Steve has been gone for a while now. That isn't unusual - he tends to do that. The world has much need of sunlight, after all, and while being the Sun isn't quite so literal, Steve often makes sure that he goes where people need him to shine. He always returns to Bucky, of course.

Eventually.

This time is no different, though he's cutting it close. They go into a mutual heat and rut about once a month, when they can no longer avoid letting their bodies drive them a bit. When they have to indulge in each other to fuel the power exchange that lets Steve exist as a beacon of all things good and right in the world. He's already pulling off his pants when he's through the door, calling out for Bucky.

He's distracted, thoughts elsewhere while they sit on the bed, get their palms slick and start touching each other. Steve's large hands are gentle, but he's clearly in a rush. Halfway through he remembers to tell Bucky they need to finish fast - Steve has things to do and organize.

After, he tells Bucky the reason: He met someone. A mortal woman in England. She's beautiful and kind and he wants to marry her. He wants to be with her. He wants to grow old with her.

Steve has already organized half of his retirement ceremony while he was out on his latest trip and getting to know her. It's practically a done deal by the time he tells Bucky, excited to share all of this with his best friend of more than a century. Steve does not notice that Bucky isn't nearly as enthused as Steve seems to believe him to be. The next few days are flurries of activity, whirlwind of Steve telling Bucky about everything tehy need to get done in order for Steve to step down and pass on the mantle.

He doesn't say that he's passing Bucky along with it. But they both know it to be true.