Sing to me

Five seconds

      I guess I felt it when Sam offered to accompany Steve to the past, and he refused.       "Thanks, but i'm on my own", Rogers answered and looked gratefully at his friend.       Then I saw it in Bucky's eyes…       I saw the sadness in those eyes, and then the regret that flashed through his eyes, when he looked at me.       "Come on come back", I heard Barnes' words.       "Everything will be fine, Bucky", Steve answered.       Saying goodbye to a friend, he approached me, giving his gentle look of blue eyes. My heart hurt and I wanted to scream so loudly, but… But I didn't scream, I smiled as Rogers came up and took his hand in mine.       "Is my hero going on his last mission?" my voice did not tremble.       "Yes", a wide and kind smile was reflected on the man's face and he squeezed my hand tighter. "Last."       "I will wait."       "It's just five seconds."       Yes, just five seconds, but why does my heart hurt? Because I'm afraid. I'm afraid he won't come back to me. He's going to go back in time to where Peggy is. Lively, young Peggy Carter is Steve Rogers' first love. Although now he should be mine but… But I don't want to be hurt.       After all, we confessed our love to each other, all these years we loved each other and experienced so much together: the return of the Hydra, the split of the Avengers and the rise of Thanos… I should have been sure he would come back, but I saw Barnes' eyes, I felt the hesitation in Steve's voice when he refused Sam…       Steve looked at me with such tenderness in his eyes, with which he looked only during quarrels… with such calming tenderness with which he left, giving me time to calm down.       But now… now, he may not come back.       Rogers kissed me on the cheek and I felt his warm breath, which usually drove me crazy. My heart hurt again. Steve let go of my hand and with a smile, walked towards the platform from which he began his journey into the past.       Banner started the time machine.       "For us it’s just five seconds." Bruce answered Sam's question about how long Cap will be absent.       Yes, just five seconds. Steve activated his suit and prepared to jump.       "Ready, Steve? One leg here, one there."       "Yes…" the man replied hesitantly.       I clenched my fists at his words. How painful it was.       Closing my eyes, I heard a soft pop, which meant that he was gone…       "Return in five…" Dr. Banner has started the countdown.       And so, my five seconds began.       I remembered the first meeting with such a frightened Captain in the S.H.I.E.L.D. building. Such a tall, strong man, about whom legends have been composed for years, was so frightened of modernity. I understood him, fell asleep in the 20th century, and woke up in the 21st — it was all hard to comprehend, but still it was so sweet. He was so sweet.       "…four…" Bruce continued.       I don't think I even breathed at that moment. I imagined Steve's face, I remembered his every wrinkle, the curve of his cheekbones and lips and the sparkle of his blue eyes, that I liked so much.       "…three…"       I wanted to cry and scream. It was so scary that he wouldn't come back… His gaze and last kiss will probably haunt me in my sleep.       "…two…"       But anyway, thanks Steve for all the time we spent together. I was happy with you, you will always be my hero. After all, that's exactly what I called you ... my hero.       "…one…"       And I understand everything. I let you go, I know that Peggy is your first love, you promised her a dance.       I just want you to know — I'm letting you go, I will love you and you will forever be my hero.       A single tear rolled down my cheek and I had to open my eyes.       "Are you crying?" Steve asked, hiding his helmet. "I was gone for only five seconds, what happened?"       "Steve…" I breathed out.       The man stepped down from the platform and approached me. There was anxiety in his eyes.       "You…" the man started. "Did you think I wouldn't come back?"       "It's just that Peggy was waiting for you in the past," I looked at him, not believing my eyes.       He's here... Why did he come back?       The question was clear in my eyes as Steve cupped my face in his warm hands and wiped away a tear with his thumb.       "Yes, I loved Peggy, but now my heart belongs to you."       He left a short kiss on my lips and looked into my wet eyes with all his love:       "I want to grow old only with you, because I love only you."