Chapter Text
Days later.
The lake is calm.
The sky is grey.
Everyone gathers for the funeral of Tony Stark.
One by one the heroes arrive.
But when Steve Rogers steps out of the car—
Everyone notices.
He’s standing.
But barely.
His ribs are still wrapped beneath his suit. One arm rests stiffly in a sling. His movements are slow, careful.
Sam immediately moves to his side.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
Steve shakes his head.
“…I should.”
They walk toward the lake together.
Bucky stays close on Steve’s other side like a silent guard.
When the ceremony begins, Steve stands quietly with the others.
But halfway through—
His breathing becomes uneven.
Bucky notices instantly.
“…Steve.”
Steve shakes his head faintly.
“I’m fine.”
He’s not.
The pain in his ribs is building every minute he stays standing.
Finally, as the arc reactor is placed on the water, Steve’s legs tremble.
Before he can collapse—
Bucky grabs his arm.
“Sit.”
Steve exhales slowly.
“…Okay.”
They lower him carefully onto the nearby bench.
From there Steve watches the reactor drift across the lake.
Tony’s final proof that he had a heart.
Steve swallows hard.
“…He saved everyone.”
Bucky nods quietly.
“…Yeah.”
Steve stares out across the water.
“…Wish I could’ve saved him.”
Bucky looks at him.
“You tried.”
Steve doesn’t answer.
But his eyes stay on the water long after the others begin to leave.