A/N: Okay guys, here goes my first oneshot for the Avengers. Hope you like it!
CC.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Claire and her rose. Marvel owns the Avengers, sadly.
X.
Claire Christian-Coulson inhaled deeply, bathing in the scent of summer roses as she stood beside the polished alabaster coffin. She laid the single rose onto the coffin, it's rich pink tone contrasting the stark white. Beside her rose lay a Smith & Wesson 35 and a picture of the cadaver when he had lived.
A smiling Phil Coulson beamed up at the figure surrounding his gravesite, all cloaked in dull tones of greys, silvers and black. His eyes were blank with the familiar un-life of those trapped in photos, despite them being crinkled at the edges in an echo of his smile.
A tall, muscular man with blonde hair shifted position beside her, uttering a low "Excuse me, ma'am." as he reached out and placed a deck of cards onto the smooth surface. Stained with red, the cards were emblazoned with pictures of a man clothed in a costume bearing the colours of the American flag, and a shield with a likeness to the coat of arms. These cards also featured the markings of a black pen, each one reading.
"To Phil. Steve Rogers, Capt. America."
X.
I smiled as he straightened and bowed his head in respect. "Where'd you get those?" I asked. A hint of a smile crossed the man's lips.
"He asked me to sign them for him. But I never got to give them to him."
"Are you Steve Rogers?" He nodded.
"Yes, Ma'am, I am." He answered, turning baby blue eyes to me.
"Claire Christian-Coulson," I said, offering a hand. "My brother has always looked up to you."
Steve reached out his hand and we shook once. "Brother?"
I smiled grimly. "Eldest brother, he never quit talking about you."
"I never knew." He said. "Not until he asked me to sign the cards."
"Ah, well." I said, watching as a male wearing glasses with salt-and-pepper hair placed a rose on my brother's coffin. As he straightened, his eyes seemed to flash a bright green for just a second.
It was silent for a second. Then I cleared my throat thickly. "You were his hero."
"Sorry?" He asked.
"You were his hero," I repeated. Steve smiled.
"Sometimes you don't have to be super, or have trading cards to be one." He said. "Those who protect others and do what they feel is right, no matter what, are the real heroes."
I looked up at the blonde super-soldier, and his smile slipped from his countenance. "We lost one today." He said. "We lost a true hero when we lost your brother, Phil."
Blinking the tears from my eyes, I reached up to put my arms around Steve as the coffin began to slowly lower into the ground.
"Thank-you." I whispered into his shoulder.
"You're welcome, Ma'am." He replied.
X.
I watched from the gates of the graveyard as the male spoke of the hero. The woman hugged him, and let go of the male. She crouched to throw a handful of dirt onto the coffin, which was no longer visible. She rose, then turned to the blonde man and gave him a teary smile. Claire hastily wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to the gate. I then watched as the mourners took turns throwing dirt onto my coffin. Un-knowing that the casket was empty.
I turned my back to my empty grave, and began to walk away.
X.
A/N: Sooo...Did you like it? If not, that's okay. Flames are accepted.
Remember, Reviews make for many happies! :D
CrystalCrayfish