One Too Many Covers

Chapter Five

He had a son.

Steve Rogers had a son.

His son was dying.

Steve had settled into the back of the jet as Sam piloted because the other man hadn't trusted the ex-soldier to fly by himself. He pulled his hands away with a shuddering breath and gazed down at his hands as they trembled badly. His lips wobbled and he shook his head, biting down hard on his bottom lip.

The bite cracked open the already damaged lip, causing Steve to wince a little from his bad habit. "Damn it."

He stood up and crossed his arms tightly, pacing the length of the jet. "What if we're too late, Sam?" He finally spoke up, glancing towards his friend.

Sam didn't respond at first and when he did, he tried to keep his voice even enough for Steve's mental sake.

"He's your kid, Steve.. and Nat's. He's got two of the strongest parents so he's got more of a fighting chance than any other baby.." He replied slowly, not wanting to give the man false hope but also wanting to support him in some way. "Besides, Stark's there and despite your disagreements, he's not going to let your son die."

Steve clenched his hands a little and blinked back tears as he cleared his throat.

"Okay."

He rubbed his nose slowly and cleared his throat again, trying to keep the emotions down. He moved to stand next to Sam as they landed in the grassy field next to the hospital, their jet still cloaked. He got out first and started towards the building swiftly.

His even steps soon quickened and as his feet hit the gravel of the parking lot, he was sprinting. Tears slid down his cheeks and spilled into his beard as he ran up stairs, pushing back personnel. A few security were following him until he burst into the room he'd been told Natasha was in.

"I'm here."

The startled eyes of Tony and Clint found Steve's face as sobs filled the room. Clint immediately caught Steve's arm and pushed him out of the room, shaking.

Natasha's cries made Steve's blood run cold and he weakly struggled against Clint. "What happened? W-What happened?" He grunted, panic rising in him. No, No, No. This can't be happening.

After Clint's words hit his ears, he didn't register collapsing to his knees.

"We lost him."

Clint dropped next to him, pulling the captain into his arms as Sam skidded around the corner before halting. He soon felt Clint's hand clamp over his mouth as he told him to hush, not even realizing he was screaming.

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Natasha's forehead was pressed to the side of divider between her and her son.

"No.. Tony.. We can't have.. we were so close." She croaked and squeezed Grant's small hand, her lips trembling as countless sobs left her. "Wake up, baby.. wake up... wake up for mommy.. hey.."

Tony slumped into his chair, face in his hands. He shook his head and gritted his teeth. It wasn't too late. It couldn't be. No, something /had/ to be done. This.. He wasn't going to lose his best friends' child. Not on his watch.