#The Forgotten Child

[captainrogers-thepatriot]

The Forgotten Child part 1

Summary: Steve goes on a mission to find a weapon at a Hydra lab and instead discovers a boy with strange powers. The child is found malnourished and badly abused. Steve decides then to take the child home and give him a loving home. Yet things take a turn when they discover other plans had been made for the child by people who wanted to use him for there own gain.

Trigger warning: mention of abuse and neglect

---------------

 It had been a total of  60 years since Steve had went back in time to start a life with Peggy. They got married, had children and now the two of them lived together in the home they raised their kids in. Peggy was in her 80s and certainly was begining to look her age. Although Steve still believes she was still the most beautiful woman he ever laid his eyes on. Steve well he looked the same as before. Still fit and looked in his 20s, although he was far from that in years. 

When Peggy and him were raising their kids, Peggy worked at shield and Steve was a stay at home dad to their children. Now Peggy had recently retired and Steve was going on missions for shield. Although only high level agents even knew he was still alive. 

On a recent mission he rescued a boy. This boy was being used as a lab rat by Hydra. They had injected him with different chemicals and liquid elements hoping to create a super serum of their own. Most of these chemicals only caused the child pain and horrible side effects. 

Steve entered his home holding the boy in his arms. The child clinging onto Steve as if he was a life raft. The child was extremely pale and had scars and bruises all over his body. He was extremely thin. Hel looked like he hadn't eaten a good meal in a long time. He had long blonde hair and blue eyes. 

Peggy sat in the living room reading when she saw Steve and the child. She couldn't but gasp at the sight of the child. She immediately got up and rushed to them.

“What happened to him?” Peggy asked.

“Hydra. They were experimenting on him, trying to recreate the super serum.” Steve told her.

“Those heartless bastards.” Peggy exclaimed. “I knew they were bad…but this is a new level. This poor. Does he have any family to go to?” 

“The mother died. I tried to save her, but she was killed as we were trying to escape.” Steve told her.

As he said that the boy began to cry silently. Peggy put out her arms and motioned for Steve to pass her the child. 

She rocked the child and kissed his head.

“Your alright, dearie.” Peggy assured the child. “Your safe here. We won't let anyone hurt you.”

 “The father, isn't around. The kid said he never met him.” Steve continued.

“Anyone else? An aunt or uncle.” 

“I checked. There's no one else.” Steve answered. “So don't freak out, hear me out. I was thinking we could take him in and raise him. This poor kid has been through hell and the last thing he needs is more term oil. He needs love, a home and family. We can provide that for him. If we're to go into the foster system, it's likely he will get a family that wont care about him, who won't give him the attention he needs. It's a broken system. He also has abilities, ones that he can't control and I'm sure if he went into foster care, he would just be shuffled from home to home. He doesn't need that he needs stability. I know that you just retired and I know that you were looking forward to spending more time together. Especially now that the kids are out of the house. But I really think we need to help this boy. He really needs us and I think-”

“Steve, would you shut up for a second?” Peggy laughed. “Of course we can take him in. I agree he needs a good home, a good family. We can provide that for him. I don't know how many years I have left. But I know I want to continue to make a difference in people's lives until I die.” 

“Your the most amazing woman to ever exist. That's a fact.” He replied. 

“Aw Darling, your so sweet.” Peggy answered. “Your a good man, with a big heart. It's wonderful that you want to help him. I will be at your side to do that too.” 

Peggy set down the kid onto the couch. Then Steve hugged Peggy and kissed her lips. He felt so thankful to have a wife as kind as her.

She then looked to the child with a smile.

“Hello little love, my name is Peggy Rogers.” Peggy began. “Your new friend Steve is my husband.” 

The child just stared at her, nervous and unsure about this new person.

“I just made some chocolate chip cookies would you like to try some?” Peggy continued, putting out her hand to the child.

The child looked to Steve. He smiled at him and nodded.

“You can trust her.” Steve told the child. “I have trusted my life to her many times, she has never failed me once.” 

The boy moved forward and then took Peggy's hand. She then lead him to the kitchen.

****

Peggy watched as she sat across from the boy and he scarfed down her cookies. It was strange especially cause she was a horrible cook. No one liked her cookies, expect steve. Whom she’d venture only said he liked them to make her happy. 

She looked at the little boy up and down, he looked as if he hadn't eaten in days.

“Did they feed you at Hydra?” Peggy questioned.

“One meal a day, it was a protein bar with water.” The boy answered. “My mom would sometimes try to sneak me more food. But they would hurt her if she got caught. I didn't like seeing mommy hurt.”

“Course not.” Peggy answered with sympathy. 

“Did you see what happened to your mother?” Peggy asked. 

She hoped the answer would be no. This child didn't need more emotional scars.

“Me, and mommy and Mr. Steve were running out of the building. The bad guys they had guns and they shot at us. A bullet came toward me and mommy blocked it. She got hit instead of me.”

“Sounds like she's a very brave woman.” Peggy said. “I wish I could have met her.”

“She was the best. Me and her played lots of games like ‘I Spy’ and ‘Going on a Picnic’. Oh and she loved to tell me stories about heros like Hercules and Robin Hood. She knew lots of stories just from her head.” 

“Wow that's really lovely.” 

“Do you know any stories?” the boy asked.

“I don't know many by heart. I do have a bookshelf of stories though, that I can read to you.” 

“wow that's a lot.” The child remarked.

“Do you have a name by the way?” Peggy asked.

“They called me 2342 at Hydra.” 

This saddened Peggy further. 

“Well we will have to change that and think of something proper to call you.” Peggy told him. 

“Okay.” He answered simply. “Like what?”

“My husband and I, raised all girls. They were wonderful, strong, beautiful girl who grew into extraordinary women. Anyways Steve always said if we had a boy, he'd want to name it James after his best friend.”

“I like that name.” The boy answered. 

He was silent for a moment. He appeared to be thinking.

“Are you and Steve going to me my new mommy and daddy?” 

“If you want us to. We're going to take care of you. You don't have to call us mommy and daddy if you don't want to you. You can if you’d like too.” 

“....Well I never had a Dad so I would like one. I ldon't know if I want a new mom, I really liked the one I had.”

“That's okay, love. I understand.” She told him. “You do what feels right to you.” 

“One last thing, do you know how to take a bath?  Cause honestly, my love, you stink.” 

“What's a bath?” James asked.

“Your gonna find out.” Peggy answered. 

Peggy then took the child to the bathroom and drew him a bath. As she took off his clothes she noticed scars on his back. She didn't want to know how or why. She was sure it was a tragic story. They were long scars as if he had been cut. On his arms were red bumps, which she had assumed were injection scars. She cleaned the child. There was layers and layers dirt on his skin, she had to scrub hard to get any of it off.

*****

Steve had been cooking lunch in the kitchen. It was a simple meal of homemade macaroni and cheese. 

He had set the table with the macaroni pot in the center of the table. He also had the radio playing the latest baseball game. He loved the LA dodgers, he used to root for the dodgers when they were in Brooklyn.

Peggy then entered the kitchen holding James’s hand. James was dressed in one of Peggy’s pajama tops. It had pink and blue striped with buttons down the front. He wore matching striped pants and a pink robe over the outfit. The clothes were clearly to long for him. The sleeves consumed his arms and he had to roll up the pants legs to be able to walk. 

Steve could contain his laugher at seeing the child. 

“I didn't have anything in the the house that would fit him.” Peggy explained. “I tried putting him in one of your pajama sets but it was worse.”

“We will have to go into town and buy him some clothes tomorrow.” Steve replied. “For tonight, it's fine, at least he will be warm and clean.”

“Thank you for the clothes. These are comfy.” James spoke. “I like them alot. I didn't get many new clothes before.”

They then sit down and begin to eat.

“Can I ask a question.” James spoke.

“Of course, always.” Steve answered. 

“Why did you save me?” he asked looking to Steve.

Steve was taken back by that question. Did he not want to be saved? Wasn't he unhappy living the way he was?

“Well because Hydra was hurting you and I wanted you to be safe and happy.”

“But you didn't even know me. Why would you care about someone you don't know?”

“people are people and they all deserve to live happy lives. They deserve to be shown love and joy. Your no different. When I see someone in trouble, I want to help, I want to help them have a better life.”

“That's really kind.” James answered. 

There was silence as they continued eating.

“Also Peggy said you two had daughters. What happened to them?” James asked.

“They grew up, they are still around.” Steve told him. “They just don't live here anymore. One has a family of her own now and the other moved away to follow a job.” 

“Oh. Are they nice?”

“Very. ones a school teacher and the other is working as an field agent for the government.” Steve answered. “you will meet them some day.” 

“I would like to meet them.” James answered. “There your kids so I'm sure they are really nice.” 

“Is there anything you want to know about us?” Steve asked. 

“What do you do for work?” 

“I'm retired. I used to be the director for a government organization.” Peggy answered. 

“I was retired and now I'm working as a agent to a government organization. Which your going to have to keep a secret.” 

“I can do that.” James answered. 

****

Then suddenly Tony Stark showed up at the home. He has a key since Peggy has always been close with, ever since he was a child. she saw him as a son she never had. 

“So we have a bit of a crisis going on.” Tony began. “How come neither one of you answer your phone?” 

“There turned off. It's dinner time.” Peggy answered. “You could eat with us if you like, Anthony. Just grab a plate.”

“no thank you Aunt Peggy.” Tony answered. “Although I'm sure the food is great. I'm here on shield business.”

“What's wrong?” Peggy questioned.

Tony noticed the child sitting with them.

“No no no no no! What is wrong with you!?” Tony shouted. 

Then he glared at Steve then pointed to him.

“Him. Are you trying to get me fired? Or are you just unwilling to follow any instructions set for you? You were supposed to retrieve him and bring hin back to shield that was what was agreed on. That was your mission.” 

[ohlookanothercartoontofallinto]

(Time looking at Wind) 

“Did you get enough love, my little dove....I pray you didn’t cry. And I’m sorry I left, she said it was for the best, but it never felt right...My little Star Night Sky...” 

(Doodle I did at work) 

[jolieeason]

Top Ten Tuesday: Quotes from the last ten books I have read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Every Tuesday, a new topic is assigned from the schedule below. Then, you take that topic and fly free with it. You can do as little or as much as you want to (I have…

[luckyagain]

it’s okay i’ll love hs1 enough for the both of us 😭

[tswiftupdatess]

3 years ago today, Taylor Swift announced the evermore vinyl!

It was the first and last time she gave evermore some love. This remains a rare moment in history!

[rubydubydoo122]

I’m just gonna say this, the main reason people don’t like Damian Wayne as a character is the same reason people didn’t like Jason Todd back in the 80s

People don’t like either of them because their favorite Robin (Tim Drake and Dick Grayson) got replaced by them.

Damian and Jason are both really interesting and complex character, objectively more complex than both Tim and Dick, but some people (cough, obnoxious Tim fans, cough, and Dick fans who over sexualize him, cough) don’t see that and just want their little blorbos to never grow into their own character apart from Batman.

[bookspdfsworld]

Best sad romance novel I've read in 2022

The Forgotten Child

Emily Nelson, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder--to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.

As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable--a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier.

Crystal must've had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what's his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice--Emily, and the haunting question: Has he lost her forever.

Download👇

[torturedpoetdept]

Love Story bridge throughout the years (2009 - 2023)

[deadsetobsessions]

This is based off of that one tiktok from @sorruna where it’s the audio from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse.

——

Dick Grayson was a sneaky, intelligent little shit.

He was also dumb. These things are not mutually exclusive.

To this day, one of his best kept secrets- one of the many, many that he had now- was something he’d take to his grave.

Or to Jason’s grave, at least.

Dick sat down and began telling the story to ears that would never truly hear it.

——

Batman’s voice rumbled behind him as Dick, in his Robin suit, stood blankly on top of a roof.

“I know you snuck out last night, Robin.”

Dick froze, train of thought about his dinner derailed. Holy busted, Batman! Quick! Play dumb!

“Who’s Robin?” He asked, the years of performing in front of a large crowd coming to save his ass.

Not that dumb!

Batman sent him a dry look, reprimand already poised on his lips. Dick, however, was nothing but a good performer. Nay, a dedicated performer.

Quick! Do something out of character! He shouted at himself, panicking visibly. He stepped backwards, an idea appearing in his head. In his defense, it sounded like an amazing idea at the time. He had no idea it would blow up into a Justice League issue. If he had known… Dick would have lied better, probably. There was no way he was going to let B bench him for weeks!

“Who the fuck are you?!” He yelped. Dick apologized mentally to Alfred and his parents. Batman paused, stunned.

“That’s my question. Who are you?!” Bruce asked, immediately hostile. His son doesn’t curse. Well, not in any normal way anyways. Dick quickly backpedaled by yelling at him with a heavy Vlax dialect, missing his parents terribly as he screamed stranger danger in rudimentary Romany. After this, he was going to have to convince Bruce to get him a language tutor. He refused to forget one of the only ties he had left to his parents.

“Wait, wait- you’re my son.” Bruce replied back, in perfect Romany. He looked more convinced but still skeptical.

“My dad is a circus performer! Not a flying rat!” Dick screeched back. He couldn’t help but feel touched about Bruce seeing him like a son.

“Oy! Keep it down out there, you assholes! Some of us like our sleep, damn!” A random Gothamite screamed out of their window.

“Yo, shut the fuck up! The vigilantes are helping to keep the rent low, motherfucker!” Another Gothamite shouted back.

….

Needless to say, Bruce quickly brought Dick back to the cave- with precautions to make sure he didn’t figure out where the Cave was if Dick was actually someone else.

——

“You would have loved it, Little Wing. B was running around like a headless chicken. The memory loss protocol was actually made because of me, you know.” Dick chuckled, sniffling as he talked to the carved gravestone.

It did not reply.

——

The blood tests came back. Yeppers, Dick sarcastically thought, who woulda thought I’m me?

Reinforcements were called in.

Meaning, Batgirl.

“Watch him while I contact Justice League Dark.”

“You think it’s magic?” Barbara asked.

“Yes. There was no one else near our vicinity that could affect Dick like this. He has no head wounds.”

“Eesh. Okay, go. I’ll watch him.”

Bruce disappeared in his zeta tube, looking harried. So, to everyone that’s not a Bat, he looked absolutely terrifying.

“What did you get yourself into now, Boy Wonder?” Barbara sighed. Dick was careful to keep any signs of recognition out of his face.

“Stop calling me that! Where are my parents?!” He asked back. Barbara coughed and looked uncomfortably away.

That’s right, Babs. I’m pulling out the orphan card. Feel bad. Dick hid his feral grin.

“They’re… uh, busy.” Busy being dead, Barbara thought, immediately wincing at her own thoughts. Apparently, Dick thought the excuse was lame too, and he sent her an incredulous look.

“Would you like refreshments, Master Dick?”

“What?”

Alfred held out some cookies on a platter, giving Babs a quelling look as she tried to reach for his share.

“Oh, wow, these are really good!” Dick said as he shoveled cookies into his mouth. He tried to replicate the reaction he had when he tried these for the first time, and from Alfred’s satisfied look, Dick nailed it.

——

“Robin doesn’t remember who he is.” Batman rumbled as he all but dragged Zatanna and Constantine by the scuff of their jackets towards the zeta tubes.

“Hey, wait-”

“We have no time.” Batman snarled, tossing the two magic users into the zeta. He punched in the destination.

When they got there, he glared at the two magic users until they got into the cave.

“Damn, Bats. Really living up to your name, huh?”

“Not bad,” Zatanna said as she looked around.

“Robin,” Batman- Bruce- reminded them. He did a quick glance over to check on his kids, and found them satisfactorily uninjured. Though, Barbara was looking worse for wear. Bruce quickly found out why as she stalked to him.

“You deal with him.” She muttered. “I’m going home.”

Bruce blinked and nodded. “Get home safe.”

Zatanna and Constantine followed Batman as he walked towards Robin. It was odd to see the normally laughing child frown.

“It’s you! The kidnapper! Where are my parents?!”

Bruce winced which, for him, was akin to a full body flinch and recoil. No wonder Barbara was so tired.

“Fix it.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Batsy.” Constantine grumbled.

“Well help, Batman. Though… I’m not sure if he should be doing that.”

Bruce sharply turned his head back to where Dick was. Emphasis on was. Because now, he’s halfway up the giant dinosaur the Robin had insisted they keep.

“Robin, get down from there!”

“Stranger Danger!” Dick hollered back.

Batman- Bruce Wayne- sighed.

“That’s high level magic,” Zatanna hummed. “I can’t feel anything, but I know for sure that he won’t die. Magic like that either dissipates naturally or…”

“Lasts forever,” Constantine finished.

Bruce groaned, shooting off a grappling line and swooping upwards to catch Dick as he fell from the giant dinosaur.

——

“I pretended to get my memories back later,” Dick chuckled. “And pretended to forget the whole thing. Bruce was so relieved that I stopped knocking things over and trying to do cartwheels in high places that he totally forgot I snuck out.”

Dick patted the headstone.

“But between you and me? I’m pretty sure Alfred knew. I think B pissed him off that week.”

[captainrogers-thepatriot]

The Forgotten Child Part 2 (out of three)

Warning: mention of neglect and abuse

Then suddenly Tony Stark showed up at the home. He has a key since Peggy has always been close with, ever since he was a child. she saw him as a son she never had. 

“So we have a bit of a crisis going on.” Tony began. “How come neither one of you answer your phone?” 

“There turned off. It's dinner time.” Peggy answered. “You could eat with us if you like, Tony. Just grab a plate.”

“No thank you Aunt Peggy.” Tony answered. “Although I'm sure the food is great. I'm here on shield business.”

“What's wrong?” Peggy questioned.

Tony noticed the child sitting with them.

“No no no no no! What is wrong with you!?” Tony shouted looking toward Steve with shock and anger. 

Then he glared at Steve then pointed to him.

“Him. Are you trying to get me fired? Or are you just unwilling to follow any instructions set for you? You were supposed to retrieve him and bring hin back to shield that was what was agreed on. That was your mission.” 

“They told me I was retrieving a weapon, not a kid. I won't hand over a child to shield.” Steve answered. Very confident and sure of his decision. “I don't know what they are planning and if they didn't tell me I'm sure they think it's something I won't approve of.”

“We planned to protect him by sending him the Xavier school for the gifted.” Tony answered. “It's a boarding school where they take in kids who have super abilities-”

“I know if it. I sent my daughter there when it first opened. She loved it there.”

“Great! So let's send the kid there.” Tony replied.  “The teachers can protect him from Hydra, they will take care of him and he will be with others like him. Then when he's older maybe he can join shield. It's a win win win.”

“No. He needs a family, not some school to turn him into a super hero.” Steve argued. “shield is just as bad as Hydra, they want to use him for their own advantage. What about what's best for him? He needs love, a home and individualized attention. He deserves the chance to be a normal kid and feel loved.”

“Hes not a normal kid! You don't know the first thing about him.” Tony rebuttaled. “He could be brainwashed for all you know. You don't even know what he can do. He could hurt you both. Are you willing to risk that!? Peggy is almost 86 years old, she can't fight him if he attacks her!”

“No I won't!” James shouted. 

The boy hid behind Steve after he spoke. Steve picked him up and held him close in his arms.

“I won't hurt them. I don't want to hurt anyone.” James said quietly. “ I just want to be a normal kid.”

“I can protect myself and her,Tony, if need be.” Steve spoke. “I know I can help him to controlling his abilities. They were trying to recreate the super serum, so I'm sure his abilities will be similar to me.”

“Aunt Peggy talk some sense into him. You shouldn't be raising a child at your age. You should be celebrating life and living life to it's fullest.”

“Tony, enough.” Peggy said. “I think it's time to go.” 

Tony couldn't believe, what he felt, was arrogance of these people. He didn't think they could do what they claimed. He felt this was a mistake that would hurt not only them but those around them.

Tony left but he didn't agree with there choice and he made sure to let shield know what really happened. 

Shortly after Tony left Steve put James to bed. He brought him into his daughters old room. It was blue and had white furniture. There was some stuffed animals on the bed and posters of heros on the walls.

“Wow this is mine?” James asked.

“If you want it.” 

James ran to the bed and climbed on to it. He cuddled all the stuffed animals on the bed, until he found the one he liked best. It was a brown teddy bear dressed in a tuxedo. Then he got under the blankets.

“Yeah I want it!” He said excitedly. 

Steve smiled and picked a children's book from the shelf. Then he sat next to James in the bed.

Steve began to read the book and James cuddled up to him. 

*****

“So then turtle made it to the finish line before the rabbit. He won the whole race by taking his time.” Steve concluded at the end of the story.

“The rabbit was dumb, he shouldnt have slept in the middle of the race.” James decided. “He should have been more focused and did some running.” 

“Yeah I think so too.” Steve answered with a chuckle. 

“The turtle was good at trying,” James added. “ he kept going even when they thought he wouldn't win.” 

“Your a very smart kid. You figured it all out on your own. Im proud of you.” 

The boy then hugged Steve.

Steve missed moments like this. When his girls were little they were so cute and attached to him. They were happy to spend all their time with him and Peggy. Now they were so busy with their own lives, they were lucky to see them in a week. 

On a shelf in the room, James spotted a baseball cap. 

“Why is that baseball cap on a shelf? Is it there because it's wrong. It says Brooklyn dodgers instead of LA and it has writing on it.” 

Steve smiled.

“You know about baseball?” Steve asked confused. “Who taught you about it?’

“my mother. she explained the game to me. She stole a radio once from one of the agents. When no one was around and it was just the two of us, she would put it on on low.” James answered. “Sometimes she would play music, other times she would put the sports radio stations on for me. I always found the sound of the baseball games soothing.” 

“That's really nice.” Steve answered. 

“So whats with the hat? Why is it wrong?” James asked Steve.

“It's not wrong. The Dodgers used to play in Brooklyn when I was a kid. I loved the team ever since. When I had kids, I raised them loving the team. Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play on major league team. Durring his first season, in 1947, with the dodgers I got him to sign that cap. It's my most prized possession.” 

“So why is it in here?” James asked.

“My daughter, Amy, loves baseball and the Dodgers as much as me.” Steve replied. “Me, I always loved to go to games together. When she was older I gave it to her.” 

“That's nice. Wait you got that in 1947? Thats a really long time ago. Your really old.”

Steve laughed loudly.

“Yes I am, thanks for noticing.” Steve said sarcastically. 

“But how old?” 

“I think you should guess.”

“Umm…200!”

“Not that old. Less then that.” Steve chuckled.

“80?”

“More.”

“90?” James’s guessed. 

“More.”

“No way! 100?”

“105.” Steve told him. 

“Wow! I never met anyone that old!” James exclaimed. “You don't look it at all. How is that even possible to be that old?”

“Good diet and healthy habits.” 

“No way. You have super powers, you said so before. That is probably how your so old.” 

“Your very smart for a six year old.” Steve commented.

“They trained me to be at Hydra.” James explained. “They would take me out and make me watch videos on history, math, science, critical thinking and strategy. They even had videos on how to build things like bombs and weapons.” 

Steve wasn't sure how to respond to that. He knew that him and Peggy would have the challenge of undoing what Hydra did to him. Helping him through his emotional trauma and helping him forget any bad things Hydra taught him. Building bombs and weapons, wasn't a task for a child to learn.

“Hey Steve, Peggy said that you and her will be my new mom and dad. So can I start calling you Dad then?” 

“Of course you can.” Steve answered. Then he kissed the boys head. 

He was surprised by this question, but welcomed it. 

“Would Peggy be your mom then?” Steve asked.

“She said I could.” James answered nervously. Afraid to disappoint his new caregiver. “But I already had a mom and I loved her a lot. I don't want to replace her yet. I'm sorry.”

Steve hugged James. 

“No it's okay, I understand.” Steve answered.

Steve kissed the boys head and then made his way to the door.

“Hey Dad.” James called out. “Thank you for saving me today and for bringing me here. You and Peggy are the nicest people in the world. I'm really glad that your my new family.”

“I'm glad I saved you too and that your here.” Steve answered. “Your a great kid. I'm looking forward to getting to know you more.”

“Good night.” James said.

“Good night.” Steve answered.

******

A month later.

“Peggy? Where are you?” James called out looking through the house. 

There was silence.

“I'm gonna find you.” James stated into the air. “I'm the best finder.”

He passed by a closet and opened the door. There she was.

She popped out of the closet and then she began to tickle him.

He laughed loudly and hugged her neck. 

“So whats the plan for today? What do you want do?” Peggy asked him.

“I want to go to the pool! I can't wait to show you how fast I can swim.” 

“The pool it is, My Lovely Boy!” Peanswered happily.  “First let's have some breakfast. I will make you some chocolate chip pancakes.”

“Can I help you this time? I will be really careful.” He told her looking at her pleadingly. 

“Okay, but you have to be very very careful.” She warned kindly. “We don't want to waste ingredients or make a mess.” 

“Thank you!”

She then picked him up and cradled him in her arms and kissed his face over and over. He smiled and kissed her cheek.

 Peggy loved having James around. It gave her back a sense of purpose that she lost when she retired. Plus when her children growing up she was working so many hours and she felt like she missed a lot of there childhoods because of that. Now she had the opportunity to do things differently and be present in James’s life.

The two made pancakes together. They laughed and joked around with each other as always. Peggy showed James how to measure the ingredients and helped him pour it into the bowl.

“Can I ask you something?” James began.

“Always.” Peggy answered. 

“When that man came trying to take me away, he mentioned a school for people with powers.” James began. “He said that I could learn to gain control of my powers and be with others like me. How you don't want me to go there?”

“Our daughter, Amelia, went to that school when it first opened. She was born with the ability to time travel and manipulate time.”

“No way that's so awesome!” 

“Yes but when she was a little girl it caused her alot of issues. She would just randomly time travel and disappear for weeks even months. We didn't know what to do so we sent her to the school. It was a boarding school. Steve and I were determined to keep her home. We didn't want her to feel like we were abandoning her and we didn't want her to think we didn't love her. So we made a deal with Xavier. He allowed her to attend the school but she lived at home. He was fine with it because at the time he didn't have many students and he felt it an honor to train Captain America's child. I don't think the new headmaster would allow the same deal. Anyways Amy loved it there! She made so many life long friends and she learned to control her powers so precisely, plus she discovered abilities she didn't even know she had. When she came home she would show off.”

“So what's the problem? Sounds like a great place to be.”

“Well the main thing was that the school was constantly being attacked. The teachers were a super hero team and so the school became their headquarters. I was so afraid of her getting hurt there. Not only that but half the kids felt abandoned and disconnected to their families and the world outside the school walls. Many lashed out and became involved with villians. To be fair some of the student became heros, many did in fact. I just don't want to take that risk with you. I don't want you to expose any of that for you. I want you to feel loved and accepted and I want you to show you the good of the world, since you have seen so much of the bad already.”

James nodded. 

“I think I understand.” James said. “You don't want me to be bad. You think if Im around bad people then I may become bad too.” 

“With any child, the type of friends you keep effect who you are and who you become. Being a good person equals better opportunities and a better life.”

She was afraid that already having the bad influence of Hydra he would be more easily persuaded by those who are bad. She wanted to teach him how to be a good person and how to have a normal life. She wanted a good life for him.

“I never wanted to do bad things. Hydra wanted me to be bad and they forced me to do things I hated. They had me do bad things….really bad things. I want to be good though, my mother wanted me to be good. She always told me to listen to my heart and do what's right. She wanted me to disobey the agents, but I was always too scared.” 

“We all get scared at times, James.” Peggy told him. “you made mistakes and you can't change that. You can choose what you do in your future. You choose to be what Hydra wanted or to be what your mother wanted.” 

“I want to be good. Will you teach me?”

“Of course, My Lovely Boy. That's what Steve and I are here for.” 

James hugged Peggy. 

“I love you.” James said with tears in his eyes.

“I love you too.” Peggy answered, hugging him back.

James went to get into his bath suit and towel for the pool. As he was searching for his things he began to hear voices  coming from the living room. One was Peggy and another was a deep voice she didn't recognize. He slowly walked out of his room and through the hall way. He saw a man talking to Peggy in the living room. The man looked scary to him. He was dressed all in black and wore an eye patch. James hid in his room, but opened the door slightly and peaked out.

“Peggy, you and Steve can't keep this child.” Nick fury spoke. “I know you want to help him. We do too and thats why we think he will be better off in the hands of professionals.” 

“You have no right to be here.” Peggy spoke up. “Get out now.”

“We didn't interfere for a month. We let you have your fun playing mom.  It's very clear, you two aren't able to manage him. “

“We are doing perfectly fine on our own. We don't need shield interference.” Peggy told him confidently. 

“We understand there have been some incidents.”

“Of course there have been incidents. We are still learning about him and his abilities. He has powers that he just learning about now, that he never experienced before. Steve and I are thinking on our feet and coming up ways to help him. That's what parents do they see a problem and test out solutions. That's what we are doing.” 

“He's out of control.” 

“He's not. He's learning to control his abilities.”

“He was kicked out of a day camp because he scared the other children.” 

“It was an accident. He banged his fist on a table and it went through. The other kid was teasing him and he told to stop and so James banged his fist on the table. Then he got upset when he saw what he did, so he ran out of the class and he ripped the door off.” 

“You don't see how that's bad?” 

“He didn't hurt anyone and he didn't do it out of anger. He was upset and frustrated cause someone was teasing him.”

“Incident number two, at the local park, he was playing with some kids. The children were racing, the child was clearly faster than the other kids. While trying to catch up to him one kid fell and injured her leg.” 

“That could happen with kids without powers.” Peggy scuffed. “I told him no more racing after that. Plus Steve is teaching him to control his emotions, his strength and his speed. Steve has the same abilities as him, so he knows what to do to control these powers. It's just a matter of James putting into action what he learned.” 

“This boy is dangerous! He needs more than Steve to keep him in check. He's a child that has the abilities of Captain America,  if someone gets him upset he could kill someone!”

“He won't kill anyone, he's a kind boy and loving boy.” 

“He was raised by Hydra for 6 years.” Nick fury rebutted. “they weren't just injecting him those six years they training him to be a weapon. They taught him how to fight, how to think.” 

Nick fury handed her a Hydra file with James’s picture.

“I don't care what's in here.” Peggy spoke, throwing it into the trash. “Hydra makes people do crazy things. They have ways of bringing out the worst in people. That doesn't make them bad people. Steve and I can undo any damage Hydra has done to that boy. We been undoing Hydra's messes for years. He's a child and he deserves a chance to be normal, that's what he wants. Steve and I want to give him that.” 

“If you won't give him willingly then we will just take him.” Fury spoke. “We have been patient with you, but we have to do what's best for the greater good.”

[beinganegg]

Very belated Isabeau birthday comic

[positivelyadhd]

i have been reading through the diary I kept from ages 14-17 and realising how helpful it can be to keep a record of how you're feeling at different moments.

not only is it helpful to write down and process how your feeling and give yourself time to truly think about it, it's nice to have something to look back on. to not just remember how you felt about a certain situation but to actually have yourself from that time tell you.

and also, from an adhd perspective, it's really lovely to have reminders of things I'd almost entirely forgotten. it's easy to think that your life right now isn't interesting, but in 5 years time? to know what songs you were listening to or book you were reading or even that Thing that you were so worried about but now you can't even remember the details. it's nice to have a physical reminder that time passes and things really can get better.

[jolieeason]

WWW Wednesday: April 10th, 2024

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme Sam hosts at Taking on a World of Words. The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? Here is what I am currently reading, recently finished, and plan to read from Thursday to Wednesday. Let me know if you have read or are planning on reading any of these books!! Happy…

[saturnaftertaste]

how many rivers were daled during the show's run?

this has an actual answer . i’m not even kidding kat you might think i’m kidding but i’m being so real with you there was actually a river daled on this show. here

vanessa morgan had a kid during the run of the show and then named him River and then they borrowed him for the happily-ever-after montage that happens 20 mins before the end of the last episode . and then they named him Dale so to answer your question that was a grand total of one river daled . the other river that was daled predated the show (sweetwater river, when they turned it into a town and started using the english synonym dale for the valley it ran through)

[tswiftupdatess]

Taylor Swift acknowledges Debut's existence tonight!

[mikakuna]

the dumbification of jason todd despite all we've seen he's capable of is caused by adult men who dick ride batman so hard i'm sure they get wet at the sound of his name