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Steve was expecting a warm welcome from Peggy. After all, they had both waited for this moment for years, hadn’t they? He certainly had.
In the back of his mind, Bucky’s face as he left was still bothering him. He had looked so sad… But he would be fine, right? He had Sam. He was doing better.
He’d be fine.
Right?
He tried to push it away. He had done this for a reason. He was going to stay in the past for a reason. Bucky was doing so much better after his time in Wakanda. He didn’t need Steve anymore. Steve could finally settle down like he’d always wanted to.
But something unexpected happened, and his interaction with Peggy did not go according to plan.
“Why are you here, Steve?”
He stepped forward to take her hands.
“I- I’m here… for us.”
“There is no “us”, Steve. We both lived very happy lives. Separately. I didn’t need you, Steve, and you didn’t need me. We never needed each other. I believe we were both blind. Turn around Steve. Open your eyes, and go back. There’s someone else who needs you, much more than I ever did, or could. Go back to Bucky. He needs you, and you know that. He’s always needed you.”
Steve stared into her eyes, crestfallen.
“But Peggy- Peggy, Bucky is fine. He’s doing so much better. He’ll be fine without me, Peggy, please-”
“Oh, stop lying to yourself.” Peggy snapped. “Can you imagine how sad he’ll be? He’s expecting you to come back. He’s waiting for you, Steve. So stop being so selfish. Honestly, it’s childish of you. Think. Think of how he’s standing there, waiting for you to come back, and instead you’re here chasing after ghosts and taking your dearest and oldest friend for granted. Can you picture that? Well, I certainly can, and it’s a very sad picture indeed.”
“What do you want from me, Peggy?” Steve asked helplessly. “I came here for you!”
“I told you, Steve. I want you to go home, and fix whatever mess you might have made because at this point, Bucky is going to think you’ve left him forever.”
“But-”
“Go, Steve!”
So Steve went back.