My Dad, the Boy (*Man) Who Lives

July 4th 2011

July 4th was known to be the day when all US citizens celebrated their independence day. In the day there would be the parade, which always was spectacular every year and madly crowded with people locally, American and non-American tourists. At night, the whole sky would be lit up with colorful sparkles and magnificent light creations called fireworks. It was also the day when one of America’s greatest hero was born.

Steven Grant Rogers was not your typical American hero. He was born and lived in the depression era. In his youth, he was weak and sickly, but that didn’t stop him from standing up towards bullies or bigger guys than him for justice.

If not for one great scientist, Steve Rogers would continue faking his enlistments until he got caught and tossed into jail. He wouldn’t be transformed from the gangly man he was into America’s first super soldier. The man wouldn’t become the hero that his country was so desperately needed at World War II.

Fortunate for America, he met Dr. Erskine or that the scientist found the good man because in the end, the man saved millions of American citizens from being bombed. Captain Steve Rogers, the man who was dubbed Captain America sacrificed himself and his future for the safety of his fellow Americans.

He was the greatest hero America has ever had. Everybody knew him from his old movies, comic books and cartoons. Boys have his posters on their rooms. Men enlisted because they wanted to serve their country like Captain America. Everybody wanted to be him. They all wanted to be remembered in history like the late captain.

Well, since about a month ago, the man whom was declared KIA almost 70 years ago, was found by none other than his old billionaire friend.

Howard Stark lost his friend decades ago and he has been obsessing about finding the captain since he could ever remember. Even after he got married, his mind still wandered towards searching for the lost hero.

He always felt guilty whenever he saw Peggy, at least for the first five years. She and the good captain were supposed to build a life together after the war. At least the start of their journey towards a relationship was going to start right after the war finished.

The former CEO of SI tried so hard and long to find the plane that sunk with his friend. He wanted to at least bring the body of one of his best friend’s past-almost-lover home. The guilt was eating him.

But when Tony and Harry came into their life, Howard stopped going on the expedition himself. He was building his family and it would be a grave mistaken to be the absent father when he has been given a second chance to be one.

Down the road, the expeditions stopped all together. It was a waste of time and Pegs nagged him for wasting his money on a hopeless search. She has let herself moved forward with her life and got a daughter and a son from a wonderful marriage and later focusing her entire life on SHIELD. It was a tragedy when his family died in a car accident.

Peggy was inconsolable, but she pulled through and started dedicating her life fully towards SHIELD. But that all happened almost a decade before Tony came into their life. It wasn’t a public record that Peggy was married once with children, so not many knew that Peggy had lost them.

So, as much as the Brit loved her captain, she has already grieved for him once and later her family. She didn’t want to get her hopes up. Peggy only wanted to think about the present and the future.

Thus, he stopped the search.

Then he moved on with his life too, burying the memory of one skinny turned strong Steve Rogers in the back of his mind. He embraced his sons, both of them. Saw and proud at their achievements. Retired from SI to help his wife with her philanthropist thing and focusing his time together with her as a married couple. Seeing his oldest and youngest with their own partners and babysitting his grandchildren.

Not in a million years, he would have thought he would be lucky enough and blessed with the love from his family. It was a wonderful life.

But one thing kept nagging inside his mind. One thing or specifically, a person. James Buchanan ‘Bucky’ F*cking Barnes.

The man survived brainwashed and HYDRA’s super soldier serum by being kept inside a scientific freezer, called cryogenic chamber. If he could survive being kept in and out of the freezing capsule thingy for years ‘till his next killing assignments, it meant that his prediction about Steve possibly being alive was correct.

He of course still felt guilty towards Barnes for not searching for the soldier when he felt out of the train. But he would not touch that within a ten foot pole. Howard’s too scare that James would kick him in the shin for thinking that way and he’s way too old to get his ass handed by a man his own age, in paper only.

With Marie’s encouragement, he started the expedition once more and this time he brought his wife with him. She was after all and would always be his lucky charm. And believe it or not, he found the wayward Rogers in their second trip at the end of May.

Howard was beyond happy that he could finally bring the good captain home, even if he’s in the body bag. It was quite different from James’ situation after all. Wherein James was in a cryogenic chamber all those years ago, Steve was frozen in a block of ice.

It was scientifically impossible for him to be alive. That was until JARVIS, whom Tony installed on the ship out of some protective streak and paranoia (you are old and I’m doing this out of love, father) scanned the captain and detected a minute of heat signature on the presumable corpse.

Marie swore that he just jumped a couple of feet in the air when the AI delivered the news. Unfortunately there was not enough tools or machine to start the melting process. It took them a week before they could come back to a SHIELD base in the Arctic.

As the biggest funding provider for SHIELD and it’s former director, the billionaire had access to all of their bases. But since he was quoted ‘former’ head of SHIELD and not the current one, the agent in charge of the base still needed to report their founding to Fury.

The old inventor always procured a massive headache after dealing with his and Pegs’ successor. The bald pirate was too serious about the matters of National security and all hush-hush about the happenings in the spy world, which according to Peggy meant that he was the right (badass) choice for SHIELD.

The old genius knew that the man never really took him seriously since he rarely has a finger in the pie when it came to running the organization. For all he knew, Howard was only a SHIELD director in name only.

Howard rolled his eyes at that thought. It was good to be underestimated sometimes but nevertheless frustrating as hell. But he did managed to put Nicholas Fury to shame when he arrived at the base not a day later. He as in his wife’s word, managed to get the man’s ass handed back to him.

The inventor was after all a shark in the business world. Tony might be more intelligent than him in terms of inventing, but he was cutthroat in business dealing. He was not ashamed to say that he was Tony and Pepper in one person.

Howard sure showed him that he was not merely co-director with the former agent Carter for nothing. He earned that title, damn it.

The older man couldn’t hide his toothy shark smirk when he later informed the man in black that he would hear from Peggy about this. Although he managed to show no reaction, his complexion turned as white as an African American’s skin tone could be.

Two scores for the filthy rich old man and zero for the one-eyed batman.

Having Marie on this trip kept his bed warm and it was not lost to him that she was very excited after the badass display he showed when Fury demanded Steve to be released to SHIELD.

After the bald man left the place with a huff, lets just say, Maria rewarded him with the best night of his life among thousands of nights he spent on this trips of finding Captain America every year in the past.

After being unfrozen, Steve woke up disoriented at first and confused. With his wife’s help, Howard tried his best to explain to him that he has been frozen in the Arctic for almost 70 years.

As disturbed as he was, Steve’s disorientation about being in the future took a step back when he heard about James being alive. To him, it wasn’t long since James fell off the train and finding out that his best friend was still alive put a smile on his face. On the other hand, he was sad to find out that the other Howling commandos have passed away.

They came back to New York just in time to celebrate Steve’s birthday. Before they landed, Howard had called James and Peggy about them coming back. They’re going to decorate Howard’s penthouse for Steve’s impromptu birthday party. After all, not many man could celebrate their 93rd birthday and still looked devilishly handsome as a 27 years old.

***

It was not quite lunch time when they arrived at the hangar with Stark jet. Before they could stand up, Maria stopped them. She insisted on buying Steve a suit or in Howard’s book, the whole wardrobe.

“I think Bucky and Peggy wouldn’t mind, ma’am, “ Steve fidgeted on his seat, slightly uncomfortable.

“Nonsense, “ his wife smiled charmingly. “Every birthday boy needs to look dashing for their birthday, especially a handsome young man such as yourself.”

His friend looked overwhelmed and squirmed under Maria’s appreciative gaze. Howard chuckled and put an arm around his wife’s shoulder. “Honey, you’re scaring him with your penetrated gaze. You do remember he’s 5 years younger than Tony, don’t you?”

He tried to sound stern but he knew she knew that he was teasing her. Marie slipped her hand under his chin and nuzzled his nose sweetly. “Is my handsome husband jealous?”

“Noooo, “ he drawled. “I’m like a fine wine. I get better with age, darling.”

“Yes, you do, “ she looked at him with eyes full of fondness and cupped his face to put a kiss on his lips. “ Yes, you do.”

He wasn’t one to put such a blatant display of affection such as his wonderful relationship with his wife to strangers, but probably since Steve was technically his old friend, he felt more relaxed.

“I think Maria is right, Steve. You would look very handsome in a suit.” Howard could see Steve’s cheek started heating up after his blatant display of love for his wife. “It would be much better for you to wear your military uniform, but with this being the Independence day and your birthday all together, the traffic to the Stark’s mansion would be a nightmare, even the air one.”

“Oh my, you’re right, Howie, “ his life partner gasped before switching her sight back towards their young friend. “My husband collected almost all of your stuffs, including your military uniforms. You would look very irresistible with in that. But, oh well. So Steve, what do you say? About the suit? I think you should dress up. After all, you’re going to meet Peggy. You need to look your best for her.”

Rogers looked rather flustered at the mention of meeting Peggy. “I don’t want you to go to all that trouble, ma’am, with the traffic and all.”

“No worries dear, “ she winked. “Airport these days are very supporting of our daily life. They have boutiques and A-catalogue line of brand designer suits.”

“Oh no, ma’am, “ he said with his boy-next-door look. “It’s going to be expensive. I don’t want you to waste your money for an old relic.”

Maria giggled, “ Aw, you’re so sweet dear. You’re more than just an old relic, young man. You’re America’s greatest hero and my husband and James’ friend. And we’re doing quite well. Several pieces of suits wouldn’t put a dent in our bank account. So, what’s your size? Oh, J, could you scan this young man for measurement?”

“Certainly, Mrs. Stark, “ JARVIS voice came out from the speaker on the jet. “If you could please step onto the aisle and stand up straight with your arms lifted up, captain. This would take only a few seconds.”

It’s only been several times since Steve first heard J’s voice and he still got a spook look every time the AI address him.

“Mm, o.. Okay, “ Steve looked up to the ceiling nervously and stood up to walk to aisle and did what J instructed him to do.

A couple of long blue light appeared from the back and the front of the aircraft cabin to scan him from head to toe. Steve looked to be widely uncomfortable, itching to sit down immediately.

“Scan complete, “ J informed them. “The measurements have been sent to your phone, Mrs. Stark.”

“Thanks J, “ his wife chirped in.

Rogers immediately sat down with a look that said ‘Thank God, it’s over’.

Shortly after that, Maria went out of the jet with a Stark jet’s stewardess in search for suits that would fit Steve. That left him and Steve in the plane together to occupy themselves and tried to get reacquainted.

They didn’t have time to talk about his life or Peggy and James’ in the arctic or on the fly back to New York. There were too many more important matters to talk about, like the end of WWII, SHIELD and HYDRA inside SHIELD or his attempted assassination. And with Maria around, Howard couldn’t exactly tell him about something as personal and touchy as a subject as the matter of James return to them or Peggy’s feeling about his return. Maria didn’t know about the details of James’ time spent with HYDRA and he wouldn’t let his wife knew of the horror.

“I want to congratulate you on your marriage, “ Steve opened the conversation and smirked. “Who would have thought that one day the Great Howard Stark would finally found a decent gal to settle down. I know I haven’t said it, but your lady is a fine dame.”

“You’re such a sweet talker, Rogers, “ Howard cocked an eyebrow at him. “I guess Barnes did teach you a thing or two. Guess that’s how you get Pegs, huh.”

“Well, the jerk didn’t help me a bunch with Peggy, “ he smiled, remembering the old times. “But seriously, I’m glad you’re doing well. I mean for people in your age.”

“Hey, “ he scolded the soldier lightly with a smile. “Technically you’re only a year younger than me.”

“Physically, I look better than you, “ Steve rolled his eyes in good-natured. “But seriously Howard, you look very healthy for someone your age. Your wife too. Did you eat healthy now?”

“It’s not exactly like that, “ he tapped his finger on the table. “I managed to recreate Erskine serum. It wasn’t the same, but it was quite similar.”

“Did you…?”

“Yeah, “ he admitted resignedly. “After HYDRA attempted to kill me, I decided to use the serum myself, but I did tweak it a little. Not as strong as it was supposed to be, but I can still bench pressed a few ad I guess I’m going to live longer.”

“Who else has it?”

“My wife, and Pegs, “ he shrugged. “The rest of the formula is safe where it belong. Nobody can take it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

He could hear Steve breathing more calmly. “So, Peggy is alright?”

“Yeah, “ Howard smiled. “She’s been traveling the world you know.”

“It suits her, “ Steve said, a soft smile appeared on his face. “After all she’s done, fighting the good fight, she deserves it. How about her family?” he asked reluctantly, “ Is she married?”

The billionaire looked uncomfortable for a minute, but Peggy did give him permission to tell him. Steve wasn’t happy when he heard about the tragedy that was his first love’s life.

“But is she… Alright now? Is she happy?”

“She’s as happy as Pegs can be, “ he smoothed his suit, to put his idle hands to use. “You know how strong she is. She’s like a tank.”

“Yes, “ the man looked more determined to meet his almost girlfriend. “How about your life Howard? Are there little and tiny Starks I should know about?”

“Yeah, life has been good for these past decades, “ Howard grabbed the water bottle in front of him. Maria insisted him to minimize his intake on alcoholic beverages. “At least since Tony and Harry came into our life. They are our angels.”

“Are they…your sons?”

Well it’s better to come upfront as early as possible. Steve would find out eventually anyway.

“Only our immediate family and close friends knew about it, but, “ Howard sighed. “We lost our son when Maria gave birth.”

The good captain has a painful look on his face. “I’m so sorry Howard.”

“Yeah, it was a very not good day for us, “ his heart still lurched when he talked about Arno’s passing. “But the day turned into a media circus when Harry and Tony barged into our life, “ he chuckled softly, “ Wait, I guess it was Maria who barged into their life.”

His friend looked perplexed before Howard began his story about how he gained two sons that day after he lost one. He told him everything, from Tony’s entering MIT and Harry’s marriage to a SHIELD agent to his grandchildren, minus the magic of course.

After he finished his story, the soldier smiled, “ I’m glad you have a good life Howard. Your sons seem very interesting and your grandchildren, I can’t wait to meet them.”

“Soon, my friend, “ Howard leaned in and patted him on the shoulder. “For right now, we’re only going to meet Peggy and Ja… Buck. It’s too soon for you to be crowded with the mob that is our family.”

Everybody they’re closed to know about Steve’s revival. But for now, they’ve their own life to run. Tony and the twins were visiting the Banners in India right now, while Pepper ran the company in his place. Harry and Lily were currently visiting the British wizarding world while his wife was still currently stuck in an ongoing SHIELD project.

Natasha and Teddy were on their honeymoon after the debacle of their eloping, but could it still be called eloping when they had time to call Tony and her best friend Clint to be their witnesses? Hmmmph. With their schedule, maybe it was for the best. They were two sickening love birds.

Andy was quite pissed they didn’t do a normal formal wedding and invited her but she could never stay mad at Natasha for too long. James wasn’t angry. He was pissd that Teddy took is daughter's hand without talking to him first for her hand in marriage. He was old-fashioned like that, but he did get to threathe Teddy with painful tortures on their honeymoon (he bragged about it, the devil). It was his Daddy’s style of a shovel talk. Howard was blessed with two sons so he dodged that bullet.

“How about Bucky? You said it was complicated, but you managed to save him.”

“Yes. About Bucky, “ he uncapped the bottle before taking a gulp. “He prefer to be called James, now.”

“He does?” Steve’s eyebrows almost raised towards his hairline. “He used to hate being called that.”

“Yes, but with everything he’s been through, “ Howard muttered quietly. “It’s a miracle he didn’t go batshit crazy.”

“What did you mean?” Steve suddenly straightened up on his seat, looking alerted and concerned.

Sighing deeply, the genius prepared his opening statement. “Just remember that James have a good life now with a good job and family and that HYDRA has been annihilated completely, okay?”

“What did HYDRA had to do with James?” Steve’s expression has turned thunderous. It was like watching the calm before storm.

Oh boy, here goes nothing.

“Do you remember about HYDRA’s assassination attempt of me?”

***