𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃| 𝐒. 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 |

thirteen

After a few days, Steve finally gained the courage to go to Peggy's funeral in London. In those days in between, he still hadn't spoken a word to either Milana or Tony, feeling to hurt to even look at either of them. 

Steve sits at the front of the chapel, the weight of Peggy's death pressing heavily on him. Sam is by his side for moral support, but Steve finds it hard to focus on the eulogies. His mind keeps drifting back to the interaction he witnessed between Milana and Tony. The scene plays on a loop in his head, filling him with jealousy and confusion.

Steve's thoughts spiral as he wonders how long Tony has had feelings for Milana. Is that why Tony keeps coming to the compound so often? He understands why Tony would be drawn to her—Milana is breathtakingly beautiful, intelligent, and strong. But the idea of Tony getting close to her fills Steve with a fierce jealousy that he struggles to contain.

Sam notices Steve's distraction and nudges him gently. "Hey, you okay?" he whispers, bringing Steve back to the present.

Steve nods slightly, though his mind is still clouded. He looks up and sees Sharon Carter stepping up to give a speech. He listens as she talks about Peggy's strength, courage, and the legacy she left behind.

"And for those of you who don't know," Sharon says, her voice steady but emotional, "Peggy was my aunt. She was a guiding light for me and for so many others."

Steve's eyes widen in shock. The revelation adds another layer of complexity to his feelings, but before he can process it fully, the ceremony continues, and he's pulled back into the solemnity of the moment.

After the funeral, Steve, Sam, and the rest of the attendees gather outside. The mood is somber, but there's a sudden shift as phones start buzzing with urgent notifications. Steve checks his phone and sees the breaking news: the UN building in Vienna, where the Sokovia Accords are being signed, has been bombed.

The screen shows chaotic footage of the aftermath, smoke billowing from the building, emergency responders rushing to the scene. 

"There's more," Sam says, reading another alert. "They've identified the bomber. It's Barnes."

Steve feels the ground shift beneath him. "Bucky," he whispers, disbelief and concern flooding his voice.

Sam looks at Steve, worry etched on his face. "We need to find him before anyone else does."

Steve nods, his mind racing with the implications. The confusion and jealousy over Milana and Tony are momentarily pushed aside by the urgency of the situation. He knows he has to act quickly, not just to find Bucky, but to understand the truth behind the accusations.

As they move to leave, Steve's thoughts briefly return to Milana. He wonders how she is taking the news, whether she's safe, and what her stance will be now that Bucky is involved. The mission to find Bucky and clear his name becomes intertwined with Steve's tangled emotions, driving him forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Let's go," Steve says, determination hardening his features. 

-

While Steve and Sam are at Peggy's funeral, Milana and Tony are having a heart-to-heart discussion in her bedroom. The atmosphere is relaxed yet tinged with the underlying complexities of their lives.

Tony sits on the edge of Milana's bed, his expression reflective. "Things with Pepper are... complicated," he says, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know how to fix it."

Milana listens intently, her brows furrowing in concern. "Have you tried talking to her? Really talking, Tony? Sometimes, communication is the only way to bridge the gap."