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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟗
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒' 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘

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𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑

After reuniting with their lost loved ones and taking time to catch up on what they had missed, the heroes found themselves at Stark's cabin. No one said a word as they stared at the lake, waiting for the group inside to finish watching Tony's farewell video. A few people who stood on the grass were invited to join them, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it. Some felt it wasn't their place to intrude on a private family moment, while others were still having a hard time believing that Tony was actually gone. Now two members of their strange family were lost to them.

What felt like an eternity passed when the cabin door finally opened, revealing those who watched Tony's farewell video. Pepper was the first person to walk down the stairs and onto the grass. In one hand she held a beautiful bouquet with Tony's arc reactor in the center. She held Morgan's hand tightly in the other. The Stark girl kept her eyes glued to the grass as she walked, not wanting to meet the stares. Behind them were Happy and Rhodey, who both wore stoic looks as they tried to comprehend the loss of one of their oldest friends. The group ended with Steve and Thor as they followed them down to the dock. Silence was the only thing that could be heard as they watched Pepper place the bouquet into the water.

Charlie couldn't help but lean into Pietro's side as she watched the flowers float away. The two of them were standing beside her family with Wanda on the other side of the speedster. All three of them had been staying at the Barton Farm since the Blip. Charlie wanted to spend as much time as she could with Laura and her siblings and Pietro didn't hesitate to join her. Wanda was uncertain at first, not knowing if that was where she wanted to be. But after some convincing from her brother, who wanted to be around his sister as much as possible, the Maximoff woman finally gave in. However, it was obvious that she wouldn't be around the farm for much longer. Especially when she was still missing one of the most important people in her life.

On the other side of the Barton woman stood Alex. The speedster wore a very stoic look on her face as she stared at the scene in front of her. However, while most people were watching the flowers in the lake, her attention was on Peter. Just like when the final battle occurred, the Easton girl found herself wanting to be beside the Parker boy. She wanted to comfort him during this dark time. But she also knew being near Tony's closest allies wasn't where she belonged. Yes, she and the Stark man reconciled during their battle with Thanos. But Alex also knew that didn't earn her a spot up front. So instead she stood with the family that took her in during her time of need, knowing she would comfort her friend at a different time.

Primrose stood across from the Barton family with the Guardians and the children of Njörd. Freyr had his arm wrapped tightly around the Quill woman's shoulders. Beside him stood Freyja, whose mind was completely elsewhere. Despite wanting to be there for everyone who knew Tony Stark, the Njördsdottir woman couldn't help but think of the friends she lost. Her thoughts mainly focused on a certain God of Mischief. The Guardians were uncharacteristically quiet as they watched the ceremony unfold. Just like everyone surrounding them, they wore sad looks on their faces. The only one who felt a small bit of happiness at that moment was Peter. But that was only because he was holding his niece in his arms, which was something he loved to do since meeting Jordan.

Standing toward the back of the ceremony and one of the nearest to the cabin was Trina. She was staring at all the heroes gathered to honor Tony, in awe at how many people he connected with. It reminded the Felicity woman of the group she left behind years ago. And if it wasn't for her son standing by her side, Trina would've felt the same loneliness she experienced for the last five years. Ever since Orion returned, the Felicity woman spent every free moment with him. She also lightened up a bit and gave him more freedom, knowing that he would be able to handle himself. And they would soon be embarking on their next great adventure in London. Orion got accepted into the University of London, leading to Trina getting a job over there. She would miss all the friends she made, but the Felicity woman was ready for a new start with her son.

It wasn't long after the ceremony concluded that Charlie found herself standing with her father and the Maximoff twins at the edge of the lake. The four of them just stared at the rippling water, enjoying the peacefulness that surrounded them. That was until the silence was finally broken by Clint.

"You know, I wish there was a way that I could let her know. That we won. We did it," the Barton man whispered just loud enough for them to hear. Tears instantly formed in Charlie's eyes as she thought about Natasha. She soon grabbed her father's hand without thinking and gave it a gentle squeeze. That was all it took for Clint to wrap his arm around his daughter and pull her closer to his side.

Wanda just stared at the man beside her for a long moment as she took in his words. What felt like an eternity passed before the telekinetic responded. "She knows. They both do."

It wasn't long before they heard the sound of approaching footsteps, causing everyone to turn to find Steve walking toward them. The Man Out of Time sent them each a small smile before his eyes settled on Charlie. "Can I talk to you?"

The Barton woman hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the uncertainty in Steve's voice. Out of everyone that she had ever worked with, he was always the most calm and collected. But it wasn't long before Charlie sent him a small nod and followed him further down the shore. As soon as the Rogers man felt they were a good distance away to have a private conversation, he turned around to face the Barton woman.

"Bruce has the Quantum Tunnel ready to go. We're planning on getting the Stones back to where they belong in a few days. I'd like you to be there when we do it," Steve explained with the uncertainty still in his voice.

"I can be there," Charlie told him without an ounce of hesitation. However, the tone in the Rogers man's voice was enough to let her curiosity take over. "Is there a reason why you want me there?"

Unlike the Barton woman, Steve paused. Which was all it took to tell the young archer that he was keeping something from her. But instead of pushing any further at that moment, she kept her lips sealed so he could respond. And it wasn't long before he did so. "I want someone to be there for Bucky after it's done. He's trusted you from the first time he met you. You're one of the only people he trusts."

"I'm sure Bucky will be fine, Steve. It's only gonna take like five seconds," Charlie said, only to catch a look in his eyes that told her she found out the reason for his uncertainty, "unless it's gonna take more than five seconds."

Once again, the Man Out of Time hesitated before a hint of guilt formed on his face. He just stared out at the lake for what felt like an eternity before finally speaking. "I think it's time for me to try some of that life Tony told me to get."

Now it was the Barton woman's turn to hesitate, unsure of what to make of his words. She understood where he was coming from, especially after spending most of his life fighting to save the world. Yet there was a large part of her that was against his plan, specifically the part about leaving Bucky behind. But Charlie was in no position to argue with his choices. All she could do was help where she was needed.

"I don't agree with your decision, Steve. But I'll always support you," the young archer said before letting out a long sigh, "and of course I'll be there for Bucky. He can't get rid of me that easily."

"Thank you, Charlie," the Rogers man muttered under his breath before pulling her in for a tight hug, "I'm gonna miss you."

A single tear rolled down the Barton woman's cheek as she returned the gesture. She wanted nothing more than for time to stop at that moment to keep Steve there. But she knew that wasn't possible. And she knew she couldn't stop him. "I'm gonna miss you too, Steve."

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After arriving back at New Asgard, Primrose stood at the top of the tallest surrounding hill. The wind blew in her face, bringing her the smell of the sea air. A million thoughts bounced around in her head as she listened to her friends loading the Benatar with supplies. Her eyes were glued to the ocean before her attention moved to Jordan, who was playing with Freyr and Freyja in the grass. The Quill woman loved watching her daughter run around with the biggest smile on her face. It brought her a type of joy that she wouldn't experience otherwise. She knew how much Jordan loved running around and playing in the fields. And she especially knew how much the brunette girl enjoyed playing with other children. Which was why Primrose had to make the hardest decision of her life. One that only Freyr knew about.

It wasn't long before Primrose sensed someone approaching her, causing her to glance over her shoulder to find Peter. She watched him walk across the grass until he was standing right beside her. The two of them just stared at the view of New Asgard for a moment in silence, enjoying the other's company. That was until the Quill man began speaking.

"We just finished loading up the supplies. All that's missing is your things," Peter told her, only for him to see all the emotions his sister held in her eyes. He just studied Primrose for a moment before continuing to speak. "You're not coming with us."

"I really want to, Pete. I just got you back after five years. I've always followed in your footsteps, which has been an amazing adventure. But it's time for me to figure out who I am," Primrose explained before her eyes traveled back to her smiling daughter, "and I wanna give Jordan the life she deserves. And that doesn't involve growing up on a spaceship. My place is here for right now."

The Quill woman was expected to find a disappointed look on Peter's face when she looked back up at him. But instead he was wearing a small smile. The next thing Primrose knew, her brother was slinging an arm around his sister's shoulder and pulling her closer to his side. "As much as I'll miss having you around, I support your decision. You've really matured over the last five years."

Primrose couldn't help but roll her eyes at her brother before a playful smirk appeared on her lips. "Well, I am technically older than you now."

"Let's forget the technicalities," Peter responded with a hint of annoyance in his voice, causing his sister's smirk to grow. It wasn't long after that when their attention fell on the laughing little girl. That was enough to turn their matching smirks into genuine smiles. "You make a good mom, Rosie."

"I learned from the best," Primrose responded while thinking back to the little time she spent with her own mother, "did I ever tell you what her full name is?"

"Not that I can recall."

"Jordan Meredith Yuna Freyrsdottir."

A somewhat confused look appeared on Peter's face as he looked back at his sister. "Okay. I get where Jordan and Meredith came from. And I think it's great that she's named after our parents. But Yuna?"

A small laugh passed over Primrose's lips as she turned her attention back to her brother. "Well, I couldn't have her name be Yondu. That would be ridiculous."

Before their conversation could continue, someone called out to Peter. When they turned toward the sound, they found Jordan running at them with sadness in her eyes. As soon as she was close enough to them, the Quill man instantly scooped the young girl up into his arms.

"Dada says you are leaving," the Freyrsdottir girl said as tears began building up in her eyes.

"Yeah, Squirt. Unfortunately, I gotta get going," Peter responded after reaching up to wipe away a single tear, "but we'll see each other again soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise. Be good to your mom while I'm gone," the Quill man told his niece with a sad smile on his face. Not even a second after that passed when he noticed Freyr approaching them. Peter just stared at the God of Peace for a moment before setting Jordan down on the grass. "Go to your aunt while I talk to your parents."

Jordan sent Peter a small nod before running off to join Freyja. It wasn't long after that when the Quill man returned his attention to Freyr, who was now standing right beside Primrose. "You better watch her back. I wanna come back to find my little sister in one piece. My niece too."

The Njördson man sent Peter a small smile before placing an arm around Primrose's shoulders. "There's no need to worry. I promise to watch over them and keep them away from any danger."

After sending the Asgardian a nod in response, Peter pulled his sister into a tight hug. The two of them stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. As soon as their moment ended, Primrose said her goodbyes to the rest of her teammates...the rest of her family. A sad smile was plastered on her lips as she held Jordan in her arms. The two of them along with the children of Njörd and Valkyrie stood a safe distance away as they watched the Benatar ascend into the sky. They stayed on the hill and watched the Guardian's ship until it disappeared into the clouds.

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A few days had passed since Tony's memorial service. Charlie and Pietro found themselves standing in a small clearing just outside where the Compound used to stand. Their hands were interlocked as they watched Bruce prepare the Quantum Tunnel for Steve's journey. Helicopters working on cleaning up the aftermath were the only thing that could be heard at that moment. Despite how much it was bothering her, the Barton woman kept what Steve had told her to herself. Well, almost to herself. She did tell Pietro, but the two of them were very good at keeping their lips sealed.

"Remember you have to return the Stones to the exact moment we got them or you're gonna open up a bunch of nasty alternative realities," the Banner man told Steve as he opened the case that held the Stones.

"Don't worry, Bruce," the Rogers man responded while closing the case and making sure the powerful items inside were secured, "clip all the branches."

"You know, I tried," the Hulk muttered just loud enough to hear them, not bothering to hide the sadness in his voice, "when I had the Gauntlet, the Stones, I really tried to bring her back. I miss her."

A lump soon formed in Charlie's throat as soon as she realized who Bruce was talking about. As if sensing her thoughts, Pietro untangled his fingers from hers and wrapped his arm around her. The Barton woman kept her eyes glued to Steve as he walked across the clearing to have an inaudible conversation with Bucky. That only lasted for a few minutes before they shared a quick hug. After saying one final goodbye to his best friend, the Rogers man went to have a private conversation with Sam.

Charlie watched them for a moment before her attention fell on Bucky. One look at him and she knew that he sensed something was off. He held a sadness in his eyes that the Barton woman couldn't explain. And if she knew he wouldn't push her away, she would've gone over to comfort him. But she knew how the Barnes man was. He was still getting used to life without HYDRA in his head. It was going to take time for him to get acclimated to the real world.

Everyone's attention returned to Steve when he walked onto the Quantum Tunnel's platform. The machine soon came to life as the Rogers man set the coordinates in his Time-Space GPS. Not even a second after that passed when his Time Suit appeared before Steve picked up Mjolnir

"How long is this gonna take?" Sam asked without taking his eyes off the Man Out of Time.

"For him, as long as he needs. For us, five seconds. You ready, Cap?" Bruce said after turning his attention toward Steve. Once he received a nod in response from Captain America, the Banner man continued speaking. "Alright, we'll meet you back here, okay?"

"You bet," the Rogers man muttered under his breath before glancing over at Charlie. The two of them just stared at each other for a long moment before Steve sent her a small smile, a gesture she quickly returned. It wasn't long after that when his helmet appeared, sealing his face off from those surrounding him.

"Going quantum. Three...two...one." Steve disappeared before their eyes as soon as Bruce finished his countdown. The Hulk pressed a few buttons on the control panel before opening his mouth to speak. "And returning in five...four...three...two...one."

Charlie, Pietro, and Bucky weren't surprised when Steve didn't reappear in front of them. But the same couldn't be said for Bruce and Sam. A confused look instantly appeared on the Banner man's face as he typed away on the control panel. As soon as the Wilson man saw the genius's distress, he asked the question bouncing around in his head. "Where is he?"

"I don't know. He blew right by his time stamp. He should be here," the Banner man explained while frantically typing away on the control panel.

While Sam and Bruce continued to bicker about Steve's whereabouts, Charlie noticed Bucky's attention turn toward something else. When she followed his gaze, she found a man sitting on a nearby bench with his back to them. The Barton woman hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the stranger. That was until she saw the circular bag sitting next to him. It wasn't long after that when Bucky called out to Sam, causing the latter's argument with Bruce to end. The Wilson man's attention instantly moved to the Winter Soldier, only for him to notice the man sitting in the distance a second later. It wasn't long after that when the two men, Charlie, and Pietro walked toward the newcomer, leaving Bruce to tinker with the Quantum Tunnel.

The four of them continued walking until stopping a few yards away. They let the silence surround them for a moment before Bucky looked at Sam and broke it. "Go ahead."

No one said a word as they watched the Wilson man approach the man on the bench. Pietro watched as they had an inaudible discussion before turning his attention toward the Barnes man. "You didn't seem very surprised when Steve didn't coming back."

"He told me about his plan this morning. Can't say I didn't see it coming," Bucky said before sighing and looking over at the couple, "when did he tell you guys?"

"A few days ago," Charlie responded with a hint of guilt in her voice, "he also asked me to watch out for you."

The Barnes man couldn't help but scoff as a small smile appeared on his lips. "I don't need a babysitter."

"No...but you do need friends."

The three of them just stared at each other for a long moment before turning their attention back to Steve and Sam. But what they didn't expect to find was a young girl appearing from behind a tree. Shock coursed through their veins as she approached the two heroes before stopping beside the bench. The Rogers man said something that caused a confused look to appear on Sam's face. It wasn't long after that when the Wilson man gestured for Bucky, Charlie, and Pietro to join them. Steve looked over at his three friends with a small smile on his face while the girl looked as though she wanted to be anywhere but there.

"It's good to see you all again," the Rogers man said before turning his attention toward the blonde girl beside him, "this is my granddaughter, Jamie."

"Hello," Jamie awkwardly greeted with a small wave, a gesture that was quickly returned by the surrounding heroes.

"She inherited the supersoldier gene. Only one in our family that has so far. I've worked with her for years to get control over her abilities," Steve explained then turned to look at the four heroes surrounding him, "I'd like for you to finish her training."

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