Streets of Philadelphia (RP for tommyisabrat)

[starspangledcap]

Steve stepped down Market Street toward the Liberty Bell, feeling a little uneasy. The last time he’d been in Philadelphia, he was helping the survivors of a bombing that Bucky had been responsible for. It wasn’t the most pleasant memory to associate with the place, no matter how well the city seemed to have recovered from it

Comments

[tommyisabrat]

Tommy was confused.

He had a lot going for him. Cool place to stay (even if he did feel out of place). Cool new friend (even if he was too scared to admit he was excited to have a friend). He had powers (he didn't really know how to use), he was brilliant in school (what? he was!). He had Tony (sorta) (sometimes) (when Tony remembered). And now he had an awesome new side project all Cerenoing for his friend pretending to be Bats (which, awesome side project to the awesome side project, he was totally going to roll into meeting Supergirl).

But.

He also had Jean, his should-be-mom, talking dirty with Bats about Wolvie which was just freaky weird no matter how you slice it. And Wanda, his actually-is-mom, flinging herself at Bats one minute and starting rumbles over Bat Signals versus America Signals the next. Which is seriously? Just Fucked Up.

So, he was looking forward to seeing who he considered his only sane should-be-parent (even if he was supposed to be dead).

He appeared beside Steve with a rush of air. "Boo!"

[starspangledcap]

"I have a feeling you aren't telling me the whole truth," Steve said. He had his stern face on, the face that said both "I'm Captain America" and, in the other world, "I am your father" - both of which meant, unequivocally, "and you will listen to me." It wasn't a power Steve liked to use, or was even conscious of, most of the time, but it was certainly there.

[tommyisabrat]

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Tommy said, lying through his teeth. He's not at all immune to Steve's voice of authority and fidgets in his seat, causing a blur where he's seated.

"It's really no big thing. I don't even talk to Bats much. Just, uh, y'know, like IMing."

This sounds ridiculous even to Tommy, but it is what it is. I mean, what's he supposed to say?

My friend's crushing on this girl who's totally head over heels for Bats and he wanted to make a big show of it 'cause she's got a psycho after her and I thought it'd be fun and you know well as I it's totally something my crack mother would do or Tony so chill.

Yeah. That'd go over great.

[starspangledcap]

"Right." Steve sat back in his chair and took a sip of his Coke, then shook his head.

"You're a stubborn kid, Tommy. I know that as well as anyone. And I know I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, whatever it is you're doing. But I want you to promise me something. Two things, actually. First, be careful. Don't put all your faith in this Batman, and always know what it is you're getting yourself into. And second, the minute you get into trouble - any trouble at all - I want you to contact me."

He couldn't stop him, but he could at least try to protect him.

[tommyisabrat]

Tommy smiled widely. He really cares.

"Hey. I'd never put faith in Batman over Captain America. That's just dumb."

Which meant, if you can read between the lines:

Thank you. I promise. And I love you.

"Want some licorice?"

The cutest Amish girl EVER was working at the candy stand.

[starspangledcap]

Steve smiled back, finding himself almost wishing that Wanda's otherworld manipulations were real. He wouldn't mind having Tommy as a son.

"I would love some licorice." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a five dollar bill. "Here, why don't you go get us some?" He could see that Tommy was getting restless, and it would do him good to let him stretch his legs a bit.