And here we are at the last chapter. Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, favorite and followed this story. I would also like to thank my friend Aragorn II Elessar for all his help with the story.

Now, onto the show.

Avengers Tower

Afternoon

In the living area, Willow and Tara sat on a couch, kissing. Normally, Willow would have been hesitant to do so in such a public setting but she'd been without her girl for almost two years. Screw what everyone else thought.

"Will, Willow," Tara said, laughing as she gingerly pulled back. "As much as I'm enjoying this, don't you think we should talk?"

"About what?" Willow asked, a pit of dread beginning to form in her heart.

"Nothing bad," Tara quickly assured her as she took her girl's face in her hands. "Just…I've seen how much you've been struggling."

"You know what I did," Willow realized and Tara nodded.

"I've been watching you in all my spare moments," Tara confirmed.

Willow looked away, afraid of what she'd see in Tara's eyes. But Tara made Willow look back at her.

"You are not a monster," Tara told her gently. "You've done some bad things, but that doesn't make you a bad person. I love you."

"I got so lost without you," Willow said, tears springing to her eyes as she saw the love in Tara's.

"I found you, I will always find you," Tara said before she pulled Willow back into a kiss.

From a distance, Angel was walking up the stairs when he saw them. Angel smiled, happy for them while at the same time filled with a sense of longing.

"Don't you know it's rude to stare?" Angel looked up to see Buffy watching him with some amusement.

"Just good to see some people do get a happy ending," Angel said as he walked up the stairs to Buffy.

"And do you?" Buffy inquired.

"Getting there," Angel said and paused. "How about you?"

"Getting there," Buffy echoed and Angel nodded.

"You should talk to Spike," Angel told her.

"I did, it didn't go well," Buffy said, grimacing as she remembered what Spike said and how she really couldn't deny most of it.

"I saw when I gave you the amulet that you love him, I could see it on your face. Just like I see it now. The woman I love is never coming back," Angel paused, thinking of Cordelia for a moment. "But Spike is still here. Don't make my mistakes Buffy. Talk to him."

"Thanks, but no," Steve said gently, his hands on the shield as he gently lowered it to Sam's side.

"It's yours though," Sam said in shock and Steve smiled tightly.

"Maybe once. But I stopped being Captain America two years ago. The shield didn't fit anymore, or maybe I didn't fit the shield," Steve mused before shaking his head. "I've been Captain America for so long Sam; I never really stopped to figure out who Steve Rogers is."

"So, you're gonna retire then?" Sam asked and Steve chuckled.

"Not exactly. A friend offered me a job, not that different from what we've been doing the last two years except it's legit, more or less. And I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't know you were here to take up the shield," Steve said, the two of them looking at the shield together. "You're a good man Sam. And I know you'll do great. They'll all be looking at you now."

"I'll do my best," Sam said humbly and Steve smiled.

"I know. That's why it's yours."

After searching for Spike, Buffy found him, of all places, in what seemed to be a gym. Hearing the sounds of fighting, she entered to see him and Bucky trading blows.

Bucky elbowed Spike in the chest and, with a growl, Spike grabbed onto Bucky's flesh arm. Using it as a pole, Spike swung around to deliver a spinning kick to Bucky's face and Bucky grabbed Spike by the back of his shirt. Spinning around, Bucky tossed Spike into a wall. Spike hit the wall and slide down before sitting up and seeing Buffy over Bucky's shoulder. Seeing Spike was distracted, Bucky looked over his shoulder and saw her.

"Buffy right? You're the other Slayer," Bucky noted and Buffy nodded.

"Yeah. What's uh, going on here?" Buffy asked, not sure what she had just walked into.

"Settling a difference of opinion," Spike said as he got to his feet.

"We can settle it later. Good spar Spike," Bucky said.

"Not bad for an old man," Spike joked.

"Old man? Aren't you a hundred and fifty?" Bucky challenged and Spike smirked.

"While this is…interesting and everything, Spike, can we talk?" Buffy asked and after a moment, Spike nodded.

"I'll go find Steve or something. See ya Spike. Nice to meet you Buffy," Bucky said before heading out.

"What do you want Buffy?" Spike asked once Bucky was gone.

"To tell you the truth, no lies or games. I owe you that," Buffy said and Spike raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. "I didn't kiss Angel because I was in love with him. I did love him, part of me probably always will, the same way part of you will always love Drusilla. But I'm not waiting for the day he and I can be together and neither is he. I kissed him because I felt like there was no way out and I needed to believe that I had something waiting for me, a light at the end of the tunnel. Angel was in the right place at the right time. I used him, just like I used you before. It wasn't fair to you or him and I'm sorry."

"I don't know what you want me to say," Spike said after a moment.

"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know when I said I loved you, I meant it and I still do. You spent all that time waiting for me. So when you're ready for me, I'll be ready for you."

Buffy then walked out of the room, leaving Spike staring after her.

Later that day, Steve, Bucky, Sam, Wanda, Natasha, Clint, Bruce (his burned arm in a cast), Rhodey and Thor all share a drink.

"Stark couldn't make it?" Thor inquired.

"I told him what we were doing, he declined," Rhodey said, looking at Steve apologetically but Steve waved him off.

"I figured it would take more than saving the world together to heal old wounds. Tony knows how to reach me when he's ready," Steve said, not holding a grudge.

"So, to Cap's retirement," Clint toasted before pausing. "Or is retirement the wrong word?"

"How about we toast to new beginnings?" Steve offered.

"I like that. To new beginnings," Natasha toasted and everyone repeated 'to new beginnings' before they all took a drink.

"So it's kind of an end of an era, huh?" Rhodey noted. "Cap and Tony are retiring, Thor's going to be king of Asgard on earth, Sam's the new Cap. Things are gonna be different from now on."

"Things will be different," Steve agreed. "But as long as we hold true to each other, remember those we lost, we'll never forget what we've shared."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Clint said before taking a drink.

"So when do you leave?" Wanda asked.

"Steve?"

"Looks like now," Steve answered Wanda as Sharon walked into view.

"We're ready to head out," Sharon said and Steve nodded.

"I'll be there soon," Steve promised.

"I'll wait," she said pointedly.

"I like her," Wanda decided and Sharon grinned.

"Job huh?" Sam asked Steve with a teasing grin and Steve merely smiled.

"He's joining STRIKE; the guys are all jazzed up to be working with Captain America. Let's just see if he can follow my lead," Sharon said with a grin and they all laughed.

"Looks like this is it then," Bruce noted and Steve nodded as he stood up.

"It's been my honor to fight alongside each and every one of you," Steve said.

"Trust me Cap, the honor was ours," Rhodey said and Steve smiled.

"So will we see you around?" Bucky asked.

"I'm always right Buck," Steve promised.

Airfield

Night

"So you're leaving?" Buffy asked Faith, the two Slayers standing outside a plane, the rest of the Scoobies and Slayers already having boarded.

"The Slayer gig was always more your thing than mine B. I stayed to help after The First because I felt like I owed you something. But I had a lot of time to think over the last few months. I realize I am worth something after all. So I think it's time to stop doing things out of guilt," Faith explained.

"And you can't do that with us," Buffy said, getting it. "Do the others know?"

"I said goodbye to Red and little sis. Don't think the others care much," Faith said with a shrug and Buffy regretted to say she couldn't disagree. "Take care B."

"You too F," Buffy said, holding out a hand to Faith and she took it in a handshake. "What'll you do now?"

"I got an offer," Faith said with a grin.

"Would that offer happened to be tall and dark with a robotic arm?"

At the sound of the voice, the two Slayers turned to see Spike walk into view.

"Spike?" Buffy breathed, surprised to see him.

"How'd you know?" Faith asked and Spike grinned.

"Please, you and the soldier had each other all over. All you need is to smell it. So, you and him?" Spike inquired.

"I'm seeing where it goes," Faith said and Spike nodded. "Take care Spike."

"You to. And if soldier boy hurts you-" Spike started and she laughed.

"I think you'll need to get in line. But thanks," Faith said, kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Five by five."

Faith then walked away from the plane, Spike and Buffy watching until she had vanished from view.

"Glad I caught you," Spike said as he turned to Buffy.

"I didn't expect to see you," Buffy admitted. "But I'm glad you're here."

"Do you have room for one more?" Spike asked.

"Always," Buffy said immediately. "But are you sure it's what you want?"

"I said my goodbyes," Spike said but knew that's not what Buffy had meant. "Buffy…I did things, things that will haunt me. I'm not the same man I was when we last met. But I know my path has always been leading me to you."

"Good," Buffy said before pulling the surprised Spike into a kiss. "Now, let's get on the plane before one of the junior Slayers decides to take off without us."

Spike chuckled before Buffy took his hand and led him onto the plane.

New York

Same time

Peter was swinging across the New York skyline when he felt a presence. Jumping down onto a nearby building, he wanted before Tony, in his Iron Man suit, landed a few feet away.

"Hey kid," Tony said, his suit opening up and he walked.

"Mr. Stark," Peter greeted. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you," Tony said and Peter raised an eyebrow. "As I'm sure you know, my wife to be is pregnant."

"I actually didn't know that. Congratulations," Peter said and Tony smiled.

"Thanks kid. Anyway, since I'm about to be a rather, Iron Man is going to retire. And the Avengers could use some new blood," Tony said, looking at Peter pointedly.

Peter instantly knew where this was headed. And he knew his answer already.

"A few months ago, I would have said yes without a second thought. But that was before Thanos," Peter said with a sigh. "I saw a lot, I saw people suffer. Mr. Stark, the Avengers deal with the big threats. But someone needs to be there to help the little guy, ordinary people."

"Like a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," Tony said, getting and Peter smiled.

"Yeah. I'm sorry Mr. Stark, but the Avengers isn't for me," Peter apologized before shooting out a stream of webbing and swinging off.

"Don't feel bad. Good luck Spider-Man," Tony said to himself as he watched Peter swing off into the night.

Barton Farm, next day

Morning

As a Quinjet flew onto the property, Lila Barton walked out of the house and smiled.

"He's back!" she called inside the house as it landed.

The ramp lowered and Clint walked off. As he stepped onto the grass, he was immediately surrounded by his three kids. He grabbed them all in a bear hug, which they happily returned.

Back at the house, Laura stepped out, smiling happily at the scene as tears filled her eyes.

San Francisco

Same time

Scott stood outside his ex-wife's house for a long moment before he finally rang the doorbell. After a moment, Maggie opened the door and, seeing who it was, pulled Scott into a hug.

"Thank you," she said emotionally. "You brought our little girl back to us Scott. Thank you."

Before Scoot could respond, they heard footsteps. Maggie pulled back as Cassie ran into the room, her eyes lighting up as she saw Scott.

"Daddy!" she squealed as she jumped at him.

Scott immediately knelt down, grabbing her in a fierce hug. They clung to each other as Scott began to cry, overjoyed at finally holding his daughter in his arms again.

Strike Base

Same time

"Nice office," Steve complimented Sharon as she led him inside her office after giving him a tour of the facility.

"Jealous?" she teased and he laughed.

"Trust me, I don't envy the burden of being leader," Steve said and she nodded.

"Only a fool would," Sharon agreed. "Having any regrets?"

"No. I know Sam will do great and it was time for a change," Steve said firmly.

"Good," Sharon said as she took out a gun, handing it to him. "You'll need a weapon on missions."

Steve nodded, staring down at it. It felt strange to hold a pistol again.

"You okay?" Sharon asked.

"Yeah. Just feel weird," Steve said before looking up at her. "So what's the policy on dating your co-workers?"

"None. Why, you asking me out?" Sharon raised an eyebrow.

"Would you say yes if I did?" Steve asked.

She laughed before pulling him into a kiss.

Avengers Tower

Same time

Sam, dressed in his Captain America suit with the cowl down, is staring out at New York when Natasha walked up next to him.

"Used to see Steve look out at the city to," Natasha mentioned.

"Yeah, I know. I get it now. The grass is always greener on the other side," Sam noted.

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," Natasha agreed. "You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do this," Sam agreed before pulling up his cowl.

The pair then head down into the gym area. Inside waiting were Bucky, Wanda, Rhodey and Faith. Sam takes a moment to assess them all before speaking.

"Avengers! Assemble."

Hyperion Hotel

Same time

Angel stood outside in the sun, basking in it when Connor walked up next to him.

"Feels weird, right?" Connor asked and Angel smiled.

"Yeah. Not bad, just…weird," Angel said. "So, heading back to Stanford?"

"Yeah, my parents weren't real thrilled when they figured out I skipped a few classes. I need to go back to my life now," Connor explained and Angel nodded in understanding.

"I get it. Don't give that life Connor. Just…don't be a stranger, 'kay?" Angel asked hopefully.

"I won't," Connor promised and Angel smiled.

Angel held out a hand for a handshake but Connor merely laughed before pulling him into a hug. Angel was surprised but quickly returned the hug.

"Take care Connor," Angel said lowly.

"You to Dad," Connor said and they let each other go.

Angel then watched as Connor headed out, not moving until his son had vanished from view among the cars and people.

"He'll be alright you know," Gunn said as he, Wesley, Lorne and Fred walked out of the hotel.

"I know. Doesn't mean I won't worry," Angel said as he turned around to face the others.

"So, what shall you do now?" Wesley asked Angel.

"Yeah, I mean, I guess we have to do this without you, right?" Gunn wondered.

"I think not", Fred realized on noticing the look on Angel's face.

"None of you have any powers, right?" Angel pointed out and they had to concede. "I'm not a Vampire anymore, but I have my skills, experiences and knowledge. I'm going to stick around and do what I've always done."

"Help the helpless," Wesley noted and Angel nodded.

"Oooh that makes me so happy to hear we still got you," Lorne kissed Angel on the cheeks. "Just don't sing."

"Gotcha," Angel said and they all laughed.

Los Angeles, many years later

Angel, now an old man, sat in a chair, facing out at the city.

Things had turned out, well, nice.

Angel Investigations had picked up again, they'd continued to flourish. And now that they didn't have to worry about the Senior Partners, they were able to really focus on helping people. Connor would join in a case every now and then.

After a few years, Lorne had left the team to restart Caritas. He'd still help them out but he was more than happy to stick to the sidelines now.

Not long after, they had run into Gwen on a mission. She and Gunn had formed a relationship and he had left the team to, as Gunn had called, be 'supernatural 007s'. Last any of them had heard from Gunn, he was doing well, having married Gwen and they had a kid now.

A few years after the battle at the Compound, Wesley and Fred had gotten married. It was a beautiful ceremony, with Angel as the Best Man and Willow as the Maid of Honor. A few years after the wedding, Fred had given birth to a baby girl: Lilah (no one had been more surprised than Wesley when Fred had suggested the name) Cordelia Wyndam-Pryce.

After a few years helping Buffy, Willow and Tara had broken away from the Scooby organization, started what was basically magic school for people like Willow, who had been forced to learn about magic on her own. While they had struggled at first, it quickly became a success and they were now the most sought after educators in all things magic.

As luck would have it, Willow and Tara ended up taking an orphan into the school, a young girl named Allison. They would later end up adopting her.

About a year after the battle against the Senior Partners, the Scooby organization had gone up against a team-up of powerful Demons, which had included a Mohra.

The Mohra had nearly killed Giles, but Spike had been the one to save him. And then he had ended up getting some of the blood in him, and while they'd managed to get it off, it had turned him human before they could.

Buffy did not mind but Spike had told her that the powers he got from being a Vampire helped him in helping people, and unlike Angel, he did not want to really be fully human. But Buffy had pointed out they could now have a family of their own and grow old together too, making Spike realize she had a point as well.

So he had gone to Strange, asking if he could do something. "The only way I can be with Buffy is by her side, fighting shoulder to shoulder, through the best and the worst times. As a human, I can't do that. Chances of settling down in my favorite couch with little tykes running around may one day be all I want, but I need to know that I can be someone she, and the others, can depend on. That's my priority, being strong enough for them. I'm not risking getting turned the old fashioned way, not after everything I did back then, and not a bloody chance I'll risk some radioactive cosmic ray baloney to get some extra fingers or a weird tan like big green. Please, Doc, I need your help."

Strange had seen his plight, and so he'd set Spike up on a table to examine his physiology, before taking some blood from Connor with his consent. Strange had then used a combination of that blood as well as magic, painfully changing Spike's physiology into a near match of Connor's. Spike now had all the strengths of a Vampire and none of the weaknesses, except a thirst for blood that pig's blood could satisfy. He could walk out in daylight, age normally, and have children as well.

Last Angel had heard, Spike and Buffy had gotten married and had two kids, a girl named Joyce and a boy named Drew (Buffy hadn't seemed too happy about that from what Fred had heard from Willow).

Faith had continued working with the Avengers for several years. Faith had stayed in touch with Angel and he was pleased to hear she was happy. She and Bucky had gotten married; Angel had been the one to give her away. Last Angel had heard from Faith, she and Barnes had retired at a house in Brooklyn, two kids running around.

As for himself, Angel couldn't complain. He'd lived a good life, running the Detective Agency with Wesley and Fred for several years, Connor occasionally assisting. When it became clear to all of them they were getting too old, they had all graciously retired. Angel had taken up a position at Willow and Tara's school for a while, teaching a class about the various kinds of demons they would encounter.

But that was then. Angel had a decent life now. Connor would bring the grand kids and great kids around for a visit every so often. Angel stared at the sun as it set before closing his eyes. He didn't open them again.

Angel, now looking as young as he had as a vampire, walked around what seemed to by the Hyperion Hotel.

"Hey Champ. Long time no see," Angel smiled as he heard the voice, still as familiar to him as the day he'd last heard it, behind him.

"Cordy," Angel said as he turned around to face her. "I've missed you."

"And I've missed you," Cordelia said as she walked over, taking her hand in his. "Come on, take a walk with me."

Angel allowed Cordelia to lead him away and out of the hotel, ready to begin his afterlife with the love of his life by his side.

And that's a wrap.

And everyone more or less gets a happy ending.

Unpopular opinion, but I liked Steve and Sharon and the MCU really did them dirty.

While the Bangel kiss in 7x21 annoys me, I do like Buffy with Spike when Spike has a soul. Souled Spike is honestly my preferred canon love interest for Buffy.

Unlike Angel, Spike actually enjoys the perks of being a vampire, so he'd never be happy as a pure human like Angel would be. Him becoming a Daywalker like Blade is honestly the best middle ground. Most of that bit, along with the Gunn/Gwen bit and the scene at the hotel was taken from Aragorn II Elessar's fic 'The Apocalypse is here'. Thank you to him for letting me use it.

Angel/Cordelia is my second favorite Buffyverse ship (Willow/Tara is first) and one of my favorite ships of all time, so of course they were going to end up together in this.

And that's all folks. Hope you enjoyed it.