Stars Stripes and Metal

Making It Right

Avengers Compound, New York. May 2025.

It had been a few weeks before the guys saw Ana again. She dodged them at every opportunity. Too hurt to consider what their reasoning was for lying. She had been nothing but completely open and honest with them both, never lying about anything or hiding how she felt about one or the other. She didn't deserve the be lied to by the two people in her life who are the most important. One of which is her husband, both her soulmate. Thankfully the bleeding stopped a few hours after they left Norway 3 weeks ago. She couldn't reject them, even if she tried. They were to ingrained in her now.

After Ana walked away from them that day in Norway, Thor insisted they leave and promised he will return Ana when she's ready to see them. Even though they don't deserve her. Both men boarded the jet back to New York like scolded puppies, their tails tucked firmly between their legs. Ana watched them leave from the cliff. Her heart aching for them as they flew over head.

The following day Pepper and Morgan delivered Samual, AJ and Natalie to the cottage to be with their mother and Uncle Thor. Ana told her children that their father's had important work to do with Uncle Sam and that they will be staying in Norway, like a vacation. Promising they could go home and see their fathers in a few days.

Steve and James called their children multiple times a day, every time hoping to talk to Ana. If only to hear her voice for a second. She would immediately pass the phone to Thor and leave the room.

A week and a half later Ana, Thor and the children arrived at the Stark Cabin so James and Steve could spend the weekend with the kids. Ana left the cabin before the men arrived, leaving the children with Thor. She went to the compound while Steve and James passed her on the highway without even realizing it. Both men convinced they were going to see her.

Their hearts sank when only Thor walked out of the cabin, handing Natalie to her father before taking off, merely stating that Ana left and that he will be back on Sunday. The guys were furious to learn that Ana went to the compound while they left the compound hoping to see her.

After spending the weekend with his children, desperation had taken over Steve's thoughts. He couldn't be without her any longer. He left a letter addressed to his wife in Samual's suitcase. Ana found it the morning when they arrived back in Norway.

She sat on her son's bed, staring at the envelope. She knew by the handwriting it was from Steve. With a heavy heart she put the letter away, in her nightstand. Not ready to forgive him. But the anger had started to subside. She missed them, she missed Steve.

A week later, their pagers alarmed. Their presences is required at the compound. A quinjet was in route and was 30 minutes out.

Ana and Thor glanced at each other.

Will you be ok Little one?

Ana sighs, I can't hide from them forever.

She remembers the letter from her husband deciding it's time to read it. Ana retrieves the letter from her night stand and asks Thor to stay with the children while she takes a quick walk. He nods silently, giving her a small smile.

Ana smiles back and gently kisses his cheek.

You are incredible. She whispers.

I'm just babysitting Ana. He laughs.

She rolls her eyes and walks out of the cottage, heading down to the cliffs where a large rock sits overlooking the ocean. Ana sighs as she sits and tears into the envelope. Her fingers shake as she fumbles with the paper. Her eyes sweeping over the slanted scrawled handwriting. Her heart aches reading his words.