Steve's POV:
Charlie and Maggie left the house, she wants to spend some time with our daughter, trying to help her understand the death of Nat and Tony. And why we will forever miss them, but because of their sacrifice they led us to this point. And me? I need to have the most difficult conversation with Bucky. He seems a bit lost on how he should react around me. He knows I'm aware of his and Charlie's growing relationship, but nonetheless it's still awkward for both of us. It wasn't long ago that Charlie was one of my everything's. Things have shifted and changed, as time normally treats these things. But I have to make sure everyone is going to be okay when I leave. No one can change my mind. If it wasn't for Charlie wanting to talk with Maggie, the little girl would be by my side. She's the hardest part of this decision, so I need to make sure she's in good hands, with Charlie, and definitely with Bucky.
Since Charlie's out of the house, Bucky has tried to avoid me, Sam is staying close to Charlie and Maggie, just in case. He knows I need to speak with Bucky privately, although he doesn't know the depth of the conversation, since some of it includes him, and the future I have envisioned for him.
I finally find Bucky straightening up the office from his night there, with Charlie. "Hey, Buck, can I talk to you for a bit?"
He sighs and looks up at me. "I had a feeling this was eventually coming. Especially since they're not here."
I sit down in the chair by the computer, while he sits on the now folded up couch. My body leans forward as I adjust my weight thinking the best way to start this conversation. "I know you obviously care about Charlie..."
"I love her, Steve." He whispers, his blue eyes can't meet mine.
"That's good. I know I should feel mad, or upset, but I'm not. It's just...I can't stay here. I don't belong here."
His eyes finally meet mine. "What are you talking about? You have Maggie? That girl adores you."
"I know...trust me I know, but this time...I can't stay in this time."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I found a way. I'm...I've got to...I'm going back to be with Peggy."
"Steve, you can't do that. Don't do that to them. I will step out of the way, don't do this to me. I'll leave and you and Charlie can still live your life with Maggie." His voice begins cracking.
"You don't want to do that."
"But I will. Your daughter needs you...she needs you."
"My daughter may need me, but she'll be okay. Charlie hasn't needed me for a long time. Charlie wants you; she needs you. You're good for her, because you want her and only her. I've wanted Peggy since meeting her. Charlie was...she was filling that void."
"This will break her. I know your relationship has changed, but...she still loves you, still wants you to be a part of her life, and not just for Maggie."
"I know, she's one of my best friends. We took an odd way to get here, but here we are. I know it doesn't make sense, but can you imagine if you could find a way to be where Charlie was but you had people telling you not to do it?" Bucky looks at me, understanding. "It will hurt Charlie, and it will hurt her for Maggie, but in time, she will be okay. She'll have you, and I hope Maggie can rely on you as well. She's taken quite the liking to you." I try to lighten the mood in the room and smile. Bucky is very patient with Maggie, and she has connected with him quickly, like they're kindred spirits.
"What about Sam?" He looks back down at his hands.
"First, can I trust you? I'm leaving two of the most important people to me in your hands. Are you okay with that pressure?" He looks at me contemplating everything I've said.
"I want to be. But..."
"Then that's enough. Now, Sam. Buck, I know we've known each other for a hundred years..." I huff out a laugh, because it's not just an expression, it's true. "But I also know you've suffered, and this is a big responsibility, but I think I want to hand the shield to Sam." I look at him, directly in the eyes. He's emotionless. "He's a good man."
"And a good leader. Good team player. He's protective. He's calm. He's fair. He's a good fit for Captain America."
"You're not upset about that?"
"No, I think Charlie would agree too. I don't want that pressure. Everyone still looks at me as the Winter Soldier. And I've got enough pressure from everything else to have to worry about being Captain America."
"Charlie doesn't look at you as the Winter Soldier."
He smiles, "No, but I haven't been completely honest with her either."
"Honest with her about what?" My interest in this is an odd feeling. I've had a growing suspicion about Bucky and Charlie, and other Hydra members who couldn't quit looking at her.
"Would you believe me if I told you, it was complicated?" He chuckles.
"Try me. I need to know who my best friend is falling in love with, especially if he's spending time with my daughter."
"I had met her before...before Bucharest."
"You want to elaborate more on that Bucky?" I shift in my seat. "So, you recognized her then?"
"Yes, but only barely. I wasn't sure if she was the same girl I knew, she was older. I don't want to go into full details, but can you believe if I told you, that all I've ever wanted was to protect her?"
"Who is she to you? Like how...how did you meet?"
"It's only random memories of us, so I can't fully answer, but I do know I never wanted to hurt her."
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Charlie's POV:
I look at my daughter who's pouting sitting on mine and Steve's, former, bed. Pouting due to being made to wear a dress, and then this being our farewell to Tony. Her little fingers pull at the sheer fabric on her sleeves, apparently, they're slightly itchy. I sit at my vanity chair strapping on my heels as she looks up at me, a million questions in her eyes.
"I don't want to say bye." She frowns.
"I know, little one, but it's what we have to do. Aunt Pepper would miss you, and who would keep you if you didn't go?"
"Bucky." One name. It took me out of the moment.
"Bucky's going to."
"No, he's not. He told me." Her fingers move down to her shoes as she messes with the straps, constantly fidgeting.
"Why would he not go?"
"He said...Tito doesn't want him there."
"Now why would Tito not want him there?" Her little shoulders shrug. I stand straightening out the satin material of my dress and walk over to her, "Okay little pearl, go find your daddy. I'm going to find Bucky."
"Are you going to kiss?"
"Margaret James Rogers!"
"Daddy and Sam say you do."
"Well, I'll have a talk with them as well. Now go find them, tell your daddy to get you a yogurt pouch for a snack, and don't you dare get anything on this dress. I'll make you wear the other one." She makes a disgusted face, not wanting to wear the other dress as she walks off to find Steve and Sam. I hear Sam yell a quick, "Magpie!"
I walk down the stairs in hopes to find Bucky. Steve watches me until I get to the bottom and gives me a quick nod, "You and Sam need to quit talking about me and Bucky kissing when our daughter is awake. I thought you didn't want to make things confusing for her."
"I didn't think she would hear that. We were out on the porch drinking and she was swinging."
"She's almost three Steve. And her dad is a super solider, she hears everything. Have you seen Bucky?"
"He hasn't come out of his room. Why?"
"He's told Maggie that he's not going because Tony wouldn't want him there." I look over at Sam who's holding Maggie and talking to her animatedly. "I'll be out in a minute, okay?" Steve nods and walks to the fridge to get Maggie a quick snack and I walk into the office. Closing the door behind me.
"You're not dressed." I say looking at him from the door. He's laid back on the couch with his eyes closed.
"Not going."
"Why?"
"Why should I? Tony hated me."
"No, he didn't." His eyes finally open as he looks at me. He looks me up and down, but still remains emotionless.
"I don't know if you recall, but the man blew my arm off."
"How could I forget? I held you in my arms after." A silence settles over the room. "You know, when we were fighting and he caught me in the air?" Bucky nods looking only straight into my eyes. "He told me he approved of you."
Bucky's eyes rim with tears, "No he didn't."
"He did. He said you were no Steve, but you are a good guy." A tear falls from his eyes as he looks down at his vibranium arm. "And you are. You are one of the strongest people I know, and I know a lot of them. And I'm not talking about your brute strength, but what's in here." I tap at his chest, as I sit down beside him. "And Tony, he was a smart man, a genius. He very seldom was wrong, and he isn't wrong about this."
"I killed his parents."
"The Winter Soldier killed his parents. You are James Bucky Barnes."
"James Buchanan Barnes." He smirks over to me.
"I said what I said James." He places a gentle kiss on my lips. "So, does that mean you're coming? We really need to be leaving." I look down at his appearance. He is dressed in black, but not necessarily funeral attire. "I really want you to be there." He stands, reaching a hand down to me to help pull me up. I take his hand in my own and Bucky places his hands on my hips and places a sweet but lingering kiss to my lips.
"Well, come on. I'm guessing you'll be with Steve and Maggie during the ceremony?"
I sulk looking up at his tall frame, "Yeah, but only during the ceremony."
Without saying another word, he grabs my hand as we walk outside to the car. Sam and Steve are already up front and Maggie in the back strapped in her car seat. Her little hand grabs at both mine and Bucky's and she holds them. Bucky's eyes watch the little girl as her fingers touch his metal arm, like it's the most normal thing ever. I notice Steve glancing back in the mirror, and give me a small smile before returning his eyes back on the long road ahead.
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Steve's POV:
We pull up at the Stark cabin, I hear Charlie's breathing pick up as the death of Tony finally hits her. Maggie's chubby hand comes to her cheek and Bucky briefly places a hand on her thigh. We get out and Charlie hands me Maggie. I take the small girl in my arms, wanting to savor every minute that I have with her. This isn't what I would call quality time, but I still want to commit everything to memory.
Bucky and I both stand on either side of Charlie. His arm rests around her waist, "Pepper wants us to have a quick moment inside before joining everyone." I tell Bucky and Sam. He nods his head, removing the hand from around Charlie, I look at them and see they're having a silent conversation before she follows us inside.
Grief sits heavy in the room. Charlie pulls at my hand, holding it, bracing herself. Happy looks around the room, realizing everyone privy to this moment is here. He walks over to one of Tony's helmet, pressing a button and walking back. A hologram of Tony appears. Everyone inhales deeply, watching and listening to everything he says.
"Everybody wants a happy ending, right? But it doesn't always roll that way. Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back...it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited. I hope we get it back. And something like a normal version of the planet has been restored. If there ever was such a thing. God, what a world. Universe, now. If you told me ten years ago that we weren't alone...let alone to this extent, I mean, I wouldn't have been surprised...but come on, who knew? The epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play. And for better or worse...that's the reality Morgan's gonna have to find a way to grow up in. So, I thought I better record a little greeting...in the case of an untimely death. On my part. Not that death at any time isn't untimely. This time travel thing that we're gonna try and pull off tomorrow...it's got me scratching my head about the survivability of it all. That's the thing. Then again, that's the hero gig, right? Part of the journey is the end. What am I even tripping for? Everything is gonna work out exactly the way it's supposed to. I love you 3,000."
And then hologram feed cuts off as his body and voice disappear. The room is silent, taking in everything Tony said. And like most times, he's absolutely right. But without him and Nat this moment for everyone else wouldn't be possible. We owe them and everyone else a debt we can never pay back, but to move forward and do the best that we can. I give Charlie's hand a squeeze, knowing in a few days that she will be sacrificing someone as well. I hold tightly to Maggie, I'm most worried about her, only because I don't want to miss a single moment with her, but by leaving I will miss every moment with her. Another man will have those moments with my daughter. A good man, but it still hurts.
Pepper leads the way outside, holding Morgan's hand in hers, and then a wreath, in the center an old Arc Reactor of Tony's, saying, "Proof that Tony Stark has a heart." Happy walks behind the duo as Rhodey, and then our family follows. Pepper is a perfect example of grace and composure, she acknowledges everyone as she walks down to the lake in front. This cabin has held so many precious memories with our families. And now, a farewell. Pepper places the wreath in the lake as we all watch it float out. Bittersweet. Tony is finally at peace, and resting. If he survived, he would never be able to stop being a hero. But even dead he's still the hero.
I pull Charlie a bit closer to me, my silent goodbye to her, after today her and Bucky won't be pretending anymore. The façade of our former relationship will be gone. The only thing to show for it will be the tiny girl I hold in my arms. Tears spill over Charlie's cheeks and Maggie shifts her weight over to be with her mom. She takes the small girl in her arms, completely wrapping herself around her. I wish things could be different, I really do. Like Tony said happy endings aren't always what you expect.
We have a moment of silence for Tony and for Nat. Pepper turns and hugs everyone as she walks back to the cabin. I see Charlie turn and she meets Bucky's eyes, sighing with relief. They'll be okay.
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Charlie's POV:
Once Pepper walks back to the cabin, I turn with my daughter still holding tightly to me, "Doll, are you okay?" My eyes meet Bucky's and I can't help but give him a faint smile.
"In time. I need to introduce my daughter to my family."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"I would like that, James."
Typically, I use James in the most intimate of moments, him wanting to be with me as Laura and the kids meet Maggie is one of the most precious and intimate things I can think of. I wait as Bucky and Sam walk over to us and we walk up to Clint, Laura, Cooper, Lila, and Nathaniel. Laura's eyes well up with tears as she looks at the small girl in my arms. "Laur, guys...this is Maggie James, my daughter."
"Oh, Charlie...she's, beautiful." Laura says, Maggie shyly hides her face a bit, overcome with all the emotions she's faced today, and she's not even yet three.
"Maggie, this is your aunt Laura, Clint's wife." At the sound of Clint's name, she looks over to him and then at Laura, "And these are your cousins, Cooper, Lila, and Nathaniel."
"Papa." She reaches out and Clint picks her up out of my arms and hugs her. "I missed you." She kisses his cheek. Laura beams over at me.
"Well, today is full of emotions. Steve." She nods her head at Steve, and glances at how close Bucky is standing to me compared to Steve, "So you must be Bucky?"
"Yes, ma'am." He takes her hand shaking it.
"Hopefully, in time, we can get to know each other better. And Sam?" He reaches out a hand for her to shake. "Thank you for keeping her safe all these years. All of you. I know it's not easy." The three men chuckle a bit.
"I don't find that funny." Clint puts Maggie down as she rushes up the stairs to find Morgan most likely.
Laura leans to give me a hug, "You've done good, Charlie. She's perfect." I smile and nod my thanks to her. Clint walks over to Wanda who's peering out at the lake. Missing Vision. I don't even know what to say to her, but him and Wanda have always had a special bond.
I notice Thor walking over to me, along with a few others, "Lady Charlie, I just wanted to bid you a farewell my beautiful friend. I'll be going off world with this lot." Bucky still keeps a protective stance over me, "I've never got to formerly thank you, for never doubting me. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't."
"Thor...you..." I try to respond.
"No, I know we never spent much time together, but I've always known. You're special. You can take broken people and show them their true potential." He glances over to Bucky and pulls up my left hand, rubbing on my now absent ring, "You deserve the world, and happiness." He brings my hand up to kiss. "Now enough with all this mushy stuff. This is my crew, Quail, Bug, Tree, and you know the Rabbit and the um, the angry one."
"It's actually Quill." The Terran, as Rocket calls him, tells us.
They all come over and shake each of our hands, "So assassin," Thor's attention is just on Bucky. "When I leave this earth, can I trust you?"
Bucky nods and whispers out a, "Yes." Looking around seeing who all is paying attention.
"Good because she's special. And I'm a god. Farewell Lady Charlie, Rogers, bird-man and assassin."
I wrap my arms around the god, "Farewell big guy, until we meet again."
"Until we meet again." Thor smiles as the group walks away.
"Do I have competition with that guy?" Bucky asks while only rubbing down my side. I shrug, "Oh really?"
"No. I just like teasing you."
"You'll pay for that later."
"Don't threaten me, James."
"That's a promise, doll."
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Charlie's POV:
A few days later after Bruce has rebuilt a time machine, we find ourselves in a clearing. Steve has volunteered to return each of the stones to their rightful time, and then also Mjolnir. I stand to the side, Bucky's hand in my own watching Bruce and Steve. Sam tries to help a bit standing closer to the pair, but we're all just comfortable. Ready for all of this to officially be over.
Steve's dressed and ready in his Captain America suit. As much as history as we have, I can't deny how handsome the man looks. His hair is perfectly coiffed, jawline as sharp as ever, and just a brightness about him. He's taken mine and Bucky's budding relationship quite well. I still share the office pull out with him, carrying myself out of the bed before Maggie wakes. Steve's offered the bedroom for us, but it just doesn't seem right. I'm not quite sure how long our sleeping arrangements are going to continue though.
"Remember...you have to return the stones to the exact moment you got 'em...or you're gonna open up a bunch of nasty alternative realities." Bruce tells Steve.
"Don't worry, Bruce." He closes the case that holds all the stones, "Clip all the branches."
"You know, I tried." Everyone looks over to Bruce, "When I had the gauntlet, the stones, I really tried to bring her back. I miss her, man."
"Me, too." Steve and I both say to him in sync. He glances back over to me and Bucky and gives us both a warm smile.
Bucky gives my back a reassuring rub on the back. "You know, if you want, I could come with you." Sam tells Steve as they walk closer to us. Helicopters buzz around in the background as the cleanup at the compound is underway.
"You're a good man, Sam. This one's on me, though." He walks away coming directly in front of me and Bucky. A flash of sadness crosses over both of their eyes and Bucky brings me even closer to him.
"Don't do anything stupid till I get back." Steve tells him.
"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you." Bucky chuckles. He pulls away to give Steve a hug.
Steve looks down at me, "You're a good mom, and I truly am happy for you two."
I glance up at him, "I know. But you two are acting like this isn't going to take seconds on our end. Go on, Rogers, do your job. It won't be long until it's Maggie's bedtime and she'll want her daddy to read to her." He sucks in a deep breath before hugging me.
"I'm gonna miss you, buddy." Bucky whispers over to him.
"It's gonna be okay, Buck. You'll be okay, you two."
Steve turns to get on the platform to return all the out of time items. "Is everything okay? I feel like you two have some secret."
"Everything will be okay, doll."
Steve picks up all the items as the machine whirs, Bruce punches a few buttons, "How long is this gonna take?" Sam asks. He doesn't realize that to us it'll be seconds.
"For him, as long as he needs. For us, five seconds." Bruce responds. "You ready, Cap?" He asks Steve, he looks back to Bruce with a nod. "Alright, we'll meet you back here, okay?"
"You bet." Steve hesitates. He's lying. He's a terrible liar. The slight hesitation, the slight change in his voice, and even his words. I watch the father of my child, lying right in front of my face and can't even do anything, and Bucky knows something.
"Going quantum. Three...two...one...And returning in five...four, three, two...one." Nothing. Bruce fiddles around with the computer.
"Bucky? You both lied." My breathing picks up, and brings me even closer to him.
"I'm sorry." He whispers.
"Where is he?" I'm hurt. Sam is pissed.
"I don't know. He blew right by his time stamp. He should be here."
Bucky glances over his shoulder pulling me with him. I look up at him, hoping for answers as the slightest mask of confusion paints over his face.
"Well get him back." Sam's voice slightly raises.
"I'm trying."
"Get him the hell back."
My eyes move from Bucky's to see what he's looking at. No. On a bench in front of the lake sits an old man.
"Hey, I said I'm trying." Bruce shouts at Sam.
"Sam." Bucky calls. Not looking at him. Sam walks over to my side. He's not a super solider, but like Bucky and Steve he towers over me. I look back at Bucky as I bury my face in his chest. I don't want to believe this. Bucky pulls me forward as Sam follows, "Go ahead." He whispers over to Sam. They share a quick look before he looks down at me, and walks forward to greet the man.
"It's Steve, isn't it?" I ask.
"Yes. I couldn't stop him, Charlie."
"He went to be with Peggy, didn't he?"
"Yes."
A tear falls down my eye. He found his way. "I'm happy for him. But..."
"Maggie?" I nod.
"It's going to be okay."
I watch Sam as he talks with a now, truly old man Steve. My jokes didn't age to well. No pun intended. Bucky traces small circles on my lower back, not daring to let me face this mountain on my own. I watch as Steve gives Sam the shield. He looks back at me and Bucky, I genuinely smile at him. It's a right choice on Steve's part. I wrap my arms around Bucky. I love him, but this is hard.
Sam turns and walks back to us. As soon as he reaches our side I hear a crackled, "Charlie?"
"Go on, doll, I'm not going anywhere."
I walk up to Steve, taking in his old appearance and smile, but tears fall down my face. Steve brings a hand to my cheek before placing a kiss in his usual spot, on my temple, "No words, princess?"
"It's just...wow...you've made me speechless, Steve...Bucky knew, didn't he?"
He nods, "I discussed this with him. I'm sorry."
"No, I get it. Is she everything you ever hoped for?"
He smiles, "And more."
"There's one little thing you didn't consider."
"Maggie...I know, she's in good hands." He glances back at Bucky. "This was the only way princess."
"No, it wasn't, but I get why you did it. Even if it meant leaving us behind."
"Guilt tripping me, huh?"
"She's a baby, Steve...Does...does Peggy know about us." I point between the two of us.
"Yes. Told her about Maggie, too." I hang my head down. "Do you regret any of this now?"
I actually think about the question. "No...How do I...how do I explain to Maggie about your sudden absence?"
"You'll think of something. And in time, she may forget. She's young."
I cry again. "I don't want her to forget. And I certainly can't. She's your twin. Steve, I'm happy for you. I really am, but I'm the one that's going to be left picking up the pieces here. Where you go, I go. Remember?"
"I'm still here, just...in the shadows here."
"Was it hard...I mean, how did she age compared to you." I bite at the corner of my lip. Hoping he understands what I'm asking.
"You don't really want to know that answer, do you?"
"I've already lost one super soldier. I don't want to lose another one. And it runs in Maggie's blood too."
"What are you asking me, Charlie."
"I'm not asking. I'm telling you." He nods his head at me understanding.
"I'll see what I can do." Both of us look out at the lake. "Charlie, it's a complicated life we have isn't it."
"But it brought us here Captain." He pats my thigh.
"I know I always tell Bucky to protect you, but I need you to protect him as well. Like Thor, he can be delicate...fragile. He's going to need you. He may run away from his emotions, but he needs you. He loves you. Believe that no matter what. He loves you, and he loves Maggie. Trust your intuition and be patient."
"I will Captain."
"And Charlie, I will see what I can do." I nod, understanding he wants to help my situation of growing old far before Bucky and Maggie. "I'll see you around, princess."
"Bye Captain."
I get up walking over to Bucky. He wraps me in the biggest hug, and kisses me. A deep, longing, and loving kiss. "Not going to miss walking into that." I hear Steve grumble out. And then he's gone.
"What did you two talk about?" Bucky asks.
"You and Maggie mostly."
"Let's go home, doll."