known as the Darkhold. It corrupts the reader, turning them into little better than a tool. One spell contained within its pages allows someone from one dimension to possess their counterpart in another. It cannot last for long, but someone with the kind of power that Wanda can wield, and without someone to hold her back, could cause an untold amount of damage even in such a short time."

"We know what caused the fluctuations between dimensions before," Hank Pym said, looking towards Peggy as he remembered the zombie dimension. Focusing on the rest of the family, he said, "I would suggest we make use of the communication device to reach out to the other dimension we made contact with. Perhaps they can give us some more information."

"A tool? This Darkhold... controls people?" Kara asked nervously.

"We've never seen this Darkhold. Are you saying another dimension's Wanda got taken over by it and is using her to jump dimensions?" Pepper asked in confusion.

"You wouldn't have seen it," Wong said. "It's kept closely hidden, protected in the sanctum. At least, it has been here, in our dimension."

"It's not control as such, but it corrupts the user's soul," Mordo said. "It would be better were it to be destroyed, but whoever took that action would lose their own life." He looked very grim as he said, "Our Wanda will have been submerged under the will of her counterpart."

"But she still exists, somewhere within her own mind?" Charles asked. "If so, it might be possible to reach her."

Steve turned towards Skye and the others who were more technologically minded. "Are there any cameras at those coordinates where the fluctuation occurred?"

Skye had already got her laptop out. "Already on it, Uncle Steve. Getting a feed...now...." And then her voice faltered, and she looked up, staring specifically at Stephen. "I thought it wasn't possible for two of the same person to exist in one dimension."

"Wait, wait, wait... if our Wanda didn't have access to or read the Darkhold, it wouldn't corrupt her. How the hell did a counter-part get access to her?" Bucky asked. "And Skye's right. I thought two of us couldn't be in the same place at one time without possibly destroying worlds...."

"The Darkhold contains a spell that allows a person from one dimension to control their counterpart from another," Wong said. "You can think of it as possession. The Darkhold should never have been read, so we never thought this would be a problem we would face here."

Mordo stepped over to Skye, looking over her shoulder. "Two being in the same place runs a risk of an incursion, which can destroy one or all of the worlds involved." He gestured Stephen to his side and pointed towards the young woman on the screen with his brother's counterpart. "Have you seen her before?" he asked.

"So, possession isn't the same as two people being in the same place?" Bucky asked, not seeing what Mordo and Skye were seeing.

Frowning, Stephen moved closer and looked. "That's... no. I don't know her. What the heck is other me thinking coming here?!"

"This is the location that Wanda is heading towards, isn't it?" Mordo asked Friday.

"Yes, Master Mordo," the AI responded.

Wong moved so that he could look at the screen as well and Skye, realizing that it would help the family to see it as well, quickly hooked her laptop up to one of the bigger screens, so that the rest of them could see Stephen's dimensional 'twin' and the young woman he was with.

Mordo turned to the rest of the family. "Whatever Wanda's counterpart plans, she made it clear that she won't hesitate to hurt someone who gets in her way. I suggest Wong and I open a portal to this location. We can try and talk Wanda down. Figure out what she wants, hopefully without anyone getting hurt." He hesitated. "I'd leave the portal open, but I don't think we should all go through. If we come at her and she believes we're a threat, there could be a lot of bloodshed." He turned towards Stephen. "To try and stave off further risk of an incursion, I would suggest you remain here and make contact with the dimension we interacted with before. Because while it's hard to be entirely certain, I think I recognize your dimensional twin. And it doesn't bode well for the Sanctum in their world."

"Any versions of us would have done everything in our power to stop something like this from occurring," Wong agreed. "You need to be prepared for what you might learn once the line of communication is opened."

Stephen nodded. "Yeah. I'll go contact them now..." he said, immediately heading to the room that had been set up when they started talking to their alternate selves.

"Wait... is there any way to break the other Wanda's hold over my Wanda? What will this possession do to my Wanda?" Clint asked, clearly worried. "I'm assuming a possession won't cause an incursion, but it still would cause something."

Hank Pym immediately went to accompany Stephen, just in case something went wrong.

"Everything we know about the Darkhold and its effects is knowledge that has come from many generations before," Mordo said to Clint. "My understanding is that the possession won't leave Wanda from this dimension with any lasting effects...any damage caused will be to whoever or whatever attempts to stop her. As for breaking the possession?" He shrugged helplessly. "Short of somehow breaking the concentration of the other dimension's Wanda, the only thing I could think of is to treat it as mind control."

Wong concentrated on opening a portal, looking towards Clint and Pietro. "As her family here in this dimension, you might be able to get through to her where others cannot."

"And the rest of us will be on standby, in the meantime." Steve turned to Tony. "I don't know if it would be possible to get one on her, but perhaps we could bring one of those collars that can block abilities here. If she won't or can't listen to reason...."

"Give it to me," Pietro said. "I can run at her and hopefully put it on her before she can react."

"I'll get it for you..." Tony told Pietro, going toward the lab where they'd stored the collars. He quickly retrieved one and brought it back, handing it to Pietro and showing him how it worked.

"So... Pietro and I should accompany you, then," Clint quickly agreed.

"And we'll be on standby, in case you can't get through to her and need help subduing her," Steve said.

Wong nodded and indicated the portal. "She's not reached them yet, but I can't imagine it won't be long."

Clint nodded, quickly going through, knowing Pietro would be behind him.

As soon as Clint and Pietro were through, Mordo and Wong headed through as well, leaving the portal open in case they needed backup.

At the appearance of the four new people, only one of whom she recognized, America backed up towards Stephen Strange. She might have been hesitant to trust him at first, but he'd saved her life. And she didn't know if these newcomers would help her or not.

Mordo looked around quickly before focusing on the two who'd just arrived. "Do you know who is coming after you?" he asked.

Strange immediately placed himself between America and the newcomers. He recognized all of them through chats with the alternate dimension. He wasn't certain if this dimension was the one he'd been talking to or not, so it was prudent to be safe until he had further information.

"The Scarlet Witch... Wanda Maximoff..." he answered hesitantly, uncertain of their response. 

Clint cursed before saying unhappily. "Then it is that Dream Walking you mentioned. I was hoping it was something easily stopped."

Mordo wasn't surprised. He'd expected it to be the case. "We won't have long before she arrives," he said to Strange. "Wong left the portal open. We can call on our other family members if needed." He gestured towards Clint and Pietro. "We hope to try and talk her down with the help of her brother and father from this dimension."

"If you are here, does that mean the Sanctum in your dimension has fallen?" Wong asked, a worried note creeping into his voice. If Mordo was right and this was Stephen Strange from the dimension they'd been in contact with, what would his brother see if contact could even be made?

"I sent an SOS to all sorcerers, but I don't know who got them... she almost caught us and... this is where we ended." He motioned toward America.

"Why is she after you?" Clint asked, hoping for some insight as to why his daughter had been possessed by her alternate self.

America swallowed, glancing towards Stephen and then towards Clint. She was clearly reluctant to admit the truth.

Mordo, figuring that the woman would be more likely to trust them if Stephen did, spoke to his brother's counterpart. "I believe you come from the dimension we've already made contact with, where Phil Coulson and Grant Ward were able to repair the broken relationship between them."

Stephen visibly relaxed. "Then you are them. I wasn't certain and after some of the dimensions we ended in...."

"You've been to more than one?" Clint blinked, frowning. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"I don't have control over my power," America admitted. "We fell through a whole lot of dimensions before landing in this one." Uncertainly, she continued, "That's why she's after me. The scarlet witch. She wants to take my power and use it."

"For her sons?" Pietro asked, remembering Wanda's reference to her boys.

America nodded, still looking uncertain...still sticking closer to Strange than the others.

"Why does she need your power for her sons? Did they somehow get misplaced in another dimension?" Clint asked skeptically. "And why not just ask for your help? Why chase you- obviously to hurt you since you are scared- and take your powers?"

"Her sons don't exist in her dimension. Not anymore," America said quietly. "I don't know why."

At that point, the possessed Wanda had arrived, soaring in for a landing. Her eyes scanned over the group as her hands glowed with red sparks. "This is not your fight. Leave the girl."

"Wanda." Pietro stepped forward, towards his sister. "You might be from another dimension, but it's a dimension where I once existed. I know you. You don't want to do this. Not deep down inside." He smiled, a little sadly. "You were always the better one out of the two of us."

"And look where that got me," she replied. "I have lost everything. There is nothing left for me. Nothing now except finding my sons. You do not want to stand in my way, Pietro."

"What of the you in the dimension you are seeking the children?" Clint moved to stand by Pietro. "Would you make her feel the same loss you feel? And what of the children? They will know you aren't the you who is their mother. How do you think they will react to your actions?" He smiled crookedly. "You've taken over my daughter... I don't want to lose her."

"Give me what I want and I will leave your dimension and my counterpart in peace," the other Wanda stated. "I have no reason to stay here any longer than is necessary." Red sparks continued to fly around her fingers, even as she cocked her head to one side and eyed the group. "Stand against me and you won't live to regret it."

Mordo moved closer. "I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, but I know how I would feel if I lost any of my brothers. Still, these actions you are taking are wrong. I know of the Darkhold. It corrupts any who try to use it, but it's not too late to turn back. You still have the chance to choose the right path."

The red sparks grew stronger, and Wanda moved, as if she was about to strike at Mordo. Then, suddenly, her eyes widened. "NO." The cry was wrenched from her and abruptly, she fell to her knees. Like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

Clint immediately moved to catch Wanda before she could fall. "Wanda? Wanda, sweetie? Are you with us?"

***

Stephen had waited for Hank before starting to make a connection to the alter dimension. When no one immediately answered, he began to get worried. If that version's Stephen was here, what of that version's Wong? Was he okay?

Hank stood close beside Stephen, watching the screen with worry as there was no immediate connection. Finally, eventually, the connection was made...but immediately, Hank could see that it was bad.

The screen showed a scene of devastation, rubble from ruined buildings covering the ground with bodies scattered around. Very few of those bodies seemed to be even breathing. Those that looked like they lived were bloodied, battered and bruised.

One man stood in clear view of them, clearly the one who had answered the call. The other dimension's Mordo had clothes on that were stained with dirt and blood, though he didn't appear to be wounded. In one hand, he wielded a knife, though there was no blood on the blade. And while he looked emotionally defeated, there was a clear look of determination on his face.

"Oh no..." Stephen breathed out, shocked at the devastation. "She... if she did that there, then..." Worry for his brothers spiked. "Baron Mordo? You returned, then? Stephen didn't say, not that he had time to tell us anything. What of your Wong?"

"I returned," Mordo agreed. "Too late to do anything but render aid to those I could. The scarlet witch holds Wong as her captive while she dream-walks with the Darkhold. I was about to take advantage of her distraction to destroy it when your call came."

"If you destroy it, it will destroy you..." Stephen reminded, with a strong hint of worry and dislike of the idea. Maybe his counterpart hadn't made peace with his brother's counterpart, but that didn't matter. To Stephen's way of thinking, they were still brothers.

"If the book is not destroyed, then she could cause untold damage. Worse than has already been committed here." Mordo gestured towards the devastating scene that surrounded him. "I cannot ask another to sacrifice themselves in my place. And if I freed Wong instead, he would do the same."

Hank looked towards Mordo's counterpart. "Here in our own dimension, Wanda has a family surrounding her. A father and a brother. Before you take an action that would be irreparable, I'd ask you to give them a chance to get through to her."

Mordo's smile was bitter and humorless. "If peaceful talk worked, I wouldn't have returned to so much death and destruction." Looking towards Stephen, he said, "Even if this dimension's version of you didn't attempt to talk her down, I know Wong would have tried."

Stephen winced at what seemed like a veiled dig at his own counterpart. It was obvious the Mordo in front of him was still angry and distrustful about what Stephen had done. "To be fair, I'm not sure how much chance he had to convince her. I don't know what exactly occurred, but unless things have changed a great deal, just hopping dimensions isn't one of his... our... abilities. He would have come through here if he'd been the one controlling the travel, but they didn't come through here." He shrugged. "I do know he wouldn't have abandoned Wong if given the choice."

A slightly more haunted look came over Mordo's face as he admitted, "I don't know what has changed. Five years ago, half of all life in this dimension was snapped away by a being known as Thanos. Wong was left behind. Stephen Strange was not." He didn't mention how he'd come to learn of that, but the implication was he'd kept tabs of some sort on the others, even after leaving.

Stephen glanced at Hank. "We... haven't had that occur here." He wondered if they should prepare for the possibility, though.

"We have had Thanos mentioned, though," Hank remembered. "Gamora and Nebula, Phil's daughters, were adopted by him before they came here and found a new father and family. And I believe Valkyrie was on the run from him as well." He hesitated. "But we can only deal with one problem at a time."

Mordo looked at Stephen, as if he was thinking deeply about something. The hand wielding the knife had lowered now. After a brief pause, he said, "Destroying the Darkhold will be the fastest way to break the link between the scarlet witch and your dimension and prevent an incursion. But with her distracted, I could possibly grab the book and seal it away so it cannot be found again."

Hank heard the words and looked at Stephen. He didn't miss that the other dimension's Mordo had offered up an alternative plan after Stephen had indicated he didn't like the idea of the other sorcerer sacrificing himself. No matter what had occurred between the two in the other dimension, Hank could see that Stephen appeared to hold a lot of sway over Mordo.

"If that is possible, I think it would be best. Especially as the Darkhold exists in numerous dimensions... your death might not actually stop her from finding and using another one..." Stephen said softly.

"Yes, but...." Mordo started...and then paused, casting a quick glance back over his shoulder.

Moments later, Wanda's voice could be heard, shouting, "NO!" And then there was a burst of red light that sent Wong flying across the rubble.

Mordo's attention shifted immediately, and he raised his hands, casting a spell.

"Wait," Hank said quickly. "If you try to stop her, she might not hesitate to kill you."

"I can't abandon him," Mordo responded.

Stephen only took a moment to think about it. His counterpart was in his dimension, making it necessary to avoid meeting with himself as much as possible to avoid an incursion. His counterpart's Mordo and Wong needed help. The barrier between dimensions was thin, making it possible to talk to each other... it took little more effort to cast a portal on the connection so he could physically step through to assist Mordo. "You don't want to do this!" he immediately called to Wanda, drawing her attention from Wong and hopefully Mordo.

Wanda turned as Stephen stepped through the portal, narrowing her eyes. "Get in my way and I won't hesitate to kill you," she stated. "I want my children. I won't let anyone, or anything stand in my way."

Mordo edged slightly in front of Stephen, almost protectively, golden magic forming around his hands. "The Darkhold is destroyed. You don't have to let it consume you anymore."

Wanda stared at Mordo, then turned to Wong. Raising a hand, she threw the sorcerer into the air, holding him there as she began to use her magic.

Wong began to choke for air.

Mordo took a step forward, only to halt when Wanda said, "If you take one step closer, I will snap his neck."

Mordo paused but looked at Wanda's face and spoke in a voice that sounded calm and level. "I left this place long before Thanos took away half of all life. What makes you think I care if you kill him or not?"

Wanda's smile carried no humor as she said, "Because your counterpart loves his brothers. And you would not have returned here, would not have responded to the call, if you didn't feel the same."

"You want your children, but... are they really yours if you take them from your alternate self- leaving her bereft? Do you truly want to make an alternate dimensions Wanda suffer what you are suffering? Do you want to scare her children? They will know what happened. What will you do if they can't accept it? You can still have family in your own dimension without destroying worlds or causing innocents to suffer...." Stephen attempted to reason, hoping that if nothing else, her focus on him would cause her to loosen her hold on Wong.

"I have lost everything." Wanda began to advance on Stephen, holding her hand out as red sparks swirled around her fingers. As she had with Wong, she forced him into the air...using her ability to choke him, to cut off his airway.

That was enough to break Mordo. First seeing his friends and comrades wounded and dead...now watching Wanda target two men he considered his friends, his family. Because she was right. Mordo would never have felt so hurt, so betrayed, by Stephen's actions if he hadn't loved the man.

"Wait." The word was ripped from Mordo's throat. "Please. Don't hurt them." He swallowed as Wanda's eyes turned to him, knowing that he was about to give her a further tool to what she wanted...but while he'd been prepared to sacrifice himself, he couldn't let her hurt his brothers, even if this Stephen was from another dimension.

"The book is destroyed," Mordo whispered. "But...it was a copy. The spells were transcribed from where they were carved into the walls of a cave. I can take you there."

Wanda lowered her hand, allowing both Wong and Stephen to be released from her spell. She looked at Mordo for a long moment before finally nodding. "Show me."

Stephen wanted to protest, but he was still trying to catch his breath from being choked. If it hadn't been magical choking, he'd almost expect a bruise around his throat.

Mordo wasn't given a chance to speak, or to check on Stephen and Wong. Wanda wasted no time in using her magic to raise both herself and Mordo into the air, quickly flying towards the directions Mordo had given.

Wong was slumped over, coughing hard. When he finally found his voice, he muttered, "That could have gone a lot better."

Stephen snorted, then winced at the pain doing so caused. Rubbing his throat, he moved to help the other master stand. "You aren't wrong..." he muttered, his voice sounding sore. "My you is going to give me an earful, at the least, for not having a better plan. If it had turned out better, I might have been able to swing my impulsiveness in a more favorable light." He sounded sheepish.

Wong allowed Stephen to help him stand, looking around at the scene of devastation. "Speaking as your brother's counterpart, I can tell you that it wouldn't matter if the outcome had been favorable or not. You would still be in trouble." He sighed. "The cave which contains those spells is dangerous, but I doubt the scarlet witch will be fazed by them. I don't know what she will do to Mordo once she believes he's no longer useful to her."

"Your Stephen is still stuck in my dimension. Unless they get him to the connecting area, or whatever brought him to my dimension brings him back, he won't be available to help. So... what do you suggest? You seem to know a lot more about what is occurring or can occur, while I'm winging it."

"We can't fight her," Wong said. "The destruction she wrought here makes it clear trying would be suicide." He paused in thought. "You mentioned she could have a family here."

Stephen nodded. "In my dimension, Clint Barton adopted her. And Phil Coulson had adopted Clint, so she has a father and grandfather, along with her brother Pietro. I am assuming Pietro died in this dimension, given the way she spoke, but I know Phil Coulson lives... and I vaguely recall overhearing that Clint Barton is still alive. If Agent Coulson is able to contact Clint and bring him in to talk to her...."

"Given what happened during the last overlap between our dimensions and the worry your own Phil Coulson demonstrated over his counterpart, contacting Agent Coulson will be easy," Wong said. "Even if he has indeed left SHIELD." He summoned a phone to his hand and quickly dialed in a cell phone number from memory.

"Wong." Coulson picked up the phone immediately. "Grant is in a therapy session right now, but it will be finishing soon. Do you need him as well?"

"I don't believe so," Wong answered. "But this is a matter of great urgency. If you give me the coordinates to where you are, I will come straight to you."

"Of course." Coulson gave him the coordinates.

Wong opened up the portal, which was showing a waiting room with only Phil Coulson seated inside. He stepped through the portal, fully expecting Stephen to follow him.

Stephen quickly followed. When it was time to return home, he knew he could portal back to the area where they had the 'connection'. He nodded at Coulson as he stepped through.

Coulson stood immediately, as he'd caught a glimpse of the devastation through the portal they both came through. "What happened?"

"Wanda Maximoff," Wong answered. "She is attempting to find a way into another dimension and will do anything she can to succeed. Even if it means taking lives."

Coulson's eyes widened, but all he asked was, "What do you need from me?"

"Do you know how to reach Clint Barton?" Stephen asked. "In my dimension, he adopted her. Maybe, if they had a close relationship here, he can talk her down...."

"I can call him," Coulson answered. "They were close, but I don't know when the last time they saw each other was." Taking out his phone, he quickly dialed Clint's number.

It took a few rings, but eventually, a connection was made. "Coulson? Why are you calling me?" A suspicious Clint asked. "Please don't tell me the world is ending? Every time I try to retire, the world starts to end. Laura is going to start thinking it's my fault!" he joked.

"I'm sorry, but we do have a problem." Coulson's voice was serious. "When did you last see Wanda?"

"Tony's funeral. She... she said she needed some space after Vision..." Clint admitted. "I heard rumors a few months ago, but whatever agency was behind it was good at covering things up and I've had a few issues of my own to take care of so didn't follow up. Why? What's happened?"

"I have Wong and Stephen Strange here," Coulson said. "But the Stephen Strange isn't from our dimension. It might be a better idea if they were to talk to you in person."

"We can open a portal to where he is," Wong said.

"I'm at my farm with Laura, the kids and Kate Bishop," Clint remarked.

"Are you willing for them to come to you?" Coulson asked Clint.

"Yeah. If it's as serious as your voice indicates, Laura would insist I help, even if I wasn't already inclined to do so," Clint answered.

"If you give me the coordinates, we'll be there within a couple of minutes," Wong said.

Coulson nodded and relayed that information to Clint, before telling the two sorcerers the coordinates.

Wong wasted no time in opening a portal and stepping through. He was clearly worried, knowing that Mordo was at Wanda's mercy. The state she was in, he wasn't certain Mordo would escape this unharmed. He could only hope the other man believed he would be rescued and would therefore do what he could to stay alive.

Stephen smiled at Coulson. "Thank you..." he said, before quickly following Wong.

Wong had opened the portal outside the farm, not wanting to just appear in the house. Still, his sense of urgency was clear as he moved towards the door and knocked.

Clint quickly opened the door, ushering them inside. Laura and Kate were both there. "Lila took the boys outside... so you can talk freely," he said.

Wong glanced at Stephen but didn't waste any time in explaining the situation to Clint. While he tried not to go into too many details about the destruction that many of his people had faced, it was more than clear he was affected by what had happened.

"And... what she is doing... beyond the whole trying to take an alternate version of her self’s kids... what is wrong with it? What is it causing?" Clint asked, trying to wrap his head around the implications and trying to figure out the best way to get to her and change her mind. "You already tried pointing out that the kids she is trying to find aren't really hers and won't want to go with her. I might need another angle."

"Her actions could cause an incursion," Wong said. "One or all of the dimensions involved would be destroyed. Millions of people dead. As for how to get through to her...." He glanced at Stephen and then continued speaking. "Back in his home dimensions, SHIELD and the Avengers have formed a family unit. In that dimension, your counterpart adopted Wanda...and her brother, who still lives there. And it appears that one way that family has grown close is by employing a family punishment. Spanking. Which I am fairly certain my counterpart will be using later," he added, not quite under his breath.

Stephen had been nodding along quietly... until Wong mentioned spanking. At that, he turned a surprised gaze on the other wizard, not expecting him to bring up the family punishment, and squawked at the not so indirect comment on what he'd be facing.

Clint blinked at that then, hearing the squawk, laughed. "Are you suggesting I spank her?! I haven't seen her in almost three years when everyone was brought back. And even before then, I didn't play a large role in her life once I went on house arrest, and she turned fugitive after the Accords fiasco. I might... might... be able to talk her down by convincing her she isn't and doesn't have to be alone and appealing to her sense of not wanting to hurt innocent people. I'm not about to try and spank her into cooperating!"

Wong's face was calm, but there was a determined edge to his voice as he spoke. "You said you might need another angle. I've given you something that I understand has worked for other versions of both you and her. But if you are unable or unwilling to reach her, then I have no choice. I cannot allow a potential incursion to occur. I cannot put the lives of millions of people at risk. I came here because this Stephen Strange believes you have a chance to get through to her, but I will do what is necessary. And if the only way to prevent more bloodshed is by killing the scarlet witch, then I will do that." He paused briefly, glancing at Stephen, before focusing once more on Clint. "She has taken one of my brothers with her and I know Mordo. If he sees a chance, he will not hesitate to take it. He knows the danger she poses and if her guard lowers even a fraction, he will strike. No matter that it would cost him his life." He turned back towards Stephen Strange. "Like Mordo, I know where the cave is she will have gone to. She will take over her counterpart in your dimension once more. That is the chance we will have to act."

Clint's eyes narrowed. "Now wait just a fucking damn minute. I said I wasn't going to spank her into submission...not that I didn't plan to try and appeal to her and stop her. I know her better than you, even if we haven't been close in a long time. Physical action against her won't convince her of anything if I don't make the emotional connection. If I make the emotional connection, then she'll stop without my getting physical. If I don't make it, then nothing I do will help. I don't expect you to do nothing. If I can't get through, do what you have to. But if you do anything without at least giving me a shot, you won't like my reaction." Clint's eyes blazed.

"I don't deny that you know Wanda Maximoff better than I ever could," Wong said. "But it will be the scarlet witch you will be facing. I'll give you a chance to try because I do not want to see any more bloodshed. Enough have died already. But I won't hesitate to do what is necessary."

"As long as we understand each other." Clint nodded. "How we getting there?"

"I can open a portal to the base of the mountain," Wong replied. "But it's not possible to open a portal directly into the cave itself, so we will still need to climb it." Glancing at Stephen, he added, "Or fly."

Stephen nodded. "Let's do this."

Wong wasted no time in opening a portal to the foot of the mountain and stepped through, fully expecting the other two men to follow him.

***

Wanda clutched, almost desperately, at her father, tears running down her cheeks. "She'll come back," she whispered, her voice hitching. "She's so desperate...and hurting so much...she doesn't see any other way. I couldn't fight her, Papa!" She began to sob, sounding like her heart was breaking.

Clint held Wanda tightly. "You did what you could. She had an unfair advantage... surprise. We're working on it, though. She won't get you again."

"I couldn't stop it," Wanda whimpered, still clinging onto him. "She pushed me under again. When we were waiting for the bomb to explode."

Pietro winced, able to guess at the memory that his sister had experienced and moved closer to her. "Papa's right. We'll make sure you're safe."

"She'll hurt you...all of you...she can't see past her own pain." Shivering, Wanda's eyes fell on the collar that her twin held. A split second later and it was in her own hands. Without hesitation, she snapped it around her own neck.

Pietro's eyes widened at his sister's actions. "Wanda...."

"I have to," she whispered. "This way, she can't use my powers to...to hurt any of you." Her voice trembled.

It was at that moment that Steve stepped through the portal, closely followed by Hank.

Mordo turned to the two members of the family who had joined them. "Were you able to make contact with the other dimension?" he asked Hank.

"We were." Hank hesitated. He looked towards the other dimension's Stephen, then back at Mordo. "We saw the devastation she'd wrought there. I don't know how many of the sorcerers lived. I suspect not many."

Wong moved to Mordo's side. "Since you've come here without our brother, can I assume that Stephen did something impulsive?"

"You could say that," Hank replied. "He opened a portal and stepped through. It closed immediately behind him, and the connection was lost." He hesitated. "I can't speak for what happened after he stepped through, but your counterpart had returned and planned to destroy the Darkhold, though it seems someone else got there first." He looked towards Mordo.

Squeezing his eyes tightly shut, Mordo ran a hand over his face. Any of the other family members would recognize the tense worry he was experiencing. They had no way of knowing if Stephen was unhurt...if he was even still alive.

"My counterpart, your Stephen, went to my dimension?" Stephen asked. "Since I'm here, it should keep an incursion from happening. We just need to make sure when I go back, he comes back."

He glanced at America. "And if you can hide America...."

"If he's in a fit shape to come back." Mordo couldn't have hidden his worry if he'd tried.

"I'll keep trying to open a connection back," Hank promised.

America swallowed, keeping back from the others, and sticking close to Stephen. She wasn't entirely sure she trusted the people now surrounding her.

Stephen looked toward America and then the others. "You can trust them. I've spoken with them numerous times and they will do whatever is necessary to help and protect."

Steve turned and smiled at America. "Why don't you come back to the compound with us?" he suggested. "You can tell us a bit more about yourself. And it'll be more comfortable than staying out here on the street."

"I'm used to staying on the streets," America said quietly.

"Let's all get back to the compound," Clint suggested. "We're better protected there. Plus, when it is time for our Stephens to switch back, they'll be in the right spot."

"I shouldn't go back," Wanda whispered hopelessly. "In case she figures out a way past the collar."

"That's exactly why you should go back. There, you will have help. Out here, there is just regular innocent people she can use as a weapon against us if we get in her way." Clint was firm.

"But I can't stop her," Wanda said. "I don't even know how."

"You don't have to." Clint hugged her tightly. "All you need to do is hold on tight so she can't push you out completely. Leave stopping her to the rest of us."

"You won't let her hurt anyone?" Wanda whispered, needing the reassurance...even though, realistically, her father couldn't make a promise like that.

"We will protect everyone possible. And... deep down, I think she is like you. She doesn't want to hurt anyone either. Not really." Clint kissed her cheek.

"She can't see past her anger...or her pain," Wanda said quietly. "She believes she has nothing left. That she has no one left." Her eyes were dark with pain.

"I don't think that's true, though. Hopefully, they found my counterpart and he can convince her of that." Clint carefully led her to the portal, leading her through.

Wanda allowed her father to lead her through, but she was biting her lip worriedly. "But if he can't...." Her voice trailed off. There wouldn't be another option left if her counterpart couldn't be reached.

"I hope he can. But... if he can't, they'll do what is needed to protect the rest of the world," Clint said. "We all will. We will do our best to make certain innocents won't suffer."

Wanda took a deep breath and nodded. There was little else they could do. Her head was beginning to ache, and she rubbed at it. "Papa, you were able to resist my mind control when we first met. Maybe...if you stay with me...it will help me to resist her."

By this point, the others had entered the portal and Wong closed it behind them.

Even before his brother closed the portal, Mordo was heading to the area where they'd made contact with the other dimension. It was obvious, more than obvious, that he was worried and scared for his own brother's safety.

Hank went with Mordo, in case he was needed...and in case he could figure out another place they could make a connection from.

"I was planning on staying with you anyway. Makes it easier you want me too, though." Clint smiled.

Stephen glanced around the compound as they entered. "This would be a good, safe spot for you to stop in... once we get the Scarlet Witch off your back, anyway..." he said to America.

America looked around slowly. "There's...so many people here," she said, shifting a bit closer to Stephen...because he was familiar and 'safe'. Yes, she'd moved between thousands of different dimensions...but most of the time, she didn't stay there long enough to grow close to anyone. Of course, a big part of that was a fear that she'd lose someone she cared about the same way she'd lost her mothers.

Stephen fidgeted. He wasn't overly comfortable with public physical displays of comfort or affection... not that he couldn't occasionally provide them, when necessary, but he wasn't typically hands on even in private, and America kept invading his personal space as if he was going to rescue her and it really made him uncomfortable. He managed not to pull away, though. She was nervous. Probably scared. He would do his best to be sympathetic. "Yeah. Really don't know how they do it... living together the way they do. But they make it work and it is one of the safest places in this dimension. Probably one of the safest places in either dimension...."

Wong overheard Stephen speaking to America...and he noticed the uncomfortable look on the other man's face. His brother might be more settled and open to affection now, but that hadn't been the case when he'd first entered Wong and Mordo's lives.

Taking a step closer to America, Wong gave her an encouraging smile. "As you're here anyway, why don't I show you around the compound?" he suggested. "You don't have to make any decisions on whether you stay or not immediately, but you can see what it's like."

"Oh, you can see the tree village!" Peter Parker had chosen that moment to head over to them, dragging Harry with him. "You'd think it would just be for the kids, but we all like heading out there!"

America's eyes widened. "Tree...village? Don't you mean tree house?"

"No. He actually means a tree village," Harry said, with a fond look at his cousin. "It helps for if things get a bit overwhelming and if you feel like you need to be alone for a bit. And it's on the grounds outside, so it's about as safe as the rest of the compound."

Stephen gave Wong a grateful look and then he heard what the younger men were saying. "That may not be a bad idea..." he said encouragingly. "If she comes back... well, she can only do it through dream-walking and someone would have time to get to you before she figured out, she didn't know where you were."

Kaine sidled up to the others. He smiled bashfully. They were the same age, and it was obvious he had developed a crush-at-first sight on her. "I can show you the best one..." he said.

Peter Parker quickly nodded as Kaine moved over to them, taking note that Kaine's father was close enough to listen and step in if he didn't think it was a good idea. "Yeah. Kaine can show his favorite. Me and Har can play lookout." Skittish family members were fairly normal...and Peter figured America might be more likely to open up to someone who was closer to her in age.

America hesitated, but they had a point and she nodded. "Okay. I'd like to see the tree village and the best one," she agreed. Almost unconsciously, she stepped away from Stephen and towards Kaine and the others...choosing to put her trust in them.

"Ooooh... I love the tree village!" Wade clapped his hands. "Can I come?"  He left unsaid that if something went wrong, he'd be able to put himself between danger and the kids, giving the kids time to get away. After all, even serious injury didn't kill him, or even hold him down for long.

"I think that would be a good idea," Adrian said smoothly, before any of the kids could respond.

"We could take the opportunity to have some brotherly bonding time, too." Colossus left unsaid that he would be along to protect his own brother. After all, not much could get through his own impenetrable skin.

Peter P. heard and understood exactly what the other members of the family were saying but didn't comment on it. "Anyone else coming? Or are we just taking comms with us?" he asked brightly.

"Why don't you all go? If any of the others want to join, they can come out later. That way, poor America won't be swamped with a sea of new faces to meet and memorize," Tony interjected smoothly. Plus, if the Scarlet Witch made another attempt, it would be more difficult for her to figure out where to go if everyone wasn't lumped onto one space. He noticed Clint had taken Wanda back to his room, so she hadn't heard the plans.

"Okay, Uncle Tony!" Peter P. grinned at Tony, then began to lead the way out of the compound. Having noticed his cousin's crush on America, he decided to let Kaine take the lead on showing her the tree village.

Kaine grinned bashfully. "We come out here as often as possible," he said, as he led America toward what was his favorite tree. "You can see a long way from this one, cuz it's high up."

Wade hung back a little way to give the kids space but was close enough to help if needed. He grinned at Colossus.

America looked up at the tree and spoke in an almost wistful tone. "I haven't climbed a tree in so long...." Not since she'd been a child. Not since before her powers had caused her to lose her mothers.

Colossus stuck close to his brother, on his guard in case something went wrong. He believed he and Wade would be able to protect the younger members of the family if need be...or at least to give them time to escape. Still. He knew what Wanda could do...and didn't know how far she would go without a family to pull her back.

"We're allowed to climb, but only to certain heights. We have to be careful not to go on narrow, small limbs too. Or we'll get into trouble," Kaine noted.

Surprised, America glanced at Kaine. "No one tells me what to do," she declared, before moving over to the tree. Since her mothers, the only person she'd allowed close to her had been Stephen Strange...and after one counterpart had tried to kill her and the other made it clear he was helping out of a sense of duty and because he was a good man, she didn't have any hope of or belief in belonging anywhere.

Harry recognized the words of a child who believed she didn't belong...that no one would care enough to stop her from doing something dangerous. He wasn't a parent, but he was older...and tended more towards responsibility than his cousin and best friend. He moved a bit nearer to America. "If you stay here, our parents and the rest of the family will care to stop you from doing something that could potentially get you or someone else hurt."

America hesitated, one hand resting on the tree trunk. "I can't stay," she said finally. "Even if I wanted to...I can't control my powers. All it'd take is something scaring me, or an instant of danger, and I'll be gone."

Kaine frowned at that. "You can't control where you go? I bet you could control it if you were able to focus on how it felt when you were doing it.... maybe even control it so you only went when you wanted to."

"I can only do it when I'm scared," America said. "I've been stuck in dimensions for a long time before. Not all of them are bad. Stephen seems to think this is a good place for me." She shrugged. "I can't stay with him." Even if she sounded a little sad, she was resigned. Stephen had indicated he wasn't comfortable with her leaning on him. She couldn't imagine the people here would be any different.

"We've opened up one line of communication to another dimension," Harry said. "I'm sure my Dad and Uncle Pym and all the others...they can figure out ways of contacting other dimensions. So that if it takes you a while to control it, we can still find you and bring you home. And we have a school here, for people like you. People who have abilities. There are teachers who can help you learn control."

"If I wasn't here, your family wouldn't be threatened by the scarlet witch," America said. "I'm putting you, all of you, in danger. I saw what she did in Stephen's dimension when she was trying to get to me. She'll do the same thing here."

"What she did there is a big reason why you should stay here!" Kaine said emphatically. "We're best able to handle what she throws at us... not like normal people."

Wade had been listening in but remaining quiet. At Kaine's words, he interjected, "He's right. There are enough powered people here that if nothing else it will make doing anything extremely difficult for her."

"The sorcerers had powers too. And she killed most of them and destroyed their home," America said. If she could have controlled her powers, she would have gone dimension hopping...hoping that she could prevent anyone else from being hurt. As it was, she had no choice but to stay here...and hope they were right, and that Wanda wouldn't be able to hurt them as easily as everyone else.

***

Getting up the mountain had been slow going, even with Stephen's cloak enabling him to fly. Wong hadn't wanted to risk leaving one of them alone to face Wanda, especially as he was responsible for the brother of one of his counterparts, so had made sure their going was as careful as possible. For that reason, by the time the three men had finally reached the top, Wanda had already accessed the magic and resumed her dream-walk.

Mordo had been held captive by Wanda's magic, but as her attention drew into the other dimension, her control over him began to slip. It wasn't much, but it was enough for him to access his own power. It was enough for him to prepare to bring the cave down...around the two of them...his intention to close off the Darkhold forever clear, even though it meant sacrificing himself.

Wong heard the rumbling and knew that Mordo was acting. He looked at Clint and spoke quickly. "I will stall him from destroying the cave along with himself and Wanda...but if it becomes clear you cannot get through to her, we will do what is necessary. If that happens," he turned to Stephen, "you must be prepared to take him and leave as fast as you can."

"Understood..." Clint nodded, quickly preparing to face Wanda.

"I'll be ready to grab him and go if necessary..." Stephen agreed.

Wong moved swiftly over to Mordo, catching the other sorcerer's attention. "I have agreed to give Clint Barton a chance to get through to Wanda before taking this final step. If he cannot, Stephen will take Clint and we will bring down the cave and ensure it cannot be used again."

Mordo's fingers clenched and unclenched, before he finally allowed his body to relax. "We may not have long to react," he warned.

Wanda had reached towards her counterpart in the other dimension once more and didn't appear to have noticed the arrival of the three men.

***

Wanda gasped and clutched at her father as she felt it...that sense of disconnect. The force pushing her away and down, back where she'd been trapped inside her own head. She turned wide, frightened eyes onto Clint. "Papa...I can't resist her...!"

Clint quickly clutched Wanda tightly. "I won't let you go. No matter what, you're my daughter!"

***

Stephen and Clint had moved close to the Scarlet Witch and quickly realized one difficulty they hadn't thought of. The woman wasn't aware of them, so Clint talking her back from her plans wasn't going to work. Not unless they somehow severed her connection in the dream-walk and drew her back.

Stephen looked toward the other two sorcerers. "Can you send the Darkhold somewhere not here? Will that break the connection?" 

"The Darkhold is on the walls of this cave all around us," Mordo said. "We can't send the cave somewhere else."

Wong cleared his throat. "But maybe we could transport us all and that would break the connection?"

***

Wanda tried to hold on...she really did...but the will of the Scarlet Witch was stronger than her own and she was submerged inside her own mind.

Finding herself held, the other Wanda immediately began struggling...calling on her powers and then widening her eyes when they didn't respond. "What have you done to me?!" Her cry was frightened more than angry. With no powers...she was scared.

"I've done nothing except hold my daughter, who I love very much," Clint said calmly, continuing to hold tightly. "You have frightened her, terrified her, that you will use her body and powers to hurt those she loves and considers family. I made a promise to her that I will hold onto her and not let go. I intend to keep that promise."

***

"If that is possible, can we go elsewhere and destroy the temple at the same time?" Stephen asked, uncertain if destroying the temple would have the same result as destroying the book.

***

The other Wanda began to shake, her eyes wide and terrified. "You've taken my powers from me. I have...nothing left. You've all taken everything." She began to struggle even more violently, trying desperately to break free.

Whether it was her father's hold on her, or that her counterpart was no longer keeping such a tight hold of her, Wanda was able to break free inside her mind. Papa didn't take away your powers. I did that. I can't let you hurt my family.

Abruptly, the other Wanda's struggles ceased. A distant look came over her face...and then she closed her eyes, going deep inside her mind, where the Scarlet Witch stood face to face with Wanda Maximoff, Clint's daughter.

"I know your pain," Wanda said. "I know you feel that you've lost everything. But what you're doing is wrong. You are hunting a child...a child not unlike us, with powers she cannot fully control or understand. That fear you feel, unable to access your powers, even though it's only temporary...how can you put someone else through that, knowing the fear you now feel? How can you reconcile killing an innocent child...and then finding the twins and trying to take care of them, with that kind of blood on your hands?" She took a step closer, stretching a hand out towards the Scarlet Witch. "I know Papa's counterpart exists in your dimension. Does he not care about you? Even if you are not his daughter, surely he feels something for you."

The Scarlet Witch took a step back. "He has a family. A family that could not include a broken, damaged being such as myself."

***

Mordo and Wong exchanged glances and then Mordo said, quietly, "Destroying this place would mean that no other person could access the Darkhold. No other person could risk destroying whole worlds and millions of people. If you all leave, I will stay behind to destroy this place."

"As Sorcerer Supreme, destroying this place is my responsibility," Wong argued.

"No," Mordo replied. "As Sorcerer Supreme, your responsibility is to rebuild what has been broken. And to take care of those who won't look after themselves," he added.

Wanda's eyelids fluttered...as if she was in REM while sleeping.

***

Clint continued to hold Wanda tightly, picking her up into his arms when she went lax, withdrawing into her head. He wouldn't let her fall.

***

Stephen frowned, knowing his counterpart wouldn't want to lose either man. Even if his counterpart wouldn't care, Stephen couldn't countenance not at least trying to save his alter-dimensional brothers. "Can't it be destroyed from a distance, so no one is lost?"

Meanwhile, Clint moved closer, picking Wanda up so he could get her out of the possible path of destruction.

***

"How do you know?" Wanda countered. "How do you know you could not be a part of his family? My papa has a family, but he adopted me and Pietro and loves us."

"Three years," the Scarlet Witch said. "I have not seen him in three years. If he was like your own papa, he would have come before then."

"Maybe he didn't think you needed him?" Wanda suggested. "Papa thinks that his counterpart would be sought out in your dimension and would come for you. If he does...will you listen to him?"

"I do not believe there is anything he will say that will make things better. That will make it hurt loss." The Scarlet Witch closed her eyes and finished, in a whisper, "That will make up for all that I have lost."

Wanda stepped closer to her interdimensional twin and wrapped her arms around the other woman. "I know how much it hurts," she whispered. "What Pietro and I lost...I didn't ever think we could recover from that. All we wanted was vengeance. But when it came to it, I couldn't do what was expected. I couldn't take that step. And you don't need to either," she added. "I know what they called us. A monster. But that's not true. You don't need to hurt anyone," she whispered. "Let him help you."

"You can't be so certain that he's come." The Scarlet Witch shook her head. "He wanted to retire, with his family. Maybe in your dimension, he can accept you...but I know he would never accept me. There was only one who did that. And I had to destroy him."

***

"It doesn't matter if we're here or not," Mordo said quietly. "Destroying this place will take all of the life force."

"But maybe it doesn't have to kill anyone," Wong said. "There are other sorcerers still alive. If we all brought it down together, then it might leave all those involved in a weakened state...but not enough to kill."

"You're theorizing," Mordo said dryly. "You have no proof that would work."

Wong shrugged. "We have no proof that it wouldn't work," he replied. "Besides. There was a promise made to the Stephen from our dimension. I'd hate to see that promise unfulfilled."

Stephen swallowed. "As a Stephen who needs all his brothers in his life, I'm pretty sure yours would not take it well if you gave up your life when there was a chance you wouldn't need to.

Clint frowned. "Does it have to be magic that destroys it?"

"Not necessarily," Wong said. "But magic is the surest way to make sure it can never be brought back."

"So, extreme, stone melting fire...." Clint questioned curiously.

"If there was any to hand...." Mordo shrugged.

"I..." Stephen hesitated. "I don't suppose any of you know Robbie Reyes in your own dimension...?"

Clint shot Stephen a startled but considering look. "If he can be found quickly and convinced to come here, I only ask that I be allowed to take Wanda and become scarce first. I have a lot of regrets and don't want to suffer from them the way he'd make us suffer."

"With no way of knowing what is happening in your dimension right now, I have no idea what amount of time we have," Wong said to Stephen. He looked towards Clint. "If you know where he can be found...we can open up a portal to try and convince him to help."

"I don't know for sure... but the last I heard anything about him, he was in this location," Clint quickly gave them the address of a jail cell.

"It's as good a place to try as any." Wong looked towards Stephen. "Do you think he might listen to you?"

"His counterpart would have. I don't know if your version even knows who I am... but I can try." Stephen swallowed.

Wong nodded and turned to Clint. "Would you like me to open a portal back to your farm?"

Clint thought about it. It would put his family in danger. At the same time, he couldn't believe Wanda would hurt children and maybe if he showed trust in her, she'd be more willing to trust him. Plus, if he failed to convince her, there was a high probability that his family would die in an incursion anyway. "Yes. I think that would be best. Open it to my fields. I'll figure out where to go from there."

Without wasting any time, Wong opened up the portal to the fields outside Clint's home. "Once you're safely through, I will close the portal and then open one to the jail cell," he said.

Clint nodded briskly then stepped through the portal with Wanda. "Come find me when it's destroyed..." he requested.

"We will," Wong promised, before closing the portal.

Mordo moved to open the new one, not wanting Wong to over-exert himself.

Stephen took a deep breath. As soon as the portal was opened into the cell, he carefully stepped through, addressing the man on the bunk. "Robbie Reyes?"

Robbie opened his eyes and sat up, looking at Stephen and then towards the portal in obvious confusion. "The guards here so incompetent, they had to get an Avenger in to help?"

Stephen blinked. "We need your help. And we don't have time to go through proper channels. The fate of two, if not every, dimension is at stake."

Robbie immediately stood, figuring that if this was serious enough for Doctor Strange to come to him in person...they didn't want to waste any time. "By 'me', I take it you mean the Rider," he said. "What do you need?"

"To destroy the temple that the Darkhold was originally copied from. The book was destroyed... one of the acolytes of Kamar Taj drove a knife through it and lost their life in the process. We hoped that hellfire might destroy the temple. If not, then we are prepared to die to destroy it, but... I know that the Rider tends to protect you from most damage. Do you think he could destroy the temple and it not kill you?" If Robbie would die, then Stephen wouldn't ask it of the younger man.

Robbie opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the Rider took over, flaming skull head appearing instead of Robbie's visage.

Without even seeming to acknowledge Stephen, the Rider stepped through the portal...and then paused, attention drawn almost immediately and abruptly to Mordo.

Wong stepped between the Rider and the other sorcerer. "No matter what you can sense, he is prepared to protect this dimension from a potential incursion and the effects of the Darkold. No matter the cost."

The Rider didn't respond with words but turned towards the cave. Moments later, it was sending hellfire out through the stone, setting it on fire.

Stephen held his breath until it became obvious that the fire was working. He then breathed out slowly, slumping slightly in relief. Whatever happened at this point, at least the Darkhold wouldn't cause any more problems.

Wong quickly motioned for Mordo and Stephen to step back with him, out of the cave and away from the fire, not entirely sure that it couldn't get out of control.

By the time the fire went out, the cave was utterly destroyed. The Rider had gone back under the surface, leaving Robbie pale and looking shaken...though quite clearly alive.

Stephen quickly moved to Robbie, taking a brief account of his vitals. "You should stay with us. At least until you recuperate. Plus... we'll need to smooth over any problems from us portaling you out of jail..." He looked toward Mordo and Wong for confirmation. It was their dimension, after all.

Wong nodded. "If we make contact with the Avengers still alive in this dimension, we can enlist their help to smooth things over."

"Should we go to Barton's farm? We should at least get him water and something to eat..." Stephan said quietly, wrapping an arm around Robbie's waist to steady him.

"As long as the Rider isn't likely to target him," Mordo said quietly, his voice filled with concern.

"No chance of that." Robbie spoke weakly, leaning heavily on Stephen. "That fire didn't kill him, would have solved a lot of problems if it had, but it's weakened him enough that he won't be coming out any time soon."

"Then there is no reason to wait any longer." Wong proceeded to open a portal to Clint's farm once more.

***

Clint had taken Wanda to the picnic table, deciding she'd feel less trapped in the open air. Plus, there were less readily available weapons if things went terribly wrong. He watched her sadly.

He'd been in such a bad place for so long, that when he finally got his family back, he'd retreated from everything. He'd only just started coming back out into the world; and that's when he'd met Kate, but while he'd heard rumors about Wanda, he'd failed to get any concrete information. He'd been unsure how to approach her and she hadn't reached out to him, despite him leaving her several methods to do so. He'd figured she didn't need him or want the reminders of what had happened in the past. Turned out he should have pushed.

Wanda had felt it, the moment the Darkhold had been destroyed. Her counterpart had too and before being ripped away, Wanda had asked the Scarlet Witch to at least listen to what Clint Barton had to say.

Despite her counterpart's insistence that her own papa's counterpart would be there and would reach out to her...Wanda had never truly believed that would happen. So, when she opened her eyes after being torn out of the other dimension, to find herself out of the cave and at a farm...and not only that, but with Clint Barton actually there...shock rendered her frozen and speechless temporarily. And by the time that wore off...she didn't want to reach for her power.

Her counterpart had voiced an understanding that a big part of Wanda had desperately needed. They were all right. She'd never truly wanted to hurt anyone...but she'd lost everything. Seeing her counterpart in a happy family had made her see all that she had lost; but instead of stoking her rage further, it had allowed the full weight of her grief to come to the forefront. So when she found herself away from the cave, knowing the Darkold had been destroyed...she didn't lash out. She didn't use her powers.

She began to cry.

"Oh, Wanda..." Clint immediately reached out, pulling her into his arms and holding tight. "I'm so sorry. I should have checked instead of assuming you didn't need me...." He was crying too.

For all that he'd got his family back, there was a lot that he'd lost as well. Plus, for five years, he had lost his family. And in those five years, he'd lashed out in the only way he knew how. He couldn't fault her with wanting to fix things, even if her method was tantamount to destroying worlds instead of just going after bad guys. Maybe if he'd found her right away, instead of assuming she didn't need him, he could have directed her grief into more productive channels. He hadn't, though, and so here they were. He hoped the fact the Scarlet Witch was crying in his arms was an indication he wouldn't have to fight her.

She clung to him. There was no other word for it. Without the Darkhold driving her forward, knowing it was lost for good, she could see what she'd become. What she'd done. Her sobs were harsh...heartbreaking. She'd desperately needed someone...anyone...to understand her. And Clint being there and holding her broke her...broke through the rage that had driven her, leaving a broken mess behind.

"I'm here now. I've got you. You aren't alone..." Clint whispered, continuing to hold her.

"...But I was...." Wanda whispered, sounding hopeless. "And I couldn't even keep my children...." Her voice was hoarse, the force of her tears leaving her throat feeling raw. She still clung to Clint, needing the contact...the comfort. The Darkhold was destroyed. Any hope she'd had of getting to her children was lost.

Clint swallowed hard. "I'm so sorry. If I had known... I was so messed up after the snap and then everyone was back and... there's no excuse for not letting you know I was here for you. I should never have assumed that you would know." He didn't say anything about her children. Maybe the ones she had been trying to get to weren't really hers, belonging to another Wanda, but she'd still had children for a brief moment in time. And he knew how he had felt losing his children. Even if they had been made up in her grief, that didn't make it hurt less. And considering how powerful she was, he suspected they were very real too.

"You have a family." The words were uttered very quietly, but they were true nevertheless. Clint had responsibilities to them; Wanda had known it from the start. "They're your priority." She left unsaid that she knew she wasn't. She'd lost her brother; her best friend growing up. Then she'd lost Vision, hadn't even been able to retrieve his body and give him a proper burial. The Vision she'd conjured up had gone the same way as her children...and the one who'd been brought back didn't know who she was. Or what they'd meant to each other.

"Yeah... and you were part of it. Are part of it. And I should have made sure you knew that, instead of assuming you did and that you would come find me if things were too hard. The fact my own emotions were all over the place and nothing ever feels completely real... not an excuse." Clint frowned, hugging tighter. "Laura told me I should call you... when you didn't call me. I should have listened to her."

"You don't want me." Wanda tried to sound strong...certain. But all she sounded was broken and hopeless. The next words were spoken laced with the pain she'd felt...the intense loneliness and grief. "You left me alone...everyone did. I couldn't even...get Vision's body back. So I could bury him properly. I tried to...and then they turned him into something else. Someone else."

Clint winced at the words. "You're right. I left you alone. But it wasn't because I didn't want you. It was because I thought you didn't need me... that if you needed me, you'd let me know. I was wrong and I am very sorry, but it won't happen again. I'm finally here and you won't be left alone again." He paused. "I don't know what you mean about Vision, but I'll turn over every contact I have to find out for you. So we can give him a proper memorial. But until we can find out... you have a room here. For as long as you want it."

"They brought him back," she whispered. "But...it wasn't him. Not the Vision I knew." She was still trembling, but her tears were running out, leaving her flushed warm, eyes and throat aching from the storm.

"Of course, it wasn't..." Clint's voice was tight, as he could only imagine why they would have tried to bring back one of the Avengers in that way. None of his conclusions were good. "They shouldn't have done that. They took advantage of our confusion and disarray; it would never have happened otherwise."

"I didn't want to hurt anyone," she whispered. "I just...couldn't stand to be alone any longer."

"I know. And you've stopped. The danger is over now," Clint consoled. Of course, he had no idea how many people, if any, she did hurt. But considering his stint as Ronin, he was in no position to judge.

Sniffing quietly, Wanda tightened her grip on him, still half-afraid that this too would turn out not to be real...and that she'd discover herself to be alone again. It was hard to trust, even if she so desperately wanted to.

Clint continued to hold her tight, even when he noticed his wife leading a small group out of the house and in his direction.

Wanda noticed the group and couldn't help but tense up. She didn't pull away, but it was more than clear she was nervous.

"I... needed to make sure everyone was okay. Before I try and go home," Stephen said quietly. "Plus, Robbie expended a lot of energy. Felt wrong to just dump him back where we got him...." He nervously rubbed his neck.

"I've invited everyone for dinner..." Laura said, watching Clint to be certain he didn't object. "Lila is anxious to finally meet Wanda..." This time she looked at Wanda uncertainly, not sure the other woman would want to meet their daughter.

Wanda looked uncertain but didn't protest or refuse. Her uncertainty came more from the fact she didn't know if she'd be accepted...if she'd belong, even if she desperately wanted to. "I... would like to meet her," she whispered, though her voice was hesitant...not sure how she would react or respond to their daughter. Her eyes moved towards the sorcerers as she whispered, "No one had to sacrifice themselves? I'm glad." She bit her lip. "I'm sorry...for all the destruction. I'd like to help rebuild if I can."

Wong nodded. "Any help you can give once you're fully recovered would be appreciated." She might not have expended energy the same way as Robbie, but she was clearly still suffering from grief and anguish. Wong didn't say that he thought Clint should be the one to decide when she was ready...but he figured that the Avenger would say something if needed.

"Maybe in a couple of days..." Clint interjected. "Once she's adjusted to her move." He glanced at Wanda. "You're moving here, by the way. Just so you know."

"Okay," Wanda said quietly, a note of relief slipping into her voice.

"I'll just get the guestroom ready," Laura said, with an amused smile. "Dinner's on in ten. Don't wait too long to come in and eat."

"I... I appreciate it, but is there some way I could send a message to my family, in my dimension?" Stephen asked.

Wong nodded. "We can open a line of communication from here."

Stephen visibly relaxed. Now that the danger was passed, he was realizing he probably shouldn't have just jumped through the portal without warning. "Thank you," he said quietly.

"But you probably want to communicate in private," Mordo commented. "The line of communication was cut after you stepped through the portal and things have moved so fast, it's altogether possible that your brothers in your home dimension believe you've been hurt. Or worse," he added.

Wong was nodding. "I'm sure you don't want to be scolded in front of anyone else." Yes. He had a fairly good idea of how his counterpart would react to this. And had no doubts that Mordo from the other dimension would react the same.

Stephen flushed and cleared his throat, knowing the other two men were correct. "I'll appreciate that..." His voice was soft. "If we could do that now? The sooner the better..." His smile was crooked.

Wong nodded and moved away, fully expecting Stephen to follow him inside the farmhouse, so that he could open the line of communication.

Mordo followed Wong as well, curious to see how it worked as he hadn't been in a fit state to take in much of anything when contact had initially been made.

Stephen quickly followed as well. He hoped things had settled enough in his dimension that he could go back soon. He appreciated the hospitality of this dimension, but he wanted to be home.

Finding a place that they could open up the line of communication was easy enough. With more than one sorcerer, all they really needed was a reflective surface to act as a screen. And Mordo helped Wong to open the line of communication.

Immediately, the screen was showing Stephen's two older brothers, both clearly tense...worried. Even to a casual bystander, it would be obvious that Mordo and Wong had been badly scared for their brother's safety.

"Are you hurt?" Mordo stepped forward, like he might have actually opened a portal and walked through, his own counterpart there or not.

"No... I am not injured at all. We all made it through..." Stephen quickly answered and moved so that his brothers could assure themselves of his well-being. "If my other self is nearby, you can let him know his people are okay as well," he added hesitantly, not entirely certain of Stephen's relationship with Wong and Mordo here... though he knew Wong was a friend.

Wong nodded. "That message will be passed on." Like Mordo, he too was checking over Stephen's body.

"You may still want to get him checked out by one of your medical team." Mordo's counterpart spoke up. "While there are no visible bruises, he was choked by the Scarlet Witch. You'll want to make sure there's no lasting damage from that." It was altogether possible that Stephen would have told his brothers that once he was safely in his own dimension, but this way, at least it was known straight away.

"I will ask Lincoln to be on standby for when you return," Wong stated, in a tone that made it clear he wouldn't accept any arguments.

"Of course." Stephen didn't bother arguing. Even though he was pretty sure there was no lasting damage, he couldn't see his throat, so having Lincoln examine him made sense. Plus... he didn't want to get more trouble from arguing. He suspected he was in big trouble as it was.

Wong's own counterpart took his Mordo's arm and nodded to Stephen. "When you are finished, let us know." He led his friend out of the room, so that Stephen's brothers in the other dimension could talk to him in private.

As soon as they were gone, Mordo expelled, "Stephen, what were you thinking? You know full well the dangers of opening a portal to another dimension. You were so fortunate that it didn't leave you in a catatonic state as it did the last time."

"I saw Mordo... this Mordo... in danger of dying and had to stop it from happening..." Stephen tried to defend himself. "I didn't think beyond that," he admitted.

"It wasn't only the portal that closed behind you," Wong said. "The line of communication was cut. Because you didn't think and acted impulsively. We have spent almost the entirety of the time you've been there trying to reopen the communication."

"Not being able to contact you, we feared the worst," Mordo said quietly. "That we'd lost you. All Hank was able to tell us was that the Scarlet Witch was there...and that it was all in ruins. That there were so many dead...." His voice hitched, a little, as even though seeing Stephen alive and whole calmed some of the fear...it wouldn't fully go until his brother was safely back with them.

Stephen's face became a mix of guilty worry. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that had occurred."

"That is why you shouldn't have taken that action," Wong said seriously, even sternly. "Not without checking if you would have been safe. There was no good reason to put yourself in danger, even if you were trying to save a version of Mordo."

"Which we know enough about to know there were conflicts between the Mordo and Stephen of that dimension," Mordo said. "We don't know how bad things were between them."

Stephen glanced at his Mordo uncertainly. "He wouldn't hurt me..." he said, in a not very confident voice.

"I could not fathom a version of myself who ever would," Mordo said. "But Phil could never have imagined a version of himself who would be so affected by rage and pain, he would seriously hurt someone not even attempting to fight back. Even if there are things that are similar in both dimensions, there are enough differences that you could not be certain you wouldn't be facing danger from more than one direction."

Stephen swallowed hard and glanced away. "I didn't think of that either..." he whispered.

"It is quite clear you did very little thinking," Wong said. "Once you are home and have been thoroughly checked over, you will be getting a spanking."

Stephen flushed again, his shoulders hunching dejectedly. "Yessir..." he whispered. "I deserve to...."

"But we are more than happy that you are safe," Mordo said sincerely. "And no matter how much trouble you might be in, it doesn't change how much we love you."

Stephen looked back up at that, a tiny smile on his face and eyes glistening. "I love you too. And... I am sorry. I don't like worrying you."

"As your older brothers, we are going to worry about you when something happens," Wong said. "How soon until we can open a portal to bring you home?"

"I guess it depends on if I need to go back to the Sanctum in this dimension. Since there is a connection there already... it just needs to be opened." Stephen wrinkled his nose thoughtfully. "I think once everyone has eaten, the plan is to go back there... at least for Mordo, Wong and Robbie."

Mordo nodded. "I assume the danger posed by the Scarlet Witch has passed. She possessed Wanda here, but then left her."

"It is. Her connection to the Darkhold was destroyed and Clint Barton has stepped in to draw her back. Once she began to see that she wasn't completely alone, she was more willing to listen," Stephen reported.

"That's good news we can pass on to the others," Wong said.

"I'm assuming my counterpart will be returning here when I go there. What of the girl that was with him? Do I need to locate parents so they can be waiting for her?" Stephen asked.

"She has no parents," Mordo said soberly. "She hasn't spoken to the family about what happened to them, but some of the younger ones took her to see the tree village and it's possible that she opened up to them."

"Your counterpart informed us that she has no counterpart in any other dimension," Wong said. "Her power is to move between the dimensions, though he's confirmed she's unable to control it and will need help." He shrugged. "I'm sure we don't have to tell you that the family here is already making plans for her to stay."

"If she's an orphan and doesn't have to be in a specific dimension, I'd expect nothing less." Stephen grinned crookedly. "Has she bonded with anyone in particular?"

"Kaine seems to have taken to her very quickly," Wong commented. "As for a parent...there hasn't been much of a chance for her to bond with anyone yet. Now that the danger is over, I'm sure it will happen quickly."

Stephen nodded. "Well, I guess you can catch me up completely when I am back. I should probably join the others so we can eat and then get back to the Sanctum, where I can portal back."

"We'll see you soon," Mordo promised.

Stephen stepped back and called to let Mordo and Wong know he was through.

***

On the other side of the screen, once the line of communication had been closed, Mordo released his breath in a long, slow sigh. "Friday, could you ask Lincoln to be on standby for when our brother returns through the portal?" he requested. "And ask Stephen's counterpart to come and meet us, please?"

"Of course, Master Mordo," the AI replied, before passing the message onto the two men respectively.

Lincoln arrived at the same time as Stephen did. "How can I help, Uncle Mordo?" He was carrying a bag with some medical supplies.

"When Stephen returns through the portal, he'll need to be checked over," Mordo explained to Lincoln. "He was choked with magic in the other dimension, so there are no visible bruises, but we still want to be certain he's suffered no lasting damage."

"Wanda is no longer a threat and is now with the Clint Barton from your dimension," Wong said to the other dimension's Stephen. "Our brother is there as well, along with mine and Mordo's counterparts."

Stephen nodded. "Will we be able to open a portal and change places?" he asked, with a little worry.

"Once they return to the Sanctum, we should be able to open a portal allowing you to switch back," Wong said. "But they are eating first."

"You are welcome to have something to eat here before returning," Mordo added, not sure if Wong and Mordo in the other dimension would insist on their Stephen eating in the same way that he and Wong would here.

"That would actually be really good, thank you. I haven't had much time to eat the last day." Stephen smiled crookedly.

"If you come with me, I'll show you where the kitchen is," Mordo offered, preparing to do just that.

"Thank you." Stephen followed Mordo.

***

The meal had been good, but Stephen was ready to go home, and it was obvious the Bartons were tired. Wanda might be staying, but the rest of them weren't and he saw no reason to delay further. "Should we return to the Sanctum now? I can help you clean up and repair before going back," he offered to Mordo and Wong. He said nothing about returning Robbie to prison. That would be up to those in his dimension.

"You don't need to help," Wong said. "I'm certain that your brothers are eager for you to return to them. But yes, you are right that we should return to the Sanctum now."

Stephen nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said to Clint and Laura, before moving toward the door, planning to open a portal outside.

"Thank you... because of you, I've got Wanda back instead of having to attend another funeral," Clint said somberly.

Voicing their own words of thanks to the former Avenger, Wong and Mordo headed outside after Stephen, Robbie bringing up the rear.

Once all four of them were outside, Stephen opened a portal back to the Sanctum. He waited for the other three to go through before following quickly and letting the portal drop. He then looked around at the mess. "Are you certain I can't help you clean up?"

Wong snorted softly. "You are needed back in your dimension, with your brothers."

"We can take care of this," Mordo added.

Stephen nodded. "Alright... time to open a portal, then..." he said quietly.

Going to the area where the inter-dimensional connection had been originally made, Wong and Mordo worked together to open a portal back to Stephen's home dimension.

It took little time at all, as both sets of Mordo and Wong worked from both dimensions to open a portal. As soon as it was open, both Stephens were crossing over, passing each other in transit. As soon as they'd crossed over, the portal closed.

Stephen looked at the pristine area he'd stepped into then noticed Lincoln. "Medical area or my room?" he asked quietly.

"Wherever's easiest for you to get fully checked over," Mordo said, glancing towards Lincoln for his input.

"The more advanced equipment and scanners would be useful," Lincoln said.

Stephen nodded and headed to the medical area.

Wong and Mordo quickly followed their brother, clearly unwilling to let him out of their sight.

Lincoln was very used to protective family members following patients into exam rooms. He only waited long enough for Stephen to request they not watch the exam if he wanted. When no request came, he started.

Lincoln was quick but thorough and by the time he was done, Mordo and Wong had a list of things to look out for, as well as things for Stephen to do that would help his immune system. "If anything goes wrong, let me know," he requested.

"Thank you," Wong said.

"We will let you know if anything goes wrong and if we have any questions," Mordo promised.

Lincoln smiled. "Thank you. Now that you're back, I'm going to hunt down our newest family member to get a baseline for her health. Make sure she and the other kids have eaten, since this whole day has been weird. Actually...Friday? Can you make an announcement that I'm going to start a late dinner of soup and sandwiches and that anyone who hasn't had time to eat should come and get some?" He left the medical area and headed to the kitchen.

Stephen watched him leave before facing his brothers. "I ate before coming back, but if you haven't eaten...."

"We ate," Wong said. "It was easier to once we knew you were coming home."

Stephen nodded, then swallowed. "My room, or yours?" he finally asked, in a small voice.

"Mine," Mordo said. "Because you'll be staying there for the foreseeable future."

Stephen blinked at that. "I... I'm grounded?" he asked hesitantly. He was in bigger trouble than he'd thought, if he was getting more than just a hiding.

"Stephen, this isn't the first time you've acted recklessly when it comes to opening portals into another dimension," Wong said. "In fact, this time is worse...because you knew that there was danger from someone none of us could fight against. And instead of waiting, or telling any of the family what you intended, you just acted. Without even a thought to your own safety."

Stephen grimaced and looked at the ground. "You... you're right, of course. I was trying to save their Mordo, but I should have given some time to think things through..." he whispered guiltily.

"Even if you were trying to save someone, you know that you shouldn't have just rushed in without thinking of the danger. Without thinking of the danger you were in," Mordo said. "Hank was with you. At the very least, letting him know what you wanted to do might have enabled him to help you, considering he was responsible for us being able to open the line of communication."

Stephen winced. "I have no excuse. I should have done exactly that."

"I don't believe any more needs to be discussed," Wong said. "We'll go to Mordo's room and take care of this." He reached out and wrapped an arm around Stephen's shoulders.

Mordo did the same from the other side, so they could keep in close contact with their brother while they led him to the room.

Stephen swallowed hard and let himself be led. If he leaned on both his brothers, as if seeking reassurance, he didn't think they'd mind.

Both Wong and Mordo held Stephen close and tight as they led him into Mordo's bedroom. They only let go enough to move two chairs opposite each other and then sit down. Taking hold of Stephen once more, they guided their brother into place across their interlocked knees.

Letting himself relax over their laps, Stephen put his hands behind his back. He suspected this would be harder than before since it was a repeated offense. "I am sorry..." he repeated sadly.

Wong took one of Stephen's hands and Mordo the other. Together, they bared their brother, allowing a hand each to rest on Stephen's backside.

"We take your safety very seriously, Stephen," Mordo said. "This isn't the first time we've had to deal with a similar situation."

"You will be getting more than one spanking," Wong said. "After today, you will get a reminder spanking at bedtime every other day for the rest of this week."

Stephen whimpered softly but didn't argue. It was fair, after all; he had been in trouble for this very thing several times before. "Yessirs..." he whispered.

Still keeping a tight grip on Stephen's hands, Wong and Mordo both lifted their other hands and began to smack, firmly, each working over the buttock closest to them, from the crest down to mid-thigh.

Stephen choked out a tiny gasp, but otherwise managed not to make any noise, yet. It was quickly apparent to him that he wasn't going to be able to prepare for the smacks or predict them. Neither man was following a pattern of time or location. And neither man was being lenient. It hurt.

At some point that was impossible to determine, Mordo paused in his spanking, beginning to rub Stephen's backside while Wong continued to smack. "Endangering yourself isn't acceptable, Stephen," he said sternly. "Not for any reason. After you stepped through the portal, and it closed behind you and all communication was cut off...we thought we might have lost you." His voice became hoarse with emotion.

The combination of gentle rubbing, contrasted against the hard smacks, made it difficult to focus on anything but his brothers and what they were doing. As a result, Stephen couldn't form a buffer against Mordo's words. He couldn't come up with anything that would make it better and sorry seemed wholly inadequate. He began to cry; not so quietly. "I didn't mean to do that... I don't know how to make it right..." he choked out.

"You'll be punished and then forgiven." Wong began to rub this time, while Mordo resumed smacking. "And you'll be kept close to both of us," he added. "Complete grounding. You'll need to ask for permission for anything that isn't a necessity."

"Y... Yessir..." Stephen quickly agreed, his crying becoming louder. He wasn't even attempting to stop or hide his reactions. If the rest of the compound heard; well, he deserved it, after having scared his family so badly. Even though he wasn't fighting, he couldn't help but begin squirming. His bottom was already very sore, and he had no doubt they weren't even half through with the correction.

"We still love you, Stephen." Mordo's voice was very gentle, as he and Wong resumed smacking their brother's backside firmly. "No matter what happens, no matter what you do, that won't stop being true."

"I... Love you too. So much! And I'm so, so, sorry I scared you..." Stephen babbled, one tiny sob, and then another, escaping.

"We were only so scared because of how much we love you," Wong said seriously.

"We can't lose you, brother," Mordo added. "Not for any reason."

As if by unspoken agreement, the two began to concentrate their smacks lower down on Stephen's backside, focusing more to his sit spots and upper thighs and increasing the force and speed.

Stephen gripped both their hands tightly with his own, squirming ineffectively as they roasted his backside. His sobs increased in number, though he only got a little louder... he didn't want them feeling bad for disciplining him. Not when he was the one who had done the wrong thing.

Both Mordo and Wong held their brother's hands tightly, making sure Stephen was kept in place secure over their laps. After a while, again as if by unspoken agreement, they parted his legs to swat his inner thighs. As serious as what had happened was, they needed to make this punishment memorable.

Stephen slumped as his inner thighs were made to ache as much as his backside did. He continued to cry and squirm. He was grateful they had such a firm grip on him, because otherwise, he was certain he would have fallen.

Once more, his brothers paused, still holding onto his hands, their other hands resting on Stephen's backside.

"You are too important to take chances with your life, Stephen," Mordo said seriously.

"And it doesn't matter how many times we have to prove that fact to you," Wong added. "It won't change anything."

"I believe you..." Stephen babbled, his voice catching and cracking through the tears.

"Then perhaps that belief will stick in your mind, so that the next time you are tempted to pull a dangerous stunt, you remember how much you are loved, needed, wanted," Mordo said.

"Yessir... need to remember..." Stephen cried. He didn't want to hear the pain or fear in his brothers' voices. He didn't want to be the cause of their pain or fear.

After a few moments of gentle rubbing, Mordo and Wong resumed the spanking, once more going a bit harder and faster.

"We know you didn't deliberately set out to put yourself in danger," Wong said gently. "But it's important that you consider next time...not only getting spanked, but also that you don't have to do this alone. You aren't alone, brother. You have me and Mordo...you also have the rest of the family. Every one of us would help you and support you the moment it was needed."

"I know... I do... I just... didn't... stop to think about it!" Stephen sobbed. He did know. It was completely foolish of him not to give himself time to think about it.

"Which is why you need to learn to stop and think about it," Mordo said. "No opening portals without our permission. Without one of us there with you."

"E... ever?" Stephen asked, though he knew the answer. He wanted confirmation. It was hard to give up that bit of autonomy, but he also knew he hadn't used it very responsibly, so if they took it away, it was really his own fault.

"Until you prove that you can be responsible," Wong said.

"What if that never happens?" Stephen asked, with a hint of hopelessness. As often as he got into trouble for the very same thing, he wasn't certain he'd ever be responsible enough.

"You don't give yourself enough credit," Mordo said. "You are not the only family member to make mistakes. Not the only family member to make repeated mistakes."

"There is no reason you cannot learn as others have learned," Wong said.

"I want to learn... I do..." Stephen sobbed softly, beginning to get tired, slumping slightly. "I don't want to be like this... hurting and scaring you both...."

"We know," Mordo said quietly.

"You've made mistakes, but you'll learn from them and work on them with our help," Wong said.

The two of them moved Stephen carefully, so that he was no longer over their laps but cuddled tightly on them...in their arms.

"I'll do better... I will..." Stephen promised, cuddling as close to both of them as possible.

"We know you will," Wong said, hugging his brother close. "And we'll be there to help you."

"Every step of the way," Mordo promised, cuddling Stephen close.

It took a few minutes before Stephen was able to calm and by the time he was just quietly sniffling, his throat and eyes were sore, and he was yawning.

Without letting go of their brother, Wong summoned a bottle of water to his hand and Mordo a damp cloth. Together, they began to gently wipe Stephen's face and encourage him to drink.

"You can get changed into the pajamas and then we'll take you to bed," Mordo said softly. Not only would the pajamas be warm and comfortable, but they’d also be soft against Stephen's punished backside...and would allow for easy access if need be.

Stephen obediently drank the water. As soon as the bottle was empty and Mordo was finished washing his face, he carefully stood and began to undress so that he could put on the pajamas. He didn't even think to question the order; he wasn't in the mood to face any of the other family and if his brothers felt debriefing could wait, then he wasn't going to argue.

Once Stephen was fully undressed and wearing the pajamas, Wong and Mordo took an arm each and led him over to the bed. It didn't take long for them to settle in, Stephen held tight between them.

As thoroughly as they'd punished their brother, comfort and taking care of Stephen was just as important to both of them. The pajamas made it easy to raise the flap and his two brothers began to use cooling ointment on Stephen's red, heated bottom and thighs.

Stephen lay on his stomach, bracketed between Mordo and Wong. He let out tiny whimpers and sounds of relief as they spread the ointment on.  "Thank you..." he said, in a small voice. "...I know I deserved to hurt, so it... you helping it not hurt so much... thank you...."

"We'll only ever punish you enough to make sure the lesson sticks," Mordo murmured. "Taking care of you afterwards is just as important as the punishment itself."

"Besides, doing this, being able to take care of you, helps to calm that lingering fear from when we thought you might be lost to us," Wong said.

Stephen swallowed. "Still... it... it makes me feel less scared that I messed up too badly..." he admitted.

"You didn't mess up too badly, Stephen," Mordo replied. "You made a mistake and you've been punished for it."

"And you are not the only one to make similar mistakes," Wong added.

"I know in my head... it's just hard to remember in my feelings..." Stephen said hesitantly, not wanting to upset them.

"That's all right. We'll just help you to remember," Mordo said calmly.

At those words, Stephen relaxed further. He soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

***

Kaine blushed faintly as, just as they arrived into the dining room per Lincoln's instructions, the unmistakable sounds of a family member receiving a spanking could be heard. He looked at America sideways.

America was frowning, head tilted to one side, as she heard the sounds...but couldn't tell exactly what they were. "It sounds like someone's hitting another person," she finally said, a bit hesitantly.

"Not hitting, " Wade said cheerfully. "Well, not the way you think, anyway. Someone did something against family rules and is getting spanked," he announced, without further information. He quickly sat and began to fill his plate. "Thanks, Linc! I'm famished," he declared, before chowing down.

"Yeah. Thought you all might be..." Lincoln smiled in amusement.

By this point, Clint was leading Wanda back out to the table to eat.

America stared at Wade and then around at the other family members who had entered. "You seriously spank each other here?"

"It's a big part of how the family works so well together." Peter P. shrugged and began filling a plate with food, sitting down with his best friend. "And it's pretty much the worst-kept secret here. Stay for any length of time, you're bound to hear it sooner rather than later."

"I already told you. I can't stay. I can't control my powers. I could be here one minute...the next, gone. Just like that." America snapped her fingers, then sat down on one of the chairs and grabbed some sandwiches, beginning to eat like she was starving and hadn't eaten for days. Or was just a hungry, growing teenager.

"I could help you learn control," Wanda offered hesitantly...not because she was reluctant, but because she wanted to give her father a chance to veto it if he thought it was necessary.

America glanced towards the older woman. "You know what it's like to not have full control?"

Wanda nodded, a slightly pensive look coming over her face. "And to have people hate and fear me, think I'm a monster, because of what I could do," she said quietly. "My papa helped me learn better control when I lost it and accidentally gave some of my family nightmares."

Clint nodded. "I think you'll find that there are a lot of people here that can help you learn control. And believe it or not, I think you've been learning on your own too. You're still here, after all."

"I shift if I'm in danger or scared," America said. "So far, this place feels safe." She looked away, down at her plate. "It's not just me, either. I've sent...other people into dimensions. And never been able to find them again."

"It's easier to lash out when you're scared or in danger," Wanda said quietly. "But maybe you have more control than you think you do. Maybe you think you ended up here by chance, but out of all of the dimensions you could have ended up in... you found the one that had made contact with the dimension you'd come from."

"And you didn't immediately pop away, even though you could have gotten nervous around all of us!" Kaine added.

Clint nodded. "You've been braver than you think. But Wanda is right. She could help you learn better control; and so could others in this family. I think if you want to stay- and since you feel safe- staying is more in your hands than you think."

"Yeah? And what if I choose to stay and then wind-up shifting cause I get scared by something?" America replied. "It's not like anyone can come after me."

"Really depends on where you shift to. We're one of the dimensions that is aware of other dimensions, and we've been studying how they are interconnected. As long as you land in an area where even some of us exist, you just find us and chances are our counterparts will be willing to help. But I don't see why you'd get scared and just take off..." Clint said. "One of the things we'd teach you is how to control your fear."

"Kaine said that you all have rules to follow...and given the sounds I just heard, seems you're pretty hands-on with consequences for those rules," America said. "I haven't had or needed anyone telling me what to do. Not in a long time. Besides," she added, "not all versions of you are the same across different dimensions. First Stephen Strange I met, I thought he was my friend. But he was prepared to take my power from me, even knowing it would kill me."

Clint nodded. "That's true. But kid, if you are afraid to get close to people and give them a chance because you might 'get scared' and pop yourself away into another dimension, you're going to lead a very lonely life. And if we can help you learn to control it so that you don't jump dimensions unless you choose to? That seems like something worth working toward." He paused. "As for consequences and family rules; yeah, you aren't used to being accountable to anyone. But the rules are simple: don't do anything unnecessarily dangerous that might take you away from the family. Don't lie. Don't just disappear without at least informing the person in charge of you that you are planning to go somewhere. Most things are common sense and the considerate thing to do in a family."

America mulled that over in silence for a while, eating some more of the soup and sandwiches. She really was very hungry. "I was only a little kid when I first found what I could do and my powers activated in the worst possible way. I sent my mothers into another dimension." She swallowed hard, forcing down the grief and guilt that still lingered not even that deep beneath the surface. "You might think it's common sense, but I don't know how to be in a family. I don't have the first clue how to react. What to do. Because I've never been a part of a family since the first time I used my abilities."

"You don't have to know how to react. You just have to understand the very few rules we have in place and do your best to follow them. The rest? You learn. Just like every other lost waif that's been adopted into this family, yours truly included. Not a one of us started out knowing how to be in a family. But we've learned. And you're smart. I'm certain you'll figure it out too." Clint smiled faintly.

"Uh-uh. Well, no one's adopted me anyway." America shrugged. She'd allowed herself to grow attached to the other Stephen Strange, but he'd made it quite clear he didn't want her with him. Not that he'd said it outright...but his actions had made that more than clear.

"Given the speed with which this family gets attached and adopts, I wouldn't be surprised if you made a connection and were asked to join one of the families within a week..." Wade snorted, having been listening in to the conversation intently.

Clint narrowed his eyes. "I know you are basing a lot of your opinions on the relationship you had with the two different Stephen's... but that's not terribly fair; to them, to us... or especially to you, since you are holding yourself back from something that I think would be very beneficial to you." He slanted his head. "You said the one tried to take your power, even though he knew it would kill you. Was it for selfish reasons, or because he honestly thought it was you or the entire multi-verse? One life verses many? Even though he was wrong about it, if he thought that was his only option, then his choice was less about wanting you and more to do with the end of life entirely.  As for the other Stephen, it was clear he felt out of his element. I don't think his reluctance to take you on had anything to do with you and was more to do with his own confidence in himself." He shrugged. "I know it doesn't make it hurt less or suck less, but maybe understanding that it wasn't you so much as the situation or themselves....can help you realize that you aren't going to get the same reaction from every person you meet."

America just shrugged and continued eating. She didn't say anything to Clint's observations. Even though she knew they were true, like he said...it didn't make any difference to how she felt. "I want to sleep in one of the tree houses tonight," she said abruptly. She didn't say that doing so would allow her to feel closer to her own home dimension...to the memory of her mothers, or that sleeping inside the compound with so many people was a daunting prospect...but those thoughts were on her mind.

Peter P. cocked his head to one side and then commented, "Maybe a few of us could sleep out there. There's enough tree houses that we could have one each, if we all wanted privacy." Really, he meant 'if America wants privacy'. After all, it was far from unusual for even the adult children to share a bed with their parent.

"Don't see why that can't be an option. As long as you all keep a radio with you so that you can contact us through Friday if something goes wrong..." Tony said. He'd seen the look on Harry's face and knew his son wanted to sleep outside and get to know their potential new cousin.

"Of course, Uncle Tony!" Peter P. replied immediately. "Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise!" He turned to America. "We have plenty of spare pajamas for family members to use. You just need to decide what color you want."

"Spare pajamas?" America repeated, with a confused look on her face. "Like a uniform? I've never been in a dimension that had pajamas as uniform."

"You might want to show her the pajamas and then give her an alternative option, just in case she doesn't want the family version..." Clint mildly suggested. After her seeming reluctance to believe she'd ever be part of the family, as well as her seeming unease about spanking (although he wasn't sure if it was the spanking that made her uneasy, or the idea that she'd ever answer to anyone), he thought making it clear she wasn't going to be forced into anything would be a good idea.

"Yeah, okay." Peter P. nodded. Noticing that America had finished what was on her plate and wasn't reaching for any more, he said, "If you're finished, maybe Kaine can show you the pajamas? Me and Harry'll make sure everything we need's in the tree houses. Like snacks and drinks and radios."

America nodded, but she glanced sideways at Kaine. He seemed eager to get to know her, but after already being rejected...she didn't want to pin her hopes on anyone.

Kaine smiled shyly. "Extra pajamas are in the storeroom. Come with me!" He quickly stood and began to lead her to a hall closet.

As America followed Kaine out of the dining hall, she passed Riktor, who was following Laura into the room, Laura having decided she was hungry...and one of her best friends deciding to accompany her.

While Laura went over to the table to help herself to sandwiches and soup, Riktor glanced back over his shoulder, eyes tracking America until she was out of sight. Unlike Charles and Jean, he didn't really keep what he 'heard' hidden...especially not when he felt clueing others in would be beneficial. "She needs to belong somewhere. She needs to believe someone wants her." With those words spoken, and it not being clear exactly who he was talking to, he joined Laura at the table.

Clint frowned. He'd been trying to help her realize she could belong without forcing her into a situation she wasn't ready for or wanting. Did he just need to tell her he was adopting her and not leave it open for debate? How else could he convince her she was wanted? Telling her obviously hadn't done it.

Laura glanced at Riktor's face. She couldn't read minds, but she thought she knew what America might be thinking. She finally spoke quietly. "It's hard to believe you can be wanted after being rejected so many times." It wasn't quite the same with her and her father. She hadn't been rejected by others...only by her father, who had finally accepted her. But even now, she had trouble believing it.

Riktor wrapped his arm around his cousin's waist and hugged her, briefly, before he responded to the thoughts he could feel from Clint. "You didn't tell her you wanted her."

"Well... there is that..." Clint said, with a huff. "I was leaving it open so she could find who she fit better with. I didn't want to unduly pressure her. And pretty much anyone in the family would or will want her; she's a good kid. But I guess saying everyone would want you isn't the same as specifically saying I want you."  He looked at Wanda and Pietro. "What do you think? Think you'd be up for a little sister?"

"I can understand what she's gone through," Wanda said quietly. "I had Pietro, but...no one understood my powers. No one helped me learn control. Not until you, Papa." She leaned on her father. "I think she needs you the same way I do."

"Seems like there's a spare room where she'll fit right in too, Pop." Pietro voiced his own support for the idea.

"Yeah. Well... if you think she'll fit best in our little family, then I'll make the offer to her. I don't want to wait for her to feel comfortable and know what she wants, if waiting makes her feel like she isn't wanted," Clint said, with a sigh. "I'm not really good at this. You and Pietro kinda fell into my lap. It was easy to know I was best for you. I hope I'm what is best for her; I don't want to hurt her more than she obviously already is..." he whispered.

"I don't think wanting her will hurt her," Wanda said softly. "And...if you let her know you want her, she'll be more likely to stay. To want to stay. Because she'll feel like she has family again."

"Yeah. You're probably right. Still feels like I'm rushing her into making an important life decision before she's really had a chance to get to know anyone, but with her ability to just jump dimensions under highly stressful circumstances, probably better to rush her and ensure she doesn't disappear on us." Clint smiled crookedly. "Even for this family, this is kind of fast. We didn't even work on a mission together." He chuckled softly.

"Yeah, but it wouldn't be rushing her, Pop," Pietro said. "You could say that we want her in our family and then leave it up to her. She can make the ultimate decision...you're just saying that she has a family to belong to if she wants one."

"Leaving it to her or not, it's still rushing..." Clint smiled fondly at his son. "But better to rush than to miss out on our chance. And if she turns us down, it at least lets her know she is wanted."

"I think...knowing she is wanted will help her feel better," Wanda said quietly. "She was obviously hurt that neither Stephen responded to her need for family. And I think she must need it. If she didn't, she wouldn't have agreed to stay here."

"Yeah. She didn't really interact with our Stephen enough for him to react much at all. But I'm kinda glad the other one didn't try and keep her with him. I think she's much better off here," Clint said firmly. He glanced around at the other family members who were still eating. He, Wanda and Pietro had been talking quietly, so even if some of them overheard, they didn't say anything.

Peter P. finished his plate of food and quickly stood up, glancing towards Riktor and Laura. "We're spending the night in the tree village. If your parents say it's okay, maybe you can come too," he suggested.

Laura cocked her head to one side, then glanced at Riktor. She knew her best friend still held himself aloof, even from Jean and Scott, who had pretty much taken him in. Even if it would be easy for Riktor to make contact with Jean to ask...she knew he wasn't as likely to seek permission, too used to being the one 'in charge' and 'in control'.

"I will ask Dad," Laura said quietly. Because if she asked Logan...he could check with Jean and Scott. And Laura wouldn't be in the position of having to pick her best friend's side over his parents'...or vice versa.

"When you do that, check with Kaine to make certain he's actually asked his dad..." Clint called out, before she could leave. "And if you could, please have America meet me in the office area?"

Standing, he looked at Wanda and Pietro. "If I'm not waiting, then I'm not waiting even a day. I'll catch up with both of you after I've gotten you a new sister..." He smiled, turning to go find Matt for papers to make it legal.

Laura didn't respond verbally, but as she slipped out of the room, she met Kaine and America, passing on the message to both of them before checking with Friday where her father was and heading in that direction.

A mystified look on her face, America turned to Kaine. "Where is the office area?"

"It's this way!" Kaine eagerly showed her to the office before heading to look for his own father. "I'll meet you back here to go to the treehouse together!" he promised, before disappearing down the hallway.

Clint, meanwhile, had found Matt and the two of them arrived at the office together. "It won't take me long to fill in the information. I probably need to make legal documents for her so she can easily get around in this dimension anyway," Matt commented. Booting up his computer, he asked America the needed questions so he could fill out the adoption papers and print them out.

While Matt was doing that, Clint quickly explained, "I want to adopt you. Make you part of my family so that, no matter what happens, you have a home where you belong. And, once we train you completely, that you can return to at any time you want, even if you accidently hop."

Surprised, America glanced at Clint, studying his face. "You want to...adopt me?" she repeated uncertainly. "Like...my dad kind of adopting? Even though you already have kids? And I just showed up out of the blue and...?" She swallowed hard. The tone of her voice...the look on her face...this was a child who'd raised herself. Who'd been alone for most of her life. It didn't matter that she was used to it...being alone had taken a massive toll on her, so much so that she'd been willing to grab onto the first adult who'd expressed any interest in her. "Okay." She was nodding rapidly, tears in her eyes as she thought...she didn't need to be alone anymore. "I want to...I want to belong. I want a family."

"Good... that's good. Because we want you in our family." Clint's voice was firm, and his smile was genuine. Hidden deep inside, where she wouldn't be able to tell, he was frantically thinking and rethinking, hoping he wasn't making a mistake... not because he didn't want to give her a home, but because he wasn't entirely certain he was the best one to be a parent to her.

America wiped quickly at her eyes, pushing the moisture away, before giving Clint a trembling but bright smile. "Do I need to sign anything?"

"You need to sign here," Matt gently interrupted, handing her a pen and the papers, pointing to the spot that needed her signature. As soon as she'd signed, Clint quickly signed.

"I'll file the paperwork tomorrow. I'll also begin working on legal papers like a birth certificate, passport, social security..." Matt carefully put the signed papers in his briefcase. "Congratulations. Welcome to the family!"

Clint wrapped an arm around her shoulder, gently hugging her to his side. "Did Kaine let you pick out pajamas? I can walk you to your room so you can change and then you can meet up with him to go to the treehouse."

America automatically leaned into Clint, clearly much more calm and settled now that she felt like she belonged...that she was wanted. "He did." She wrinkled her nose slightly. "Do all of them have that little flap on? Even the ones for the parents?"

"Yeah. Yeah, they do." Clint's voice was amused. "You'll find they are very comfortable. Although you and the others may want to consider taking a change with you in case it is warm outside. They were really meant for winter or air conditioning."

"I only have the clothes I arrived here in." America shrugged. "I need to get my hands on a couple of changes."

"You're about the same size as some of the other women. I'm sure they'll let you borrow some items." Clint glanced around.  "Skye! Do you have any clothes America can borrow until I can take her shopping tomorrow?" He snagged his cousin on her way to the family room.

"Yeah. Give me a few minutes and I'll be back." Skye quickly headed to her own room, gathering up a selection of clothes that she brought back to America. "Here you go."

"Thanks." America took the clothes.

"Thanks, Skye." Clint smiled. "Now... let's go find Kaine so he can take you back to the treehouse. I know he was looking forward to it. I hope you are..." he added, just in case she didn't really want to go.

"It's been a long time since I felt safe enough to sleep in a tree house," America admitted. "And this is the only dimension that I've ever seen people build an entire tree village. How'd it come about anyway?" she asked curiously.

Clint wrinkled his nose thoughtfully. "Kara, have you met her yet? She... she has moments when she needs to act very young in order to cope with things that were done to her by some very bad people. She likes climbing trees. Somehow, that translated into a treehouse, and it just mushroomed from there."

"Here is your room. You can come here if you ever need a little space. Otherwise, my door is here and there is another door that joins our two rooms, so whenever you need me..." He smiled before adding, "As soon as you feel ready, I'll take you back to join Kaine."

"Uh...maybe I met her?" America frowned. "There were an awful lot of people when I first got here." She disappeared into the room she'd been given, changing quickly, and bundling up one of the changes of clothes in case she needed it. Moments later, she was stepping back out. "I'm ready now."

Clint smiled and began to lead her back to where he knew Kaine was waiting. "Remember, if anything goes wrong, you radio Friday for help," he said sternly to both teenagers, as he left her with her cousin.

"Yessir!" Kaine quickly agreed. "Anything at all! I already promised Dad... do you want me to promise you too?" he asked earnestly.

Clint chuckled. "Naw, kid. If you promised your dad, that's enough for me."

America nodded quickly in acknowledgement to Clint's words. "Night, Dad. See you in the morning." She turned expectantly to Kaine, waiting for him to lead the way.

Kaine grinned and led her back outside to join the other younger family members.

Chapter Text

Dane fidgeted, looking at his watch again. His plane had touched down fifteen minutes ago, but they were still on the tarmac, waiting for clearance to pull up to the gate. He hadn't planned to make a trip to New York City. But the Ebony Blade had been stolen nearly at the same time Sersi literally vanished from his life, going to a place he couldn't follow. He could follow the blade, however; he'd got information that it would be sold in a secretive, private auction this very night.

Hopefully, he would be able to get off the plane soon enough to do some recon. He had no illusions he'd be able to buy it, so he'd need to steal it back.

After Sersi and the others had been taken, Ikaris left behind because he'd fought against the others in spite of joining them at the end, Ikaris had spent his time watching over Dane, when he wasn't checking on Sprite and how she was coping with life as a human.

Ikaris had watched the human from afar and followed him onto the plane, managing to keep hidden and out of sight. He might not have been able to create illusions like Sprite, but he was able to disguise himself among humans who had no idea of who, or what, he truly was.

Ikaris supposed he probably should feel jealous...angry, even. He and Sersi had been together for centuries, but then she'd found this human. Ikaris couldn't really blame anyone but himself, of course...and Sersi cared for the human. And after finally joining the rest of them, the rest of his family...Ikaris found himself wanting to watch over those Sersi cared for, while she was unable to do so herself.

***

Meanwhile, while Dane and Ikaris were sitting on a plane, waiting to disembark... in another part of the city, Kate Bishop was arguing with her mother about her life choices; and secretly planning to crash an auction, where she was certain her stepfather was planning something nefarious. A lot of weird stuff was going down and she was going to catch the culprits in the act. It's what Hawkeye would do, after all!

***

When the passengers were finally allowed to disembark, Ikaris hung back to keep enough distance between him and Dane that the human wouldn't realize he was being followed or watched. As he made sure he could see exactly where Dane was from the corner of his eye, Ikaris turned to help an older woman who was struggling to get her bag from the overhead bins.

Dane wasted no time in exiting the plane and quickly going to hail a taxi. He only had his carry-on with him. Any equipment needed to get the blade back would need to be purchased.

Ikaris finished helping the woman and exited the plane, spotting Dane as the human got into a taxi. It took only moments to find a secluded spot so that he could take off and begin flying after the vehicle, careful to stay out of sight.

Dane hadn’t wasted any time gathering what intel he could and then buying what he needed for a heist. Time went quickly and soon, he was being escorted into a back room of a non-descript building... filled with the rich and elite, who didn't mind more questionable purchases. He blinked as a young woman sidled up to him.

"A bit disgusting, really..." Kate muttered, where only Dane could hear. She sensed he wasn't like the others. "Most this stuff can't be shown if they don't want it confiscated. The money could do so much good in other places."

Pretending that he belonged, blending in with the humans entering the building, was easy enough for Ikaris. While he'd never got as close to them as Sersi had, some part of him always aloof even before learning of their true mission, he'd observed enough that he could play the role he needed to. That he could get inside the building.

A younger human woman had moved over to Dane and Ikaris narrowed his eyes, watching her closely. While she didn't appear to be a threat, he'd had enough experiences with Sprite to know...looks could be deceiving.

Dane nodded politely at Kate, not wanting to encourage her talking to him. He needed to slip out to the area where items were being kept until they were brought out front for sale. He needed to get the blade, then make an escape. He was relieved when she stopped talking and he was able to make his way to the items without being seen. He was less relieved to find she was up to the same thing. He was decidedly not relieved when she slipped on a mask and uniform and began fighting guards, drawing all sorts of attention.

"Dammit..." he muttered to himself, before frantically searching for the blade, while intermittently fighting any guards who decided to focus on him rather than the woman.

Kate hadn't intended on fighting. She'd only put the uniform on to hide her identity so her stepfather wouldn't know she was spying on him. She hadn't expected to have one of the guards yell, "Ronin!" before going after her.

Dane felt the adrenaline coursing through him spike when he finally found the crate. Sliding it open, he removed the blade, wielding it, before glancing around for the quickest exit. The female who'd interrupted his plans was in trouble. "Well, that won't do..." he muttered. Carefully putting the sword in its sheath on his back under his trench coat, he quickly moved to help her. Taking her arm, he backed toward a window facing the street. "You afraid of heights?" he asked.

"We're on the seventh floor!" Kate said, with a hint of worried incredulousness.

"Aim for the awnings..." was all Dane said, before stepping onto the window ledge. He glanced over his shoulder just long enough to position himself, then jumped.

"Crap!" Kate yelped at the unexpected actions. Looking out the window, then back at the guards, she realized she didn't have much choice. She swallowed hard, then followed Dane out the window.

Ikaris hadn't been too concerned when the fighting started. He would have stepped in if it looked like either human was in danger, but as they seemed able to take care of themselves, he hung back and just waited...at least for as long as it took to see Dane climbing out of the window.

It was more than obvious that the younger woman was afraid of falling. That she wasn't nearly as confident as Dane in climbing out of the window.

Dropping all pretense of being a normal human...and of keeping himself hidden from the human he was watching over...Ikaris flew towards the window. Towards the young woman. Grabbing her in a firm hold, he directed, "Don't struggle. You'll fall." Then, he began to glide towards the street below, holding her in a tight grip.

Kate didn't fight. She began chattering the moment they were out of the window. "Are you an Avenger?! How did you know I needed help? I'm Kate, by the way. Who are you?" she asked, just as they landed.

Dane had landed on the awning, perfectly sliding off to the sidewalk below. Even so, he had landed hard and had to roll to avoid breaking bones. By the time he stood and looked to see if his impromptu companion had followed him, Ikaris was landing next to him, Kate in his arms. "You!" he blurted.

"I'm not an Avenger," Ikaris replied. "And I saw you needed help because I've been keeping watch over him." He nodded towards Dane as he carefully released Kate.

Dane blinked at that. "What do you mean, you've been watching over me? I don't need watching!" he said, offended.

Kate snorted. "You kinda do. Who are you?"

"Dane Whitman..." Dane said, with an irritated glance at her words.

Kate grinned unrepentantly. "Kate Bishop."

Kate looked at Ikaris expectantly.

"Ikaris," he replied. "And it seems to me that you both need watching." He nodded towards the window. "Escape route cut off, so you decided that a seventh-story window made for a good replacement? If either of you had fallen, you'd have ended up with far worse than just broken bones."

"Didn't fall..." Both shrugged and spoke at the same time, before looking at each other again; Dane with a tiny smirk and Kate with a giggle.

Kate glanced toward the front door of the building as it was shoved open, and a goon ran out. "And it's been nice but see you!" She ran off.

"Shit..." Dane immediately ran in the opposite direction.

Neither waited to see what Ikaris would do.

Ikaris had helped the younger woman, because she'd needed it, but he could only keep an eye on one of the two of them. And it was Dane who he'd taken the responsibility for at the moment. So, rising into the air once more, Ikaris began to fly after Dane.

***

Life had been hectic and strange and sadly chaotic for a few weeks. In that time, Kate's investigation had led her to the track suit mafia. Had led to a battle for her life she'd not been expecting. Had led to Wilson Fisk.

Luckily for her, Dane Whitman had checked on her that first night and ended up sticking around to help her, or she may have been killed. Also luckily, they discovered her mother's fiancé wasn't guilty of everything Kate had originally thought he was (and he'd actually helped them escape the henchmen Fisk sent to kill them at the end). Not so luckily, she'd discovered her mother was guilty, had been working with Fisk all along, and while her mother had changed sides at the last moment to try and keep her only daughter from becoming a casualty of Fisk, it hadn't been enough to offset her crimes.

Kate watched as the police car drove away, carrying her mother to jail. She took a deep breath and turned toward Jack Duquesne. "Thanks... for everything. Especially after the way I treated you. I'm sorry I blamed you, especially when it was mom all along."

Jack shrugged. "You believed in her. That's the way it should be. I believed in her too. Now... I have to clean up the mess she left behind in the company. I... I'm sorry I can't do more for you, but if you need help finding a place to live, or references, or anything...."

"No... I'm good. My family's used you enough. I appreciate it, though." Kate smiled weakly. She gave a tiny, surprised giggle as he pulled her in for a quick hug, then a small wave as he walked away.

"You could come with me..." Dane shifted closer to her from where he'd been standing to the side, giving them space. "We made a really good team. And we only 'almost got killed' about five times." He smirked.

***

Ikaris had been keeping watch over Dane and, by extension, Kate. He'd stepped in whenever it seemed like the two of them were in more trouble than they could handle...had been witness to each of the almost getting killed scenarios. And each time it had happened, it had left him feeling worse and worse.

He wished Sersi was there. Not because he wanted to give up this self-imposed responsibility, but because she might have been able to give him a better insight into the mindset of these two humans and exactly why they kept putting themselves in danger.

"You could spank them, you know." Sprite's voice sounded from behind him, making him jerk in surprise and turn towards the former Eternal, who grinned at having startled him.

"Sprite. What are you doing here?" Ikaris asked. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"I ditched," she replied proudly. "I saw the news. The humans have got better technology now. They can capture a flying Eternal, even if he's not wearing his uniform." She clambered up onto the roof next to him and peered down at the two humans Ikaris was watching on the street. "Sersi would hate that he's putting himself in so much danger," she said softly.

"I know." Ikaris sighed and looked at the youngster. "You shouldn't be up here. You're human now. Means you can be hurt. And you should be in school," he added.

"But if you're adopting two humans, I want to be a part of the family too," she protested.

Ikaris didn't bother trying to argue with her. More than likely, she was reading him better than he was able to read himself. With a long sigh, he wrapped his arms around her and flew them both down off the roof, landing close by Dane and Kate. "Give me the number of your school. I'd better call them and do damage control."

"See?" Sprite grinned at him and stepped away. "You've already got the part of worried dad down perfect." She turned towards the two humans. "Hi, Dane! Who's your friend?"

Dane had been aware of Ikaris following him, them, around, although he wasn't aware how many of their close calls had only been close calls because of Ikaris' intervention. When Sprite showed up next to the other man, he didn't know whether to be happy at seeing the young ex-eternal or annoyed. Sersi had explained that the young girl was human now. Mortal, like him. Why was he suddenly attracting all the Eternals, though? "Hey Sprite," he finally answered. "This is Kate. Any word on Sersi?" he asked hopefully. He hadn't felt comfortable asking Sersi's ex about her. He wasn't certain the Eternal liked that he was, or had been at least, dating her.

Sprite shook her head, looking sad. "There's no word from the rest of the family, either...not since they sent a message saying they were looking for Sersi and the others."

Ikaris had taken out his phone and stepped away, calling Sprite's school to try and smooth things over. Unfortunately, as this wasn't the first time she'd ended up skipping school, he was clearly having trouble convincing the principal to give her another chance.

Sprite glanced over her shoulder, listening unabashedly to Ikaris' conversation, then turned back to Dane and Kate. "So. Any good schools where you two and Ikaris are going to settle down?" she asked outright. "Cause I think I ditched one too many times and they don't want me back." She sounded fairly chipper at the fact...but anyone who knew her well, or was observant, would be able to tell it affected her.

"Wh... uh... we..." Dane gave Sprite a befuddled look, before glancing at Kate and shrugging helplessly.

"We hadn't actually made any decisions. I have my apartment, but given everything that's happened, I'll probably want to move." Kate shrugged back.

"My flat is in London." Dane wrinkled his nose. "Guess both of you could go back there, with me..." he suggested uncertainly.

"Maybe?" Kate frowned thoughtfully. "First, I want to make a trip to upstate New York. That mask I found at the auction? Belonged to Hawkeye!" Her eyes took on the glimmer of a fan excited to meet their hero.

"Okay!" Sprite turned to Ikaris as he returned to the group. "We're going to upstate New York!" she informed him.

Ikaris frowned at those words. "Maybe there'll be a school there I can get you enrolled in. You were on your last chance...what were you thinking?"

"That I can still recognize the sound of broken bones even though I'm human now and it was filtered through a television screen." Sprite jerked her thumb towards Dane and Kate. "I can help you protect them."

Ikaris eyed her for a few moments before he said, "The news report wouldn't have shown the fight."

Sprite rolled her eyes. "No. But hacking into security feed is easy."

Dane snorted at that, quickly covering his mouth with his hand to hide his grin.

Kate didn't even try to hide, her laughter pealing around them.

Dane cleared his throat as he suddenly realized, "Broken bones? Who got hurt?"

"Just a couple of broken ribs," Ikaris replied. "They'll heal."

Sprite snorted softly. "Yeah, but at least with me here, I can help. So, you don't get broken bones."

"You're not getting involved in any fights," Ikaris replied instantly. "You're fully human now. Means you can get seriously hurt." He shook his head and sighed, then looked towards Dane and Kate. "We go to upstate New York. Then figure out the next move from there."

"Yeah... I rented a car. We can go by your place for you to pack a bag, if you need," Dane said to Kate. "Do you have bags?" he asked Sprite and Ikaris.

"Yeah. That'd be good," Kate agreed. "Do you think I need to call ahead? Tell them why we're coming?"

"No bags," Sprite replied. "It's much harder to sneak on an airplane if you're carrying bags."

"I didn't need to bring much." Ikaris shrugged, before saying to Kate. "Probably a good idea to warn them."

"No better time than now, I guess..." Kate shrugged, before glancing around. "You left the car at my place, remember? We need to catch a cab."

"I didn't forget." Dane snorted as he flagged down a passing cab.

Sprite quickly hopped into the backseat when the cab stopped next to them.

Despite his comments about broken ribs healing quickly, Ikaris still got into the cab a little gingerly. Healing faster wasn't the same as immediate healing, after all.

Dane got in next to Sprite.

Kate got into the front and gave directions to her place.

"So, Hawkeye's the Avenger with the bow and arrows, right?" Sprite asked. "Didn't they all move into a huge underground compound or something?"

"I dunno..." Kate glanced into the back seat, looking baffled. "I think they moved into a big compound where SHIELD is now headquartered. Maybe."

"At least it'll be an adventure," Sprite said brightly. "School is boring. Most of what they're trying to teach me, I already know."

"Yeah. I hear that. Even when I didn't know what they were teaching, I got bored," Kate agreed.

Dane wrinkled his nose. "School wasn't that bad," he argued.

"Let me guess. You were a genius straight-A student." Kate huffed.

Ikaris looked at Sprite. "I know you don't like it, but part of being human and part of being able to grow up is going to school. Learning. Building an identity for yourself that you don't have to hide."

"But I could do that easily with the resources humans have available now," Sprite said. "Just hack into the government system and make my own identity. No more having to go to school."

"How old are you now, officially?" Dane asked. "Legally, you can't drop out until you are at least 16. It may be higher. I'm not really sure for US states."

"Fourteen." Sprite sat back with a pout on her face.

Dane smiled at that. "Yeah. Even if you were able to hack into systems to set things up, they'd still expect you in school because of your age. Unless you set yourself up as a child genius. But then you'd have to hope no one mentioned it to a reporter, because child geniuses are considered newsworthy. Unless you want to be on the news as someone's 'feel good' piece?"

Sprite's pout grew even more as she said, "No. I want to be normal. But I don't want to go to school," she added.

"Part of being human is following the rules of the society," Ikaris said mildly. "If you find most lessons too boring, I'll see if I can find somewhere more engaging for you."

"It's only for two more years," Kate said from the front, not fully understanding, but wanting Sprite to feel better. "Aaaand... We're here." She quickly paid the driver, before hopping out to lead everyone up to her apartment.  "It won't take long for me to pack a bag. And get Lucky. Here, Lucky!" she called out, as she ran upstairs.

"Hey, Lucky..." Dane leaned over and scratched the dog behind the ears. "Of course, you're coming with us. We'd never leave such a good boy behind..." He began using the universal tone of voice for babies and pets, cooing over the dog, who was happily wagging his tail.

Sprite eyed the dog and then looked towards Ikaris. "You know, I liked them much better when they were wolves."

"I know," Ikaris replied. "I remember how much you cried when the one you'd bonded with died." He shrugged. "Might not be wolves anymore, but at least the time with an animal will feel longer for you now."

Dane remained quiet, petting Lucky.

It didn't take long for Kate to return with a bag. And a bow and quiver.

"Planning to take lessons from Hawkeye?" Dane asked, with a grin.

Kate grinned back. "If he'll let me!"

Standing up to grab the nearby leash and clipping it on Lucky's collar, Dane walked to the door. "Follow me. Car's this way."

Ikaris followed quickly, Sprite a little more slowly, clearly lost in thought.

They'd loaded the car quickly and were soon on their way, heading toward the 'Avenger's Compound'.

****

"So... got a call from a Kate Bishop." Sharon began talking immediately as she joined the entire family for lunch. "...She gave me this really long story about auctions and track suit mafia and huge fights and Wilson Fisk... I checked it out, by the way and everything she told me was true... Anyway, long story short; she found an item that belongs to you, Clint. Or at least belongs to one of your aliases when you are undercover. She and three friends are bringing it here. She said she might be able to give us a list of other items she saw at the auction that we may want to retrieve. They should arrive in two to three hours. They were in the City when she called and planned to begin driving up as soon as she got off the phone."

"She say what item? And how she knew it was my alias that used it?" Clint asked suspiciously.

"No. And I'd planned to have SHIELD agents meet them at the gate and escort them to interrogation, so we can find out," Sharon said, before looking at Maria, then Coulson and Fury, to see if they objected to her plan.

Meanwhile, both Matt and Karen had gone stiff, obviously agitated, and anxious.

Coulson looked towards his son. "You took on a few undercover missions when you were much younger that you had to wear a disguise for," he remembered. "Did you have anything go missing? That could help narrow down what and how long it's been gone for."

Fury nodded slowly to Sharon. "I'd like to sit in on the interrogation when they get here. She tell you anything about the others coming with her?"

Sam noticed the look on his children's faces and frowned worriedly, reaching out to place a hand on each of their shoulders, squeezing gently.

"I don't know... but given everything that 'went lost' when HYDRA made their move, I wouldn't be surprised if more than one of my disguises disappeared." Clint sighed. "I'm more worried that she seemed to know it was mine."

"She said two men and a girl, but didn't give names. I've assigned two younger agents to get in touch with the authorities in that area to get more information," Sharon said, as she sat down with her plate of food. "Given everything that happened there the last few weeks, there must be something to find."

"Can you find out more about Fisk?" Matt's voice was tight. "He was supposed to be behind bars, not getting involved in whatever they're involved in."

"We'll get a report together," Maria promised Matt. "Including everything we need to know. We'll find out what's going on with Wilson Fisk. And if he's not currently behind bars, we'll put him there."

Coulson looked at Clint. "Do you want to be there to ask questions? If she knows who you are, she might be more willing to be open." Pausing, he added, "Of course, given how much information she gave Sharon, there might not be an issue with her trying to hide things."

Blake was frowning. "You said a girl?" he asked Sharon. "Do you think they've got a child with them? Is it possible she might be in danger?"

Sharon shook her head. "I couldn't tell by her answers. She didn't appear to be trying to hide anything, though. We may not have any difficulty getting answers quickly. Given all the weirdness lately and the fact Clint is involved, like it or not, do we want any powered individuals in the questioning?"

"Why don't Dad, Buck and I sit in?" Steve suggested. "Any normal threats, we should be able to handle between us. But at least, if things go badly wrong, there'll be other people on standby."

"I could read them and tell you if they're lying or not," Riktor offered.

"I think, unless they seem less than honest, we'll not read them. We don't want them to distrust us if they are on our side and deliberately looking into people's minds or emotions without their permission breeds distrust," Jean said calmly; not wanting to discourage her son's desire to help but trying to teach him that he shouldn't just use his powers whenever he wanted without thinking about ramifications.

Sharon nodded. "So... Clint, Logan, Steve, and Bucky? Am I conducting the interrogation or do one of you want to handle it?" she asked Coulson, Fury and Maria.

"I'll conduct the interrogation," Fury said. "But there's no reason you can't be there as well, Sharon."

"It should be fairly safe, even if they turn out to be enhanced," Maria commented.

"Well... I'm assuming Clint will be there since he's the one she had info on. Steve, Bucky, Logan and you, Sir, makes five. I'm not sure one more person wouldn't make them reluctant to cooperate. I can wait outside of interrogation; in case I'm needed. If that plan is agreeable..." Sharon deferred to Fury.

Fury nodded. "Better to have someone on standby outside anyway," he agreed.

"You going to wait outside with me, sis?" Sharon grinned at Maria.

"Do you even need to ask?" The look on Maria's face was fond.

"No. But I'm nothing if not polite..." Sharon's grin broadened.

By this point, most of the family had finished eating their breakfast and were standing to clear their plates.

Fury looked towards Tony. "Tony, do you think Veronica could get video feed from the security cameras around where these newcomers were stationed?" he asked his nephew. "I want to see if any of them look familiar...."

Tony nodded. "Even if she can't... there are news stories popping up on my feed regarding some of the fallout. Ronnie? Can you get us video feed of..." He looked toward Sharon for confirmation. "...Kate Bishop? And get identities on any of her companions?"

"Right away, boss," the AI responded.

"Thanks," Fury said. "At least this way, we can go in prepared for the possibility of there being a threat if anyone does recognize them as an enemy."

"There are many, many videos that I am gathering, master Fury, but I have a still frame of Miss Bishop, in a car with three other individuals that was taken by a traffic camera shortly after she called Miss Sharon. The one driving is Mr. Dane Whitman. Miss Kate Bishop is behind him. The man in the front passenger seat, I do not have information on, nor do I have information on the young girl behind him; however, the two were caught on camera during an altercation in London not so long ago," Veronica said. Several pings could be heard, as she sent the camera photo to their devices.

Fury looked at the photo that had shown up on his phone, frowning. The picture was clear enough, but even so.... "I don't recognize any of these people."

Steve was staring at his phone, a strange look on his face...like maybe he was seeing a ghost. "Buck? You see this too, right?" he asked his brother.

Buck lowered his phone, moving over to look at the photo on Steve's phone, as if it was a different photo. Shaking his head, he sounded mystified. "I'd say I don't believe it, but I've seen too much weird not to."

Meanwhile, Logan was also staring, a crooked grin on his face. "I know the male passenger..." he said out loud. "He went by Isaac when I met him, but he admitted his real name was Ikaris before we went our separate ways. Never got a last name."

"What is it?" Coulson asked.

"Bucky and I, we know this girl." Steve pointed at the young teenager in the photo. "But we knew her when we were teenagers. She called herself Sprite. She went to our school for about two years before telling us she had to move." He looked towards his father. "If this is her...she hasn't aged at all."

"If she's with Ikaris, it doesn't surprise me she hasn't aged. When I met him, it was in 1883,” Logan's gaze was reflective.

"Do you trust him?" Steve asked his father. "Sprite was a friend, but she was more prone to causing mischief than...well, even Bucky." He gave his brother a fond smile.

Bucky blushed. He hadn't told anyone, but the two years they'd known Sprite, many of his more mischievous activities had been an effort to impress her.

Logan nodded. "When I knew him, he was honorable enough. Of course, that was over a hundred years ago...."

"At least we won't be going in blind," Steve said. "We know two of them." He turned towards Clint. "I take it you don't recognize this Kate Bishop?"

"No. Which makes the fact she seems to know so much about me a bit off-putting. I realize my association with the Avengers gave me a bit more notice, but not that much more," Clint remarked.

"Well, we'll find out soon enough," Fury said. "If you're ready, we'll head to interrogation now."

"That soon? Will they be here that fast? If they were in the City, it's at least a two hour drive to reach us here..." Sharon blinked, looking at her watch. "Although, they left an hour and a half ago and if Dane drives like most SHIELD agents, they could be here any moment..." She snorted.

"At least we'll be prepared," Fury said.

Not seeing any reason to wait, they all went to the interrogation room or the observation room, leaving instructions for the visitors to be escorted to interrogation as soon as they arrived.

***

Thirty minutes later, Dane was driving up to the gate. Security met them. "Please come with us. We will have one of our agents park your car after it has been checked for bombs."

"What? I'm not..." Dane looked at the others, to see if they would agree to such demands. Kate was already getting out of the car, Lucky hopping out after her.

Sprite got out of the car, looking around curiously.

"They'll need to take precautions, I assume," Ikaris said to Dane. "Let them do what they need to." He got out of the car as well.

"Aw, c'mon. Has no one heard about people disappearing into deep, dark government strongholds?!" Dane whined, before getting out of the car. "It's a rental! Don't scratch it!" he grumbled at the guard getting ready to climb into the driver’s seat.

The guards led the four into the building, taking them through winding halls and through several floors before reaching the interrogation room.

"Are we allowed refreshments?" Sprite asked brightly. "Cause I could really do with some coffee."

Ikaris frowned at her. "You're still drinking coffee?"

"Well, yeah." She rolled her eyes. "I'm telling you, of all the inventions humans came up with? Coffee was the best. Don't know how I went without it before." She turned a winning smile onto the guards. "Please?"

Kate grinned at Ikaris. "Be glad it's only coffee. I had my first rum and coke when I was thirteen..." she claimed unrepentantly.

"I was twelve..." Dane chuffed. He immediately high-fived her raised hand.

Clint cleared his throat. "Good thing my dad wasn't your dad...." He glanced at Coulson with a teasing but fond smile.

Sprite shrugged and wrinkled her nose. "Never really cared that much for the taste of it, really." She glanced curiously towards Clint and Coulson...and to the other men with them.

Steve cleared his throat and stepped forward, looking at the young teenager. "Sprite?" He spoke her name hesitantly, like he still wasn't sure she was real.

"Yeah." She cocked her head to one side. "Who're you?"

Ikaris spotted Logan and nodded slightly to him. "Your regenerative abilities still working, I see."

"They are. Didn't realize you also had them..." Logan smiled.

"Hey, Sprinkle..." Bucky used his old nickname for the young girl, wondering if she'd remember.

Kate was staring at Clint with a star-struck look... until Dane elbowed her. "Holy crap, it's really you! I've been a fan since the battle of New York! I've taken every archery lesson and gymnastics lesson and fighting lesson I could to become the best in the hopes I could even be half as good and brave as you!" She was gushing unreservedly. "I found your mask... your outfit!" She quickly pulled open her rucksack and pulled out the Ronin uniform, handing it to Clint. "Of course, at first, I didn't know it was yours...  but the goons kept saying Ronin was back every time I put it on and started coming after me, even when I wasn't trying to stop them, so I had to hack into some systems to try and find out who Ronin was and discovered it was you, and as soon as I knew that, I knew I needed to give this back to you, and if they had this at the auction, what other stuff was there that prolly shouldn't be sold? I mean, they stole Dane's magic sword..." She was babbling.

Dane watched her in open mouthed bemusement, having given up trying to stop her from spilling all their secrets in her fangirl gush. She'd ignored his first five attempts.

Sprite's jaw dropped open and she stepped forward, looking first at Bucky and then at Steve. "Buck? Stevie?" She looked a bit shellshocked as she said, "You're not Eternals...and you aged. But you oughta be nearly in your hundreds by now. 'Cept you look the same age as Ikaris."

Ikaris moved a bit nearer to the three humans he'd already begun seeing as 'his', even as he responded to Logan's comment. "Not regeneration. We're...." He hesitated, not sure how exactly to explain.

"Sophisticated robots, created by a Celestial cause he wanted to use us to birth more Celestials," Sprite said. "But it would have destroyed the whole planet. That's why there's now a giant statue in the middle of the ocean." She paused and then zeroed in on Bucky's mechanical arm. "Looks like you had a lot of adventures after I had to leave," she said quietly.

Steve heard the sadness in Sprite's voice and winced. She'd told them that her family had had to move away...had promised to write and had kept her promise for a while. But clearly, she'd left because they would have noticed that she didn't grow up. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "It must have been lonely for you."

"It's... a very long story..." Bucky said softly, his own voice sad.

Clint listened to Kate, his own eyes widening with each babbled word. "Uh... it seems clear that there isn't anything nefarious in her knowing who I am..." He glanced at his father. "Although hacking into government databases could get you in huge trouble," he said to Kate. "Maybe we can take this discussion to the family floor?"

Coulson nodded. "I think that would be a very good idea," he agreed. "Perhaps we could have Lincoln run some tests. Make sure there are no nasty surprises."

"And check that Ikaris' ribs are healing well?" Sprite asked, in a seemingly innocent tone.

Logan blinked at that. "You have hurt ribs?" Everyone stood and surrounded the newcomers to lead them out. "Friday, could you have Lincoln and Bruce meet us in our infirmary?"

"Right away, Master Logan," the AI chirped.

Kate became even more excited.

"The videos requested were sent to your phones, but I could move them to the family room so you can watch them on a larger screen. In case you need to hunt for clues," Veronica added.

Dane looked a little nervous at that announcement. "Video?"

Sprite's eyes widened. "You have AIs?" She smiled. "Phastos would be so excited to see this! He could help teach you so much!" Her face dropped and she glanced towards Ikaris as she said, quietly, "If we knew where he and the others were...."

"Your doctors won't have a baseline for me," Ikaris said to Logan. "Eternals look human. But we are not." Shrugging, he added, "Of course, Sprite is human now. She can finally grow up."

Dane smiled sadly at Sprite's mention of the missing Eternals, effectively distracted from the worrying comment of there being video and him not knowing what of.

"Maybe. But we can at least get scans and you can let us know if there is something that can be done," Logan said.

"Ajak would have been able to give information," Sprite said quietly.

Ikaris' wince at the comment was obvious, even though he didn't say anything. Sprite hadn't actively blamed him for killing Ajak...but he knew that had been the first decision in a line of very wrong decisions he'd made. "Lead the way," he said in resignation to Logan.

"Besides. You have to set a good example for your kids," Sprite said to Ikaris, before adding, "So, about that coffee...?"

Logan gave Ikaris an interested look. "You have kids? How old? Are they nearby? My daughter Laura is here... you'll probably meet her while we're in the family room watching the videos."

"Um... if it isn't none of my business... what videos? Did we interrupt an important mission?" Dane asked.

Bucky shook his head. "No... when Kate called and said she had items belonging to Clint and knew all this information she shouldn't know, we had Veronica look her up. Since she mentioned bringing you all, we looked you up as well."

"There is a lot of video footage of the last several weeks..." Friday chimed in cheerfully. "Wade has already made several comments on it. Till Cable made them turn it off to wait for you all to arrive, anyway."

"Them." Sprite jerked her thumb towards Dane and Kate. "Ikaris has been their guardian angel for weeks. Which is probably what's on the videos," she added. "And he's older than them. Like way older. So, he might as well adopt them, cause it kinda seems like he has already. Unofficially."

"You can't make any comments on my age, Sprite," Ikaris said, notably not commenting on what else she'd mentioned. "You've been alive just as long as I have." He then looked towards Logan. "I'm surprised you have a daughter. You didn't seem to be interested in settling down when we first met."

Dane and Kate were staring at Sprite by this point, mouths open in surprise. "What are you talking about?!" Dane blustered. "You guys only showed up once or twice until right before we came here. And it was always after we were done doing whatever we were going...." He wrinkled his nose. "Plus... I'm an adult. I'm no one's kid," he asserted.

Logan ignored Dane's protest to answer Ikaris. "I wasn't. She... wasn't planned. And it took a long time... too long... for me to accept that she was mine. I thought it was a hoax. No way was some government facility able to take my DNA and make a baby when I know I'm sterile. But... somehow, they did it. Anyway, I have her now and can't imagine her not being in my life, so even if her beginnings were less than ideal, I can't regret that they occurred. Not when they gave her to me."

Sprite rolled her eyes. "No, I was the one who showed up right before we came here. Ikaris is the one who stepped in to stop either of you from getting captured. Or hurt. Or killed. Or did you really think you were just that lucky to narrowly avoid the guys after you...what was it, four times?"

"Five," Ikaris corrected Sprite, almost absently, even as he added to Logan, "I'd like to meet her, then."

"Wait..." Kate began, just as Dane asked, "...What?"

Clint snorted, putting his hand up to hide his amused smirk.

"You can," Logan promised, just as they reached their floor and walked into the family room. "Laura, sweetie. Come meet an old friend of mine..." he called over.

The room was filled with every family member who, almost as one, turned to stare at the newcomers. Especially Kate and Dane.

"So... can we finish watching now? I'm interested to see how they get out of these messes..." Wade's voice carried easily.

"Director Fury?" Veronica asked. "You were the one to request the video. Should I start at the beginning?"

Laura glanced towards her father and then hesitantly approached, clearly wary, even if she was better at meeting new people than she had been.

Ikaris smiled at her. "Hello, Laura. My name's Ikaris." He kept his tone light and gentle, recognizing that she was skittish.

"Yes, please do, Veronica," Fury requested.

"Ooh, popcorn!" Sprite went over and plopped herself on the floor next to America and Kaine, who were closer to her age than any of the others, and happily helped herself to the popcorn when America offered it.

Logan smiled at his daughter, but as soon as she'd acknowledged Ikaris, he gave her a gentle sideways hug. "Go back and join your cousins. Looks like everyone is treating this as movie night..." he said in bemusement. He motioned for Ikaris to join him on one of the couches.

Everyone else quickly found seats and Veronica began the 'show'.

By the end, three hours later, it was obvious to everyone that while Ikaris had saved Kate and Dane's bacon five times... there were at least twenty other times they'd just escaped certain death by the edge of their teeth. Which, considering cameras didn't catch everything, meant there were probably numerous other times as well that no one got to see.

Dane stared at the screen, a shocked look on his face. He hadn't even realized how close he'd come to dying some of those times.

Kate had a mixed look on her face; proud at what she viewed as her and Dane's skill and sheepish worry, because it was very apparent that most of those older than her were not impressed.

"If I did even half of that, I'd be over your knee getting my bare ass blistered!" Wade's voice carried easily through the silent room.

"I told you that you should spank them." Sprite's own comment to Ikaris carried just as clearly as Wade's had.

Ikaris had ignored Sprite's initial 'suggestion', because while spanking wasn't unheard of between the Eternals (Druig managed to 'talk' himself into several more trips over Ajak's or Ikaris' knee than if he'd just kept his mouth shut and attitude in check), he hadn't realized it was still in use in the human world. But seeing all of this, the full range of what he'd missed? All he could really do was acknowledge Sprite's comment with a simple, "Yeah."

Coulson cleared his throat, looking towards Ikaris. "Before you address their behavior, I think it would be a good idea to at least be checked over by my grandson. I know you indicated you heal fast, but at the very least, you probably want to be sure those ribs are in the correct position for full healing." He looked towards Lincoln.

"Our infirmary is just over there actually..." Lincoln pointed to a door on a wall of the room they were in. "I can get quick scans and then, if you point out anything that seems wrong, I can make note and we can treat it...."

"Wait! You're not actually going to...?" Kate's eyes were wide and nervous.

Dane's own eyes were wide and nervous, but he kept quiet.

Ikaris stood to head to the infirmary, but he did address Kate and Dane. "Since neither of you seem to see anything wrong with your actions, then yes. I'm inclined to use a punishment that I know has worked. And there seems to be little reason to hide it, given the reactions of those here indicate it's a punishment they too are familiar with."

"But! You aren't my dad!" Kate squawked. Her parents had only ever grounded her.

Dane still said nothing, moving to stand next to a wall thoughtfully, watching everyone else; watching to see what the rest of those present had to say.

"Where are your parents?" Coulson asked Kate, his voice very gentle.

"D... dad died in the Battle of New York..." Kate hesitantly admitted. "Mom... well, you saw the video... they took her to jail..." She swallowed, her voice soft and unhappy.

Coulson's voice and face was soft with empathy as he said, "Ikaris has been protecting you since he first met you, every time it's been within his power to do so. That's what a parent does. He put the safety of you, of both of you, above his own. You have the video evidence to prove it."

Kate wrinkled her nose in confusion. "But... why? I didn't ask him to. I didn't even know him at first...."

Dane had been listening and while he could understand what Coulson was saying and believed it fit Kate, he couldn't see how it applied to him. He was the lover of Ikaris' ex-lover. It frankly surprised him the Eternal had saved him at all. He doubted the older being wanted to be a father to him. He didn't even need a father. He'd been on his own since before his age of majority. While Kate continued to protest and argue the situation, he quietly slipped out of the room and began to make his way back to where he thought the car was.

"Probably a similar situation to the rest of us," Steve said, a little bit wryly. "It starts with stepping in to protect them, even from themselves. Then you continue doing it because you can't stand the idea of living without them. Eventually, you realize...it's more than just friendship. They're yours. Your family." He shrugged. "Some of us take longer to get to that point than others."

Kate blinked. "You... you think he wants to be my dad?" she asked uncertainly.

"I think he clearly cares about your safety," Coulson said. "And he didn't voice any arguments against taking that responsibility for you."

Kate wrinkled her nose again, before sighing. "I'm an adult...."

"So are most of us here." Steve shrugged. "And the majority of our kids were adopted as adults. Because they were in the same position as you."

***

Dane was in the garage by this point, trying to locate a guard to bring him his car so he could leave.

***

Lincoln did all the scans, showing them to Ikaris. "You do have cracked ribs. I can bind them for you...."

"Thank you," Ikaris replied. "Other than that, all of the scans do seem to be normal."

Lincoln quickly wrapped Ikaris' ribs. "We now have a file for you, so if something does go wrong, we can help you better," he said, as he finished up.

It was at that moment that Veronica interrupted, letting Ikaris know that Dane had sneaked out and where he was headed.

"Thanks." Ikaris addressed the AI as he quickly stood, thanking Lincoln and then heading towards the compound's exit.

***

Dane was frustrated. Not only did they refuse to release his car to him unless one of the directors cleared it, they had confiscated his bag because they'd found the ebony blade and didn't like the readings it was giving off. "I'll be damned if they force me to stay here..." he muttered to himself, leaving the garage and walking outside, beginning to hike toward the gate, but then changing his mind, as he was positive they'd just stop him there and return him to the compound. He veered off toward a wooded area. He'd find some part of a gate that didn't have actual people watching. Climb over the fence if needed.  Get a lawyer and sue for his property back.

***

Kate blinked at hearing Veronica's message and quickly looked around in confusion. "I didn't even notice he left... " she said, chagrined. She reached down and patted Lucky as the dog whined at her unease.

***

Dane was moving quickly. He soon reached an area out of sight of the compound and any guards. The fence was high and there were cameras, but the cameras were facing outside the fence to prevent intruders, not facing inward to keep occupants from leaving. He'd be over the fence and running before the camera reported his position.

Ikaris hadn't wasted any time, only moving slow enough to avoid damaging his ribs even more. If he was on the ground, there was no chance he would have found Dane. But he wasn't. And from his position in the air, he spotted the human easily.

Ikaris quickly came in for a landing, moving to intercept Dane. "You don't want to do this."

Dane stopped abruptly. "Why not? This whole place is crazy... pushing you to punish me like a... a... " He swallowed and shook his head. "That they even assume you want a relationship with me, let alone.... the only thing we have in common was Sersi! And then they took my blade! They had no right!"

"Sersi was why I started protecting you in the first place," Ikaris agreed. "But I never had to show myself to you. I didn't have to let you know I was there. Or stick around. As for your blade? I'm going to assume you didn't even try asking for it back before you sneaked out and tried to run away. Which is a poor form of repayment to people who have fought with you and for you."

"I did ask for it back! And was told unless the director cleared it, they were confiscating it. They had no right! I hadn't used it against them. It was safely packed in my bag! I wasn't planning to stay gone, either. I was going to get a lawyer. To get my property back without having to put up with the ridiculous notion that... that..." He growled and kicked the fence, before wincing and limping slightly. "Dammit."

Ikaris raised his eyebrows and spoke in a calm voice. "Instead of reacting like a child throwing a temper tantrum, why don't you try and calm down and think of this logically? The guards didn't know they were allowed to give you your blade back, because you didn't ask the ones in charge. The guards here were following orders. Can you really fault them for that? It would have been much easier, not to mention the honorable thing to do, to speak to the ones in charge. After all. No one has hurt you here. No one has even tried. And perhaps you might not like the idea of being spanked, but do you not think trying to run away from the consequences of your actions is childish? That leaving without a word to someone who has only tried to protect you is disrespectful and churlish, to say the least?"

Dane turned, leaning against the fence. He knew Ikaris was right; he should have just asked those in charge to allow him to leave. To give him back his property. But they were the ones encouraging Ikaris to spank him. And maybe it was churlish and disrespectful to just sneak out without word when Ikaris had done nothing but protect him, but Ikaris was seriously considering spanking. He'd known if he didn't leave, he'd soon be in the most embarrassing position of his life. But to hear Ikaris, he should have just accepted it as if it was normal and deserved. "There shouldn't be any consequences!" he finally ground out in frustration, but calmer than he had been. "I only did what needed doing..." He didn't respond to a lack of respect. He did regret how his leaving was rude to Ikaris... but not enough, not to have made the attempt.

"Really?" Ikaris asked calmly, moving over to Dane's side. He crouched down in front of the human and began to carefully remove Dane's shoe and sock, so he could check on any damage caused by kicking the fence. "You needed to put yourself in danger? It was necessary to risk your life...not just once, not just the five times I knew about, but more than twenty times?" He looked up into Dane's face. "Would you accept those kinds of actions if Sprite took them?"

Dane swallowed hard, his gaze falling to where Ikaris cared for him, then to the side. "No... I wouldn't have been happy about it; not that I would have been able to do anything about it," he admitted reluctantly. "A... are you really going to...?"

"You saw nothing wrong with those actions," Ikaris replied. "Nothing wrong with putting yourself in danger. If nothing else, a spanking will be a consequence that will stick in your mind and hopefully help you think next time. Since the alternative would be letting you get hurt by someone who wouldn't care if you lived or died." He straightened up and wrapped his arms around Dane, intending to fly the human back into the compound. "I don't think you've broken anything, but it'll be best to get it checked anyway."

Dane automatically wrapped his arms around the older man. For all he'd tried to get away from Ikaris, he trusted him. "Could we... could you...here? So, no one can hear?" He blushed dark. He was certain he wouldn't be able to remain quiet if Ikaris followed through on his plans.

"I can take care of it here," Ikaris agreed. "But if spanking is common enough to be discussed so openly, they might still guess that it's been done." He rubbed his hands gently down Dane's arms and back. Sprite hadn't been wrong about how he viewed the two humans he'd been protecting.

"M... maybe... b... but I'm already embarrassed. If they hear me acting like a baby, it'll be worse," he whispered. "Especially since..." He swallowed hard again. "Since I'm a little scared...."

"You don't need to be scared." Ikaris' voice was soft and reassuring. "A spanking will hurt, but it won't harm you." He hugged Dane close for a few moments, before leading the human over to a bench that was close by, but out of immediate view of any cameras.

"Not scared of the pain," Dane admitted faintly. "Afraid of what it means."

"The spanking?" Ikaris sat on the bench and gently guided the human across his lap. "It means Sprite wasn't wrong. About how I feel. About how I see you." He rubbed Dane's back for a few moments and then proceeded to bare him.

"What it means for my freedom... my autonomy. Once you can spank me for doing things you think are wrong... I'll hafta talk with you about my plans and if you say no, I can't imagine I'll get away with disobeying. That means you're in charge. I won’t be an adult anymore. I'll be a kid...." Dane's voice was small.

"You'll be my kid." Ikaris rubbed Dane's back for a few more moments and then moved his hand a little lower, so that it rested on the human's bared bottom. Raising his hand, he let it fall in the first firm, crisp smack that he then repeated. He wrapped his other arm around Dane's waist, pulling the human in close and tight against his stomach, as he delivered the swats down to Dane's thighs, before starting over from the top.

Dane's quick gasp was followed by a frantic squirming that only Ikaris' tight grip and strength kept him from falling to the ground. It hurt a lot more than he'd expected. Ikaris wasn't going easy, considering it was his first spanking. "... No..." he finally whined, in a strained voice.

After he'd finished the second circuit of smacks, Ikaris paused, allowing his hand to rest on Dane's bottom and beginning to rub gently. "Yes," he corrected. "You'll be my kid. You won't be taking any dangerous, reckless chances like the ones that you have been. Any one of those could have ended with you in the hospital or even dead and I won't allow that to happen." He rubbed for a few more moments and then began to smack firmly once more, his grip on Dane tight and firm.

By this point, Dane was crying, both from the unbearable sting and the complete helplessness he felt. Ikaris' words made the helplessness worse, because he knew the older man could enforce what he said. Dane was no longer a free adult. But... under the helplessness was a tiny warmth growing in his chest. Someone cared enough about him to protect him, even from himself. He felt safe with Ikaris, even if the Eternal was roasting his bottom. The conflict was confusing, and he reacted the only way he could: he squirmed more frantically to get away, crying vocally as he repeated, "...No..." in a tiny, choked, tear-laden voice.

Completing the third circuit of swats, Ikaris resumed gently rubbing Dane's bottom and upper thighs, his other arm still holding Dane close to himself. "From now on, anything you do that is dangerous or reckless will end with you in this exact same position. Over your father's lap, bare bottom spanked until you have learned your lesson." Once more, he resumed smacking, this time going a fraction harder and faster.

At hearing the promise and at hearing Ikaris refer to himself as his father, Dane was overcome by two emotions: need and fear. The need to give in and accept Ikaris as his father and let himself belong, and the fear that if he did that, he'd never be able to do anything of his own will, ever again. He really would be Ikaris' little kid, his little boy. It caused him to begin sobbing and thrashing around; not really trying to break free so much as to keep from breaking.

Ikaris held Dane close and tight, making sure that the human wouldn't be able to throw himself off his lap and onto the ground. That he wouldn't be able to harm himself. "I've got you, son," he murmured, even as he began to focus more smacks to Dane's sit spots and upper thighs, shifting his son enough for easier access to those more sensitive spots. "I've got you, little boy," he reiterated. "And I won't let go of you."

It was the words as much as the hard swats to the more sensitive parts of his bottom that broke him. Hearing Ikaris refer to him as 'son' and 'little boy', on top of being physically unable to slow or stop the punishment, left him feeling out of control. He finally gave up, slumping over Ikaris' lap like a rag doll, sobbing. "S... sorry... wi... will be good!" he choked brokenly.

"I know you'll be good, little boy." Ikaris stopped spanking and moved Dane onto his lap, cuddling him close and tight. One hand stroked his hair and back, while the other rubbed his bottom. "You belong with me now, son." He whispered the words into Dane's ear, before kissing the side of his head.

The words and the kiss caused Dane to slump further into Ikaris' arms, sobbing harder. "Didn' mean to be bad, daddy....so sorry!"

"Not bad, little boy," Ikaris corrected, kissing his head again affectionately. "You were naughty. And I've taken care of that." He tightened his embrace around Dane, stroking and rubbing his son's hair, back and bottom. "Now you're my good little boy again."

Dane hiccoughed, pressing close and clinging. It was unsettling. He was an adult, but he felt so small and helpless and needy. "Shouldn't be a baby..." he whispered uncertainly; it was obvious he wanted and needed to let Ikaris be the adult but was fighting his own needs.

"I'm your daddy." Ikaris' voice was gentle and reassuring. "You're safe to be my little boy." He rubbed his hand under Dane's shirt and pushed his son's pants and underwear down further, allowing him to rub and stroke further.

Dane shivered, hiding his face against Ikaris' chest. As much as he felt he should pull back and be adult, it was too comforting to be held; and Ikaris didn't seem to mind. Was in fact encouraging his more childishly needy clinginess. "I wasn't trying to be naughty, daddy..." he whispered, even as he shuffled to enable Ikaris to be more possessive in his touch. "I still dunno what exactly I did wrong... only that it was dangerous and I'm not 'lowed to be dangerous..." he admitted.

"You're not allowed to be dangerous, little boy," Ikaris confirmed, kissing his son's hair. "Any more dangerous actions will get you spanked." He gently patted Dane's backside for emphasis, then resumed the rubbing and stroking.

"Yes, daddy..." Dane sniffled. "Jus'… wasn't trying to be dangerous. Didn' even know some of it was dangerous till I saw the video." He pouted faintly, pressing his face closer to Ikaris chest, and sighing softly as his father rubbed his bottom.

"That's why, little boy, you'll be staying in my sight for the foreseeable future." Ikaris gently kissed Dane's head, even as he continued rubbing his little boy's bottom. "If you struggle to see what's dangerous yourself, I'll help you."

"All day 'n night... all the time?" Dane's voice took on a slightly softer, more childish tone, as he began to accept Ikaris' authority over him, submitting completely.

"All the time," Ikaris agreed. "When I take you back into the compound, I'll carry you to be checked over by the doctor. Then, when I handle your sister, you'll be standing in the corner of the room. Right where I can see you." Gently patting Dane's bottom, he added, "And before bed, I'll give you another small spanking as a reminder to be my good little boy."

Dane whimpered and sniffled at the last item but didn't protest. If his daddy thought he needed another spanking to help him be good, then that's what he'd get. "Everyone will know..." he whispered. This time, he didn't seem as embarrassed at the thought. Now that he'd accepted Ikaris' role in his life, the idea that everyone else would know how the older man handled him wasn't as daunting.

"They are in family units as well," Ikaris said. "It wouldn't surprise me if others are in a similar situation."

Dane sniffled and snuggled some more. "Okay, daddy..." he whispered, squirming so his bottom was in better position for pats and rubs. If he was accepting that he was Ikaris' little boy, then there was no point hiding his needs from his daddy.

Ikaris cuddled Dane tightly, still gently stroking his hair and back and over his bottom. "You're my son now. My little boy. I won't let you go," he promised.

Dane swallowed. "Before you started following me and saving me... I felt drawn to you..." he whispered suddenly. "Not like with Sersi. Not a physical draw... a... I felt from the moment we met, even when Sersi was still here, that I could belong to you. And if I belonged to you, I'd no longer be in charge of myself... I sensed it and it terrified me...." He sniffled, nuzzling against Ikaris' chest. "It was just like I was afraid of; I belong to you and I'm not in charge anymore... I'm just like a kid again. Still scares me a little, but... not as much...."

Stroking Dane's hair gently, Ikaris asked softly, "You didn't have anyone who cared for you before? No one who would claim you as their own?"

"My parents died when I was really young. I had my uncle, but... he's in jail now... and even before then, he wasn't really all that attentive. I was pretty much making decisions for myself from the moment I was old enough to know I needed to..." Dane admitted hesitantly. "I was always 'grown up', even when I wasn't a grown-up. Being your little boy is completely opposite to what I've known most of my entire life...."

"You never had the chance to be a child," Ikaris said quietly. "I know what that's like. I never had a childhood. I was made this form and this age, just as Sprite was made fourteen and never able to grow up."

"I... I never really did. Maybe that explains why I've reacted so childishly to you. I dunno... Just. I never felt drawn like that to anyone else, ever. Why would I feel drawn to you in a... in a childish way? You weren't giving off fatherly vibes when we first met...." Dane sounded confused and still a little nervous, as if trying to work things through in his own mind so he could understand.

"I felt a similar draw to you then as well," Ikaris admitted. "But at the time, I was too focused on what I thought was my mission to act. Then with Sersi gone, I told myself I was watching over you...protecting you...because of her. In reality, I was lying to myself."

"This... being adopted by my girl-friend's ex-lover is normal, compared to my sudden need to be treated like a little kid. Only... I guess it wasn't sudden. When you showed up and started saving me, I... I deliberately made sure that you didn't know what I was doing, because I felt even then, if you told me to do something, I should obey... wanted to obey and be made to behave. The videos didn't even get everything I did; since the search was for what Kate was involved in, they didn't get all the things I did without her..." Dane sniffled. "...You'll prolly wanna spank me again when you learn of them."

"You'll be getting another spanking before bed anyway." Ikaris rested his lips against Dane's head. "If it's necessary, given the actions you've taken, bedtime spankings will continue for a while."

"Yes, daddy..." Dane whispered, cuddling close, relaxing at the words. As much as he was scared at the turn his life was taking, at giving all control to Ikaris, it finally felt like a buried need he hadn't wanted to acknowledge was being addressed. And he did trust Ikaris. If Ikaris spanked him every night for the rest of his life, he knew it would only be because the older man knew he deserved or needed it- and he wouldn't harm him. Feeling his father being in charge and making decisions for him helped ease some of the fear he had at giving up that control.

Cuddling Dane tighter to himself, Ikaris murmured, "I want to get your foot examined sooner rather than later. I'll put your clothing into place and then fly you back into the compound, so that the doctors can make sure you haven't done any damage."

Sniffling and nodding, Dane held still so Ikaris could do whatever he needed to do. He was extremely cuddly, feeling exceedingly young and needy.

Ikaris carefully redressed Dane, then stood, lifting his son into his arms, and cuddling him tightly. Then, he flew back into the compound and back to the medical area.

Dane kept his face hidden against Ikaris' chest, not wanting to face or see anyone they might pass on the way to the infirmary. He could hear the people, though.

"What happened? Is he okay?" Kate's worried voice carried down the hall as Ikaris carried him.

Lincoln's voice came closer, walking beside Ikaris. "Come this way. I'll examine him...."

"He's okay," Ikaris replied reassuringly to Kate. "Just that there's another injury that needs to be checked over."

Kate would have continued to question, but they'd reached the infirmary by that point and Ikaris was carrying Dane into the room.

"He'll be out as soon as I've checked him," Lincoln said quietly, firmly closing the door in her face.

Responding to the fact that Dane needed to be held and kept close, Ikaris carried his son over to the examination table and settled down with him, positioning himself so that he wouldn't get in the way of what Lincoln needed to see. "He kicked a fence outside. I want to make sure he hasn't caused any damage to his foot."

Lincoln raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. "Can you take his shoe and sock off? I'll get the scanner ready."

Dane didn't even make a move toward removing the items, waiting for Ikaris to tell him what to do.

Ikaris removed the shoe and sock, then gently tugged Dane back against his chest, supporting his son.

Lincoln couldn't help but look into Dane's face, to make sure he wasn't experiencing some other ailment than his foot; the man wasn't acting at all like he had been prior to leaving the compound. When he saw the slightly confused, needy, scared, and uncertain look on Dane's face and noted how he was leaning on Ikaris in such a submissive and reliant way, he realized; Dane was going to be one of his cousins that acted young occasionally. Maybe not as often as Kara, but he'd seen how Bobbi acted. And Wade. And Peter. He looked at Ikaris with understanding. If Dane was in a young mindset, then Ikaris would have to make decisions. "I'll show you to your room after I'm through the exam. Do you want me to check more than his foot? Did anything else happen?"

"I'd be happier if you did a complete examination," Ikaris replied. He didn't comment on Dane admitting that he'd done other dangerous stunts than what was shown on the video, but even without that knowledge, he figured a full examination could only be beneficial to both of them.

"A full examination needs him to take off his clothes. Here..." Lincoln reached into a cupboard and handed Ikaris an examination gown. "I'll go gather my equipment, if you want to get him ready."

Dane looked up at that but didn't say anything. If Ikaris wanted him examined, he'd be examined.

"Thank you." Ikaris waited until Lincoln gave them privacy, then began to carefully remove his son's clothes so that he could put the hospital gown on Dane.

"Do I hafta get a full exam?" Dane whined quietly. "I don't feel sick...."

"You told me that you'd done more dangerous stuff than I already knew about." Ikaris gently stroked Dane's hair. "I want to be certain that there is nothing wrong. That there are no injuries, no matter how small."

"Okay..." Dane said, in resigned acceptance. "When... when do you want me to tell you what I did?" He continued to hold still, even once Ikaris had him fully naked, and didn't try to pull away or hide. He was completely vulnerable to Ikaris.

Putting the hospital gown on his son, Ikaris settled in so that he could hold Dane close and tight, hands rubbing gently over his shoulders and arms. "We'll have that conversation this evening, after I've taken care of things with your sister. After I bring you out of the corner, you'll lay across my knee and tell me exactly and everything you did."

"Yes, daddy..." Dane whispered, relaxing in Ikaris' grip.

Lincoln returned and quickly but thoroughly examined the other man, making certain Ikaris could see what he was doing and take note of the same things he was. The older man was taking charge of Dane, after all, so he needed to know what was going on with his son.

By the time the exam was over, Dane felt like the doctor and his father knew his body better than he did. He was blushing darkly and hiding his face against Ikaris' chest.

"I haven't noticed anything majorly concerning. His foot will be bruised, and he should probably not walk on it too much for at least the rest of the day. Prop it up and if it swells, put ice on it." Lincoln suggested. "You can get him dressed again. I think Kara left pajamas on the beds for you, so I can show you to your rooms now, if you would like to retire for the night."

"Thank you." Ikaris began to dress his son, touching and hugging Dane reassuringly. Once his son was dressed, he gathered Dane into his arms and murmured, "I love you."

Dane blinked at that, tearing up and pressing close. "I love you too..." he whispered. "...Glad I'm not running or hiding from you anymore...."

Lincoln returned once Friday informed him Dane was dressed again. "Are you ready for me to show you to your room? I think Kate is already in the one assigned to her, but you'll notice that your room is connected to Sprite, Kate and Dane's rooms. All rooms for the person in charge are connected to the rooms of the ones they are in charge of."

Ikaris nodded in acknowledgement, even as he carefully lifted Dane into his arms, cuddling his son close and tight. "We're ready," he answered for himself and his son...not bothering to explain that Dane would be staying with Ikaris for the time being.

Lincoln quickly escorted Ikaris to the section of rooms where he and his family would be. He pointed out Sprite and Kate's rooms, before opening Dane's door and showing Ikaris in.  Pointing at the bed, he said, "I was right. Kara left pajamas for you..." to Dane, before pointing to another wall with a door. "That door leads to your room," he said to Ikaris. "You'll find two other doors leading to Sprite and Kate's rooms. I'll leave you now... if you need anything, have Friday get me."  He smiled and backed out of the room, closing the door.

Dane looked at Ikaris. "Do you want me in the pajamas, daddy?"

Ikaris nodded. "They look warm and comfortable. And it'll be easier to relax if you're wearing them." He carried Dane over to the bed, picking up the pajamas, before heading into his room. Once there, he dressed his son in the pajamas, noticing the flap. It took only a moment to pin it up and out of the way, leaving his son's bottom bare.

Dane blushed. "Daddy? Kate..." he said hesitantly, reluctant to argue with his father so soon, but embarrassed at the idea of his little sister seeing his still red bottom.

Rubbing Dane's backside gently, Ikaris said softly, "I want to focus your mind a bit while you're in the corner. So that you think about what you need to." Moving towards the bed, he sat down and gently moved Dane into place across his lap. Once his son was settled, he began to firmly pat Dane's backside.

"Oh..." Dane said, in a tiny voice. He didn't fight, though. He went where Ikaris led and when his father put him over his lap again and began to firmly pat, reigniting the hot sting on his red, sore bottom, he didn't try and get away or even squirm. He lay submissively limp over Ikaris lap and accepted the patting. He whimpered and whined softly as his bottom began to ache and become very sensitive again, tears sliding down his cheeks, but he didn't move from where he'd been placed.

Ikaris only patted firmly, not increasing the force or speed any. After a few moments of patting, he then began to rub his son's bottom once more. "When you're in the corner, you're going to think about all of the dangerous things you did, every single one, and then once you're laying across my knee again, you will tell them all to me."

"What if it wasn't dangerous, but was naughty?" Dane asked, in a tiny whisper.

"You will tell me every naughty thing you've done as well," Ikaris said. "And once I have that information, I will determine how many bedtime spankings will be appropriate."

Dane sniffled. "Yes, daddy. Every dangerous and naughty thing..." he said, in an almost woebegone tone. He already knew there was a large amount. He suspected he'd be spanked every night for a month, if not longer.

Wrapping his arm around Dane's waist, Ikaris delivered a series of light smacks to his little boy's bottom and thighs, ensuring that the sting would linger while Dane was standing in the corner. Then, he carried his son towards the corner and set him down to face it, replacing the flap over Dane's reddened backside. "You will stay here until I give you permission to come out."

"Yessir..." Dane said, immediately putting his face toward the corner, leaning forward until his head rested against the wall. His bottom stung horribly, causing tears to pool in his eyes, even if they didn't fall. The flap on the pajamas rubbed his sensitive bottom, making sure that he couldn't ignore the sting. He was grateful, though; his father had kept him from being embarrassed in front of his sister. It meant a lot.

"I love you, my little boy." Ikaris kissed the side of Dane's head and then moved towards the door that led to Kate's room. He knocked lightly before saying, "Kate, I would like you to come in here, please."

It was only a few seconds before Kate was opening the door between their rooms. She was dressed in the pajamas that had been left for her as well. "Ikaris! Is Dane alright? He didn't hurt himself, did he?" she asked quickly, worried. She then looked over the older man's shoulder, seeing Dane in the corner. "Oh..."

"Dane is fine." Ikaris answered for his son. "And I'm sure tomorrow, he'll be able to answer any questions you might have." He was fully aware Dane was unlikely to be up to answering anything tonight.

Kate swallowed. She remembered what had been discussed right before Dane took off. What Ikaris had promised. Seeing Dane in the corner, it was easy to guess why Ikaris had asked her to come to his room. "You're really going to spank me?" she asked, as she fully entered the room and closed the door behind her. She wasn't surprised and seemed resigned. She'd had time to think while Ikaris was retrieving Dane and while she'd thought she was too old for a spanking (nearly all of the other 'kids' in the compound had assured her she wasn't), she also knew she and Dane had done some really stupid things. It was kinda nice, having someone care enough about that, about her, to do something about it. "What do you want me to do?" she whispered.

Ikaris wrapped his arm around Kate, drawing her in for a tight hug before he guided her over to the bed. "I'm going to place you over my knee and spank your bare backside. You don't have to worry or be scared that you'll fall. I won't let you." Taking a seat, he gently guided her into place.

Sighing softly, Kate followed, letting him lead and place her. "Why bare?" She had to ask, even if she wasn't arguing against it. "Why not over my pajamas?" She quickly realized the purpose of the flap and wondered if her underwear would cause a problem. They couldn't be pushed down without removing the pajamas. "Um... I guess from now on, I have to wear the pajamas without underwear..." she said uncertainly, not sure if Ikaris would change his mind about doing it bare or make her undress completely. Unless she just tugged them up and gave herself the wedgie from hell. She couldn't help giggle snorting at the thought.

"I think that's the idea of them." Ikaris carefully helped Kate to stand. "It'll be more comfortable if you take the underwear off. As for spanking bare...it's more effective as a punishment." He didn't add that it enabled him to see what he was doing.

Kate nodded. "Turn around, please?" she asked bashfully, almost primly. As soon as he was facing the other direction, Kate quickly took off everything, then put the pajamas back on, without her underwear. She tossed those on the floor next to her door to retrieve when she went to bed. "I... I'm ready..." she said hesitantly. She really wasn't ready. But then, she didn't think she ever fully would be ready for a spanking.

Ikaris reached out and gently guided her across his lap once more. Once she was in place, he raised the flap of her pajamas, rubbing her back gently for a few moments. "Those dangerous actions you took weren't acceptable. And they weren't necessary. You could have had more help that would be less likely to end with someone hurt. Or worse." Lifting his hand, he brought it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated.

Kate's breath caught on the first smack, and she whined softly. "Yes, sir. Once I knew you were helping, I should have let you know our plans so you could help..." she admitted.

"Exactly right," Ikaris confirmed, settling into a pattern of swats down to her thighs, before starting over from the top again. "I could have lost you and that is not acceptable."

"I didn't even know you'd care if I was lost..." Kate whimpered. "I thought it was just Dane you were worried 'bout!" She was squirming by this point, tears quietly sliding down her cheeks.

"I saved you when you were prepared to jump out of a seven-story window," Ikaris replied. "It was both of you I was protecting." He began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster.

"Ye... yeah. Sho... shoulda realized!" Kate gasped, squirming harder, before just giving it up as a lost cause and letting herself go limp, submitting to his authority. "I'm sorry..." she said softly. She was obviously crying, though not sobbing. She felt guilty for what she'd done, yes; but he was addressing that guilt. She wasn't scared. There was no reason to sob. Only reason to submit and accept. That's what she did.

Ikaris finished with a final few smacks to her sit spots and thighs, then he stopped. Replacing the flap, he moved her onto his lap instead of over it, cuddling her close. "I already think of you as my daughter," he murmured into her ear. "It would make me happy if you felt the same."

Sniffling, Kate snuggled close. "I already trust you with my life. I feel like I need to obey you, respect you. I want us to be in each other's lives. If I don't view you as a father, I'm very close...."

"I'm glad you're safe," Ikaris murmured. "I'm glad you're here, with me." He kissed the side of her head and cuddled her a bit tighter.

"Thanks to you..." Kate smiled, snuggling a bit more. "My dad would have liked you. Agreed with you spanking me.... if he still lived." Her voice was sad, but more in a remembering way than an upset way.

"I'm sorry you lost him," Ikaris said. "But you have another family now. Not as a replacement...but as well as those who have been in your life, whether they still live or not."

Kate sniffled, cuddling closer. "Thanks... Pop..." she said hesitantly. She didn't want to replace her father, but Ikaris was right. She didn't have to go without family.

Ikaris smiled at the term of address. "I'm glad you're in my life now," he said softly. "I'm glad you're safe."

"I'm glad too..." Kate said quietly, smiling up at him. "Thank you for giving me a home...."

"You'll always have one with me," Ikaris promised.

Kate smiled even wider and snuggled a bit more, before remembering Dane was in the room and being very quiet. Biting her lip, she looked at her brother, then back at Ikaris. "Should I go find Lincoln now? He said something about checking me out to get a baseline and also make sure I wasn't injured and didn't know it."

"That would be a good idea," Ikaris agreed. "If you need me, you know where I am. Just let me know before you come into the room."

"Okay, Pop..." Kate impulsively kissed him on the cheek, before carefully standing and heading back to her own room, picking up her underwear on the way out.

Dane listened as his sister's footsteps moved away, until the door opened and closed with a click. He was crying again. He'd heard Kate being spanked; and heard her easy acceptance of Ikaris into her life as a father. He also heard how she managed to accept her new position and the punishment with calm maturity. He was ashamed that he hadn't been able to. That shame made him feel even smaller and he couldn't stop himself from crying, even if it wasn't vocal.

Ikaris could tell that Dane was crying. Without hesitation, he stood and walked over to his son, guiding Dane into his arms and hugging him tightly. "There is nothing wrong with you, son," he whispered in Dane's ear.

"I... I can't control myself... can't control my emotions... can't behave my age... can't... can't figure out why..." Dane choked out, before beginning to cry harder and cling to Ikaris. He'd never felt like this before in his life, with anyone, and couldn't figure out why he was suddenly regressing to the behavior of a toddler just because Ikaris had decided to step into his life. Kate hadn't. Why was he reacting in this way?

"You had no one in your life." Ikaris lifted his son into his arms and carried Dane over to the bed, sitting and settling Dane on his lap, hugging him tightly. "You didn't have a parent who loved you and who would take care of you. But you needed one desperately. That's what this is." Kissing Dane's head, he added, "This is the little boy inside you who needed someone to love and take care of him."

Dane quivered, letting out a tiny sib begore burrowing into Ikaris' arms. "It's okay?" he asked, in a tiny voice.

"It's more than okay, son. It's more than okay to be my little boy," Ikaris responded. His hand stroked down Dane's hair and back. His other hand undid the flap covering his son's backside, beginning to gently rub.

"'Kay, daddy..." Dane whispered, sniffling, and cuddling closer still, unable to get enough of the attention he needed. It felt like if Ikaris let go of him for even a little, Dane would just float away into nothing; would be nothing. He only felt safe when Ikaris held him close and tight, gently dominating him.

"I love you." Ikaris stroked his hands over Dane's hair, back and bottom, gently kissing the side of his head. "Lincoln seemed very accepting of you deferring to me," he murmured. "It's possible other adult children do the same to their parents."

"They won't think it's pathetic of me... to want you to control me?" Dane asked, in a very, very small voice.

"Lincoln looked to me to make the decisions involving you," Ikaris pointed out. "If you'd like, we can ask him if he's seen similar behavior."

Dane blushed. "I dunno, daddy..." he whispered. "Do you think we should ask?" He snuggled, nuzzling Ikaris' chest.

"I think it might help you feel better about your needs to know that you aren't the only one." Ikaris gently pulled the pajamas free, allowing him better access to his son's body, rubbing and gently squeezing Dane's back, bottom and thighs.

Dane sniffled and nodded. "Okay, daddy..." He sighed softly as his father gave him affection, perfectly happy to be completely naked if that's what his father required of him. He wanted to obey and let Ikaris be in charge of every part of him.

Pressing a kiss to Dane's head, Ikaris held him close and tight for a few more minutes. Then, he positioned Dane across his knees once more and began to rub his son's bottom and thighs. "Now, little boy, you will tell me every single dangerous and naughty thing you did before accepting your place as my son," he directed firmly.

"Yes, daddy..." Dane's voice quivered, but he did as ordered, beginning from before he left London... beginning all the way back to when Ikaris first met him and saved him from the Deviant. If he was confessing, he would confess everything.

Ikaris listened to his son's confession, gently stroking, and rubbing his son's backside. Every so often, responding to one or another action, the rubbing would get a little bit firmer, or he'd add a firm squeeze to the rubbing.

The firm rubbing and squeezing helped Dane continue to be honest as he fell into a very submissive mindset. It was sobering. Saying out loud all the things he had done that were dangerous or naughty made him realize exactly how off the rails he had become... how much he needed Ikaris to step in and be his daddy.

By the time Dane had finished his confession, Ikaris was smacking more than he was rubbing or squeezing. "Two weeks." He spoke his son's sentence in a low, firm voice. "You will be getting spanked every night for two weeks, little boy."

"Yes, daddy..." Dane said, in a tight, tear-filled voice. He was scared. He hadn't realized how dangerous his behavior had become of late; how close to dying he was. He'd never been that careless before and didn't understand what it was about Sersi disappearing that had set that careless nature free, but he knew he needed help. "I'm sorry, daddy... so sorry..." he said fervently, hoping that Ikaris wasn't angry with him.

"I know, little boy." Ikaris' voice was gentle and reassuring. His other hand rubbed and stroked gently over Dane's hair, neck and back, even as he continued to swat his son's bottom. "I love you. And I'll help you learn how to be less dangerous and reckless," he promised.

"...Love you too!" Dane whimpered, slumping in acceptance of the correction he was receiving. His bottom stung badly, but he needed it to sting. Needed his daddy to make it sting, until he would be reminded who he now belonged to and who he needed to be safe for.

Ikaris moved back on the bed, until his son's entire body was supported, and began to smack harder and faster. His other hand continued to give gentle, loving affection...while the first gave his son firm correction, even though it was tempered with love.

Dane was blubbering by this point, but noticeably not begging his father to stop. He wasn't in the right frame of mind to argue; was only in a frame of mind to accept whatever Ikaris deemed necessary and deserved. Even if he couldn't sit right for the next day, he knew it was nothing compared to the fact he could have died. He reached down and gripped Ikaris' leg, needing to hold onto his father as much as he needed to be held onto.

Finally, Ikaris stopped the spanking. He wasted no time in moving his son onto his arms, on his lap, cuddling Dane tightly and rocking him slowly, as if he truly was a toddler. He kissed his son's head, murmuring soothing words of love into Dane's ear.

Dane just continued to sob and cling to Ikaris as a child would. He hid nothing from his father, leaving his body and his emotions open in complete vulnerability. He was Ikaris' little boy, completely.

Ikaris didn't so much as loosen his hold on Dane, rocking him and cuddling him close and tight, speaking in low, soothing tones to his little boy.

By the time Dane calmed enough to not be crying any longer, he was slumped against Ikaris, mouth-breathing because his nose was stuffed and swollen from crying. His eyes were swollen too, and his body was hot and flushed. He continued to snuggle tiredly, nuzzling.

Noticing his son's condition, Ikaris reached for some tissue and a bottle of water from a minifridge he'd noticed next to the bed. He carefully wiped Dane's face and then uncapped the bottle, encouraging his son to drink.

Dane obediently drank the water, not saying anything. He wasn't emotionally able to form the words, because he wasn't entirely certain what he needed to say. He could only hope his father understood.

"I've got you." Ikaris murmured the words reassuringly to his son. "I love you. You aren't alone anymore. Not without family anymore."

"Been alone so long..." Dane said, his voice faint and broken.

"I have you." Ikaris kissed his head. "I love you. I'm your daddy. You're my little boy."

"Your little boy forever, daddy?" Dane asked, in a small, needy voice. He wanted to belong forever. Needed to belong forever.

"Forever," Ikaris promised. "No matter what happens, it won't change."

Dane relaxed at the promise. "Thank you, Daddy..." he whispered, fighting a yawn. "Like being yours..." he admitted, almost shyly. He kept pressing close as possible, moving his body to follow Ikaris' touch.

Ikaris moved back onto the bed, so that they could both lay down and he could cuddle his son tightly against him. "You can sleep now, little boy," he murmured. "I won't let you go."

"Promise?" Dane couldn't help but ask in a trembling voice, even as he snuggled close, pressed against Ikaris, head to toe, latched on like a barnacle.

"I promise," Ikaris replied. "I'll be right here, still holding onto you, when you wake up."

"Okay..." Dane believed Ikaris. Closing his eyes and letting out a soft sigh, he was soon sound asleep in his father's arms.

Chapter Text

Stephen stepped through the portal and then stopped, the scene of destruction catching him by surprise, despite the fact he'd been aware it existed. His shoulders slumped wearily. He was tired. Too tired to deal with the mess he saw, but it needed to be dealt with. Sleep would come later. He looked toward where Wong and Mordo stood. "You did it..." he said quietly, walking over to them. "You stopped the witch and saved America. Saved our dimension."

Wong nodded. "We found Clint, but I believe it was the Wanda in the other dimension who was able to break through her grief and pain here. It was after she dream walked the second time and the Darkhold was destroyed that she seemed to give up. She asked to help with repairing things here, but Clint indicated she wouldn't be doing anything for a few days."

Stephen nodded. "We were lucky the dimension America landed us in was one where Wanda had a loving family and support group. I don't know that we could have ended things without more bloodshed if we'd ended up somewhere else." He turned toward Mordo. "You answered the call for help...."

"It was from you." Mordo made his response quietly, before adding, "By the time I got here, I was too late to help in the battle. I would have destroyed the Darkhold myself...but the call from the other dimension came before I could act."

Stephen swallowed hard, glancing away before facing Mordo again. "I'm glad you didn't have time to act. I find the thought of you dying to destroy it very... distressful."  He'd seen how close the other dimension's Mordo, Wong and Stephen were; and while he didn't view Mordo as a brother, he did care about him a great deal.

"Your counterpart...." Mordo hesitated, before continuing, "Your counterpart didn't like the idea either." He shook his head quickly and then turned to look around at the rest of the ruins. "The survivors are being seen to by healers. I think perhaps it would be a good idea to bury the dead first." He glanced towards Wong, though, clearly deferring to the other man.

Wong nodded. "We cannot bring the dead back but honoring them in burial is the right thing to do."

Stephen nodded. "Let's start, then..." he said somberly. He pushed his weariness down. They all were weary and while dimension jumping had taken a toll, it wasn't enough of one to keep him from helping. He wanted to help. Needed to.

Wong glanced towards Stephen and then said, "After we've laid the dead to rest, I feel we should return to the sanctum. To eat, rest and recover. Then we can resume rebuilding. It will do no one any good if we exhaust ourselves."

Mordo nodded his agreement. There weren't that many bodies. Unfortunately, it wasn't because there were more survivors than dead. It was because many of those killed had been burned to ash. Still. He raised a hand to begin moving rubble from the bodies there were, so they could bury each one in the ground.

There may not have been many, but the ones there were took enough time that it was late into the night before they'd finished. Stephen was depressed and heartsick by the end; not just for those he'd buried, but those they'd been unable to bury. He made a mental note of each one, planning to contact their remaining family if they had any. Wiping a hand over his eyes, shoulders stooped, he looked toward Mordo and Wong as the last shovel of dirt was placed on the last grave. "Sanctum?" he whispered.

Neither Wong nor Mordo were any better, both sad and grieving for what had been lost. Wong simply nodded to Stephen's question and opened a portal without a word, gesturing for the other two to precede him through before he followed, closing the portal behind him.

Stephen walked through the portal as if on autopilot, looking around before heading to the kitchen. He put a kettle on for tea and pulled out some bread and cheese. "Don't have energy to cook. Hope this is okay..." he muttered, placing the items on the nearby table before going to get mugs for the tea.

Wong stepped in and sank down into a chair wearily. "None of us have any energy for anything right now."

"Tomorrow, we can arrange for something a bit more substantial," Mordo commented.

Stephen nodded, staring at the kettle. When the water finally heated enough to cause the kettle to whistle, he pulled it from the stove and poured it into the mugs with teabags, then put the mugs on a tray with sugar and cream and carried the tray to the table to join the bread and cheese.  "I plan to contact the next of kin. If there were any personal items that should be given to them...."

"I will collect any personal items tomorrow," Wong said. "And contact other sanctums to request any they may have too."

Stephen nodded. "I... I'm sorry I was not hear to assist..." he whispered, regret in his voice. He knew he hadn't really been given a choice. America had gone to another dimension and taken him with her. Still. It was hard not to feel like he'd let the others down.

"You did what you could," Wong replied soberly. "And if you hadn't gone with America...well, I suspect not much would have been different. But we wouldn't have known who to contact to help get through to Wanda." He glanced towards Mordo, remembering how the other man had reacted to Stephen's counterpart being choked. For all that he'd initially acted to try and help Wong...it had been watching a version of Stephen be harmed that had broken the other sorcerer.

Mordo bowed his head. "She wouldn't have rested until she had what she wanted. I'm sure you believe I was too quick to give up the location of the cave," he addressed Wong, "but both you and he would have died. And then there would have been no hope."

Stephen shook his head. "I don't believe that. I know you did what you felt was the only option available to you to save our world..." he said softly, leaving unsaid that he had done the same with Dormamu. They were together and not fighting. He wouldn't bring out Mordo's frustration and anger at him by mentioning what had caused the schism between them.

Mordo's smile wasn't happy and in fact was tinged with sadness. "I know you are not ignorant of the actions I took after I left, Stephen."

Wong cleared his throat. "A lot changed in five years."

"I was gone for five years. I'm not ignorant of your actions, but... I missed out on a lot. It is hard to focus on one set of wrongs when everything in the world was wrong..." Stephen said softly.

Mordo didn't respond directly to that, instead saying, "I'm going to eat and then retire for the night. There'll be a lot to do tomorrow."

"Your room is still as it was," Wong said.

"Thank you," Mordo replied.

Stephen gave a brief wave of acknowledgement, but he was staring at the uneaten bread and cheese in front of him and the undrunk mug of tea. He couldn't work up the energy to eat or drink, even if he knew he needed to.

Wong waited until Mordo had retired to his room and then looked at Stephen. "As hard as it is right now, you need to eat."

Stephen nodded. He knew Wong was right. He also knew, after so much exposure to the other dimension, he was likely to employ unusual methods to get Stephen to cooperate, if Stephen didn't do it on his own. Listlessly, he picked up a piece of bread and a square of cheese, putting the two together in a makeshift sandwich, and bit into it. He chewed methodically, not really tasting it, but he did swallow. He then took a sip of the still hot, unsweetened, bitter tea.

Wong finished his own food and then stood to clear his plate and cup. "Tomorrow, you and Mordo should talk before any more work is done," he said. "In case you are not aware, your counterpart exerted a great deal of influence over him while they were in contact."

Stephen blinked at that. "I... will do that. I am surprised, though..." He continued to eat slowly.

Wong snorted softly. "Did you not hear what he said? He returned because he was responding to your call."

Stephen blinked again. "I think I may be too tired to understand this conversation." He shook his head and gave Wong a sheepish smile. By this point, he'd finished his own food and began to clean up.

"Not surprising." Wong snorted softly. Once they'd finished cleaning up, he said, "Bed now. We've got a long day ahead of us."

"Aye, aye, sir!" Stephen gave a semi-jaunty salute, along with a teasing grin, and turned to head toward his own bed.

Shaking his head, even though he was amused, Wong headed to his own bed, all but collapsing into it.

Stephen was soon in his own bed, too tired to dream.

***

Stephen woke late the next morning. He'd forgotten to set an alarm and was so tired, he didn't wake at his normal time. Groaning softly, he made his way to the bathroom to bathe and get ready to face another day.

Wong was down in the kitchen already, making breakfast for the three of them. He was already showered and dressed, prepared for another difficult day.

Stephen stood under the hot spray of water, thankful that the New York Sanctum had modern plumbing. A freezing cold sponge bath was not something he would have wanted this morning. Still, he didn't take long, quickly washing, then drying and getting dressed in clean clothing. Cloak was waiting for him, immediately settling on his shoulders once he was clothed. "Good morning to you too..." he said, with a tiny smile. He slowly walked downstairs, not sure if Mordo was up yet or not. He needed to talk to him, but he didn't want to disturb him if he was still resting.

Mordo had made his way to the kitchen while Stephen was showering. He sat at the table, picking a little bit at his breakfast, eating, but without a lot of appetite. Still, he knew he had to eat to prepare himself for the rest of the day.

Stephen stepped into the kitchen, noting Wong had made breakfast for all of them. "Thank you..." he said, with a smile. He still sounded tired, but he was able and ready to meet the day. He looked at Mordo. "May we talk before we begin the day's assignments?" he asked quietly, as he filled his plate with enough food to help him function and keep Wong happy.

Mordo nodded. "We can do so in my room," he offered, between mouthfuls.

Stephen nodded. "This is good..." he said to Wong, as he stuffed another bite into his mouth.

Wong smiled at the compliment. "It's easier to feed you if it's good food." His tone was slightly teasing.

Stephen laughed at that. "Well... true. But even good food can be inedible if the wrong person cooks it." He grinned.

"Lucky for you, I'm not the wrong person," Wong replied.

"Very, very true!" Stephen finished his plate and calmly sipped his coffee. He'd wait until Mordo was finished and ready to head to his room to get up.

Mordo finished his own breakfast and then stood to clean up after himself before turning to Stephen. "I'm ready if you are."

Stephen nodded, standing to clean up his own mess. "I will see you in a bit," he said to Wong, before turning to follow Mordo.

After thanking Wong for breakfast, Mordo led the way to his room. Opening the door, he stepped inside and then moved so that Stephen could enter.

Stephen entered quietly, glancing around curiously before facing Mordo. "Wong... Wong said that when my other self was here, you..." He blushed faintly. "He seemed to think you were inclined to pay very close attention to him and what he wanted done. He seemed to think I should speak with you about it, but I have to admit, I'm not entirely certain what to talk about. I don't even know what to think. Was... was his observation correct?" He decided skirting around the issue wouldn't help and went straight to the matter.

It took a few moments before Mordo voiced his response, trying to decide how honest he was going to be. "When I got to the scene of the battle and saw everything that had been lost, that Wong was a prisoner of the Scarlet Witch who was using the Darkhold to dream walk, I was prepared to destroy the book. Even knowing it would cause my death. When your counterpart made it clear that action would make him unhappy, I considered a different way. One that would not be fatal." He took a deep breath. "When your counterpart stepped through the portal and the Scarlet Witch attacked him...I couldn't watch a version of you die, Stephen. I gave up the location of the cave that contained the Darkhold. And once again, I would have made the sacrifice to destroy the cave. Once again...your counterpart requested it not happen." He shrugged. "It did not. There was another way."

Stephen nodded. "So... you listened to him when he indicated you were needed.... But there must have been more to it than that, or Wong would not have said anything. So... was it because it was my counterpart that asked, that stopped you? Would... if I would make a request, would I be listened to as well?" he asked quietly. Left unsaid was his questions of, Does this mean you've forgiven me? That I matter to you again? That I no longer have to fear you?

"Five years ago, half of life was snapped away," Mordo said quietly. "I came back here. I came back looking for you." He took a deep breath and admitted, his voice even softer, "I wanted to be with you. I've made mistakes, Stephen. A great many of them. But my actions towards you were the biggest."

"I thought you could never forgive me for what I'd done..." Stephen said softly. "...I don't regret what I did; I still think it was my only option. But I always regretted what it did to you."

"I was wrong, Stephen," Mordo replied. "But I was too proud and arrogant to admit that, even to myself. It's not you who needs to be forgiven."

Stephen moved closer. "If you are asking for my forgiveness, I gave it to you long ago. I just needed the chance to tell you...." He smiled faintly; his eyes were sad. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, my friend." Mordo took a step closer to Stephen, almost hesitantly, looking into his eyes. "I should have returned to you much sooner."

"You returned now when we needed you. I'm grateful for that," Stephen said quietly. "I... went through numerous dimensions with America. Some of them were more horrible than others. Some of them, I turned into a monster... You were not entirely wrong. Had Wong not been here, Dormamu could have changed me. I could have been a monster here as well."

"You don't give yourself enough credit, Stephen." Mordo's smile was faint and didn't have much humor in it. "You did the right thing. I was too blind and stubborn to see it and I'm sorry. If I could go back to the way things were, to what we were building towards, I would."

"Maybe... I've only ever done what I thought was the best... the only options I felt available to me. But so many times, my choices hurt those who I cared about. Hurt my allies..." Stephen sighed softly. "Being right hurts so much sometimes...." he whispered.

Mordo stepped closer to Stephen, to the point that one of them only needed to move one step closer for them to be touching. "I wish I could make things right between us...make amends for hurting you the way I did."

"I..." Stephen swallowed, moving closer as well. "I always understood... as much as it hurt, I understood..." he whispered uncertainly, not sure what to tell Mordo. How could amends be made? As much as Stephen had hurt from Mordo's reactions to what he'd done, it had been other people Mordo had harmed.

"Understanding doesn't make it better," Mordo acknowledged quietly. "It doesn't change the mistakes I made that hurt not only you, but other people."

"No... it doesn't. But I don't know what would make it better. I forgave you. All I need is to know you wouldn't leave again..." Stephen winced at how needy that made him sound, but it was the truth.

"I can't," Mordo admitted quietly. "I wouldn't even if you told me to. I...." He cut himself off and shook his head. No. He couldn't tell Stephen how he truly felt. It wasn't fair to the other man.

"Promise? You won't leave again? Even if I infuriate you?" Stephen moved closer, so close he could feel Mordo's body heat.

"I promise," Mordo whispered. "I won't make that mistake again." He half-raised a hand, almost like he might have reached out to touch Stephen but halted the movement partway.

"Then I'll be satisfied..." Stephen moved the rest of the way, letting his chest press to Mordo's. "...Or I will be once you hold me... just for a little. Nothing has felt real since this whole thing started. I just need to feel real...."

Taking in a slow breath, Mordo wrapped his arms around Stephen. Holding the other man felt good...felt right. "I love you." He whispered the words sadly. Even if Stephen could forgive him, he didn't think his feelings could ever be returned.

Stephen sighed happily, relaxing into the embrace and letting his head fall to Mordo's shoulder. "...And I love you. Your leaving would never have hurt so much, if I didn't..." he admitted, in a sad whisper. "I'm relieved you are back."

"I never should have left you." Mordo tightened his arms around Stephen. Now that he could hold onto the other man, he never wanted to let go. "I understand why my counterpart was so worried and scared when yours was here," he added. "I felt the same when I realized you were one of those taken away."

"There, they are brothers..." Stephen said, with a hint of amusement. "...I don't feel brotherly toward you at all," he admitted.

"Neither do I," Mordo said. "Though I can't imagine I'd be any happier than he was if you stepped directly through a portal without a word of warning to those with you."

"Yeah. Can't say I envy him, the way his family deals with situations like that..." Stephen snorted softly.

"What do you mean? How does his family deal with it?" Mordo asked curiously.

"Spanking. From the small amount of time, I was over there, they have a very strict hierarchy of those in charge and those who obey. Generally, it falls into groups of parents and 'children', but in some cases, there is a sibling in charge of other siblings. Over there, you, Wong, I and one other man, Frank Castle, are a sibling unit. But you and Wong are the ones in charge. I think my counter-part was due a spanking on his return." Stephen shook his head.

"That seems an unconventional way of handling things," Mordo said slowly. "Does it work?"

"They seem to think it does..." Stephen said hesitantly. "Having not experienced it myself, I don't know how it would work, but their family is a cohesive unit and everyone in it trusts the other, so something in the way they do things works."

"Your counterpart's actions might have been deserving of a spanking back in his dimension, but my actions here were much worse," Mordo said quietly. "I wasn't trying to do the right thing. And I hurt people. People who didn't deserve it. I hurt you."

Stephen frowned and pulled back slightly so he could look into Mordo's face. "You did... but you are trying to do the right thing now... You can make up for what you did...." He couldn't help sounding hesitant, not certain what Mordo was thinking and afraid it might mean the other man would leave again, even if he had said he wouldn't.

Mordo nodded, reaching out and letting his hand gently touch Stephen's face. "If your counterpart deserves punishment for acting dangerously and harming himself, then I can only feel that it would be deserved in my situation too."

"You said you deserved worse... I would never be able to bring myself to do worse... I would never be able to bring myself to turn you in so someone else could do worse..." Stephen shook his head, his eyes worried. "What are you suggesting?"

"You said spanking seems to work in the other dimension," Mordo said. "That it allows trust to build and grow within a family unit. I'm not suggesting something that will damage me, but something that will help with the healing. That will help us to grow closer, without a bridge of guilt and pain between us."

"I said it seems to work... I don't know for certain that it is the spanking that is bringing all that about..." Stephen said uncertainly.  "I'm not even certain how they do it... I wasn't witness to it. I can only guess...."

"You don't need to consider how they would do it," Mordo replied gently. "Only how you would do it."

"I would never have even considered it until just now because you asked me about it..." Stephen admitted, in a hushed voice. It was obvious he was getting nervous, but why wasn't as clear.

"Let's sit down," Mordo suggested, moving over to the bed so that he could sit, and Stephen could sit next to him. "What's bothering you so much about this idea?" he asked, taking Stephen's hands in his own.

"If it doesn't work... I'll have caused you pain for no reason. And... and if it doesn't work, how will you feel about me after? That I would do something like that to you for no reason? I... it would put a wedge between us and I'm afraid you'd want to leave again..." Stephen admitted in a whisper, not able to look Mordo in the eye.

Mordo gently squeezed his hands. "I'm already in pain, Stephen," he said quietly. "Emotional pain from guilt that's been festering and building, like an infected wound, for five years. Even if it didn't work, I wouldn't feel anything but grateful to you for trying."

Stephen uncertainly looked into Mordo's face, not sure he believed him. But could he do any less than try? Mordo needed help dealing with his guilt and while Stephen didn't see how spanking him could possibly help at all, Mordo believed it would, at least enough to try it. Stephen swallowed hard, looking away. "Okay," he said softly, before he could lose his nerve. Maybe he didn't think it would work. Maybe he was afraid Mordo would leave again because of this. Maybe the idea of wielding that kind of control over Mordo made him feel sick inside, because it didn't feel right. He'd done things just as damaging as Mordo had, after all; what right did he have to punish Mordo when he was just as bad? But his own feelings on this didn't matter. What mattered was Mordo believed it would work, or at least had hope it would work. And he needed Stephen's help. "Okay..." he repeated, a little more firmly, pushing his unhappiness and fear from the situation deep down, so that Mordo wouldn't hear it in his voice. "I'm not sure how they did it... I never actually saw it being done."

"This isn't about them, Stephen," Mordo murmured, letting his fingers stroke over Stephen's hands. "This is about us. You don't have to witness something being done to have an idea of how you would do it." He leaned forward and kissed Stephen's cheek, before whispering, "I trust you. I love you. Thank you for being willing to try, even if it bothers you."

Stephen swallowed, watching Mordo's fingers stroking over his hands; his broken, useless hands. While he'd gained magic, he'd never truly healed them; they were now shaking visibly. He didn't think he'd be able to hold Mordo over his lap securely, not with the way his hands were shaking. He wasn't even sure he could smack with them effectively; one of them was twisting into an almost clawed shape from the stress from the last few weeks. The idea of using a belt on Mordo made his stomach curdle, though. He'd have to force his hands to cooperate. "L... Lean over the back of the chair," he finally tried to order. Tried. His voice was shaking.

With one final, reassuring squeeze of Stephen's hands, Mordo stood and moved over towards the chair. Glancing at the man he loved, he asked quietly, "Clothing in place or not?"

"I..." Stephen faltered uncertainly. He hadn't even thought of doing this. Now that he was, he truly had no idea how to proceed. For all Mordo's claim's that it was up to Stephen how to proceed and how others did it, didn't matter... Stephen didn't even want to do this. Figuring out how to do it without any assistance from other people's experience was even more difficult. "...Uh... in place, I think..." he finally said, swallowing hard when his voice was shaky. He was afraid with his hands being so uncooperative, he might accidently damage Mordo; at least clothing would give an extra layer of protection from him accidentally scratching him or something else awful.

Mordo nodded. Looking into Stephen's eyes, he murmured again, "I trust you. No matter what direction things take from this point, there is nothing you can do that will make me leave you again. I love you. I'm not hiding anymore." With that said, he moved into position, leaning over the back of the chair.

Stephen quivered in place at the words. He wanted to believe Mordo. A small part of him was still frightened, but he forced himself to step out and have faith in the other man's words. Swallowing, he shifted to stand just to the side and behind Mordo, so that the other man's backside was in striking range. Slowly, carefully so that his aim would be true and not land somewhere unwanted, he raised the hand that wasn't clenching up into a claw and then swung downward, smacking with a firm, hard swat. He then carefully and slowly raised his hand again and let it fall a second time, slightly to the left of the first smack. He continued in this manner, slowly but firmly covering Mordo's backside with the hard smacks.

Mordo breathed in deeply, staying in place bent over the chair. The swats stung, even if his clothing did cushion some of the impact. After a few moments, he reached back and gently clasped Stephen's other hand, the one that was clenching up, just to hold onto him. To offer reassurance, trust.

Stephen clutched onto Mordo's hand, needing the connection just as much, if not more, than the other man. Needing to know that Mordo wouldn't hate him for doing this, even if he had asked for it. He continued to swat, slowly, methodically over the entirety of Mordo's backside and upper thighs before beginning to swat over already punished skin. "You made mistakes... but we all have. You're sorry for them... I forgive you... I want to move forward with you... be with you..." he whispered, in a shaky voice.

"That's what I want too...that's all I want." Mordo's breath hitched; more from the emotions that filled him than the pain of the spanking. It stung, but it was the catalyst he needed. A way to cross the gulf that guilt and pain had left behind. A way to lance the festering wound inside him.

"...I love you..." Stephen whispered. His voice was tight with unshed tears. He hated doing this. Hated it with everything in him. He could only hope it was doing what Mordo needed and enabling the other man to move past the guilt he felt. He continued to swat, starting a third circuit over already punished skin.

The sob that escaped from those words took Mordo by surprise. He squeezed Stephen's hand and managed to choke out, "I'm sorry...so sorry...for everything. For leaving...for staying away from you for so long. For not...seeking out your forgiveness when I realised how wrong I was." His voice broke as the tears fell down his cheeks.

"I know... I know you are..." Stephen's voice was strained. He continued to swat, though it was agony for him to do so. "I know and I forgive you..." he choked out.

Mordo's body slumped as he clung tightly to Stephen's hand. He was crying nonstop now, too hard to be able to get out anymore apologies. The guilt, pain, grief...it was washing out of him, released through his tears, just like poison being drained from a wound.

Stephen continued swatting, but he lessened the strength, unable to find the heart to continue swatting as hard as he had been. He only continued because he needed to be certain Mordo felt like he'd paid enough. He never wanted to have to do this again. His own face was awash with tears, though. He could barely see, he was crying so hard, even if it was silently.

Mordo had been completely honest when he'd told Stephen that he was already in pain. The guilt and turmoil had only increased when he'd returned to the devastation wrought by the Scarlet Witch. And to not even have his Stephen there...he'd given up. Had prepared to die.

He couldn't talk through his tears, but he could and did open up a channel he'd never accessed before. It wasn't mental communication, not exactly, but it was an empathic connection. He opened himself up to Stephen, so that the other man could feel...could experience how Mordo felt in that moment. The guilt and emotional pain, the gulf, were gone. In their place was a deep, intense love...and gratitude; that Stephen forgave him. That Stephen would do this, even though it affected him so badly.

Stephen's hand slowed, until it was just resting against Mordo's backside. He could feel that the worst of Mordo's guilt had, if not been erased, been put into a place Mordo could deal with it. He pushed his own guilt and anguish down deep, so Mordo wouldn't feel it, blame himself. He couldn't pull away, though.

A bone crushing weariness overtook him and... he was crying. Hard. Not only for what he'd just had to do to the man he loved, but because of everyone lost. Everything that had occurred. What Wanda had been through. Years and years of horrible events that he had only barely thwarted but making huge mistakes along the way; and he knew... could feel... there were some things he couldn't remember. It all caught up with him, causing him to cry so hard, he couldn't move away from Mordo; move his hand from where it achingly shook, resting on the other man's backside. Crying so hard he couldn't speak; couldn't tell Mordo to please stand. He couldn't do anything but shake and cry.

Mordo could hear the tears...knew how badly Stephen was affected, by everything. With his own guilt and pain to the point that it was no longer affecting him as badly, he was able to fully focus on the man he loved.

Slowly pushing himself up, Mordo carefully turned, still holding onto Stephen's hand. He stepped forward and, without hesitation, wrapped his arms around Stephen tightly. He took the other man's full weight, supporting Stephen physically, mentally, emotionally. Without allowing them even an instant free of contact, he guided Stephen towards the bed and sat down with the man he loved. Then, he began to slowly strip Stephen of his clothing. As he did so, as each bit of bare skin was revealed, he touched, stroked, caressed, kissed...his entire focus, his whole being, was completely on Stephen.

Stephen just clung to Mordo. As much as he knew it had been needed, punishing Mordo hadn't brought him anything but his own sense of failure, loss, and guilt. He'd been able to move on because, deep down, he truly believed he'd had no choice in anything he'd done; but there was still an insecurity that questioned if he'd done anything different to prevent situations from happening if his later choices at those key moments couldn't have been different. Because of that, it had felt hypocritical to be punishing the other man, especially in a way that was meant to humble and that caused pain.

He didn't want to cause Mordo pain; had never wanted it, not even in the early stages of their rift when he was hearing about what Mordo was doing and felt such immense anger at it. He couldn't burden Mordo with those feelings, though; the other man had been suffering and if helping him meant Stephen was reminded of his own awful shortcomings and failures, meant Stephen had to do something that went against what his natural want was, he'd do it. Because it needed to be done and Mordo wouldn't... possibly couldn't... go to anyone else. It had been too emotionally difficult to punish without it affecting him, though.

So, he sobbed silently. And when Mordo kept hold of him after standing, led him like a blind man to the bed and continued to hold him tightly while undressing him and showing care, concern, affection, he continued to cling, pressing into Mordo's touch. Soon, the sobbing eased to gentle crying. He was able to respond to the touch with his own shaky, hesitant touch. "I love you..." he whispered again, in a voice nearly gone.

"I love you, Stephen. I love you so much." Mordo leaned in and kissed the other man, sliding one hand behind Stephen's head to hold him gently. His other hand stroked, touched, explored over Stephen's body. By this point, the other man was completely naked and when he broke from the kiss, Mordo used his mouth to explore Stephen's body too. He kissed and nuzzled the bare flesh, wanting to bring Stephen pleasure...to show his gratitude and love for the other man.

Stephen shivered, slowly letting the tension from the last several weeks drain with Mordo's gentle affection. His hands shook less and became surer as he gently rubbed and stroked over Mordo's arms and back, kissing whenever he was in a position to do so. He couldn't undress Mordo- his hands were still too shaky for that- but he could be affectionate and show his own love. And he could give in to Mordo and let the other man touch and kiss where he wanted without hindering him. Give himself completely. He'd wanted this for a long time and thought, for a long time, that he'd never have it because Mordo hated him. To find out he was wrong about that was a relief. It almost didn't feel real, Mordo loving him... being affectionate. "...Am I dreaming?" he whispered softly, afraid to disturb the moment.

"You aren't dreaming," Mordo whispered back, hands stroking and rubbing over Stephen's bare skin. "I'm here. I won't leave again. I won't leave you ever again." Pulling Stephen in closer, he kissed the other man's neck. Trailed a line of kisses over his shoulder, down his arm, over his hand...then did the same on the opposite side.

"I'm... I'm a mess..." Stephen said, flushing at the intimacy but not arguing; it felt too good, but he felt like he should give Mordo a reason to stop. "I became too distraught and now my hands won't..." He couldn't easily reciprocate.

"They don't need to," Mordo murmured reassuringly. "You don't have to be on and in control right now, Stephen. I can take care of you. I want to take care of you. The five years you were gone for were torture. I need to do this. I need to give you affection. Love. To help you trust that I'm here to stay. No matter what."

"You're really staying? You won't leave again?" Stephen asked, in a desperately hopeful voice. Mordo's actions had relaxed him enough by this point that he was becoming aroused.

"I'll never leave again," Mordo promised. "And I'd like you to move into my room with me. There's little point in us having separate rooms now. I need to be as close to you as possible."

"If that is what you want..." Stephen said softly, letting out a shivering breath. He had no care for what room he was in; and if it let him be with Mordo, he'd happily give up his room and move to be with him.

"I want you." Mordo's voice was low. Intense. Filled with emotion. Once more, he kissed Stephen, gently nipping at his lips. "There's a spell. A binding spell. It creates a closer bond than marriage." He whispered the words against Stephen's lips. "It would allow us to communicate through our minds. To feel each other's emotions. You would know, completely and without doubt, that it would be impossible for me to leave you again."

Stephen shivered, returning the kiss, opening his mouth slightly. "What... what if you changed your mind?" he asked, with a hint of worry. "You'd be stuck with me, forever...."

"I wouldn't change my mind," Mordo promised. "I wouldn't have mentioned the spell if I didn't want to be bound to you. Forever." His hands slid down Stephen's back, gently squeezing and rubbing, even as he kissed the other man again, deeper, and more thoroughly, gently pushing his tongue inside.

Stephen didn't question again. Instead, he gave himself over to the kiss, welcoming Mordo's tongue into his mouth, allowing the other man to take charge. He whimpered, whined softly, his body becoming more aroused the longer Mordo continued.

Mordo pulled Stephen closer, so that there wasn't even an inch between their bodies. He continued to kiss the other man thoroughly, hands gliding over Stephen's back and round his front, over his chest and stomach.

Stephen groaned softly, leaning into Mordo, pressing close until his body touched Mordo's, only Mordo's clothes between them. He pulled his mouth away just long enough to catch his breath and whisper, "...Bind me... I want to be yours...."

Mordo cupped Stephen's face in his hand, thumb stroking over his lips. "I love you. The spell will ensure we belong to each other." He summoned one of the books to his other hand, quickly finding the spell.

Stephen smiled at that. "To each other..." he repeated, sounding happy at the thought.

"You'll be mine and I'll be yours." Mordo kissed him again, deeper, before he found the spell in the book, showing Stephen what needed to be done.

Stephen read quickly, then nodded. "Now?" he asked hopefully.

"Now," Mordo agreed. "I don't want to wait any longer."

"Me either..." Stephen was decidedly less stressed after several minutes of Mordo's affection and knowing that the other man wanted him. His hands had finally stopped shaking and while it wasn't as easy as it had been before his accident, he was able to manage the buttons on Mordo's shirt, beginning to undress his future lover.

Mordo shifted to make it easier for Stephen to undress him, gently rubbing his hands down Stephen's shoulders and arms. Every so often, he'd lightly squeeze. His entire attention and focus was on Stephen. It was clear that being able to touch and explore his lover's body made him feel good.

Stephen was breathing heavy by the time he'd removed Mordo's shirt; and it wasn't from the effort. Mordo wouldn't have to look very far to see visible evidence that Stephen was completely ready for him and for the bond. Stephen flushed at feeling his lover's gaze on him, but didn't try and cover up, instead stretching almost proudly so Mordo could get a better look. He glanced at Mordo's slacks. "Wanna get out of those?" he asked, in a husky voice.

Mordo smiled, letting his gaze run appreciatively over Stephen's body before he nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, he began to remove his slacks.

Stephen licked his lips as he watched Mordo's skin... more... become exposed. "Gorgeous..." he breathed out, immediately moving back into Mordo's arms as soon as the other man was as naked as he was.

"As are you," Mordo murmured, wrapping his arms tightly around Stephen. Drawing the other man in for a deeper kiss, he bore them both down to the bed, letting his hands rub and stroke down Stephen's chest, stomach...towards his member.

Stephen let his own hands roam over Mordo's arms and back, until they cupped Mordo's backside. Squeezing the other man's buttocks gently, he pulled Mordo closer.

Not breaking the kiss even for a moment, Mordo glided his fingers along Stephen's member, touching and exploring. Finally, his questing fingers found Stephen's entrance. Summoning lube to his hand, he coated a finger and then pushed it in gently.

"Oh..." Stephen's sound of surprise turned into a moan of pleasure as Mordo breached him. He opened his legs further, so Mordo had easier access. "...That's... that's good..." he whimpered.

"I'm glad," Mordo whispered. "I want you to feel good. You deserve to feel good."

"Want you to feel good too," Stephen breathed out, wriggling under Mordo as he could feel the other man's finger inside of him.

Mordo smiled at that. "You do," he replied. "You make me feel so good."

"As good as you make me feel?" Stephen gasped as Mordo's finger hit a very sensitive spot. "I want you to feel as good as I feel...."

"You've forgiven what I felt was unforgiveable." Mordo kissed his lips, even as he added a second finger to join the first. "You've accepted me back into your life. And you helped me handle the pain of guilt, despite the fact doing so caused you pain. Even just being able to touch you, to hold you, is enough to make me feel good." He pressed against Stephen, so the other man would be able to feel how he affected Mordo physically.

Stephen groaned as a second finger was added, moaning softly as he could feel Mordo's erection rub against his own. "Need you in my life. Had to forgive you. Needed you to forgive me... I... I need you... Please... Need you so bad...."

Mordo began to kiss his way along Stephen's neck and chest. "I need you," he whispered hoarsely. "I won't ever let you down again. I swear it." He withdrew his fingers from Stephen, using the lube on his member before pushing inside the man he loved.

Stephen groaned softly as he felt himself stretch around Mordo. It was tight and felt so wonderful to him. "I believe you..." he whispered, opening his legs to allow his lover to push in completely.

Gripping Stephen's hips firmly, Mordo leaned forward and kissed the other man deeply. At the same time, he began to thrust inside his lover, pushing in deeply.

Stephen kissed back eagerly, opening his mouth for his lover so Mordo could claim his mouth like he was claiming his backside.

Mordo pushed his tongue into his lover's mouth, even as he began to thrust deeper, harder, faster. At the same time, a soft yellow glow began to form around the two of them, centered on where Mordo was buried inside Stephen.

Stephen couldn't see the glow, but he could feel the warmth starting at the point of joining and spreading through his middle. He groaned loudly, kissing Mordo fervently, licking at and sucking on his tongue while clenching tight around his shaft to hold him deep inside. He felt like he was being consumed, possessed, and wanted more.

Mordo's groan was barely audible, swallowed as it was by Stephen's mouth. He grasped the other man's hips, his member pushing as deep as it would go...seeking out the pleasure spot inside his lover. As he focused there, the glow grew in intensity, radiating outwards, coating both of their bodies.

Stephen gasped out a tiny sob as Mordo's member pushed against then began to pound into that spot. His own member swelled to fullness and began to leak precum, the tip a red, almost purple color. He was very close to release.

"Not yet." Mordo murmured the words against Stephen's lips. "We need to release at the same time for the spell to work properly. I need you to hold on for me. Just for a little while."

Stephen nodded his head faintly, his breathing ragged. "Yes...  you... you'll tell me when..." he gasped out against Mordo's lips, ordering the other man to order him.

"I will," Mordo promised, before returning to devouring Stephen's mouth. It didn't take long before he felt himself growing and swelling inside his lover. He pulled back just enough to direct, "Now."

Stephen immediately obeyed, letting go of the tenuous control he held. He immediately released, his cum spraying his and Mordo's stomachs as his hole clenched tight around Mordo's member. His body was almost quaking from the strength of the climax.

Mordo's own release hit him at the same time, and he let go inside his lover. As they both released, the glow grew in warmth and intensity, opening up pathways inside their minds...binding them together emotionally as their bodies were linked physically.

Aa Stephen felt Mordi's seed filling him, he could also feel his lover's emotions filling him. There was a moment's disorientation as he tried to separate his own feelings from Mordo's. Every feeling he'd been trying to keep buried, so as not to burden Mordo, burst free and swamped him as well. Mordo would know of his fear and insecurity. His guilt. He couldn't hide anything. His grip on Mordo tightened and he stared up into his lover's eyes with an overwhelmed gaze.

Mordo could feel Stephen's emotions...and knew that his lover could feel his own. His embrace tightened around the other man, even as his own feelings escaped and flooded through the bond between them. His love and gratitude towards Stephen for accepting him, for taking him back, for forgiving him...those were the prominent emotions that came through.

Feeling how Mordo loved him and wanted him helped ease some of the fear, at least. He knew Mordo had been speaking the truth. Even though he'd chosen to believe him, it helped to feel the truth of the words. Calming slightly, he made sure his own love was front and foremost, but he stopped trying to hide his guilt and insecurity. He didn't feel guilty about what he'd done. He felt guilty about what he hadn't done. Maybe if he'd done those things, Mordo wouldn't have done what he did, and spanking wouldn't have been necessary. "Forgive me? For not coming after you?" he whispered. He could feel Mordo deep inside.

"Always," Mordo whispered. "I don't blame you, Stephen. It's true we could have both handled things better between us, but...we're together now. And I believe that's what is most important."

Stephen wrapped his arms, then his legs, around Mordo, holding him tightly against him. He pulled Mordo's full weight down onto him. There wasn't an inch between them on their entire torso. With Mordo still buried in him, it was almost as if they were blending into one being. Stephen felt held in place, trapped, and it helped him relax further. He felt safer than he had in a very long time.

Mordo's own body relaxed as they pressed tighter, closer together, and he kissed Stephen. Through their bond, his feelings of love, care, affection came through clearly...and he made no attempt to hide them. He wanted Stephen to feel how much he was loved, valued, wanted.

Stephen returned the kiss languidly, not pushing or demanding, but participating fully. Does the bond require one of us to be more dominant than the other, or will we be equal? he thought, only belatedly thinking he should have found that out beforehand, but not really caring either way.

This is an equal bond, Mordo replied. But that doesn't mean one of us can't take charge, can't be in control, if it feels right at the time. There are other spells that require a dominant and a submissive...but I didn't see the need for that in our relationship.

I don't either. I didn't think to ask before. Stephen blushed faintly, pulling back to look into Mordo's eyes. You could have made it so I would have to obey you and I wouldn't have known until it was done. I suppose I am lucky you did not feel it necessary to protect me from myself.

I would never have taken control. Not without talking to you about it and making sure it was the right move for us both. Mordo stroked Stephen's cheek and murmured out loud, "I wanted to bond with you because I love you...and I felt that you might be more reassured in our relationship to feel how I felt and know I could never leave you again."

Stephen swallowed. "I needed you back in my life so much, even if you had bound me in that way, I wouldn't regret it. But... that you didn't just proves my trust in you was well placed..." he whispered, before leaning up to kiss Mordo again, causing the other man to shift inside of him and rub his sensitive channel; rub that sensitive spot deep inside him. He groaned softly, his member twitching in interest.

Mordo kissed Stephen deeply, letting his hands stroke gently down his lover's shoulders, chest, stomach. He didn't try to halt or pull back his emotions from coming through the bond to Stephen. The other man would feel everything...and Mordo was okay with that. More than okay.

Stephen felt his emotions welling up again, feeling how much Mordo loved and wanted him. He'd lived for so long believing the other man hated him, only wanting to hurt him for what he believed was a betrayal of everything they stood for. He'd long given up the idea Mordo could love him. But now... not only did Mordo love him, he could feel that love physically, mentally... spiritually. Tears pooled in his eyes again, but they were tears of happiness and because he was still overwhelmed by events. He opened his mouth to Mordo's kiss, inviting the other man to claim him again.

Mordo had needed him to take charge and punish him for his actions after they'd parted to help him address his guilt. Now Stephen needed Mordo to take charge and claim as much as physically possible to ease his fears that he was dreaming and Mordo didn't want him. They were equals... but right now, Stephen just needed to be pulled so close that one of them had to control for it to work.

Mordo responded to the need he could feel from Stephen...the emotions that were broadcasting from his lover. He reached out with one hand and gently grasped Stephen's hands, moving them up and out of the way...holding them in place, holding Stephen in place. And he leaned forward, kissing the side of his lover's neck and then nipping gently at the skin; not enough to hurt, but enough to leave a small mark behind.

Stephen quivered, leaving his hands where Mordo had moved them, moaning softly as the other man marked him. The tears slipped out of his eyes, a catharsis for the highly strung emotion he felt. His member began to fill again.

I have you, my love. Mordo sent the words through the bond. We belong to each other. I won't let you go. He shifted inside his lover, continuing to mark the other man.

Stephen's moan was wanton, his member growing fuller in response to Mordo's actions and words. You feel so good inside of me, love....

And you feel so good surrounding me, Mordo responded. I love you so much. His own member grew and swelled inside Stephen, his release coming close.

Tell me when? I want to release together... Stephen requested, with a tiny smile and moan. He wasn't fully submissive, but he still needed Mordo to 'direct'.

Of course. Mordo tightened his hold on Stephen, kissing him tenderly before he directed, Now.

Stephen's body immediately began to shake as his orgasm tore through him, spraying both Mordo and his chests again. His entrance tightened around Mordo's member, squeezing, and pulsing around it. "Mordo...!" He moaned loudly.

Mordo groaned loudly as his own release came over him. His hands tightened on Stephen, and he slumped over his lover's body, pressing a gentle kiss to the other man's lips.

Stephen weakly but fervently returned the kiss. He felt drained in a good way. "Shower now? Before we meet Wong to begin working?" he asked hopefully.

"I think that would be a very good idea," Mordo agreed.

Stephen grinned and wriggled a little under his lover, feeling as he slowly slipped out of him. "I'll follow you. Wanna watch that fine ass..." He winked.

Mordo smiled at that and leaned in, kissing his lover, before he proceeded to lead the way towards the showers.

***

Clint had watched as the sorcerers and Robbie Reyes had left, only relaxing when they were gone. The 'Ghost' might have been too tired to come after him and Wanda, but it was still a bit unnerving, even if they hadn't faced his gaze. He walked back into the house.

He noted that his family, barring Kate, had done their usual and fully welcomed Wanda into the family. Nate had even crawled up onto her lap. The kids missed Nat almost as much as he did. Kate looked a little out of sorts, but he could immediately tell it was jealousy, not dislike, fueling the disgruntled look on her face. He moved behind her and Lila, who were sat next to each other, and roughed their hair until it rose on end from the static. He grinned at their twin dismayed whines of protest as they tried to get away and save their hairstyles. He winked at Wanda.

Wanda's smile was more sad than anything else. She'd given up, surrendered, turned away from the path she was heading down...but it was still hard not to feel lonely. Still hard not to feel that stab of grief. Her children were lost to her forever. Even if America somehow found her way back to this dimension, Wanda knew she'd never take that route again. The Scarlet Witch needed to be pushed down, where no one could be harmed by her ever again.

Still, there was some comfort to be had in the child who was sitting on her lap. Nate might not be hers, but she felt accepted...welcomed. Not alone any longer. She'd felt alone for so long....

"Aunt Wanda?' Nate asked quietly. "Can we play a game before bed?"

"Oh! A game sounds like fun!" Lila agreed.

Clint smiled at his children, exchanging a look with Laura. "They don't have school tomorrow," he said quietly. "If you feel up to it, we'll allow it," he said to Wanda.

"What sort of game would you like to play?" Wanda asked.

"Candy Land?" Nate asked hesitantly, not sure she wouldn't think it too childish.

"Oh, I love Candy Land." Wanda's eyes were a little sad, as she couldn't help remembering why she loved the game, but even if she couldn't stop those emotions, she could push them down while she was surrounded by family.

Nate grinned brightly. "That's great! We can play together! I'll ho get the game..." He clambered off her lap to go find the box with the game in it.

"You just made his day..." Laura grinned.

Wanda smiled slightly at that. "That's good."

"Tomorrow... if you feel up to it... I'd like to show you around the farm," Lila offered hesitantly, in case Wanda didn't want to hang out with her.

"Thank you," Wanda replied. "I would like to see it."

By this point, Nate had returned and set up the game. "You can go first," he solemnly told Wanda. "And then you, Kate."

Soon, all of them were playing the game.

Wanda put all of her attention and focus onto the game. It was good, to feel like she was a part of a family again. Even though she couldn't see her own children, it helped soothe something inside her to be with Clint's family.

***

The rest of the evening passed by quickly, with Wanda playing games with the children. She'd gone to bed feeling...not exactly content, as she still missed Billy and Tommy desperately, but better than she had been.

Partway through the night, though, Wanda woke up from a nightmare. She'd managed to avoid crying out, but there were tears streaming down her cheeks. Seeing her boys in another dimension just kept the wound from healing...but what was the alternative? She knew it would hurt worse to stop seeing them in other dimensions.

Quietly, Wanda got up and headed out of the room she'd been given. She headed out of the farmhouse and into the field outside. She wasn't planning to leave but being outside helped. Even though it was only a little.

Clint was a light sleeper. On top of that, he was highly focused on Wanda, knowing she was still struggling with her grief and loss. As a result, he knew immediately when she went outside. It took little time at all to get up to follow her.

"Let me know if I can help," Laura whispered, before rolling over to go back to sleep.

Clint smiled fondly, leaning over, and kissing the back of her head before slipping out of the room and heading out to meet Wanda.

Wanda hadn't gone very far. She was sitting on the ground, knees drawn up to her chest, arms wrapped around them. She was crying, but not making any sound. She desperately wanted her sons, but they didn't exist in this dimension. And while she'd been willing to do whatever it took to get to them...she couldn't take that path now. That didn't stop the pain of grief and loss, though.

Clint quietly sat next to her, close enough to touch shoulders, but otherwise not encroaching on her space. He remembered how he'd felt when his family had been disappeared. He hadn't wanted to be talked at, or told everything would be okay, or told that one day, it wouldn't hurt as bad, or anything really. What had helped, however slightly, was having someone just be there. So, he would be here for Wanda. If she wanted to talk, he'd let her set the pace.

It took a little while for Wanda to acknowledge Clint's presence, even though she knew he was there. When she did speak, it was without looking up and in a voice rough with tears. "I'm sorry I woke you," she whispered.

"I was listening for you. You're family." Clint glanced over at her with a small, sad smile.

"I know...they're still alive. They still exist. Even if it's not here." She took a deep, almost shuddering breath. "Stephen told me that I only created them with magic, but...they were still real."

"Stephen... isn't a parent. And at heart is still a doctor who leans toward only believing in what he views as tangible. First time he holds a child he views as his, he'll understand." Clint didn't argue the realness of them. To her, they were real, and she was grieving their loss.

"I wish they were here," she whispered. "Part of me still wants to...to go to another dimension. To find them again. But I know I can't. I just...." She closed her eyes and wiped at the tears. "After Vision...after I had to kill Vision...I came back, and it was five years later and everything just...." Her voice trailed off. "I didn't mean to turn a whole town into my puppets. I didn't mean to hurt all those people."

"I know," Clint said quietly.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice quiet...barely audible. "I'm scared of...of becoming the Scarlet Witch again. Of not caring how many people I hurt or even kill. If I could do it once...I could do it again. How do I stop it?"

"You don't separate yourself from those who care about you... from me, Laura, the kids. And you don't hide how you feel from us..." Clint reached over, putting a hand on her knee and squeezing. "And I'll do a better job of asking, instead of assuming you'll just let me know."  Clint's smile was apologetic this time.

"And if I go back down that path again...you'll stop me? Whatever it takes?" She looked at him with obvious trust.

"Whatever it takes," Clint promised, looking into her eyes so she could see his conviction.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're more than welcome," Clint whispered, squeezing her knee again.

"I'm okay," she said. "If you wanted to go back inside. It's late...."

"It is late. We can go back in together..." Clint suggested.

"Okay," she said quietly, not sure she'd be able to go back to sleep, but willing to try.

Clint carefully stood, holding out a hand to her. "Maybe a cup of warm milky cocoa before we go back to sleep might be nice..." he offered. More milk than cocoa and it might help her sleep.

Wanda took his hand, climbing to her feet. "It sounds good," she agreed.

Chapter Text

Sam settled in the family room with his children, sitting with Matt on one side of him and Karen on the other. Both of them were struggling at having learned about Fisk still working his machinations and he wanted to stick close to them.

There were a couple of other family members in the room. Sprite had ended up making friends with America and Kaine and was sitting with them, talking animatedly about her time spent in Ancient Greece.

Matt was listening to the younger teens talk, the first-hand information Sprite was providing a slight distraction. Very slight. "How is he... whose pocket did he have to grease?" he mumbled angrily.

Karen just snuggled closer and watched the door, waiting for Foggy to get home.

Kaine was enthralled with Sprite's stories. "My history book said..." he interjected, asking her if the book was accurate.

"Not exactly." Sprite went off into a tangent of information.

Ikaris walked into the family room at that point and raised his eyebrows at Sprite. "Did she tell you how she was responsible for most of the myths and legends from that time?" he asked Kaine. "Sprite's always enjoyed telling stories."

"I'm good at it, too," Sprite said.

Sam hugged his children a bit closer and tighter and looked towards Ikaris. "You planning to join us with the rest of your kids?" he asked quietly. "We don't always get that many chances to just sit and talk as a family."

"Oh yeah!" Kaine looked excited. "We can all tell stories! That was lots of fun on the island!"

Dane walked in not far behind Ikaris, just in time to hear Kaine. "I'm always game to find out how wrong my learning was...." He sounded amused.

Kate was standing next to him. "Do all the stories have to be history?" She pouted.

"Actually, most of them aren't to do with history, as such," Sam said. "A lot of the time, we share stories about us. Trouble we got into. Or what our kids got into. Family connections others might not have known about." Looking at Ikaris and Sprite, he added, "Like you both knowing Logan and Steve and Bucky. That kind of story. Helps us to learn more about each other as family."

"Oh... this sounds good!" Kate quickly moved to sit on a chair near the others. "Who starts?"

Sam shrugged. "Generally, it's whoever has a story they want to share." Glancing at his children, he added, "Or who needs to think about something else for a change." Giving Matt a gentle squeeze, he commented, "Like a recent situation you were involved in."

Matt turned his face toward his father. "What recent situation are you thinking about?" he asked curiously, willing to play along if it would help him calm down about Fisk.

"I was thinking about the most recent time, when Foggy texted me asking me where you were," Sam replied. "You were supposed to be at a court case."

"Oh! Right. That was an awful day..." Matt grimaced. "Luckily, the judge was understanding...."

***

Sam hadn't wasted any time in asking Lincoln to meet him in the medical room. On his way there, he sent a message to his son, letting Matt know that he loved him and would see him soon. No matter what had happened, he needed his son to feel reassured, cared about, loved.

Matt was feeling more frustrated at the situation than worried about his father not being happy with him. For once, what had happened wasn't a result of him taking needlessly risky chances; and had caught him by surprise to boot. He felt like he had failed in some way, not realizing that the thugs had come up on him until they were attacking. They had thought him an easy mark. He wasn’t, but even so, he'd been severely outnumbered. The only reason he hadn't been hurt worse was because he was in such good shape and was so well trained, and he'd only got away because a group of burly construction workers had heard the ruckus and called the police, as well as scaring away his attackers. They'd then stayed with him until the police could come.

The police had taken his statement and escorted him to the courthouse, since he'd refused to go to a hospital. He'd been relieved that the judge didn't throw out their case because of his tardiness, and had rescheduled for the following week.

Now, he was in the infirmary at home. He wasn't planning to fight them taking care of him now. An hour or so after the attack and he wasn't feeling quite as 'fine' as he'd been attesting to everyone else.

Sam was more than used to his son insisting that he was fine, even when he wasn't. Unprepared to take Matt's word for him being fine, Sam had insisted on his son being checked over thoroughly. He stuck close to Matt, making sure he didn't get in the way of Lincoln's examination. "Did you recognize the people who attacked you?" he asked, wondering if his son had been targeted by criminals he'd helped to put away previously...or if he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"No... their voices were unfamiliar and none of them fought like any of the organizations I've fought before. They didn't say anything that made me think they were paid to attack me, either; it seemed they just thought I'd be an easy mark..." Matt said morosely, cooperating as much as he was able while Lincoln wrapped his ribs and cleaned the cuts and scrapes he'd received.

"Maybe you're right," Sam said. "But if there are cameras close by, I want to get the feed from them. Even if this was nothing personal against you, they still attacked someone they believed was defenseless. The next person they target might not be as skilled as you."

"Yeah... sorry I wasn't much help, dad. If I'd been able to stop them, they wouldn't be a risk to other people now..." Matt said softly.

Sam shook his head, wrapping his arms around his son in a tight, though careful hug. "I'm just relieved it wasn't worse," he said quietly. "I was so scared when Foggy told me you weren't answering him. I knew you wouldn't have missed going to court without a reason."

Matt smiled crookedly, hugging back. "I just wish I knew why... how... they got the drop on me. I usually catch when someone is trying to sneak up on me. They weren't even trying to sneak..." Matt was seriously confused.

"Did you have a lot on your mind?" Sam asked. "If you were thinking about something else, like the court case, you might not have been immediately aware of your surroundings."

"No more than usual... least, I don't think so." Matt frowned. "I didn't sleep well last night either, but I don't remember dreaming, so... I don't know."

Sam hugged him a bit tighter. "It might not be anything to worry about. Just a case of you being taken by surprise."

"Yeah. Just... have to not be distracted when I'm outside the compound. Got used to being somewhere I didn't need to worry about things like that," Matt said uncertainly.

"That's not such a bad thing to get used to," Sam said quietly.

"No... it isn't." Matt smiled crookedly. "Just need to remember outside the compound isn't as safe and not zone out." He blushed, embarrassed that he had zoned out.

"I'm sure it's just a fluke," Sam said gently. "I can't imagine it being something that will happen often."

"After today, it won't. I'll be too paranoid..." Matt laughed, then winced as his ribs ached.

Lincoln interrupted and handed Sam a bottle of pills. "I'll leave you in charge of these. It's pain medication. One tablet every four hours as needed for pain. Keep an eye out, though. If he has a fever, or tenderness develops that wasn't there before, let me know immediately, as it could be infection."

Sam nodded, taking the pills. "I will do. Thank you," he said. Looking at his son, he added, "I'm going to insist you room with me for the next week, at least. That way, I can be sure of noticing if anything seems worse."

Matt didn't even blink at the decision. He'd been expecting it from the moment he was back in Sam's purview. "Okay, dad. Appreciate the help..." he said softly, smiling.

"And I'll be happy keeping you close, after the scare I had." Sam hugged his son a bit tighter, still mindful of his injuries.

Matt returned the hug tightly, if carefully. As soon as Lincoln dismissed him, he let his father lead him out.

Chapter Text

"That's typical?" Dane asked. "For family members to stay in each others’ rooms when they've been injured?"

"It is when the one injured is the kid of the person who they are staying with..." Matt said, with a quirky grin. He could hear the slightest bit of uncertain hope in Dane's voice. Was his newest cousin looking for evidence he was like everyone else?

A few more people had wandered in while the story was being told. "Sometimes siblings stay together if one is hurt..." Everett mentioned. "Sometimes even if they haven't been hurt."

"Actually, sharing rooms with family members doesn't really have any hard and fast rules about when and who shares," Scott added, thinking of some of the combinations he'd witnessed and for what reasons.

T'Challa had followed his brother into the room, hearing the comments made. "Parents and children will share rooms...will share beds. As will siblings." He shrugged. "There are other affectionate behaviours, too. Being cuddled on a parent's lap, for instance. And some of those who are younger mentally, if not physically, gain comfort in being controlled by the person they trust. Even if it is as simple as being fed at a meal time."

Dane flushed faintly and fidgeted slightly, still having a difficult time reconciling his newly found need to be controlled and taken care of with his ideas of who he was as a man and how he had always felt before (and thought he still should).

Kate wasn't blind by any means and had sensed the subtle shift in her friend when Ikaris stepped in and adopted them. "Some act younger than they are? And that's okay?" she asked nonchalantly, as if she hadn't witnessed that behavior yet.

"It's okay," Sam confirmed. "It's accepted and those who need it are encouraged to seek out their needs. If you haven't witnessed that behaviour already, it'll only be a matter of time before you do."

"And nobody comments on any of this? The sharing rooms, beds, young behavior, whatever it is?" Kate pushed.

Erik came in and sat next to T'Challa. "What's being discussed?" he whispered.

"The sometimes childish behaviour exhibited by family members," T'Challa murmured back, before nodding to Kate's comment. "It is a normal part of this family here. Much the same as spanking being used as a family punishment. Loving discipline and affection are two very big reasons behind why this family works so well together."

A few more family members were wandering in by this point, having planned to watch TV. Upon realizing that family dynamics were being explained and that stories might be told as a result, they found empty seats so they could listen. Everett noticed and couldn't help chuckling. "It's like a dinner bell has been rung and all the children come running from all areas of the farm..." he mumbled.

Erik huffed. "How many stories did we miss before we got here?" he asked.

"There's only been the one story Sam told," Kate chirped. "Do you have one?"

"There was one thing that happened very recently," T'Challa commented, moving close enough to Erik that his arm was pressed against his brother's. "Sometimes it's difficult for family members to get used to having the help and support from others close by."

Yondu walked in at that point, leading Peter by the hand, and snorted softly upon hearing T'Challa's words. "Ain't that the truth." He walked over to one of the empty chairs and sat down, immediately pulling his son onto his lap.

Dane blinked at Yondu's actions, paying close attention to Peter's reaction.

Peter immediately squirmed and shifted until he was in a good position for his daddy to cuddle and rub without exposing him to everyone else. He was wearing a summer version of the pajamas everyone seemed so fond of.

"Oh! Where'd you get?!" Kara came up and began fingering the material of the sleeves with interest.

Erik looked at T'Challa fondly. "I lived for years alone. It's less getting used to the help and more remembering it is there."

Yondu situated Peter enough so that he could give his son attention, cuddling and rubbing, all without either exposing any of his son's body. He also made sure Kara could look at the pajamas easily. "They was specially made," he answered her. "Thinking everyone should put in their own orders for them."

T'Challa nodded in understanding to his brother's comment. "As I told you the last time...I will remind you that there is help available each and every time you need to be reminded." Noticing that everyone was looking towards him and Erik with interest, he began the story.

***

Immediately after receiving Shuri's text, T'Challa asked Friday to keep him updated on Erik's progress. He headed to the garage and retrieved one of the motorbikes himself, immediately riding in the direction his brother had taken.

Erik had chosen a motorbike for ease of maneuvering through traffic. He wasn't watching behind himself, not figuring anyone would have time to follow. He'd got information that one of the underlings who used to work under him was trying to start doing what he'd done. They were using his old contacts and throwing his name around to gain business. There were no lines in that they were unwilling to cross, however. He'd kept tight rein on them when he was a mercenary assassin. Now no one controlled them and he didn't want his name associated with them. And he couldn't leave them to operate. Not knowing that they'd accept any and every job, no matter what; even ones he would have turned down.

T'Challa could tell that his brother wasn't paying attention to anyone following him and it allowed him to keep pace with Erik. He didn't know where his brother was heading, but knowing Erik's past, he was almost certain it was dangerous. As he kept following Erik, he asked Friday to request other family members be on standby. Just in case he was following Erik into a more dangerous situation that they couldn't handle together.

When Erik reached an area one block away from the location his informant had given him, he got off the bike and made sure he had all his weapons ready. He then began to stealthily move toward where the rendezvous was to occur. He watched closely, looking around before determining that the one trying to use his name and reputation was meeting the client alone. He walked out, cocky and sure, appearing fully in control. His once underling looked nervous.

"You know... I retired. That does not give you permission to use my name to draw my ex-clients to your business. And I'm certain they would not be happy to know you've upset me by doing so... especially if they actually hired you because they thought I approved of you..." he said calmy. His voice was as cold as ice.

"You don't vouch for him?" The once and potential client frowned, backing away. "I'm not getting mixed up in this crap. I'll find someone else to hire." He quickly left.

"C'mon, man! Why you gotta be that way?! I woulda let them know you weren't involved when it mattered!" the underling whined.

"Yeah. Somehow, I don't think you would have." Erik sighed, pulling out his gun and aiming it.

T'Challa reached the scene only moments later...long enough to hear most of what was being said. Instantly, he walked towards Erik, making sure his brother would be alerted to his presence, and reached out to place a hand on Erik's that held the gun. "This is not the way," he said calmly.

"I let him go, he'll eventually get hired... and he doesn't care what he's asked to do," Erik warned, though he did lower the gun.

"I'm not telling you to let him go." T'Challa squeezed his arm gently. "But you don't need to kill. Not anymore. I placed a call to the relevant authorities. They will be here soon."

Erik nodded. "Yeah. Okay." He glanced toward his ex-lackey. 'You owe my brother your life," he growled out.

It hadn't taken long for the authorities to arrive and with all the information Erik was able to give them, he knew it would be difficult for the other man to get out of jail time. "I'm lucky you have taken care of ensuring my crimes don't come after me..." he muttered, as they were finally free to walk back towards their vehicles.

T'Challa gently squeezed his brother's arm. "I would do anything in my power to protect you, brother. Even when you do not always make it easy for me."

Erik's grin was rueful. "Was this one of those times?" he asked rhetorically. After Shuri had attempted to stop him to no avail, he was pretty certain T'Challa would have something to say about his just taking off.

"You did not need to brush our sister off when she tried to stop you," T'Challa said. "You did not need to leave home without help or backup. I understand you have been used to handling everything alone, but you do not need to handle things alone now. You are my brother and I will work to protect you and help you. No matter what happens."

Erik nodded, then sighed. "I had planned to end him..." he admitted. "I was too angry to see an alternative, but didn't want you to witness it."

"That is exactly why you should have come to me," T'Challa said. "I would have shown you there was another way. One that did not leave more wounds and scars on your soul."

"Yes... I should have. My anger clouded my judgement..." Erik frowned in shame.

"We will handle this," T'Challa said. "Back at home." He squeezed Erik's arm gently. "Straight there. No stops along the way."

"Yes, Brother." Erik nodded in acknowledgement, before walking to the motorcycle and heading back toward home. He had time to think on the way back. Even though they weren't in NYC proper- were on the outskirts- it was still an hour away from the compound. He'd sped all the way to where the encounter was. He doubted T'Challa would be understanding if he sped back. It would be unnecessarily risky, so he followed the speed limit.

T'Challa got onto his own motorbike and kept pace with his brother as they went towards home. There was no reason to hide his presence now, after all; and he wanted to make sure his brother would be able to see him and know he was cared about, loved, supported.

***

When they'd finally reached the compound, Erik had parked the cycle and then waited for T'Challa at the elevator. "I don't need to ask what is going to happen. Should I go to your room?" he asked quietly.

T'Challa nodded. "That would be the best place to have this conversation," he agreed.

Straightening his shoulders and sighing softly, Erik walked to T'Challa's room, hoping Nakia and Shuri, at the least, were elsewhere in the compound.

T'Challa checked in with the rest of the family heads, letting them know what had occurred, and asked his siblings and Nakia to give him and Erik privacy. Then, he headed to his room, entering without bothering to knock.

Erik was staring at the floor when T'Challa entered, but he looked up to face the older man with a subdued expression.

T'Challa closed the door behind him and then turned towards Erik. "Do I need to know anything else before we deal with this?" he asked directly.

"I don't believe so, brother. You came in time to stop me and call the authorities. Is there anything you want explained?" Erik asked.

"How did you find out about it?" T'Challa asked.

"An old associate contacted me. Asked if I was back in the business and if so, he'd be a much better second than... well... than the one using my reputation to make deals. I got the information from him and immediately went after...." Erik swallowed.

T'Challa nodded slowly. "You brushed Shuri off when she was worried about you. I know you are used to acting alone, to not having any help, but that is no longer true. You have help. You have a family. You have support."

"I know. I didn't leave like I did because I didn't know. I was just so angry and didn't want to expose the family to that," Erik admitted.

"You don't need to expose the family to it," T'Challa said. "You just expose me to it. Because I can handle your anger, brother. I can handle you."

Erik swallowed again and nodded. "Understood. I was wrong. I made a mistake. I am sorry "

"I know." T'Challa reached out to gently grip his brother's arm. "I know you're sorry. I forgive you. I still love you. No matter what happens." He began to lead Erik towards the bed.

Eeik smiled crookedly. "I know, brother. Of all the things I am not certain about, your love is one thing I am certain of." He followed T'Challa.

"Then I hope you will remember that you have my support. No matter what." Reaching the bed, T'Challa sat down and gently guided Erik across his lap, securing his brother with an arm wrapped around his waist before baring him.

"If I forget, I expect that you will remind me as necessary..." Erik said solemnly, reaching down and grasping onto T'Challa's leg.

"Each and every time," T'Challa promised, rubbing his brother's back. He raised his other hand and brought it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated.

Erik shifted as the first stinging swat landed. It was never comfortable, being in this position. It was a comfort, though. It helped him feel his brother's love and concern in a tangible way.

T'Challa settled quickly into a pattern of swats, going down to Erik's thighs before starting over from the top. "You are not the same man you were when we first met. You have changed, brother. For the better. You do not want to return to who you were before."

Erik closed his eyes and swallowed hard at that. "No, brother. I don't wish to become what I once was. Thank you for stopping me...' His voice became rough.

"I will do everything within my power to keep you with me," T'Challa promised. "To keep you going along the right path. And if something goes wrong, it will change nothing of how I feel of you. Even if we have a repeat of this."

"I believe you... I'm counting on it... I... I let my anger cloud my judgement. I'm sorry... I don't want to do anything that would separate us..." Erik swallowed again, tears forming in his eyes.

"I know." T'Challa began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster. "We'll stay together," he promised. "Stay as a family. You spent too long alone, but you are not alone any longer."

"I have my family now," Erik's voice caught and he slumped in a mixture of submission and relief. "...Not alone." By this point, he was quietly but vocally crying.

"Never alone." T'Challa delivered a final few smacks to Erik's sit spots and thighs and then stopped. He gently moved his brother onto his lap instead of over it, hugging the other man tightly.

Erik wrapped his own arms around his brother, tightly. His tears slowed, but he didn't let go or pull away. He was more than happy to relax in his brother's arms, soaking up affection.

"I'm glad I have you in my life, my brother," T'Chala murmured, holding Erik close and tight, stroking his hair and back.

Chapter Text

"As you can see... even the most aloof and mature of us need our family." Erik shrugged faintly, not embarrassed to have had his story told.

Dane nodded, but his attention was divided. While the story was being told, Peter had continued to shift until Yondu was able to completely handle him, not phased in the least that others would watch, trusting Yondu to protect his modesty.

Yondu showed no shame or embarrassment at handling his son, always alert to Peter's needs and when his kid needed to act 'younger'.

Ikaris noticed that his son's attention was divided and leaned forward to catch Dane's eye. "Why don't you come and sit with me, son?" he invited; not suggesting that Dane be handled in the same way, but offering affection in much the way that other family members were providing their children.

Dane blinked, his gaze slipping off of Peter and Yondu. He glanced around, noting a lot more family had joined. Kara was now sitting on Fury's lap, cuddling and acting as young as Peter. Coulson was on a couch with several of his children, one of them... Bobbi, he thought her name was... pressed as close as possible without actually being on his lap. Biting his lip, he swallowed, then carefully moved next to Ikaris, leaning into him.

Ikaris wrapped his arm around Dane, gently pulling his son close and tight against his side.

Sprite's grin was a little bit sad as she watched him. "I always said you'd be a good dad."

Ikaris raised his eyebrows. "You told people I flew too close to the sun."

Sprite's grin turned unrepentent. "It was a good story. And it even had a moral to it."

Dane's eyes widened and he snorted in amusement. "My ancestors had a few really strange stories told about them... you weren't behind those, were you?" he asked Sprite with a smile.

The look on Sprite's face was innocent. "I wasn't responsible for all of the strange myths and legends out there...."

"No. Just most of them," Ikaris commented.

Steve cleared his throat and couldn't help but smile. "I guess that explains why you were so good at coming up with excuses when you spent time with me and Bucky."

Bucky laughed. "You remember what she told Ms. Harrington that day the three of us skipped to go swimming at the pond?"

Steve laughed outright at that...then, noticing the curious looks from various family members, he proceeded to explain.

***

Sprite had tried to fit in. Honestly, she truly did. Yes, it was hard to bite her tongue and not correct the teachers when they were teaching the wrong things. Yes, it was hard to act like a normal school kid when she could create illusions that looked real to everyone and could easily battle a Deviant with her knives...but she still desperately wanted to be normal.

But she still got bored. Everyone else around her changed. They all grew up, while she was stuck at fourteen forever. Soon, eventually, she'd have to move on again. Leave the friends behind she'd made, with only the memories to sustain her during the long centuries she lived for.

Today, she was feeling that eventual loss keenly. So much so that she didn't want to go into school. Didn't want to pretend to be a normal human child. So she was hanging around outside the building, waiting for Steve and Bucky. She was fairly sure she could convince Bucky to skip class with her...Steve might take a little bit more convincing.

Bucky saw her one second before Steve did and immediately knew she had something up her sleeve. "What are we doing?" he asked, with a hint of excitement, already 'in' before even knowing what the idea was.

Sprite's grin was innocent...to those who didn't know her well. Those who did knew exactly what that look on her face meant.

Steve was one of those who knew her well. "How much trouble are we going to be in?" he asked, a bit warily.

Sprite widened her eyes, a mock offended look coming over her face. "Have I ever got you into a situation I can't talk you out of?" she retorted. "It's a lovely day. Who wants to be stuck inside doing schoolwork when we could be swimming?"

Bucky grinned, gently slugging Steve on the arm. "Not me! C'mon, Stevie! It's a perfect day for the pond..." he said fervently, although quietly enough that no adults would hear.

Steve hesitated, but when Sprite came to the other side of him and grasped his arm, adding her own pleading look to Bucky's...yeah, he couldn't stand against two of them. Still, he did grumble, "If we get into trouble for this, I'm blaming both of you."

"I'll take full blame if it comes to it!" Bucky promised fervently.

"But we won't get into trouble," Sprite promised. Casting a glance over her shoulder, she created an illusion of the three of them walking into the school building...making sure both Steve and Bucky were turned away and didn't see anything.

"So... the pond?" Bucky began heading that way, taking Steve and Sprite by the arm to lead them there.

Sprite nodded eagerly and followed along with the two of them. She didn't really feel guilty for skipping out on class, or for persuading Steve and Bucky to go along with her. She was staying with Kingo for the time being, but he wasn't responsible enough to make her go to school, even if he had thought she should go...and really, he didn't see the point or the need. And he was already showing interest in acting and becoming famous.

Steve tended to be responsible the majority of the time, but his cough was actually doing better today. When it was bad, he had to avoid the pond. The times it wasn't, he didn't want to miss out. Even if there was the fleeting thought that their father wouldn't be happy about this, Steve uncharacteristically pushed down that faint stab of guilt in favour of doing something he often had to miss out on.

Bucky glanced at his best friend. "You doin' okay today?" he asked, just in case. Having fun was all well and good, but he'd never forgive himself if Stevie got hurt because he felt pressured into doing something he wasn't feeling good enough for.

Steve nodded quickly. "Cough's doing pretty good right now," he answered honestly.

"If it gets bad, we don't have to swim," Sprite said. "We could just go for a walk. Get some ice cream." She smiled at the thought of ice cream. She'd developed a real sweet tooth in the last century or so.

Bucky quickly agreed. "That'd be real good too!" He nodded.

Steve smiled. "If it gets bad, we can stop swimming and get ice cream," he suggested.

"And even if it doesn't, we can still get ice cream afterwards anyway," Sprite added.

"Right! So, let's get going!" Bucky grinned.

***

They'd ended up spending several hours at the pond, swimming and lazing around in the sun, talking to each other. Then, they'd gone for ice cream. They hadn't got caught by anyone until they were heading home; and ran into Ms. Harrington.

Sprite's illusion had held long enough for them to sneak away. She couldn't keep it up all day. Still, she hadn't been worried...and wasn't worried even when they ran into the teacher. Because one of the things she was really good at was making up stories. And she made one up on the spot. About a man who'd been trying to steal a lost cat and none of them wanted to let him get away with the animal, who was a highly expensive breed. So they tailed him along the street and ended up calling the police...who arrested the would-be thief and contacted the cat's owner, who was so grateful, she ended up buying them all ice cream.

By the time Sprite finished, Steve was wide-eyed and a little guiltily impressed. She almost had him convinced that's what they'd spent the day doing.

Bucky just nodded along solemnly, wide eyed and earnest. He might not be as quick at coming up with stories as Sprite, but he wasn't slow; and he was very good at convincing adults when he wanted. He could support Sprite's story without even saying a word, just with his facial expressions.

Steve wasn't nearly as good at lying as either of his friends, but Sprite and Bucky were convincing enough that all he needed to do was nod along...and the woman was convinced. With a stern admonishment to the three of them to leave it to the authorities to handle things next time, Ms. Harrington left them.

Sprite turned to the two of them. "I'd better get back, or Kingo will be wondering where I am. But today was fun! I'll see you both tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yep!" Bucky grinned and waved as she left, then took Steve's arm and tugged him toward home. They didn't run into anyone else until they walked into the apartment and Logan was standing there, arms folded, a stern look on his face. "Dad! You're home early!" Bucky blurted.

"Yeah. And I ran into Ms. Harrington on my way," Logan said. "Care to explain why you weren't in class?"

Steve winced and sighed, glancing apologetically at Bucky before admitting to their father, "We skipped. I know we shouldn't have, but my cough's been better and...I really wanted to go swimming."

"That so?" Logan just looked between the two boys sternly.

Bucky sighed softly but nodded. "Yessir. It was so nice out and Stevie doesn't often get to swim...."

"My cough was better," Steve said quietly. "I keep missing out on doing everything cause of it...I just wanted to feel normal for a change," he admitted, hanging his head.

"Yeah, kid. I know. But one of your boys' responsibilities is to go to school. Just taking off isn't being responsible. Next time you have an urge to swim, just let me know. I'll take both of you. Can even get the ice-cream after." Logan smiled gently. "And it won't require your friend to make up stories to keep you out of trouble with your teacher."

"Okay," Steve said quietly...agreeably...not wanting to get into further trouble with their dad.

"Are we in trouble?" Bucky asked hesitantly.

Logan slanted his head, observing the two for a moment. "Not happy you skipped out on your responsibility and lied to your teacher, but no one was hurt and you were careful. Figure I can let you by with a warning and a few extra chores. And you will need to make up any schoolwork you missed before you can do anything else."

Bucky sighed, but was obviously relieved. "Okay, dad..." He smiled crookedly.

"We will, Dad," Steve promised. "Maybe after, we can do something together?" he suggested; a little bit hesitantly, but wanting to spend time with their father when they weren't being scolded.

"As soon as you finish your homework and we have dinner, we can play cards until both of your parents get home from work. They told me tonight their shifts would end early and they didn't need to work over night." Logan smiled.

Steve smiled at that and looked at Bucky. "So the whole family can be together," he said, clearly excited.

Bucky nodded. "Yeah! Will you be staying after they get home?" he asked Logan.

"Maybe for a little bit. I know your families want to spend time with you, though, so only a little while," Logan replied.

Steve looked a little disappointed that Logan wouldn't be staying long, but he nodded anyway, happy for any time they could spend with their father.

Logan ruffled Steve's hair. "No disappointed face. Your ma doesn't get to spend much time with you and I don't want to push my way into what time she does have..." he said gently.

"But I like spending time with all my family," Steve said. "We don't get to do that nearly enough."

"We do as much as possible. And I didn't say I was leaving immediately when your ma and Bucky's ma and pa got home, but if I stay too late, busybodies will talk and that isn't fair to your mother." Logan's voice was gentle, but firm.

"Yeah, Stevie... They like to talk. I heard stuff already..." Bucky bit his lip worriedly. There were a lot of people questioning Logan's intentions toward Steve's mother, but there were also some saying she was being inappropriate. Stevie didn't tend to hear those things because people didn't want 'the poor fatherless boy' to feel bad.

Steve looked a little downcast, but he nodded slowly anyway. "Okay," he whispered. It wasn't like he needed to ask what people would say or think. He just wished it didn't have to be like that.

"And... I will come by tomorrow morning, since it is the weekend and maybe, if your Ma is up to it and your parents are agreeable, we can go to the zoo," Logan said. "My treat."

"That would be good," Steve agreed, beginning to smile, even though he was still clearly a bit disappointed.

"I think it's great! It will give us some time to be together and it will be in a place no one could say anything!" Bucky interjected. "Plus... the zoo!"

Logan nodded. "We can ask tonight when everyone gets home. Until then... let's find those cards."

Steve nodded, quickly heading to look in the last place he remembered the cards being.

Chapter Text

"Some of you have been family for a long time," Kate observed. "And you don't always spank when something questionable is done."

"It isn't always necessary for spanking to be used," Steve commented. "It's most often used as a consequence for dangerous behaviour. Or actions that can harm a relationship, such as lying. Occasionally, it's used for settling purposes. Or a release of emotions or guilt."

Ikaris had his arms wrapped tight around Dane, as he commented, "Spanking has been an effective punishment utilised throughout human history. I only learned of it after coming to Earth, but it is effective in demonstrating consequences of behaviour...and showing affection, even when it's necessary to be stern at times."

"Affectionate spanking?" Kate sounded skeptical. "Outside of a romantic relationship, how would that even work?"

Jessica smiled crookedly and moved to sit on Steve's lap. "Sometimes, some of us need to feel like our parent is in complete control because we feel out of control. In those times, it is more affectionate than punishing..." She snuggled Steve. Watching everything that had occurred with Wanda and the Scarlet Witch and Stephen and all the new family... she wasn't quite feeling the need to feel pain, but she was feeling an urge to push her father to assert control. Even if it was just having him hold her tight and pat her clothed backside.

Wade would have had no qualms about draping himself over Cable's or Colossus' lap for a spanking, but he wasn't sure how the new 'kids' would take it and he was getting better about making people uncomfortable. Or, at least, he was trying to be more careful.

Peter Q. shifted to be on Yondu's lap.

Steve wrapped his arms around Jessica automatically, cuddling her tightly on his lap, holding her close against his chest.

"Different family members have different needs," Fury said. "Some people never got the chance to have a proper childhood and while they might be physically adult now, they can revert to being children again in a place where it's safe to do so. With people who care about them and will look after them."

Dane swallowed hard at hearing that, almost curling into Ikaris. "That happens a lot? And it doesn't bother you all? You don't think people should act their age?"

"We prefer our family behave in a manner that is most beneficial to them for happiness and healing," Melinda said quietly. "If that means they are young for their age, it doesn't bother any of us. We just adjust to what is needed at that time."

Responding to Dane's actions, Ikaris gently pulled him into his lap, wrapping his arms around his son's waist in much the same way he could see other parents were doing with their children. "There's nothing wrong with what you need," he murmured into his son's ear.

Kate grinned at seeing Dane tugged onto Ikaris' lap. Her new brother and she had talked about family life while trying to take down the track suit mafia. It had quickly become apparent to her that Dane hadn't been fortunate to grow up with the support she had. It didn't bother her that Ikaris had seemingly decided to give him what he'd missed out on, especially not when she could see Dane instinctively respond to it in a needy way.

"So... none of the kids keep secrets from their parents?" she asked out of nowhere, thinking of all the secrets she had kept while spying on her future step-father.

Jessica stiffened slightly and gave her a slightly wide-eyed look. "What kind of secrets do you mean?" she asked, thinking about her recent altercation that ended in her having to leave a store. She hadn't done anything wrong, but she hadn't told her father about it either.

Steve's arms were wrapped tight enough around his daughter that he felt her stiffen. He raised his eyebrows and looked down at Jessica. "Is there something I need to know about?"

"I don't think so?" Jessica winced. Trish, Lorelei and Carol had all indicated she should let him know when it happened. Hesitantly, she told him of being accused of shoplifting and what she'd had to do to keep the peace.

Steve listened to Jessica's explanation, holding her close and tight, gently rubbing down her back and over her bottom. "You handled that as well as you could have done and I'm proud of you for that," he said. "But I would have liked to know about it. I'm sure it wasn't a good feeling and I could have helped you feel better about it."

Jessica slanted her head, thinking about it. "It didn't feel good. We did ice cream therapy..." she admitted, with a tiny smile. "I didn't want you to worry... but I guess if you like worrying about me, I'll tell you if something like that happens in the future," she said, in a teasing tone, though she was being serious.

Dane watched Steve and his reactions and how he handled the 'confession', before glancing around to see what everyone else thought or was doing.

"Told ya he'd rather know and worry but be able to help you than to be kept in the dark and not worry while you felt bad..." Carol snorted.

"I would rather know than not be aware," Steve agreed. "And if you need ice cream therapy? Well, I'm free for that too." He smiled.

"What about ice cream because you are proud of me for handling it well?" Jessica grinned widely.

Dane barked out a surprised laugh.

Carol grinned, moving over to Steve's side and cuddling up. "I like the sound of that. How 'bout it, Dad?"

Steve wrapped his other arm around Carol's shoulders and drew her in close too. "I think that would be a very good idea," he agreed. "We could make a family outing of it."

"Oh... yay!" Tony held his hands up and wiggled them, before clapping once and looking at his wife and kids.  "I never took you for ice cream to show you I was proud of you..." he said to Werner. "You up for it?"

"If we're making it a full family trip..." Pepper glanced at Steve, to see if he minded.

"There's no reason we can't all go, as a family," Steve commented, looking around at the other family members...making it clear he was including them all in the invitation.

Fury snorted softly. "If we want to make it a full family trip, we'll have to book out an entire cafe or restaurant," he said affectionately.

Werner perked up at Tony's offer and nodded, looking almost childlike in his enthusiasm. "Yes!" He cleared his throat and turned pink. "I mean...I'd like that."

"I can do that!" Tony looked at Fury. "Friday? Can you do that, please?"

"Of course, Master Tony," Friday responded. "There are several ice cream parlours nearby that will have enough room for the whole family. Is there any preference to which one?"

"The one that isn't a chain. Want to support the small business owners when possible," Tony requested.

"I have made the booking," the AI reported. "The times and location have been sent to your phone."

Sprite looked a little downcast. "Phastos would have loved meeting you," she said to Tony. "He always thought that eventually, humans could make AI."

"Phastos?" Tony looked at Sprite curiously. "He was a real person?"

"One of the Eternals," Sprite replied. "He helped to invent many of the earlier tools humans had. He wanted to give more sophisticated things, but Ajak warned him against pushing humans too far." She frowned. "Ajak was the only one who knew what our real purpose was."

"Sounds like someone I'd have liked to meet," Tony agreed.

"The other Eternals are looking for them," Ikaris said quietly. "But they haven't checked in for a while." He was clearly worried, even if he was still holding onto his new son...giving Dane attention and physical affection.

"What of their families?" Dane asked. "Sersi mentioned friends before she actually told me about you all. She mentioned one with a husband and child.... They weren't hurt, were they?"

"I checked on them, too, while I was keeping watch over you," Ikaris replied. "They're safe. Taken care of. Worried about Phastos, of course. But no harm's come to them."

"Would it help... would they accept... a more permanent security system?" Tony asked.

"It's possible," Ikaris said. "I know that it will set Phastos' mind at ease, once he returns home, to know his family have been kept safe."

Tony nodded. "If you can give us a location, the magic men can open a portal... I can set Friday up there. If anything happens, she immediately lets us know and we can portal there to help. If that's okay with you three..." He turned toward the sorcerers.

"Of course," Wong said. "We should protect all family members."

"Thank you." Ikaris gave them the coordinates.

"This shouldn't take too long, if everyone else wants to get dressed for a trip to town," Tony said, as he headed to his lab to grab needed tools. It didn't take long. By the time he'd returned, the portal had been opened. "If you wanna lead to introduce us?" He glanced toward Ikaris.

The sorcerors had opened the portal outside the house and Ikaris walked up to knock on the door.

It was opened immediately by Ben, who asked quickly, "Have you heard anything?"

"I'm afraid not...." Ikaris began; but before he could say anything else, he was interrupted by Ben and Phastos' son, who had come up beside his dad and was staring at the portal and the others who had entered open-mouthed.

"That's Iron Man!" the boy exclaimed.

Tony, never one to disappoint a kid who liked him, came up and knelt down to be on the boy's level. "Yes! I've come to request your help with a very important matter," he said seriously, flipping his face plate up so he could look the kid in the eye. "I need you to help your dad keep your home safe till we can find your poppa. I would like to have my AI, Friday, have a connection here so if anything happens that shouldn't, you can tell her and she will immediately let us know." He was speaking to the boy, but it was obvious he was asking for Ben's permission.

Jack's eyes widened and he nodded enthusiastically, then looked up at his father. "Dad, Iron Man wants to help us!" he exclaimed.

Ben moved over to his son and placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Thank you," he said seriously to Tony.

"You're more than welcome. Family is important. We couldn't leave you unprotected once we knew what had happened." Tony smiled; then, getting Ben's permission, quickly entered the house and set it up so that Friday could immediately bring them help if they needed it. Once he had finished, he handed each of them a watch. "This can be used to alert us if something happens when you aren't at home. Friday? Why don't you say hello."

"Hello, Master Ben, Master Jack. I am happy to meet you," Friday immediately said.

Jack's eyes widened. "So cool!" he enthused.

"Hello, Friday," Ben respondded, smiling at his son's enthusiasm...though he still couldn't help but worry over his husband's safety.

Tony could tell the man was worried. "The communication is two way with Friday. She is effectively, two places at one time. If Ikaris learns anything, he can immediately let you know, as long as you are in the house or wearing the watch. Just like Friday can immediately let us know if there is a problem."

Ikaris nodded. "When I learn anything, you will learn it too," he promised.

"I believe you," Ben answered. "I just hope he can be returned home soon."

Tony nodded. "Is there anything else you have concerns about?" he asked, preparing to go back to eat ice cream with his family.

"I don't believe so," Ben replied, reaching out to wrap his arm around Jack. "Thank you," he repeated.

"You are welcome." Tony smiled.

Soon, they were all stepping through a portal back into the family room where everyone waited. "Everyone ready for ice cream?" Tony asked.

Immediately, a chorus of enthusiastic responses greeted his question.

"Well, let's get going, then!" Tony began to herd everyone toward the garage and vehicles.

****

Four hours later, everyone was back at the compound, full and happy but tired. Dane noticed several of the family members following their parent into the parent's room.

"G'night, dad! Dane!" Kate kissed both Ikaris and Dane on the cheek, before skipping into her own room.

"Night!" Sprite gave both older men a quick hug and then headed into her own room.

Dane swallowed, almost hunching in on himself. He should just say goodnight, go to his own room like Kate and Sprite. He should. He found himself being jealous of those who had gone with their fathers; wishing he was as brave as Peter Q., or Bobbi, or Jessica, or Wanda... brave enough to ask Ikaris if he could stay with him.

Noticing the look on Dane's face, Ikaris wrapped his arms around his son in a tight hug. "Would you like to stay with me tonight?" he asked gently.

Dane looked up, grateful Ikaris was able to understand without him saying anything. "Please? If... if it is okay... I know everyone else seems to think it is acceptable behavior, but I can't help being afraid I shouldn't want to... that it will bother you... or something..." he whispered uncertainly.

"It won't bother me. And other family members clearly accept it as normal behaviour." Still keeping a tight hold of Dane, Ikaris led his son over towards the bed.

Dane willingly let himself be led into his father's room and to the bed. "My pajamas..." he said hesitantly, realizing the garments were in his room.

"You can wear the pajamas," Ikaris said. "But if you'd be comfortable without them, you don't need to."

Dane nodded. "Don't wanna leave you for even a little..." he admitted.

"Would you like me to find a pair of my own pajamas for you to wear?" Ikaris asked, in case Dane still wanted to be clothed.

"Actually, used to sleeping naked... just don't wanna be weird..." Dane admitted, blushing hard.

"It's not weird," Ikaris replied. "If that's more comfortable for you, there's nothing wrong with it." He began to help Dane out of his clothes.

Biting his lip, Dane only helped enough that Ikaris could undress him without difficulty, already falling into an attitude of letting himself be taken care of. As soon as he was naked, he looked up uncertainly. "Where should I go?"

In response, Ikaris took Dane's hand, like he truly was a little boy, and moved his son towards the bed. He settled them both down, wrapping his arms tightly around Dane, gently rubbing over his back and bottom.

Dane snuggled close, letting his head test on Ikaris' chest. "G'night, Daddy. Love you...."

"I love you too." Ikaris kissed his head.

Dane thought he should be embarrassed, snuggling close, naked as the day he was born. He wasn't. He wasn't uncomfortable at all about being so vulnerable to Ikaris. He relaxed in his new father's arms, the possessive and personal affection easing him into a dazed, submissive drowsiness. He felt extremely young and the thought of being anywhere but where he was, was discomfiting.

Ikaris continued to stroke Dane's back and rub over his bottom, every so often pressing a kiss to his son's head. "I've got you," he murmured reassuringly. "You don't have to worry about anything. Only letting me take care of you."

"I can be your little boy all night?" Dane asked, in a small, childish voice.

"All night. And for as long as you want afterwards," Ikaris promised.

"...Love you, daddy..." Dane whispered, snuggling some more, nuzzling Ikaris before falling asleep.

It didn't take long for Ikaris to fall asleep, his embrace tight around his son, holding Dane close.

The End