In Another Universe

FOURTEEN

LAST NIGHT

Bruce sits on the couch in his cozy living room, The crackling brick fireplace being the only source of light in the otherwise dark townhouse.

Anastasia's heavy sobs are the only noise to be heard aside from Bruce's soft whispers as he pleads for her to breathe. Gently rubbing her back as her cold body continues to tremble against his bare chest, His mind wars with itself as he struggles to choke back his warring thoughts.

Maybe if he had done more the first time Anastasia showed up at his house in the middle of the night so many years ago, Maybe then she wouldn't be in so much pain now.

~

May 5th, 2025
The Tower.

After a long day spent celebrating Vision's birthday with most of their friends and family, Not to mention driving five hours back home from Westview when the party was finished — Bucky is already sound asleep when Anastasia emerges from her hour long shower.

Being six months pregnant with her and Bucky's child is unquestionably taking a toll on her body. Thankfully, visiting with Wanda today helped ease her mind, finding out her best friend is struggling with extreme morning sickness as well made her feel a tad less alone.

Anastasia pats her reddened face dry with her blush towel when suddenly a loud vibrating sound gains her attention from within the bedroom, Quickly rushing out from the steamy bathroom she stumbles through the darkness until she finds the source of the noise — Bucky's ringing cellphone shaking a top of their shared dresser.

She glides her finger against the screen, Mindlessly answering the unknown number. Before she has a chance to speak, Another woman's voice causes her blood to run cold.

"Hey baby, when Barbie's asleep you wanna come over for round two tonight?"

"E-excuse me?" Anastasia stammers, resting one hand on the dresser to steady herself as her mind begins to race.

"What the hell are you doing answering his phone?!" The woman snaps.

"Who... who do you mean to be calling?" Anastasia whispers, peering over her shoulder to find the man she loves sleeping soundly in their bed.

Say someone else's name.

Anyone else's name... Her mind begs.

"I don't know, Barbie. Who do you think I mean to be calling?" The woman taunts, An evil laugh ringing through the speaker as Anastasia sends the phone flying into the wall.

The crashing phone causes Bucky to jolt awake in a panic, first reaching over to Anastasia's empty place on the bed, his wide eyes darting next to find her standing in front of the dresser in only one of his t shirts.

"Stas what the hel-"

"You're cheating on me?!" Anastasia screeches, tears burning her cheeks.

"What..." His voice barely above a whisper as he turns his attention to dent in the wall left by his shattered phone laying beside it on the ground.

"You're fucking cheating on me?!" She echos, her voice becoming rasp as she slams her palm against the wood.

He leaps from the bed in his boxers, Shushing her as he stumbles in her direction. She retreats with every step he takes forward, Anger and pain swelling inside her as she watches yet another world she's built collapse around her.