𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃| 𝐒. 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 |

sixteen*

After a few weeks pass, Milana starts to miss Wanda. She has no idea where Wanda or any of the others are, and the uncertainty gnaws at her. Despite her anger at Steve for betraying Tony, she finds herself missing him too—his touch, his smell, everything about him. She shakes the thoughts out of her head and focuses on helping Tony with his cast, carefully replacing the bandage.

Tony winces, complaining, "It hurts, Milana. Seriously, how much longer do I have to deal with this?"

Milana smirks but continues her work. "I know it hurts, Tony. But if you want it to heal properly, we have to keep this up."

Rhodey then comes in, struggling with his cybernetic prosthetic leg. He wobbles and nearly falls, but Milana quickly moves to help him, catching him just in time. She supports him as they walk to a nearby couch, gently setting him down.

Tony watches, a grin spreading across his face. "You're like a sexy nurse, you know that?"

Milana rolls her eyes, chuckling. "Inappropriate, Tony."

Just then, the doorbell rings. Milana heads to the door and opens it to find an old man with a FedEx package. "I've got a delivery for Tony Stank and one for Milana Maximoff," he announces, making Rhodey burst into laughter.

Milana takes the packages, her curiosity piqued. Knowing Tony's aversion to being handed things, she opens his package for him. Inside, she finds a letter from Steve and a cell phone. Her own package contains a similar letter from Steve.

She unfolds the letter and begins to read:

Dear Milana,

I know things have been difficult, and I'm truly sorry for letting my insecurities get in the way and spoil everything between us. I'm also deeply sorry for what happened with Tony. I understand if you're disappointed in me. I never wanted to hurt you, or anyone else.

Please know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what. And I hope to see you very soon.

Yours, Steve

Milana feels a rush of conflicting emotions. She's still angry at Steve, but his words touch her deeply. She can't deny the longing in her heart to see him again, to feel his presence and warmth.

Tony watches her expression change as she reads the letter. "What's it say?" he asks, curiosity and a hint of concern in his voice.

Milana looks up, her eyes meeting Tony's. "It's from Steve. He's apologizing for everything. Says he'll always be here for me and hopes to see me soon."

Tony sighs, rubbing his face. "Steve... always complicating things."

Rhodey, sensing the heavy emotions in the room, tries to lighten the mood. "Well, at least he knows how to make an entrance, even through a letter."

Milana smiles faintly, still processing everything. "Yeah, he does. But it's a lot to take in."

Tony places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take your time, Milana. We're here for you too."

Milana nods at Rhodey's request for orange juice and heads to the kitchen. As she walks, her phone buzzes with a message from Peter. She smiles as she reads it, 

Guess what? Liz and I are officially boyfriend and girlfriend now!

Milana's heart warms at the teenager's message, and she quickly sends back a smiley face and a heart emoji, happy that her advice ended up working. 

In the kitchen, she grabs a glass and fills it with orange juice, her mind wandering to her own relationship with Steve. She hates how everything has come between them, the betrayal, the anger, and the distance. The day moves forward, and after a refreshing shower, Milana checks up on Tony.