Some context: I wrote the majority of this back in December 2018 as an "ending" of sorts for the Infinity saga - of how I thought mainly Steve's but also in part Tony and Bucky's storylines would wrap up. I never finished it and completely forgot about it. Recently however I found it and decided to reread and later finish it (basically just grammar and sentence stuff). I predicted some things of Endgame right and others are completely off, but either way I thought it'd be fun to share it! :)

In the space between spaces

They did it.

The battle in the Quantum realm took tears, sweat and blood - so much blood - but Thanos was defeated, everyone that vanished in the snap returned and the heroes can now finally, finally rest.

As everyone packs and hugs and mourns in preparation for the return home, two figures stand side by side - shield burnt and battered, red metal suit buckled and bruised - staring into the marvellous and bewildering kaleidoscope of this realm. This space between spaces.

:::

"So… what are you going to do when you get back home, Tony?"

"First of all, I'm gonna take a goddamn long nap. Then… maybe cut down a bit on the superhero job. I'm getting too old for this schtick, and New York's got plenty of heroes looking out for it anyway."

"It sure does."

"..."

"..."

"Pepper and I have been talking about starting a family."

"Really? You think bringing another Stark into the world is a good idea?"

"With a father like me, how could it not be?"

"Well, you seem to be doing a half-decent job already. With Peter."

"Pfft. Yeah, right."

"I'm serious. The kid looks up to you. I think you're both good for each other."

"... I guess we are."

"I'm happy for you, Tony."

"Yeah, yeah. How about you? Going back to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"That would be something alright. But I'm not going back."

"You're not?"

"I was talking to Doctor Strange earlier. About the possibility of going… home."

"... Back to the fourties."

"Yeah."

"What'd he say?"

"He said it could be possible. We already managed to travel seven years back to the New York Alien Invasion, so apparently seventy wouldn't be too much of a stretch."

"Huh. And it's safe?"

"Most likely. No time anomalies at least."

"Thank god for that."

"Hah. Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"Sounds like you'd be an idiot not to go through with it."

:::

Being a man out of time is all well and good when there's a battle ahead, but when it's over… where do you go? What is there left for you in a time not your own?

What is home for you?

:::

"Hey, Steve."

"Bucky. Did Tony tell you?"

"Yeah. I've had enough time travel for a lifetime, but I guess I can put up with one last round if it means we get to go home."

"... You're coming with me?"

"What can I say? I miss the good old days… and besides, I'm with you to the end of the line, remember?"

"..."

"..."

"I remember."

:::

Many goodbyes follow. Some more temporary. Some more permanent. All bittersweet in their own way.

In the end, they're standing in front of the portal, the only two people left. The captain and the soldier, on one last adventure together. The void swirls, black and endless; but through it breaks the strong smell of smoke only older cars emit, the smooth croon of jazz from a gramophone… the sight of a dark-haired woman, straight-backed and confident and young once more. All calling to them like a siren song.

A brief pause. A shared smile. Then a step forward in unison.

Into the open arms of home.