12 Months Ago

"Doll, everything will be fine. It's just a simple mission, in and out. I'll be back before you know it." Bucky says with a smile.

You try to return the smile, but failed, the worry you feel overpowers any optimism Bucky has. Especially when your heart fills heavy and your stomach is in knots.

"You say everything will be alright but I just have this gut feeling that something isn't right. Something bad is going to happen. Please, don't go." You plead with him, holding tight to his hands.

Bucky lets out a sigh, pulling you to him, "Doll, I love you, but I don't think you should be listening to your gut right now. It could just be one of the babies using your insides as a punching bag."

He chuckles as you slap his chest,

"Bucky be serious!" you whine, but lean into him more.

He laughs right out, placing a kiss on the crown of your head. "Sorry Doll, but seriously, stop worrying."

"But I am worried. You have been acting weird lately and won't talk to me; I'm due in a month, less than since I'm carrying twins. I don't want you to miss the birth of our babies, yet you insist on going out on as many missions as possible in a short amount of time."

A serious face comes over Bucky's face, "I know, but I'm doing this for you, for the babies, for us. This is my last mission, I swear to you. After this, I'm done, no more missions, I'll be retired for good and all my attention will be completely on you and our children."

You feel tears rolling down your cheeks, cupping his face in your hands.

"Just come home to me Bucky, please. I need you to come home to me."

Bucky dips his head, giving you the most passionate and love filled kiss he has ever given you before; making your body light, your heart ready to explode. The ringing of his cell phone puts an end to the kiss much too soon

He pulls back, nuzzling his nose against yours, "I've gotta go Doll. But I'll be home before our little ones make their grand entrance. I love you."

"I love you too." You say with a hint of a smile.

Bucky gives you one last dashing smile before grabbing his duffle bag and heading out the door.

You let out a sigh, collapsing to the sofa, rubbing your belly as one of the babies gives a harsh kick to your side, "It's okay babies. Daddy will be home soon. He promised, and he always keeps his promises."

Outside the door, Bucky runs a hand down his face, trying to keep the tears at bay. Steve places a hand on his shoulder,

"You sure you want to do this pal? You can always back out and not go through with it."

Bucky shakes his head, "No Steve, I gotta. It's, it's for the best. But promise me, you'll be here for her, for the babies. No matter what."

Steve gives a reluctant nod, "I promise Pal. I'll always look after them, no matter what."

"Thanks Steve. Now come on, it's time to go."

The weeks go on and there is no word from Bucky, nothing at all. And though you want to worry, get upset, you can't. You have bigger problems on your hands.

"AHHH! FUCK!" you screams fill the room.

One of the nurses holds your hand tight, "You're doing great. Just one more push. You can do it!"

You shake your head, "No, no I can't. I can't push anymore… I can't…"

You fall back to the bed, tears streaming down your face. The nurse glances at the doctor who shakes his head,

"The baby isn't moving. The other one isn't moving, we need to prep her for a c-section. If not then…"

"I'll stay with her." She says, cutting the doctor off before he can say something to upset you more.

The room moves into a mad dash, trying to get everything ready to move you to the operating room. The nurse stays with you, wiping her head, whispering softly to you to try and keep you calm,

"It will be alright, everything will be alright. This isn't the first difficult birth we've seen or dealt with. You and your babies will be fine. Is there someone I can call for you? Someone you want here with you?"

You shake your head, crying "No… no one."

Time ticks by, you're not sure how long; times seems to go by in a flash as well as slow to a halt. The doctor and nurses work fast to deliver the babies before there can be any more complications. Before you can hear the cries of your babies, darkness takes over and you are off to a dreamless sleep, leaving your children in the capable hands of the doctors and nurses before you are able to get up and care for them yourself. Take care of them on the promise that they will always have you. Even if they don't have Bucky.