A Lofty Choice

Chapter 15

Tony went away because he had to do something work.   He was going away again.  Natasha still hadn't come back.

Percy looked over to Steve who was looking frustrated. Not that he blamed him.  Why did they assume that Steve had nothing to do?

"I want to go see my mom."

"Natasha varies on the time that she comes..."

"No my other mom."

Steve was quiet.  He nodded, but thoughts were whirling in his head.   He heard about Sally, but he didn't know what to think of her.  

Natasha was angry and she had every right to be, but he wanted to see for himself what kind of woman she was.   And if Sally was tricking Percy.... If she was playing a game trying to dig her claws in him.... Then he would deal with it.

Natasha was finally happy even through her frustration.  The way she talked about Percy.   The way she worried over him.  

Sure Natasha had the avengers to go back too, but it was always  a temporary team.  Clint had his family to go back too.  Tony had Pepper.   Steve was still trying to find someone.  And Natasha was always trying to find happiness for the team.

That's why she kept on trying to set him up with girls.  But no one was looking for her happiness.   She was a supporting role.   Made to be used until  she was of no more use.   The team didn't view her like that, but he didn't think for a minute that in light of her past the tables could easily turn on her.

That's why Steve was so happy that they found Percy.   Seeing them smile over pizza.  Watching Natasha tease him over his girlfriend.  She had been smiling a lot more lately.   Letting go of the expressionless face.   A feat he never thought possible.   She was letting go of the mask.  

Then Percy mentioned Sally.  Sally had the potential to ruin that.   To put a mask of indifference on her face.  To put her back in her cage.

They arrived at the door.  Percy knocked on the door.   Steve was ready to see Sally's face, but a man answered the door.

"Who are you?"

"Paul Blofis, I am Percy's stepfather."

"Hey," Percy said.

"Percy!" Paul looked happy to see him.

"Is mom home?"

"No, I am afraid she is at work."

Percy gave a disappointed look. "I thought she would be back by now."

Paul gave Percy a contemplative look. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ended up shaking his head.

"What," Percy said.

"Your mother has been taking a lot more shifts lately, since you have been gone."

Percy's face broke.

Steve who was watching this scene hands reached out onto Percy's shoulder. As if to console him. "Don't blame yourself," Steve said.

Paul only nodded. "I agree with the Captain. I told her it was like the other times when you had to go away cause of your dad."

Steve was calm and he asked his question casually. "Why doesn't his dad show up? We have had Percy in our custody for a few days, but I thought by now he would make contact."

Paul looked confused. "Is it okay to talk about your dad?"

Percy shook his head. "No, they are too close to the government. Dad sent me a message telling me not to."