Till the End|MCU|3

fourteen

   "So, tell me again what we're doing today," Stevi asks as I walk hand in hand with him early the next morning, making our way to the hanger.  

   "You are doing nothing."  I clarify, swinging our interlocked hands.  "I am helping Steve and Nat with an experiment.  You are given the privilege of watching."  

   He gives an upset hum as we enter the hanger.  In front of us is Scott's brown van and a series of monitors and equipment that went along with the devices in the van.  

   "Dr. Banner!"  Stevi cries out happily as he releases my hand and rushes up to his favorite green scientist.  

   "Lil' Steve, my man!"  Dr. Banner cheers as he lifts Stevi onto the palm of his left hand, holding him up so they're eye level.  "How you doin' bud?  Man, I haven't seen you in a while.  Give me five."  Dr. Banner holds up his hand to get a high five.  Stevi leans forward and slaps Dr. Banners' hand with all his might.  

   "Ow!"  Dr. Banner cries out in fake pain.  He yanks his right arm away, acting like it's injured.  "Man, you are getting strong.  I think you just broke my arm."  Dr. Banner continues as Stevi laughs at him.  "Are you sure you don't have super strength?"  

   I watch them as Scott steps up next to me.  I do a double-take, noticing the weird suit he's wearing.  I shake my head, trying to contain my snickering.  

   "Ha, ubukeka uyisilumko."  you look stupid.  Stevi laughs in Xhosa from his perch, pointing a tiny finger at Scott.  Scott makes a face, confused at the insult.  

   "Stevi, ube mnandi.  Nxolisa!"  you be nice.  Apologize!  I snap, pointing a stern finger at him.  "In English."  

   "Sorry."  Stevi snickers before his attention is taken over by Scott's van.  "That's one ugly ass van," he shouts.  Dr. Banner gaps at him as Nat tries to contain a snort.  

   "Steven James Farrington, ubukele ulwimi lwakho!"  you watch your language!  I shout at him.  "Musa ukundibiza Umkhulu!  Uyazi ukuba uza kwenza ntoni kuwe xa eva."  Don't make me call Grandma!  You know what she would do to you when she hears.  

   He just snickers at me as Dr. Banner lowers him to the ground.  Once off his palm, Dr. Banner raises his hands in surrender and shakes his head.  It wasn't me.  He mouths in my direction.  

   I only release an aggravated breath.  "I'm going to kill that raccoon," I mutter as Stevi rushes up to Scott.  

   "Well, to be honest, it's not my van," Scott admits as he squats down to Stevi's level.  "It's my friend Louis'.  He let Hank barrow it for the quantum tunnel."  

   I cross my arms over my chest.  "And does your friend know his van is on the other side of the country?"  I ask with a tilt of my head.  

   "Uh..." he trails off as he stands straight.  He slaps his forehead with both of his hands.  "I forgot to check on Louis!  And Kurt!  And Dave!"  

   "Okay, here we go."  Dr. Banner announces as he presses a series of buttons on the panel.  I walk up towards him, leaving Stevi with Scott.  "Time travel test number one.  Scott, fire up the, uh, van thing."  

   Scott opens the back doors of the van, causing the machine to spring to life.  

   "Cool," Stevi mutters as he watches the different colors swirl around in the tunnel.  

   "Breakers are set," Steve announces as he approaches.  "Emergency generators are on standby."  He adds as he glances around at us.  He ruffles Stevi's hair as he passes.