Stars Stripes and Metal

Feels Like Home

New York. June 2024.

Thank you Em. We really appreciate all this.

 Ana glances down to AJ, asleep in his mother's arms. A steel band strapped to his wrist, a small red light flashes up at them. Indicating his mutation is being suppressed. The red light glowing in the dark around them as they stand by Steve's car. Sam and Zemo already on the plane waiting for James and Ana. James stands closest to Ana while Steve watches from the drivers side. AJ stirs in his sleep, moving his little hand up to his face, his fist squishing his cheek.

He looks so much like Steven. The fleeting thought rocks her harder than it should. Being around her ex-husband is seriously messing with her.

I'm happy to help A. Have Dr. Banner reach out to me, I'd be happy to work with him. Remember AJ needs monthly tests and refitting for the technology to stay up to date.

Ana nods. Smiling at her old friend.

The women hug, please don't be a stranger. And, if you're interested we would always be happy to bring you onto the staff. The three of you. Emma pulls Ana into another hug, because it is the three of you. Isn't it?

Ana chews on her bottom lip and smirks while Emma pulls away from her, her eyebrow raised. Ana meets her eyes, and Emma laughs while nodding.

Something things never change do they?

Shut it.

You don't talk to him anymore do you?

Of course not, neither of them. Ana glances at Steve and James. We were kids Em. These two have been the only men in my life since I was 20. Which was the last time I talked to Luke and Chase.

He still asks about you. Emma crosses her arms, giving Ana a look that says. Your first love still loves you. Ana rolls her eyes. She hadn't thought about Luke and his best friend since James. She risks a look at James before meeting Steve's eyes. Both have the same disgruntled face.

Who the fuck are Luke and Chase?!

Thanks again, and thanks for giving them something to give me shit about. Ana turns and puts her son in the car. She glances to Samual, making sure he's strapped in his booster. Not that he needs it apparently. His eyes glued to his father's cell phone. Ana kisses AJ softly on the head and closes the car door.

Emma smiles, keep me updated A. She calls over her shoulder as she walks back towards the institute. Leaving Ana to deal with James and Steve.

So when were you planning on telling us about Luke and Chase. James asks as he crosses his arms and leans against the hood of the car. I mean since it's the three of us again, and apparently this is a normal thing for you. Being stuck in between two guys.

Ana stares at James. Are you done?

James just glares at Ana. The muscle between his eyebrows scrunching hard. Steve has the exact same face.

Luke was my high school sweetheart. He is a mutant, obviously. Ana waved her hand behind her towards the school.

And Chase? Steve asks.

He was Luke's best friend. Ana looks to the ground, kicking at the gravel with her toes.

So this, Steve draws a triangle between her James and himself. Is your thing. You being with two men.

Well it sounds terrible when you put it like that. I was a kid then. I dated Luke through high school, we broke up a lot. When we did, I went to Chase.

You were fucking both of them? James ask angrily.

Not at the same time. But yes.

Did you love them both? Steve demands.