Thanos hotline

The end of the line

WAKANDAN HANGAR

An F-16 plane lies in the hangar, where Natasha Romanoff is seated as the pilot. Steve Rogers is looking at his new shield, unsure whether to take it up again or leave it be. Tony Stark walks in.

Tony Stark- Captain, there's something I need to discuss.

Steve Rogers- Yeah, look Tony, I appreciate you upgrading my shield and giving me one of your suits, but frankly speaking I am getting too old for this. I don't want your new toys, Stark.

Tony Stark- Listen, Captain. Firstly, I am sorry for blaming you for everything.

Steve Rogers- Wait, what did I just hear? Natasha, is my hearing impaired?!

Natasha Romanoff- Nope, you heard right.

Tony Stark- Yeah, the team didn't break because of you, but me. I could easily ignore Ross and he could do nothing about it, but I forgot that my teammates didn't had the same luxury. In the end, the whole team stood with you, captain, and I lost all those who came with me. 

Steve Rogers- No you haven't. We will bring them back, or die trying.

Tony Stark- What I want to say is, captain, that Fury had kept me away from the Avengers Initiative for good reason. I am no leader, and nor can I follow in anyone else's steps. The days I spent drifting in space, made me realize what mattered to me the most. And it wasn't the death of half the world. 

Tony Stark- It was Pepper. 

Steve Rogers- What are you trying to say, Stark? If you don't want to fight Thanos, why are you even here then?

Tony Stark- I am here because I took a kid under my wing, and now he is nothing but a pile of dust. I was responsible for him, and I failed.

Steve Rogers- So you would fight and bring him back again. So what's the problem?

Tony Stark- I am saying that even if we win, even if we somehow manage to defeat the God-on-Earth itself, this is my last mission. I am retiring. The team is in good hands, and I will give my new suit to Rhodes. The Avengers need an Iron man, but there's no need for Tony Stark.

Steve Rogers- I feel pain in my bones that I never felt before too.

Tony Stark- What?

Steve Rogers- The super-soldier serum, it was designed to enhance my speed and strength. But it wasn't a portion of immortality, and though the ice stopped my ageing for a while, I have now started to grow old. My combat days are not yet over, but my skills, my weapons, my values are archaic. I would only be a liability to the New Avengers. 

Tony Stark- So this is your last mission too?

Steve Rogers- Mmhmm.

Deep silence for a while. The plane fires up, and is almost ready for take-off. Tony Stark picks up Captain America's shield and gives it to him.

Tony Stark- Then I guess this is the end of the line, Captain.

Steve Rogers- Indeed, it is.

Tony Stark- I am with you in this one.

Steve Rogers- Me too, Tony. 

Natasha Romanoff- Boys, if you are done, its time for takeoff.

Tony Stark- As soon as you are done, rejoin us back at the HQ. 

Steve Rogers- If you need help, don't hesitate to call us for backup.

Tony Stark- Yeah right.