The Fall - Book 2

263. Are...are you wearing a hoodie?!

DECEMBER 28, 2020 — SANCTUM SANCTORUM — RÉA

"Stephen!" I call as I enter the foyer of the Sanctum Sanctorum. "We have a situation!"

My words fade as I take in the snow- and frost-covered interior. A roaring fire crackles in the fireplace; Stephen is standing in front of it, holding a mug, a small grin on his face.

"Hello, Réa."

"Hi, Stephen. I...." I shake my head, stunned more by his choice of attire than by the state of the Sanctum. "Are...are you wearing a hoodie?!"

"You sound—and look—surprised."

"Well, it's already been a really weird day. This is...I think my brain is melting," I quote something Scott's said a few times.

In my arms, Conall happily babbles, reaching for snowflakes that slowly drift through the air.

"So, why is everything covered in snow?"

"Wong wanted to have a white Christmas...and then decided he likes being able to bombard me randomly with snowballs, so he refuses to close the blizzard portal."

I can't help the laugh that bursts from me at his response; once the first passes my lips, more follow, and I giggle somewhat uncontrollably before I start to cry. I don't mean to break down like this, I really don't...I just can't help it. Everything I've felt since Bucky said he wasn't keeping his promise of coming home hits me all at once, the emotions swamping me.

Conall begins to whimper, and I know he's reacting to my tears. It takes me a few moments, but I manage to rein in my emotions and pull myself together.

"Sorry, Spréach Bheag," I murmur to my son. Lifting my gaze to Stephen, I apologise again. "I'm sorry. I'm a bit overwhelmed."     (Little Spark)

"There's no need for apologies, Réa. What's going on?"

I start with the mission call coming in at two-thirty this morning; I tell him the details of the mission, and about the objects that caused this. He listens attentively, occasionally nodding, waiting to speak until I'm finished.

"I agree with your theory," he says, stroking his fingers and pressing them against his chin. "Of course, as you know, there are essentially an infinite number of parallel universes. You said you were able to see and hear what James saw and heard—or at least some of it—so that will help narrow it down. I'll still have to scan a vast number of universes, but at least the field will be narrowed somewhat."

I nod. "I feel like this would be more efficient if I let you speak directly to Bucky. Would you mind?" I tap my temple.

"It would, yes. And no, I wouldn't mind at all."

"Okay. Let me just check with him..." I trail off as I unmute my link with my husband.

"Hi."

"Hi, doll." He pauses. "What's up?"

"Stephen agrees with me; he said he can scan through the universes to find you, but that any information you can give him will be helpful in narrowing it down. I asked if it'd be easier for him to just speak directly with you...he said it would, but I wanted to check with you first."

"That's fine. Because the sooner he finds us, the sooner we can get home."

"Okay."

I look at Stephen and give him a thumbs-up; he nods, and I open a link with him, merging it with mine and Bucky's.

"It's crowded in here again," Bucky mutters.

"What?" I can't keep the slight amusement out of my tone.