Monsters Inside Us (Winter Soldier)

Epilogue

~Five Years Later~

      A black car pulled into cemetery, driving a distance away before arriving at a more barren plot. Steve stepped out of the driver's seat, pulling his jacket closer as the fall wind sent a chill through his body. Removing his sunglasses, his eyes scanned the few headstones in the area before his eyes settled on one.

      "That's the one," he said with a smile. The passenger door opened, the man stepping from the car slowly. He stood tall with his eyes focused on the tombstone. His hair was short and groomed, his face was freshly shaven, and his blue eyes held a shine. In his hands, he held a small bouquet of flowers, grasping them close to his chess as a breeze came through. He turned to Steve, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

      "Really," he asked.

      Steve smiled, "Would I ever lie to ya, Bucky?"

      Bucky thought a moment, "Well, there was that one time..." Steve rolled his eyes at his friend, walking around the car to stand next to him. The two stood there, looking at the tombstone in silence.

      "It took a while," started Steve, "But thanks to Stark, we were able to move her here." Bucky looked around the cemetery. The trees were vibrant oranges and yellows, the leaves had fallen and decorated the ground. His eyes scanned the distance, taking in the familiar buildings from his memories.

      "It's where she belongs," he replied, giving Steve a small smile. Silence took over as Bucky stood and looked at the grave from a distance. Steve looked between him and the grave.

      "Let's go," said Steve, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. Bucky looked at him, his smile faltering the slightest bit as he took a deep breath. The two walked towards the grave, stopping once they stood in front of it. Bucky stared at it, emotions flooding him as he read what was engraved.

      Here lies Jess Quinzel.

      Our loving friend.

      Our selfless protector.

      "It was Starks idea to give her a new headstone," commented Steve, "He said the one they gave her didn't suit her...he's definitely come around."

      Bucky nodded, "I'll have to give him my thanks." Bucky took a step closer, bending down on one knee. He placed the flowers at the foot of the headstone, drawing a shaky breath.

      "Jess...it's been a long time," he paused, clearing his throat as he searched for the right words, "I would've visited you sooner but I put myself back on the ice. Just didn't trust myself to be awake, I guess."

      Bucky's eyes looked to the flowers, "It's the first time I've been able to visit you; and it's your birthday..." He paused a moment, his mind drifting off as he imagined surprising her with a cake. He imagined how her blue eyes would light up and the smile that would've spread across her face.

      "I read your letter almost everyday," he said, his voice faltering a bit, "There wasn't a moment while I was asleep that you weren't in my dreams." He paused once more, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He cleared his throat a bit, trying to keep himself together.