It had been a month since Captain had started this journey. He'd helped plenty of people and felt ready to return to the Avengers. But he didn't want it to be over.

He held Natasha's journal in his hands, staring at the final passage. He wanted to never read it, because once he did, she would truly be gone. He would no longer hear her voice as he read along, and he would be left to feel guilty he'd never gotten to know her like this when she was alive. He would start missing her more than he had before he started reading the journal.

He would be responsible for freeing the closest thing she had to family. He had a good idea where they might be, and he knew once he had read the last passage, he wouldn't be able to sleep until he had at least scouted it out. He'd been studying her notes and felt he could do that much safely.

But he had promised, even if no one had heard him.

Tenderly, he fingered the worn page and began to read.

I have a feeling I won't have the chance to write in this again. I've been keeping it since you came into my life. I've always admired you, Steve, and I just wanted to leave you with some parting thoughts. I only have one more secret to tell and a gift to give.

I'm having a hard time writing this; I feel so stupid. I'm dead, so this couldn't possibly make anything awkward. I might as well just say it.

Steve, you are wonderful, everything a woman could ever want. And I'm not talking about your muscles. No, I would have admired you even if you were still a tiny shrimp of a man. You're honest and kind, love kids, always placing God first, I don't have the time to tell you all the reasons you are wonderful.

You need someone to tell you that. You don't give yourself enough credit, Captain. I know Peggy is gone, but neither of us want you to be lonely for the rest of your life. Go find someone who will love you as much as we would have.

The last USB drive is special. The password is "Families are forever" and it contains a bit of a second journal.

You know I'm a Christian now and I know you always liked learning about what others believe. I remember you trying to understand Norse religion and talking with Thor, still utterly confused by his answers. I had to hold back a snort.

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and the USB drive holds a digital copy of my Book of Mormon along with my personal notes and testimony. The book contains what I believe, and even if you don't believe any of it, the messages it contains will bring peace into your life. Heaven knows you need that, what, with Tony constantly on your tail and keeping Bucky from getting into too much trouble.

I don't think Pepper will let Tony "retire" again, do you? The world needs him too much. We need both of you, so please, patch things up with the man. Stop being a butt and be his friend.

Well, that's it. Thank you for everything. It's been a pleasure working with you. I promised you one last secret and here it is.

If I ever loved a man, it would have been you.

I love you, Captain.