Ch. 9
When Steve woke up Bruce told him that Clint and Tasha had called, and that they were concerned about him.
"I told them that you'd call them back to discuss what was going on."
"Ugh," Steve groaned, "Why'd you do that? I'm not ready yet!"
Bruce shrugged. "You can't keep it from them forever. Within the next few months it will be obvious."
"I know, I know." Steve sighed. "I guess you're right. Can I borrow your phone?"
"Sure." Bruce handed the phone over. "Do you want me to leave?"
"No!", Steve said, shaking his head. "I mean...I'd prefer if you stayed. Do you think they're going to be upset?"
"I think they will be more upset at Tony than they will be at you," Bruce said, honestly.
"I sure hope you're right."
Steve flipped open the phone and began searching for Clint's phone number. He dialed it. After four rings, Clint picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Clint. It's Steve."
"Good to hear from you! Hold on, let me get Tasha." Steve could hear Clint moving around as he went to get the other agent. A few seconds later, he heard her voice.
"Hi Steven," Tasha said.
"Hi Miss Romanov."
"So what happened?" Clint asked. "You guys just kinda disappeared!"
Steve sighed again. "Well... are you guys sitting down? Because you might want to if you're not."
"Okay..." Clint and Natasha found a place to sit. "Go ahead."
"You're not going to believe me, but I promise, no, I swear that it's true. Bruce will tell you too. I'm not lying. I wish it wasn't true, but it is, and-"
"What is it?" Clint interrupted.
"I'm... pregnant. With Tony's child."
There was a silence on the other end of the line, and Steve braced himself to be yelled at once again.
"I know you probably don't believe me, or you think I'm some freak," Steve continued.
"We believe you," Tasha finally said, "It's just a shock, is all."
"Bruce tested you and everything?" Clint asked.
"He did the tests three times. Sent them to another lab, too, and he did an ultrasound. I saw it, Clint. I saw the baby."
"Wow..."
"I know, it's horrible, I'm a terrible freak and I'll disgrace the team. I didn't know that it could happen, I really didn't."
"Shh, stop it," Tasha said, sounding a bit annoyed. "It is an odd situation but you will not disgrace us."
"Yeah, you really won't," Clint agreed. "Besides, we can figure something out to hide it from the public if necessary."
Steve almost dropped the phone. He hadn't considered that – telling the public. They'd see it eventually.
"Steve, I can practically hear you panicking over there," Clint said, "Calm down."
The soldier let go of a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"But wait... aren't you guys angry at me?"
"Of course not!" Tasha and Clint answered at the same time.
"We're just concerned about you," Clint added. "Where are you guys staying?"
"The Millennium Hotel."
"We'll be over in a few minutes," Clint said, "See you then."
00
Getting to the hotel proved more challenging than Clint and Tasha had originally thought. They'd gone to get Thor, having told him the news as they tried to make their way out, but they were soon stopped by Tony.
"Going to see Steve?" Tony asked.
"Yes, not that it's any of your business," Tasha replied, angrily. She could barely stand even speaking to Tony.
"It is my business, actually," Tony stated, "He's telling lies that involve me."
"He's not lying," Clint said, "Bruce tested him three times. Besides, when have you ever known Cap to lie?"
"I agree that it is unlikely that the Captain is lying," Thor agreed.
"Even if he's not, you don't want to get involved. Imagine the publicity from something like that! Captain America turning out to be a total freak! The world would mock us!"
"So?" Thor asked, "Let them laugh."
"Yeah," Clint said, "Steve's our friend and he needs support right now. That is more important than our image."
"Yeah? Well wait until Fury hears about it. I'm sure he'll be thrilled," Tony said, grinning sadistically.
Tasha rolled her eyes. "We are leaving now, Stark. We will see you later."
With that, the three made their way out.
00
Walking into the hotel had almost been as much of a challenge as getting out of Stark Tower. The hotel staff had let it slip that Captain America was staying there, and there was a crowd of fans gathered outside by the time the other Avengers arrived. As soon as the crowd caught sight of them, they pounced. Thor had ended up pushing everyone throw the crowd and into the hotel.
Finally, a full hour after speaking to Steve, the group arrived at the hotel room. Bruce let them in.
"He's on the patio," Bruce told them, pointing towards the sliding glass doors.
The three made their way over to Steve. The way he was standing, shoulders slumped and leaning up against the gate made it clear that he was upset.
"Steven," Tasha said, coming up behind him.
Steve turned to see everyone standing there, looking very worried.
"Hi," Steve said, forcing a smile.
Tasha went over and gave Steve a hug, holding on to him for a few seconds. Clint and Thor did the same.
"Thor, I guess you heard?" Steve asked.
Thor nodded. "Yes. If it is of any help, I believe you. My brother has had several children himself."
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. So I guess it isn't so weird to you then."
"It is not."
"How are you feeling?" Tasha questioned, looking Steve over. He still looked terrible. His face looked gaunt and there were bags under his eyes, and it looked like he had been crying recently.
"I've been better, but I'm glad that you're all here. It means a lot."
Just then, Clint's cell phone rang.
"Damn," he said, looking at the caller ID. Fury was calling.
