Y/N LOOKED INTO the mirror as he put on his suit jacket.
He straightened his tie and did a few of the buttons. He finished and turned back toward his bed...where his father's shield lay.
"I...I don't know. I don't know if I can. This belongs to you."
"No, it doesn't. Bucky and I talked about it for a while. And we both know the kind of man you are. I do firsthand."
"Thank you. I'll do my best."
"I know you will, son. That's why it's yours."
He grabbed the vibranium disc and placed it back inside the leather carrying case. He zipped up the case and picked it up, looking back at the mirror as he took a breath in. In the reflection, he saw Natasha walk into the room.
"Hey." She greeted and got behind him, rubbing his arms to rid his sleeves of lint and wrinkles. "You're looking very sharp."
Y/N looked at her with a soft smile. "After wearing this to Nik's preschool graduation, I thought it'd be a while until the next time."
"We should go out more. Maybe to more fancy places where you have to dress up like this."
"Not really my forte."
Natasha wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and spoke into his ear.
"It'll only be for a bit before we rush back home and I get those clothes off of you."
"You sure know how to sell the idea." Y/N replied with a chuckle, then looked back down at the case he was holding. His smile disappeared and Natasha noticed.
She knew what he was feeling and what his plan was for today. Y/N had been battling with himself on what to do with what was given to him. The shield...the title...the legacy. A couple of weeks ago he seemingly made up his mind and knew what to do.
"If you're not so sure, you could wait. They're not going to rush you into this." Natasha told him.
"No, I'm fine. I am." Y/N replied, still looking at himself and her through the mirror. "There's no better day than now to do this."
There was silence for a moment. Y/N finally turned away from the mirror and got face to face with Natasha.
"Be honest. What do you think about all this?" He asked.
Natasha sighed and ran her hands along his shoulders.
"Steve left it to you, and I'm sure he'd be okay with whatever you decide." She replied.
Y/N nodded and looked down. "I hope he's okay with this. I just...I told him I wouldn't let him down. Giving it to this memorial feels like a cop-out."
"If you really want to know what I think..." Natasha placed her hand on his cheek. "You are the only memorial he needs. You."
The super-soldier smiled and kissed her on the forehead. He looked back at the mirror and fixed the buttons of his suit jacket.
"People will see me as his living legacy. But this..." He looked at the carry-case. "They will see this as his symbol. His icon. His heroics."
Y/N looked back at Natasha and continued. "And the world needs that now. That's why I'm doing this."
• • •
WITHIN THE SMITHSONIAN National Air and Space Museum, a crowd gathered in front of the stage. Media, veterans, and officials also attended the event in Washington D.C. Y/N stood behind the podium and began to speak.
"My father represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. Not only did he master posing stoically, but was damn good with speeches as well."
Almost everybody in the audience chuckled at the remark. Y/N continued.
"He would never back down from a fight. He would never lower his head when a challenge seemed too great. He would always support others...bring people up...no matter the situation. He supported me, and many others, during the five years when it seemed like all was lost."
Y/N took a breath before speaking again. James Rhodes listened as he sat in the front row.
"He was a key part in what happened a few months ago. Billions of people reappeared after five years away, reuniting with families and friends who thought they'd be gone forever." He added. "It changed to the world as we know it...both in a positive and negative light. Because of that...we need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we're in. Symbols are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning. And this thing..."
Y/N chuckled as he bent down to pick up the shield that was resting by the podium. Photographers frantically snapped photos of the moment.
"...I don't know if there's ever been a greater symbol. But it's more about the man who propped it up...and he's gone. So today, we honor Steve Rogers's legacy. The army captain, the superhero, the father, and grandfather. But also, we look to the future."
The super-soldier gazed down at the disc he was holding and paused for a moment. He then turned to face the large hanging banner of Steve Rogers.
"Thank you, Captain America, Steve Rogers...my father. This will forever belong to you."
The people applauded and photos were taken as Y/N handed one of the museum officials the shield. They unveiled the glass display that was on the stage and carefully placed the shield within.
Y/N seemed to have tuned out all the noise...as he watched in his silence as they fixed it in and closed the glass.
A government official shook Y/N's hand as Rhodey stood beside the young man.
"Thanks again for coming forward with the shield, Mr. Carter." He said. "It was the right decision."
Y/N simply nodded. The official gave a nod back to both him and Rhodey before walking off. The colonel looked at his friend.
"Take a walk?" He asked.
The super-soldier agreed and they started to explore the Captain America exhibit within the museum. It's been a few weeks since he's seen Rhodey so they decided to catch up with one another.
"Little man's going into kindergarten now. Can you believe that?" Y/N said.
"Feels like yesterday I was teaching Nik how to put the square peg into the square hole." Rhodey replied with a chuckle. "Sorry I couldn't attend the graduation."
"No need to apologize, Rhodes."
"Maggie doing all right at the new school?"
"She's been okay with it since she didn't make many friends in the old one. This time is different. I'm seeing that she's hanging out with more people."
"That's good to hear." Rhodey said. "You should bring the kids to D.C. sometime. I'll teach 'em how to fly. You know, I mean the right way."
Y/N chuckled. "I don't think Nik would mind flying in one of your suits. You got a miniature one he could use?"
"I'll get back to you on that." He replied.
The two laughed again. Rhodey decided to change the subject.
"Crazy that nobody's gonna be carrying the shield." He remarked.
"Think of it this way. The world went for 70 years without anybody carrying it when Steve was in the ice. I think we'll be all right." Y/N replied.
"That was a different time, Y/N."
Y/N didn't respond and they continued walking, passing by the display of Steve's old motorcycle and the moving graphic of everybody that had once vanished in the Snap.
"I see you're gonna make me ask." Rhodey said after the silence. "Why didn't you take up the mantle?"
The two stopped in front of the wall that displayed the many posters, art, newspapers, and photos of Captain America. Y/N put his hands in his pockets.
"When he first gave me the shield...I told him that I wasn't sure. It belonged to him. I feel like nobody should be able to brandish it but him." He explained. "He is the purest of heart. He is the symbol of integrity. He is one of a kind...just like that shield."
Rhodey nodded then looked at him. "And you? You don't believe that about yourself?"
Y/N sighed. He thought about how close he was to being raised by HYDRA, how he was programmed to be their weapon, and how he became one for a brief time. He had that wrath and malice within him that his father didn't. A part of him didn't think he was worthy enough, despite Mjölnir thinking otherwise. But that hammer was gone now.
"I don't know." He finally answered.
"World's a crazy place right now. People are...nobody's stable. Allies are now enemies. Alliances are all torn apart." Rhodey explained. "The world's broken. Everybody's just looking for somebody to fix it."
"Yeah." Y/N replied as they continued walking. They finally stopped in front of a display that had Steve's old WWII uniform along with the encased shield.
"It's a new day, brother." Rhodey said, then looked at Y/N and pat his back. "I'll be in touch."
They bid each other farewell and Rhodey walked away. Y/N looked down for a moment then back up at the shield, seeing his reflection through the glass of the case.
• • • 2012 • • •
STEVE ROGERS AND Y/N L/N sat at a table in the back area of the cafe. For the young man, it was crazy to be sitting with such an icon like Captain America. Although they had fought side by side just a few months ago against Loki, he was still feeling like a fan meeting a celebrity.
"How are you liking D.C.?" Y/N asked as he put down his mug.
Steve took a sip of his coffee and placed it on the coaster before putting his arms down, folding his hands in front of him.
"It's been okay. I still have to get used to some things, but all in all, it's nice." He replied. "I even got to reunite with an old friend."
"That's great to hear. I bet they were happy to see you again."
Rogers nodded. "And I was happy to see her."
Y/N tapped the side of his mug and sat back against the seat. "If you haven't explored, I'm willing to show you around. Clint did when they first found me, so in a way, I'd like to pay it forward."
"I might take you up on that, then." Steve said with a chuckle.
They stayed quiet for a moment. Y/N abruptly spoke and broke the silence.
"Quick question. You don't have to answer this if you don't want to..."
"Shoot." Steve replied.
Y/N took a breath, glancing out the window of the cafe before looking back at Rogers.
"Do you...do you miss it? Where you came from?" He asked.
Steve sighed and looked down at his hands. "If I had to be honest...I do."
The young man nodded, a part of him also missed the world he used to live in. He thought of his friends from that time and his parents, who he still hadn't been able to find and assumed they were dead.
Steve continued. "I think about what I missed out on. The bonds I made with my comrades, the relationship I could've built with..." He paused for a moment. "There's a lot of things I could've done during my time. But God had other plans and now I'm here."
Y/N listened to his words. He picked up his mug and drank from it before Steve suddenly spoke again.
"And you?"
He put down his cup and swallowed the coffee that was in his mouth. "Yeah, I miss it too. Mostly my parents. I think about what I could've done once I came back from deployment. Maybe find a nice gal...have a family and such."
Steve listened to his colleague as he continued.
"But I got to say...I'm grateful I woke up at this time. I've met some great people and done some good in a world that needs it. And then there's all the pop culture and music I'm starting to get into."
"Yeah, I need to get the hang of it." Steve replied with a chuckle.
Y/N laughed as well, then let out a sigh before speaking again.
"You'll start to love the world we're in just like I am. Trust me. Us men out of time got to, right?"
"Right." Steve replied with a nod. "I trust you."
The young agent nodded back before taking another sip of his coffee. He put it down and looked back at Steve.
"Can I ask for a small favor?" He asked.
"What is it?" Steve replied.
Y/N bent down and took something out of his bag that was by his chair. He placed the books on the table and smiled.
"Do you mind signing these comics?"
• • • 2024 • • •
IT'S BEEN A FEW DAYS since Steve Rogers's only son gave the shield to the museum. He was back at home with his family, Natasha sitting in the living room with Nikolai and Y/N in the kitchen nearby. Maggie was upstairs in her room.
The man came out into the living room, wiping his wet hands and throwing the paper towel into the trash can. He smiled as he saw Nikolai by Natasha's side playing on the tablet.
"Maybe I shouldn't have bought that iPad. He's gonna fry his brain." Y/N said with a chuckle.
"I'm playing math games, dad." He replied with his eyes still glued to the screen.
Natasha looked up at Y/N. "I can confirm he is."
Maggie came downstairs and greeted her parents before going over to the remote on the coffee table. Her mother noticed how quick she went for it.
"What's the rush?" She asked.
"New episode of Hell's Kitchen, mom." Maggie replied. "You know I can't miss the greatest chef in the world cussing out other chefs."
Y/N laughed. "I'm starting to think he's your celebrity crush or something."
"Used to be mine." Natasha chimed in.
Her husband put his hands on his waist as his jaw dropped. "You're kidding."
"It's just something about him." She added as she got up from the sofa.
"Is it because he can cook? I can cook. I can definitely cook."
She chuckled as she walked up to him. "Y/N..."
"I'll wear a chef's jacket for you and make some scallops. Maybe even replicate an English accent."
"You don't have to do any of that, Моя любовь (my love)." She kissed him on the lips and let out a laugh afterward. "If you really want to turn me on you could try that accent though."
"Then I might just have to watch some episodes with Maggie." Y/N replied.
Maggie had been sitting down on her phone overhearing her parents' conversation. "You know your kids are only like five feet away right?"
"I'm sorry that you had to hear that your mom's crushing on Gordon Ramsay." Y/N said with a chuckle.
Natasha hit him on the shoulder. "Oh, please. Don't tell me you never had a celebrity crush."
"Of course not." He replied, but paused for a moment as he thought. "Actually, I did...back in the day. Marilyn Monroe."
"Really?"
"Hottest woman in the sixties. You know, maybe for a day I could use a British accent while you wear something from that era..."
"You'd like that, huh?"
"Uh-huh."
Maggie let out a sigh and put her phone down. "I just said we're five feet away. At least go into the kitchen and flirt there."
The couple laughed. Y/N walked over to the dining table nearby and sat down while Natasha stood over him. There was a momentary silence before she spoke to him.
"I spoke to Yelena earlier today."
Y/N looked up at her. "Really? How is she?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Not much. She said she's okay...but hasn't told me where she is exactly."
The super-soldier sighed. Yelena has communicated with Natasha here and there for the last few months but hasn't visited or talked with Y/N. He knew she was still hurting from the loss of Pietro. A part of him also feared that maybe she blamed him somehow. Y/N hoped that wasn't the case.
"At least she's fine." He replied.
"She asked about the kids. She's glad they're doing okay."
Y/N nodded and feigned a smile. Suddenly, the channel Maggie was tuned into switched from its scheduled programming to a news broadcast.
"Hey! I was watching that." Maggie exclaimed.
The voiceover from the news anchor apologized for the late start. They quickly explained where the feed was coming from and a government official started to speak from a podium.
"Unrest, in the wake of recent events has left us vulnerable. Every day Americans feel it."
Y/N got up from his seat and stood behind the couch Maggie was sitting on. Natasha walked over and sat on the arm of it.
"While we love heroes who put their lives on the line to defend Earth, we also need a hero to defend this country. We need a real person who embodies America's greatest values. We need someone to inspire us again, someone who can be a symbol for all of us."
The super soldier grabbed the remote and raised the volume. He leaned against the couch and gripped the cushions as he listened in.
"So, on behalf of the Department of Defense and our Commander-in-Chief, it is with great honor that we announce here today that the United States of America has a new hero."
The official extended his arm toward the doors behind him as they opened.
"Join me in welcoming your new Captain America."
A man in a red and blue uniform walked out holding a shield...
Steve Rogers's shield.
His father's shield.
The man, introduced as Army Captain John Walker, shook hands with the senator before standing in front of the podium. He waved at the photographers as he brandished the shield. He then looked at the camera in front of him and winked.
Nikolai had already been watching the television once he noticed the rest of his family doing so. The five-year-old was confused at the sight of the soldier on screen. It reminded him of Steve.
"Why is that man wearing grandpa's costume? He asked.
All Y/N could see was red. He couldn't believe it. Seeing a man holding the object he thought nobody should ever carry...the symbol he thought would be kept behind glass and admired...it angered him.
They told him it would be treated with respect, that it would be in good hands, that it would forever be remembered as his father's and nobody else's. But they had lied. A man Y/N never knew was carrying it.
A man who they were now giving the name Captain America.
Y/N let out a grunt as he threw the remote with all of his strength at the television. It broke through the screen and impaled the wall behind it. The action startled his wife and children.
Natasha stood up and went up to him. "Y/N—"
He turned away and started making his way to the front door. Without a word, he left the house. Natasha sighed and looked at Maggie, who had her own saddened look. The teenager lowered her head, sitting in silence as she thought about the situation.