In Another Universe

FIFTEEN

The soundtrack to Princess and the Frog plays throughout the kitchens sound system, One of the few agreed upon princess movies the kids love because Riley can't get enough of the dancing crocodiles.

As the kids dance like maniacs around the kitchen island, Alpine stares down at them cautiously from the countertop, her fluffy tail swaying in annoyance from their loud noises.

Bucky flips the last in a large stack of chocolate chip pancakes onto his own plate, twisting off the knob to the stove and turning his focus immediately to cutting the kids pancakes into bite sized pieces. Filling the ears of their character shaped plates, Rosie's being shaped like Minnie Mouse and Riley's being shaped like Pluto.

"Volume level 3." He calls out to the built in AI, Earning a whine from both children as the music softens. "Come on, breakfast is ready."

The kids hop into their seats at the table, excitedly grabbing at the bacon on their plates as soon as Bucky's back is turned.

He returns to the table with his plate and a second refill of coffee in hand, Biting back a smile as he reminds the kids to use their forks not their fingers to eat. In truth he couldn't care less as long as they remain happy, It took forever to free Riley from his disappointment at Anastasia not being here when he woke up.

Anastasia. Bucky sighs, freeing the phone from his pocket to see if anyone has answered him yet.

According to both Sam and Susan, They haven't heard from her. Which only furthers his fear that she might have done exactly what he warned her not too; Run straight into Steve's arms.

~

[Song Suggestion — Mind Over Matter by Young The Giant]

Bruce barely got two hours of sleep last night, After Anastasia sobbed herself to sleep in his arms on the couch, He covered her up and called Doctor Lavigne for a late night phone session.

She's the only person who knows of his true feelings for Anastasia, And even though she isn't allowed to discuss Anastasia's life with him, He finds comfort in knowing Doctor Lavigne knows both sides of their complicated story.

It wasn't the first time she's encouraged him to confess his feelings, And he knows it probably won't be the last. Unfortunately selfish is one thing Bruce Banner is not.

And not a single soul is capable of convincing Bruce that confessing his love would be anything more than just that.

As he leans against the cold wooden doorframe to his living room, Gazing down at Anastasia with his bloodshot chocolate eyes, His heart aches within his chest.

He knows what he needs to do.

He would give anything to be the one to fix all of her problems, To be the knight in shining armor able to ride in and save the day.

To protect her from Bucky's hurtful tirades, Steve's judgement, All of it.

Unfortunately, That is not what she needs.

He knows what she needs, Or, To be more specific, He knows who she needs.

Securing himself upstairs in his bedroom, He swiftly dials Tony's number.

"Hey big guy, Is anyone dying?" Tony grunts out exasperated.

Bruce can hear what he assumes to be the sound of clanking metal in the background followed by a faint muffled voice.

"No, no one's dying I-" Bruce tries to speak only to be cut off.

"Can I get back to you later then? Me and the kid are kinda in the middle of someth- HEY! NO RED AND BLACK CROSS WIRING!"