Steve Rogers stared off over the lake, the sun setting on the worst day of his life.
Everyone had already trickled off, saying their goodbyes, not really sure when or where they will see each other again.
Given time, though, maybe...
Someone cleared their throat behind the soldier, who was ashamed that he almost jumped out of his skin, he was so scared. His heart racing, he turned around, then relaxed slightly.
Thor.
He was a good friend. He was always there.
"Steven..." The tormented god sniffed. He scratched his beard irritably. "I am not quite sure what to say, but..." He turned his gaze away from the lake, and forced Steve to meet his eyes. Steve stared into the real one, hardly even recognizing the robotic replacement. "Anthony, he..." His voice cracked, and Steve let the tears fall again, for the thousandth time this week.
No other words were said for what seemed like ages.
Steve was unaware Thor had wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him to his side for comfort. Steve needed that. He needed to feel like he was still here.
Because...
"Thor..." Steve sobbed quietly. He buried his face into his friend's chest.
"I know..." Thor rested his head on top of Steve's. "...I know..."
"Pops?" Steve looked up from his sketchbook, then smiled softly.
"Hey, son...you alright?" He offered the other half of the couch, but was not surprised to have his part shared with the tiny figure of his son.
Peter Stark-Rogers shook his head. Tired, crying eyes studied the intricate details of the soldier's latest and hardest drawing of his late husband. He was not in his armor. He was not even in a suit. He was in the lab, showing off that brilliant mind of his to Peter.
"This is one of my favorite memories of us." Steve finally spoke up. Peter perked up the tiniest bit, interested as to why. "Your dad...he worked so hard every day for us..." Steve fought to keep his voice steady. "And he loved to show off." He hugged Peter a little tighter. "And you loved to help..."
Peter sniffed. "You know what my favorite memory is?"
"What's that, son?"
"The day we all became a family."
Steve kissed his forehead, and they hugged.
On through the night, they shared stories, mostly the good ones, until the sun came up. Steve realized he had been talking to himself when Peter was fast asleep in his arms, but one of the boy's hands rested on the sketch of his father's arc reactor.
"You're going to be ok..." Steve promised.