Everly || Steve Rogers

Epilogue

"Where is he?" Sam asked worriedly, peering over at Bruce.

"I don't know." Banner frantically flipped a plethora of switches laid out before him. "I don't know. He blew right by his time stamp. He should be here."

Bucky hung his head and slowly turned around, his feet freezing in place at the sight of a man sitting at the bench a few yards away. He narrowed his eyes and took another step forward.

"Get him back." Sam demanded.

"I'm trying."

"Get him the hell back." He shouted again.

"Hey, I said I'm trying." Bruce argued.

"Sam." Bucky interrupted, hands buried in the pockets of his jacket. Sam moved to stand at his side, his expression softening. They hesitated a moment before starting toward the stranger who sat overlooking the lake. The pair slowed to a stop halfway and Bucky's heart sunk.

"Go ahead." He breathed, managing a sad smile. Sam met his eyes before heading over to the bench. The man's gray hair was swept straight back, his skin wrinkled with age.

"Cap?" Sam asked in disbelief. 

"Hi, Sam." Steve said, turning to look at his old friend.

"So, did something go wrong or did something go right?" Sam grinned.

"Well, after I put the stones back, I thought, maybe I'll... try some of that life Tony was telling me to get."

"How'd that work out for ya?" 

"It was beautiful." Steve nodded, smiling faintly.

"Good." Sam breathed. "I'm happy for you. Truly."

"Thank you." Steve returned softly.

"Only thing bumming me out is the fact I have to live in a world without Captain America." Sam added once more.

"Oh." Steve reached beside him to grab a circular leather case leaned up against the bench. He set it between them and unzipped the top, flipping it open to reveal the shield beneath. "That reminds me." He slowly looked up at his friend and smiled. "Try it on." Sam's expression fell and he glanced between Steve and the shield with uncertainty before turning to Bucky who sent him a nod. He paused before reaching down and grabbing the familiar shield, slipping it onto his arm. "How does it feel?"

"Like it's someone else's." He answered simply.

"It isn't."

Sam smirked and looked out over the lake. He sighed and peered back down at the shield on his arm.

"Thank you." He nodded. "I'll do my best."

Steve reached out a hand for a handshake, resting the other overtop of Sam's hand.

"That's why it's yours."

Sam grinned and glanced down at the ring on Steve's finger. "You wanna tell me about her?" He stared out over the glimmering lake once more and sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"No. No, I don't think I will."