Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It was lunchtime, and one of the rare occasions when everyone in the compound was actually all at home, not away on missions or at required meetings.

Everyone was sat around the large, reinforced table, chattering away happily and reaching out to help themselves to food. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy...about as chilled as it could be.

Laura had sneaked her new kitten to lunch with her and was sneaking little bits of food to the kitten when she thought no one was looking. Of course, she knew that multiple family members would be able to see what she was doing...so it was more of a game than anything else.

Logan was smiling fondly at his daughter, pointedly 'not noticing' her feeding the kitten. He was sneaking bits of food from his own plate onto Laura's so she could continue feeding the animal.

 "You know what we need?" Bobbi said out of nowhere. "We need to have a party to let all the new family get to know everyone better."

"It's been a while since we did something large scale where everyone could be involved..." Mack agreed. "Not since we were all at the mansion and played capture the flag...."

"Capture the flag?" Peter perked up. "That sounds like a lot of fun!"

"It was." Steve smiled fondly at his grandson before saying, "But playing something like that here, given how the family's now grown, would probably take a bit more organising. But we could still do something a bit larger scale."

Tony slanted his head, glancing between his father and mother before grinning brightly. "I know! We could all go out to the tree houses, build a bonfire, and have a fondue party! I remember when I was a kid, dad - Howard- told my mom how he always felt bad because you and Peggy wanted to have a fondue party but your plane went down before you could...."

Bucky bit his lip and gave Steve a shit-eating grin. "That sounds like a great idea, Stevie. We can have that fondue party you never got to have...."

"Yeah! We could probably even tell stories there!" Tony- not seeing Bucky's grin or he would have realized he'd said something funny- was excitedly making a list of items needed for proper fondue. "We should have several varieties of cheese and chocolates... But also, fruits and bread...."

Steve very carefully avoided smiling or doing anything that would make Tony realise the real meaning behind what Howard had said; partly because he didn't want to embarrass his son, but also because an actual fondue party sounded like a good idea. "If we take out sleeping bags and pillows, we could set up camp in the treehouses."

"If we opened portals, it would make it easier for everyone to see and hear," Mordo said.

"Or I could get a portable microphone. Whoever is telling the story can hold it. That way, you don't have to make yourselves tired for no reason. When it's time to separate into the treehouses, it wouldn't matter so much..." Tony shrugged. "Most everyone would be looking at the fire anyway, since it'll be dark."

"Should some of us make supply runs to stores?" Leo asked. "We might end up buying all the stock in one or two, given how many of us there are."

"Possibly... Or I could have Friday make orders from all nearby stores and have it delivered... We probably want to make certain we have enough fondue pots and burners as well..." Tony said, glancing at Pepper. She would know what they had in storage as far as what was needed to prepare the ingredients.

Pepper nodded. "I don't think Stark Industries has ever done anything with fondue, so we'll need to buy the paraphernalia to do it. That might be where we need portals... If the pots and such are so far away, they can't be bought and shipped here by tonight, we'd need to go pick them up in person...."

"Just tell us where you need the portals and we can open them," Wong said.

"As soon as we've ordered the pots and know where to pick them up, I will let you know!" Pepper said, already going through her Stark pad and placing orders.

"So... What time tonight?" Bill asked, figuring everyone would go do their own thing until it was time to meet up again.

"It likely depends on how quickly everything can be ordered," Fury said, with a fond smile at Tony. "Is it better for Friday to send a message to all of us once everything's been confirmed?"

"Yes! I will have Friday announce when everything is ready and you can go to the tree house area. Maybe some of you can get firewood so we can do the bonfire... We made a spot specifically for that, so it will be safe enough," Tony said.

Fury quickly began organising the collecting of firewood with those who wanted to do that, while the other family members went to do their own thing until the announcement came.

***

Yelena looked at Druig. "I think we should sneak onto the grounds. If we get into the building with some of the agents that work there, maybe we can find out more information."

"What if they see us?" Druig asked nervously.

"We run..." Yelena shrugged.

***

It was several hours later and everything had been gathered. The bonfire was burning brightly, the various fondues were bubbling,  everyone was eating and having a wonderful time.

Yelena and Drug had snuck in and were close enough to watch and hear (because of the microphone), but far enough away to not be noticed, or at least they assumed.

"So... Didn't someone say something about stories?" Trip asked. "Who's going first?"

Peter had been looking...not exactly pensive, but more thoughtful than normal. He'd wanted to raise something to the family, but hadn't figured out how to do it yet. This story time might give him the chance to do so. "I have something," he said. "When I was out recently, going to meet Gwen, I ran into an old school friend."

***

Heading along the street, Peter sneaked a glance at his watch and relaxed a little. He should have plenty of time to buy the flowers and then get to Gwen's apartment...hopefully make a better impression than he had the first time he'd met her and her family for dinner. Captain Stacy was much more tolerant of him now, especially knowing that Peter was part of the Avengers and SHIELD family, but he still didn't want to risk messing anything up when he and Gwen were just starting to settle back into trying to date.

Flash was walking out of the corner market, opening a soda, when he saw Parker. When they'd been in high school together, he'd have been tempted to tease and harass the other young man. Since graduating, he hadn't seen Peter. Not in person, anyway. He knew Peter's life had drastically changed, though; that he lived with the Avengers in some compound a couple of hours north of the city. A thread of jealousy wriggled through him and he took a swig from his soda. He wouldn't tease or harass today. The last thing he wanted or needed was to draw the attention of the Avengers. And having Peter know how far he'd fallen would be humiliating. He began to walk in the opposite direction, hoping Peter hadn't noticed him.

Peter glanced up as he spotted Flash leaving the corner shop. "Hey...." He lifted a hand in greeting. Their interactions had been mostly rocky, up until his Uncle had died and Peter had got his powers. Since then, they'd been mostly cordial to each other. But he hadn't seen Flash since graduation, since they hadn't really kept in touch.

Flash paused, then tried to act as if he hadn't noticed Peter moments before or tried to sneak away. "Oh... Hey! Long time no see, Parker. How's it going?" he asked, in as jovial a tone as he could manage.

"Pretty good. Finally settled on my college major." Peter moved a bit closer to Flash. "What about you?" He'd noticed that Flash had tried sneaking away, but wasn't sure how to bring that up yet.

"Oh... Same. You know how it is..." Flash said, in an overly enthusiastic voice. "Classes take a lot more time now," (he wasn't in college), "and dating a lot of different girls...." (He wasn't dating at all. He was too busy working, trying to survive).

"Where are you going now?" Peter asked. He was busy looking at Flash...taking in the other boy's appearance. Flash looked kind of like his Uncle Tony had, when he hadn't been sleeping or eating because of the conflicts with his dad. Flash didn't look quite as bad as Tony had...but he didn't exactly look healthy. He looked like he'd lost weight, and like he wasn't sleeping much, if the dark circles under his eyes were any indication.

"Oh... Heading home to make dinner and study..." Flash lied. He had a side job on top of the job he had at the wharf, delivering pizza.

"If that's all you're doing, why don't you come with me to Gwen's?" Peter suggested impulsively. He didn't want to stand up Gwen...but he also didn't want to just let Flash leave, either. He quickly sent a text to Gwen, reading, Hey, I just ran into Flash. He's looking pretty rough. Mind if he joins us for dinner?

The reply came back faster than he'd been expecting. Sure. We've got someone else here as well. I'll let Mom know.

"Uh... Sure..." Flash said hesitantly. He needed the money from the delivery job, but if he didn't go with Peter, he'd have to explain. Luckily, the delivery job wasn't set hours, he did it when he could fit it on his schedule, so he didn't have to worry about losing it. He just wouldn't make any money from it until later. But then again, free home cooked meal? It might be worth it in the long run.

"Great!" Peter smiled. "We just have to make a quick stop at the florist. I want to pick up a bouqet." He began walking in that direction, staying close to Flash.

"So... Uh... You and Gwen are still together?" Flash asked, trying to get rid of the uncomfortable silence, but not sure what to say.

"We took a break while one of my other friends was getting treated for a really messed-up condition," Peter admitted. "So now we're...picking up where we left off. Sort of. I didn't make a great first impression the first time around. What about you?" he asked. "Anyone you feel like you might want to have a serious relationship with?"

"Nah..." Flash forced himself to chuckle. "Too busy playing the field, you know? All the ladies like me... Don't want to be selfish and not give them all a chance to know me!" He grinned. It was a lie, but one he thought might be something Peter would believe about him; that he was a playboy unable to get serious about anyone, and it would hopefully prevent further questions.

"Yeah?" Peter was quiet as they went into the florists and he bought a bunch of flowers, only speaking up once they were on their way to Gwen's apartment once more. "You don't seem like you're in a great place."

"What'ya mean?" Flash narrowed his eyes, offended. Just because he wasn't in a good place didn't give Peter the right to notice it. Especially when no one else who spent every day with him had noticed. It was tantamount to being told he looked horrible or a mess.

"You look kind of like my Uncle Tony did, when he and my Grandfather were at odds with each other," Peter said. "He wasn't really eating or sleeping, but tried to pretend he was fine to everyone around him."

"Well... Not at odds with anybody." Flash grinned (no one to be at odds with, as he'd been disowned and his 'family' had left to he knew not where). "I have been working a lot on top of school and my social life. Maybe I am little tired, but saying I look rough is just mean!" he teased, in an effort to derail any potential further questions.

"What job are you working at the moment?" Peter was thinking about what jobs were available at the Avengers compound. If there was one thing he was certain about, it was that his family would make sure someone like Flash would be able to earn enough money without tiring him out.

Flash blinked in confusion. "Why so many questions? We haven't seen each other in years..." he asked, instead of answering.

"I mean...it's normal to ask about someone you haven't seen in years," Peter said. "Besides, if you're working long hours, maybe it's worth looking at a different job. I live in the Avengers Compound...and there are options available there if you wanted a different job."

"I work on the wharf. I'm one of the dock workers..." Flash admitted. "Doubt they'd want me for anything at there."

"At the compound?" Peter asked. "I'm sure you'd be surprised. There'd be a lot of avenues opened to you," he encouraged gently.

Flash snorted. "I'll have to take your word for it,"  he said cynically. It hadn't been easy to find steady employment. He was reluctant to quit on Peter's assertion he'd find better, even if the other man lived there and knew the Avengers.

"I can pass them your resume. You don't have to just go out and quit your job if you'd rather not," Peter said. "But there's no harm in giving it a chance." By this time, they'd reached the apartment building where Gwen and her family lived and he pressed the buzzer, announcing his presence. When the door was unlocked, he led the way inside and towards the elevator.

Flash hung back, behind Peter, uncertain of his welcome. He hadn't actually been invited by Gwen or her parents, after all. "I can do that," he said, as an aside to Peter. He probably wouldn't, he didn't have any degree to encourage being hired, after all, but if he agreed, maybe Peter would stop worrying.

Peter nodded. "I think you should give it a chance, at least." When the elevator opened, he stepped out and headed to Gwen's apartment, knocking on the door.

Gwen immediately opened it and stepped forward, hugging Peter. "Hi, Pete!" She took a step back and smiled at Flash. "Hi, Flash. It's good to see you again," she said warmly.

Flash smiled at Gwen crookedly. "Hi, Gwen. It's good to see you too." He followed Peter into the apartment once Gwen invited them in.

Once they were inside, Peter produced the flowers and gave Gwen a disarming grin. "Can I give these to your Mom?"

"Of course. And I will just say that those are in much better condition than the last time you came." Gwen gave a soft laugh and nodded to the kitchen. "She's in there, with my Dad and our other guest."

"Thanks." Peter headed towards the kitchen.

"Would you like a drink?" Gwen turned back to Flash.

"Uh... Yes please. Thank you ..." Flash smiled at Gwen, preparing to be sociable for the first time in months.

Peter stepped into the kitchen as Gwen listed off the drinks they had available. He handed the flowers over to Gwen's mother, who smiled and thanked him and went to put the flowers in water.

Seeing Captain Stacy there wasn't a surprise...but the other person there was, and Peter's eyes widened a fraction. "Dr. Connors, it's good to see you," he said...leaving unsaid that the last time he'd seen the older man, it had been when he was being arrested for trying to mutate the whole city.

"Peter." Connors smiled faintly and nodded at the younger man. "How have you been?"

"I'm doing good. Really good," Peter said. "I'm living at the Avengers Compound now. With my Aunt May. Bruce Banner adopted me. What about you?" He tilted his head.

Connors blinked. "Bruce Banner adopted you? I thought he was hiding in India somewhere..." he said a bit confusedly. "I'm doing as well as can be expected. I've been released for good behavior. I'm on probation, but at least I'm out...."

"Rehabilitation," Captain Stacy said to Peter. "The police department's following the Avengers' example. It's impossible to miss the amount of criminals and former supervillains being adopted," he muttered, half under his breath.

Peter grinned. "I bet they'd be glad they're setting a good example for other people."

Flash blinked. "That wasn't just a rumor, then? I mean, I know you said you were adopted, but...."

Connors snorted softly. "If it's a rumor, then it's one that inspired. I wouldn't have been let out so soon without the new program."

"Not a rumor," Peter said. "I'm sure my family would be really happy to know that their actions have inspired this program. My cousin Blake, he's a police officer. Pretty sure he'd be all for introducing a similar program in his precinct."

"If you can put him in touch with me..." Captain Stacy offered.

Peter nodded. "I will do, thanks."

Flash bit his lip. "So does this program always involve police captains bringing home the parolees?" he asked curiously.

"No. This is a more...unusual situation," Captain Stacy replied. After all, Doctor Connors had tried to kill him while mutated. He hadn't succeeded, but not for want of trying. And he still had the scar as a memento.

Gwen bit her lip, remembering the long hours waiting for her father to come out of surgery, and moved a bit closer to him.

Connors didn't remember things clearly from when he was mutated; it seemed more like a dream. But he did remember. He looked toward the ground and shifted slightly away, feeling the guilt of what he'd done.

"Okay, there are too many people in the kitchen," Gwen's mother said firmly. "Go and make yourselves comfortable. Dinner won't be long."

Shaking his head, Captain Stacy turned to the three younger adults...and Connors...and directed, "Come on. We should get out from underfoot." He ushered them all out of the kitchen.

Flash immediately turned and went back out the way he'd come in, standing in the foyer waiting to be told where to go. He noticed Connors doing the same thing, although Connors was staying very close to Captain Stacy. "Does the new program require you to stay within a certain distance of each other?" He asked curiously, regretting the question when he saw Connors flinch and hunch in on himself even more guiltily.

Connors didn't say anything. He still wasn't sure why Stacy had decided to include him in the prisoner rehabilitation, let alone handle his case personally. What he did know was he hated what he had done to the other man and would never forgive himself.

Captain Stacy noticed the change in Connors' posture and he placed a hand on the other man's shoulder, giving a slight squeeze. He didn't answer Flash's question, instead saying, "Since it won't be long until dinner, we might as well take our seats at the table." He led the way into the dining room.

Peter had also noticed the way Doctor Connors looked. It was a posture he'd seen more than once on one of the family members, when they felt guilty about something. Since he was (fairly) sure that they wouldn't be happy about him blurting out their worst-kept secret...even if it might help, considering the personal interest Captain Stacy was taking in Doctor Connors...he didn't say anything. Maybe he could speak to Captain Stacy alone, one-on-one, and mention it without drawing too much attention.

Flash didn't ask any more questions, embarrassed that he had made the older man feel bad. He quietly followed and sat down next to Peter. "Are .. are you taking classes?" he asked Gwen awkwardly.

Connors followed Captain Stacy and sat where directed, which ended up being on the man's left side.

Gwen nodded. "I'm going to the same college as Peter is. What about you?" she asked.

It was at that point that Gwen's mother and her two sons came into the room, bringing the plates of food and putting them on the table before finding their own seats.

Flash took the food's arrival as an opportunity to get distracted and not answer the question. It had been easy to lie about taking classes himself when it was just Peter and the chance of more questions being asked weren't high. Now, if he said he was taking classes, the chance of being asked which ones, and who his teachers were, and what did he think, was much higher. "This looks amazing, Mrs. Stacy," he said, in very obvious appreciation. It had been a while since he'd had a home cooked meal.

Gwen's mother smiled at the compliment. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

"I'm sure it does." Peter grinned and waited untl the others had started before he began eating as well. Gwen and her father, and Doctor Connors, were the only ones who knew about his identity as Spiderman, so he was careful to eat in moderation compared to how he would normally eat at home.

Flash didn't have any such worries, and he hadn't had a decent meal in days; having to carefully budget his money meant buying cheaper food and smaller quantities. He tried to remember his manners, but even with that, it was obvious to everyone that he was very hungry.

Connors frowned slightly, his eyebrows lowering in concern, but he didn't say anything, instead looking toward Captain Stacy to see if he had noticed and was also worried. Maybe this was typical behavior for the other young man? If not... had he been bitten by a radioactive animal as well?

Captain Stacy had also noticed the same thing Connors had, and his eyes narrowed slightly in concern. Noticing the look on Connors' face, he leaned over to whisper in the other man's ear, "This isn't behaviour I've seen from him in the past."

Despite the whisper, Peter's enhanced senses could pick up what Captain Stacy had said, and he cast his own worried look at Flash. Really, though, the other man's behaviour was just confirming what Peter had already suspected; that he was struggling, and had been potentially for a long time.

Mrs. Stacy had noticed as well, but rather than shooting concerned looks to the others in the room, she just passed the platter of food to the younger man. "I'm glad you are enjoying it. Help yourself to more. There's plenty."

"Thank you, ma'am. This is really good!" Flash praised the food and did as she offered, filling his plate.

"Where are you living now, Flash?" Captain Stacy asked, thinking that the suddenness of the question...and the distraction of food...might help the younger man to be more honest.

"I rent a room on the wharf... Makes it easier to get to my job..." Flash said, without thinking to come up with a lie. Hiding things from Peter had been easier. Peter was his age and they'd never been friends (more Flash's fault than Peter's), even if they were on friendlier terms toward the end of high school. Captain Stacy had been an authority figure his whole life (he'd known Gwen and Peter for a long time, and Captain Stacy was well known in their school). He didn't even attempt to avoid answering the question. And even though he didn't give an address, that answer alone told the adults that he was living in a bad area of town. The only people who lived 'on' the wharf were the homeless, transients, or drug-addicts. Even the poorer residents of the city stayed out of that area, if at all possible.

Captain Stacy wasn't really surprised at the answer. He'd already figured out that Flash probably wasn't doing well for himself, given that he clearly hadn't been eating as he should have done. "Where do you work?" He probed a little more, trying to get a feel for the exact situation the younger man was in.

"I work on the wharf... Low level dockhand..." Flash admitted reluctantly. So much for convincing Peter that he had a cushy job.

Connors slanted his head. "Honest work..." he said, but it was more like a question. Most dock jobs were legal and respectable, even if they were hard. But some skirted the law.

"Of course..." Flash responded, though the glance he gave Captain Stacy was a bit more furtive than the truth would have caused.

"We've had some trouble with some people on the wharf," Captain Stacy said. "I'm not sure working there is entirely good for you, even if the work is honest. And I don't like that you're living in one of the bad areas of town," he added, a concerned note slipping into his voice.

Flash fidgeted. He'd done his best to not accept any of the 'extra' jobs he'd been offered by his boss; and so far, Fisk had been accepting of that decision, but he knew eventually, that the other man would make a request for him to do 'extra' work and wouldn't take no for an answer. And then he'd be one of those 'causing trouble' for the captain. "Unless I find another job..." He shrugged unhappily. "I'm not in school... Don't have enough money and barely getting by for living, so...." He smiled crookedly at Peter. "Guess you were better after all..." he teased faintly.

"Well, you know, my offer still stands for you to come work at the compound," Peter said softly. "It's not all just Avengers and SHIELD work. There're other things going on, too. Like one of my cousins has helped set up a centre for troubled teens to go. And one of the others set up a free clinic for poorer people to get free healthcare. There's a lot going on there."

"Working at the compound would be a better idea," Captain Stacy said. "You could move away from the wharf...know that you're earning money honestly and legally. And  if you wanted to go on to college, I'm sure that can be arranged."

Flash glanced around uncertainly. "Why? I mean... You haven't seen me since graduation. Why do you care?" He swallowed.

Connors smiled sadly. "Why wouldn't they?'

"Well... I mean... My own family didn't. They disowned me when I..." He frowned and looked down. "When I told them I wasn't going to get together with the girl they chose for me."

Captain Stacy glanced at his wife, making sure she'd be okay with what he was about to say, and then spoke to Flash. "After dinner, I'll go with you to pick up your belongings from where you're living right now. I wouldn't advise working a notice period, even if there is one stated in your contract."

Peter cleared his throat. "I'll go with you," he offered. Since Flash was living in a bad area of town, there might be trouble. At least if he was there, the trouble would be mitigated.

Captain Stacy nodded. "Just make sure you touch base with whoever you need to back home."

"Yes, sir," Peter said sheepishly, even as he took out his phone to let his father know he'd be a bit later coming back than initially planned, and why. He didn't expect to run into any problems, of course, but it was still better that they knew.

"R... Really? You want me to quit and move in with you? If I quit, I couldn't pay you..." Flash said uncertainly. Part of him thought he should refuse, but if the offer was genuine... As much as he didn't mind the hard work, he wasn't happy about possibly being forced to work for Fisk and constantly having to look over every assignment given to make sure he wasn't getting into something he couldn't get out of with the king pin was exhausting.

"You don't need to worry about paying," Captain Stacy said firmly. "I'd be much happier if you were living away from the wharf and living here. So yes. I want you to quit and move in with us."

"Legally, I'm able to live on my own..." Flash said, testing the captain's resolve. "What if I want to stay where I am?"

"Legally, you can," Captain Stacy agreed. "But I don't think you're happy or comfortable where you're living right now. And I'm not prepared to just leave you in a potentially dangerous situation."

"So..." Flash swallowed, glancing uncertainly around the group. He wasn't sure he wanted to ask if he didn't have a choice. If the captain told him he didn't, he'd be faced with obeying and giving up his autonomy, or arguing against something he actually wasn't against. If the captain told him he did, then he'd feel obligated to turn it down because he couldn't expect them to take care of him. He wasn't part of their family and he didn't want to use them.

Connors watched, half expecting a refusal, the younger man was thinking so hard.

"Flash, you're clearly not doing well for yourself. You've already admitted as much," Captain Stacy said. "At this point, if you argue or refuse, I think you'd only be doing so for formality's sake. Not because it's what you want. And I don't expect you'd just take advantage and do nothing," he added. "I can help you find a safe, honest job. And I can help you further your education, if that's something you want to do. And there's nothing wrong with it if it's not," he added.

"....Okay..." Flash finally agreed. "You're right... I just... I'm not sure I know how to... Live with a family. Mine wasn't... Wasn't like yours..." He winced at the understatement.

"That's all right!" Gwen smiled at him. "You can learn. And it's not a problem if you mess up, since you won't need to leave or get disowned or anything like that."

"If you wanted more protection, you could adopt him," Peter suggested. "My family's got it down to a fine art. I'm sure Uncle Tony wouldn't mind letting you use his lawyers."

Captain Stacy glanced at Peter and nodded. "That's not a bad idea, actually."

Flash's eyes widened. "What... What would that mean?" he asked nervously. He'd heard rumors about the super huge family in Avenger's compound. None substantiated, but still.

"It'd make things official," Captain Stacy explained. "And it will also make sure you have legal protection. I expect the paperwork is fairly straightfoward, but we can always have a look together before signing."

"W.. why would you want to do that? Why would you want to protect me?" Flash sounded a bit confused and overwhelmed. Having been disowned by his blood family, he couldn't understand someone else wanting to add him to theirs.

"I don't believe you deserved to be disowned by your family," Captain Stacy said. "I think you need to have a family...a support system. And there's no reason for you not to be a part of this family."

Flash looked into Captain Stacy's eyes and then looked at Mrs. Stacy. It was obvious the man meant what he was saying; it was just as obvious his wife was in agreement with him. "Just like that? I don't have to do anything?" he finally asked.

"Nothing apart from agreeing and signing the paperwork once we have it," Captain Stacy said.

"No...expectations?" Flash was having difficulty believing it was that simple. Nothing in his life had been simple for a few years now.

"Just the normal expectations of being part of a family," Captain Stacy said. "Staying honest as much as possible. Don't do things that could put you or someone else in danger. And don't break the law, of course," he added, with a smile.

Flash smiled back. That wasn't going to be difficult, he didn't think. "Okay..." he finally whispered. "When...?"

"As soon as possible," Captain Stacy said. "We'll drive out to pick up your stuff and move you in here this evening. Then once Peter can put me in touch with Stark's lawyers, we can make it official."

"Yeah... Okay..." Flash seemed to be in shock.

"Do you need any help getting a room ready?" Connors asked.

"You could give me a hand with that while they collect his belongings." Mrs. Stacy smiled at Connors.

Connors nodded. "I can help clean up from dinner as well. It was very good," he said, with a smile.

"I'm glad." Mrs. Stacy smiled and stood up. Before beginning to clear the table, she gave her husband a chaste kiss. "Be careful."

"Of course." He smiled at her, then nodded to Flash. "You ready to go?"

"Yessir..." Flash immediately stood.

Connors began to help clear the table.

Gwen gave Peter a hug, then moved to help her mother and Connors with the table.

Captain Stacy nodded to Peter, who quickly stood, and then led the way out of the apartment and to the elevator

Flash bit his lip, then gave the captain his current address. He was in a worse part of town than they'd even suspected from his answers.

Captain Stacy raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment on the location as they moved into the elevator. Instead, he looked towards Peter. "Your dad going to be okay with this?"

"As long as I immediately let him know if things go badly," Peter replied.

"What if you didn't let him know immediately?" Flash asked curiously.

"Depends on how dangerous the situation is," Peter said. "The family has a rather unique way of dealing with things like dangerous behaviour, or lying...or guilt..." he added, remembering how Connors had looked. "It's unconventional, but it works."

"Yeah? What way is that?" Captain Stacy asked.

Peter hesitated, but only for a second. He'd already thought about letting things slip to Gwen's father...especially as the man seemed to truly care about Doctor Connors, if the way he was keeping the other man close was any indication. "Spanking," he answered finally.

Flash's eyes went wide. "Dr. Banner would spank you if you didn't let him know what you were doing?!"

"If it was something dangerous, or something I'd been forbidden from doing," Peter said. "He knew where I was going today, but that's more because it's a good idea, especially given that we do have some enemies...plus, it's just respectful to tell your family where you're going to be."

Captain Stacy didn't say anything, but there was a thoughtful look on his face as the elevator reached the bottom floor.

"Yeah. I guess..." Flash said uncertainly. He wasn't sure about having to get permission, or if telling someone where he was going was something he could deal with, but Peter seemed content enough with it. Maybe it wasn't that bad. The closer they got to leaving for his 'home', the quieter he became.

Captain Stacy ushered the two younger men into the car and began driving towards the address Flash had given him. "How much do you have to collect?" he asked.

"Not a lot. I got robbed my first week there. Never was able to replace anything but some of my clothes..." Flash admitted.

"Is there anything important that's missing?" Captain Stacy asked. "If you make a list, it might be possible to get some of them back."

"No. Anything important I had, my parents got rid of when they disowned me .. before I could retrieve it..." Flash sighed. "But, you know. It's just stuff. It was only important because of the memories attached and they couldn't take those, right?"

"No one can take away your memories," Captain Stacy agreed. "And you'll be able to make new memories, too."

"Especially now that I don't have to worry about how I'm going to survive..." Flash smiled crookedly. "Thank you, Captain Stacy... And Peter. You two changed my life tonight."

***

"We didn't run into any danger, of course," Peter said...in case any of the family members had been worrying.

"I'm glad to hear our actions here have inspired at least one police precinct to try rehabilitation for those prisoners who have shown either remorse or a willingness to change," Steve said.

Bruce smiled at his son, hugging him to his side. "That was just last week, wasn't it? You'll have to invite them here for a dinner. I want to meet your sweetheart."

Peter nodded, leaning into his father. "I'm sure she'd like to meet you all too."

"If you invite them for dinner, I can catch up with Captain Stacy then," Blake said. "I'd like to know more about this program his precinct is running."

"If he's dealing with Fisk, I'd like to give him all the information I have on the man," Matt said somberly.

***

Yelena and Drug had hidden in the woods, far enough away to remain in the shadows but close enough to hear. "Is... Is this normal family behavior?" she asked in confusion.

"I believe so," Druig said, asking, "Didn't you ever do things like this when a kid?"

"Ours was not a normal family," Yelena responded, almost wistfully.

Chapter Text

Bucky had taken the microphone by this point and was handing it to Nick, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Everyone knows the exciting story of how I lost my arm... How did you lose your eye?"

Carol quickly covered her mouth with her hand to try and hide her smile.

Tony, catching his sister's movement, asked his uncle in confusion, "I thought you were betrayed by a friend... Isn't that what you said happened?"

"Well, I wasn't exactly being dishonest...even if the exact circumstances weren't what I let you believe," Fury admitted.

###

Goose had finally thrown up the tessercat...and then proceeded to just sit in the basket in Fury's office, eating when she wanted...purring and demanding attention when she thought Fury wasn't giving her enough...and otherwise acting like she hadn't given him a scratch that had resulted in him losing his eye.

He wasn't upset with her about it. A flerkin was like a cat in most ways, apart from the tentacles that she used to pull people (and objects) inside of her.

Making sure the tesseract was safely locked away, Fury checked that Goose's food and water bowls were full and then left SHIELD headquarters.

He'd taken on something of a responsibility for checking on Tony Stark. Maybe the younger man didn't need him, but Fury liked to think that maybe Tony liked seeing him.

Reaching the garage, Fury got into his car and began driving to Tony Stark's home.

***

Tony- as usual- had spent a large part of the night partying into early morning. Then, unable to sleep- as usual- the rest of the early morning tinkering in his lab. Obie didn't tend to expect much from him as long as he put in a monthly appearance to appease the public and the board, and gave him new weapons to make the clients happy. He had the hangover from hell and was just about to cure it with a couple of shots of vodka when JARVIS let him know he'd be having company in a few minutes. Sighing, he quickly took the shots. He'd need them to deal with people.

***

Fury parked the car outside Tony's house and got out. He walked to the front door and rang the doorbell, knowing that JARVIS would announce his presence to Tony.

The door opened for Fury and JARVIS announced, "Sir is in the sitting room, if you would please go there...."

Tony was stood by the bar when Fury walked in. "Care for a drink, Agent?" He gave a cocky grin.

Fury shook his head. "No thank you." It was a fairly common exchange between them. "How are you doing today?" he asked. "Were you working on anything in your lab?"

"Yep. Finished that upgrade for the rifle the army wanted. Saved a copy for you..." Tony smirked and took a sip of the drink he held in his hand. "File is on the table there." He motioned toward the file.

Fury nodded, but didn't immediately go and retrieve the file. It was a nice bonus, but it wasn't what he'd come here for. "It's a bit early to be drinking so much, isn't it?" he asked.

"Maybe .. if I'd ever made it to bed. Since I didn't, it's late enough!" Tony said, in a devil-may-care way.

Fury shook his head. "Not sleeping isn't healthy, Tony. Maybe it's time you take a nap," he suggested.

"Nah... I'll sleep when I'm dead..." Tony snorted at his own joke. "You can inform Aunt Peggy I'm still breathing, though. I know she asked you to keep an eye on me...."

Fury raised an eyebrow. "You don't take care of yourself, dead is gonna be sooner rather than later," he said bluntly.

"Yeah, well. A lot of people would be happy about that..." Tony said blithely, his tone fuller of bitterness than he realized.

"Plenty of people wouldn't be," Fury disagreed. "I wouldn't be happy about that. Neither would your Aunt Peggy."

Tony blinked at that, not really believing it, but knowing the older man did believe it and retaining enough self-control, he didn't argue about it. Sighing loudly and over-actingly, he agreed. "Fine ... I'll take a nap. J? Wake me up in time to get ready before Obie shows up. I don't need a lecture about expectations..." he muttered, before plopping down on the sofa closest to Fury.

Without a word, Fury went over to collect a blanket and a pillow, bringing them back over. He didn't bother trying to ask Tony to get into bed, but at least taking a nap on the couch was a concession he could live with.

"Thangs..." Tony mumbled, before noticing. "What happen to yer eye?"

"A friend betrayed me." It was a slight exagerration, maybe. But Goose wasn't there to correct his story. "Go to sleep, Tony. I'll stay for a little while."

"K..." Tony accepted the words at face value; with Fury's job, he had no doubt the older man got stabbed in the back frequently. He quickly fell asleep, the deeper part of him trusting Fury without reservation, even if he didn't believe the man really cared.

Fury settled on the edge of the couch, planning to stay until Tony woke up. Since the other man wouldn't be likely to have anything other than a liquid lunch, he planned to make sure Tony actually ate something a bit more substantial when he woke up and before Fury left.

***

Tony took another bite of fondue, then sighed before giving his uncle a rueful grin. "I should really have figured out much sooner that you were one of the ones who really cared instead of pretending. Sorry it took me so long...."

"You were surrounded by a lot of people who were pretending to care," Fury answered. "I'm just glad you finally did figure it out."

"Better late than never..." Tony smiled.

Carol wrinkled her nose. "Flerkins have a very long lifespan, usually. I didn't know how old she was originally when we found her, but... Whatever happened to her?"

"She disappeared from SHIELD about the time that I was forming the Avengers Initiative," Fury answered. "I always thought that she maybe left to find a place to pass away peacefully. But she could have found a different home. I tried to find her, but it's not easy to find a flerkin."

Yon slanted his head. "Are there any places that you have 'secret facilities' that welcome aliens? She may have set up residence there to 'guard' her new home planet. Flerkins are fairly territorial and protective of what they view as theirs."

"There are facilities like that," Fury said. "It could be worth seeing if she's found a home in one of those."

"I'd like to see Goose again... And I think she'd like moving where the family is..." Carol said

"Would she get along with our cats?" Kara asked nervously.

"She's very much like a cat in appearance and behaviour," Fury said. "I don't think she'd have any problems with other cats. Or animals at all," he added, thinking of both Copper and Shadow.

"Then... If it is alright with all of you," Carol glanced between the three who were in charge of the entire group," I'd like to check those areas, and if she is there, invite her to come back here to live."

"It sounds like she's technically a part of the family as well. And we should have all of the family here." Steve smiled.

"I'll give you the list tomorrow," Fury said.

"Thanks, Uncle Nick..." Carol said, with a mischievous gleam in her eye. She'd never let him forget that one time, he'd said no one would ever call him anything but Fury.

Fury shook his head, though he was smiling, and looked around at the family members gathered around. "Who's next?"

Chapter Text

"It seems to be common, someone not realizing how important they are to someone else..." Wong said quietly.

Stephen nodded, shooting a glance in Mordo's direction.

Fury simply passed the microphone over to Mordo.

Mordo took it and gave a slightly wry smile. "Sometimes even those in authority might make mistakes. It's important to remember that none of us are perfect...."

****

Mordo was packing.

Well, packing wasn't entirely the right word for it. He'd started and stopped doing so, several times over. In spite of the hurt and sense of betrayal he was feeling, part of him didn't truly want to leave. He just couldn't think of another possible path to take, given how much emotional turmoil he was in.

Wong had watched Stephen moping for the last day, unable to reconcile what he'd felt was the right decision with Mordo's upset and complete disagreement with the decision. He could tell the other man would spiral if he and Mordo didn't settle things, but Stephen seemed reluctant to confront Murdo to do the settling. Because of that, he went looking for his brother, hoping to convince Mordo to talk with Stephen. He was honestly surprised to find the other man packing. "Are you going on a trip?" he asked suspiciously.

"I'm leaving." Mordo meant the words to sound certain...sure...but they came out more hesitant than he'd hoped. If he'd really wanted to leave, deep down, he would have been packed and leaving by this point.

"Why? There is no need..." Wong felt a momentary panic that his brother would go and never be seen again before he realized Mordo didn't truly want to go. If he was patient and said the right thing, the crisis could be averted.

"Because I cannot reconcile what has happened with my own beliefs," Mordo said. "I can't see any other path open to me."

"There is always another path. The simplest path in this instance is to talk to Stephen and me- since I assisted Stephen- and come to an understanding..." Wong said calmly, though he wasn't truly calm.

"What is there to talk about?" Mordo asked. "I cannot agree with or condone the actions that were taken."

"Then you handle it in a way that lets that be known without leaving. Without discussing it." Wong's voice was firm and he couldn't hide his disappointment that Mordo would throw away everything without even a small attempt to find a way to reconcile his feelings and beliefs with what was done.

"I don't know how," Mordo said. "Every time I try to think about how to fix things, I can't let go of them. My feelings. The anger, hurt, feeling of betrayal. I can't let them go."

"I'm not asking you to let them go. I'm asking you to not let them dictate your actions. You don't have to leave because of a disagreement. You've made it clear you don't agree with what was done. But there weren't many, if any, other options available that wouldn't result in thousands dying." Wong sighed. "Your input is crucial. It might prevent us from being in the same position in the future. But only if you are here to offer your input."

"My input has been ignored once already," Mordo said. His eyes shifted to his open pack...half-filled with clothing and books he didn't want to leave behind.

"Only because Stephen couldn't see any other options and at heart, he is a healer. He saves lives. Did you expect him to just do nothing? Your objections were noted, but you didn't offer any alternatives." Wong's voice was stern.

"I wasn't listened to." Mordo could hear he sounded like a petulant child, even to his own ears, and he winced and put a hand to his head, closing his eyes for a brief second. Below the surface, he was hurt. Deeply hurt.

Wong heard the hurt and gave Mordo a worried look. "You must realize that just because someone chooses a different path than you recommended, doesn't mean you were ignored or not listened to? Stephen heard every word you said. But when he took your opinion and put it against all the options, he made the decision that he had to do what you were against. And he feels horribly about it. He explained it to me when I had to stop him from running away and doing something ill-advised."

Mordo felt a stab of worry, because, in spite of everything, he did still care about Stephen and worried about the oher man. "I take it you succeeded in preventing him from running away," he said quietly.

"Yes. Just barely. And then only after I gave him incentive to stop and think first..." Wong said, with a hint of exasperation that 'incentive' had been needed and eying Mordo sternly. "Do I need to incentivise you?"

"It feels like leaving is the better option." Mordo wasn't exactly arguing. And he didn't want to leave. But his mind wasn't in the place it needed to be so that he could deal with this with a clear head. Leaving was running away...but it felt safer than dealing with his own hurt and sense of betrayal.

"Yes, well, your feelings and pride were hurt. Listening to them, without giving yourself time to calm down and think things through without the negative feelings, serves no one and you'll regret it," Wong asserted, reaching out and taking Mordo by the wrist and tugging him toward the bed. "So I'm going to give you incentive to wait until you calm down to make such a life-altering decision."

Mordo really thought that he should argue...that he should protest, even if it was just a token one. He didn't. Instead, he found himself following his friend...his brother. He hoped Wong could help him.

Wong truly hoped this worked. It wasn't just because Stephen would have a difficult time moving forward if it didn't. He was more worried about what would become of Mordo, should his brother let bitterness and disillusionment consume him. As soon as he reached the bed, he sat, then tugged Mordo over his lap. Pulling the other man tight against him to keep him securely in place, he then bared him.

Mordo took a deep breath and slowly reached down, closing his fingers around Wong's ankle. He didn't say anything, but his trust in his brother...his belief that Wong would help him...was clear.

Steeling himself and taking a deep but silent breath, Wong raised his hand and let it fall in the first firm smack. Soon, he was peppering Mordo's backside with the hard swats. There was no rhyme or reason... no pattern... he needed to break Mordo from the self-pitying anger that was holding him hostage, and the best way he could see was making it so Mordo could think of nothing but what Wong was doing.

Mordo couldn't stop the tiny whimper that escaped him at the first smack. He managed to avoid making any other sounds, even though he couldn't help shifting, as the spanking continued. Wong was swatting in such a way that made it impossible to predict or prepare himself for when the next one would fall, making it difficult for Mordo to get 'lost' inside his own head.

Wong shook his head at Mordo's stubbornness; the man was refusing to allow himself to respond, though he really wasn't surprised at the fact. If Morgo wasn't stubborn in his belief that only he could be right and anyone who had a different opinion was deliberately ignoring him or disregarding him, they wouldn't be in this situation. He turned Mordo's backside a uniform pink color, then began swatting already smacked territory. "Being disappointed when someone decides not to follow your advice is understandable. Being offended and deciding their difference of opinion means they don't value or respect you is unfair and unreasonable. Deciding to leave without word or having a discussion with them is just wrong."

Mordo hadn't really been fighting the punishment, even though he'd been fighting...or at least resisting...his reactions. At the words Wong spoke, and the worsening sting, he felt tears fill his eyes, blurring his vision and beginning to trickle down his cheeks. "I didn't want to leave," he whispered.

Wong allowed himself to lessen the strength of the swats, even if he didn't stop them. "And I'm very glad that you didn't want to leave. But you were still going to do it. You were going to leave, which wouldn't have solved any of the problems and would have made you miserable. How is that good for anyone?"

The tears became more vocal, even though Mordo wasn't outright sobbing. "It's...not," he admitted, his voice breaking around the words. He didn't say that he'd been unable to face his own emotiions and feelings of betrayal. Even if they weren't logical or right, he hadn't been able to let them go.

Wong slowed the smacks and then stopped them completely when he heard the sobs. Resting his hand on Mordo's back, between his shoulders, he said softly, "I know you feel lied to... Betrayed. The Ancient One led us all to believe one thing while doing the very thing she spoke against... But Stephen wasn't saying one thing and doing another. He was just doing his best to save people in the only way he saw available. And he feels guilty for doing so. Don't leave angry at him. Talk to him. Do whatever is necessary to repair the rift between you, if that is what you both want. Don't throw away your own happiness and future because we put our trust in a flawed human who ended up being a hypocrite. Stay, brother. We need you. I need you."

Those words, and the touch, brought more tears down Mordo's cheeks and he slumped over Wong's lap, crying. "I'm sorry," he whispered through his tears. "I don't want to leave. I won't leave. I'll talk to Stephen," he whispered.

"Good. That makes me very relieved and happy," Wong admitted. He carefully fixed Mordo's clothing before helping him to his feet. Standing next to his brother, he enveloped him in a tight hug. "You aren't alone..." he whispered.

Mordo wrapped his own arms around Wong, hugging his brother tightly. "I feel that," he whispered. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome. You are family. My brother. I love you too much to let you leave," Wong admitted brusquely.

"I appreciate that, and I love you too." Mordo drew in a deep breath. "I won't leave," he promised.

Wong relaxed at the words, believing his brother. "I'm very happy at that. I know someone else who will be very happy and relieved about it as well," he responded, hinting heavily.

Mordo couldn't help the tiny smile that touched his lips. "I will speak to him," he promised.

Wong nodded. "I told him to go rest. Dormamu... Was not kind to him. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes...." He sighed.

Mordo winced. Wong wasn't exactly accusing him, but Mordo was aware that his distance hadn't done Stephen any good. "I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't actually resting," he admitted.

Wong frowned at that. "Well, I certainly hope he isn't practicing magic. He could become quite ill with strain if he doesn't allow himself time to recover."

"It would not surprise me if he is. I'm fully aware of how stubborn Stephen can be." Mordo stepped out of Wong's embrace, a little reluctantly, and wiped at his eyes.

"He is that. And I suspect you are correct about what he is likely doing. Perhaps you can help him realize he hasn't lost you as feared..." Wong smiled.

Mordo nodded. "Are you going to come?" he asked.

Wong slanted his head. "If you need me there, I will. But I think it would be good for you both to settle your differences without my input."

"I think you are right," Mordo agreed. "If I do find that I need you, I will send you a message." He gave his brother a peaceful smile, then left the room in search of Stephen.

Wong nodded in agreement and watched his brother head off to find Stephen.

***

Stephen had intended to go to his room and rest, as Wong had advised. But once there, he was too guilt laden and heartsick about how he had hurt Mordo to be able to rest effectively. He'd brought some old spell tomes to his room to study, so instead of resting, he began to practice the spells inside.

Standing outside Stephen's room, Mordo knocked on the door.

"Yeah..." Stephen responded distractedly, focusing more on the spell he was clumsily attempting (being tired and wounded wasn't helping concentration or ability) than on the door.

Well, that answered the question about whether Stephen was awake or not. The obvious note of distraction in his voice was also a good indicator that the other man wasn't resting and was probably doing the exact opposite of what Wong had ordered him to do.

Mordo opened the door and stepped into the room, pulling the door closed behind him.

Stephen was so engrossed in what he was attempting, he didn't even glance to see who had entered the room. He assumed it was Wong, because Mordo had been furious with him and he was positive the other man would never speak to him again. So, without even making sure, he began to make excuses. "I know you told me to rest, but I really can't relax enough to sleep and just lying there staring at the ceiling, tossing and turning, wasn't helping...."

"Stephen." Mordo took a deep breath, not quite sure how to say the next words. In a normal situation, he would have immediately known what to do. It wouldn't have mattered which one of them had told Stephen to rest.

Stephen jerked at hearing Mordo's voice instead of Wong's, a haunted look flittering through his eyes before he put a mask of indifference up. "I thought you had left," he said faintly, unable to hide the hurt, worry, or guilt he felt.

"I'm not leaving." Mordo hadn't missed the haunted look on Stephen's face...nor did he miss the other emotions his brother was feeling. He took a step nearer to Stephen, looking over the other man.

Stephen swallowed hard, fidgeting and glancing away, unable to look Mordo in the eyes while the other man looked over him. "You were furious..." he said uncertainly, the unspoken 'with me' hanging in the air between them.

"I was," Mordo said quietly. "I'm not anymore." He moved closer, to the point that he could reach out and touch his brother. "Where are you wounded?"

"I'm not... Or at least, I don't think I am. Everything was done, and redone, and undone so many times..." Stephen winced at the frightened, lost little boy tone in his voice that he couldn't prevent. He felt like he'd been scrambled like an egg, physically and mentally.

"You should let me take a look," Mordo directed softly. "I might not be medically trained like you, but I have experience in dealing with injuries caused by magic."

Stephen swallowed hard again, still unable to face Mordo. "I... I can't..." he whispered. "I don't deserve your help and if I hurt, it is only a result of my own actions. A fitting reminder of my pride causing my fall...."

"No, Stephen," Mordo said firmly. "You don't deserve to hurt. And I'm not going to leave you in pain. Not when I can do something about it. Not when it isn't necessary for you to be in pain." Worry and concern for his brother overwhelmed every other emotion.

"I hurt you... I didn't want to. I hate myself for doing it, even if I saw no other way. I can't..." Stephen stopped talking, helpless to explain and not certain Mordo would understand anyway.

Mordo didn't try to claim that Stephen's actions hadn't hurt him. They both knew otherwise. Instead, he said quietly, "I understand now why you took the actions you did. And I don't blame you. I love you, brother. Let me help you. Please."

At Mordo's words, Stephen finally looked up. It was obvious he was being tormented by guilt, as well as what had happened to him in Dormamu's realm. He searched Mordo's face. "Would that help you feel better?" he asked, in a small voice.

"Taking care of you will help." Mordo could see the look on Stephen's face and he couldn't help but respond. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Stephen and hugging his brother. The embrace didn't have a lot of strength behind it, as he didn't want to hurt Stephen worse, but he held as tight as he felt he safely could.

At feeling Mordo's embrace, Stephen slumped against the other man with a tiny little sob. If Mordo was hugging him, then he could trust that his brother didn't hate him. Even if he was still disappointed or angry. "I'm sorry..." he whispered.

"I forgive you," Mordo whispered back. While he held onto his brother, he took advantage of their close proximity to carefully begin checking Stephen over...searching for injuries or wounds.

Physically, Stephen had a few cuts and scrapes... A few more bruises... But it was mentally and spiritually that the wounds were deep. At Mordo's words of forgiveness, he began to cry, hard; heaving, choking sobs that cut off his breath. He didn't fight Mordo checking him over. He made it as easy as possible, shifting where needed to give his brother access. He even moved his clothing when necessary, stopping short of disrobing, but only because undressing didn't occur to him.

Mordo was examining Stephen mentally and spiritually as much as he was physically. While he wasn't a healer of physical wounds, he could help with the spiritual and mental ones...and he did so, soothing the mental wounds. He kept close to Stephen, even as he began to strip his brother of his clothing, so that he could check Stephen over as thoroughly as possible.

As Mordo worked on healing him, Stephen slowly relaxed. By the time he was naked, his sobs had quieted to sniffles and he was obviously doing his best to obey whatever Mordo asked verbally or silently. He felt so guilty for hurting Mordo, even if he hadn't seen any alternatives he could have taken. "Will you punish me? For hurting you? Please? I can't make it right and I'm so sorry...." he whimpered softly.

Mordo hugged Stephen a little tighter and whispered, "I will punish you. I have already forgiven you, though. And I still love you. I'm not angry anymore," he promised. Finishing the healing and treating the cuts and bruises he could see, he then guided his brother over to the bed and took a seat on it.

Stephen visibly relaxed at the words, calming further at knowing Mordo would take care of him. He followed meekly as Mordo went to the bed.

Taking a seat on the bed, Mordo guided Stephen into position across his lap, securing him with an arm wrapped around his waist. Once he was sure Stephen was secure enough that he wouldn't fall, he lifted his hand and let it fall in a firm smack that he then repeated.

Stephen immediately went limp, holding onto Mordo's ankle. He didn't fight at all, too relieved that his brother would stay. Too relieved that the guilt would be taken care of. "Thank you...."

"I love you," Mordo said, softly and reassuringly, even as he continued to swat, making the smacks more stinging than truly hard. This was more about the two of them reconnecting than it was true punishment, after all.

"I love you too... So much... Was tearing me up inside... Thinking I'd destroyed our family..." Stephen admitted in a tiny voice, holding more tightly to Mordo's ankle. Even if the swats were only stinging, the sting was building up. It felt like a real punishment, even if it wasn't harsh.

"You haven't," Mordo promised. "You haven't destroyed our family. I'm here. I'm here and I'm not leaving. I will never leave you." He continued to swat as he spoke, covering every inch of Stephen's backside before starting over from the top.

"You'll stay? Even when I infuriate you? Even when I disappoint you?" Stephen let out a tiny sob.

"I'll stay. No matter what," Mordo promised. "I'll stay with you, my brother."

"Good. Can't live without you..." Stephen whispered.

"You won't." Mordo had completed the second circuit by this point and he began a third, swatting a fraction harder and faster.

Stephen whimpered softly, unable to stop himself from squirming. By this point, the sting felt more like a slight burn. It helped him feel closer to Mordo, though; like he was truly paying for hurting his brother.

"I've got you," Mordo said. "I'm here, brother." As he continued to swat, his other hand rubbed gently over Stephen's back, keeping in constant physical contact with his brother.

"You... You have me... You forgive me... We aren't broken..." Stephen gasped out, before beginning to cry hard; not because of the spanking, though his bottom was very sore by this point, but because he finally could believe he hadn't lost Mordo because of a choice he'd needed to make. He still had his family, whole, and it was all he needed. He finally slumped, boneless. This time, the submission wasn't because he felt guilty and in need of being punished; it was because he was leaving everything in Mordo's hands. His brother would decide when he'd had enough. All he needed to know was that his brother was there.

Mordo stopped spanking and moved Stephen carefully into his arms, cuddling his brother tightly on his lap. Kissing the side of his head, he murmured reassuringly, "I have you. I forgive you. We aren't broken. I love you and I'm here," he promised.

"I was so scared, Mordo..." Stephen cried softly, clinging to his brother like a life-line. It was clear he wasn't just talking about losing Mordo. His experience with Dormamu had changed him. He wasn't as cocky or over-confident, even if he pretended to the outside world; inside with his family? He let the fact he was uncertain and afraid show clearly.

Mordo tightened his embrace. "I know," he whispered. "You're safe now, but it'll take time to really believe that. I think I should stay with you at night, for the rest of this week at least." He suspected it might need to be longer, depending on how bad the nightmares were, but they could see how things went for the week.

"O...okay..." The fact Stephen quickly agreed instead of arguing was telling. Dying repeatedly for millions of years in millions of ways, he knew he was lucky to have retained his sanity.

"I'll let Wong know," Mordo said. "He may think it's a good idea for the three of us to stay in the same room." Stephen's lack of arguing was slightly worrying. "Have you slept at all?" he asked softly.

"Afraid to sleep..." Stephen reluctantly admitted, obviously ashamed.

Mordo nodded, not that surprised. "It might help if you're not alone when you try to sleep. It would also likely help to talk to a therapist. We do have some we can reach out to...."

Stephen nodded, pressing closer to his brother. "If you think I should, I will..." he said, unwilling to go against his brother's advice when it wasn't necessary and was good advice on top of that.

"I think it would be a good idea," Mordo said. "Having a professional help you."

"Okay..." Stephen whispered, snuggling against his brother. He was obviously having more difficulty dealing with what had happened than he'd been admitting, even to Wong.

Mordo brushed a kiss against the top of his head. "I've got you," he promised. "I'm here for you."

"I thought I'd lost you... I didn't know what to do..." Stephen said, in a tiny voice.

"You haven't lost me," Mordo whispered reassuringly. "I love you, Stephen. Nothing has changed between us."

"I love you too... So much. My big brother..." Stephen sniffled, continuing to snuggle.

Mordo held his brother close, the turmoil he had been feeling now soothed entirely.

Stephen, finally free if the anguish of believing he'd lost his brother snuggled close, yawned, and fell asleep in Mordo's arms.

Mordo situated Stephen enough that his brother would be comfortable, drawing a blanket over him, and then settled in to hold and 'protect' Stephen while his brother slept.

****

"I remember when that happened... I was in Malibu at the time and trying to figure out how to fight something like that when suddenly, the crisis was averted. I knew you were involved, but I couldn't tell how badly it affected you...* Tony said quietly.

"Yeah... well... No one outside of your immediate family could tell how badly the battle against the Chitauri affected you. So... Guess we're all good at pretending we're alright. At least with those who don't know us well." Stephen smiled crookedly.

"More like the only ones you can let yourself fall apart around are those you trust implicitly and know have your backs." Fury snorted softly, smiling slightly.

Chapter Text

"Who would like to share next?" Mordo looked around at various family members.

"Can't help but notice how many of these stories involve family members doing stuff we wish they wouldn't..." Bucky laughed. "Guess things really aren't that different now than they were seventy years ago."

"Which time were you thinking of, exactly?" Steve asked his brother.

"Which time wouldn't I be thinking of?" Bucky said wryly. "Your skinny-ass runt self was taking on bullies from the minute you could lift a fist. And just when I thought you'd be safe, cuz the serum made you as big as the bullies... Suddenly you're all 'I'm big now! Time to find bigger bullies!' Honestly, I should have seen that coming..." He laughed.

Logan raised an eyebrow. "What exactly did you do?" He glanced at his son.

A slightly sheepish look came over Steve's face and he glanced at his own children. "I'm just going to say...I don't recommend following my example. I've learned much better behaviour since that time."

***

Steve looked at the beer he'd been given, but although he gave every appearance of being drunk...it was impossible for him to get drunk. He was really just going through the motions, while keeping an eye on the commotion that had started in one corner of the bar.

A group of large guys had cornered one of their number...someone smaller and weaker like Steve himself had once been...and it was obvious that things were going to turn ugly. And it had never been in Steve to stand by and let someone else get hurt, even if the person who ended up hurt was him.

But he had the serum now. He was much stronger than the group, even if they were bigger than he was now.

Draining his beer, Steve stood and walked to where the altercation was beginning to get physical.

Bucky had been drinking his own beer, joking with Dugan, when he'd noticed Steve get up. When he noticed which direction he was heading, he sighed softly, standing up to lend his support. As much as he hated how often Steve got into fights, he wasn't going to tell his friend to not protect someone smaller; not if he was there to back him up, anyway.

Steve could tell that Bucky was joining him to offer support and he appreciated it...even if he didn't outright acknowledge it. He approached the group who were hassling the other member, only stopping when he was close enough that he wouldn't need to shout to be heard. "I think you need to leave," he said.

"Yeah?" The apparent 'leader' of the group turned to Steve, drawing himself up to his full height...a full head or so taller than Steve. "Who's gonna make us?"

Bucky sighed again internally. If the big bully wasn't nervous about Steve, that meant Steve's focus would need to be on the big guy. Which meant Bucky would be fighting the guy's friends. He smiled as Dugan came up beside him. Morito, Jones, and Dernier weren't far behind. Bucky raised his chin slightly and waited to see if Steve could diffuse the situation.

Even before the serum, Steve had been pretty close to fearless, despite facing off against bullies so much bigger than himself. Even if Bucky and everyone else hadn't come to back him up, he wouldn't have chosen to back down. "You can leave of your own accord, or I can throw you out," he said. "It's your choice." He was partly speaking out of bravado...and partly to keep the big guy's attention, and that of his fellow thugs, on him. It would give their victim a chance to leave before the fists started flying.

Bucky knew what his brother was doing, so he shifted closer, but not next to, Steve. If the bully's attention was divided between Steve and Steve's obvious back up, they wouldn't notice the smaller victim sneaking away...which he was doing.

Steve didn't really expect to be able to diffuse the situation. His main goal had been to give the would-be victim the chance to get away.

He didn't expect the bully to immediately start throwing punches...but thanks to the serum, he was able to duck out of the way pretty quickly and only receive a glancing blow to the side of his head.

Noting that the victim was out of the way and that the main bully was already throwing punches, Bucky and the other commandos with him immediately moved to neutralize any support the bully might have. Like most bullies, when they realized they were facing people who could actually defend themselves, the ringleader's cronies decided they weren't interested in a fight and took off, leaving the one facing Steve all alone. Bucky snorted, wondering how long it would take the guy to realize he was outnumbered and his gang had left him high and dry.

It didn't take the bully long...although longer than it really should have done...to realise that he was on his own and that the rest of his gang had abandoned him. Just like his 'friends', he proved himself to be a coward when faced with being outnumbered and outmatched in skill.

Bucky didn't feel the need to chase after the bully when he made his escape and none of the others did either. Instead, he glanced at Steve. "You okay? The guy you were helping ran off, so I can only assume he is okay."

Steve nodded. "No injuries. I didn't see any on the guy...." He couldn't be sure, of course, given that the man had taken the opportunity to flee.

"Yeah." Bucky sighed. "Me either..." He meant both for himself, and he didn't see any dangerous injuries on the guy they rescued. "Hopefully, he went somewhere they won't follow and he has back up..." He snorted. "So. Who else is hungry?"

Neatly all of the guys were. Bucky looked at Steve. "Wanna go to Madelein's? She serves dinner late."

Steve nodded. "Sounds good to me," he agreed.

***

"Of course, I've grown much more responsible now," Steve said. "And I wouldn't recommend copying my actions...unless you have backup you completely trust with you, of course." He smiled at his brother.

Jessica snorted. "Somehow doubt we'd get away with it, if we did do something like that without calling for backup... Or at least letting someone know what is going on."

"No, you wouldn't. And neither would your dad..." Logan smiled, though his eyes were serious.

Steve smiled wryly at his dad. "Despite what Bucky says, the serum did make me more responsible. I knew I'd have backup from Buck and the others."

"I know. And you're more responsible now," Logan agreed, giving Laura a hug as he smiled at his son.

"Seems like the biggest time for family to potentially do dangerous things is when they are trying to help someone else..." Kamran said hesitantly.

"That's a fairly accurate assessment." Blake agreed with his son's statement. "I think all of us can relate to that."

"Which is why communication is so important," Bruce stated.

"It makes sense," Dane said. "All of us got the hero bug in one way or another...."

Chapter Text

"Which is exactly why communicating with each other is so important," Coulson said. "And the main reason behind having most of the rules in place."

"Funny, really. Until Dad, I never knew anyone with rules or consequences like this family... But Dad said his family before followed the same rules, so I guess it wasn't that odd," Kate said.

Ikaris' smile was a little sad as he said, "It's normal for family to have those kinds of rules. It helps keep family safe and thriving."

"Were our brother and sister like Dane and I? As in always forgetting and getting in trouble?" Kate asked curiously. "Sometimes it feels like I'm always messing up..." She sighed.

Druig and Yelena had been listening to the stories and conversation quietly, but when Kate began to ask Ikaris questions, Druig had to force himself to remain still. He was positive he was about to either hear the worst about himself or have Ikarus act like he no longer mattered, since he was sure that he didn't matter to Ikarus.

Ikaris' smile was a little sad as he wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders, drawing them in close, before saying quietly, "They didn't always get into trouble, just like you don't always get into trouble. But sometimes, they acted without thinking...."

***

Druig was avoiding Ikaris. Well... He was avoiding Ajak, Thena, Gilgamesh... Pretty much anyone who considered themselves older and wiser than him. But specifically, he was avoiding Ikaris. He'd just 'influenced' a general, who was planning to take his troops to attack a tiny settlement three days march away, to not go. It would give the people in that settlement time to flee or prepare, if the general decided to try again later. Ikaris always objected to him using his powers without talking it through with the family first.

Ikaris had left the area they'd settled in, ostensibly to go for a walk...but really, to look for Druig. He was reasonably certain that Druig had been responsible for the sudden change in the general's plans to attack the settlement.

It wasn't that Ikaris disagreed with stopping the attack on the settlement. What concerned him the most was that Druig was using his ability constantly...when it might not even be necessary. And that, they needed to talk about.

Druig had found a tiny, secluded eddy in the river and was fairly certain he wouldn't be found. It was the only reason he'd decided bathing and a short swim would be a wonderful idea. Stripping and hanging his clothing on a nearby branch, he waded into the water and tried to relax.

Ikaris had tried to find Druig just by walking from their home. When there was no sign of his son, he flew up into the air, scanning the surroundings...until he spotted Druig in the river, in an area where it would have been impossible for Ikaris to see his son if he'd been walking.

Ikaris immediately soared in for a landing next to the part of the river where Druig was floating.

Druig wasn't paying close attention to his surroundings... Not much could hurt him, after all, so he was fully relaxing. He didn't notice Ikaris' arrival.

Landing on the riverbank, Ikaris softly called, "Druig." He wouldn't hesitate to wade into the water after his son, if necessary, but he thought he'd give Druig a chance to get out of his own accord.

Sighing internally, Druig stopped floating on his back and began treading water. "Ikaris? What is happening? Am I needed?" he asked, hoping nothing was going on. He needed the break.

"Nothing's happening right now, but we need to talk," Ikaris said seriously.

"What about? It couldn't wait for me to return to the house?" Druig asked uneasily.

"Did you use your abilities today?" Ikaris asked directly.

Druig froze in place, only beginning to tread water again when he immediately began to sink. He could lie, but Ikaris wouldn't have asked the question if he didn't already know the answer; he wouldn't even think to ask if he hadn't already got proof it had happened. "So what if I did?" he said defiantly, even as he glanced to see how far away his clothes were and if he could quickly swim there. He felt too exposed to be having a conversation he knew Ikaris would get upset from.

"Do you need me to remind you about the conversation we had about using your powers without discussing it with me first?" Ikaris asked. "We agreed that we wouldn't influence people to that extent unless absolutely necessary."

"You weren't around to ask and if I didn't act immediately, it would have been too late. And hundreds would have died!' Druig protested.

"What about Ajak?" Ikaris asked directly. "I know that she was there."

Druig frowned, a petulant look on his face. He didn't answer.

"Son, we've talked about this multiple times before," Ikaris said. "I don't believe there's any point in dragging things out." He prepared to wade into the water after Druig, if his son didn't come out of his own accorf.

"You and Ajak talked! I've never agreed!" Druig declared irritably and swam a bit further away, unable to just give in, even if he knew it would be better in the long run.

"Druig. We are supposed to use our powers responsibly. Even if you didn't verbally agree, you also didn't argue." Which was more or less the same thing, in Ikaris' eyes. He waded into the water after his son.

"What good would arguing have done?! Ajax has final say and she always goes along with what you say! And you think my using my powers at any time you didn't tell me to is misusing them..." Druig couldn't hide his frustration, or the hurt underneath the frustration.

"That isn't true, Druig," Ikaris said. "I expect you to talk to me before you just use your abilities, because sometimes they're not necessary. And sometimes, they can hurt people."

"You don't trust me to know when to use them..." Druig responded. The protest wasn't as obstinate, though, and it was a lot more hurt. He truly thought Ikaris believed him incapable of knowing when to use his own abilities, and knowing his father didn't trust his judgement bothered him more than anything else. Wasn't he old enough and wise enough to be able to know? Why would Ikaris insist on deciding when it was best to use his abilities unless Ikaris thought him too young and foolish?

"It isn't about not trusting you or your judgement, son." Ikaris' voice was gentle, not accusing or angry. "Part of it's about making decisions together, as a family. But it's also about it not being only your responsibility. If something goes wrong, it won't be your fault." Druig might be full grown, but even if he'd never been a child, he was still Ikaris' son. And it was still instinct to try to protect his son from the consequences of his own actions. Just like he would with Sprite.

Druig's face fell at that. As much as he wanted to continue arguing, he believed what Ikaris' reasons were. It still felt like Ikaris was treating him like an inexperienced child, but he could tell that Ikaris wasn't lying and that took the wind out of his sails. Swallowing hard and shrugging, he wiped furtively at his face and reluctantly began to swim toward his father. "I don't want a spanking..." he whispered unhappily.

"I know. But this isn't the first time we've had to deal with this. You know what the rules are and what the consequences are of breaking those rules." Ikaris reached out and drew Druig close to him, then began to swim back to the riverbank, keeping Druig close to him.

Druig just clung to his father and let Ikaris pull him to shore. He'd not fight or run, but it was beyond him to actively move himself to where Ikaris could punish him. Ikaris wasn't wrong; he had been in trouble for this very thing numerous times before. Because of this, he knew the punishment would not be a light or easy one. And he was wet. It would probably make everything more.

Ikaris kept in close physical contact with his son, even as he guided Druig out of the water. Once they were on the bank, he sat and guided Druig into position over his lap, securing him with an arm wrapped around his waist.

Druig shivered. He wasn't cold, but the position and his complete lack of clothing made him feel completely vulnerable and at his father's mercy. He wasn't one to submit easily, so when he was put into a position of submission, it always affected him strongly. He only hoped he could keep from complete humiliation and avoid breaking down like an actual child.

Ikaris rubbed Druig's back for a few moments, then began to swat his son's backside firmly. He knew the smacks would be more keenly felt, due to Druig's backside being wet, so he did temper the swats. But he couldn't go too easy on his son, given that this was far from the first time they'd had to deal with this, so he didn't hold back a lot.

Despite Druig's wish that he could accept his punishment in an adult way, he knew from the very first swat that he wouldn't be able to. He yelped loudly as Ikaris began to spank and by the third swat, he was already squirming in a bid to ease the burning sting.  By the fifth, he began begging. "Please, not so hard! I won't do it again...."

"Druig, son, this isn't the first time we've had to deal with this," Ikaris said, seriously but not unkindly. "I'd prefer not having to punish you. I love you. But I don't want you to do something that you'll regret. I know how easy it is to rely on your ability...to use it when another way might work. But it's not always necessary and sometimes, it can cause more problems than it solves." He was still swatting as he spoke, working overy every inch of Druig's bottom from the crest down to mid-thigh before starting over from the top. At the same time, he kept a tight grip on Druig, so that his son couldn't squirm away.

Druig's squirming was becoming more frantic the longer Ikaris spanked. He was listening, though. He knew his father was right; it was very easy to just immediately use his power to manipulate situations the way he thought they should go. Too easy. Normally, he didn't allow himself to think of that, though. If the end was to save numerous lives, then surely the means were justified? It wasn't like those he controlled knew they were being controlled. They couldn't be upset at a loss of autonony and choice if they didn't realize he had taken it from them, so what was the problem? "Using my powers isn't hurting anyone!" He began to cry. "I'm helping save them!"

"You're taking away their free will. You're turning them into slaves." Ikaris' voice was edging towards stern as he continued to swat, going a bit harder and faster. His other arm was tight around his son's waist, making sure Druig couldn't squirm away from him.

At the harder swats, Druig began to sob. It hurt so bad and he couldn't get away! He wasn't able to admit to himself the words hurt worse. "No! I'm helping them! I'm not making them slaves!"

"Stop! " He knew better. He really did. And he didn't truly want to mind control his father (if he succeeded, it would undermine every belief he had about himself and his family. A terrifying thought...), but his bottom hurt so bad, and his heart hurt worse because deep down, he knew Ikaris was right. He was making them slaves. Little better than puppets, no matter what his reasons. So he let his power slip through, making the stop a command, not just a plea. And immediately stiffened as he realized what he'd just done.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Daddy! I didn't mean it .. was wrong and bad and I won't do it anymore! I'll be good! I'm sorry!" He began to babble and sob in true fear. He didn't know what the response to trying to mind manipulate Ikaris would be, but his fear was that it would lead to him being sent away from home and family. It was bad enough he couldn't control himself when dealing with the mortals, but if he was trying to mind control his family... Maybe Ikaris has been right all along?

Ikaris had stopped when Druig made the word a command, but as soon as his son had realised, that thread of power receded. Instead of swatting again straight away, though, he let his hand rub low down on Druig's back, talking to his son in a soft voice. "This is the worrying thing about your power, Druig. That you rely on it too much...to the point of using it on your family. On me, your father. And that's a very naughty thing to do."

Druig slumped in dejected misery. If nothing else had proven his father right, the action of trying to mind control him had. All fight and argument left him and all he could do was sob and make repentant apologies. "'m sorry, Daddy... So sorry... Don't wanna be bad... Don't wanna do bad... I'm sorry...."

"I know you're sorry, son. And you aren't bad. Even if you're naughty, you aren't bad," Ikaris said. "And I forgive you. I love you, Druig. Nothing will change that," he promised. He rubbed for a few more moments, then began to swat once more.

At the words of forgiveness and love, Druig went boneless and just cried, though it was less frantic and loud, more accepting. He didn't beg for the punishment to end again. He was afraid he'd try and use his powers again, so instead remained quiet except for his tears. He deserved what he was getting and even if he couldn't sit till the following day, he was too grateful for his father's understanding to complain about it. "...Love you, daddy..." he whispered, in a tiny, heartsick voice. "Sorry was naughty...."

"I love you, son. So much. No matter what happens, I won't ever stop. And I would always forgive you. No matter how naughty you might be." Ikaris didn't really want to continue the punishment...really just wanted to stop and move onto comfort. But since this wasn't the first time Druig had done these exact actions before, Ikaris forced himself to continue, for one final circuit of smacks. Then he stopped and moved Druig into his arms, sitting on his lap instead of laying over it, and hugged him close and tight, pressing a kiss to his head.

Whimpering pathetically as his very sore bottom made contact with Ikaris' thighs, Druig turned enough to wrap his own arms around his father and then he clung, tightly.

Ikaris hugged Druig tighter, kissing the side of his head again and whispering soft words of love and forgiveness into his son's ear.

****

"Seems like he and I have more in common than I thought," Dane said wryly.

Kate snorted. "Yeah. Are all your kids stubborn?" she asked her father with a hint of humor, including herself as a stubborn one.

Ikaris' smile was sad as he said, "All of us have it, to some degree. I made a huge mistake when I came down on Arishem's side and I turned against the others." Sprite had, too, but if he hadn't, she never would have followed his lead. "I attacked Druig and that's an action I can never take back. I just wish I could bring him home and somehow make things right...."

Steve winced at the raw emotion he heard in Ikaris' voice. It made him think of his own experiences, when he and Tony had been at odds with each other. They'd healed things now, but he knew he'd never forget how much that distance between them had hurt. "Friday's scanning the camera feed. If there's any sign of him, she'll let us know," he said quietly.

Druig pulled back from the fire, a conflicted look on his face. Ikaris had sounded sincere in his regret. Was it possible his father truly wanted his family back and was regretful about following Arishem? After everything Ikaris had done, he was afraid to believe he could have his father back. He covered his fear and the pain of loss with anger.

Yelena followed silently, a concerned look on her face. "Do you believe him?" she whispered, when they were far enough away to not be heard.

"I want to, but I don't know if I can. There is a way to find out, though; and if it is a lie and he hasn't changed, it will expose him to the others as a fraud as well. We will have to be careful to avoid these cameras, but the people will not be a problem..." He explained his idea to Yelena. She quickly agreed and soon, they were heading to complete their objective.

Chapter Text

Back at the campfire, Logan had a sad smile on his face. "Just because you're a parent, doesn't mean you don't make mistakes. If you are lucky, you'll still have your own parent to help you... Set you straight, if necessary." He glanced at Charles.

Charles smiled at Logan and moved his chair close enough to lightly squeeze his son's shoulder.

Ikaris handed Logan the microphone, so that he could share his story.

Logan took the microphone, leaning toward Charles and reaching over to take Laura's hand. "When I first met Laura, I didn't believe she was my daughter. I'm sterile... A side effect of my mutation... And it was very difficult for me to accept that someone had somehow gotten my DNA and made a child from it...."

****

"They called them clones. She's obviously female, so I don't think she fits that term strictly..." He was talking to Charles, trying to wrap his mind around the fact there was someone else with his DNA in the world.

"Not a clone, exactly, but perhaps an embryo implanted with your DNA." Charles might not have had anything to do with genetic engineering himself, but he was fully aware it did happen. Erik was one of those who proved that.

What probably didn't help was that Charles knew Laura wouldn't speak to Logan. He believed she was mute, but Charles had connected to her child mind. He knew that she and other children were on the run from the lab that had created them. Logan at least knew the danger to the girl, even if he wouldn't accept that she was, for all intents and purposes, his daughter.

"Everyone always says it... Just because you provided the DNA doesn't make you a parent," Logan said gruffly, with a hint of frustration. "I'm bad news. Have been for centuries. She could do much better than me... Hell. You should be a father to her. She actually likes you!'

"She's a scared child who was created by people who only wanted to use her," Charles said. "You're a better person than you give yourself credit for, Logan. She shares your abilities along with your DNA. You could teach her how to control them. And you could teach her how to defend herself, so no one can use her again."

Logan winced. "You always seemed to think I was a great teacher..." he muttered, shaking his head. "I can protect her. I can help her learn how to use her abilities. None of that makes me father material. I..." He glanced away. He wouldn't admit it, though he was certain Charles already knew, but he was afraid to take on that role. People who he cared about almost always ended up hurt if he stayed with them.

"I never thought it. I know it," Charles said. "You know what she's going through better than I ever could. Do you think the scientists who created her made any attempt to understand her? To them, all she's ever been is a weapon. Not even a child."

"I don't know if I can be what she needs... I'm rough... I have a temper... I have bad habits that I really don't want her to pick up, but I am so used to them, I don't know if I can change them..." Logan sighed. "There are still parts of my memory that are gone. What if something from my past shows up and hurts her and I miss it because I don't remember?"

"I'm not expecting you to handle things on your own," Charles said. "I'm more than willing to help you learn how to parent her. How to be a father to her. But you've done a good job with the students here," he added. "I don't think you'll find it as difficult as you think."

Logan swallowed hard. "You'll... You'll be her grandpa? If... If she has you to run to when I inevitably screw up, maybe I can try...."

"I really don't think you're going to screw up, son. But yes. I'll be her grandpa," Charles promised.

Logan visibly relaxed; both at Charles' agreement, but also at being called son. He smiled faintly. "If I have you for my role model, maybe I won't be as hopeless at it as I fear...."

"I'll be right here to support you, but you're not going to be hopeless," Charles said. "And even if you make a mistake, it's a part of being a parent. You learn from that and move on."

"I... I guess... Maybe we can go to the mansion. It would be good for her to be around other kids. And have more adults to protect her..." Logan suggested.

Charles nodded. "She needs time and space to be a child," he said.

"I'll call her in, then. Let her know the plan." Logan nodded.

Charles nodded. "You're doing the right thing, son," he encouraged gently. "I'm proud of you."

Logan relaxed at hearing the pride in his father's voice. He didn't have the confidence in himself, but Charles made him feel like he could actually do this. He could actually be what his daughter needed.  "Laura. Come here for a minute, sweetheart...."

Chapter Text

"Everyone needs someone in their corner to help them. Even those in charge," Bucky acknowledged.

Bill nodded. "You haven't been here long, but you're family. If you need any of us...beyond just looking for your son..." he said to Ikaris.

"Helping Master Ikaris look for his son might no longer be necessary..." Friday interrupted. "There are two intruders in the compound. They are currently in the SHIELD portion. The female is looking through the computer systems, but so far hasn't done any damage. The male is somehow turning all the agents and guards against each other. Every time they come to arrest the two... suddenly, they begin fighting themselves. Unless I am misreading the situation, he is controlling them. Maybe it is a coincidence...."

"None of us believe in coincidences, Fri..." Tony muttered.

"We aren't aware of anyone else with the ability to control anyone." Fury stood up and nodded to Ikaris. "If it is Druig, and you think you can talk him down, we don't all need to go. If we get there and find out it isn't him, then we don't want any more people confronting them than necessary, if there's another risk of family members being mind-controlled."

Ikaris nodded and quickly stood up. Maybe it wasn't Druig. Maybe. But he couldn't hide the hopeful look on his face that maybe he'd be reunited with his other son soon.

Jessica moved to Fury's side. "I'll go, Uncle Nick. It's difficult to control me, after..." She winced, remembering Kilgrave.

"I'm fairly immune, too," Clint interjected quietly.

Fury nodded, turning to his niece and nephew. "Keep comms on you. Let us know if we need to take any extreme measures."

"Yes, sir!" Jessica quickly agreed.

"Of course..." Clint added. He glanced toward Ikaris. "We'll be your back-up, sir." It was easy to treat Ikaris as one of his uncles. The man was very old and a parent, as well as someone used to leading. It felt natural to defer to him.

"Thank you," Ikaris replied seriously. He took the comm Fury handed to him, putting it into place, before leading the way into the compound...heading to where Friday had said the two people were.

***

"They'll be here soon," Druig said to Yelena. It had been a long time, but he was able to sense Ikaris coming. It was like a sixth sense that he had never questioned in the past, so didn't question now.

Yelena quickly finished what she was doing in the computer and shut it down. "Are we fighting?" she asked, moving to the left and just behind Druig.

"It depends on if he was being honest with that group or not. We'll know soon enough. If he is still on Arishem's side, he'll be aiming to take me to Arishem. If not...." Druig shrugged.

"If not, we've effectively put ourselves in position to be caught by my sister's new family..." Yelena grumbled slightly. "Unless you have a way to get us out of here that doesn't involve fighting the Avengers."

***

Ikaris wasn't that surprised that it was relatively easy to find Druig...and the woman his son had with him. They hadn't been trying to hide their presence at all, and he figured this had been a deliberate move on their part to get attention.

Still, he wasn't prepared for the rush of emotion that overwhelmed him when he stepped into the area where Druig was. And he couldn't hide that emotion from creeping into his voice as he whispered his son's name. "Druig."

Druig shifted hesitantly, looking at Ikaris distrustfully. There was a longing, needy look on his face, though. It was obvious he missed his father. "I see Arishem left you alone..." he muttered.

Yelena looked past Ikaris to where Jessica and Clint stood. "You are Natasha's brother..." she said softly, her accent heavy.

Clint blinked, glancing at Jessica before looking back at Yelena. "You know Nat?" he asked suspiciously. Was one of the Widows coming after his sister?

"I grew up with her..." Yelena admitted, though she didn't elaborate.

"I don't know why," Ikaris said quietly. "I turned against him, too, in the end." He took a step closer to Druig, the look of longing on his face mirroring Druig's own. He desperately wanted to hold his son...to reconnect with him. "Druig...I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I was so wrong."

Even though he obviously didn't want to pull away, Druig stepped back. "How do I know I can trust you?" he said, his voice catching.

Yelena glanced toward Druig and shifted closer to him protectively.

"Are you here for Natasha?" Clint's voice was stern and suspicious.

She looked at Clint again, an affronted look on her face. "No. She has made a new life and is happy. I do not have anything against that. I just wanted to see how she was doing. She moved on without me..." She shrugged faintly.

Despite the pain Druig stepping back caused, Ikaris couldn't blame his son. He halted, not trying to step forward...treating Druig like a scared animal who might bolt if Ikaris made one wrong move. He didn't blame Druig for being unwilling to trust him, but what could he say? How could he possibly convince Druig that he was being honest...that he was telling the truth? Unless....

"Control me," he said impulsively. "Compel me to tell you the truth. Then you'll be able to believe me. I just want my son back...."

Druig's eyes widened. Even when they were closest, using his power on family was forbidden for any reason. Ikaris wouldn't have suggested that if he hadn't changed. If he was truly still on Arishem's side, he wouldn't put himself in a position to be controlled by Druig. Swallowing hard, he relaxed slightly and stumbled forward. He was hesitant to bridge the entire distance, but he believed Ikaris was telling the truth now. Offering to let Druig control him was too risky if he hadn't been telling the truth. "...Daddy?" he whispered.

Yelena looked at Druig again, tensing up as he relaxed. If it was a trap, she was ready.

Ikaris immediately moved forward, wrapping his arms around Druig and hugging him tightly. The strength in his embrace...the way his body trembled...probably betrayed just how much his own emotions were affecting him. There were tears in his own eyes that were close to falling. "I love you, son...so much. And I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

Druig stiffened for only a few seconds before he was throwing his own arms around his father and holding on tightly. "You're really back..." he whispered brokenly, before beginning to cry. "You're really back...."

Yelena bit her lip and relaxed. If Ikaris was going to attack, he would have done so by now. She glanced toward the SHIELD agents Druig had been controlling. It was obvious Druig had lost focus on anyone or anything beside his father. The agents were back in control of themselves and were moving in to arrest her and Druig, weapons raised. "Druig..." she said, in worry.

Clint turned and held up a hand. "We've got it under control, agents. We're taking them into our custody. Have your technicians come in and make sure nothing is broken or missing and let us know, but you don't need to deal with the intruders."

Jessica was moving to Yelena's side, pulling her arms behind her back, and handcuffing her. "Just until we get you to a more secure area. So, the agents don't shoot you..." she said quietly.

Clint quietly held a pair of cuffs out to Ikaris. He doubted it was necessary, but after what had been done to the SHIELD agents, they needed visual evidence that Druig and Yelena were under control.

Ikaris nodded, taking the cuffs from Clint. He pressed a kiss to the side of Druig's head and whispered, "I need to put these cuffs on you. It won't be for long... just until we're in a safer area and can make sure those here don't believe you're a threat. I won't let go of you," he promised, as he put the cuffs on his son and then, as he'd promised, took a tight hold of Druig again.

Druig allowed himself to be cuffed and then meekly allowed Ikaris to take hold of him to lead. Maybe it was a mistake, but he needed to believe his father was back.

Yelena smiled crookedly. "Guess we are coming in from the cold, no?" she asked Druig. She hadn't planned on getting captured by her sister's family, but it didn't seem like a dangerous or bad situation, so she didn't fight.

Jessica didn't say anything, carefully directing Yelena to walk in front of her as they prepared to go back to the camp. "We'll let those in charge decide the best place to keep you... Taking Uncle Ikaris' opinion into consideration, of course."

Druig shot her a curious look at the 'uncle' comment.

Ikaris gently squeezed Druig's shoulder and murmured, "The Avengers and SHIELD agents here have formed family units. You will be able to meet your new brother and sister...." He was fairly sure they would agree not to imprison Druig, especially knowing that Ikaris had been searching so desperately for his other son. He wasn't as sure about Yelena, but if she was a friend of Druig's, he would speak up in her defense as well. And she'd admitted to knowing Natasha, so if their relationship was good, perhaps she would also be against imprisonment as an option.

Yelena sighed loudly as they walked toward the campfire. "In my back pocket is a thumb-drive. You will want it..." she said to Clint, as an offering to show her good intentions.

Clint raised an eyebrow, nodding at Jessica, who then reached into said pocket and pulled it out, tossing it to her cousin. By this point, they had reached the campfire and were being directed toward Coulson, Fury, and Steve.

Coulson, Fury, and Steve had moved a little way apart from the rest of the family. Fury raised his eyebrow when he saw the two who were being brought over, glancing towards Ikaris. "Can I assume this is your son?" He gestured towards Druig.

Ikaris nodded. "His friend, too," he said quietly, taking responsibility for Yelena as well...an act that didn't go unnoticed by his brothers.

"What were you doing in the compound?" Coulson asked Druig and Yelena. They might be able to guess at their motives, but knowing for sure would help.

Natasha had noticed the woman who'd been captured, and she stood, making her way towards the group.

"Exactly what we meant to..." Yelena sniffed but didn't elaborate.

Druig slanted his head and stood taller to show he wasn't nervous around the others, even if he really was. "What she said..." he answered, in a sarcastic voice. Truthfully, they hadn't thought beyond the objective of getting Ikaris' and the rest of the Avengers’ attention. Now that they had it and were in custody, he had no clue what to do and he was beginning to think they should have done things differently, instead of reacting to high emotion. He looked at Yelena. He was a bit surprised she'd gone along with it. She'd been very stealthy and levelheaded up until he'd come up with his brilliant plan. Had he used his mind power on her without realizing it? Had he influenced her decision to go against her normal behavior?

Ikaris gently squeezed his son's shoulder and said, softly, "I would recommend not giving attitude. They need to know that you aren't a threat. Once that's been established, there's no reason either of you need to be kept prisoner anymore."

Steve, more than used to his own children acting out, asked, "Would I be right in assuming that what you meant to do was get your father's attention?"

Druig's look was sheepish, embarrassed, and slightly defiant. He didn't want to admit it, but as it was exactly what he'd been trying to do....  "Maybe..." he reluctantly said.

Yelena sighed. "I knew it was a bad idea. But... He needed to do it and I could think of no reason not to help him." She said this while looking right at Druig. She'd caught his uncertain looks in her direction and could guess at what he'd been worrying about. She was letting him know she'd chosen to go along, and he had not mentally influenced her in any way.

Fury shook his head and sighed, although he wasn't angry or even really irritated. "It's probably just as well the family, including your father, was here, or things could have been much more difficult," he said. He looked towards Ikaris. "My agents aren't going to be happy about this happening again," he said, thinking about the situation with Lorelei. "If you're willing to accept the responsibility for him, though..."

"Of course," Ikaris said. "You don't need to imprison my son."

"You don't need to imprison Yelena, either." Natasha stepped forward and smiled at the woman who'd been raised as her sister. "It's really good to see you," she said softly.

Yelena smiled faintly at Natasha. "It is good to see you happy. I thought you might come back for me, but... I can understand now why you did not." She shrugged faintly. "I did not take anything dangerous." She looked at Coulson. "I took unimportant information just to prove I could."

Druig nodded in acknowledgement of Fury's words. "I did my best not to harm any of the agents. Even though I made them fight each other, I made certain that they were doing it in a non-lethal manner."

"I'm sorry," Natasha said quietly. "When I was rescued by my brother, I needed to make a clean break from everything before...but I should have come back for you. I'm glad you're here now."

"I'll have to check the information you took," Coulson said to Yelena. "But I believe you. And I believe the reasons you both have for entering the compound and doing what you did."

Ikaris gently rubbed Druig's shoulder, then began to uncuff his son.

Yelena smiled at Natasha. "I have been watching you. I understand why you did not return. I would not have risked people I cared about to return if I was in your position. Especially when we had not seen each other since they separated us for the Red Room...." Her smile turned sad.

Druig rubbed his wrists as soon as Ikaris had released him. "I am selfishly glad she did not return for you. It enabled me to meet you and gain a sister..." he said softly.

Ikaris noticed the wording Druig used for Yelena, even as he reached over to free her as well from the cuffs. He looked towards his brothers. "Is there anything else you need to know right now? Or can I get some food in them?" If they'd been there for a while, he suspected neither had really eaten.

Steve shook his head. "Take care of them. Anything else we need, we can talk about tomorrow."

"Where have you been staying?" Natasha asked Yelana.

"At a tiny motel in that tiny town a mile from here..." Yelena responded. "Not far from that cafe you met with your brother a few weeks ago."

Druig slanted his head. "I suspect we will not be returning there? Will we be able to retrieve our belongings?"

"There is plenty of fondue left..." Tony said, motioning everyone back to the tables where the food had been set up. "Do we need to go retrieve two more sleeping bags? Or do you plan to return to your quarters with them instead of staying in the treehouse?"

"What would you prefer?" Ikaris addressed Druig and Yelena, even as he placed a hand on each of their shoulders to guide them to the tables. "If you think you might need a bit of time to settle in before officially meeting everyone, we can sleep in the compound. And we can collect your belongings in the morning," he added.

As Ikaris guided them over, Sprite stood and quickly moved over, throwing her arms around Druig and hugging tight. "I'm glad you're back," she whispered.

Druig hugged his little sister tightly. "I am glad to see you here where you can be protected. I fear for you now that you are mortal..." he admitted, in a whisper.

Yelena stayed close to Ikaris' side, as Druig was distracted by his younger sister; she remembered him telling him the girl's name. "I have no problem being surrounded by others, and I don't want to mess up your evening’s plans." She shrugged slightly, smiling sheepishly. "I didn't think much beyond helping Druig, so did not expect to be... Brought in to the family. But I am thankful not to be in a cell. Even if I have confidence in my ability to get out of one." This time, she smirked, giving Natasha an impish grin. Her older 'sister' would remember how she was as a child. Even if many years had passed between when they lived in Ohio together and when they were separated to go to the Red Room.

Dane shifted. "Whatever you decide, dad... We'll do what you want." He meant if Ikaris wanted one on one time with Druig, he and Kate would stay with everyone else. But he couldn't hide his anxiousness. He was very happy his father had found his long-lost son. But how would that change his and Dane's relationship? Maybe Ikaris wouldn't need him as much anymore.

Kate, able to sense Dane's uncertainty, moved closer to her brother's side and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Dane's right, dad... Do what you need, and we'll all adjust."

Sprite smiled slightly. "I'm pretty well protected here, but don't think I can't defend myself," she scolded playfully. "But I'm even going to school now." She very deliberately didn't mention being expelled from all but the classes she was now taking at the compound, thanks to Xavier's school now being held there.

Ikaris hesitated, looking torn...but it was because his instinct was to keep his family (including his new daughter) close, and he wasn't sure if that was the right decision or not. Still, Dane and Kate helped him to decide to go through with what he wanted, and he admitted, "I know we all planned to sleep outside tonight, but what I'd like is to have all of my children close to me this evening." He gently squeezed Yelena's shoulder as he added, "Yelena, Druig...this is Dane and Kate. Your new brother and sister. And the teenager hugging Druig is Sprite. Also, your sister," he added to Yelena.

"I am happy to meet you all..." Yelena said quietly, before smiling brightly. "If we are not staying out here, then I will follow you to where we are to stay. Will I see you in the morning?" She looked toward Natasha. Even if they hadn't truly been siblings and now were close to strangers, she remembered the other woman as an older sister and would like to get to know her again.

Dane relaxed at the signs that Ikaris wanted him nearby. Even if things were going to change again, at least his father still wanted him and Kate.

Kate smiled. "Thank you for the fondue, Tony. It was a wonderful idea. Maybe we can have it for dinner again sometime?"

Tony grinned. "I'm sure we can. Everyone seemed to like it."

Natasha nodded and smiled warmly at Yelena. "Tomorrow, you can meet the rest of my family properly...including my own children," she said softly.

Ikaris shifted enough to keep close to all of his children, even if he couldn't hold all of them at once. "If you need to eat anything, help yourselves," he said to Yelena and Druig. "Then we can retrieve pajamas for you both...."

Yelena nodded and immediately found herself a plate and began to fill it with various items. Even with everyone else having eaten their fill, there was still plenty of everything available. "Do you have questions for me about other things?" she asked the area at large, though she meant those in charge. She'd explained her reasons for being here and why she'd done what she did, but given her history as a Widow, she knew she might have information that they'd find useful.

Druig was too keyed up to eat, but he also knew he hadn't eaten much before coming to spy and he needed to keep his energy up. So, he began to fill a plate as well, not moving far from Ikaris' side. If Ikaris needed to keep him close, he was finding he needed to be kept close.

"I'm sure we will have questions for you, but you don't need to worry about them tonight," Coulson said. "Rest tonight and retrieve your belongings in the morning. Then we can go through everything we need to."

Ikaris was staying close to Druig, even though he was keeping a watchful eye on all his children. Some tension had visibly seeped out of him now that he had his other son back with him. He still needed to reunite the rest of the Eternals, of course, but finding Druig again had helped give him hope.

Yelena nodded in acceptance of that and quietly ate. If they wanted to talk to her, she would answer, but experience taught her it was better to observe first and then interject. Even though they had quickly accepted her and Druig into their gathering, she was still an outsider.

Druig quietly ate as well, but it was more due to being overwhelmed than anything else. He hadn't truly expected to get his father back. Had expected a fight. That there hadn't been one and that he did have his father back? It was taking a while to sink in.

Now that the excitement of two newcomers was fading, people were beginning to realize how late it was and starting to get ready for bed.

Once his children had finished eating, Ikaris said softly to Druig and Yelena, "I'll show you where the pajamas are, and you can pick out a pair each." He looked to Dane, Kate, and Sprite. "Why don't you all get changed and come to my room?" he suggested.

Dane nodded. "Okay... Meet you there, then..." he said, as he cleaned up his own mess, gathered his sleeping bag and prepared to go back inside the compound. Since they weren't going to be sleeping at the tree house any longer, he didn't want to leave things behind that anyone else would have to clean up.

Kate followed Dane's example, cleaning up her own mess then grabbing her sleeping bag.

Soon, they were heading into the compound. Meanwhile, Druig and Yelena were following Ikaris inside, presumably to his room where he would provide them with night clothes. They'd get their own belongings in the morning.

Ikaris led the way to the supply room, so that Druig and Yelena would be able to pick out their own pairs of pajamas. "All of the family members wear a particular style of pajamas," he explained.

Yelena held up the onesie and blinked. "They all wear this style?" she asked, in slight confusion. "It doesn't seem fashionable at all. It must be comfortable...."

Druig wrinkled his nose as he noticed the flap. "Is there a reason they all wear these?" he asked suspiciously.

"Part of it is due to their comfort," Ikaris said. "Even the parents wear them. The other reason has to do with the family punishment made use of here, when it's necessary. The whole family uses spanking."

Yelena nodded. "We were listening to the stories. Even though they didn't all mention spanking... It was obviously something that everyone was familiar with, so I suspected it wasn't an unusual occurrence."

Druig smiled faintly. "You always used it when necessary. It doesn't surprise me you've found a family that views things as you do." He took the pajamas he was handed, noticing Yelena was doing the same. "I assume we will change in your quarters?"

"Yes. Tomorrow, you can both have an official tour of the compound." Ikaris wrapped an arm each around their shoulders and began to guide them towards his room.

By this point, both Dane and Kate had been to their rooms and changed. Normally, they would wait for their father in his room, but since their newest family members weren't used to family dynamics yet, they waited outside his room. "We figured we can come in once they are ready..." Kate whispered in explanation.

Ikaris nodded and reached out to stroke both of their cheeks, then gave Sprite a hug before saying softly, "Thank you. I'll let you know when you can come in." He then guided Druig and Yelena into his room.

Druig wasn't completely caught by surprise that there was only one bed in the room. But he was a bit surprised that Ikaris planned to have all five of them staying in the room when there was only one bed. Even before, when all the family was happily together, they had their own rooms and beds and only shared when one was injured or needed care of some sort. It was a very big bed, though. "Does the family share beds often enough to require such large beds?" he asked hesitantly. Maybe he was misunderstanding and there were cots hidden somewhere.

Yelena glanced around uncertainly, having noticed the same thing.

Ikaris nodded. "Closeness in the family is very important. I know it was unusual for any of us to share in the past, but since moving here, I've found that I agree with a lot of the ways the family handles things," he said honestly. "Staying in the parent's room doesn't happen all the time, but it happens enough times that larger beds are the norm." He paused, briefly, but figured that now was as good a time as any. "It also happens often if one of the children is feeling more...young. Needy."

Druig blinked at that. "Does that happen often?" he asked quietly, certain there was a reason for his father mentioning it, and realizing if he knew then he would be less likely to say or do something to hurt the one in question. He knew he tended to act immature when he was being punished or feeling thwarted, but it didn't generally last much past the punishment.

Yelena slanted her head. While spying on Natasha, she had noticed some behavior she found baffling, but in the context of some family being younger in emotions, it suddenly made sense. "When the family member is feeling young, is treating them young encouraged? Or will that embarrass them and make things more difficult? Or are they only young with their parent?"

"Generally, it's only with their parent, but there are sometimes exceptions," Ikaris said, thinking of Kara. "I'm letting you know because sometimes, Dane falls into that category. It normally happens when we're alone, but this situation is different enough that I want you both to be forewarned in case it does happen tonight."

Druig nodded. "If it doesn't worry you, I see no reason why I should respond negatively."

"Are we free to react to him being young by treating him young?" Yelena asked.

Ikaris hesitated. "That might be better to discuss with him when your siblings come into the room, before the chances of it happening." He knew that Dane didn't normally fall into the younger mindset when Kate or Sprite were there, but as he'd said. This situation was different.

"I do not want to draw attention and embarrass him. If you are not certain, then he obviously has not been young with Kate and Sprite. I will not do anything unless he seems to need me to." Yelena shrugged.

"Well, they are waiting..." Druig began to strip so he could put on the pajamas.

Yelena didn't hesitate to begin doing the same. It was obvious neither of them felt reluctance to be naked in front of each other or anyone else. Druig was too old to care, and Yelena had been conditioned not to.

Ikaris didn't waste any time in collecting his own pajamas and changing into them. Once the three of them were changed, he opened the door to invite his other three children into the room.

Kate was first in. "This is so weird. I was an only child for, forever and now, I have four brothers and sisters..." She began to ramble.

Dane gave her a fond look but was quieter than normal. He wanted to get a feel for the new situation before talking.

Ikaris smiled at Kate. "I don't think you're alone in that," he said gently, knowing that Dane hadn't grown up with any siblings either. He moved over to Dane and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "You doing all right, son?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah... Doing great..." Dane smiled at Ikaris. It was a genuine smile, even if it seemed uncertain. "Told you we'd find him..." he said quietly and nudging Ikaris gently, almost teasing.

"So... Who is going where?" Kate asked curiously. Would Druig and Yelena be closest to Ikaris, since they needed to settle in? Or would they feel uncomfortable with that?

Ikaris smiled and kissed the side of Dane's head, murmuring softly, "I know. It helped, a lot, to keep my hopes up." He looked at each of his children in turn. "Do any of you have preferences?"

Druig smiled, taking in the others with a grin. "Almost feels like we've never been apart. Everything is just falling in place so smoothly. If it won't be a problem, though... I'd like the outside edge. I know it is safe here, but... I want to be ready in case he makes a move..." he said seriously, thinking of Arishem.

Yelena nodded. "I am not fond of being hemmed in. I need at least one open side, so I would need an edge as well..." she said calmly.

"Oh... I thought you'd want..." Kate blinked, then shrugged. "I can sleep next to Druig. Dane can go next to Yelena. Then Dad and Sprite can decide how they want to set up the very middle...." she suggested.

Ikaris wasn't surprised. Aside from when he was being punished and therefore more needy and childlike, Druig tended to act more adult. It didn't surprise him that Yelena was the same way. All he said, though, was, "Whatever makes you the most comfortable. If you're not already aware, there are two AIs here who keep watch over the compound...so you can sleep safely knowing that we'll be informed of any attempt to break into the compound."

"Yeah. It's a real shame that Phastos hasn't been able to meet Tony. They'd get on so well," Sprite said sadly. Yes, she was thousands of years old...but she was also human. And as a human, she was only a teenager. And she missed the rest of them, even if she was happy that Ikaris and Druig were both there.

"AIs? I was meeting resistance when I was trying to get into the computer system... Would that have been the AIs?" Yelena asked in interest.

"You would be correct, Miss Yelena. I was not certain what you were doing, although I did recognize both you and Master Druig from Miss Natasha and Master Ikaris' description. I am FRIDAY, and I am able to assist you with any questions you might have, as well as other items," Friday immediately answered.

Yelena jumped, eyes widening. "Do I need to apologize to you for trying to get that information? I didn't... hurt you, did I?" She was suddenly worried. She'd been trying to get the attention of the Avengers, not actually cause harm to anyone.

"No, Miss Yelena. You did not hurt me," Friday reassured her.

"Both Friday and Veronica, the other AI, are more than willing to tell on anyone to their parents, or other authority figures, if they see them doing something they shouldn't be," Sprite offered helpfully. "It's very hard to hide anything from them."

"Have you been trying to hide anything from them?" Ikaris asked.

Sprite blinked innocently. "Not recently."

Dane chuckled. "Don't sound so certain..." he teased.

Yelena went to the side of the bed she wanted, noticing Druig went to the other. Kate had already got into the bed, leaving room on the outside for Druig. Dane was apparently waiting for Sprite and Ikaris to decide who was going to be next to Kate before he got in.

Sprite settled in next to Kate, leaving room for Ikaris to settle in. Once they were both in place, Ikaris held his arm out to Dane.

Dane crawled into the bed, pressing into Ikaris's arms, making certain Yelena had room to get in. He relaxed at being held, the action easing a bit of the nervousness he'd been feeling from the moment he realized Druig had been found.

Yelena crawled into the bed, pressing comfortably against Dane, but not crowding. She was tired and nearly immediately fell asleep, despite her intentions to stay awake and keep watch.

"Good night, family..." Druig whispered, wrapping an arm around both Kate and Sprite and pulling them closer to him. He was soon asleep as well.

Kate snuggled into her new brother and pulled Sprite closer. "Good night," she said in response, before closing her eyes and falling asleep as well.

"I love you all," Ikaris whispered, hoping his words would carry even to those who fell asleep. He held Dane close, stretching his arms out so that he could be in close contact with all of his children. It calmed and soothed something inside him, and he sighed, closing his eyes.

****

Back at the campfire, everyone had begun to clean up, putting anything that needed to be refrigerated into a portable refrigerator that Tony had arranged. "That was really amazing... That Ikaris found his lost son the same night he told a story about him..." Jessica said softly.

Steve smiled at his daughter. "It seems clear that Druig wanted to reunite with Ikaris as well. He was only staying back because of what happened before."

"It's really good to see..." Karen said, as she put the last of the cheese into the fridge.  With the food all put away and the tables cleaned all that was left was for everyone to settle into their sleeping bags.

Parents and children all grouped together, sibling groups that didn't have a parent figure also grouped together. It didn't take long.

Tony had settled next to Pepper, Steve, and Peggy on his other side. Quiet had settled over the tree house area as everyone started to fall asleep. Suddenly, his eyes flew open, and his voice exclaimed through the entire encampment. "Fondue meant sex??!!!"

The End