The Demigod From Asgard - A Steve Rogers x Reader Story

Chapter 87: A Soul For A Soul

Warnings: Heavy Angst! Grief! Talk of Loss! Language!

Despite the fact there were more people at the compound than there had been in the last few years, it had never felt quieter. A heavy cloud fell over everyone, nobody saying a word, just doing what they needed to do.

After making sure all the stones were secure in the lab Steve made his way back to his room in the hopes that a shower would help... it didn't. he could barely hold himself together, pressing his forehead against the cool tile, eyes screwed shut as he failed to hold back his tears.

He felt broken and like he had no one to turn to. Nat had been like his sister, she kicked him up the ass when he needed it, helped pull him out of that dark place after he lost you, she'd been his rock the past 5 years. She'd looked after JJ when he couldn't.

JJ... Steve cursed under his breath, how on earth was he going to tell JJ that his favourite Aunt wasn't going to be around anymore? He couldn't, he just couldn't bring himself to even think about that conversation right now, he needed time and some air.

Getting out of the shower he quickly got dressed and decided to go on a walk around the compound, hoping that maybe he'd have some sense of clarity. A sign or something that would tell him what to do.

As he walked around the compound he paused when he reached the small jetty on the lake. So many memories flooded his brain of all the times that you and him would escape and find peace here, the night he sat out here for hours waiting for you after an argument, the evening when he proposed. This small jetty meant so much to you and he really needed you right now, so he took a deep breath and stepped onto the jetty.

Sitting down on one of the benches he closed his eyes and counted out a few deep breaths, a technique his therapist taught him to help centre himself when things got too painful. Opening his eyes he glanced around, hoping that maybe he'd see you again, praying that you'd give him a reassuring smile, tell him it was going to be okay. But there was nothing, he remained alone on the jetty.

He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there for, staring out at the water, when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Glancing over he saw Clint had joined him, leaning against one of the wooden pillars, staring straight out at the lake. Neither men said anything, they didn't even acknowledge the others presence, they just remained in silence. Slowly the others joined them, first Bruce, then Thor and lastly Tony who came to stand next to Steve, briefly patting him on the shoulder. The action caused tears to slip from Steve's eyes.

"it was a soul for a soul..." Clint says quietly "to get the stone you had to sacrifice something you love... I tried to stop her, tried to sacrifice myself but she stopped me... and- and i-" Clint mutters looking down and shaking his head unable to finish his sentence.

"do we know if she had any family?" Tony asked quietly.

"yeah..." Steve said his voice thick with emotion as he recalled the time when she told him about her family, that they had all gone in the snap and the Avengers were all she had left "us"

Thor walked over to Tony a look of disbelief on his face "what?" he questions with a small shake of his head "what are you doing?"

"just asked him a question," Tony says gently, turning to face Thor.

"yeah, no you're acting like she's dead," Thor tells him "why are we acting like she's dead? We have the stones right? As long as we have the stones Cap we can bring her back isn't that right" Thor says looking down at Steve for confirmation.

Steve didn't have an answer though, he wished he had an answer, a way to bring her back but he knew it was hopeless.

"so stop this shit. We're the avengers. Get it together" Thor growled in Tony's face.