When I write, if I'm having trouble with a particular scene, I tend to write a little one-off that has nothing to do with the chapter or the 'verse and kill the offending character. For some reason it makes them easier to write and almost always clears up the block :)

So, I hereby dedicate this to the biggest offender in PE3, Steve.


Steve Death Scene #8

Steve Rogers wasn't long for the world, but he wasn't one to fear Death. If he did, he would have died a hundred times over by now- and he certainly wouldn't be a hero. At first he'd saved his ire for the cancer. Then for the chemo. Then for the doctor's who told him he'd have to surrender that fight. Now, though, he knew better.

It wasn't surrender, it was a sacrifice. An honorable death for the most honorable of heroes. Sure, he wasn't saving the world from aliens, Hydra, a god, aliens again, Red Skull, or- surprise!- more aliens, but he was dying with dignity and with his family by his side… In the end, is there any greater way to go than with peace in the face of an overwhelming enemy?

Maybe having your best friend there to support you.

Bucky put a hand lightly on the shoulders of Steve's children- his godchildren- as he approached the bed. They'd flown in from far away to join their mother's vigil, "You haven't aged a day." Steve's tongue was dry and Bucky slowly picked up his cup, even held it for him as his withered hands found the straw and guided it to his mouth.

"You've been saying that to me for years now," Bucky brushed it off and returned the cup.

Steve grew somber, "Thank you for coming," he let a brief flicker of fear flash in his eyes.

"'Till the end of the line', remember?" Bucky leaned on the bed, a wolfish glint in his eyes, "How about a mission? I've got a good one- pirates, super villain on a private island, and- just FYI- I'm fairly certain there's a death ray involved."

"Don't tempt me," Steve began to cough when he tried to laugh. Bucky took his hand and held it while he caught his breath.

"Honey?" His wife and children stirred, "Are you alright? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine, Bucky here's just trying to talk me into a mission. You know, get me in trouble again."

"Well, you make it so easy." Bucky flashed his trademark grin.

"What's the mission?" Her voice was soft, warm, and she came to rest a hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Pirates, an evil island, death ray," Steve smiled up at her, "I've always wanted to go toe-to-toe against someone with a death ray."

She smiled and a few tears fell, unbidden. It took a moment to force herself to breathe, to get the words around the lump in her throat, "You should. It sounds like fun, if you're feeling up to it."

Steve took a deep breath and moved his legs. Bucky's grin grew a little bit, "You know what? I feel pretty damn good. Maybe I will."

"I always liked you," Bucky leaned across the bed and kissed her cheek.

"Down boy," Steve grumbled, still working on sitting up.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him."

She reached down and squeezed her husband's hand, "I love you." Her children came to stand with their mother.

Steve's eldest son, James, wrapped his arms around his mom and held her from behind with his chin on her shoulder. "Good luck on your mission, dad."

"Have fun with Uncle Bucky." his daughter couldn't hide her tears.

"I love you all," he got up at long last, stronger than he'd felt in a long time, and kissed the three as monitors screeched and alarms sounded.

"Thank you for coming back for him," his wife whispered to the air as Steve Rogers drew his last breath and slipped from the world at long last.