I Thought You Were Different: Part 6

Tested

The next morning brought new opportunities for good news, in a household that was starving for it. Becca was coming home after being away at Xavier's again, with the new device that everyone was hoping would be the answer they desperately hoped for. If her powers could be held back, or even diluted enough to not affect Bucky and Steve, then she could move back for good without worry. The new concern beyond that was the revelation of your involvement in her fate, and Stephen was worried just enough about her to be there to greet her first as she stepped out from the jet door; he had yet to find out what you were hiding from even him.

"Hello, Becca," he smiled cautiously as he approached. "How are you feeling? Any changes with the new device?"

"Hey, Doc, I wasn't expecting to see you here today," Becca answered. She looked down at the hard, black bracelet that now adorned her left wrist, and that may be there for the rest of her life depending on how today played out. "No, I feel the same so far. I think we did okay, but I suppose we won't know for sure until I see Dad."

"Once I had heard that you were returning today, I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you home, and to see for myself what you've created with the Professor."

"It's surprisingly comfortable, considering. Have a look."

The sorcerer took her hand readily, lifting it gently so that he could have a closer look at her new jewelry. He felt a sinking weight in his stomach at the sight of it, despair for her situation that was thrust upon her with such dire consequences for her own father. If this didn't work, he almost didn't have the heart to be the one to tell her, though he felt the responsibility to do so given his knowledge of the power she possessed. Beyond all of that, however, her safety still had to be considered first, no matter the outcome for Bucky or Steve; Stephen knew that they would agree without question. "Do you feel any different? Are there side effects?"

"Not yet," she shrugged, "I guess I'll know when I see Dad or Uncle Steve."

"I know that your father is anxious to see you, so let's do that then. I'll join you if it's alright?"

"Sure. If Dad remembers me, of course, or this could be a really fast visit." She slowed her walk towards the building and towards him, her mood dropping with each step. She would never admit to either of her fathers that she was afraid of what she was about to find, but she really was, and the emotions had to come out one way or another. Stephen just happened to be the unwitting target nearest at the time. When she began again, her voice was so soft that he had to lean in closer to hear her. "His memory is getting worse each day from what Brooke's told me. She wasn't supposed to, but she said that she would want to know about her dad if she was gone too. What if he's forgotten me? How am I supposed to act?"

"You talk to him as you would any other time, with kindness and love. He will feel that, even if he doesn't quite understand why."

"I'll do my best."

The duo had reached the doors, Stephen holding one open for the young girl to pass through, but before she could get so much as her toes across the line, Natasha was ready and waiting on the other side with wide-eyed anxiety staring back.

"Hey, guys, have you seen (Y/N) this morning? We're supposed to go dress shopping with Esihle today. There's talk about moving up the wedding by a few months, so we really need to get this done."

"We both just got here, sorry," Becca said. "Did you try to call her?"

"Yeah, but she's not answering, and Steve hasn't talked to her yet either. Guess I'll just keep on looking. It's great to see you home again, Becca. Your dads can't wait to see you."