I do not own Avengers: Endgame.

And listen, Russos, I'd like my soul back now, please.

Punk. Jerk.

"So, you're really getting into this time travel thing, huh?"

Steve smiled a little but it wasn't real.

Bucky waited, already guessing.

"I'm . . . I'm not coming back, Buck."

Bucky Barnes dropped his gaze to his booted feet, shrugging a little.

"Yeah, I kinda figured."

Then he looked up again.

Steve's face was drawn thin, like he was hungry.

"I saw her. In the past. She didn't see me. But I saw her and . . . I just wanted to let all this go, Buck. I just want to be with her."

Bucky smiled, one corner of his mouth turning up.

"Yeah, I know. I mean, I guess. She never would give me the time of day. All she ever wanted was you."

They chuckled together at the memory of Peggy Carter, flaming red dress, and complete disregard of smooth talking, pretty boy Sergeant Barnes.

Then Bucky spoke again, more sincere this time.

"And I think you should do it, Steve. I think you should go and be happy."

They stood there, miles and miles of unspoken things between them.

Before Bucky spoke again.

"So, how're you going to explain all this to her?"

Steve huffed in derision.

"Ah, well, you know, Peggy."

Bucky chuckled.

"Yeah. I think I do."

And they stood, looked out over the lake and the surrounding forest.

"So, do you want to take my place? Be Captain America?"

Bucky shook his head.

"With that outfit? Not on your life, pal."

Then he shook his head.

"No, I'm tired of fighting. I just want peace."

Steve nodded.

Once again, the lifelong friends were in complete agreement.

"You should ask Sam, you know? I think he's ready. He's got the drive, the hunger. I think he'd make a great Captain America."

Steve nodded.

"Yeah."

Bucky heaved a sigh.

"I'll miss you, Steve."

Steve Rogers' face tightened again.

"I'll miss you too, Buck."

As one, they reached out, brother to brother.

Hugged tight, unashamed.

Final goodbye. Forever.

"Hey, uh, if you two are done with your little post apocalyptic lovefest over there, we're about to ragdoll Steve into the Quantum Realm. Again."

They huffed as they separated, blinking back tears and reassuming their straight-jawed selves.

"Punk."

"Jerk."

So they did their "don't do anything stupid" routine and then Professor Hulk said five seconds and I thought 'well, Buck, guess you feel kind of stupid now, huh?'.

And then he only talked to Sam and basically ignored Bucky. And I was like, 'what the f, dude?'

And then it hit me.

They'd already talked before the leap.

And this wrote itself.

I'd love write more for both of them, oh would I.

We'll see.

For now, everybody appreciates feedback. Leave a review if you like.