Losing his shield that day had been a symbol really, of how much he'd lost. Because the shield had always been that for people, a symbol of hope and resistance, something far bigger than one man, bigger than Steve Rogers. That day he'd walked away from what had been his home, his people, his country and family. There hadn't been a choice really, because he'd already made wrong ones to get him there in the first place.
He'd never stop regretting turning his back on Tony. People called him a hero and yet when he'd needed to fight for something, he'd walked away.
It wasn't that Steve thought he was best off in charge, it was that he didn't trust anyone else to call the shots. When he knew their motivation, maybe, but until then it seemed important to keep informed and to make sure any and all power was safely kept in check. Which is why he was happy to help people, to lend out there accumulated resources but he liked when it was back where it belonged.
"Home's usually where my feet are," Steve said as he tapped his bare feet on the rug. It was strange to see Tony without the glow in his chest, looking completely normal sitting there. It still almost took him by surprise every time.