In Another Universe

SIXTEEN

This kiss could go on for all of eternity, still it wouldn't be long enough for Anastasia.

Drinking in the faint coffee taste on Steve's tongue as he holds her pressed against his chest, Both becoming lost in one another's embrace.

Until the sound of his ringing cellphone brings them back to reality.

Her heart seems to still as he pries his lips free from hers, Pulling the illuminated phone out of his pocket to see Sam's goofy face staring back at them.

"I'm sorry, It's Samy..." He breathes, Clearing his throat in hope of steadying his voice as she nods for him to answer. "Hey, Is uh everything alright?"

He's met with a groan from the other end before Sam begins to speak, "I'm sorry man, I already know the answer to this but... Nobody can find Annie, Have you seen her at all since you left my place?"

"Have I seen Anastasia this morning?" Steve echoes the question aloud, Watching the blondes bloodshot eyes shoot wide as she leaps up from his lap, rapidly shaking her head no as her arms flail. "No, I haven't seen her. I'm sorry." He lies.

"I figured you haven't. Okay, If you do happen to cross paths please let me know. Apparently she left her house without her cell and... Well we just wanna make sure she's okay."

Guilt begins to creep up Steve's spine as he responds, "Of course, I'll let you know. Bye Sam..." His eyes lock onto Anastasia as she slips out of the oversized hoodie she's been wearing since he arrived. "What was that all about?"

Bruce strides into the living room, Handing Anastasia a steaming mug in the shape of a jellybean as he speaks. "She stayed here last night."

"And it's some sort of secret?" Steve's brows furrowed together as he eyes the two cautiously.

"Bucky and I got into a screaming match," She pauses to take a sip of the honey filled tea, "I couldn't stay there with him so I came here..."

"Were you fighting because of me?"

"They were fighting because Barnes is threatening to take her kids away from her." Bruce chimes in, His hand reflexively finding it's way to the back of Anastasia's neck. "But we aren't going to let that happen."

Anastasia meets Bruce' kind eyes and stoic expression with a forced smile, Shifting her focus to Steve as he gasps.

"He can't do that, Rosie isn't even his blood relation?" He asks for clarification as Anastasia follows his uncomfortable gaze to Bruce' hand on her body.

"I should get going... If Sam knows I'm not at home that must mean the kids are asking for me..." Anastasia replies, Handing the mug back to Bruce along with his hoodie. "Thank you again for letting me stay."

"Do you want me to drive you home?" Bruce asks, draping the hoodie over his forearm while he searches for her bloodshot crystal eyes.

"It's okay." She shakes her head, her bottom lip becoming tucked between her teeth as she turns to face Steve as he draws near. "This whole situation is a mess, Steve... But I can't tell you how happy I am that... That you're home..." Her voice cracks as his cautious eyes wander between her and Bruce. "We can figure everything else out, okay?"

"Yeah..." Steve nods, His forehead puckered as he accepts her open arms with a hug. "We can figure everything else out." He breathes as she pulls away.

"If Barnes says or does anything to upset you, Promise you'll call me?" Bruce tilts his head to meet her eyes as she tries to avoid his gaze.