Swan Song of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Epilogue 1

Author's Note; As stated in the description this originally started off as an Epilogue but I ended up with 3 sections and still more ideas to transcribe so I thought I'd collect them together for publishing instead off tagging them on the end, so here are the original 3. Enjoy, FanGirl8ygc3804

''I'm sorry Pepper, but we've been called away. Remnants of HYDRA have Loki's sceptre and that's all kinds of bad.'' Tony said apologetically rushing down the stairs Iron Man brief case in hand. He met Steve, Pepper and I in the centre of the room, only the three of us had come back to the tower with Tony to collect his suit.

''Can't they do without you, just this once?'' she asked sympathetic to the situation but clearly upset as tears spotted Tony's shirt when she pulled him into a hug.

''Pepper...'' He pulled her closer to him, holding her tightly. ''I have to go you know that.'' He pulled back a little still holding her tightly in his arms, ''Besides they're hopeless without me.'' He joked, trying to make light of the situation; she punched him in the arm for that.

''Just come back in one piece, OK?'' She begged of him, ''After all you're missing out on your honey moon for this trip.''

''I know and I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you,'' He took her head in his hands looking her straight in the eye, ''I promise.''

''You'd better.'' She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes; they stayed dull and sad.

''Sister dear?'' He turned to face me as he spoke and I saw the tears lining his eyes, but he brought an index finger to his mouth. Harsh not to let Pepper see the toll, maybe a little but it would help her cope, I guessed, but I wouldn't argue with his wishes.

''Yes brother dear? ''

''Any advice for the road?''

''Don't die out there.'' I said sincerely, ''Seriously, we need you to come back to us. Both of you.'' I pulled my brother and Steve into a hug which was easier said than done. ''Have each other's back's out there, alright?''

''You needn't worry about me, Liz,'' he mussed my hair, ''I got my tech.''

''That's why I'm worried.'' I went to punch him in the shoulder but he caught my hand and pulled me into a hug. His hand pressing my head to his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and headed for the lift Pepper in tow for a final goodbye. ''It's the old man you need to worry about, Capsicle and I'll be back before you know it. Meet you in the garage, Cap.'' He mock saluted before closing the doors.

'I'll keep him safe,'' Steve pulled me just close enough to kiss my cheek with an arm around my waist obviously opting for a clean break.

''Just make sure, you keep you safe.'' I held his hand in mine hoping against hope he'd change his mind as he walked away reluctantly letting me go.

I looked down to avoid eye contact as he abandoned me there alone,

''Liz?'' He stood with his face an inch away from mine as I met his gaze. He cupped my face in his hands kissing me as though for the last time. He went then as a solitary Pepper stepped out of the lift.

I joined Pepper in packing for what should have been her honeymoon but was now a trip to take our minds off the worry.