Earth's Mightiest Heroes

The Past Comes Back To Haunt

***Two months later***

I sighed as I trudged through the snow that covered the ground. I stopped in front of the grave that I always did. Steve's.

"It's February," I said, "Still cold, but it always is here." I sighed and rubbed my hands down my face, "Who am I kidding? They say that coming and talking to you would help, but I can't do it. It's been 67 years and everything inside me screams for just one more kiss, one more word, one more glance, one more..." I trailed off as I choked on tears. "I'm never going to get that because death changes everything! Time changes nothing... I still miss the sound of your voice, the wisdom in your advice, the stories of your life and just being in your presence. So, no, time changes nothing, I miss you as much today as I did the day you died. I just miss you." I sank to my knees and cried.

"You'll catch your death out here," someone said from behind me.

I stood up and turned around to see who it was. There was an older gentleman standing on the walkway.

"The cold doesn't really bother me," I responded.

The man smiled, "Of course not my dear." He nodded to the grave, "Family member?"

I looked at the grave and then him, "Something like that." I started toward the direction of the tower, "If you'll excuse me I need to get home."

"Captain Rogers," the man called.

I froze. How the hell did he know who I was?

"You'll see him again," the guy called.

I didn't look back at him as I headed back to the tower. How the hell did he know who I was? Well, then again I was Captain America and co-leader of the Avengers. We were pictured everywhere so everyone knew who I was. But the other thing that he had said. What did he mean that I would see him again? If he meant Steve that wasn't possible. Steve died 67 years ago. I watched him. And the man's accent, it was Russian. Something was very off about the whole encounter.

"Good morning, beloved," Tony said pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked down at the mug in my hand. Apparently I had got back, taken a shower, changed and made a cup of coffee without realizing it. "Has anyone checked the dumpsters for Clint yet?" he continued.

I snorted, "Funny you should ask that."

"Oh God, is he in a dumpster again?"

"What? I don't know? Sounded good," I said. I handed him a cup of coffee.

"Hmm," he sighed breathing in the fumes, "What's on the docket today, Cap?"

"Vigorous training," I stated calmly.

"Yeah, count me out," he said.

I looked at my phone as it dinged. Looked like I had a mission. Bagrationovsk, Russia. Oh no.

"Ken," Tony said putting a hand on my shoulder, "You alright?"

"Suit up," I told him, "We've got a mission. I'll meet you on the jet."

He nodded, finished the last of his coffee, and then took off to do what I told him. Ten minutes later we were all on the jet.

"Need a destination, Cap," Tony called from the pilot's seat.

"Bagrationovsk, Russia," I told him.

He frowned, "Why there?"

"That's where Eyepatch said to go," I responded.

About three-quarters of the way into the flight we got a call from Eyepatch.

"Captain," he snapped, "This was a mission for you and you alone. You better have a damn good reason for why you took Iron Man with you to Russia."