Years have past them by but Steve would sometimes still think of that day Tony got up on the stage to ask for help and to out Steve to the world. The memory still made him smile.

The day began normally. As normal as it could be, for him who was freshly in a relationship. He woke up to find Tony reading his book leaning against his side.

It didn't take long for them to begin to joke around and fall into their new routine of mixing tasks, battles and pleasure in a mixed bag that kept Steve content.

Many things began that day. Things that were new to Steve. Like his jealousy. With Tony's charm and history, he could walk in any room and charm the hell out of everyone.

Steve was walking by to put on his suit when he heard Tony dissuading Pepper from following him to his room only to end up telling her how Steve wouldn't like it. That was his only line of reasoning. If Steve wasn't in the picture, she would just walk into the room while Tony changed his clothes.

That image stayed with him as he put on his suit so he went to do just that. He entered Tony's room like he was entitled to help him with his suit. He was greeted there like it was a normal thing to do. So that was a new part of his reality. He could barge in and act possessive.

That was an unusual change. Steve was a person who had so little that he rarely went territorial.

Later that day, he stood by Tony as he gave his speech that will change everything. When people stopped laughing and their bosses realized the nature of his message, it was already too late.

Tony and others already pulled out their recourses and information retreating to a secluded location to work on their new problem without everyone looking over their shoulder.

In the moment, even Steve didn't understand the whole layer of what Tony had said. He too was preoccupied with the laughter and the joke he just made.

Tony turned to him all content as the public laughed enjoying his joke. Once again the two of them were clowns on the stage offering themselves for entertainment while they tried to gather resources for their cause.

Their cause had to be fought but why did they have to be clowns still? Weren't they too old to be clowns without power hiding behind jokes?

Battles will be fought, lost and won. They will fight them but this shouldn't be the price of their victories. Tony shouldn't be dismissed just like that. More importantly, Tony understood very well the message behind Steve's tight grip on his tie. There was a decent amount of jealousy hidden within Steve's chest. More pressingly, there was a sense of protectiveness that wanted to take out his shield from his back and throw it at the laughing crowd to make them stop mocking Tony.

Instead of making an angry outburst, Steve did the next best thing. He up the stakes confirming that what Tony said was true. If they are going to laugh at them, then let them laugh about the thing that is true.

Steve leaned and kissed Tony before everyone. That was another thing that was new. It was something he never thought he'll do so publicly. After the kiss, he marched away to hide his face that was getting increasingly red as doubts arose expecting for things to be thrown after his retreating back.

Nothing happened, no one attacked them except Pepper that appeared to yell at Tony, not for kissing Steve, but for ruining her press conference.

As they talked, Steve thought about the other thing Tony had said. How Steve's mere presence makes any other man seem less manly. That comparison seemed unfair but even Steve was aware of the comparison of size in which only Thor superseded Steve. When compared to him, Steve could understand the feeling of inaptitude even if he once almost lifted his hammer. A thing he quickly covered up by faking struggle.

"Can you take Steve home," Tony said startling Steve from his thoughts.

"No," Steve said unwilling to sit in the chopper with Pepper and take on her silence, or questions, none seemed agreeable to him.

Instead of going with her, Steve started another new thing. He made Tony carry him Princess Style as he carried Tony before. It was the start of their joke where Tony in his Ironman Suit would treat Steve as his maiden to carry around.

It was a good joke that worked on more than one level. It levelled up their sense of balance between them. Steve's manhood could stand being mocked about a bit. After all, his masculinity never came under scrutiny.

But more importantly, at that moment it conveyed the message clearly over to Pepper and she never questioned them about their relationship and its legitimacy of the same. If Tony needed for Steve to be the line in the sand before others, he was gladly that line.

They returned home to find others waiting for instructions so they assigned tasks and decided how to disperse giving in resignations and regroup later to continue their work without intrusion.

Like an item, Tony and Steve complimented each other leading their Avenger's Initiative to protect their world in more than one way more often not even letting others know of their victories than not. The world knew of their battles only when they would come to populated places, a thing they tried to avoid.

The problem of that other universe proved to be a problem that took them a long time to solve but when they did it was a victory for many unnamed realms who will never know about it. That was alright with them. Victories that are most successful are those that prevented things from happening not those that ended up in big battles.

One night along the way, Tony woke up covered in sweat from a dream in which the two of them fought much like he fought that fake Tony, only with shields and full-throttle threat.

"You thrust your shield in my chest," Tony panted still in shock. "I was left there lying defeated while you walked away throwing your shield to the ground. I thought my heart will break from sorrow."

Steve cradled him caressing his hair while he talked.

"That won't happen to us, we've passed that point," Steve comforted him.

"I know but is that universe where I die? I feel I might die if I stay that alone and unprotected."

"Don't worry, others will still stay by your side. Didn't that other me said you did everything right there? Don't worry. They will surely make up."

"No, I don't think so. I… he tried to kill Bucky."

Steve's hand stopped caressing his head.

"Why would you ever try to do that?"

"Bucky…" Tony was breathing heavily trying to voice it out. "He… my parents… they didn't die in that car crash. He killed them," Tony said and started crying.

Steve held him tightly trying to think of what to say. He couldn't say that didn't happen in their reality. By now they knew enough to know it did. It was before their universes converged into different realities.

What made Tony into this version of him, was the same in every universe where he existed. His formative years were always the same diverging as he made different choices when he grew up enough to make them.

Tony with his parents alive was someone completely different with whom he couldn't share his dreams with.

Maybe that was the reason that Steve only dreamt of battles and fights. In every version of himself, he was a soldier. A version of him that wasn't a soldier wasn't him anymore.

"Please," he said quietly when Tony calmed down a bit. "Don't kill Bucky."

"No, of course not. He was just a weapon, as mindless as any gun when you pull the trigger. Even that version of me understands that we created enough weapons to know what that means. The way he found out was just too much, he lost it completely."

"I'm glad you see it that way," Steve sighed with relief.

"Still, tell him to avoid me for a while. I don't want to see him just yet."

"Understandable," Steve placed a kiss on his forehead. "Do you want me to tell Wanda to close your dreams for a while? You suffer in them too much lately. Other realities seem to offer only pain to you."

"No, I can take it. We gather too much information this way to keep it closed," he said shaking his head. "Besides, they have to walk through those days of despair, I just dream of them. In a way, I do hope it's a two-way street that our reality can give them some solace while they fight battles that are already lost."

"I'm sure it is like that, and any version of you should be comforted by a good dream full of love-making," Steve lifted himself on an elbow looking down on Tony. "Don't you think we have a duty to provide here? A good chunk of memories to pick from."

That made Tony smile widely erasing wrinkles from his forehead.

"When you put it that way it almost sounds like we're obligated to do so."

"Of course we are," Steve kissed him briefly waiting for him to calm down completely.

"Come to think of it, Fake Tony lets us spy on their shielded Earth in the hope he'll dream of some counter-intel himself. There's nothing that annoys him more than us giving him the taste of our good life."

"Then it's a must to be as happy as we can be."

"Ay, ay my Captain," Tony finally relaxed pulling Steve into a deep kiss that led to pleasant things.

That was their life. Planning their battles, focus on mundane things to prevent others from spying on them and filling their days with scenes that reveal almost nothing of their reality. Wanda and Jarvis kept most of the information for themselves since that Shielded Reality didn't have versions of them and other versions of them were utterly disinterested in anything but themselves.

That left Tony and Steve as eyes and hands on the ground carrying out missions and fighting battles, crating tools and defending Earth all the while having enough time to spend together while they waited for another set of troubles to find them.

Steve rarely dreamt of other realities and when he did he would dream of chest-to-chest combat that didn't differ much from his own daily routine except that those other versions of him were much more focused and had no distractions in the forms of lovers, families or even close friends.

The closest friend he had in any universe was Natasha. Bucky was there but Bucky had his own demons to sort and their friendship never returned to what it was when they were young.

Still, it was nice to have Bucky by his side and see him return to humanity regaining his ability to form close relationships.

There was only one dream about another reality that shook him. It was a dream of Tony's funeral. He never told Tony about that dream because even thinking about it made Steve want to cry. It was such a sorrowful scene that only got worse when that other Steve said goodbye to Bucky. That is the moment when a memory rewound in Steve's mind and he could see Tony dying, he knew how Natasha died, he saw how they won and what the price of their victory was.

That time Steve refused to wake up on time following that other Steve in his grief trying to convey a sense of comfort to him.

Was it his effort to comfort him or other dreams they shared over the years, but that other Steve ended up in their universe in Tony's recognizable lab and Steve knew what moment this was.

As natural as it was, Steve stepped forward and hugged that past Tony taking in the comfort of Tony breathing and living.

They talked and Tony kissed him goodbye. That kiss was as tender and sweet as Tony's kisses usually are and they gave the sad grieving Steve enough of comfort to proceed with his plan of finding a new life for himself.

As other Steve slid to go further back in time, Steve let himself wake up in his bed with Tony sleeping beside him. His face was wet with tears but his Tony was still alive even if that other Tony died. That meant one stream of nightmares less for his Tony.

Still, it was sweet of him to send that other Steve with a kiss. That part he never told Steve. Steve smiled knowing that he would be jealous even of the other version of himself but it was alright. They weren't together at that point sill and now that Steve was there to receive that kiss it was the right thing to do like he kissed Steve he knew.

After that, Steve sometimes dreamt of himself dancing with young Peggy but that was just confirmation that other Steve found his way to her to keep one last promise he could keep.

He didn't share that dream with Tony because he didn't want to make him sad. The only one with whom he shared it was Clint.

"Thanks, Cap, I appreciate the heads up," Clint looked upset. "I understand now why I have this reoccurring nightmare where Nat slips out of my hand into an abyss. I won't let that happen ever."

They kept a lookout but Thanos from that dream never appeared on Earth and people didn't disappear. Steve sometimes wondered what happened but the tide of history was wide. Some of the things they were doing diverted their timeline from others to the point of lack of common reference points.

Maybe it was because Asgardians kept closer watch over their realms than before. Maybe because Guardians of the Galaxy answered their call for help they send out toward stars and joined in on their task of protecting their reality. Maybe Thanos himself heard of it and changed his plans.

Whatever it was, even Gamora calmed down eventually and stopped talking about hunting him down non-stop accepting that they are working on a greater threat now.

An outer threat to them all was enough to diminish attempts of invasion for a while. During that time, Earth developed a space program improving its ability to deal with extraterrestrial threats.

New superheroes emerged with new sets of powers so Tony and Steve found themselves ordinary once again. Ordinary among a group of super powerful beings. All they had on their side was Tony's technology and Steve's strength.

"I guess both of us are now outdated and old," he said to Tony one day when they observed the battle on the planet Titan where Captain Marvel dragged the whole spaceship and Doctor Strange zoomed in and out of reality.

"Speak for yourself," Tony flew up to give a few punches to renegades that were trying to flee.

Black Panther ran past tearing some creature with his claws and Steve just stood there breathing heavily happy that Natasha is back home training recruits.

Maybe next time he does just that. It wasn't like his help was crucial out here anymore. He was more useful back home.

One of the beasts tried to pass him by so he threw his shield to stop it.

"I see you did your piece too," Tony landed by his side as he pulled the shield out of the corpse.

"I feel like a grandpa now, for real," he said to Tony looking around at the battle that was ending.

His suit was covered in blood in different colours. He was tired of war. All his dreams stopped having battles in them. Other versions of him retired or died along the way. It felt like he was the only one still standing.

"I hate to admit it but I feel you. All this flying got my back aching," Tony opened his visor showing his handsome face. "After this is sorted, we can step down, and let others lead for a while. We did our bid. Maybe it's time to move to a cabin in the woods and read books all through the evening. What do you say?"

That made Steve smile and lean in to kiss Tony inside of his suit.

"Really, guys," Starlord landed beside him. "Whenever you do that I feel highly uncomfortable. It looks like Tony's suit went berzerk and is trying to eat you. You distracted me so badly that I missed the last guy."

"He just got tired," Gomora deadpanned crouching beside them. "And he's jealous."

"I have nothing to be jealous about. I have you."

She just looked at him coldly making Steve doubt their couple status once more. They were a strange bunch that was hard to figure out so Steve didn't bother with it most of the time.

"I think we can go home now," Doctor Strange landed beside him. "Our casualties are at a minimum and they are in retreat. To stop them a few planets before Earth was the smart thing to do."

"These used to be Thanos' goons," Gamora turned over one dead body. "I wonder what happened to him. Why wasn't he here orchestrating them? Not even one of his chiefs was here. What happened to him? We should go out and find him."

"No," Starlord got up and pushed her through the portal towards Earth that Strange made for them. "No," he grabbed Drax and pushed him through too. "I have no time to deal with that big purple guy. I might be a demi-god but I know my limits," with that he too crossed over after them.

Tony smiled at him gesturing to cross over first.

"I feel quite tired," Steve said leaning against him.

Without a beat, Tony got the message and picked him up in his arms.

"Separation anxiety?" Tony smirked powering up his thrusters. "I get you, crossing over these portals always makes me nervous. It's better to do it together than to end up on opposite sides of the universe."

"I assure you, these are as safe as they can be, better than any other means of transportation," Strange sounded offended.

"That is if you don't close it on us in the middle of our passage," Tony deadpanned.

"I would never," Strange objected as they crossed over and continued when he too was back on Earth. "Except if you annoy me especially bad but you were of great help today."

"We all know that's a lie," Steve said not making any attempt to get off Tony's arms. "You couldn't miss out on me just standing there."

"Everyone gets shell-shocked from time to time," Strange persisted.

"No, it's time. There are enough young people. While we still can contribute by advising, it would be nice to see everyone getting along without us in the forefront."

"That's probably wise. I'll hold out for a while longer."

"It's different for you, Strange. You grow wiser as time goes by. Your knowledge is more useful. We are muscle guys. Young people are much more impressive than us."

"I would never say you were only muscles in any case," Strange stopped and Tony put Steve back to his feet. "A genius inventor and an impeccable leader that set the path for the rest of us can't ever be ordinary in any sense of the word."

"Yeah, Cap," Tony opened his visor. "You have to stop with that and give yourself a credit. I know I'm a genius from the start but you always overlook your own decision-making that took us this far. Most of the time I just supplied you with tools and gadgets. I gave you information but it was always your lead and moral compass we followed."

"You have to say that," Steve punched his suit with what he thought was a light punch but it dented the steel where he hit it.

"Dear me, you didn't joke around. You must be tired when you can't measure your punch," Tony looked at his suit frowning. "I'm sorry Strange, can you wrap it up here. I have to take this one to rest and recharge instantly. Why didn't you say you were this tired?"

"I did," Steve said feeling sleepy. "But I guess I faked it too many times to know the difference."

"You never fake it," Tony winked. "Come on, I'll carry you home."

"Let me shorten the journey for you," Strange opened the portal and Tony flew through.

They were flying and Steve looked at the stars not minding where they went. Only when they landed did he realise they were somewhere new. They landed in the woods.

"Come on, the bed is near," Tony put him to his feet and exited his suit sending it to return to its post.

"Where are we?" Steve looked around and followed Tony.

When they were at the house and turned the corner, Steve knew exactly where they were. They were at Tony's cabin in the woods. The one where his funeral was held. Steve stood there looking at the docks where his final farewell was given. He turned his head and saw where he said his final goodbye to Bucky and Sam.

"Steve, what's wrong," Tony shook his shoulder sounding fearful. "Why are you crying?"

Steve looked upon him still alive, still youthful and strong. He was alive. He didn't die as he did in Steve's dream. For a moment, Steve felt like he wasn't just himself who walked this path, he felt like all versions of him that died came to him resting on his shoulders looking at Tony with love through his eyes grateful that there was one version upon millions of others who died, one that survived to stand before them.

Steve surged forward gripping Tony tightly.

"Steve," Tony panted. "Breath, Steve, breathe, I… need… to…breathe."

"I'm sorry," Steve forced his arms to lessen the grip even if he still didn't let go. "I guess I really am tired."

"Yes, let's get you to bed. You'll love it. It's big and cosy. The best thing is that I made it especially strong so we don't have to change it too often. People start to gossip whenever I order a new bed."

"It's not my fault they make them so flimsy," Steve moved away placing his palm on Tony's shoulder trying to make out his face in the receding darkness, the morning was near. "It's enough to grip it wrongly and they just break."

"Better bed than me," Tony turned towards the cottage. "Do you like it? It seems like my back pain is gone. Whatever you did with that grip, we can try that when it hurts again. What do you think of the cottage? My parents used to take me here often."

"It's lovely," Steve moved towards the house but then changed his mind. "Still, it's good to clean up before bed. What do you say? One quick night swim."

"The water must be cold," Tony objected but Steve was already removing his suit.

It felt like the suit will strangle him if he has it on a moment longer. All the ways he died in it rolled in his mind as he removed it rushing towards the dock.

"I guess a bit of cold won't kill us," Tony followed him reluctantly but Steve was already naked running down the dock.

New memories. That is what they need. New memories. This isn't the dock from which Tony's funeral was held. It was a dock from which they'll go skinny dipping. On which they'll go fishing and maybe throw pebbles. Happy memories, that is the thing they need.

Steve jetted himself off the dock and as he flew in mid-air it was like the solemn crown of Tony's funeral can see him. That scene made him smile. Tony would love if that ever happened. What he hated most were sappy sad stories.

Steve hit the water. It was cold but it came as a relief. When he emerged, there were ripples all around him. Tony stood also naked on the dock but he hesitated for a moment.

"You know what," Steve said to him looking at his battle scars over his lean muscles in the light just before dawn, "I think you were right from the start."

"I was right about many things," Tony said proudly testing the water with his toe. "Which one you had in mind."

"That I wouldn't be suitable for fragile small women. I would fear that I would break them like twigs. Short men are much better. I can forget about my strength sometimes and squeeze you as hard as I want. At least for a moment."

"Which short men?" Tony was alarmed.

"Alright, a short man."

"Who do you call short?" Tony forgot about his caution and jumped into the water emerging instantly to catch Steve.

They splashed around, pushed each other and laughed. When Tony grabbed onto him with a short breath, they went out of the water to find dry clothes and test that firm bed Tony mentioned. As they entered the cottage, Steve turned around to look at the dock. The solemn crowd of mourners wasn't there anymore. Only traces of their bare feet were on the ground. He will have to remember to do something like this every day. Things that will stay like memories, like ripples in the memory of reality that will tell a good story about them. How they fought, loved and managed to get old.

That was the story he wanted to be in the eye of his mind, the one that survived.

Steve closed the door of their cottage and discovered that the bed that Tony made was surprisingly durable and strong.

The End

We reached the end of this peek into another universe where things played out a bit differently.

If you enjoyed this journey please do leave a review. Those always cheer me up. Thank you for your time.