Bound By Legacy

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The chapel echoes as I walk down the center aisle. She is still here, this gray-stoned building I'd come to so many times in my old life. She has stood the test of time just as I have. My hand rests gently on the wooden back of a pew as I gaze up at the altar still decorated in navy blue.

It had been a quiet service, not many had come. In our minds that had been right. Rebecca, the kids, Steve, a few other friends. We had invited many more of our compatriots, but with the world the way it is at the moment, they couldn't find a way to travel such a long way to meet us here. The public had gathered outside the chapel to view our arrival, it was as if I were viewing a royal wedding, and I myself had been the princess herself. Sighing, I shift my weight and fall onto the wooden bench. As I fold my hands in my lap I see my ring reflect in the dim light. I turn it out of sight quickly and focus back up at the crucifix.

I am happy. I tell myself. I am, but today when I looked over the congregation as Steve walked me down the aisle I felt a gut punch go through me. There were far too many friends missing... Too many. My emotions start to swell as I think about all invitations that had been turned down. I bite my lip trying to fight my festering emotions. Just as I think I might let out an exasperated cry the giant wooden doors at the rear of the church open  letting light cascade down the aisle past me. A familiar silhouette makes its way towards me as the summer light disappears once again behind the closing doors. I sit up straight, compose myself, and look forward.

"Already having second thoughts?" Bucky asks teasingly. He falls onto the bench next to me. I let out a huff of a laugh.

"Are the kids okay?" I ask, still looking forward.

"Sam's got 'em." I nod slowly, still thinking about how empty life had become. Bucky wraps an arm around my shoulder slightly angeling me towards him. I give up my reluctance and look over at him. "What's wrong?" He asks. "The police removed the protesters off the premises..." They had come with the public at the beginning of the service. A rather small group, but still their words were enough to put a damper on the event.

I let out a breath, "I know we said we'd get married here to maybe bring some joy..." I think about my next words carefully. I look up again to continue. "I just... It was sad to see so many empty spots where people should be." Bucky studies me carefully. He knows I've been struggling, the nightmares had made me rather fragile especially the last week or so. With no team, no purpose, I'd become lost in the dark. I had my family of course, a chance to finally live freely, but I still feel as if I don't have closure. 

"You're allowed to be happy Eve." So he had totally read through me. Yes I felt guilty to be happy. "It's okay to try and move on." I look at him and see a hundred years of me not being able to move on in his eyes. 100 years of believing, that somehow we would end up together.

"I'm afraid I've never been very good at that." I say forcing a smile. He leans in and plants a kiss on my forehead before pulling me to him. I take a moment to let the anxiety reside. 

Realizing just how long I've been making the people outside wait I pull away from Bucky. He stands, never releasing my hand. He helps me stand as well. Leading me forward back out into the open space I let my skirts fall back around me. Taking my arm in his he warns me of what's to come, "There are a few reporters out there still... fans too."  I try not to let the news faze me.

I think of all the unpleasant encounters I'd had with the public since the death of Tony and the 'disappearance' of Captain America. There had been a growing resistance to us in the media, people who wanted to find the blame for the blip. Most were thankful and just overcome with joy that their loved ones had returned. But of course some were looking to place blame on someone, anyone. "What are they here for?" I ask fiddling with my vale.