Chapter 17: James

Rhodey opened the ceremony, unfurling 10-foot banners with Steve's face on it. After Rhodey, Scott talked for what felt like hours as he just rambled on. Rhodey finally pulled him off stage. Natasha spoke next and it was all missions, and all encoded because so much of it was still classified. If one wasn't there, she may as well be speaking the tree's language. Then Sam took the stage, and he got down to the man he knew. His brother in arms. Someone who shared his core beliefs of standing up for the little guy and for what's morally right, even if it's legally wrong. Sam ended by thanking Steve for choosing him to carry the mantle, and that he hopes he's doing him proud.

James took the stage last. He started out generic- skinny, sick kid from Brooklyn who was stubborn and never gave up. It was in his formal history, everyone knew it. He ventured to his Fourth of July birthday and undeniable destiny. He reminisced about the boy who he cared for when they were young, and the man who cared for him after Winter times. His first and best friend. He would follow him anywhere, including to the end of the world.

To finish, he said, "After Steve's passing, I didn't think I would make it. I didn't think I could survive a world without Steve. I was so angry with him, and with Peggy. I was angry and felt betrayed that he could choose her over me. It turned out to be a lesson for me. I now know why he went back to Peggy. I don't blame him for it anymore. I'm proud he chose happiness. Steve made sure everyone around him was safe, was happy and thriving. Then and only then, did he seek out his own happiness. Thank you, Steve," he glanced up at the banners, "for everything."

James walked away from the microphone to a raucous applause. He reentered the tower lobby and slumped to the floor, awash in renewed grief. Not as strong, but ever present. Trixie was at his side immediately, holding his hand and simply offering her presence. "I'm so proud of you," she said simply.

Before he could sink any deeper, a joyful voice filled his ears, "White Wolf!" Shuri called skipping across the room. "When were you going to finally introduce me to the Queen you've been telling me so much about?"

Trixie looked around, not sure to whom Princess Shuri was referring. "You look like that poor little boy," James smiled at her, "when I went to see his volcano and he didn't realize anyone would bother to stop and see it, and that I was talking to him."

Trixie stood and offered Shuri a shallow bow. "I am not one for those formalities," Shuri said with a laugh, "but I appreciate the sentiment. My brother sends his regards," she continued, turning to James, "but he was unable to get away. I am your official Wakandan dignitary for the festivities." She smiled and turned to Sam who stood not far away, "And I was promised a party!"

Caterers brought in a big spread for dinner. Everyone ate and mingled. Steve's favorite music played in the background. Trixie spent time talking to Shuri and Hope, as well as Jane and Thor. Dinner wound down and the staff brought out a big cake. The whole crowd sang a very somber happy birthday to Steve. Neither James nor Sam got through the whole song without tearing up.

As folks started to clear out for the lobby, James noticed Sam cozy up with Misty while Rhodey seemed to rekindle things with Carol. He searched the crowd for Trixie and found her in the back corner with Morgan. His heart leapt in his throat as he watched his chosen person make paper animals with the young girl.

James reached into his pocket and felt to make sure the small box was still there. He walked over to Pepper and asked her to inconspicuously call Morgan away. As Morgan bounded over to her mother, James pulled Trixie to her feet and then down a hallway just outside the lobby.

"What's wrong?" she asked, "You're completely pale."

"Today was hard," James started, "I wouldn't have made it through this without you. I meant what I said today: I didn't think I could survive without Steve. Meeting you didn't just save me, you complete me. You fulfill me. You have helped me relearn my humanity. Trixie, vuoi sposarmi?"

Trixie cocked her head to the side, "You apparently started practicing Italian without me, so I have no idea what you said."

"Will you marry me?" he repeated.

Trixie hesitated and pulled away slightly, "It's only been three months."

"That's a typical courting period from my youth," he shrugged. "This all feels right, deep down into my bones, this all feels right."

"It is right," she whispered back. "Definitely yes."

"She said yes," Sam called back to the crowd. Shuri whooped in the background, followed by a comical howl. James turned to look at Sam, a low, animalistic sound escaping his throat.

Trixie laughed beside herself, teasing, "If you growl at him, you're just proving Shuri right."