Mercury // S. Rogers (Book Six) ✔

Endless Nothingness

It's been just over a week and a half since Wanda left. Morgan had expressed her dislike of "Wan Wan" leaving, but accepted it nonetheless. Freya on the other hand, has been concealing the difficult time she's been having. And it's not just because she misses Wanda. Which she does, immensely. She had one of her best friends ripped away from her, with whom she shares a very rare connection with through the Mind Stone, for five years. Only to get her back and have her leave again after a month. Of course Freya misses her like crazy. But, it's more than that. And not in a good way.

Ever since her near altercation with Wanda, Freya's felt like there's this cloud hanging over her. She feels weighed down by it and it brings a strong feeling of unease and apprehension. When anyone seems to notice and ask her if she's okay, she just waves them off with a chuckle and chalks it up to being pregnancy hormones. Which she knows is a flat out lie. In order to keep Steve from worrying, she's been keeping herself closed off from him through their link. She constantly monitors it to make sure she's not letting her unsettled state carry over to him. But, as hard as she tries, he's definitely noticed. And in turn has been watching her closely without bringing it to her attention.

At the moment, Steve is walking out onto their front porch where Freya is staring blankly toward the south. The sun has already peaked in the sky as it shines brightly on their property. Its rays bounce off their pond, creating mesmerizing reflections of ripples across the walls of their house.

"Doll?" Steve calls out to her quietly. She doesn't seem to hear him and continues to blankly and unblinkingly stare into the distance. "Freya," he says firmly. This seems to snap her out of her daze. She blinks rapidly before looking at him in surprise. She hadn't even known he was there.

"Did you say something?" Freya asks in clear confusion. Steve raises an eyebrow and nods. She rubs her eyes tiredly and sighs. "I guess I zoned out. I'm sorry, Spangles. I'm just tired."

Steve reaches out and pulls her into a hug. She threads her arms around his torso and leans her head against his chest. He presses a kiss to the top of her head before resting his chin on it.

"Well, you are carrying twins," Steve chuckles.

"I still can't wrap my head around it," Freya says in disbelief. "Even with Bruce confirming it."

"We were lucky to even see him," Steve hums.

"I know," Freya nods against his chest. "With everyone being blipped back, it's chaos. Between Bruce helping local hospitals and doctor's offices and Natasha coordinating with the government and law enforcement to try and maintain some sort of order, they're stretched pretty thin. And it's not just them. Rhodey, my mom, Pep, Happy. I tasked FRIDAY to help out in any way she can, so hopefully that provides some relief."

"That's a good idea," Steve agrees. "Speaking of Bruce and Nat, how are they?"

"They're good," Freya smiles. "Still adjusting to their new normal, but they're happy."

"Good," Steve smiles. "They deserve a win."

"I think we all do," Freya frowns as she involuntarily looks toward the south again.

"So when are you gonna tell me what's bugging you?" Steve asks.

"Huh?" Freya looks up at him. "What are you talking about?" He gives her a serious look, making her sigh and look south again. "That's just it, Steve. I don't know what's wrong."

"Why do you keep looking that way?" Steve inquires.

"I, uh, I just feel like something's out there... I'm not sure what, though," she shakes her head.