Stars Stripes and Metal

Vows

Avengers Compound, New York. March 2025.

James tries to stay as busy as he can, trying not to think about the fact his soulmate is getting married today. He barely saw Ana yesterday, and isn't supposed to see her today until he walks her down the aisle. The aisle, the one he just made. Leading to the arbor where Ana will pledge herself to someone other than him. The newly constructed glass building surrounding the ceremony space was a brilliant idea. Ana wanted an outside wedding but mid march in New York is still chilly, Bruce suggested a green house. Ana loved the idea.

James looks up towards the office Pepper had turned into a bridal suite for Ana. He exhales hard, not seeing her in the window like he hoped.

Are you done starring into my window soldier?

James smiles slowly and turns around. Ana wears a pair of sweat pants and his sweatshirt. She's bare faced and her hair isn't done yet. He lifts an eyebrow, maybe she changed her mind.

Are you here tell me you changed your mind? James asks hopeful.

She laughs, no way in hell. But I did want to see you.

She wraps her arms around his waist and presses her face against his heart.

She hears it skip a beat before thumping hard.

Are you ok? She asks him quietly.

I'm ... yeah. I'll be ok. He presses his face to the top of her head.

I'm not leaving you, you still have me. She tries to reassure him.

I know. He pulls back and looks at her. Where are they?

Ana sighs and reaches into the front pocket of the sweatshirt. She hands him a folded piece of paper and meets his eyes timidly.

Thank you. He stanches the paper from her fingers and sits down in one of the white folding chairs along the aisle. His eyes moving rapidly across the page, as he reads the words and promises Ana is giving to Steve is a few hours.

She watches James, her eyes fill with tears. Unable to imagine how difficult it is for him to read.

He looks up at. This is great Ana. He's very lucky.

Is he?

I'd give anything for you to love me the way you love him.

I do. Her voice weak.

You don't, you love me differently and that's ok. But if I asked you not to marry him. Would you?

Please don't do that. I don't want to hurt you.

James blinks slowly and looks down, his mouth pressed into a hard line. Alright, let's get you married. He stands and pulls her into him. Ana stretches and rests her head on his shoulder, burying her face in to his neck.

I do love you.

I know. He whispers. Steve is coming, you better go.

Ana nods and takes off quickly out of sight. James watches her go, shoving his hands into his pockets. He turns towards Steve as he approaches.

How's my bride?

She's good. Vows are good, great actually.

You good?

James is silent for a while, just be good to her.

Steve smirks, you know I am. We need to get ready.

James nods and walks with Steve into the compound.

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