Steel Hearts

- 45 -

When Bucky, Sam, Wanda, Steve, the girls, and I all returned home we all sat on the back porch. Steve and I told them about how the world had changed since the blip. There likely would be an organization to put the pieces back together now that the puzzle was completed.

Chewie was curled at Bucky's feet while Sarah and Jane had chosen to sit on Sam and Wanda's laps rather than their own seat, but neither complained. Sam had nephews of his own, so it wasn't anything new to him.

Steve and I had spoken about our story due to many questions from the girls. All of us told stories of our heroic endeavors for them, exaggerating just a tad too much. We spoke about Tony and the battle. And we spoke about how I became the Infinity Witch of all things.

I finally got to sit on the porch with the six people who meant the most to me. It had been a long time coming to reunite our entire family, but it was well worth it. We finally got the chance to simply just live. These are the people that my world revolves around and the ones that I would die for without a second thought. It made me feel at peace knowing that we were all together safe and well again.

"All right," Wanda set Jane on her feet as she stood, despite the protests from the child. "I think I'm going to head to bed. It's been a long day."

"Can you read me a story, Auntie Wanda?"

"Me too!" Sarah threw herself off of Sam's lap, causing her and her sister to tumble to the ground. All of us adults simply chuckled at the two as they scrambled to their feet and gave Wanda their best puppy dog eyes. Her simple nod sprouted cheers from the twins as they raced inside; both girls pushed and shoved each other as they were determined to beat the other inside.

With a raised brow, I warn, "Girls..."

"Sorry, Mommy!"

"Get those teeth brushed!" Steve called after them.

Both of them called over their shoulders, "Yes, Daddy!"

Wanda followed them inside at a much slower pace. The two girls had much more energy than all five of us combined.

Soon after Bucky and Sam followed and they had declared it was time for them to turn in within seconds of each other. Both of their faces screwed up in an array of annoyance before the two of them bickered and fought their way inside much as our children had.

Steve and I remained the last two outside as we laughed softly at our friends. The trees in the distance were dark and ominous through the dimness of the porch light. It was a comfortable silence as he held his hand out to me, pulling me into his lap.

His love language has always been physical touch, but Steve was strangely more touchy than usual the past few days; really since the time heist.

"I wanted to tell you something," he states suddenly, keeping his fingers laced in my own as I lean my head back onto his shoulder.

With a furrowed brow, I question, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just..." he sighs and I feel his head roll back as he's trying to think of the words he wants to string together, "When Tony and I... When we went back, I saw Peggy..."

My eyes involuntarily widen at his statement and a tense air suddenly floods our conversation like a wet blanket. This was something we needed to talk about, but I didn't necessarily want to.

Lurching to my feet, I take several steps away from him and almost run into a stray chair. Wrapping my arms around myself for comfort, hot tears start to prick at my eyes and I keep my back toward him to make my words easier.

"I could tell something was off after the time heist... I want you to be happy, Steve. So, if you want to go back, it's okay. We'll be fine. Sam, Bucky... Wanda, the girls... they'll understand."