New York, 2012

I land in the same alley as the one Tony, Scott, Bruce, and I landed in before. I take a minute to collect myself. Peggy's voice is still ringing in my ears, the pull that already exists has grown stronger. It's hard to put her out of my mind, but I have to, for the mission.

I sneak toward Stark Tower staying behind debris. A wave of pain hits me when I catch a glimpse of Tony flying high over the scene. As a get closer I see Natasha, her red hair calling my attention. I stop for a moment, filled with pain for my lost friends.

It's a suffocating feeling, one I know won't leave soon. It's hard to see them like this so alive, and brave, and real. I force myself to look away and continue on.

I enter the tower and slip past the people inside. The fight has just ended and the place is a mess. I make it up and spot myself exiting the elevator. I find another case, and put the new scepter inside. I meet Sitwell at the bottom floor when they are exiting the elevator.

"Change of plans," I say, holding out the case. "I'm needed somewhere else."

Sitwell raises his eyebrows at me.

"Careful," I say, turning to leave. I make it to the door.

"Steve?" I turn slowly, my heart racing.

Natasha is walking toward me. "I thought you were coordinating search and rescue."

I'm frozen. "I am," I say, breaking the spell. "Heading back out now, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright."

Her eyes narrow at me, but she lets it go.

"How bad is it?" she asks.

"It's bad," I say, racking through my mind trying to remember what I was doing at this moment in 2012. "Where are they using you?"

"I'm here to help." She falls in step with me. "What are we looking at?"

"Well, it'll take some work, but I think we can fix this mess."

"Good, where are we starting?"

I blank. Looking through the destruction my eyes find a S.H.I.E.L.D. team.

"Go take charge over there." I say, pointing.

Finally she leaves. I watch her go, her red hair bouncing around her face, her green eyes catching the light just right. I used to have nothing her words replay in my mind, I try to stop them but they keep coming. Then I got this. This job. This family. I was better because of it, and even though they're gone I'm still trying to be better. She was a hero. She deserved better.

Behind me the Hulk bursts through the door back inside the building, bringing me back to my senses. I make my way back to the ally to find it already occupied.

I watch as we all disappear. I hear the conversation again. You trust me? I do.

From my hiding place I can see his daughter's face in his. I have to move on. I hear him in my head long after I leave that spot on my way downtown.

To not die trying would be nice.