Stars Stripes and Metal

Again

Stark Tower, New York City. February 2025.

The following morning, the team says their farewells to Sam and James. James shakes everyones hand or hugs them one at a time, thanking them for spending the holiday with them. Ana watches James quietly, patiently waiting for goodbye. She knows he's struggling letting so many people so close to him. Although James is fully in control of his mind. Only a select few he lets close enough to touch.

After what feels like a life time Sam and James get to her and Steve, standing with the boys and Natty. James shakes Steve's hand and gives him a quick hug.

Dont do anything stupid until I get back. James repeats the line he and Steve said to each other many times over the last 80 plus years.

How can I, when you're taking all the stupid with you? Steve smirks.

Take care of our girls. James asks.

Steve nods, I got em. Just come home alright. Remember, you die... she dies.

James nods. I won't let anything happen.

Yeah, I got him Cap. Sam interjects.

James kneels down to Samual and AJ, giving them each a hug and holding their hands. You two be good for mom, take care of your brother Samual.

Yes, sir. Samual stands tall, trying to be brave.

James stands and looks into Ana's eyes. He gives her a smile before scooping Natalie out of her mothers arms.

Be good little lady. He kisses his daughters cheeks before passing her off to Steve. Ana looks away, a single tear falls from her eye, getting caught in her eyelashes and landing on her cheeks. James reaches up and wipes it away.

Doll, his voice soft. Like a whisper. He pulls her into him, his arms enveloping her. She breaks and sobs into his chest.

Hey hey, none of that. Don't cry for me. I'm coming home. I promise baby. I'm coming home to my best girl and my family.

Ana wraps her arms around his neck. Promise me. Swear it.

I promise. He kisses her forehead, and nudges her head back with his mouth so he can capture her mouth with his.

I love you Ana. More than anything. He kisses her hard, making her gasp. She clings to him, not wanting to let him go. He holds on just as hard.

I love you. Please be careful.

I will. He kisses again, and walks away. Not looking back or waiting for Sam as he opens the door and lets it slam behind him.

Don't worry honey. I'll make sure he's safe.

Ana nods. I know. Be careful too. She reaches up and kisses his cheek. Making him smile. He turns and follows James' path out of the house.

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Two weeks had past since Sam and James left. Ana's life continued much like it had before, minus James. She missed him like crazy, constantly catching herself thinking about whether or not he was safe. They talked every few days. He'd give her and Steve details about how the mission was or wasn't in this case going. Then James would ask if he could talk to Ana alone.

She'd agree and quickly kiss Steve before running up the steps to lock herself in the room she shared with James. She would listen to James' deep raspy voice, following his explicit instructions until his name fell from her lips and her breath came too hard. She could hear him smile and catch his own breathe. She's bite her lip knowing he came just as hard as she did.