Something weird happened last night, so apologies if this appears twice… :S
Hello, thank you for still reading. I was nervous about last week's chapter, I know it's so hard for so many people, in so many different ways. So I really appreciated the comments and feedback on Ao3 and .
We are about to go back into lockdown in the UK, so fanfiction is happy escape! It's a big week for lots of people worldwide!
Usual disclaimer applies and the same warnings as last week regarding content and discussion in this chapter.
Stay safe!
Chapter 20: A Safe Place to Land
00:15
Steve steps out of the taxi, hunched over with exhaustion, he quickly pays the driver and reaches inside to the back seat, stretching to offer Amelia his hand. When he looks up, he can see that she has already climbed out her own side. She waits on the sidewalk, hands pushed deep in her pockets, still wearing Bucky's jacket.
'Do you need a hand?' Steve offers, circling the taxi and motioning towards the front steps to their home. She grumbles flatly, 'I'm fine.' Steve watches her shuffle closer to home, she starts heading for the stairs. He sighs, thinking aloud 'maybe, you should have stayed the night.' She blanks him and he exhales sadly, scratching his head and hesitating, before deciding 'Amelia?'
She stops at the bottom step and slowly turns to him, not looking up. He takes a deep breath and pleads, 'it's ok, she's ok. I will keep saying it until you hear me.' Amelia freezes, Steve hopes she will say something, anything, but she just proceeds up the stairs, like he never said a word. Steve watches her go, wondering what to do, if he should call someone. She leaves the door ajar, he pauses and reaches into his pocket, pulling out the newest sonogram image, their tiny baby girl, two arms, two legs, but the only thing that matters, safe and well. He watches the corner crease, his grip too tight and then he feels the sting of tears in his eyes. He shakes it off quickly, hearing his own words she's safe. Heknows he needs to be strong for Amelia.
Finding his phone, he searches for the contact he's after. Waiting on the dialling device, he looks up at the dark sky, rain beginning to re-dampen the already gloomy night.
'Tony, I won't be in this week. Yeah, everything's fine, I just need some time.' Steve clicks off the phone, cutting the billionaire off mid-sentence.
Amelia numbly climbs the stairs, reaching the bedroom and falling into bed. She kicks her sneakers off the edge and drags the covers over her head, rolling up securely on one side.
The house feels quiet, no Rosie, no Andi, only her taunting thoughts echoing around her head. She reaches down to her tummy, whispering 'you there?'
She hears the door creak open and quickly closes her eyes, knowing it's Steve. She feels the bed dip beside her. Then she feels his hand on the curve of her waist. He says nothing, maybe assuming she's sleeping already.
'I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you,' he announces and Amelia doesn't say anything, she can hear him talking but not the words. 'I umm, I just wanted to... I don't know actually.' She feels him move and she squeezes her eyes tighter, 'I'm going to let you get some rest, I'm downstairs if you need me, I'll leave this here.' He reaches over her to the bedside table, lightly kissing her cheek and slowly leaving the room, gently closing the door.
Amelia slowly opens her eyes and they land on her new scan beside the bed, propped against the lamp. She feels a burning at the back of her throat as she desperately suppresses her tears, reaching out and grabbing the picture, taking one final look and shoving it beneath her pillow still in her grasp.
Amelia feels exhausted and closes her eyes, silently weeping. Her pillow grows wet beneath her cheek and she pulls the comforter over her head.
Steve creeps into their bedroom later, he thinks about going to bed with Amelia but decides he can't sleep and maybe distance is what she needs or wants. He wants to stay awake in case she needs him or god forbid something happens again. He looks down at her, still cocooned in the sheets. Still in her hoodie and his joggers, Bucky's jacket discarded on the floor, next to her laced up shoes. Her feet are sticking out, no socks from rushing earlier that night and he tugs a knitted throw to fully cover her.
At the door he hopes she might wake, or call him close. But she doesn't move.
Walking into the attached bathroom, he halts at the sight of the blood-stained towel strewn across the floor. He swallows and stares at it. Guilt floods him, he can picture her screaming for Bucky, him rushing in. He shakes himself, before swinging into action, grabbing the ruined towel and balling it up. There's a very faint handprint on the sink and he quickly uses the corner of the towel to wipe it. Looking around, it's like it never happened.
Hitting the pedal to the kitchen trash can, he chucks the towel inside and quickly ties the bag, removing it and slinging it outside. Digby wanders in through the front door and Steve bends down, petting the fluffy cat. Watching as he idly strolls up the stairs, knowing where he's going.
Steve returns to the lounge, grabbing a throw from the back of the couch and trying to settle. He tosses and turns, for what feels like hours. Picturing Amelia screaming, blood dripping down her legs. Not being there in person only allows for more room for his mind to play games and taunt him. He goes over what if's from their hospital visit, worried they maybe missed something, even considering if they heard the nurse correctly. He looks at the TV controller but doesn't care what's happening in the world, only his world right now, outside he can see it is raining and he questions how the world seems so unaffected.
He sits up after a while, hoping to escape the miserable torture of his mind and wanders back upstairs, checking in on an unmoving Amelia, her face lit by the hall's glow. He strolls to the next door, pushing it open and smiling at Rosie's purple bedroom. Painted dinosaurs frame the entrance and Steve remembers the day he painted them, Rosie sat beside him, listing the different types, holding a paintbrush and doing no painting except the big drop on the carpet. He takes a seat on her single bed and stares at his hands. He doesn't like the little girl not being there or keeping secrets from her. He looks down the hall to what will be their baby's room and buries his face in his hands, emotions over taking him.
02:32
Amelia wakes later and can hear almost a yelling from downstairs. 'I've already had this conversation with him! One of you, or both of you, should have told me the truth immediately, not after the scan, the minute it happened! Now get out the way, I'm going up there.' Amelia can hear someone running up the stairs, she instantly knows who and then the door flies open.
'Hey! It's me.' Amelia rolls over at the sound of her sister's soft voice, adjusting her eyes, she can see her climbing into the bed beside her. 'Are you ok? I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't here. They told me it was nothing, I… How you feeling? Thank God she's ok and you. You're ok? Bucky told me…' Amelia can't keep up, croaking out, 'where's Rosie?' Andi moves hair and the bedding from Amelia's face, 'she's at the tower with Bucky. She's ok.' Amelia rolls away, done with conversation for now.
Andi is confused and concerned, 'you just tired or resting? Steve says you haven't said anything. Are you hungry?' Amelia just snorts. Andi looks at her properly, her tired eyes, fear carved into her brow lines 'oh Amelia, look at you.' Amelia ignores her sympathy, 'what time is it?' She wonders aloud, Andi looks confused by her ordinary questions, 'uh, it's gone two in the morning, I couldn't sleep, I came to check on you. But we can get up and watch some TV, have some tea, whatever you want.' Amelia stares at her sister coldly, 'I don't need you to check on me.' Andi is taken aback by the muted tone, Amelia turns away 'in fact, you can go. That's what I want.'
Andi watches her roll away. Talking to her sister's back, 'look, Steve told me that you don't believe the hospital, that you don't believe them, that she's ok in there.' Amelia cringes at her sister's accusations. Andi opens her mouth to say more, 'it's my body, Andi! Now please just go.' Andi refuses, feeling Amelia's warm foot kick at her legs like a child. Andi eventually gets out of bed and stares down at her sister, 'what are you waiting for? Hey?' Amelia squints in confusion, 'what? What are you talking about?' Andi puts her hands on her hips, 'you are waiting for something, a sign. I know you. But the universe isn't going to tell you, a nurse did, an actual professional.' Amelia grunts, burying her face in her pillow. Andi sighs, giving up, 'I'm going, but I'll be back tomorrow and remember, Steve is feeling this too. It's not just you, he's sleeping in Rosie's room for Christ's sake!'
Just like that she's gone, the door left wide open and her words hanging in the air. Amelia feels winded at the reminder about Steve. She thinks about calling out to him, inviting him for a hug but she can't find her voice. Closing her eyes and stroking her tummy, praying to feel something back.
08:04
'Morning.'
Amelia shuffles at the warm motherly tone, she looks over, spotting Natalie, 'oh honey, Steve let me know, how you doing?' Amelia tears up and Natalie climbs onto the bed quickly, 'come on, give me a cuddle.' Amelia shifts to embrace her friend, unabashed and crying against her. Natalie holds her close, stroking her hair, 'you are brave, Amelia Miller and soon there will be another fierce Miller girl around here, lord help poor Steve then.' Amelia smiles a little, a pang of guilt in her gut at the mention of his name again, she splutters 'is he...?' Natalie pats her back, 'he's ok, he's worried about you, he doesn't know what to do.' Amelia nods and her tears subside, 'he called the office, you've got the week, take more if you need it.' Amelia fights back, 'no, I'll be in tomorrow.' Natalie tells her to shut up, kissing the top of her head.
They sit there for a moment, 'want me to call your real mom?' Amelia cries again at that, 'god, no. Besides, I have you.' Natalie smiles warmly, nodding 'well at least baby girl is ok, that's all that matters.' Amelia pales, Natalie can hear her swallowing, the younger admits 'I'm scared they are wrong, that she's not there anymore.' Natalie pulls back, making eye contact, 'well, Steve is flashing a photo down there proudly that says otherwise and I read the pamphlets on the counter that they gave you. It all seems fine. Horrible, traumatic, but it will be ok.'
Amelia confesses, 'but I can't feel her, she's so quiet, no kicking, no rolling.' Natalie softens, 'oh sweet, sweet, Mia, she's just like her mother, stubborn. The more pressure you put on her the longer she will play peek-a-boo.' Amelia can hear the sense in that, but questions if her foetus is really giving her the run around. 'Why don't you get up and get dressed, might make you feel better?' Amelia moans, 'no, I'm not ready, not yet. I'm so tired. I need to stay here, it's safe here.' Natalie relents, not liking the safe part, 'ok, fine, but I do have to go, I've got work, but I'll be back tomorrow and maybe I will see you up and about.' Natalie stands, looking back to Amelia as she reaches the door, 'let Steve in, he's hurting as well.' Amelia feels nothing but guilt, turning away and noticing her alarm clock with the batteries removed. She wonders who did that and checks under her pillow for the scan picture, relieved it's there, but not daring to look at it.
08.30
Tony strolls out of the elevator onto the communal floor, he stops at the sight of Rosie, dressed for school, backpack strapped on and book bag in hand. He looks around but spies no adults, 'what are you doing here, tiny person?' Rosie shrugs and looks at him with wide eyes, 'my mommy isn't feeling well, so I stayed here and I need to go to school, but nobody's here and I am just waiting for the bus.' Tony stares at her with a frown and even though he's never taken a public bus himself, he's pretty sure this is not how it works.
He eyes her, her buttons done up wrong, her socks uneven and he knows she got herself ready. 'When you say nobody…' Rosie looks at him, smiling, 'oh, Aunt Andi is asleep, she was snoring. I snuck out here. I don't know where uncle Bucky is…'
He steps in closer, bending beside her 'school? You say? And you're ready for that, are you? Got everything you need?' Rosie nods and then her lip wobbles, scratching her head 'well, it's show and tell day and mine's at home.' She twists on her feet, her ankles collapsing out, rocking on the edge of her shoes. 'And what, pray tell, were you showing and telling about?' Rosie smiles widely, 'a jar of pink sand.' Tony grimaces, muttering 'low standards, okay. Well, the only way is up kid and it's your lucky day. I am going to give you a ride and help you out with the whole, run and hide thing.' Rosie looks up at him, 'show and tell,' she corrects, he steps in behind her and steers her to the elevator. 'Sure, whatever. FRIDAY, tell the miscreants that I took care of it and tell them also, shame on them.' Rosie looks up at Tony, 'my Andi's asleep,' Tony rolls his eyes, 'of course she is.'
On the journey, Tony smirks across at her in the passenger seat, 'so, what do you think of the ride? Nice, hey? You like orange?' Rosie looks over quickly, 'juice?' Tony pulls his head back in confusion, 'the car. The car, little person, what do you think of the colour?' Rosie nods, 'oh, I like it, my mommy has a car just like this one.' Tony mutters under his breath, 'like hell she does.'
Rosie leans forward pressing buttons, 'what does that do?' Tony eyes the button, 'ejector seat, stay away.' Rosie backs off and settles in her seat with wide eyes, 'umm, when will mommy be back? Will she be there after school?' Tony squints at the hard questions, 'she might be, I don't know, but your dad is taking care of her and you are staying with the cool kids.' Rosie looks off distracted, 'I forgot my sand,' she mutters sadly. Tony looks over at her in pity, 'yes, but we are going to sort that, remember?' Rosie agrees with a muted nod, 'did you go to school?' Tony sighs, 'I did and it was hideous, just like you describe it.' Rosie shakes her head, 'I like school, I don't like Harrison or his friends.'
Tony stops at a set of traffic lights, sighing, 'yeah, I hate kids as well.' Rosie appears concerned, 'even me?' Tony grins, 'yes, but you are by far my most favourite.' She seems ok with that, staring out the window glumly. 'You know your mom is ok, right?' Rosie nods, but doesn't respond. 'She's sick,' Tony agrees, taking a right turn, 'yeah, but she will get better.'
Tony asks about her teacher, 'tell me her name? Is she on Tinder?' Rosie questions, 'what's Tinder?' Tony continues, 'forget that. Now tell me, how does uncle Sam know your teach?' Rosie giggles, 'he came for me at school one day.' Tony raises a brow, mumbling 'it really does take a village.' He grins, 'you excited to be a big sister?' She nods enthusiastically, asking him 'are you?' Tony double takes, 'a big sister? Nah.'
Rosie giggles at something he said and his phone begins to ring from the internal car system. FRIDAY announces, 'Andrea Miller, Sir.'
'Ah, here we go.' He accepts the call and continues the route to school. 'Good morning, PA. That stands for pretty awful, by the way. How are you?'
'Tony! Is Rosie with you, is she ok?' Andi's voice is panicked and she's out of breath, 'FRIDAY said...'
He looks across at the small brunette, 'of course she's with me, I left a note.'
'No you didn't! She's a child, not a puppy, what were you thinking?' She sounds annoyed and Tony rolls his eyes, 'an electronic note with FRIDAY. Yes, I have the kid, we are en-route to school. You should be ashamed, leaving the wee gal to catch the imaginary bus.' Andi tries to interrupt and Rosie agrees next to him, he reaches over to fist bump with her.
Tony directs to Andi, 'and now, make yourself useful, phone ahead and get me on the guest list, make sure the school know who I am. Abduction is not something I need on my record.'
Andi sighs and agrees, 'fine. Hey, Rosie, you ok? We didn't forget you, I overslept, I'm so sorry.'
'How's mommy?' Rosie swings her legs with nerves and Tony calls over, 'hey, mind the dash!'
'She's ok, doing better, kiddo, you'll stay with us again tonight, just so mommy can really look after herself. We can watch a movie, or something, sound ok? Any movie you like.' Andi reassures her and Tony mouths 'The Omen.' Rosie just shrugs, 'I guess. How's my baby?'
Andi audibly swallows, 'yeah, she's fine too. There's nothing to worry about, I promise. I'll see you later, ok? We will chat properly then, I will answer everything I can. Be nice to uncle Tony, he's helping us out, I think.'
Tony's had enough now, 'yes, thank you. Goodbye.' He hits a button on the steering wheel and cuts her off.
Rosie stares out the window, 'my mommy says I shouldn't call you uncle Tony.'
Tony acts offended, 'oh yeah, why's that?'
'She says you'll think I'm trying to get your will. Whatever that is. Auntie Andi says I should call you it. She said she likes money and...' Tony wonders where this is going, 'mmm hmm.' She giggles and admits, 'because you're so old.'
'Right thank you for that and what does your dad say?' Rosie goes quiet, 'he's really busy, saving the world.' Tony focuses on the road, 'well somebody has to.'
Arriving at the school desk, Tony pulls off his sunglasses. There's staff huddled everywhere, confirming that Andi did manage to ring ahead. Word has spread of the infamous Mr Stark visiting the small school. People are pushing each other to catch a glimpse of him, he waves arrogantly, finding it amusing. The Principal is there, introducing himself and shaking hands with Mr Stark. Rosie waves at all her teachers and the reception staff, explaining, 'he's my show and tell!'
The Principal cuts in, 'this is most unusual, children don't usually bring actual people, let alone celebrities. We had a pet snake once, but that ended very badly. Never have we had someone of your caliber here.'
Tony signs in to the visitors' book with a flourish and winks at the receptionist, 'just helping the kid out, she's having a tough time.' The Principal turns serious, 'ah yes, we were made aware of the situation this morning.'
Tony looks down at the little girl, bored of the balding man, who's clearly only after a new gym. 'Lead the way then Little Miller.' The principal jumps in, oh, I'll show you the way, it's Miss Penny's class, right, Rosie? You will need to be escorted at all times Mr Stark.' The little girl nods, reaching for Tony's hand and shocking the billionaire. Tony looks down at her in surprise, quickly hiding it. He looks at her hand in his, realising he's the responsible adult here, not the little girl and certainly not the babbling Principal with dollar signs in his eyes. Rosie explains 'he's my uncle!' Tony shrugs at the teacher, 'kids, hey? Yeah, my sister's… uh… daughter,' he lies and the man just nods happily.
The head teacher leads them down a hallway, a red linoleum floor squeaking beneath their feet. Rows of lockers and paintings on the wall. Rosie distracts Tony, dragging him from left to right, showing him rooms and places she goes. The principal turns back to Tony, 'I didn't know you had a sister?' Tony grins, 'apparently, yes.' Tony thinks he could say anything at this point.
Arriving at a pale green door, Mr Curtis offers, 'here we are, 1EP,' he knocks the door and slowly opens it, stepping inside, the children greeting him politely, chanting his name. Tony looks impressed, 'wonder if I could get my cronies to do that.'
Tony peers inside, waving to the kids behind the formal teacher's back. He's trying to explain seriously and the children gape and snigger at the man in the background. Mr Curtis holds the door open and Rosie drags Tony in, offering him her seat. Miss Penny watches in surprise, 'uh, Rosie why doesn't your friend come and sit up here.' She moves a chair from her desk to the side of the room and Tony watches the teacher, muttering 'I never had a teacher that looked like that.'
Rosie takes a seat beside Ash and waves across at Tony. Miss Penny wanders over, introducing herself to him. 'Hi, I'm Miss Penny, Mr Stark, right?' He shakes her hand, smiling warmly, he's not sure she knows who he is, or she doesn't care. 'We've only done two so far, it's quite a slow process, but if we do a couple more turns and then Rosie, then you can slip away sooner, is that ok?' Tony folds his legs, placing his glasses away and getting comfortable, 'sounds great, time to catch up on what I missed at school.'
'Ok, kids, let's keep going. This is Mr Stark, he's Rosie's friend and her very big and very real, show and tell. Now, where were we? Elijah, do you want to come up.'
A little boy steps up, eyeing the strange man at the side of the room. 'Umm, well, I wanted to bring my cat, but my mommy fed him breakfast and then he ran out the door. I couldn't find him, so I brought this photo of him.' The kids and Tony lean in, a printed photograph of an old grey cat. The children are impressed, whispers of wow from around the room. Tony's face creases, thinking the bar is pretty low for these people. The little boy tries to retake his seat and the teacher coaxes him back, 'no, no, hang on, tell us a little more about your cat, Elijah.' The boy looks nervous, eyes flicking around the room, 'well, he's called Brambles and he's really old, he's fifteen. One-five.' Tony double takes at the word old, he scoffs, commenting 'good job you left him at home, the trip would have finished him off.' The kids and Miss Penny look across and he quickly shuts up, apologising.
'Does anyone have any questions for Elijah?' Hands fly up, one boy asking 'is he all grey?' Elijah nods, another girl asks 'does he purr?' Elijah shrugs. Miss Penny steps in with a real question, 'what's your favourite thing about having a cat, Elijah?' The little boy smiles, telling her 'he sleeps on my bed.'
Tony watches on as another child comes to the front, she's brought a large shell, that she claims you can hear the sea in. Another boy has a skateboard with him, another child has a light up yo-yo. Another has a pin from somewhere, Tony's not sure, he's barely listening, bored and ready to leave. His phone rings and he apologises, quickly silencing it. He looks across and there's a boy laughing with some other kids, he's slouched in his chair and disinterested, mocking other children as they go up. Miss Penny looks to him and calls 'Harrison, why don't you go next, you look like you have something to share.' Rosie stares at the desk shyly and Tony remembers a chat they had a while back. The boy strolls to the front and Tony wonders how a six year old can have so much arrogance and confidence already. He looks like he has nothing with him and Tony does not like his too cool for school attitude.
From his back pocket he pulls out a remote control and a whizzing begins from within the classroom, a mini sports car appearing and zooming in between desks. Arriving at his foot, kids leaning over the desk to catch a glimpse. Tony rolls his eyes, 'gimmick.'
Harrison talks about his remote control car, lifting it high and showing it off to the class, 'it's fast, it's cool and when I grow up I'm going to have one of my very own.' The kids fall for it hook line and sinker and Tony wipes his brow, even he finds the kid too much. Kids are scrambling to have a go, Miss Penny telling them to calm down. 'I am sure Harry will be happy for you to have a look at break.' He shakes his head, 'some people can, but not this table and especially not Rosie, she might break it.' Rosie looks up sadly, having kept herself to herself. Miss Penny turns to Harrison firmly, 'please be respectful to one another, if you don't want your show and tell played with, please put it away or give it to me. Thank you, Harrison, take a seat.'
'Rosie, you're next, I think we are all very excited to see what you brought.' Tony smiles, but it drops from his face, suddenly not sure what he's going to do or say. Rosie walks to the front of the classroom, avoiding Harrison's desk. She waves Tony over and he pulls himself up, clasping his hands in front of himself and waiting on her. She's a little nervous to begin with, but he gives her a nod and suddenly she could be at the tower or home, she's happy and comfortable. 'This is my uncle Tony!' She announces proudly and people giggle, he can hear from somewhere 'she brought her old uncle?' Tony looks about for the little scamp who said that. 'He's rich and he's Iron Man.' There's a pause in the room and then all the children laugh loudly. 'Not this again!' Rosie is dismayed, trying to speak over them, 'he is, he really is!'
'But he's not red!' Someone shouts, Tony looks down at himself, 'ah a genius is amongst us.' A girl sticks her hand up, waving it, 'I had Iron Man at my birthday and that's not him.' Tony can't help it, interrupting, 'that man is a fake and stepping on my intellectual property!' Rosie is confused, she was so excited to show everyone Tony, but no one ever believes her. The room grows rowdy, debates breaking out over who is better, Captain America or Iron Man. Miss Penny calls above them, 'excuse me, can we all be a bit more polite to our visitor and listen to Rosalyn. Now, Rosie tell us a bit more about Mr… about Tony.' She looks up at him, feeling deflated, 'ummm, he's funny? He fixed my music player. He's best friends with my daddy...' Tony looks unsure at the last point, pouting and squinting.
'That's lovely, Rosie, great, anyone got any questions for either Rosie or Tony?' One boy throws up a lazy arm, 'how old are you?' Tony looks offended, 'how old are you?' The teacher coughs and he apologises, 'older than you. Thank you. Next!' Miss Penny looks at him as if to say I ask the questions. Another hand goes up, 'if you are Iron Man, can you put the suit on?'Tony shakes his head, 'not a good idea, don't want to laser any eyes out.' The children appear scared and Miss Penny shakes her head, intimating that Rosie should retake her seat. Tony shouts 'yes, you at the back.' A little girl stands up, 'can I see your watch?' Tony looks down at it, surprised she's interested. 'Sure, come on up here, kid.' The girl politely pushes her chair in and arrives beside Tony, 'wow, it's shiny.' Tony grins, 'tap it.' She looks unsure, but does it, tapping the glass face. A red and gold arm begins to unfold, growing up Tony's arm and fusing over his suit. Rosie and the rest of the class stare at it in wonder, Miss Penny dropping her board marker.
Tony stares down, twisting his arm, 'huh, would you look at that.'
He looks out at the sea of children, announcing 'I am Iron Man.' It doesn't get old. He looks down and winks at Rosie, she smiles and calls out proudly 'and I am Rosie!' The children erupt with questions, scrabbling to have a look and shouting to Tony.
17:11
Amelia wakes again to a chanting, 'mommy, mommy!' Rosie is bouncing on her and Amelia sit's up panicking, 'ouch, sit beside me, little girl, mommy's still not very well.' Rosie does as she's told and hugs her mother close, 'I've missed you.' Amelia melts at her sweet daughter, 'I missed you too, so, so much. Are you having fun at the tower?' Rosie nods vigorously, 'the most fun. I am going to see Tony's lab-ro-rory and see a jet and daddy came and picked me up, Tony got me to school. Aunt Andi was there at the end as well. And… and Tony was my show and tell, it was the best day ever and everyone wants to be my friend!' Amelia strokes her head, cuddling her close, feeling relieved to see her.
'Ow, mom you're squeezing me too hard, that hurts.' Amelia pulls away, 'sorry. Umm don't forget to take your reading book with you today, hopefully I'll be feeling better soon and you will be back at home tomorrow.' Rosie looks a bit disappointed, she places a gentle hand on Amelia's tummy, 'is baby feeling better now? Auntie Andi said she wasn't very well.' Amelia smiles softly, 'yeah, she's ok, I'm keeping her warm.' Rosie grins, 'you should sing to her and get her soup.' Amelia drops a big kiss on Rosie's forehead and she laughs wildly, 'ughhhhh that's wet.' Amelia looks around, but her clock is still out of action, spotting Rosie's watch, she asks, 'what's the time, Rosie?' The little girl is excited to show off her new skill, 'ummmm, it's four o clock.'
Steve stands at the door, smiling down at the pair. Amelia's eyes widen, surprised to see him. 'Close enough, but good job, Rosie.' He steps into the room, grabbing Rosie's backpack from Amelia's feet. 'Rosie, you need to look after mommy, she's been sick.' Amelia shakes her head, 'it's fine, I'm fine, seeing you has made me feel so much better.' Steve smiles at them both, 'well we stopped by to say hi and grab some more clothes and then uncle Bucky is cooking some dinner, isn't he?' Amelia chuckles and Rosie kisses her mom goodbye and runs out of the room, promising she will be right back.
Steve gently sits down next to Amelia, trying to be confident 'how you doing?' She smiles sadly at him, 'a little bit better.' She reaches for his hand, toying with his fingers, 'love you.' He looks surprised by her admission, 'I love you too, everything's going to be ok.' He considers asking if she's felt anything, but the way she looks down sadly at his words suggests otherwise. Amelia asks him, 'what happened to my clock?' Steve appears embarrassed and shrugs, 'I couldn't stop the alarm, so I just removed the batteries, sorry. I didn't want you to be woken up.' Amelia smiles warmly at him, opening her mouth to speak…
Rosie reappears, interrupting the moment, 'ughh, yuk, were you kissing?' Steve laughs at her, she declares 'I'm ready, got my clothes, my pens and...' she walks around to Amelia's side of the bed, 'Mr Goose is going to keep you company.' Amelia looks down at the six year-old goose, thinking she really needs to sew his left eye back on. He looks tired, just like her. She's touched by the sentiment, 'will you sleep ok, without him?' Rosie stands up tall, 'yes, because I know he's safe with you.' Amelia leans over and kisses her goodbye, 'see you tomorrow.' She feels a bit weepy, bidding them goodbye, but one more night of rest sounds good. Steve holds his hand out to Rosie, promising Amelia, 'I'll be back in a couple of hours, ok?' She just nods, watching them leave, a small voice inside her suggests again that she should stop them, tell them she feels better, but she doesn't quite believe that herself.
20:00
Natasha stands at the end of Amelia's bed, looking down at her. Amelia double takes and bolts up, 'shit!' Natasha just stares at her, 'I heard what happened. I'm sorry. I'm glad everything is ok.' Amelia offers a weak smile, 'thanks.' Amelia looks past her, 'what are those?' She points at a large bouquet. Natasha shrugs, 'not me.' The red head reaches into the leaves and removes the card, throwing it at Amelia. She stares down and reads the message, 'they're from work. Why would they send flowers! No one is dead!' Even Natasha looks a little shocked by Amelia's harsh words. She explains, 'people don't know what to say or do, they are just being... nice. Steve told me to bring them upstairs, thought they might help.' Amelia tears up the card into pieces, 'well it's not nice. And they don't help.'
'How are you feeling?' Natasha asks her quietly, 'pretty shit, thanks for asking.' Amelia shuffles in bed stubbornly, 'what did they say at the hospital?' Amelia sighs loudly, breathing in deeply, 'that it just happens sometimes, that's it, that's all I get! That's all we are worth, that's my explanation! Initially they were like, placenta this and placenta that, but no, no name, nothing, just a fucking blip! Not. Uncommon.'
Amelia looks away with teary eyes, snapping her gaze back to Natasha she notices her sloped shoulders and pinched brow. Amelia mellows 'I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me.' Natasha looks at her in surprise, Amelia explains 'Steve didn't tell me, I sort of guessed.'
Natasha nods, 'Steve doesn't know, only Bruce, and you now, apparently.' Amelia softens, 'we can pretend I don't, it's fine, honestly.' Natasha shrugs, 'that's ok.' Amelia leans forward, 'well, if you ever need to talk, I'm always here.' Natasha ignores her, just a tiny nod to acknowledge she even heard the kind offer.
'You should trust the professionals, they know better. Anyway you need to get well and soon, I left multiple Avengers acting out the Sound of Music, Steve is still there too.' Even Amelia tries to suppress a grin. 'This is no good for anyone,' Natasha advises, pointing to the strewn sheets, empty glasses, balled up tissues. Amelia feels embarrassed, 'I just want to feel something, anything, feel her kick, move, hiccup, anything.' Natasha can appreciate that.
'Look, I wanted to stop by and I think Steve is hoping I can get you out of bed, but I'm not into that.' Amelia scoffs, 'so you only came to drag me out of my pity.' Natasha folds her arms 'no, I was coming anyway. Look, when you re-join the land of the living come and find me, I have something that might help you.' Amelia looks at her in confusion, 'like what?' Natasha shakes her head, 'not now, later and don't tell Steve.' Amelia scoffs, 'aren't you going to tell me to be nicer to him?' Natasha looks nonplussed, 'no, do what you gotta do, but self-wallowing doesn't suit you, Amelia, she needs you to fight and be strong.' She leaves as quickly as she appeared, Amelia hears the front door swing closed and then she feels the cat jump onto the bed and she reaches out for him, 'just you and me Digby…'
AN: So this is kind of a two parter, there's still more visitors to come… will try to update quicker. I know Amelia isn't always being fair or rational here, especially to Steve, but she is going through the motions .
Stay safe x
