TIME HAD PASSED since Earth won the battle versus Thanos and the Black Order, an event where heroes from all over came together to battle one single threat. Together they saved the universe.

Tony Stark and Y/N L/N were remembered for their sacrifice in the battle along with Natasha Romanoff in her quest to acquire the Soul Stone.

Without Nat's sacrifice, the blip wouldn't have been possible.

Without Y/N's intervention, Thanos would have exterminated all of life.

Without Tony's snap, the Black Order would have defeated the heroes and won the battle.

It was late in the month, and the private joint funeral for Tony and Y/N that Pepper set up had just wrapped. It was attended by what remained of the Avengers, the Wakandans, the Guardians, and people who's lives they impacted.

Pepper wanted to remember Y/N along with her husband. The young man grew a closer bond with the family in the last five years and he meant a lot to her and Morgan, especially the five year old. She lost her father and uncle figure, and it upset her, but she knew they're still watching over her.

Wanda stood by the lake looking across it. She wore all black attire for the occasion, and was joined by Clint moments later.

"You know...I wish there was a way that I could let her know...let them both know." He said as he looked in the distance, mentioning Natasha and Y/N, "That we won. We did it."

Wanda thought of Y/N and Vision, two people she loved and cared for. They were the closest thing she had to a family.

"They know." She replied, "I know they do."

Clint brought her close for a side hug, and caressed her shoulder as they peered on towards the lake. He stood there with her for some time until he bid farewell and went back to his family.

Wanda stayed where she was and sulked in her thoughts. She snapped out of it upon hearing footsteps walk up beside her.

"Hey." Sam greeted as he put his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

"Sam." Wanda addressed back. There was some silence before she decided to speak again, "It seemed like we closed our eyes for a few moments..."

Sam turned to her and listened in.

"..and woke up to something completely different." She continued, "The people who stayed had to go through so much loss."

Sam understood what she meant. They vanished for what seemed to be minutes only to reappear again. Everybody else had to go through five years with the feeling of loss and guilt. People like Y/N.

For these last couple weeks since the battle, Sam really missed him. He remembered their times as Avengers, from their banter to even the more serious moments. It also hurt Sam to see Wanda now without him or Vision.

"Y/N was a warrior, he was the best of us. He passed knowing we'd win." Sam said, "He's a hero...and the whole world sees that."

A tear rolled down her cheek, and Sam took it as the time to pull her in for a hug. The two embraced as Wanda rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm ruining your suit..." Wanda jested amidst her tears.

Sam let out a light chuckle, "I'm just going to toss this back in the closet after, it's fine."

Wanda pulled back and wiped the tears from her face, "I have to go..."

"Where you off to?"

"Chicago. The city is doing something for Y/N."

Wanda and Sam heard about how Specter protected Chicago during the five years prior to the Blip. Upon hearing of his passing, the city wanted to honor their late hero. Wanda was going to attend.

"I'll come with." Sam said, which brought a smile to her face.

• • •

A STATUE WAS ERECTED in Millennium Park of Specter's likeness. A plaque containing his name and history was at the base of it.

The mayor walked up onto the platform near the statue and towards the podium. Wanda was joined by Sam, Bucky, and Rhodey, who all stood on the side wearing plainclothes to not draw attention.

"There are many icons that have made an impact in this city." The mayor began, "From Harrison Ford, to Michael Jordan, to Oprah Winfrey...but none compare to the man that we're remembering today."

The politician extended their arm towards the statue, "Y/N L/N understood selflessness and heroism at a young age. From the military to the Avengers, he fought the good fight."

He sighed, "And when all seemed lost, he still took it upon himself to help those that remained. He was a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in the darkness. Like his close friend, Tony Stark, he gave his life to save all of us."

Wanda looked down and Rhodey put an arm around her.

"The city's name will be synonymous with his. And this monument will be a remembrance to his heroism and sacrifice." The mayor said, "Now we ask ourselves...how can continue his mission of selflessness and make our community better?"

The crowd began to applaud. Wanda was still grieving, but the sight of Y/N being loved and appreciated brought a smile to her face. The three men beside her also felt good to see their friend being remembered in this way.

The mayor gave his last statement, "The beacon of our city, Y/N L/N. The Specter."

• • •

WANDA TURNED THE KNOB and entered the dimly lit apartment, the sun coming through the slit of the curtains in the living room.

It was Y/N's apartment. She decided to stop by after saying goodbye to Sam, Bucky, and Rhodey. Sam offered to stay with her longer, but the witch wanted time to herself. He obliged and let her go to the apartment alone.

She entered his room, seeing the bed he'd lay on and the maroon covers he had. It reminded Wanda of her comforter back at the now-destroyed Avengers facility, with the same color of blankets and pillows she would have. Unbeknownst to her, Y/N did that on purpose. Having a similar style of bed to Wanda's made sleeping a better task for him, it took him back to the times where he'd lay with her at the compound.

Wanda walked over to the dresser and saw the framed photo of her and Y/N at Central Park. Her heart started to ache as she remembered that time. She realized that day that her feelings for him wasn't simply a crush, but more than that. She loved him.

Beside the frame was an envelope, and her brow raised as she picked it up. She opened it, taking out the folded sheet of paper and looking at its contents.

To grow old in.

Those were the first words that caught her eye. A heart was drawn around them in red marker...with Y/N's initials.

She examined the form even more, realizing that it was a property deed for land in New Jersey. It was filled out with both his and her name on it, including a extra line with Vision's.

She started to cry. She never knew about this. If Y/N was still alive he would've shown her this, and they would've lived together in the very town they chose for them.

They could've been together as a family.

But she was alone now.

No Vision.

No Y/N.

With everybody going their separate ways after the battle, and the Avengers currently disbanded and inactive, what was next for her?

She held the deed for a moment, then placed it back into the envelope before putting it in her bag. She took the photo out of the frame as well, keeping it with her. She walked out of the room then out of the apartment, leaving the building and stepping onto the sidewalk.

She put on her hood as she moved towards her car, entering it and placing her bag on the passengers' seat. She sighed as she inserted the key and started the engine.

Wanda knew where she was going. She wanted to see it for herself, the place Y/N wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. It was one of the only pieces left of him.

She drove away from the apartment and down the road, before making a left and entering the highway.

Her destination: Westview, New Jersey.

• • •

This marks the end of Book 3! It should come as no surprise, but spoiler...we will see Y/N again. Stay tuned for Book 4!