Resilience | S. Rogers [3]

EPILOGUE: WHAT WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE

Steve and Rose had already given practically their entire lives to serving others and now, for what felt like the first time in their lives, they could worry about themselves without thinking about anyone else.

They could let go of the fight, of the missions, and live a normal life. They had tried done that after Wakanda, but that life had been carried with sorrow and defeat in spite of the light they had found. Now, they had made things right and they could move on.

With some losses in their hearts but knowing that they had done all they could. Eventually, they would heal.

They had left the café and hid from others' sight for a long time. Wondering where would they go. When.

They only had past, present and future and the entire universe to choose from. Nevertheless, they had never been an adventurous couple, despite their extraordinary life. Hence, as some would expect, they didn't go too far from home or somewhere they hadn't been or known first.

"Are you sure?" Steve had asked. "We can still go to the 78'"

"It's okay, we'll get there eventually," she had answered. "That way you'll only have missed a year and we don't have to worry about me being on the run."

"Just not being recognised by the rest of the world," he'd joked.

"Your idea," she'd remarked with a smirk.

After a few taps and their time-travelling suits assembling on top of their clothes, they went back to August 1946 in New Hampshire. Rose was particularly skilled at faking documents and with the lack of internet, she fabricated convincing IDs and other documents that made them move around with ease.

It was hard at first, but after a few months, they managed to be a semi-stable engaged couple renting a small home.

They shared several memories of that place, but Rose's favourite was definitely the first time Steve listened to The Captain America Adventure Program.

Miss Carver isn't going anywhere with you, Nazi scum.

"Is that how they think I talked?" he'd asked with red cheeks after almost choking with his food.

"Oh, that's not the worst part. Get used to it, most people listen to it," she mentioned. "And since it's at work hours..."

"Maybe we should've gone outside America."

"And miss this amazing show?"

They remained in the same place for about two years unmarried, which caught the attention and criticism of some nosy people, until they decided to move away. They still had Pym particles left, for two more travels.

Their next stop was England. In Leicester, the place where Rose had lived her very early years. She'd never returned to it and it seemed like the right time to do so.