DIE WITH A SMILE | W.MAXIMOFF

- CHAPTER 14

2 years after the battle

I woke up to a call. I reached for my phone, I grumbled and rolled over in my bed to get up, my leg a bit sleepy, I answered the call not seeing who it was.

"- Yes?" I began sleepily.
- Hi Lelia, how are you? I recognized Steve's voice.
- Oh hi Cap, I'm fine, how are you? I asked as I got out of bed.
- Well, I'm fine, me and the others miss you. he said, laughing.

I got out of bed and started walking around the room. I'd had this apartment for a year now that Tony gave me with his money, quiet and empty.

"- I miss you too, but I'll be back soon, I promise. I said, heading for my sofa.
- So, what are you up to today? he asked.
- Honestly no idea, I've got to go shopping, maybe I'll try to call you back later today, if I can.

I saw my dog, Fia, coming towards me, and she climbed into the armchair beside me. I started stroking her, all the while talking to Steve.

"Do you want to say hello to Fia? I asked Steve.
- I asked Steve. Hi, baby love, it's me Steve. He says."

Fia looked at me with a smile, started barking and I took my phone back, and I continued to talk to him while petting my dog.

"- I think she misses you too. I laugh.
- I miss her too, I really want you to come and see us with Fia. He begged.
- I'll try, Cap. I promise."

I got up and started taking a few things out of my fridge to make myself some breakfast. "I've got to do some shopping or I'm going to starve," I said to myself.

"- Well, I'll leave you to it, Lelia. Have a nice day if you don't call me back. He says.
- Good day, honey. I finish by hanging up."

I went on spotify and searched for a particular piece of music: Thunder by Imagine Dragons. I found it and turned the sound up as I prepared my breakfast.

I began to dance, shaking the pan, and then I heard someone knocking at the door. Knowing that I had no visitors today.

I turned off the music and headed for the door. I didn't know who it was or why.

- Yes?" I began, landing on the side of my door.
- I'm looking for...Lelia Adornetto, do you know her? asked a young girl with black hair.
- Yes, I do... It's me. I replied."

She quickly handed me a gray package with nothing written on it. I first looked at the package, then raised my head to her.

"It's for you. she said, pointing to the package.
- Thank you, but I didn't order anything. I replied, taking the package."

She left and I closed the door slowly, went into my living room and sat on the floor opening the box.

The first thing I saw was a letter in an orange envelope, which I took and opened. I tried, in my head, to deduce who it might be, but unfortunately I had no idea.

Dear Agent 92961,
We learned of Agent Maximoff's death, and while searching his room at the base in Sokovia, we found a box filled with letters for you. They're all in that box. Please do not speak of them to anyone who does not concern the agent.

I tore up the letter, not wanting to hear about HYDRA for a while. I took the first letter, which was on top of the others.

Written: Pietro Maximoff
For: Lelia Adornetto

Dear Lelia,
We've known each other for nine years now, and I can't believe my eyes. You've grown up in front of Wanda and me. You're our best friend, mine and Wanda's. I don't know what I'd have become if your father hadn't slammed you here (I'd rather not, but I understand). I don't know how to say it, and if I say it after this letter whether it's the next day or a year later. But if I told you, it's because I knew my time was coming. I'll surely sacrifice myself for you, during a battle or when someone attacks the HYDRA base. Here's hoping that day comes when I'm able to tell you that I'm going to die, and that you mean something to me.

Pietro.

The tears had already flowed, circles of water scattered across the paper.

Then I thought I'd better get some fresh air, so I closed the box, put everything inside and slid it under my sofa.

Fia came to me while I was still crying, I took her in my arms and managed to calm down. I looked at her and got up, grabbed my keys, some money, my phone and my headphones to go and buy a few things for myself tonight and at lunchtime.

"- Bye bye, no nonsense. I kissed her as I closed the door."

I heard her bark, a sign that she was saying good-bye, and went down the stairs of my apartment one by one. I turned on my phone to see who was singing: Taylor Swift.

I reached the end of the stairs and saw, in the distance, some construction work near my favorite store. I huffed and puffed and went outside anyway.

I started walking slowly, looking at the landscape, and in the distance I saw a group of people taking photos with a tall man with blond hair.

I didn't know why, but my instinct was to go and see this person, so I walked slowly towards him, not seeing his face.

The group left just as I reached the person, I looked up and recognized Thor, with a man with long black hair and a tuxedo.

"Thor? What are you doing here? I asked."

I look at him, confused. The other one, next to Thor, walked over to me and before he had a chance to speak, Thor looked at the man and stopped him.

"- Don't try it, Loki. I'm warning you. he ordered."