I'm so glad to see that people are still interested in my stories :) So here have another one, since I'm with bad internet tomorrow again.

Thanks waytopretty once more for being my awesome betaaaa and my motivation trainer

Of Kittens and reckless Boys

Steve was sitting on his couch, relaxing after an already relaxing day. Sometimes, a bit of time off was really neat, he thought. The wind was pelting fast falling raindrops against his window and it was already semi-dark, so he switched the lamp on for better lighting to sketch.

Careful strokes of his pencil defined the sharp eyes of Peggy, completing her beautiful face. He was so focused on the sketch that Steve flinched when a knock sounded on his door. Frowning, he looked at the clock - almost six o'clock - and he wasn't expecting anyone.

Sighing as the knocking continued, he put down his sketching book and got up. So much for a quiet evening, he thought.

Without bothering to look through the peephole, Steve opened the door, finding someone completely unexpected.

"Tony!" He took in the pitiful sight of his five year old godson, drenched by the rain and shivering slightly in his thin rain coat. The hood was up over his head, but judging by the wet strands Steve could see, it hadn't been up the entire time.

Tony was looking at him with big, red rimmed eyes, before launching himself against Steve with a tight grip around his waist, "Uncle Steve," He sobbed, burying his face in the soldier's abs.

Worried and slightly panicked, Steve loosened Tony's death grip to crouch down. "Tony," he cradled the small round face, looking him over, to check if something was amiss. "Tony, what's wrong? What are you doing here? How did you get here?" He threw a quick glance out the door, no one was there. However, from the corner of his eye he spotted a man running up. Lean, tall, black. Looking friendly enough but Steve quickly pushed Tony behind him. Who was chasing his godson?

"Tony?" the stranger called and came to a sudden halt when seeing Steve's threatening posture, "Whoa." He lifted his hands to show he meant no harm. "You must be Uncle Steve, then."

On a closer look, the man didn't look so lean anymore, which only made Steve more cautious. He could feel Tony trying to squeeze himself through the gap between the door frame and the soldier's leg, but Steve easily pushed him back inside, ignoring the protest of "Uncle Steve, wait," his eyes never leaving the newcomer.

The man pursed his lips. "Okay, I know this looks bad, running behind a kid, but I swear I was only looking out for him. It's dark outside, he shouldn't be running around alone."

To Steve he seemed sincere, and looking down to his godson, who was pushing and pulling futilely at his hip, he guessed it must be true.

"Tony?"

"He really didn't do anything, Uncle Steve. Really. He was just a worrywart." Tony wasn't crying anymore, just the red eyes were the tell tale of the previous outburst.

"Fine." He relaxed, telling his fight ready body that it was a false alarm. Which only made the worry came back full force. "I'm sorry." He turned back to the stranger, "I just assumed that…" he stopped, making a 'you know' gesture. He actually managed to look a bit sheepish.

The man just laughed, relaxing a bit himself. "Understandable." He nodded, "But no, I just saw him running alone, and deemed it dangerous."

"No kidding." He threw a 'not amused' glance to the five year old terror, who immediately stopped trying to get to the front and looked down guiltily.

"If it helps, he didn't really trust me either." The man chuckled, "Said his name was Tony, and I was allowed to help him get to Uncle Steve, but he refused to come near my car and I was to stay at least fourteen and three quarter's steps away from him. And he always noticed when I accidentally came closer than that." He grinned, impressed at the blushing kid. "In front of your house he just suddenly bolted, and I came after him to make sure he got here fine."

Steve sighed and run a hand over his face, then nodded. "Thank you very much then, for your help. Can I get you anything for your trouble?" Steve was unsure what to do in this kind of situation. Was he supposed to give him money, maybe? "Do you want to come inside?"

"No, no. I have to be on my way. My own kids are waiting at home." He smiled fondly. "Don't worry about it, was my pleasure. Good night." He waved and started towards the stairs.

"Bye." Tony called out after a nudge from Steve. "And thank you!" Took another nudge.

xxx

Friendly man gone, Steve ushered his godson inside, closing the door, and finally, fixed Tony with a stare that screamed, 'explain!'

Tony fidgeted, "I had a reason!"

"What, pray tell, would justify you, running out in the middle of the night, during the rain, coming all the way here? Alone!" Steve wasn't shouting, but it was a close thing.

Tony stood his ground against the disapproving super soldier. He looked close to tears again, but was determined to convince his godfather of his reasoning.

"He threw Marshmallow out!"

"He- what…" the soldier did an actual double take, frowning. "Howard threw a marshmallow?"

"No," the little boy sniffed, "Not a marshmallow, my Marshmallow!" The kid reached into his jacket pocket, as slowly and carefully as Steve had ever seen. He admitted he was curious, so he crouched down in front of Tony.

It took the boy a little fumbling and he had to reach inside with his second hand as well, but after a moment, Steve came face to face with… Whiskers. Tony held a tiny, fluffy, white kitten out, both hands wrapped around the slim belly.

"Marshmallow."

The little thing was hanging almost limply in Tony hold, the paws swinging and it blinked tiredly, accompanied by a huge yawn. It must have been asleep in Tony's big pocket.

Steve stared a moment at the kitten, moving one front paw lazily, then at his godson, who was staring right back with big, brown, pleading eyes.

"Tony," he finally sighed, "you wouldn't have hidden a kitten in the house, against your fathers wishes, would you?"

"No!" the boy quickly pulled the kitten to his chest, still clad in the wet, yellow raincoat. "He didn't explicitly tell me I couldn't keep a kitten," he mumbled, rubbing his cheek in Marshmallow's fur.

"Did you ask?" Steve was pretty sure the question was unnecessary, and was confirmed when Tony shuffled on his feet slightly, but didn't answer.

"Did you ask Jarvis?" Again no answer. Tony held the kitten with one arm, and let her lick the rain from his fingertips.

Finally he looked up, "I hid her in my room," he confessed quietly. "But Uncle Steve, she was-"

The telephone startled all three of them, the kitten recovered first though, rubbing his head against the fingers she'd just licked.

"Why do I think I know who that is?" It wasn't really a question. Tony again did not respond.

"Hello?"

Tony sighed and watched as Uncle Steve walked away to answer the phone. Both of them knew that it would be Jarvis, after all he was the only one at home and maybe Tony hadn't told anyone when he had left. His parents had still been at home then, but Tony was sure they had left without noticing that their son was gone. But Jarvis was a different matter.

"Yeah, he just arrived here. No, of course I didn't approve - I swear I had no idea..."

Tony let the conversation fade to the background, he was well aware that both adults weren't happy with him right now. He slid down the wall to sit cross legged on the floor, cradling his kitten to him.

"Don't worry, Mallow." He scratched her behind her ear with his cold hand, making her purr contently. "Uncle Steve won't throw you out. He will take care of this. He's really good at taking care."

The kitten meowed as if agreeing and Tony smiled as she put her forelegs on his chest to bud her head against his chin.

Giggling, he rewarded her with petting. She was almost dry, since he'd tried to protect his pocket as best as he could, but since his hands were still wet, some strands of fur begun to stick together from the water, not that she seemed to care.

"You seem to have a lot of faith for a boy in so much trouble."

The giggling stopped immediately and Tony looked up at his godfather with big, guilty eyes.

Steve had finished his talk with the worried butler and they had decided that they would talk more tomorrow, when he was bringing Tony home before he left for his next assignment.

Arms crossed and eyebrow arched up perfectly in disapproval, the blonde had watched the kid interact with the kitten before he interrupted.

"Come on. We have to get you out of those clothes first. Don't think you are off the hook. What were you thinking?" he asked rhetorically as he picked the by now shivering child up, bringing him to the bathroom. Of course he made sure that Tony still had a grip on the kitten. "Running out in the dark, all the way to my apartment, without telling anyone. Do you know how dangerous that was?"

"I know." Tony looked positively miserable now, leaning dejectedly against Steve's shoulder.

"No, I don't think you really do."

"I'm sorry. But I-"

"No." Steve wouldn't give on this one, it was too important. He sat Tony down on the closed toilet seat and turned on the water for a hot bath before turning back to the boy, who fidgeted nervously.

"Listen Tony," Steve crouched down in front of him, making sure to look him in the eyes, "You're a smart boy, right?" Incredibly smart, Steve thought. He knew growing up would later become hard for him.

Tony shrugged slightly, hugging his cat a little closer to him. "I know you are." The adult stroked Tony's hair, to show him this was not about anger but care. "You know this is not about me not wanting you here. You know I love you, right? That I am happy to spend every minute with you?"

Tony quickly nodded, because he knew that, Uncle Steve was the best.

"The problem is that there is a lot that could have gone wrong tonight. Tony, the world can be dangerous. For everyone, but especially for kids like you. For kids walking through the streets alone at night."

Fresh tears brimmed in Tony's eyes, rolling silently down his cheeks and all he could do was nod along.

"You have to promise me not to do that again, except, when you are in danger at home. In case of an emergency, then you seek out the nearest help. You wanted to save your kitten and that's a noble reason, but not enough. I won't lose you over a cat. Not over anyone. Alright?"

"I promise!" Tony rubbed his eyes to get rid of the wetness. "I promise, please don't be mad."

"I'm not mad Tony, but you scared me. Don't do that again."

"Okay," the boy sniffed, "I'm sorry."

Feeling that he had said what he needed right now, Steve nodded and reached out to take the kitten from his cold little hands. Neither the cat nor the boy resisted the move.

"Come here now little one, we have to warm your caretaker up a bit."

Gently he sat her on the floor where she continued to sniff at the adult's hands before Steve retreated. Smiling fondly, Steve couldn't resist stroking her head, ruffling the fur even more.

Tony smiled when he heard his kitten purr contently. He knew his idea to come here was good. Maybe not the way he handled it, but the end result was good.

Realising that he was indeed rather cold, he started to peel off his pullover off. Well, at least he tried.

The cloth was drenched so much that it clung to Tony's like second skin, and only with a lot effort did he manage to get one of his arms halfway out of the sleeve. Unfortunately, all the wriggling almost sent him off the seat and to the floor, if Steve hadn't noticed and quickly stopped stroking the cat and caught his godson.

"Careful. Here let me help you."

Together they had him out of his clothes and, after turning off and checking the water, Steve set his godson into the tub.

The kitten, noticing that she wouldn't get attention at the moment, set out to explore the room.

Tony sighed in pure bliss at the warmth surrounding him. The youngest Stark kicked his feet lazily for a bit and Steve watched with amusement as he manfully tried to resist the bubbles. He managed for about ten minutes, which he spend dutifully washing his arms like he was supposed to in the bath tub. However, in seconds he had his chin covered by a long white beard, grinning at his godfather.

"I don't know," Steve said, looking as if he seriously considered it. He scratched his own chin and then reached out to adjust Tony's bubble beard. "Maybe something a bit shorter." He spread the bubbles around the mouth and shortened it, nodding his approval. Then he scooped up more bubbles from the water. "Or maybe everywhere?" Without waiting, he dumped two hands of bubbles on Tony's head, who squealed in delight, shaking his head to get rid of the white soap.

Steve laughed along until he got a cheek full of bubbles too. "Well, I should have expected this," he admitted. "Little devil. Come on, let's get you finished."

Tony squirmed as Steve started to wash his hair, but let it happen without any complains. He wanted to be on his best behaviour tonight.

"Okay, get ready, your times up."

Steve got a towel from the cupboard and had Tony out and rolled into it, in seconds.

"I'll get your PJs, wait here," he said, handing Tony another smaller towel. "You can dry your hair."

"I don't mind when it's wet," Tony said but changed his mind when he saw the look Steve was giving him. "Or I could dry it."

Steve left with a nod and had just pulled out some pants for the kid, when a small shout of dismay stopped him.

"No, come back!"

Leaning around the doorframe, he saw a small white blur darting from the bathroom, quickly followed by a buck-naked little boy.

Taking a second to bury his face in his hands with a groan, he took off after them.

"Tony!"

xxx

It took longer than Steve was proud of to capture his naked godson and wrestle him into his PJs. Only then he was ready to search for the missing kitten.

"Marshmallow! Mallow come here, kitty," Tony was jumping around Steve's flat in search of the white fur ball. "She was probably afraid. You are so big, and she is so small," he commented lifting Steve's couch pillow. "And you left the door open," he pouted, putting the cushion back in place. Steve rolled his eyes and came up from where he was looking for the cat under the table. "She didn't look very afraid when she demanded cuddles while you were in the tub."

"She was confused! You were crouching and you look cuddly. Mallow! Come here."

"Tony, she's a curious kitten, she is no doubt exploring the flat," Steve sighed and finally stopped the search. "Come on, we'll put some water out and she'll come when she's ready. The door to the kitchen is shut and otherwise there is no place she can't sniff around," he said reasonably. "And I'm not cuddly."

Dramatically Tony flopped down on the couch while Steve poured a small bowl with water and put it carefully on the ground. Collecting a blanket, he settled down besides his godson.

"Very cuddly," Tony protested quietly and snuggled up to Steve, letting him spread the blanked over them. There was a moment of silence, both of them keeping an eye on the bowl of water - far enough that the cat wouldn't feel threatened but close enough that they could see – before Tony pulled at the hem of the cover and asked quietly, "Do I get punished?" Without looking up he snuggled further under Steve's arm.

Steve pulled him even closer and gave a small sigh, the thousandth time this evening, at least it felt like it. He thought his words over carefully.

"Tonight, you'll go to bed without any protest when I tell you to, and there will be no story and no specials. That's your punishment from me, tonight. We will see what Jarvis has to say about it tomorrow." He wasn't going to tell Howard and Maria, mostly because he really had absolute no idea how they'd react. He was afraid they would do the worst: not care.

"Is Jarvis mad?"

"Well, he wasn't pleased on the phone, that's for sure."

Tony just nodded and pulled the blanked further over his shoulder.

As they spent more quiet minutes. Steve, feeling the tension in the small boy, and knew the silence wouldn't last.

"What about- oh!" Tony sat up straight as Steve's other small guest slowly lolloped back into the room.

Marshmallow neared the water with even steps, cautious eyes darting around the room. Satisfied that she was safe she begun to lap up the water. Steve thought she must have seen Tony inching closer, but he assumed she was already used to him. When she was finished, she yawned and actually toddled over to the delighted boy, letting herself be scooped up and brought to the couch.

"She really is cute, isn't she?" Tony said, slipping back under the cover and settling her on his lap.

"Undoub-" Steve made to answer but was interrupted before he could even finish the word.

"And she is housebroken!"

"I'm sure, but-"

"She never makes any trouble."

"Tony, I-"

"And she really seems to like you." To prove his point he tried to nudge her over to Steve, however, she curled up stubbornly on his lap, obviously trying to sleep. "She does!"

"Tony." Gently he put his hands over Tony's mouth to shut him up. He hated to disappoint him, but they had to be realistic here. "Tony, I can't keep a cat here."

Tony's face fell in a blink of an eye and he looked down forlornly, stroking the white fur of the kitten.

"Hey," he tabbed his chin, "You know I can't. I'm gone so often and irregularly it wouldn't be fair for Marshmallow."

Tony pressed his lips together tightly, letting them form a thin white line. Steve could see he was doing his best not to cry and it broke his heart.

"Buddy, you know she would feel lonely."

He gave a jerky nod, but didn't look up.

"Listen, we will keep her here tonight and tomorrow I'll help you find a place for her. A good one, where she gets lots of love and attention." He brushed through Tony's hair to try and calm him.

"You promise?" Tony looked up, his eyes wide and pleading.

"I swear," he said earnestly, doing his best to sound reassuring, even though he had no idea where they could start the search for said new home.

"Okay," Tony nodded, turning to press his face into Steve's chest.

"Okay," Steve confirmed, kissing the mob of hair nestled under his chin.

Xxx

"Pray tell, why do every time I have a day off, I get called over?" Bucky complained, shouldering Steve aside to stepping inside. "How do you expect me to find the gal I'll spend the rest of my life with?"

He groaned dramatically as he sat the litter box on the floor and the bag with food beside it.

"Please, I know you've been sitting alone with a beer, not planning to go out at all," Steve grinned as he peered into the bag. "You're my life saver though. I couldn't leave Tony alone and the kitten can't go the whole time without food, that's cruel."

"So you really got a kitten here?"

Steve frowned at his friend. "Why do you think I'd send you to get this stuff if I lied about the kitten?"

"Belated Aprils fool?"

Steve just shook his head and started to set up the litter box.

Deciding he already did his duty by bringing it, Bucky turned to look for the beast and the brat that was no doubt the cause for this evenings ruckus.

He found the kid dozing on the couch, his arm around a curled up little form. As he came closer to make his presence better known – Tony was blinking his eyes with effort but Bucky didn't think he could see him – he slowly reached out to him, only to get a claw buried into his hand.

"Ow!" he jerked back immediately and Tony, too, jerked out of his half sleep.

"What did you do?" Tony exclaimed, pulling the kitten to his chest.

"Me? Your beast was the one attacking me!"

"She's not a beast and she's not attacking anyone!" Tony argued, stroking Mallow's head protectively.

"How do you explain my bleeding hand then?"

"Would you two stop? Not even a minute together and you're already at each other's throats." It was getting late and Steve didn't have the patience tonight. "Bucky, don't bother the cat. Tony, go brush your teeth."

"But-"

Steve managed to silence Tony with raised finger, but he raised his eyebrow in challenge as well. "What did I say?"

"No protests tonight," Tony recited gloomily, setting his kitten on the couch cushion and trudging to the bathroom.

"Wow, what happened there? No pleading and protesting?"

"I'll tell you later," Steve said, filling a second bowl with food appropriate for little kitten, luring the kitten from her resting place. She mewed appreciatively, rubbing full body against Steve's leg before she attacked the food.

"Fine, don't explain anything. I'm just going to sit here, nursing my hand and wonder why I have to pick up cat stuff just before closing hour." Bucky let himself fall on the couch.

"You do that," Steve murmured absentmindedly, going to the bathroom to check on Tony.

Scowling at being ignored, Buck stood up again and slowly made his way over to the eating kitten.

"Hey, you." He did his best to sound and appear non-threatening. She eyed him while continuing to eat.

"Why did you scratch me, huh?" Slowly he reached out, only to have her arch her small body away. "Hey, what did I do to you?"

The kitten finished eating and after licking her lips, she proceeded to clean herself completely. Always keeping an eye on Bucky.

"What are you doing here? You a new resident? Probably not. The brat brought you, didn't he?" Again he reached out and this time, she stopped her licking and sniffed cautiously on his fingers.

"There we go, I'm not so bad, huh?" However, to his dismay, she turned away uninterested. "Fine, you know what? I don't like you either. Stupid cat."

"Don't be mean!" Tony exclaimed as he re-entered the room, picking up the kitten to cradle her in his arms. "Uncle Steve, Bucky is mean."

"Bucky don't be mean," Steve said, rubbing his hand over his face; suddenly feeling very tired.

"I wasn't-"

"Just stop."

Bucky threw up his hands and moved back to the couch, clearly misunderstood.

"Thank you," Steve nodded, not caring that Bucky felt unfairly treated. "Tony to bed."

Bucky watched Tony screw up his face, but, still, no protest. "Yes, Uncle Steve." He hesitated a second. "Are you..."

"I'll come to tuck you in," Steve answered before the question was finished. Tony smiled.

"Good night, Bucky."

"Night, sleep tight."

xxx

When Steve came out of his own bedroom - having tucked Tony in his own bed since he was sure Bucky would stay now that he was here - Bucky was already waiting for him with a beer.

"My godson is going to be the death of me."

"I told you that years ago. What's going on?"

"My darling little genius thought it would be a wise idea to come over here all the way on his own to give me his kitten, which he wasn't allowed to have at home. Jarvis must have had a heart attack when he noticed he was missing."

"Well, shit. Nothing happened outside, right?"

"No," Steve sighed and leaned back. "But it could have."

"You talked to him?" Bucky asked, taking a sip of his beer.

"Of course I talked to him." Steve frowned, "and the rest of the talking Jarvis will do tomorrow."

"Uh, yes," the brunet scrunched his face. "He won't do that again."

"No," Steve snorted, even if the matter wasn't really funny, "he won't. But tell me what am I going to do with this cat now?"

"That is a problem, I agree." Bucky nodded. "I might have an idea though."

xxx

Tony woke up to a small tongue running excessively over his cheek, giggling he pushed the kitten away from him. "No, Mallow."

Sitting up he rubbed his eyes to get rid of the sleep still chasing him, grinning when the kitten brushed up against him to get attention. Submitting, Tony scooped the kitten up in his arms and cuddled her close, stroking her fur until she was purring loudly.

"Come on, we'll see if we can get some breakfast."

Shuffling into the kitchen, he was surprised to not only find Steve and Bucky but a third person at the kitchen table.

"Nona!"

He run up to hug Steve's neighbour, happy to see her again, like always. They embraced awkwardly, albeit lovingly, around the kitten.

"Good morning, my boy." She laughed as she rubbed his back and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"Look, Nona, this is Marshmallow!" he held the kitten out to the elderly lady, fingers wrapped around the kitten's belly.

"Oh, yes darling, we have already met. Cute little girl you got there." Tony beamed at the praise.

"Tony," Steve caught the boy's attention, "Bucky here had a really good idea."

"He did?"

"Don't sound so surprised." Bucky nudged his butt with his foot. Tony swatted at the swinging limb before turning back to Steve. "What idea?"

"Well, he found Marshmallow's new owner," he said, gesturing to Mrs Miller.

"Only if you approve of course," Mrs Miller tuned in on the conversation. "You may inspect my home to see if it's kitten friendly," she said earnestly.

"That's perfect!" Tony crowed, rocking up on his feet. He didn't need to inspect anything, he knew Mrs Miller would care perfectly for his kitten. "I could still see her a lot then," the kitten in his arms was probably the only thing holding him back from jumping up and down. "You hear that, Mallow? You'll get a cool new home and I'll visit you a lot." The kid looked rather disinterested, licking her paw idly, but Tony was sure she was just as excited. Setting the small cat down on the kitchen table, much to Steve's dismay, Tony went to hug Mrs Miller again.

"Thank you!"

"Oh, I am the one who is grateful, my boy. I will enjoy the company," she smiled at him.

He grinned back and then turned to Bucky, startling him by launching himself at him. "Thank you!"

"Yeah, sure." The older man patted his hair. "Was just a stroke of my genius, is all."

It was a testament of how grateful Tony was that he didn't comment on that one, but moved straight on to his godfather, hugging him tightly around the waist. "Thank you!" he repeated once more.

"You're welcome," he said, picking Tony up to settle on his lap. "You're still not out of this, you know? You still got Jarvis to face." Steve bounced him a little.

"I know," Tony's mouth pulled down. He was sure there wouldn't be any cookies in his near future. He wanted to say that it was worth it, to have a home now for Marshmallow, but he didn't think that would be appreciated.

"Ow!"

Three set of eyes turned to Bucky who tried to gain the kittens affections once again.

"Bucky, would you cut it out? That's the third time this morning alone," Steve admonished, giving him a tissue for his bleeding finger.

Mrs Miller chuckled, winking at Tony as she reached out to stroke the feline behind the ear.

Tony leaned back against Steve's chest, enjoying the time before Jarvis would give him, no doubt, a lecture, completed with his patent I'm-disappointed-face, cookie ban, and probably even a science time-out.

It was still worth it.