Time Unchanging

Chapter 181

Steve sat in the common room with his brother-in-laws, watching Fiona play. Bucky and Loki knew something was going on, so when Fiona lay passed out in her playpen, they looked at Steve, waiting.

"I'm worried about Evelyn," he said, staring into his drink. "I don't know what to do."

"She blocked us from sensing her emotions," Bucky admitted.

Loki added, "So, we need you to tell us what's going on."

Steve sighed and said, "It's been a week since he was born and she only interacts with him for the bare necessities."

Loki and Bucky share a worried look as the god asked, "You don't think-"

"What? What is it?" Steve was starting to panic.

Bucky sighed and answered, "Her first child was taken from her, and Fiona was kidnapped." When his exhausted friend didn't catch on, Bucky knew he had to say it plainly. "She's afraid."

"What can I do to help?" Steve slumped deeper into the couch. "She won't talk to me at all."

"Let Loki and me handle it."

The brothers left and went to Eva and Steve's quarters. There, they found Grant asleep in his crib and Eva sitting in the rocking chair, staring out the window. Bucky knelt next to her but didn't expect any acknowledgment.

"Okay," he said, not waiting, "what's going on, Eva? Talk to us."

She looked at him, expressionless, as she answered, "What do you mean? I'm fine."

Both men knew she was lying. For seven months, she had nested and talked with excitement about Grant, even before she knew his gender. Bucky went to the bassinet, picked up his nephew, and carried him to his confused sister.

"What are you doing?" she asked, glaring at her brother but refusing to look at her child.

Loki stood next to his brother, his arms crossed, and said, "You love him, so now, you will bond with him. Understand?"

The mask of indifference slipped as panic set in. "No. If I do, someone will take him like-"

Loki had had enough. As much as he knew she loved her son, he would not let her panic win.

"Just hold your son, Eva," the god ordered.

Eva rolled her eyes, trying to replace the facade. She took Grant from Bucky, who looked like he wanted to slap the back of Loki's head. He had wanted to take a softer approach. As soon as Grant was in Eva's arms, however, he took hold of her finger and she burst into tears and hugged him to her chest.

"I was just trying to protect him," she cried. "I'm such a bad mother."

Her brothers knelt on either side of her and wrapped their arms around her as Bucky said, "No, you're not. You were thinking of him and his well-being. You're a fantastic mom."

"It's okay, sister," Loki added. "We're here. Let it out. Our family is safe."

They had to move when Eva began rocking with Grant, saying, "I'm so sorry, my sweet boy! I'm so, so sorry!"