-In which, despite Indigo and Bucky's shattered and bruised state, their love for each other is the anchor that prevents them from completely crumbling.
Mature Content 18+
[Book Two]
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A Week Later...
Indigo grabbed her phone off the kitchen counter, sighing as she saw it was almost one in the morning. She glanced down at her laptop, which had become more of a distraction than a tool for productivity. She'd been trying to focus on some lab work, but her mind kept wandering to the time vortex and the possibility of bringing her family back.
She was haunted by the idea of what might be possible, but she couldn't shake the fear of what it might cost. The thought of risking Gracie's safety was unbearable. She just hoped that if anyone did attempt to change the past, it wouldn't come at the price of another life.
Gracie had picked up on her unease all week. She'd asked Indigo repeatedly if something was wrong, and each time Indigo had offered a forced smile and said, "Nothing, baby. Nothing could be wrong when I have you around." But behind the smiles and reassurances, Indigo's heart was heavy with worry, torn between the hope of reclaiming what was lost and the need to protect the one thing that mattered most.
Indigo knew her stress was starting to affect Gracie more than she realized. The nightmares had returned with a vengeance, causing Indigo to rush into her daughter's room almost every night to comfort her as she woke up screaming. Indigo had considered therapy but felt uncertain if it would provide the relief they needed.
She stretched her arms and picked up her glass of wine from the counter, savoring a long sip as she closed her eyes. If Bucky were here, they'd be curled up together, finding solace in each other's presence. But he wasn't, and the emptiness of the bed beside her was a painful reminder.
A sudden, loud knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. Indigo nearly dropped her wine as she jumped from her spot on the counter and quickly adjusted her shirt.
Grabbing a kitchen knife for protection, she moved cautiously toward the door. Her heart pounded as her mind raced. It was far too late for visitors, and she couldn't imagine who would be knocking on her door at this hour.
She flexed her fingers around the knife, her grip tight and unsteady. Peering through the peephole, she let out a sigh of relief when she saw it was only Tony. Still, the late hour and his unexpected visit stirred her concern.
She swung the door open, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Are you planning to use that knife on me, or are you making me breakfast?" Tony quipped, glancing at the knife she was still holding.
Indigo rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "Why are you here, Tony?"
Tony raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the laptop in his hand. She knew exactly why he was there.
She stepped aside, letting Tony enter the apartment, her mind already bracing for the conversation ahead. As he walked in, Indigo returned the knife to its holder and turned to see him staring at her, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his eyes.
