It had all happened so fast. The fight against Thanos was tough and draining. With his army attacking in Wakanda, and whatever Tony and Peter did up in space, everyone fought hard. Harder than they thought they could. Everyone had done everything they could it seemed.
But he had still won. He had the last Infinity Stone. He added it to the gauntlet and the power surged around you. One last attempt. Maybe that would stop him. The lightning blasted through the air. Then Thor got a good hit. You watched from where you’d landed on the ground. You saw Stormbreaker flying toward Thanos and watched as it became embedded in his chest.
You ached with the hope that it would be enough. That he might actually die from the strike. But you watched him continue to speak, as Thor pushed the axe into his chest deeper, he said something you couldn’t hear and you saw his snap. You had expected a more grandiose gesture. Something dramatic, or eye catching. But the snap was pure power. First the power surged once again through the air, then a bright light flashed. You managed to climb to your knees in time to watch Thanos disappear into a portal.
You watched as people faded away. First Bucky, then other warriors across the battle field, then T'challa. And soon everyone was surrounded by dust. It seemed to be over. You made your way to Steve. He needed you right now. He had left the spot Bucky had been and found Vision’s body. Natasha came running and you tried to join them. Then you felt nothing. You made one last plea into the universe, even knowing it wouldn’t save you. “No please. I want to stay.” You saw yourself turning to dust, and the world faded.
-
Steve had lost Bucky again. He knew Sam was gone too. He’d seen so many of his friends disintegrate. He didn’t even know if Tony or Peter or whoever else was in space had survived. He looked up from another friend’s dead body to see you stumbling towards him. Through it all you’d been there for him. Practically since he left the ice. He was so relieved to see you were still there. Then he saw the look on your face. He saw the shock fill your features. He reached out for you.
No, not you too. He couldn't lose you too.
Your final plea echoed in his head. “I want to stay.” Then you were gone. Your dust joined countless others around you. Steve let out a sob. Thanos had ruined everything Steve had, and he took everyone he loved. His best friend, his brother, his love. Thanos took everything and left Steve empty and lonely. Half of the universe no longer existed, but to Steve, his world was gone. Bucky’s last words mixed with yours and echoed around in his head filling the silence that enveloped him.
“Steve?” “I want to stay.”