Define Ironic

by JayRain

70 years after crashing the Valkyrie, Steve Rogers must learn to navigate not just the modern world, but his new friends, SHIELD, and all the strange things that come with being an Avenger. He also has to nurse some old wounds that no one would understand: except the recipient of the letters he writes as he tries to come to terms with all that's happened.(sequel to "Define Stupid")

9. Finding Home

9. Finding Home

Dear Bucky,

Thor escorted Loki back to Asgard to face justice from his people. Tony headed back to California. Clint, Natasha, and Bruce all had somewhere to go. And me? I went… well, nowhere, really. I didn't want to stay in New York. Too many memories. So much is in a state of upheaval after the alien attack, and so much of it has changed from what I remember. New York used to be home, but now it's just another city.

I've been spending the days riding down any road I can find. I went through Jersey and considered going by Camp Lehigh, but my memories of my time there all include Peggy. I know I said I'd look her up if I survived, and I did survive, but there's still that fear there. So I keep riding and wondering where to go next and what to do with myself. The wind is chilly but it's freeing. I've gone through small towns and taken coastal routes through little communities. I don't stop long enough to be recognized, but I'm glad to see people safe and living their lives. This is why I agreed to Fury's terms. This is why I became an Avenger.

I'm going south, and it's getting a bit warmer. I know I have to set down some roots, but I'm not sure where. Tony calls California home. It just feels too big and crowded out there. I know, New York is crowded. But it's not sprawling in the same way. It's… it's like your grandmother's living room was: cozy, full of knickknacks, but somehow you can always find a place to sit and know you're welcome there.

I might head to Philadelphia and see how that feels. I remember the first time I went there: Captain America in the birthplace of the nation. The Liberty Bell. Two symbols on display for the entertainment and inspiration of a weary nation. Except, I've been to weary nations. I've seen war firsthand, and I'm not the goofy naive guy who was just looking for any chance he could find to get what he wanted. Everything comes at a price.

But it can't hurt to check out the city and try the tourist thing for a bit. I'm sure Fury is having me tailed, but it doesn't bother me. If anything, I'd love for whomever it is to come out into the open so we can talk. Maybe we could get burgers, or a beer, or just chat. Maybe they know a good place to settle down, or at least some good things to see in Philadelphia other than the Liberty Bell. I suppose I can start there and see where my feet take me. It's kind of been the way my whole life has gone, when you get down to it.

Just Wandering,

Steve