Elemental Mastery (Steve Rogers Love Story)

London

"I have to go" Steve says putting his phone away getting up and leaving without another word

"What's up with him?" Sam says giving me a look of concern

"I have an idea, Peggy hasn't been doing well for a while, he's been dreading the day he gets the message that she's passed." I say sadly looking at the floor. "It couldn't have come on a worse day"

"So, what do you think kid, are you with us? Will you sign?" Tony asks, sounding more crass than he maybe intended to.

"This may be the out I have been wanting" I say looking at Nat first, then looking at the shocked faces of the rest of my team "Plus, Iv spent this long not being on anyone's index, I don't want to start now, with my luck they will eventually label us dangers and want to experiment on us, don't forget, it's Ross. I don't trust him"

"But it's not just him" Nat tried to interject

"No but like Steve said, agendas change. Do you know how many of these country's have chatter of experimentation on enhanced individuals?" I say finally standing up, "Sorry, I can't support this, I'm out"

I walk away as they continue conversation in the other room, Sam being the only voice of reason now. I finally find Steve in the stairwell, looking at his phone.

"Hey" I say softly as I approach, he barely moves when he hears it's me, I can see he has started to choke back his emotions. I make my way around to him and hug him. He places his arms around me, I feel his tense body relax in my arms. I feel wetness fall down on top of my head, he's crying. "Let it out, you deserve to"

Without another word I feel a sob leave his body, fully letting himself cry, we stand holding each other for a long time. Not speaking. Steve's breathing starts to return to normal as he lets go of the grip he has on me.

"The funeral is in 3 days, do you wish to go with me?" He says still broken and evident that has been crying

"Of course Steve. Do you want me to see if Sam wants to come too? That way you have two of your best friends by your side?" I say with a soft smile

"Always thoughtful" he says with a weak smile, "it would be nice to have both of you with me"

"Sounds good, go pack, I'll go find Sam, last I left him he was trying his best trying to fight the accords" I say with a smile

"I can't" He starts to say but I stop him

"And I won't" I say with a more stern look on my face "But that's not the focus now, let's get things ready"

Steve, Sam and I fly out to London, where Peggy's funeral is being held. We are set up with two nice hotel rooms courtesy of her remaining family, a family we still have yet to meet.

"Can you believe out of all the places I've been, I've never seen London?" I say off handed while nibbling on some toast, Steve hasn't touched his plate, I'm just trying to make small conversation in hopes of maybe cheering him up

"After we can explore if you want to" He says sadly, finally breaking his silence

"Only if you want to, if not we can come back here and do whatever you want" I say feeling like I struck a nerve

The rest of the morning goes much the same, quiet. I put on a simple black dress and flats and walk over to Sam's room to collect him.

"How is he" Sam asks

"Not doing well, he hasn't wanted to talk, and I get it. But I can see him fighting internally with his emotions" I pause "Sammie, I'm worried about him"