107 Part of the journey is the end

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No one still said anything, too saddened to really do so. Tony would still have made a quip about anything to lighten the mood but he knew it wouldn't work in this situation.

Next day, a Quinjet flew over the Barton farmhouse and Lila and Cooper ran out to see Clint returning. They ran to him happily as he embraced them.

Clint exchanged a look with Lila which was both happy and sad. They were reunited, but at the cost of Tony's life.

Peter was shown in his high-school again and saw Ned standing there. The two did their 'cool handshake' happily and hugged each other.

Peter felt inwardly relieved to an extent that Ned was back and so were his friend.

"We had to repeat high school." Benjamin told him and he seemed a bit disappointed.

"Don't worry. You'll handle it." May told him and he nodded.

Firecrackers were shown being blown in the air as Scott, Hope and Cassie sat together happily while Tony's voice was heard saying, "Everybody wants a happy ending, right? But it doesn't always roll that way."

Pepper put a hand on her mouth on hearing Tony's voice as Morgan looked between him and the screen. Scott, Hope and Cassie exchanged a look and nodded.

T'Challa was shown hugging Ramonda and Shuri in Wakanda as Tony's voice said, "Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back, it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited, I hope we get it back, and something like a normal version of the planet has been restored. If there ever was such a thing."

"There never was such a thing." Fury muttered, "Not since 10 years ago."

All nodded.

Shots of Scott, Hope and Cassie, T'Challa, Ramonda and Shuri, and Clint with his family were shown as Tony's voice said, "God, what a world. Universe, now. If you told me ten years ago that we weren't alone, let alone, you know, to this extent, I mean, I wouldn't have been surprised. But come on, you know? That epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play." Clint was shown reuniting with Laura.

Clint felt his heart beat a bit faster due to the emotions of the scene and all had half-smiles on their faces due to Tony's voice, and what he was saying, as it was exactly what they would expect him to say.

"And, for better or worse, that's the reality Morgan's gonna have to find a way to grow up in." Tony's voice said.

"I did." Morgan whispered to him and he nodded.

An Iron Man visor was shown on a table displaying a holographic recording of Tony to Pepper, Morgan, Rhodes, Happy and Steve as he said, "So I found the time and I recorded a little greeting...In the case of an untimely death. On my part. Not that, death in any time isn't untimely."

Everyone chuckled a bit at his quip. The chuckles were watery.

Tony said, "This time travel thing that we're gonna try and pull off tomorrow, it's, it's got me scratching my head about this. But then again, that's the hero gig. Part of the journey is the end."

Everyone felt their hearts almost stop at the line due to how much they were saddened by Tony's future death. But the line was true. Part of the journey is the end for sure. And yes, that's the hero gig. No matter if they liked it or not.

Tony then stood up, "What am I even tripping for? Everything's gonna work out exactly the way it's supposed to."

Everyone shot Tony and Natasha sad looks at that. Everything hadn't worked out the way it was supposed to.

Tony then knelt down to look at Morgan and with a smile, said lovingly, "I love you 3,000."

Tears fell out from the eyes of almost everyone at that as Tony had to hug Morgan to calm her down while Pepper had her head in her hands. Rhodes was wiping his face constantly as the others just watched the family sadly.

The hologram disappeared as Morgan watched it sadly while Pepper had a half-smile due to Tony's words but looked like she could break down any moment.

No comments. Because it was just too much to bear.

Later, Pepper led Morgan out by the hand as they were followed by the others. Everyone else stood outside. The flowers were put on the water nearby and between them was the original Arc Reactor that said 'Proof That Tony Stark Has A Heart.'

Tony shot Pepper a grateful look, happy that this was what she had used for the funeral after all this time. The two held hands then.

On the shore sat Pepper, holding Morgan while behind her, Rhodes and Happy tried to comfort each other and behind them, Steve looked at the floating Reactor, his face an emotionless mask, hiding how he was truly feeling. Behind him Peter was being comforted by May. Behind them, Thor stood sadly while Bruce, his arm now in a sling, wiped his face. Behind him stood Doctor Strange with regret on his face and Wong was with him too. Behind them were Scott, Hope, Janet and Hank who wore sunglasses.

"Can't believe he showed up." Tony muttered.

"You did save our lives after all." Hope pointed out and he nodded.

In another corner stood Quill, Rocket, Nebula, Groot, Drax (wearing a shirt!) and Mantis who was swaying as it was her species' way of mourning.

"He wore a shirt!" Tony joked about Drax and all gave watery chuckles.

Behind them were T'Challa, Okoye and Shuri. Behind them to their right were Clint, Laura, Lila, Cooper and Nathaniel and to their left were Bucky, Sam and Wanda, with Sam putting a hand on Bucky's shoulder. Behind them was a teenage Harley Keener.

Tony knew who he was. He had been in contact with him even after the incident where he had lost his suits. [1]

"He attended too?" Tony asked.

"You did touch his life." Logan pointed out.

Behind Harley were Hill and Ross.

"Now my funeral ground is contaminated." Tony joked about Ross and all gave watery chuckles again.

"What is he doing here?" Pepper snarled.

"Don't worry, after it was over, you kicked him out." Benjamin told her.

"And Rocket threatened to cut his beard and hair while he slept." Cassie said and all chuckled again.

Behind them was Carol, looking at the scene sadly and behind her arrived Fury, who looked both proud and sad. The screen then went dark.

Everyone sighed sadly. Tony had saved many lives from Thanos with his sacrifice for sure. And that was why they were honoring him like that.

Later, some of the Avengers were shown at a more private funeral where Steve and Clint stood together, trying to comfort each other with Wanda, Hill and Clint's family next to them. Thor and Bruce were there too in the corner as Bucky knelt to the grave in front of him and put a hand on the gravestone, "Hey, Nat. Clint told me what you did for us. And… I'm proud of you." Bucky said, considering his words.

Natasha looked at Bucky gratefully as all looked between her and the screen with grief in their eyes.

"We both did bad things in the past, on behalf of bad people. I guess we both were looking for redemption. And you… you made such a huge sacrifice and I can never repay you enough what you did for us all to bring us back. You should know… we've won, Nat. And… I guess it was inevitable that it would've come at such a high cost. I hope you're proud of us too." Bucky then wondered. "I didn't think I'd find anyone, who'd understand what I had been through, forced down a path I shouldn't have to walk, working on behalf of evil people, doing evil things… looking for redemption… I didn't believe I could find anyone I could care about deeply, maybe save for Steve. He's like my brother. And you… If I could ever love… I think I would've loved you." A stray tear rolled down Bucky's cheek. "I wish we had more time. And… I hope… wherever you are… that you and Tony have found your peace."

Everyone felt tears roll down their cheeks at that as Bucky held Natasha, not wanting to let her go while Steve felt Sam's hand on his shoulder and Wanda tried to comfort Clint. Tony shot Bucky a grateful look as he had said he hoped Tony found his peace too, even though they hadn't reconciled in the recordings.

As the others walked away, Fury stood alone by the grave. Strewed on the ground by it were a few flowers, all blood red. Nick himself was holding a rose. His hands were grabbing it so tight the thorns cut him, drawing a bit of blood. "Don't do this to me Romanoff." He muttered, unknowingly echoing the same words Nat did nine years ago, "Don't do this." But it was too late, he knew. She had done it. Natasha Romanoff was gone, for good. Another loss. Except Natasha had been much more than an agent. She had been a daughter.

Everyone shot Fury a look whose face was an emotionless mask, hiding what he was truly feeling. Natasha gave him a grateful nod, knowing how much he cared for her. He returned it.

"Goodbye, Nat." He whispered. He let the flower fall to ground, and walked away without looking back. No one saw him cry.

No one had words for that. It was just too saddening to comment on. Someone would have made a joke on Fury crying if it hadn't been for Natasha's death.

Clint and Wanda stood together later as he said, "You know, I wish there was a way...that I could let her know. That we won. We did it." Wanda looked at him and assured, "She knows. They both do." The two put their hands on each other's' shoulders for comfort.

Clint gave Wanda a look, grateful for her support as they embraced while Vision nodded at her, knowing she was referring to him too.

Happy and Morgan sat together as he asked, "How you doing, Squirt?" "Good." She said. "You good?" He asked and she nodded, "Okay. You hungry?" "Mm-hmm." She nodded. "What do you want?" He asked her. "Cheeseburgers." She said.

Pepper gave a half-laugh, half-sob at that as Tony and Morgan shared a knowing look and then the family embraced each other.

"You know your Dad liked cheeseburgers?" Happy asked her and she nodded. "I'm gonna get you all the cheeseburgers you want." He said. "Okay." She told him.

"Thanks pal." Tony said to Happy, grateful that he was taking care of his daughter.

"Happy helped raise me after that." Morgan told Tony and Pepper who nodded.

Thor stood at New Asgard with sunglasses as Valkyrie asked, "So, when can we expect you back?"

"In a few years when I get my shit together at last." Odinson muttered.

"I won't let that happen again." Thor promised and he nodded.

"About that..." Thor trailed off. "Thor. Your people need a king." Valkyrie pointed out. "No, they already have one." He said as he looked at her. She laughed and said, "That's funny." She noticed his look and asked, "You're being serious?"

"So she became the ruler?" Loki asked.

"She was like a Steward." Odinson said, "Ruling as long as I was not around, which was quite a few years. She ruled them well."

"So now you are King?" Thor asked.

"Yes." Odinson told them, "I realized I couldn't run from my responsibilities any longer and getting my shit together, returned to do what I must at last. Now whenever I'm not around, she rules the people. When I am, it's me."

They nodded.

"It's time for me to be who I am rather than who I'm supposed to be." He said, "But you, you're a leader. That's who you are."

"So are you, Thor." Steve assured and he nodded.

"You know I'd make a lot of changes around here." Valkyrie said. "I'm counting on it." Thor said as he held out his hand, "Your Majesty." She shook it.

"She can make a good ruler for sure." Thor agreed on that and all nodded.

"What will you do?" She asked him. "I'm not sure. For the first time in a thousand years, I...I have no path. I do have a ride, though." He turned to look at Rocket who said, "Move it or lose it, hairbag."

Everyone chuckled as Scott said, "So that's why you know these Guardians so well."

"Yeah, he had to bear them for a few years." Scarlet Witch joked and all chuckled.

Quill was looking at a hologram of 2014 Gamora before he heard Thro greet everyone behind him. "Well, here we are. Tree! Good to see you. Well..." He put his bag down and tapped Quill's shoulder, "The As-Guardians of the Galaxy back together again."

"Okay, that was a good one." Hill said and all chuckled.

"Thanks." Odinson said.

"Where to first?" Thor asked as he changed the map. "Just so you know, this is my ship still. I'm in charge." Quill said as he changed the map back. "I know. I know. Of course, you are. Of course." Thor said as he changed the map again.

All chuckled, knowing something funny was coming.

"See, you say of course, but then you touch the map. It makes you think that maybe you didn't realize I was in charge." Quill said as he changed back. "Quail, that's your own insecurities in there. Okay? I'm merely trying to be of service. An assistant." Thor assured. "Quill." Quill corrected him. "That's what I said." Thor shrugged.

Everyone chuckled as May said, "You're riling him up."

"You should fight one another for the honor of leadership." Drax said as he ate. "Sounds fair." Nebula said. "It's not necessary." Quill stammered. "It's not." Thor said too. "I got some blasters unless you guys wanna use knives." Rocket said. "Oh, yes. Please, use knives." Mantis urged.

"Why does she sound so creepy here?" Peter asked.

"Because she is." Benjamin said and all chuckled a bit.

"Yes, knives." Drax agreed. "I am Groot." Groot urged too. The two gave each other a look and laughed weirdly.

"Remember something?" Tony asked Steve.

"Yeah." Steve said, remembering their weird laugh from a few days ago.

"I was reminded of this from that." Odinson told him.

"Not necessary." Quill said. "There shall be no knifing one another." Thor said, "Everybody knows who's in charge." After a few seconds, Quill looked at Thor and asked, "It's me. Right?" Thor looked at him and said, "Yes, you! Of course! Of course. Of course."

Everyone chuckled as Loki said, "I feel he didn't stay leader for long."

"He did." Odinson said, "Because I'm not a jerk."

All nodded, knowing that was true.

Later, Bruce put the Orb, Time Stone, Soul Stone, remade Teserract and Rocket's Aether extraction device in a case while Steve held the Scepter on which the Mind Stone had been put back. "Remember...You have to return the Stones at the exact moment you got them. Or you're gonna open up a bunch of nasty alternative realities." Bruce warned him. "Don't worry, Bruce." Steve assured, "Clip all the branches." "You know, I tried." Bruce said regretfully, "When I had the Gauntlet, the Stones, I really tried to bring her back. I miss her, man. "Me, too." Steve said.

"Thanks Bruce." Natasha said gratefully and he nodded.

"You know, if you want, I can come with you." Sam offered. "You're a good man, Sam. This one's on me, though." Steve said.

"I know." Sam said and Steve nodded.

"Don't do anything stupid 'till I get back." Steve said to Bucky. "How can I?" Bucky asked as they hugged, "You're taking all the stupid with you."

Everyone chuckled at that as Steve and Bucky shot each other looks, knowing the tables had turned now.

"Gonna miss you, Buddy." Bucky said. "It's gonna be okay, Buck." Steve assured.

"Why am I gonna miss him?" Bucky asked as all looked confused, including Steve.

"See for yourself." Lila shrugged, knowing Steve wasn't going to be pleased.

"How long is this gonna take?" Sam asked as Steve walked to the machine and put on his Quantum Suit. "For him? As long as he needs, For us, five seconds." Bruce said before asking, "Ready, Cap?" Cap nodded as he said, "Alright. We'll meet you back here, okay?" "You bet." He said as he picked Mjolnir while Bruce counted, "Going quantum. Three..two.. one..." And then Steve was gone.

"Let's hope I do it." Steve said.

"You will." Benjamin assured.

After while, Bruce counted down again, "And returning in, five, four, three, two, one..." But nothing happened. Bruce tried to press buttons but nothing happened to his shock.

"What happened?" Hill asked, worried for Steve.

"Did you lose him?" Sam asked Bruce.

"I don't know." Bruce said.

"Just watch." Logan said.

"Where is he?" Sam asked. "I don't know. He blew right by his time stamp. He should be here." Bruce said, puzzled. "Well, get him back." Sam said. "I'm trying." "Get him the hell back!" Sam snapped. "I said, I'm trying!" Then Bucky noticed someone in the distance and called out, "Sam." Sam walked next to him and they noticed an old man on a bench with a round pack next to him.

"Who-who is that?" Steve asked, though he already knew the answer. The others were watching in stunned shock.

"Keep watching." Benjamin said.

"Go ahead." Bucky urged Sam as behind them, Bruce watched with a grim look. Sam walked to the bench and asked, "Cap?" And old Steve Rogers looked up at him with a smile and greeted, "Hi, Sam."

"That's…..me?" Steve asked in shock.

"You look your age now." Tony quipped and all chuckled.

"What did you do?" Bucky asked Steve.

"You'll know." Scarlet Witch said.

"So did something go wrong, or did something go right?" Sam asked him. "Well, after I put the Stones back, I thought...Maybe I'll try some of that life Tony and Natasha were...telling me to get." Steve said.

'Not like this.' Steve said to himself in his head, as shocked as everyone else.

"How did that work out for you?" Sam asked. "It was beautiful." Steve said. "I'm happy for you. Truly." Sam assured him. "Thank you." Steve said gratefully. "Only thing bumming me out is the fact I have to live in a world without Captain America." Sam said. "Oh...That reminds me..." Steve said as he opened the pack, revealing the remade shield, "Try it on."

"You're….giving it to me." Sam said, not sure what to say.

"That's one right choice he made." Steve said about his future self.

Sam looked to Bucky who gave him a nod of approval.

"Right now, I feel you're more suited to it than I am." Bucky said to Sam who couldn't believe it but nodded gratefully at both him and Steve.

Sam took it from him and held it. "How's it feel?" Steve asked. "Like it's someone else's." Sam said. "It isn't." Steve assured and he looked at him gratefully. "Thank you." He said, "I'll do my best."

"I know you will." Steve assured and Sam nodded gratefully as all gave Sam reassuring smiles.

"That's why it's yours." Steve said as they shook hands and Sam noticed a wedding band on Steve's finger. "You wanna tell me about her?" Sam asked him. "No." Steve said as he looked away wistfully, "No, I don't think I will."

"Jerk." Steve muttered as all turned to him in shock while he asked, "Who the hell is this guy?"

"Steve…." Natasha tried to calm him.

"No seriously!" Steve said, "I would never do this."

"We know." Logan assured, "There were reasons."

In the 50's, 'It's been a long, long time' played as Steve and Peggy were shown dancing to it together happily. They kissed each other passionately and the screen went black.

"So…you went back to her." Tony noted, "To live with her."

"How can I?" Steve wondered, feeling almost angry at his future self and all agreed.

Steve looked to everyone and said, "You guys…you are my family. My home. I would never abandon you or the timeline."

"Tony's and Natasha's death broke you so badly that your way of coping ended up being this." Logan said as Steve turned to him in shock, "At that point, you just wanted comfort so badly your mind ended up reverting back to the way it was 8 years before this." [2]

"Oh no!" Steve said as he sank to his couch, "I abandoned you all to live happily. And I created an alternate timeline. I messed up!"

"We know." Logan said, "But that's why we brought you here. To make sure none of you ever mess up again about such situations."

Steve nodded, knowing Logan was right and he looked to the others, including the future people, "I'm sorry my future self left like that."

He turned to Bucky, who he knew would have needed him but instead was left behind, "But I will never, ever leave you guys. I promise."

They all nodded, knowing he was being honest to his core as Steve held out a hand to Bucky but he hugged him instead.

Tony, Natasha and Sam gave him nods too, knowing he would never leave them now.

"Well guys…this was the last one." Benjamin said as they looked to him in shock, "After this one, there's nothing more to be seen."

"Oh thank God!" Pepper said in a whisper.

The others all nodded, knowing they would need to process what was going on and couldn't deal with anymore.

"Well then." Logan said as he got up and all followed him.