In Another Universe

EIGHT

The Avengers Compound, 5:00 pm

"I'm telling you, Tony! We're not just going to send her in there blind!" Bruce angrily whispers, Huddled in the compounds living room.

"Banner there is absolutely nothing you or I can say that can prepare her for this!"

"Prepare her for what?" Anastasia asks innocently, Strolling in through the front door with Sam and Vision on either side and carrying Rosie.

"Uncle Jellybean!" Rosie wiggles free from her arms as Anastasia set her to the ground.

"Hey Cupcake..." Bruce greets her with a hug, His heart pounding in his throat.

He called Anastasia a dozen times in the last hour, Trying to warn her not to come.

"What is this about, Tony?" Vision asks, Picking up on the uncomfortable energy radiating off of both he and Bruce.

"I need to talk to your mommy for a minute, Rosie." Bruce coos, Patting her on the back gently as he stands to his feet.

"No, He doesn't. Where are the other two?" Tony interrupts.

"Wanda is at home with the boys." Vision answers cautiously,

"And Bucky stayed home with Riley." Sam adds.

"Stassie, Come with me." Bruce pleads, The panicked look in his eyes causing her blood to run cold.

"There's nothing you can say that'll help, Banner." Tony warns him, Turning to yell in the direction of the hallway, "CLINT, BRING HIM IN!"

Everyone shares worried expressions as Bruce's face twists into a hardened scowl as he stomps a few paces in the opposite direction, Fighting the urge to turn green.

"Come on, Everyone sit. Sit down..." Tony leads them all over to the couch.

"Bruce, What's going on?" Anastasia asks, Reluctantly giving in to Tony's pull of her hand as he guides her across the room.

Anastasia sits between Sam whom has Rosie on his lap, and Vision.

All of their focus falls to the entryway where Clint anxiously strides inside, "Okay, They're all here..." He calls out.

Steve's heart pounds in his chest, Nobody has prepared him of what to expect.

For the past sixty three days, All he's wanted to do was get home and hold his girl in his arms, But in this moment he doesn't know if she'll even be happy to see him...

He hesitatingly follows Clint into the living room, Watching the faces of his family, And the love of his life, Go shockingly white as they stare up at him.

As if he's a ghost.

Anastasia's mind races as her jaw hangs open, Tears pricking her eyes.

Stevie?

He looks just as young as he did the day he disappeared six years ago, Only now his hair has grown out and he has a fluffy golden beard.