Stars Stripes and Metal

Everything Has Changed

Wakanda, Africa. October 2023.

Hours after Tony sacrificed himself to destroy Thanos, when his body had been moved and the injured tended. T'Challa offered a place to stay for those displaced. Ana agreed gratefully, she was in need of a hot shower and a good meal. Steve wasn't ready to have the conversation about Melanie with is wife so he agreed to go back to Wakanda for the night. Still unsure what he was going to do about his wife and his girlfriend.

Of course he still loves Ana, he always will but his feelings towards her are different than they were before she vanished. He mourned her for years, experienced parts of his he expected to experience with her, alone. And even though it wasn't her fault she vanished. He's mad at her for it, mad at her for making him love her so much only to die and leave him with a son to raise on his own.

He watches her walk into the large dining hall, where all the Avenger's had gathered. Freshly showered and mingling together, reminiscing about Tony or Natasha. A few heads turn in her direction, namely Thor and Scott. Steve takes a drink from the glass in his hand, his eyes glued to Ana. Her long black hair hangs loosely across her back, framing her face. Her arms bare, her porcelain skin bright against the dark green silk tank top blouse hanging on her slim shoulders. The material gathers loosely at her bust, the neckline dipping well past her nipple line, giving way to her swollen chest, and the baby bump now visible just below. Tight black jeans hug her hips, distressed denim accents rip across her thighs and knees. Black heels adorn her feet, giving her an extra 4 inches in height. Silver bands clink at her wrists and the hit of a silver chain occasionally visible between her breasts can be seen if you know where to look. She looks stunning, her eyes bright against the dark silk, as she scans the room for Steve.

James spots her first, moving towards her. Ana smiles like she's never been happier to see someone in her life. Dressed in all black, James compliments her in every way. To see the two of them in a room together is breathtaking. It's enough to make Steve second guess everything even if he weren't already.

They look good together. Wanda whispers to Sam, close enough that Steve is able to hear her.

They belong together, that's why. Sam whispers back.

What about St... Wanda doesn't finish. Sam elbows her and nods in Steve's direction, making Wanda stop.

Steve watches as James' hands hold Ana's shoulders, pulling her into a quick hug, she wraps her arms around his waist, her hands gripping the back of his shirt. Words are exchanged between the two old lovers, Steve isn't sure what. It doesn't matter. A few seconds later Ana's fingers glide through James' hair. Starting at his temple, pushing the dark brown strands away from his crystal blue eyes. Ana looks up at James through dark eye lashes. She smiles affectionately at him, the hint of a smirk pulls at her pink lips. Her fingers trail around his ear, across his jaw. Her thumb rubs his bottom lip before wrapping around the back of his neck. James wraps his arms around her waist, and nuzzles against her neck.

Steve glares as he watches James visibly inhale Ana's intoxicating scent, and press his mouth against Ana's throat. Under her ear. James opens his eyes and meets Steve's glare. James squeezes Ana tighter making her laugh. He's mouth sucks gently, earning him a soft moan before she pulls away from him. She tries to walk away, but James reaches for her wrist, spinning her back towards him. She laughs and rests her hands on his chest, while James slowly sways with Ana to the music playing low in the background.

She bites her lip and shakes her head.

Steve has seen enough, he sighs and ducks out of the side door. He won't be Ana's second choice anymore, not when he has someone who picks him first.