It was the first Veterans Day he'd seen in a while. Seventy years, actually. So it was no surprise when he said he wanted to "be alone."
A few days back, Tony had informed Steve, as gently as he could, that all of his good friends were gone. It hadn't been a shock, but it still hurt.
He remembered when he'd freed them from the HYDRA prison. He remembered the daring escape they'd all made. All the bases they'd destroyed together…. Now they were all dead.
When Peggy checked later that day, he was nowhere in the Tower. But she knew exactly where he'd went.
He looked out on the rows upon rows of perfectly straight, white crosses. So many names. So many heroes. But he was looking for five in particular. They would be together, in a special place of honor, and it didn't take him long to find it.
She knew where they were buried. She'd personally been to each of their funerals. But it was still sorrowful. And seeing her husband, kneeling in front of them, was utterly heartbreaking.
"Steve?" She asked, cautiously. He acknowledged her by slightly raising his head.
"Its weird. It only feels like yesterday, and yet it was so long ago in reality."
She put her hand on his shoulder, comforting him.
"I know its hard. But they lived long, fulfilled lives. Every one of them."
He stood up and faced his wife, speaking in a sad tone.
"I know. But I wish I could've had more time with them. They were some of the greatest men I ever knew."
She cradled his face in her hand, as he let a single tear roll down his cheek. After that, he couldn't control it. He embraced her, and silently sobbed into her shoulder.
When he pulled away, he said to her "At least I have you."
She smiled a sad smile, and said to him "You have your friends as well. Don't forget them."
He smirked and replied that Yes, he had The Avengers, but he'd known them for what? Eight months? It just wasn't the same.
"I went through hell and back with these guys. More than once. All I did with The Avengers was fight off some alien freaks."
She laughed and said "All you did? You saved the world, Steve! How on earth do you sweep that under the rug?"
He laughed as well, and hugged her again. She kissed his cheek, then stated that it was about time to go home. So he turned, saluted his men, and started back for the tower, his arm around his wife.
Thanks to all of the men who were involved in any war whatsoever. You have helped make this country great.
A/N: So I wanted to make a Veterans Day fanfic, and thought who better than to do make it on than Captain America? Thank you for reading, leave a review if you can, and have a happy and thankful Veterans Day!