Happy New Year! Thank you for reading still. : ) This was a super long chapter, I was going to split it but just didn't in the end.

We are heading for some dramatic times and upset in the future, but until then, Iet's have some home spun fluff.

Normal disclaimer applies here! Fan work only, no money being made, characters belong to Marvel.

Chapter 26: The Heart Land

Bucky backs into the house, trying to kick the door closed, before Andi pushes it shut. She abandons a bag on the floor. 'Watch my noodles, don't kick them over.' Bucky groans, 'they are cold by now, you are dreaming.' Andi reaches for him desperately, grappling to get close.

'What about Rosalyn?' He mutters in between kisses, eyes straying to the stairs. Andi groans, 'she's asleep, it's gone eleven, pleeeease shut up.' Andi starts to unbutton her shirt, 'take yours off! Quicker!' Bucky looks around the dark hallway, 'why are we doing this here? I have a perfectly good room at the tower that we just left. I thought you were moving in?'

Andi kisses him forcefully, muttering against him, 'I want to see Mia, make sure she's ok… I gave her a day to cool off.' She pulls back and tugs her shirt over her head, revealing a red lacy bra, holding her arms open 'you can go home, if you want?' Bucky stares at her with a hungry stare and then begins unbuckling his pants, 'nope, I'm good.' Andi watches him smugly, 'good, right answer. You know, we need to get planning this wedding. A venue isn't enough. I told Mia we had made progress, but we are shit at this wedding stuff, I need her help.' Bucky ignores her, he kisses her neck and she continues, 'cakes, seating, dresses, music, catering…' she swallows audibly, distracted by his soft lips 'uh, umm vows, cakes.' Bucky pulls back, 'you said cakes already.'

Bucky pushes Andi up against the front door and she looks over his shoulder, face creasing. 'The hall light is off.' Bucky continues to kiss her neck, tugging at her jeans and she looks around the house, it's pitch black. 'Rosie can't sleep without the light…' She pulls away and he drops his head onto the door, begging her to come back. 'Something's wrong,' she declares, and he looks about, 'seems fine to me.' He offers her his hand, but she wanders further into the house. She peers upstairs, and Bucky hasn't seen her so concerned for a long time. 'What's going on?' He asks seriously, rearranging himself subtly.

Andi looks at him frantically, 'they aren't here. Mia!?' Bucky stills, urging her to be quiet 'you're crazy, you'll wake the kid. Let alone your sister, who already…' Andi calls her name next. 'Bucky, I'm telling you, they aren't here.' She looks around some more, rushing into the kitchen and calling to the cat, 'he's not here either.' Andi panics, 'my entire family has been kidnapped.' Bucky saunters in behind her, 'what's that? Oh! Kidnappers don't leave notes.' He points behind her and she notices a piece of paper on the work top. Snatching it and reading quickly, 'fuck.'

When Amelia steps into the terminal, she looks around, praying he's there already. Rosie is trailing beside her, dragging her bag along the floor. She has a woolly hat on and fluffy boots, it's overkill, but she insisted.

'There, over there!' Rosie cries, waving frantically. Amelia looks up and smiles, she pushes the luggage cart forward, Rosie running ahead of her, 'Grandad!' She screams. He chuckles as he lifts her into his arms, 'stop growing, missy!' Rosie giggles and squeezes his nose, Peter places her down and opens his arms to his daughter. 'Look at you, you look wonderful, Amelia.' She smiles weakly, 'you have to say that, you're my dad. I'm a hot mess, but the bad kind of hot, thank you anyway.' She steps into the hug and he whispers in her ear, 'what are you doing here, Mia?' His voice is soft but concerned and Amelia purses her lips, trying to hold the tears in, gasping, 'I just missed you, that's all.' She had hoped this bit would wait at least until they were outside the arrivals bay.

As she pulls away, her father sees her wet eyes and he takes the luggage cart from her, 'come on you two, Dana's at home, she will be so excited to see you.' Rosie marches ahead, telling her grandfather all about the flight. She tries to climb on the cart and her mother tugs her off.

Amelia can feel her phone vibrate against her leg and she swallows tensely but ignores it. Staring up at the 'welcome to Maine' sign above the glass exit.

In the car on the way home, Rosie sleeps in the back seat and Amelia traces patterns on her belly, through her shirt. 'You think the baby will be a Bruce fan?' Her dad asks her with a smile. Amelia warms and stares at the radio, Springsteen floating out of the speakers, 'here's hoping.' Peter looks at her quickly, before refocusing on the road, 'so, how's things? You and Steve ok?' Amelia looks up quickly, 'who?' She jokes and inadvertently she has answered her dad's question right there. 'He's away a lot, hey? I see him on the TV a fair bit, when Dana lets me get the remote.'

Amelia sighs and opens the window, the noise is loud and Rosie stirs in the back. Quickly winding it back up, Amelia exhales and looks down at her tummy, 'he works so hard, he doesn't know anything else, but I don't want to be the reason the world is short a hero and what if he resents me for it? He seemed to want something else in life and I think he's putting himself second. God, how needy do I sound, come home, I miss you.' Peter offers her his palm and they hold hands across the parking break. 'That doesn't sound needy at all, it's not like come home, cook me dinner, rub my feet.' Amelia giggles, 'I would like those things too, I can't lie.'

She looks around the landscape, 'still, it's nice to be home.' Peter drops her hand, indicating a right turn, 'will Steve be joining you?' Amelia looks shy and retreats in her seat. She hums, not committing and grabbing the Springsteen CD to keep her nervous hands busy. 'Mia? He knows where you are, right?' Amelia shakes her head, quickly squeaking, 'I left a note.' Peter's driving slows as he considers this, 'you took a plane while six months pregnant and left a note?' Amelia winces, hearing it like that, she suddenly feels bad. 'He's not even there, they won't notice!' Peter shouts, 'Ah hah! Who's they? Your sister, no doubt?' Amelia sulks in her chair, 'I just needed to get away, I feel like I am last on everyone's list, I know I sound spoilt. And I haven't done this for attention or for them to come get me, I needed a break. Work, Steve, Andi, babies, the cat runs circles around me! It's too much. Now it's just me and my girls again. Please just say something nice, don't be your reasonable self, tell me off later.'

Peter sighs and glances at her quickly, 'I meant what I said, you have a beautiful glow about you, it suits you. Just don't let it burn out.' Amelia pulls a face, 'that was real sweet until you threw in some wisdom at the end for good measure!' Peter laughs as they pull into the driveway. Amelia smiles to herself and something catches her eye out the window, 'what the hell, dad?' He jumps a little and Rosie wakes suddenly, 'you're selling our house?!" Amelia cries.

Peter brings the car to a stop and turns to look at her, 'calm down, we don't need anything this big, you lot aren't interested in living here and I'm too old for some of the work that needs doing. Now, please try and be rational about this, Dana is worried you will blame her.' Amelia scowls a little, 'actually, I blame you. Too old? Where's that come from?' Rosie unbuckles and sits between the two front seats, 'are you selling my treehouse as well?' She pouts sadly and Amelia looks up at the wooden treehouse that Steve and her dad built last summer. Peter squeezes her cheek, 'sadly, yes, but there will be many more projects in our future, Miss Rosie, wait and see.' Amelia wants to cry, she came home for stability and she nearly missed out on it. 'Were you going to tell us?' Peter nods, 'the sign has only been there a week, I didn't know you'd appear like this.' Amelia looks disgruntled, 'I really can't believe this is happening.' Peter taps her leg, 'cheer up, come inside.' Amelia watches him leave, Rosie chasing after him, she considers just staying inside the car.

'Amelia, sweetheart? What are you doing here? We were so surprised to get your message. Not that it isn't lovely to see you. Oh, sweetie, you look exhausted, come on in,' Dana gushes as she opens the door. Petch runs out and Amelia smiles sadly, stepping away from the dog and accepting Dana's hug. She wraps her arms around her stepdaughter and pulls back with a gasp, 'was that a little kick?' Amelia smiles down, 'yeah, I think so. But I'm pretty hungry, could be all me. Oh, and we are upset about the house!' Amelia turns back and calls to Rosie, who is already in the playhouse. Dana looks anxious, but the home phone sounds and she dashes away to answer, 'hold that thought!'

Amelia noses around, a few things have already been taken down and she feels sour about the entire affair. Something bumps her and she looks at the ground to see a cookie, 'dad!' She calls, spotting him with a plateful, 'you said you were hungry, not my fault you weren't looking. Thought you were a good catch!' Amelia pouts sadly and struggles a little to bend, blowing on the cookie for dust.

'Peter!' Dana hollers, 'it's your other daughter.' Amelia sighs and watches Rosie run in, chanting her Auntie's name, she closes the front door and sags against it, spotting new photos of her and Steve in the hall. Amelia takes a deep breath and walks to Dana, waving her fingers towards the phone, saving her dad a barrage of abuse. Dana snatches the cookie away, 'I'll get you a new one.'

'Hey, it's me,' Amelia says solemnly. 'Thank fuck for that. What the hell are you doing, Mia? Are you ok? Where are you?' Andi is high pitched and Amelia deadpans 'dad's, obviously, you phoned here, you idiot.' Andi continues to berate her sister for the poor decision making, 'I came to see you, brought noodles and everything. So inconsiderate of you to disappear like that and without me. I wanted to call last night, but Bucky made me wait until today.' Andi is joking by this time, but Amelia can only hear inconsiderate and she feels her temperature rising. 'Inconsiderate? Me? I needed to see a friendly face, I'm pregnant you idiot, you have no idea the day I had and you need to make up your mind about where you live and stop taking my stuff! Or letting my cat out. So, goodbye!'

Amelia hangs up and her dad coughs from behind her, raising his eyebrows. 'Little sisters, hey?' Rosie appears, shouting 'I'm having a little sister!' Dana comes running out the kitchen, 'you're having a girl?!' Peter walks closer and grabs Amelia's face, a hand on either cheek, he smiles at her warmly, 'three girls, no wonder he's done a runner.' Amelia softens and bats her dad's arm, 'that's cruel! Actually, he wanted another girl, so he got his wish! We both guessed a girl. By the way, do you two not pick up a magazine, you are the last people to find out! Wait, Dad? You knew!' Dana rushes and hugs her, 'of course he's excited, we all are! The future is female!' She sings merrily to Amelia.

Amelia follows her dad to the kitchen, Dana placing a hot drink before her, as she settles on a stool. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the baby. Really sorry. I thought dad would have.' Her father lifts Rosie, 'I thought you might like to tell Dana yourself, Rosie at least did.' The little girl cheers and Amelia suddenly has a thought and digs through her purse, pulling out the piece of paper with names on it. Groaning at Andi's most recent two choices and then stopping on the last name. She pauses, piecing the name together in her head. She smiles to herself, quickly folding it away and looking back to her parents.

'That's a bump and a half, you sure you aren't having two?' Amelia pauses with fear and Mel laughs at her wide eyes, 'you would know by now, I'm kidding, relax!' Amelia sips her lemonade and strokes the leather seat of the booth. Looking around the bar, she thinks this is nice. But she can't help the nagging thought at the back of her head that constantly reminds her she's a coward, who ran away from her problems.

Rosie is sat beside her, scribbling furiously. Ewan is perched across, trying to copy the little girl. Rosie talks animatedly to him, like she forgets he is four years younger. Mel gently strokes hair from the little boy's face and he smiles at up his mother. Amelia watches them sweetly, Mel turns back to her, 'well, when you were here for the wedding you were broody, and again for that party thing at your mother's house, that's for sure.' Amelia chuckles, 'yeah, I know. But look at his little face, he's going to be a heart breaker, he gets it from you.' Mel laughs, 'don't tell Ben that, he will be devastated, he likes to pretend he's a local James Dean.'

'In fact, I really should blame you for all of this,' Amelia jokes pointing between her school friend and her bump.

Mel asks about Steve and Amelia stares down sadly, she lowers her tone, hoping the children don't hear. 'The truth is, I've done a bit of a runner. I just got so fed up, Steve is away more than he's home, I don't know what's going on half the time. We don't talk about work much, as it's not good for my blood pressure. But knowing he's not coming home and knowing he's in danger, it's a bad combination and let's just say, I don't relish it.'

Mel stares at her friend, 'well, I picked up on that the first time I ever met the guy, we all know you have what some may call 'abandonment issues,' sorry to be blunt.' Amelia waves a hand, 'nothing I don't already know. I can admit it. It's just, early on it worked, he was away, but not that much and now, everyone else seems to do less and less and he does more. Bucky stays local, Tony is planning his retirement, but Steve… sometimes I wonder if he takes the work to get away. He always claimed he wanted a normal life and maybe now he's realising its temper tantrums and piles of dirty laundry.' Mel looks at her confused, 'that man is besotted with you, all the times I've seen him, he cannot get enough and I bet this whole baby bump drives him even wilder.' Amelia smiles sadly, 'not exactly, we had… there was some bleeding a few weeks back and I think he's fairly terrified to get too close.' Mel looks at her sympathetically, 'why didn't you say?' Amelia sniffs and nods to the kids, shaking her head, 'it's fine, just a scare, but it's made everything a little rocky for everyone. I didn't even tell my dad. Steve did.'

Mel watches her friend, 'what else?' Amelia laughs, 'all these years and you still know me well. Umm, well I guess, Andi's moving out.' Mel grins, 'yeah, we had a wedding invite, weird, hey? Live wire Andi, getting married, settling down.' Amelia scoffs, 'not sure about settling, she's between living situations, like nobody's business, let's put this into perspective, my baby sister who is someone's personal assistant.' Mel laughs loudly, Rosie frowning at the adults 'I can't even begin to picture that.'

Amelia slouches back, 'anddd, I've got issues at work that I'm not really sure what to do about. I keep thinking I'll quit, but what about money and I feel like I need to be there, keep an eye on what's going on.' Mel raises a brow, Amelia finishes 'just don't ask.'

Mel suggests hopefully 'come back then, New York wears off people, I hear. The glamour can only last so long.' Amelia chuckles, dismissing it as a crazy idea.

Mel observes her sadly, as Amelia begins to idly colour Rosie's work. 'Mommy! Not there!' Amelia apologises and Mel looks over their heads, 'oh no, look out, here we go.' Amelia peers around confused, finally spotting Leon from high school heading their way.

'Hey, ladies, how we doing?' The pair smile, muttering 'fine.' He zeroes in on Amelia, 'long time, no see, Amelia! How you keeping?' She smiles as politely as she can, 'all good, thanks, Leon and you? Keeping well? How's the folks?'

Ten minutes later, he's still stood there. 'Are either of you free for a drink tonight?' Mel is quick to respond, 'sorry, can't, yoga class and… I really don't want to.' Amelia looks between the two friends, feeling guilty. She stares at her childhood crush, embarrassed to admit that, but feels bad for the guy. She also can't remember the last time she went out for a drink.

'I'm free, my dad can watch Rosie.' Leon looks at her eagerly, confused by who Rosie is, 'oh great, I can pick you up from your place, I'm still at my parent's so just around the corner.' Amelia offers a queasy smile, feeling as though her baby is tugging on something deep inside. He saunters off with a wave and Mel leans forward, 'that's a date.' Amelia scoffs, 'no it isn't, it's a drink, I thought you'd be there.' Mel stares at her, 'no, not in a million years. But he thinks it's a date, he missed the bump as well, trust me.' Amelia looks down at herself, 'no, he didn't. How could you miss this?'

Mel purses her lips, 'well you got what you wanted, a date with Leon Jenson, text me if you need an out.'

Amelia is in the hallway that evening, putting an earring in at the mirror. Her dad shouts through, 'your sister called again.' Amelia nods briskly, closing her eyes briefly 'yep.' Peter appears beside her, 'should you be going out like this? Isn't this sort of a date? What about Steve?' She stops and turns to him, 'no, it's just drinks, I'm excited, it's nice to be going out. He's an old friend.' Peter frowns, 'he's a bit in love with himself, isn't he? And should you be having dinner with a boy you used to watch from your window with binoculars?'

Amelia is mortified, 'dad! There's no dinner and don't tell people that. And don't say boy, sounds wrong. I was a kid as well! Now, will you be ok? With Rosie?' Peter smiles, 'Dana is putting curlers in her hair somewhere, they are having fun. So, umm, anything from young Steve?' Amelia sighs, looking down at her navy blue, wrap around dress. Pulling on a caramel-coloured overcoat, 'no, but that's standard.'

Peter looks her up and down, 'you'll need a hat, I'll get you a hat.' He turns away and she sees the headlights through the glass of the front door, 'I'm going, don't need a hat, it's almost summer, don't come out. Bye!' She tries to leave before he returns, feeling like a teenager. Shuffling into her pumps and opening the door, suddenly hit by a wall of quite cold air, she looks up to see Leon stood opposite her.

His eyes widen at the sight of her stomach, looking between her face and her bump, 'holy cow, where did that come from?' Amelia blushes a little, he did miss it at lunch. 'It's a baby. Now, shall we?' He shakes himself from the shock and agrees, allowing her to go first down the porch steps. Amelia eyes him, slipping past uncomfortably, he's wearing a suit, sans the tie and she's surprised by his effort. Is this a date?

When they arrive at the bar, Amelia quickly realises it's a restaurant instead. 'Are we having dinner?' Leon nods happily, offering her help out of the car. She declines and twists her ankles on the small pebbles covering the parking lot, 'ouch.' Amelia suddenly realises to her error, 'crap, this is a date.' She says it aloud before she can stop herself and he smiles eagerly over at her, 'well, just dinner, but could be more.'

Amelia isn't sure when to bring up that she's with someone and not to mention, pregnant. This feels surreal and she can't believe her dad and Mel were both right.

Once at the table, he takes her coat and Amelia looks around the tavern restaurant, cringing. She pictures her last date with Steve and looks back to Leon. He's smiling at her and showing too many teeth, 'I've ordered us a bottle of wine, red ok?'

She looks up, shocked 'I can't drink wine.'

Leon chuckles, 'oh yeah, how could I forget, duh!' He knocks his forehead jokingly and she shuffles in her seat, feeling uneasy.

Amelia agrees, how can he forget? She looks about, fortunately she doesn't know anyone. She looks back at Leon, checking his hair in a dessert spoon. 'Leon, I'm not feeling great, maybe I should go home.' He seems crestfallen, 'oh, well just an appetiser?' He looks at her like a lost puppy and she holds her breath, feeling a movement inside, it feels like her baby saying 'be nice.'

'Ok, well, just a small portion.' He lights up, grabbing a menu and passing her one. He peruses is casually and Amelia considers calling home, or Andi, she remembers Mel's offer and then she thinks of Steve. A horrible thought crosses her mind, 'is this cheating?' She discerns that it can't be, because she's miserable.

'So, what happened with Mr America?' Amelia bites her lip, everything on the menu is fish and it turns her stomach, 'we are having a baby.' Leon nods, 'wow, cool, super modern.' Amelia looks back to him and she realises that was her out and she missed it. 'Didn't work out though? The fame thing a problem?' Amelia places her menu down, trying to be as clear as possible this time. 'No, we're still a couple.' Leon looks across at her, quickly gulping the wine that the waiter previously brought over. 'Oh right, ok. Well. whatever you're into.' Amelia isn't sure what he thinks now, he leans over 'I've never done anything like this, what if he finds out?' Amelia looks at him in confusion, he explains 'the big guy. You know, I read a tweet about an article that was titled monogamy is a construct. I didn't read it, looked dull, but well, if Captain America is opting out…'

Her eyes widen like saucers, 'no! It's just dinner. Look, when I said yes, I had no idea…' she begins to well up, 'I thought you were being nice… a friend.' She sniffs and grabs a napkin, maybe his to dab her face. He looks over at her awkwardly, slowing reaching out and patting her hand, 'don't get upset.' He looks around in embarrassment. Amelia sobs a little louder, other patrons staring across, 'I'm sorry, I'm just not in a good place, pregnancy is way worse than I remember.' He looks up in shock, 'you have other kids?' She just stares at him blankly.

After a very brief carpaccio, Leon drives her home. Pulling up outside the house. He looks over at her, smiling genuinely, 'well, I had fun, if you're here a while and want to do it again, that would be great.' She looks out the window, wincing, 'uh, yeah, thanks. Sorry for the waterworks, I can't control it at the moment. Oh, I owe you for dinner.' He holds a hand to her lips, 'now what kind of a date would I be if I didn't pay?' Amelia watches as his hand drops away, stating coolly 'not a date, remember?' He shrugs, 'maybe not this time, but there's always hope.' She opens the car door, trying to act casual, but secretly desperate to get away. He winds the window down and she leans in to see him, 'thanks again, for the… soup?' She sounds unsure and he looks pleased with himself, 'oh good luck with your delivery, my ma tells me women are never the same down there again.' He offers her a small wave and starts the engine. She steps back, horror crippling her.

She looks around the dark, cold yard. 'That could have been my life,' she mutters, watching his car disappear from view. She looks up at the house, warm lights glowing from various windows.

She exhales and strolls around the back, not quite ready to go inside and be told "your sister phoned and I told you so." She spots the swing chair and waddles over, unsteady on the grass and quickly takes a seat. She pulls her coat around herself tightly. It's too cold and she should be inside but she feels calmer then she has for a long time. Watching her breath in the night air, she rubs her bump gently. 'Well, that was fun, wasn't it?' There's no reply and she feels like she's crazy, talking to her tummy. 'What will I tell your dad, hey?' She closes her eyes thinking about Steve. Rubbing her tummy again, she pauses. Looking around she's finally truly alone, but for once, she doesn't feel lonely. She looks down, sinking lower on the seat and pushing her bump out further, 'we have each other, don't we?'

'And Rosie, she's your big sister, she will be the best big sister…' Amelia looks around the yard at where she used to play as a child, she wipes her eyes. 'I've not been a very good big sister lately, I need to do better.'

She looks over at her discarded purse and reaches for it, pulling it closer. Flipping the popper open, she grabs her phone. She dials and waits, it's cold against her cheek and she thinks she should really go inside. There's no answer, just a voicemail.

'You have reached the mailbox of, "uh, oh right, Steven Grant Rogers," please leave a message after the tone.'

Amelia giggles at his firm voice, and the slight fumble to begin with.

'Hello, it's me, Amelia, sorry. Oh and baby, we are home, oh, home- Maine- home, Maine, don't freak out. We are safe, I don't really know why I phoned, hoped you might answer, I guess. That's all really, hope everything's ok with you. I love you. I feel like all I do is bitch about everything, but I love you and I love our life. Just… when you're ready, come back home.'

She hangs up and wipes her eyes, 'well that was embarrassing.' The back door opens and Dana waves to her, 'get inside, you strange lady, it's freezing.' Petch comes running over and Amelia drags herself up, 'I'm coming, I'm coming.'

'Amelia! What a surprise!' Evelyn gushes as she opens the door, pulling her daughter into a hug. Amelia's eyes bulge over her mother's shoulder, surprised by the warm reaction. Day three in Maine and Amelia has forced herself to visit her mother, sparing Rosie the ordeal.

Pulling back, Evelyn casts her eyes over Amelia, 'gosh, look at you, you must be days away?' Amelia sags, 'actually, I'm only around six months.' Evelyn stares at the growing bump, 'and they let you fly? Tell me you didn't drive? Your sister isn't still driving that beat up heap of crap, is she?' Amelia sighs and follows her mother inside, sighing and thinking how quick discussion moved from the unborn child to Andi's car. Amelia grumbles, 'no, even better she's thinking about getting a bike…' Evelyn calls back, 'what, dear? Don't mumble.'

'Come in, come in, you haven't seen the place since I went minimal, have you? Your father always liked those terrible nick-nacks. Tell me, is it still painted like a beach hut over there?' Amelia drags her feet, regretting the visit already. 'You want a fruit tea?' Amelia winces at the unappealing options but nods and sits in the lounge, as instructed. Her mother disappears to make drinks and she takes advantage, looking around the room. It's soulless, cold and everything is white or grey, there's not one photo of any of them.

Amelia checks her phone, no response to her rambling voicemail. She's kind of relieved, it feels a little dramatic and cheesy in the light of day, she almost hopes she dreamt leaving it.

'No Rosalyn?' Evelyn asks as she reappears with a tray of drinks, glass teacups filled with simmering, infused water. 'She's at Dad's.' Amelia is aware her answers are brief and lack detail, but she's suddenly thinking of excuses to leave quickly. 'Is the dog woman still hanging around?' Amelia reaches for her tea, pausing mid-way, 'who?' Evelyn picks a piece of lint from Amelia's shirt, 'you know, bathe and groom, his new wife?' Amelia startles and places the tea down, 'Dana? Yes, she's still around, they are married, mom!' Evelyn sits back against the couch cushions, 'don't raise your voice, just checking. Now, where is that man of yours?' Amelia grasps her tea, knocking it back to avoid answering and burning her tongue in the process, 'working,' she rasps 'please don't call him my man. Gross.'

Evelyn clasps her hands and crosses her legs, looking at her daughter over her glasses, 'I saw him in the paper with that young woman.' Amelia closes her eyes and looks up at the ceiling, 'he pulled her out of a pile of rubble, can you try and be a little sympathetic.' Looking at her mom, Amelia feels like she's having a session with a shrink. 'Well they looked very cosy and don't forget, I write erotic fiction, so I know.' Amelia shivers at the words, 'that makes you a body language expert, does it? And I thought you wrote romance?' Evelyn shakes her hair and smiles, 'Toby, my new publisher, has suggested I branch out, hit a more modern audience.' Amelia picks up on the way she bats her eyes at the mention of this Toby.

'Toby?' Evelyn just smiles, 'yes, he's younger than you.' Amelia puts her tea down, leaning back and sighing heavily, 'gross.'

Evelyn watches her sceptically, 'are you still working out? There's a difference between pregnant and f-a-t.' Amelia is horrified, 'whispering and spelling it out doesn't make it any less offensive! My doctor is happy with my weight and yes, I was boxing. But I stopped, because...' Evelyn is stunned, 'Amelia, do stay calm, it's not good for either of you. Boxing, really? How… unusual.' Amelia looks about the room, spitting 'yes, real cutting-edge stuff, women can be anything these days. Tell the book club about that.'

Evelyn jumps up, 'I think I still have that article here, you know it's a girl!' She rummages in a basket and pulls out a trashy glossy magazine. 'Mom! You're a writer, can't you subscribe to a better class of media?'

'Don't judge me! You're the one pregnant for a second time, no husband in sight. Two different dads.'

Amelia pauses, that feels like a low blow and a bitter sting. 'Mom, you're living in a different time…' Her mother continues to flick through, licking her fingers and missing the way Amelia's nails grip and tear at her silver sofa.

'Here we go, oh yes, he is a good-looking boy, I'll give you that. Better than that ruffian Andi hangs around with, does he even speak? He's only ever grunted at me.' Amelia ignores the bitter prattle, nodding absently 'I like Bucky.'

'Andrea is actually marrying that… hobo. I had my invitation, looks like it was done on the cheap. When is the dress shopping again? I mean, if you are here, can't she just join? Save me travelling to the city. It will be so special to have my girls together.' Amelia shrugs, putting her feet on the coffee table, her mom brushes them away. 'Andi's not coming, I came alone, just me and Rosie.'

Evelyn watches her closely, nodding to the bump 'picked a name yet? Cressida's daughter just named her baby Pandora-Rose.' Amelia wants to vomit at the name. Evelyn tells her daughter off for pulling faces. 'Ok, miss fussy, what do you like?' Amelia groans, throwing her head back, 'uh, we liked Bob for a boy and Jan for a girl.' She smirks a little and Evelyn bristles, 'well, now I know you are kidding. January is quite nice though.' She continues, 'I never really liked Amelia, and I detest Mia. People see it written down and they say Mya, or M.I.A, don't pick a name where there's room for scope. AND please don't pick Jan!'

Amelia shuffles to get comfy, 'so why are you really here?' Amelia halts, 'just visiting Dad, I'm on my own a lot and it was nice to come home.' Evelyn seems scandalised, 'don't be insane, Amelia, New York is your home, it is far more cosmopolitan and since when have you been such a daddy's girl? Also, if you will dally with celebrities...' Amelia opens her mouth in shock, 'what does that mean? Dally?' Evelyn leans forward, dropping a hand onto Amelia's thigh, 'I'm just saying, men like that will have many options and he may get bored.' Amelia looks ruffled, 'mom, we're having a baby.' Evelyn brushes that fact off, 'be that as it may, it's all a bit pedestrian, isn't it? For someone of that level?' Amelia demands 'Steve wants pedestrian!' Once she hears the words aloud, she knows it is insulting to herself and her children. She bites her tongue and sips her tea, 'well, he will be gutted he missed this.' Evelyn smiles and shrugs sweetly, touched by the comment. Amelia rolls her eyes at her fickle mother. 'It doesn't hurt to dress up for your man, make an effort, don't let him see you schlubbing it in that dress, will you?' Amelia feels like she can't breathe, this woman.

'Are you having a shower?' Amelia looks up confused, wondering if she smells, wondering how she knows about the shower. 'Amelia, do keep up, a baby shower?' She hasn't even considered it, she doesn't know who will throw it, she's hardly speaking to her sister because she nearly lost their cat.

'Thank you for not bringing young Rosalyn. Just not a very kid friendly environment, is it? Is she still all sticky hands and touching everything?' Amelia grumbles, 'no, she's not two. She is very well. She wrote a lovely poem, came second in a competition.' Evelyn beams, 'am I mentioned?' Amelia nods, finishing her tea, 'yep, it's about you. Just you.'

'Amelia, sit up. Doesn't help your posture or your figure. Also, I told you, no horizontal stripes.' Amelia looks down at her blue and white striped dress. 'You want to stay for some lunch?' Amelia shakes her head, checking her phone again, muttering 'like hell.'

'Who are you talking to?' Her mother demands and she deflates, 'no one. Absolutely nobody.'

'What are you wearing to this wedding? I did the math, you'll still be pregnant, unless you go late again.' Amelia swallows, 'which we all hope I don't, right?' She looks at her mother, egging her on to be nice. Evelyn nods stiffly, 'of course we do.'

'Have you had an invite? Horrid, I'll get mine to show you.' She watches as her mom disappears and she just sinks further into the sofa, hoping it might help her out and swallow her whole. She can hear her mom shout back, 'are you taking the folic acid? What about the vitamins from that article I sent you…'

Steve lets himself into the dark house, he wonders why it's so dark and where everyone is. He looks around, calling Amelia's name softly, then he tries Rosie's. 'Flash?' He calls out into the early evening, but nothing.

His heart rate increases, and he looks around quicker, hitting the hall lights and locating his phone in his holdall, it's crammed with messages, mainly from Andi and an unopened voicemail.

He walks to the kitchen, immediately spotting a note and picking it up gently.

Steve,

Rosie and I have gone to visit my parents. Our flight details are on the reverse side. I'm sure I will be back before you even read this. Baby is fine.

It just all got a bit too much and I needed to get away, I'm so sorry. I just need some space and time.

Love you,

Amelia

P.S. Digby is at Natalie's, I didn't know what else to do with him.

He sighs, staring at it, feeling as though things had gotten better, he looks around and wonders what happened. His eyes travel to the fridge, the baby names gone. He walks close to the black and white image of their baby. He looks back to the note, I just need some space and time. He keeps reading that same line, questioning if she needs space from him. He wrestles his phone out again, ignoring notifications from Andi, he catches glimpses, why would she do that? What is she thinking? Can you come back early? He clicks the voicemail and waits.

'Hello, it's me, Amelia, sorry.' He's relieved to hear she's ok, she sounds content, he worries that he couldn't give her that.He smiles at her rambling. 'Oh and baby…' he only hears 'Maine' and 'don't freak out.'Steve rubs his eyes, freaking out is right. 'We are safe, I don't really know why I phoned, hoped you might answer, I guess.' He feels guilty that he didn't. 'That's all really, hope everything's ok with you. I love you. I feel like all I do is bitch about everything, but I love you and I love our life.' He softens, listening to her. 'Just… when you're ready, come back home.' He sighs, disappointed that's how she feels, he taps the screen and the message repeats.

'Hello, it's me, Amelia…'

'So, I ordered the hot tub, and your dad refuses to get in it. But trust me, it's amazing, he's missing out. Doesn't like the idea of the neighbours watching. But I told him, it doesn't get much more private than your own back yard. No one can see anything and also nobody wants to see.' Amelia smiles, peeling potatoes, she sobers a little 'I can't believe you are moving away.' Dana chuckles, 'not away, don't be dramatic. You sound like your sister.'

Amelia looks up at the mention, Dana asking her causally, 'spoken to Andi since you got here?' Amelia shakes her head, 'well, five days is a long time, maybe best to make it up with her and start a clean slate when you get back?' Amelia agrees, not really convinced. She nods at the cork board on the wall, 'see you got your invite.' Dana gushes, 'yes, lovely. Maggie and Ty as well, how sweet of Andi and Bucky to invite them.' Amelia swallows, 'yeah… Mel and Ben are going, Owen and Joe. Yeah, it is nice of them.' Dana watches her, Amelia distractedly peeling a potato down to a small pebble. 'How's Bucky coping? All these wedding plans?' Amelia softens, 'he's doing well. They both are. They're really good together.' Dana smiles comfortingly, 'you and Steve are good as well.' Amelia shrugs, 'yeah, I know.'

'Now that Rosie is a bit older, she's much more interested in the train set, much to your father's delight.' Amelia grins, 'I thought they were fishing?' Dana nods, 'yes, it's just you and me.' Dana gets up and checks the fridge, calling back to her.

'Oh, Mia, think you can you pop out to the barn, the chest freezer in there, there's a bag of peas. Can you manage that?' Amelia smiles at Dana, pushing back and getting up 'I can handle peas, I thought you might say a dead deer or something grim, felt baby stir at the thought.' Amelia rests a hand on her tummy and trudges to the outbuilding, looking around at the garden, smiling up at the tree house and heading for the barn. She warms remembering the beautiful wedding that took place there.

Working the rusted lock free she stumbles in and looks around for the freezer. When she refocuses, the barn is still strewn with fairy lights and she huffs, thinking they never took them down, but smiles enjoying the memories. She turns and spots the freezer, muttering to herself, 'pregnant whale falls in chest freezer in barn.'

A voice startles her, 'I hope not, I'm very fond of her.' Amelia jumps and grasps her chest, turning to find Steve stood opposite, in the middle of the barn in her hometown. He's wearing a white t-shirt, under a blue jacket and his hands are crossed behind his back. 'What the hell are you doing here?' She breathes out, he walks closer to her and stares down at her belly, then looks up at her sternly. She wants to throw herself at him, cry, kiss, sob, everything.

'Where have you been, Amelia?' He sounds irritated and she sulks a little, pouting, 'here, in Maine, home, you know.' Steve watches her avoid eye contact and he challenges, 'home is in New York. Why? Why the disappearing act?' She sighs and slaps her hands at her sides, 'I'm lonely, Steve! I'm on my own all the time, just me, our six-year-old and our foetus, conversation isn't riveting. Andi is too busy with Bucky and all the hearts in her eyes and… I'm lonely. I just wanted to be somewhere nice and warm, preferably with a bath! Dana cooks me food and looks after me, I'm sorry, but I wanted that, just for a little while. She makes me feel warm inside.' Steve sighs and rubs the back of his neck, laughing at the last part, then turning serious again 'imagine how I feel, I come home, and my family have gone, leaving just a note.'

Amelia feels terrible now, scuffing her foot against the ground. 'I didn't think you'd be back until next week, Tony said…' Steve just looks at her, 'Tony?' She recoils, 'fine, I just had enough, I'm sorry, ok?' He doesn't respond and she continues, 'I feel so much better now, we can go home, I need to make it up with Andi, just start again. I was just so tired of everything, Digby went missing…' Steve's face contorts in confusion, 'don't worry, he was on our bed the entire time. The news, work. God, I have so much to tell you, it just got too much. Like I'm screaming and no one can hear me.' She talks fast, her breathing ragged and he strokes her arm, pulling her close. 'Take a breath, Amelia. Everything's ok.' She reaches for her belly and relaxes, knowing her little girl is there, safe and sound.

He smells like home and she nods against him, 'what are you doing here?' He whispers, 'I drove here.' Amelia sniffs, looking up at him, 'you did? For me?' Steve strokes her hair, wiping tears from her cheeks with his thumbs, 'I missed my girls.' Amelia melts and she apologies, 'I thought you'd be away and never even know.' He nods, 'well your sister isn't happy either, what happened?'

'I was a bitch to her.' Steve looks away, not liking when she talks like that. She reaches for his hands, 'sorry, I just reached breaking point.'

Steve nods and runs a hand across his chin, 'I know and that's why I'm going to stop.' Amelia looks up quickly, mouth agape and eyes wide, 'what? You're doing what? But... what?' Steve closes his eyes at her rambling, 'I'm going to step down, I can't keep doing this, unintentionally putting my family in second place. It's time, I've given enough. Maybe too much.' Amelia looks down embarrassed, he explains 'you know that's not how I feel, you're not second best. I try to balance, but I can't be everything to all men. Something has to change. It's my decision.'

Amelia's pupils dart around, confused and shocked. 'You can't quit, you love it, sometimes, don't you?' He tilts her chin, 'I love you three more.' She steps away, shaking her head, 'noooo, no, no, no, everyone will blame me, you don't really want this, I've forced you into this. You will resent me later.' He looks at her quizzically, 'I thought you wanted this?' She squeezes her head between her palms 'I want you to be happy, doing whatever. But is this what you want?'

Steve reaches for her hand. Looking down at it, suddenly imagining a ring on her finger and shaking those thoughts. 'I want to be with my family. It's time to trust someone else to keep watch. It's all me, not you. There's lots to think about, it won't happen quickly. We have time to adjust.' Amelia stares at him, bewildered, unsure what to say.

'Are you disappointed in me?' He asks meekly and she looks up quickly, shocked at the notion, 'why would I be disappointed?' Steve pushes his hands into his pockets, 'I will just be plain old Steve Rogers, not Captain America.' Amelia dashes forward, lunging two hands towards Steve's face, 'don't say that, I don't know a better man than Steve Rogers and I told you years ago, it's you I love, not Captain America. Not the Avenger or the superhero, just you, and there's nothing plain, or old about you. Don't talk about my boyfriend like that.' Steve winces at the wording and Amelia misses the look that crosses his face.

'I don't know when this will happen, how do I know when the time is right?' Amelia shrugs, reaching for his hand, 'that's down to you, only you know that.' He nods, 'maybe once I know Buck will be ok and… there is one more thing I need to do.' Amelia looks up in concern and Steve strokes her hair, 'nothing, don't worry.' Amelia can feel a fearful chill run down her spine and she tries desperately to shake the ill feeling.

Steve drops his forehead against hers and inhales deeply. Pulling back, he places his hand on her waist and stares down, 'you've grown, I've only been gone a week. She's growing,' he mutters in awe, Amelia looks at his hands and sighs, 'I can't really see my feet now, are they still there?' He laughs and kisses her. 'Steve, we have so much to talk about, I can't even...what does that look like, what will you do? Does Tony know? He will blame me, you know that?' Steve looks about the barn and smiles to himself, 'no, I haven't thought any of it through, but I know it's something I must do, I want to do. Along with a few other things.'

Amelia looks at him and raises a brow, 'you going to share with the class, Rogers?' He smiles and swipes a piece of hair behind her ear.

'Shit,' Amelia groans, he looks at her with a furrowed brow 'what?'

'I was going to quit, we can't both leave our jobs.' Steve frowns, she explains quickly 'I'll tell you later.'

Amelia looks up distracted, 'oh, you won't believe what's happened, dad is selling the house. I told him I'm not coming up here if they keep surprising us like this.' Steve nods sympathetically, 'how do you feel about that?' Amelia's face scrunches in anguish, 'heart broken, this is my home, I just assumed it would always be here, you know?'

Steve nods and strokes her arm soothingly, muttering lowly 'actually, it's our home now. Well, mine, but I'm sure we can work out some kind of deal.' He smirks cheekily at her and Amelia steps away, 'you're kidding? Wait, you bought the house? They gave you the house? You own my house?' Amelia's voice is rising in volume and Steve's happy smile turns to confusion. 'Amelia, I bought the house from your parents, for you, me, Rosie and baby, for us to live here, when everything's settled. The four of us.' Amelia stares, dazed and shocked, 'you just bought a house?' She says quietly, Steve shrugs, 'well, it's dangerous work and Tony is a billionaire.'

Amelia shakes her head, 'but you bought the house? Do people know, when did this happen? Does my dad even know?! I have so many questions, I'm freaking out. I've never owned a house!'

Amelia stares at his face, 'you bought us a house?' He shrugs, 'yeah, I spoke to your dad last night, I asked Andi. I'm just finalising it verbally, there will be lots to sign, handover, but as long you want it, it's ours.'

Steve watches her face, unsure of the reaction, 'Are you... happy?' Amelia stares at him for longer, her face begins to crumple into tears, 'you bought us a house?' She's crying hard now and Steve stares at her in surprise, 'happy tears?' Amelia nods frantically, 'yes, oh my God, yes.' Steve laughs and steps in close, pulling her into a hug, Amelia buries her face in Steve's shoulder and cries loudly, 'I'm so sorry, it's the baby, the hormones. I'm sorry I ran away.'

Steve kisses her hair, muttering, 'soon you won't be able to blame her.' Amelia pulls back, Steve smiles at her, he has one more surprise up his sleeve, but looking at her, he thinks it might be best to park that for now. Steve relaxes, sniffing her hair 'there is one condition.' Amelia looks at his face, 'I said he can keep the train set in the garage. I mean, he did me a really good deal.' She laughs, throwing her head back, 'so, we're just moving? You and me?' She says it with wonder and Steve smiles, it sounds good, two words cementing that this is right. 'Yeah, you and me,' he touches her cheek softly. Amelia mumbles, 'no more New York.' She suddenly thinks of Andi, questioning if she is doing exactly what she's berated her sister for. 'Are we running away?' She asks him thoughtfully and he looks up, 'no, we are just starting a new chapter.'

Amelia looks up in realisation, 'oh, I'm definitely quitting then, I'll cling on until my leave and then find something here.' Steve chuckles at her, the way odd things come to her mind and the things she's excited about. She hugs him close, 'I'm so glad you are here. That's the thing I'm happiest about. Do you need to leave soon?' He holds her tight and whispers in her ear, 'no, thought we could stay a couple more days. Then when we are ready, we can go home, together.' Amelia nods, her hands shaking with excitement, nervous flutters in her stomach.

Steve looks at her sternly, 'we have a lot to sort, you need to have the baby at home, we can't just up and leave. Rosie's school. Then there's Bucky…' She catches the glint in his eyes and squeezes his hand.

'Hey?' She whispers gently, he breaks from his reverie of cataloguing what's next for them. 'I think I have a name.' He smiles warmly at her. 'Really?' She just nods.

She hugs him again, quietly weeping into his shoulder, 'come on, it's ok, it's all happy news.' Amelia nods and murmurs, 'you should know I went on a date two nights ago.' She starts to cry louder and Steve looks at her with pinched brows, pulling back, 'Sorry, what?'

There's a patter of feet outside and Steve looks up with a smile. He can hear Rosie calling to her grandfather. 'Uh, we need to come back to this date, thing…' Amelia sniffs and dries her face quickly. He nods to the freezer, 'don't forget what you came for.'

Steve takes the bag of frozen food from her and Amelia smiles, 'I can handle it.' Steve nods, 'I know, but I like helping.'

Once outside, Amelia squints a little at the sunlight, Steve looks about the yard, 'new hot tub, I see?' Amelia giggles, 'apparently dad hates it, I quite like the idea. Maybe they will leave it!' Steve grins at her, 'have you had a nice few days?' Amelia groans, 'yes, amazing, it's so nice to be home.'

Walking to the back door, Amelia enters first and finds Dana still preparing dinner. She looks up with a tight-lipped smile, 'oh, did you find what you were looking for?' Amelia smirks and holds the door open behind her, Steve wiping his feet and holding the frozen peas. Dana acts surprised, 'oh, Steve, what are you doing here?' Amelia rolls her eyes, clearly the older woman knew.

Steve steps in close and hugs Dana, he looks about, 'is uh…' He can suddenly hear Rosie zooming through the halls, 'I caught a fish, but we let him go home! Mommy?' Rosie appears, kitted out wearing a floppy hat and a padded gilet. Amelia laughs and Dana explains, 'your dad went a bit overboard at the shop.' Rosie shouts 'can I have a drink?' Still not noticing the new arrival. Dana agrees and runs the tap, Rosie gratefully accepts and gulps her water, before gasping for air. She looks about when she hears a soft 'flash!' Running around the counter, she spies Steve, 'you're here! You're here! Thunder! You came!' Steve catches her, bending down and hugging her close. 'I missed you,' she declares softly, 'me too,' he mutters, squeezing her tightly.

Steve pulls back, as Peter walks in, 'ah, Steve! I mean, Steve, what are you doing here?' Amelia fakes a laugh, 'yes, ok, ha ha, very funny! What is that smell?' Peter puts the kettle on, 'young Rosalyn fell in some water, had to go in after her.'

'Hey, you ok in there?' Steve calls, through the bathroom door. 'I just put Rosie down, just checking in?' He can hear some splashing and Amelia calls, 'all good, come in.' Steve pauses and feels a stir inside, thinking about Amelia naked just beyond the wooden door. He gently pushes the door open and asks, 'you sure?' He's looking away and Amelia shouts 'yeah, get inside and shut the door, I don't want everyone in here.'

Steve steps through and gently closes the door, locking it and turning to glance down at her. She's lying in the tub, head propped on a towel, bubbles all around and just her belly poking out the water. A yellow rubber duck sits on her belly button. 'Cute,' he says dryly, he walks over and bends down beside the bath, eye level with her. 'Is it everything you dreamed of?' He asks, referring to the bath. She looks him in the eye and groans, 'oh my God, yes, better. And even better when I think this could be every day for me in months to come.'

Steve cups some bubbles and blows them lightly over her face. She gets an idea and bites her lip, 'you know what would make it better though?' She asks sweetly, she nods animatedly between the bath and Steve, eyebrows wiggling. He looks surprised and raises a brow, 'it doesn't look big enough for both of us.' Amelia sits up a little, bubbles shifting and she hums 'well, if you'd rather stay out there, dry and alone, that's up to you.'

Steve shakes his head and stands slowly, perching on the side of the bath, back to Amelia. He reaches down slowly to undo his shoes and he hears a splash, followed by a sprinkle of cold water, 'oops,' she says quietly. Steve looks at her, side on, 'well, I might just leave after that.'

Amelia sits up further and turns, putting her elbows on the bath edge beside him. Showing her smooth soapy skin and growing belly. 'Don't be a bore, grandpa, get in!' Steve stands and looks down at her, slowly unbuttoning his shirt, 'are you sure we will both fit?' Amelia nods, splashing as she turns back around, 'trust me, I know.' Steve halts and looks at her suspiciously, 'I don't want to know, thank you, especially if it involves Lang.' Amelia laughs loudly and smiles at him, biting her lip, 'just strip for the love of God, our girls are sleeping and you are wearing this rhinestone cowboy so well, it's been killing me all day.'

Steve chuckles, melting a little at her words. Looking down at his shirt, Amelia gasps as he pulls it off his shoulders, 'wait, no vest? What's going on here?' Steve smiles at her and hangs the shirt on the back of the door, 'I'm impressed with your tidiness, even in the moment, Captain.'

Steve pauses at the word Captain, but quickly resumes what he was doing, 'it's a nice shirt, Dana bought it for me. I didn't really prepare for a holiday.' Amelia is suddenly embarrassed and looks down shyly.

Two fingers reach under her chin, tilting her head back, 'hey, I'm here now, it's fine.' Steve begins to unbutton his pants and Amelia shifts, making some room for him, she groans in pain and he panics, 'you ok?'

'Yes, just pulled something, it's my back.' Steve is anxious, 'maybe we shouldn't…' Amelia's face pinches, 'get in the tub! Now!' She barks and he nods eagerly, 'ok. You're so bossy.'

He sits on the toilet across from her and looks down, Amelia watches him, leaning over the edge, placing her chin on her arm. 'You ok? Second thoughts about all this?' Steve shakes his head, 'no, just thinking about Buck, what will he do.' Amelia smiles sadly, 'I'll miss him too. Maybe he could come?' Steve doesn't answer.

Amelia looks to the ceiling, 'well, Andi's moving out, she told me, for real, it's really happening.' Steve stares over at her, realising it's change for everyone. Steve stands and unbuckles his trousers fully, shuffling out of them, hopping a little.

Amelia watches, enjoying being submerged in the warmth of the bathtub and watching him get undressed. Her thoughts are disrupted by a foot stepping into her bubbles. He pauses, 'you're sure there's room?' She giggles, 'yes, now get in.'

Steve tries to get comfy, fighting with her for leg space, scared to kick their baby. 'Right, well you lied, there's no room.' She laughs loudly and splashes him, 'careful, you're moving the bubbles, I can see things.' Amelia shrugs, lying back, putting her feet in his lap. 'Oh well,' he's missed her laid back attitude, she seems more at ease here than in the city. She closes her eyes and he rubs her soapy feet. 'Tell me about this date?' Amelia groans, gradually explaining what happened, 'I didn't know he thought it was a date, it was so embarrassing.'

'Do I need to go round and remind him you're involved with someone?' Amelia grins, eyes still shut. 'Remind him daddy's home? No, you're ok.' Steve smirks, rubbing a hand up her calf. She kicks him a little, 'that tickles!' Steve sighs and she feels a shift in the atmosphere.

'Talk to me about work…' Amelia's eyes fly open, his face reads stern, his brow creased with care. Amelia moves to sit up, 'you won't like it, I can't tell you. I have it under control.' He eyes her wearily, 'Amelia, you are thinking about quitting, it can't be that under control.'

She eventually caves and tells him everything, the water starting to chill by the time she finishes. 'But I need to be there for now, there's Natalie to think of and honestly, while I'm there I can keep an eye on what he's doing, but I know it's him who leaked it's a girl, I just know it. Who else? We've been careful.' Steve stares at her, unmoving and she sits up fully, knocking his groin with her foot, 'shit, sorry. Can you just say something, please?' Steve winces in pain, croaking 'not right now…'

After a while, he sighs, 'you could quit, I'd take care of you.' Amelia looks at him, touched by the sentiment, 'you're sweet, but I'm a big girl, I can look after myself. Thank you though.' Steve grits his teeth, staring off and obviously thinking about vile Richard.

'Hey, our bath is being ruined, can we just talk about nice things? Did you see the name? The list in my bag?' Steve lights up, but answers in a controlled manner, 'I did.'

'And?' She's leaning out the water now, water splashing over the edge. 'Sit back, you'll flood the place. I… I like it. Could be a winner.' Amelia squeals, 'it's good, isn't it? No middle name yet, but we can work on that.' She lies back, turning on the hot tap, patting her tummy and whispering happily, 'little baby Rogers.' Steve looks up quickly at the name, her eyes closed again. He glances to her baby bump sticking out the disappearing bubbles and smiles.

AN: Thank you so much for reading, I know it's long (I personally like long updates) and OC heavy and I feel a bit conscious of that, but it's all leading back to characters we know and love and you've stuck with it so far!

Like I always write, there are flaws with all characters, not setting out to write unrealistic.

I never thought I'd write a story where Steve steps away/down from the role, so that was a surprise to even me. But he still needs to make it happen yet! It is his decision, no Amelia's. I like the idea of Steve trying to be a little less selfless and put his wants first. I also like him giving her the evil eye in the barn for disappearing across state lines!

Bucky and Andi are back in the next chapter, it's all about them and it's a little different.

Stay safe x