Framed

Epilogue

2016, Landing Bay, Wakanda

Steve and Bucky left Wakanda with a weight lifted from their shoulders, knowing that Marni was safe and Tony was at the compound, which eased the guilt that had eaten them up. However, as they had broken the law, the two soldiers knew they couldn't return to the compound.

After rescuing the others from the raft, Steve, Bucky, and Sam headed off together on the run from the government. They continued their fight, but from the shadows, leaving no trace behind as they moved to new locations.

Nearly two years later, the three men - along with Natasha - found themselves at a train station in Edinburgh. There, they aided Wanda and Vision in their fight against the children of Thanos, who sought the stone occupying Vision's head.

When the children of Thanos left, the six of them headed to the quinjet, their destination being the Avengers compound. Walking down the hallway, they could hear Rhodey talking to Secretary Ross. "That's right. And I'm pretty sure I've paid for that," Rhodes argued, taking a step to emphasize his point.

"Do you have second thoughts?" Secretary Ross asked, his hologram standing in front of the man, looking at the mechanical legs Tony had made to help Rhodey walk. "Not anymore," Rhodey replied firmly, turning his head as he heard the many footsteps heading his way.

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2018, Avengers compound, Upstate New York

"Mr. Secretary," Steve greeted firmly, his dislike for the man surfacing as he spoke.

"You got some nerve. I'll give you that," Ross replied, walking so that his hologram was in front of Steve, trying his best to intimidate him - even if it was pointless. "You could use some of that right now," Natasha added, her hair now platinum blonde.

"The world's on fire. And you think all is forgiven?" Ross retorted.

Steve's jaw clenched, his resolve unwavering. "I'm not looking for forgiveness. And I'm way past asking for permission. Earth just lost her best defender. So, we're here to fight. And if you want to stand in our way... We'll fight you, too."

Twisting his body round, Ross now looked to Rhodey. "Arrest them," he commanded.

"All over it," Rhodey responded as he turned off the hologram. "That's a court-martial. It's great to see you, Cap. Lieutenant," he said, looking to Bucky, who helped Sam support the android.

"You too, Rhodey," Steve acknowledged.

"Well. You guys look like crap. Must've been a rough couple of years," Rhodey remarked. "Yeah, well, the hotels weren't exactly five-star," Sam quipped, a wry smile on his lips.

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2018, Landing Bay, Wakanda

Deciding to head to Wakanda after being brought up to speed, Steve and Bucky greeted T'Challa as they walked out of the mouth of the quinjet. "Seems like we're always thanking you for something. " Bucky said as he shook hands with the king.

The others walked beside him, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. T'Challa, only knowing the important information and why they were there, quizzed." So how big of an assault can we expect?"

"Uh, sir, I think you can expect quite a big assault," Bruce remarked, his tone reflecting the weight of the situation. Steve, clad in his Captain America uniform, turned to T'Challa, seeking assurance amidst the uncertainty. "How are we looking?" he inquired, his gaze unwavering.

T'Challa, the king of Wakanda, exuded confidence as he outlined their formidable defences.

"You will have my King's Guard, the Border Tribe, the Dora Milaje, and..." T'Challa's words were interrupted by Marni, who stepped forward to join the conversation, her presence a reminder of the bonds forged in times of adversity.

"A semi-stable, 100-year-old woman," Marni added, her tone laced with a hint of humour despite the gravity of their circumstances.

The reunion between Steve and Marni was a poignant moment, a testament to the enduring strength of their love amidst the chaos of their lives. "How you been, Marni?" Steve's voice carried a mixture of warmth and concern.

Marni's response was laced with a touch of resilience, reflecting the resilience that had sustained her through trials and tribulations. "Uh, not bad, for the end of the world," she quipped, her words resonating with a sense of defiance against the encroaching darkness.

As they continued their journey through the corridors of Wakanda, their resolve remained unyielding, united in their determination to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

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10 years later, Avengers compound, upstate New York

As the ceremony approached, the Avengers Compound buzzed with excitement and preparations. Ruby, resplendent in her gipsy ballgown, shared a tender moment with her sister Dani, who beamed with pride. "You look stunning, Ruby. I'm so happy for you," Dani said as she looked at her sister in the mirror.

"Thank you, Dan. I couldn't have done this without you," Ruby responded, tears blurring her vision with emotion.

Meanwhile, Steve, adorned in his finest attire, stood nervously beside Bucky, who clapped him on the back with a reassuring smile. "You ready for this, pal?" Bucky asked, making sure his life-long friend wasn't having second thoughts.

"I've never been more ready, Buck," Steve told him he never thought this day would come. After everything that happened with Ruby, he lost hope he would ever find love - that was until she turned up and apologized for everything that happened.

The courtyard was transformed into a breathtaking venue, with flowers and lights adorning every corner. Guests mingled, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth. Marni approached Bucky with a smile, her eyes filled with affection.

"You clean up pretty nicely, Barnes," she said, scanning him with her eyes.

"Only for you, Marni," he smirked, walking to her and embracing her with his warmth, grateful for her unwavering support.

As the music began to play and the ceremony commenced, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Friends and allies took their seats, their eyes fixed on Ruby and Steve, the embodiment of love and redemption.

Amidst the exchange of vows and the solemnity of the moment, there was laughter and tears of joy. "I promise to love you fiercely, Ruby, for all the days of my life," Steve promised, standing before everyone at the altar, his eyes conveying affection that only Ruby could see.

"And I promise to stand by your side, Steve, through every triumph and challenge," she reciprocated, her smile bright as she looked at him in adoration.

Their vows were sealed with a kiss, and cheers erupted from the crowd, celebrating the union of two souls destined to be together. At that moment, surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family, Ruby and Steve knew that their journey was only just beginning.

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A/n

So, Framed is finally done. I hope you have enjoyed this book. Please feel free to vote, follow and leave feedback in the comments along with any requests for future books. Don't forget to look after yourself.💕

Word count:1118