The Fall - Book 2

235. Да, кукла?

AUGUST 3, 2020  — AVENGERS COMPOUND — RÉA

The past twelve days have been surprisingly peaceful. While the first few were very heavy, with tension hanging thick in the air, the weight has gradually lightened with each day that passes. I'm sure part of that is due to the fact that Bucky and I have been busy preparing for the remodel.

Well, Bucky's been busy...I've been relegated to sitting in whatever room he's in, wrapping fragile things while he does the majority of the packing. I've reminded him that I can safely lift things up to fifteen pounds; each time, he's fixed me with a pointed look...I'm surprised that he's even letting me wield the bubble wrap and Scotch tape.

Honestly, I don't really mind his insistence. Like he's told me before: he can't help me grow our child, so he wants to do everything he can to make pregnancy easier on me, and I'm very appreciative of that...especially now, since my belly seems to have once again expanded overnight.

"Alright, doll. You ready?"

Bucky's question pulls me back to the present, and I give him a soft smile.

"Yeah," I reply as I look around my suite. "It's just...it feels weird, with everything packed up. It reminds me of how it was when I first arrived: just the basic furnishings. Obviously, I've swapped some of the pieces out over the years, and there weren't packed up boxes when I first stepped foot in here...but it still takes me back to that moment." I feel my eyes fill as my voice catches. "To the first time I ever had a home."

My husband wraps his right arm around my shoulders and pulls me against him; I feel his lips brush my hair before he kisses my temple then my cheek. I look up at him, and he gives me gentle kiss.

"Knock, knock," Sam singsongs from the open doorway. "You two ready?"

I turn to him; he's leaning against the door jamb, a broad grin on his face. Behind him, Thor, Loki, Bruce, Nat, Wanda, Vision, Scott, and Clint linger in the corridor.

"Yes, we're ready. Right?" I look back up at Bucky.

"Yeah, sweetheart."

Our friends file into the room; Nat, Wanda, and Loki pull me aside while the others speak with Bucky. I hear him explaining that everything is labelled and colour-coded, but Loki speaks, drawing my full attention.

"As you know, we've been tasked with keeping you occupied today."

"What you mean is that Nat and I were tasked with keeping her occupied...you volunteered. Probably to get out of doing any heavy lifting," Wanda remarks, a cheeky smirk on her face.

"Yes, I volunteered...but not to avoid heavy lifting. I simply don't have many opportunities to spend time with Réa without my boorish brother attempting to monopolise her attention."

"'Boorish'...what's Thor done now?" I ask.

"The reprobate ate my last molasses crinkle!" Loki's indignant tone—over a cookie—causes a light giggle to escape me, though I attempt to stifle it.

"I'm sorry," I reply. "I know how much you liked them. I'll tell you what...I don't know what you three have planned for today, but I think the first thing on the list should be making a fresh batch—or several—of molasses crinkles. And maybe a few other goodies. After all, the others will be moving stuff; the least I can do is fix some treats."

"I'm all for that!" Nat chirps. "As for what we had planned, we had several ideas, but nothing firm; basically, we were just going to ask you what you want to do."

"Great! Then to the kitchen we go!"

I say goodbye to Bucky and the others, profusely thanking them for their help. They all simply grin at me, saying it's no trouble and they're happy to help. I see a smirk on Clint's face, like he knows something I don't, but I don't have time to dwell on it as Nat calls for me.