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Like They Never Existed

A/N: Hello! This is my first fic ever, and it contains INFINITY WAR SPOILERS!!!! This is just supposed to be a little something set soon after the events of IW, to kind of give us hope? And lift our spirits? I don’t even know if it succeeds. I just saw the movie again today and ended up discussing this idea with @thissuperbluelockboxismine . It’s supposed to be kind of choppy and disoriented to represent how the characters feel.

Warnings: None, Kind of angsty with a hopeful ending I guess?

Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, mentions of others

Word Count: 903 words

ONCE AGAIN, INFINITY WAR SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

“It’ll be like they never existed…”

Steve shot up straight in bed. He looked around his dark room for signs of who the voice belonged to but he knew he would find none. His nights had been this way for a month. The past month… had been strange. He and some of the others were staying in Wakanda, all recovering from a fierce battle. They all had the wounds to prove it happened and Wakanda’s landscape was mostly destroyed but no one could remember the fighting. No one even remembered what they’d been fighting for. Ever since he saw the news of Tony Stark’s mysterious disappearance and subsequent reappearance a month ago, he felt like he was missing something. It was like someone had taken white out to certain portions of his memory. He could remember past events, but it was like most of the people in his memory were gone. Nat was there, and Tony too. He could remember Thor and Bruce. He could even remember back to the war and the Howling Commandos. But there were people missing—important people— and he couldn’t figure out who they were.

He wanted to contact Tony, he was sure this haze was linked to the events of a month ago but he couldn’t even remember why they weren’t on speaking terms. He wonders if Tony remembers the reason, and he wonders if it was a good one. Steve reaches into the drawer of his nightstand, feeling the cool metal of his burner phone. Could he do it? Would Tony even want to speak with him? Would he even know anything?

…………………

Across the Atlantic, in his New York residence, Tony Stark lay awake in bed, trying to remember why he disappeared for a day. Where had he gone? Space, his mind supplied. But that couldn’t be right. Why would he have gone to space? Pepper was here, his life was here, his friends…

He’d had friends. They’re here, but not here. Here on Earth, but they aren’t his friends anymore. He can’t even remember why. He’s thought about reaching out so many times but he was sure he’d hurt them. He couldn’t remember how or why, but he knew he did. They wouldn’t forgive him, he was sure.

Even so, he felt more alone than he thought he should. There are people missing, he can feel it. His memories are spotty, and it was starting to irritate him. Maybe he should go back to “space”? Wherever he went a month ago might have the answers he needs.

As the early morning light began to filter in through the large windows, he had the feeling that he was on the verge of a memory, something huge. What did he have to do to trigger it? Slowly, he sat up, afraid if he moved to quickly the moment would be gone.

“Sir? My security protocols are being over-ridden. You have a phone call, and it must be urgent,” the voice of F.R.I.D.A.Y. startled him from his thoughts. He huffed in frustration as the tingling in his mind faded.

“Put ‘em through,” He prepared himself, unsure of what could require his attention so early in the morning, “Stark here.”

“Tony?” a hesitant but all-too-recognizable voice called.

“Rogers?” Tony flew out of bed, nearly tangling himself in the sheets.

“Uh, yea… Listen, I know it’s been a while…” he paused, as if struggling to find the words, “But I need to ask: what happened to you a month ago?”

And just like that, the dam seemed to burst. Faces and names screaming at him to be remembered. The harsh intake of breath on the other side of the line must mean Steve was experiencing something similar.

Tony sunk back down on to the bed, despair and heartache claiming him all at once. How could he forget them? Parker, Wilson, even that idiot Quill and his stupid friends. How could he forget? Why did he forget?

“Stark, I hope they remember you.”

Tony doubled over, nearly choking on his own air supply. Thanos. That’s why. He succeeded in wiping out half the universe. Steeling himself, Tony spoke, “Rogers? Capsicle, you still there?” He could only hope he was, somehow speaking to Cap had triggered his memory.

“Yea… yea, I’m here,” His voice sounded soft and strangled, like he was struggling to catch his breath, “Tony, did you… remember?” His tone was hopeful.

“I did. Guess that means you did too?”

“Yea… oh shit, what are we gonna do Tony? How did this happen?”

“Language!” Tony retorted good-naturedly before he could stop himself.

He could hear Rogers sigh on the other end of the line before continuing, clearly smiling, “I’m kind of glad I’ll never live that down. It’s really good to speak with you Tony.”

“You too, Cap. How’re the others?”

“Foggy, unable to remember. How do we get them to remember? How did we even get our memories back?”

Tony paused, weighing their options. He could hear Thanos’ voice in his head: “It’ll be like they never existed.”

“He did it, Cap. It really is like they never existed,” Tony took a deep breath, “But we’re not gonna let it stay that way, alright? We’re not gonna let him win. Are you with me?”

“Absolutely,” his reply was instant.

“Good. You and the others suit up. Am I coming to you or are you guys finally coming home?”

A/N: So... yea, that’s all I’ve got. Let me know what you thought I guess? But please do be gentle, my first fic, remember? D:

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