Chapter 4

By: MysticFantasy

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Natasha felt that the bed she would be sleeping in tonight might be too big for her. While she was use to the full sized bed in her suite, Steve had a queen in his since Tony believed the super soldier would like the extra space or would be as crazy a sleeper as Thor.

"There's extra blankets in the closet and some extra pillows." Steve said to his one month pregnant wife.

For the past month, he'd been sleeping on Natasha's couch. Now they were going to be staying in his suite for a while.

Even if Natasha hadn't agreed to this sleeping arangement, he was sure she'd be making him sleep on the couch after the earful they got from Fury earlier this morning.

The director had blown his top after hearing their story and hearing that two of his best agent's were now expecting a child. The two Avengers had nearly been suspended but Fury's mind came back to its senses before he could do just that.

Instead, Natasha was put on desk duty until she went on maternity leave and Steve would be taking missions whenever Fury ordered without too much to question. But the director did agree that the two would be off the hook as soon as the baby was born so they could be parent's.

After that, they could do as they wished. Staying with or leaving SHIELD would be up to them. Even with a child in their lives, he really hoped they wold both stay.

"What am I resitricted on when it comes to wanting to working out?" she asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"No heavy lifting, obviously. I just ask that you please don't over do it." Steve said.

"I won't do that. I'll stick to light cardio and yoga for the rest of the pregnancy." Natasha said and was suddenly faced with Steve when he knelt in front of her.

"Thank you." he said. "I know this isn't what you wanted or asked for but I do want to let you know that I appreciate everything that you're sacrificing to make sure you and the baby are healthy."

Natasha was silent for a moment but then spoke.

"It's no trouble. I might be a little annoyed that I can't do my regular reps but it's no big deal. It might be nice to take it easy for a while."

Steve lightly smiled before standing.

"Well, I better let you get to sleep. I'll leave the door open a little. So call me if you need anything." he said.

"Alright. Good night."

"Good night."

She watched as Steve quietly exited the room and left the door open a small crack. Once he was gone, Natasha changed into comfortable shorts and a spaghetti strap top.

She then went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she was done, she looked at herself in the mirror. She placed her hands on her still flat stomach.

She was not looking forward to how big she was going to get or the ugly stretch marks that were sure to come. But... she did admit that she was a little excited. It was something she's never done before.

But it was also just as terrifying. It really made her wonder how in the world Steve was so calm and excited about it.

Hoping he was still awake to talk, the spy walked toward the open door and looked into the large living room. She spotted the soldier still awake, sitting across the couch and reading a book.

"Steve?" she called as she walked out.

The man's attention was instantly torn from his book and to his wife.

"Is something wrong?" he asked as he dropped the book and stood up.

"No. I'm fine. I just wanted to ask you something." she answered.

"What is it?" Steve asked as they both sat.

Natasha lightly sighed before asking her question.

"How are you so excited about this?"

Steve was silent for a moment and then answered.

"I've always wanted a family. Ever since I became an orphan, I always felt so lonely. When I met Bucky, it didn't hurt as much. But after being in this time, alone, it started to hurt again. Whenever I would go walking through the park or other places, I would see families. Together, having fun...It made me realize that I wanted a family more than ever before. Just to have a little boy to play catch with on weekends or a little girl to be overprotective of. I know that I always wanted to be a soldier but it's not the only thing I want to be."

Natasha sat in silence. She had no idea Steve wanted to be a father this badly. She could see why he was being so strict and attentive. He wanted to make sure one of his biggest dreams came to life.

Well, he won't have to worry about it not happening. she thought to herself.

"You really want this? Don't you?"

"It was up there on my wish to become a soldier." he answered then turned to her. "Why are you so nervous about it?"

"The Red Room...made it to where I couldn't have children." Natasha answered which earned her a shocked and surprised look from her husband. "Any time that I was with any man, I never got pregnant. Before they made this change to me, they would terminate any child they thought I was carrying. Whether I wanted it or not. So, I got use to the thought of never becoming a mother and never having a child. Then, when we had a little too much fun and I realized I'm pregnant...it scared me."

"You don't have to be." Steve offered as he gently held her hand.

"I don't think I can." she admitted. "Just the thought of going nine months like this...I don't think that I can raise the child. If I did, I really believe that I would mess up this kid and both of our lives too."

"Natasha..."

"Let's just stick to what we talked about." Natasha said as she stood. "This talk hasn't changed my mind about anything."

Has it? Steve asked himself as he watched her go back to the bedroom and close the door slightly.