AN: Hello! I hope you are well, no update last week, sorry! But I'm back with, hopefully, an exciting update. Usual disclaimer applies. Lot's going on here, so let's get to it! Stay safe

Chapter 30: Cool and the Gang

'I don't want to go, you can't make me!' The blonde announces stubbornly. Amelia looks at her sister in desperation, pleading 'I'm going to your wedding with another person inside of me, who is constantly punching at my bladder. And trust me, she does it all day and all night. Surely you can do this for me!'

Andi shakes her head, 'I can't and besides, actually, you know what, I don't want to. Bucky's not going, I'm not going. And what if she's there?' Amelia softens, 'she won't be, Tony told you. You know that. Look, if you really can't come, then I understand, of course I do, but these things are generally awful and you being there just makes it a little easier. Please?'

Andi turns to her pleading sister, 'you used to quite like these parties, what happened?' Amelia sighs, giving up, 'I do, sort of. But I've always felt out of place and now I feel even worse, quadrupled in size, I get hot from just walking. I'm just not in the party mood. All those stuffy people gawping at Captain America's "out of wedlock" baby, and the random woman in tow, what a scandal!' Andi looks at her poignantly, Amelia swallows, 'touché, you aren't in a party place either, but still, please? I'm desperate.'

'You should go, PA. I'll pay you to go, if it helps.' The women look up to see Tony Stark entering the lab. Amelia acts a little bit shy, like she shouldn't be there. Quickly she mops the spilt lettuce from her sandwich into the trash and smiles at him. 'Hi Tony, how you doing?' He stops in front of her 'woah, when did that happen?' He looks her up and down and she groans, 'it's not twins, it's just the one, I'm almost seven and a half months, I'm pissed off and I'm always hungry. The cramping is heinous, my bladder feels like it's deflated and I know I had toes once, but I just don't believe it anymore.' Tony nods, 'fair enough, thank you for the detailed analysis.'

'But you're still coming to my party?' He grins and Amelia smirks a little, 'I am, only because of Steve, apparently he's making a speech.' Andi scoffs, 'he does that most days. And that's another reason to skip it.' Tony laughs loudly, 'over the dirty cereal bowls in the morning? I can see it now.' Andi nods, he smirks 'how is living in a frat house with those two wild kids?' Amelia shrugs, 'fine, more hands on deck.' Andi stares down sadly at the mention of Bucky, 'he's not himself.'

Tony lights up, 'speaking of, here, from Bruce, character statement thing, he left it for you.' Andi accepts it gratefully, tracing the sealed envelope with her fingers, 'will you be at the hearing next week?' Tony asks her and she sighs, 'he said no, he wants to be alone. Which I think is a mistake. But who am I to comment?'

Andi checks her watch, 'shit, has someone stopped by or called him?' Amelia nods, chomping on her lunch, speaking with her mouth full 'Steve called him, your turn this afternoon.' Andi sighs, relieved and Tony flicks between them, 'wait, are you keeping tabs on him?' The women nod and agree like it's obvious, 'right, ok, poor guy.' They ignore him and refocus on lunch.

'Brace yourself, don't call the coast guard, it's not a beached whale, it's your girlfriend.' Steve laughs at her voice and once again winces at the word girlfriend, tapping his inner pocket and feeling his wallet there. He looks up and catches Amelia walking down the stairs, 'would you believe me if I told you I was breathing in right now?' Steve chuckles and gazes across at her, looking her up and down, 'also, if I said my feet were already tired?' She comes to a stop in front of Steve, pouting and dropping her head, muttering to the ground.

'Well, do I look ok? The papers are going to be full of this tomorrow.' She waves at herself and Steve stares at her lovingly. Amelia strokes down her white, floor length gown, it has long flowing sleeves where the arms poke out half way down, with a silver waist tie above her ever growing bump. She's wearing her favourite pearl earrings and she seems to have more hair than she did this morning. Steve smiles warmly at her, 'you look beautiful, how lucky am I? Two girls on my arm tonight.' Amelia giggles 'don't let Rosie hear that. She'll be tagging along. What monster would make maternity clothes in white?' Steve watches her touching her hair, 'is that all yours?' Amelia laughs, 'no, Pepper's people gave me those extensions that time, thought I'd shake it up. I quite like it, but I'm hot already, it's pretty heavy.' Amelia stares down at the weird sleeves, 'I feel like a poor man's Princess Leia,' she jests and Steve stares at her earnestly, 'well, I feel like a rich man, stood beside you.'

She blushes and pulls back to look at him properly, 'wow, black tux, nice. Classic. Bringing out the big dogs tonight.' Steve looks away shyly, she grabs his arm, leaning in and kissing him, 'soon I won't be able to reach you.' He smiles warmly at her, 'you really look lovely,' she blushes, 'thanks, so do you.'

Amelia shuffles uncomfortably, 'now, what is tonight for again?' Steve coughs awkwardly and caresses her back, grabbing her coat and helping her into it, 'a benefit for the up and comers, the future Avengers, it's called the Stark Gifted and Talented programme.' Amelia nods, hiding a yawn, stating dryly 'sounds like a good night, at least if I only make it to nine, I won't miss much. Where is it?' Steve looks at her with a side glance, 'did you even read the invitation?' Amelia yawns fully this time and appears uninterested, using her clutch to cover her mouth, he confirms 'it's at the tower.' She brightens at that, 'home from home, thank God, I can go to your room if things get really bad.' Steve laughs at her, 'I know you have never really liked the attention, but you used to like a dance.' Amelia feels bad, patting his lapel, 'I still do, God, I do. I mean look at you, you're gorgeous, sent from angels. But look at me! If I stand on your foot, you will need a cast.' Steve places a hand on either side of her stomach, 'baby and I are bored of this conversation, Amelia. So, no more tonight, thank you.' Amelia grins, 'fine, let's get this show on the road, shall we?'

Bucky is sat on the couch the entire time, listening to them with a small smile. He finds the interaction sweet and looks off into the distance, distracted that he and Andi should also be getting ready to go. Frowning, he shuffles forward. He sits up and yawns, acting as if he was asleep. He saunters out, tugging at his hood over his shoulder. 'Hey, you two ready to go?' He asks and they both nod sadly, he summons a smile 'don't be like that, this is a dream come true, finally got an out of these boring things.'

He smirks at Amelia, 'you look nice, don't be so hard on yourself.' Her eyes widen, 'well that's rich, coming from you.' Bucky shrugs at them, 'you both have a good time, yeah?' Steve worries, 'sure you will be ok?' Bucky shoves his hands in his jogger pockets, 'got the best company possible, just a shame Mia didn't make any sandwiches this time.' She looks at him dryly, 'so funny, but I'm not sure Andi's the best of company right now.' Bucky frowns, 'I didn't mean her. Just me and the kid!' He wanders back into the lounge, switching off the TV and making the couch look neat again.

Steve and Amelia look up at Andi coming down the stairs. She huffs and puffs, tugging at her dress and looking at them with a sigh, 'ready to go?' Amelia smiles at her warmly, 'I didn't know you were… thank you for coming, for doing this. I mean, you look wonderful, now I really do feel like a whale. A white whale.' Andi brushes off her red dress, it's boned around the ribs, with sculpted cups, thick straps and a long skirt, all in a bright red. Her lips match and her hair contrasts against the rich colour.

Steve watches her in surprise, she was in pyjamas only an hour ago and neither thought she was even attending. 'You look nice,' he acknowledges, and she nods, holding her clutch in front of herself awkwardly. 'Thought I'd make an effort, I'm only doing this for my sister.'

Steve spots the headlights out front and checks, 'that's the car, you ready?' Amelia nods and he turns back to Andi, 'we will meet you out there?' Andi nods and steps down the last few stairs, combing her hair over one shoulder. It's straight and she bites her lip sadly. Looking into the lounge, Bucky is stood there, arms crossed in front of himself.

He peers up at her, stunned by her appearance. His eyes trace her outline, he doesn't think twice before spilling 'you look beautiful.' She smiles weakly, her spark dimmed somewhat of late. He follows the curve of her neck, the round of her shoulder, down her long arm and he pauses on her emerald ring.

She strolls closer, 'I bought this dress to wear with you, it doesn't feel right.' He watches her bite at her lip, look away and shake emotions from view.

Reaching for her hand, he tells her seriously, 'I'd marry you right now.' Andi's breath catches and she stares at him, unsure if he truly means it. Bucky touches the tips of her hair, mesmerised by how soft it is. He looks down at her framed figure, 'the colour is really you.' She giggles, 'well I am out for blood.' She laughs and the joke never really reaches her eyes, 'Rosie's upstairs playing. I better go, they are missing their third wheel.' Bucky grins and reaches for her hand, 'have a good time.' He kisses her knuckles, and she nods sombrely, 'just think, this time next week it will all be over, one way or another.' Bucky agrees, repeating 'one way or another.' He lifts her hand to his mouth and gently kisses her fingers again, feeling her ring beneath his lips. He reluctantly drops her hand and nods a little. 'Have fun,' he advises.

'Shame it's not a masquerade, you could sneak in.' Bucky looks at her and considers her words. He sees her to the door and she leans up and kisses him softly, 'be good.' He shakes his head, 'never.' She steps into the cold night and Bucky nods to them. Closing the door and wandering to the front window to watch them pull away.

He never thought he'd be disappointed to miss one of Stark's events.

He looks about and meanders to the kitchen, spotting Amelia's handmade sandwiches on the counter and an emergency contact list.

At the tower, Andi sits at the bar glumly. 'This is bullshit,' she mutters and a man she doesn't know gets up and moves away from her. She looks down at herself and grumbles, 'whatever. Piss off.'

Sam Wilson takes an empty seat beside her and she just stares at him, ordering another drink. 'You look… incredible, honestly. Were you trying to kill the poor guy. I'm going out and you ain't coming, bitch.' Andi manages a smile, accepting her third drink, 'unlike everyone else, I am not trying to kill him.' Sam looks out across the room, 'so you going to tell me what really happened? Surely, we aren't going to pretend a data breach is keeping Barnes away, he's a good soldier, maybe our best, we need him here.' Andi sighs and her eyes find Tony and Pepper, she can't blame them, but she'd like to.

Andi knocks her drink back, frowning 'how's your comms girl?' She orders another and Sam frowns, confused, 'oh yeah, she's fine. A chatty Cathy, but good fun, she's nice. She asked me out, actually.' Andi grimaces, muttering lowly 'did she now?' She drums her nails against the bar, crunching ice loudly, Sam nods, 'yeah, she's dancing with someone from her department at the moment.'

Andi pauses and stares at him, 'she's here? Now? Where?' She spins and looks around quickly, Sam waves her down, 'woah, hey. Where's the fire?' Andi peers about, blood draining from her face. She spots the blonde agent and her brow pinches. She's wearing a pale yellow off the shoulder gown and Andi hates herself for thinking what a nice dress it is. Andi can't believe the audacity, Bucky quarantined at home and she's here, lusting after more of their friends.

She peers about again, Amelia and Clint dancing, her boss just a few feet away, numerous colleagues none the wiser and a sworn promise that she would keep her mouth shut. Accepting she can do nothing, she tells Sam, 'Wilson, get the drinks in, all of them.' He's perplexed by her behaviour, having never seen her this subdued. 'Don't let your fancy woman come near us, ok? I'm serious, keep her away from me.' He nods, half in terror, she looks deadly serious and Sam finds himself questioning what's going on.

Across the hall Steve tries to find Amelia, she left him to go to the restroom and he's worried she's not come back. Looking around he spots her chatting with Nat and he smiles over. Her dress skimming her bump, her hand instinctively stroking it. He likes the way her hair curls down her back and how she laughs loudly, covering her mouth with mirth. He watches her closely and then looks at the ground, missing his best friend. He can see Andi at the bar, unsure why she came, she only seems miserable. She's propped up, talking to Sam and Steve frowns, none of this feels right.

'Got your speech?' Tony asks, swinging past. Steve takes a deep breath and taps his inner pocket. Tony grins, 'I have high hopes, you always deliver a gut punch, I brought a hanky this time.' Steve nods and smiles at the older man. 'How's he bearing up?' Steve shrugs, 'not so good, your assistant doesn't look great either.' Tony looks over and sighs, 'only so much I can do there, it's compromising and oh, that's why internal relationships aren't allowed! So, bravo on dating outside the office pool.' Tony looks across at Amelia, 'but I'm happy for you. Really.' Steve's eyes flicker to the older man quickly, shocked. 'I mean it, she's great, you seem happy. Corny as it is, I'm happy for you.' Steve nods, 'thanks, Tony. Hey? There's something I should tell you… do you have a minute?' Tony gets distracted, waving at someone 'later, yeah? Got to go mingle. You should too.'

Steve watches Tony walk away, reaching for his speech and heading for a balcony, he doesn't want to mingle.

Stepping outside he looks across New York. He knows soon the tower will be sold and this will be a memory. He looks down at the folded paper, sighing and reading his notes. His eyes skim the introduction, down to the key mentions. A thanks to the supporters and guests, thanks to Mr Stark and lastly his eyes fall on words from his own heart. He reads it himself, 'it's been my greatest honour to serves as Cap…' he can't bring himself to read it out and he turns back towards the party.

Refocusing on his notes, 'I will be stepping down at the end…' Steve looks up, hearing something behind him and folding his speech away.

He feels two hands slip under his arms and doesn't need to look to know it's her. 'Hey, aren't you cold out here?' Steve shakes his head, turning to Amelia, 'you doing ok? How's your feet?' She chuckles and lifts her skirt, showing two slip on sandals, 'these are heavenly.' He laughs at her, she sighs and laments 'poor Andi and Bucky,' as she cuddles close to him. 'This should be the happiest time of their lives and look.' Steve agrees and props himself on the railing, Amelia mimicking him.

'What you doing out here?' She shivers and he admits 'practicing my speech.' She smiles brightly, 'I didn't think you did that. What happened to from the heart? Can I see? Surely as your girlfriend I get some privileges.' He doesn't react at her joke, stalling but easily producing the paper. She laughs, waving her hands, 'will I cry?' He shrugs and watches her read it. Her eyes follow the text and Steve just waits. She lowers it down and looks to him, 'can we get some food on the way home?' Steve is surprised but nods mutely. 'I just feel like I've barely eaten, there's a waiter in there who is ducking me, I know it!'

She resumes reading and he watches as she pauses, her eyes widening a little and her lips drop apart. She looks up at him and then back down, finishing the speech. 'Steve, I…' He takes it back quickly, hiding it from anyone else. 'I thought it might be time, you know, to give notice, give a heads up, this way Tony can't talk me out of it. It will be done.' Amelia looks at him sadly, touched by his writing and his admission. 'Are you sure? This is huge. Is now really…' Steve nods, uncertainty beginning to flood him. 'Yes, I'm sure of you and us and our future. And when I picture it, I'm not wearing stars and stripes. I'm not signing autographs at the grocery store. I'm just me and like Bucky said, that's enough.' Amelia bites her lip, 'I love you.' He reaches for her hand, 'you too. You know you changed my life.' Amelia looks away shyly, 'no, you did that all by yourself.' Steve shakes his head, 'no, this is my real legacy. My family.' Amelia puts her head against his shoulder and breathes him in. 'I'm not sure what the world's going to do without Captain America.' Steve sighs, looking out at the sky, 'maybe they won't have to find out.' Amelia's not sure what he means but leaves it.

Natasha steps outside and watches the pair, 'you can't hide out here all night.' They look over and Amelia turns to Steve, quietly responding 'she's right.' He nods and advises her to go inside, 'you look cold.' She agrees and retreats, 'don't be long!' Natasha hangs back, watching Steve stroke the silver rail. 'I'll miss the city,' she admits and he nods, 'yeah, I know what you mean.'

She seems to debate her next words, 'I don't want to get emotional, but your family will always be here, Steve.' He stills and listens to her heels on the tiled balcony, as she walks closer. 'I don't mean the one that just went inside. We will always be here for you.' He looks down, closing his eyes, 'how did you know?' She smirks, 'I know everything. When will you people learn?'

The two Avengers stand there in silence, side by side, watching the city go by.

Natasha sighs, 'how's Barnes holding up? He doing ok?' Steve stiffens, unsure what she knows, everything, he suspects. 'He's… still here, he'll get through it.'

Steve eventually braves going back inside, he strolls up beside Amelia. She's chatting with someone, an older couple. 'Ah, Captain Rogers, your lovely wife was just telling us all about your other talents.' Steve's mouth opens and closes and he doesn't know where to start with that one. 'Drawing, dear,' Amelia explains, patting his arm falsely, he just nods.

'They aren't married,' the man mutters beside them and the woman looks mortified, peering down at Amelia's bulging bump. Amelia jokes 'but we think he's the dad! So, don't worry about that one.' Steve winces and wonders what's come over her. 'Excuse me a minute!' Amelia announces, grimacing and muttering under her breath.

She locates her favourite waiter, grabbing a canape from his tray and scoffing it in her mouth.

Steve quickly hurries after her, 'are you ok? What was that about?' Amelia gulps her lemonade, 'that was the third person to comment on our unborn child, honestly, bunch of twa…' Steve cuts her off, 'careful.' She apologises, red faced 'sorry, just tired, I'm fine. Just all these stuck-up idiots, like it's uncommon, I can have a baby with whoever I want! As many as I want!' Steve strokes her lower back, smiling down at her flushed, angered cheeks.

Amelia later finds herself in the restroom for the third time, sat in the stall, dreading standing up. Looking about, everything is gloss mahogany and gold, even the toilet seat. There's barely any paper and she curses, all the money in the world but no toilet paper. She can hear women chatting beside the sinks and mirrors and she thinks about calling to one of them. She rummages in her tiny clutch for a pack of tissues and hisses in success when she finds some. But it's an empty wrapper and she groans.

'So, you and Wilson?' A woman asks from outside the stall and Amelia grins, still looking about her bag for something while listening in, whispering 'go, Sammy.'

The female voice continues, 'I assume things didn't work out with Sargent you-know-who?' Amelia is now seriously thinking about calling out to ask for paper or she could just sit there until the party ends.

Another woman's voice clarifies, 'Barnes?' Amelia stops, bracing against the wall of the cubicle. She swallows, listening carefully. 'No, I made my move, but he's… well I dunno, frigid, I guess, or just broken maybe.' Amelia's heart stops. She waits anxiously for more, leaning in and trying to hear. There's laughter and a few more mentions of Bucky's name, Amelia growing increasingly enraged. She struggles to stand and spots an extra pile of paper, she sighs quietly, 'thank God.' She grabs it and bumps the cubicle wall, there's suddenly silence from the basins, no doubt wondering what's going on inside.

The women relight with chatter and Amelia tugs her control pants up and suddenly feels very warm and harassed from all the movement and stress.

She takes a deep breath debating leaving the cubicle, she hears a tap switch off and she thinks she's missed her shot at getting the truth, grabbing up her dress, ready to hurry after them. But then they continue, 'so he wasn't interested? Or it didn't work out? I did tell you it was pretty serious with Stark's PA. Engaged, apparently. You'd never know with the angry face he walks around with. Not my idea of romantic.' The second woman hums in agreement, Amelia tries to peek out the crack of the door, but can only just make out a yellow dress, that woman then appears to speak, 'I know, still, it was worth a try. Then Wilson asked me out, so I've just put the entire thing to bed. Moved on!'

The first woman announces, 'good, you can do better. Well, I'll see you out there, I'll get the next round in, cash in on that open bar, meet you out there.' Amelia hears the main door and she groans thinking, that's it, they've gone, lemon dress has really gone this time. She adjusts her underwear, nothing is straight but she doesn't care. Her dress is caught in her stockings from the rush of redressing and she cusses, pulling at it 'shit.'

Outside the stalls, Victoria looks over towards the locked cubicle and laughs a little, 'are you ok in there? Can I help at all?' Amelia is dazed, almost backing away from the door, thinking don't come in. Remembering she can't see her, Amelia agrees, 'oh, yeah, thanks, yeah, ummm… just out of paper.' Amelia lies, staring at the new full batch she just found.

Victoria smiles, 'oh, here, I can help.' She walks to the next cubicle and passes some paper under the stall. Amelia nervously accepts it, as if she can see right through the wall. Amelia's not even sure she would recognise or know who she is, but she doesn't want to risk it.

Amelia nods dumbly to herself, aware that she is acting like an idiot right now. 'So, you're with Sam?' Amelia shouts to the girl, trying to keep her chatting. Victoria is taken aback by the use of his first name, turning back to the stall door, 'oh, umm, yeah, just for tonight. Sorry, who are you? Hard to tell who's behind the door.' Amelia searches for the right answer, biting her lip, 'I'm… Mia. I work in… marketing?' Victoria nods, checking her make-up in the mirror. 'Oh ok. I'm Victoria. Communications. Well, I better go back, as long as you're ok?' Amelia panics, not knowing what to do. She wonders, does she squeeze a confession out of her or maybe record her? Then she considers sitting on her until help arrives. 'Uh, actually, can you pass me more paper?' Amelia winces in embarrassment and Victoria looks a bit concerned, 'uh, yeah. Sure you're ok?' Amelia nods to herself, eyes closed, 'I'm good.'

In a horrible last-ditch attempt, she lies, 'thanks! So um, Sargent Barnes, am I right? Couldn't help but overhear... I swear I get pregnant every time I see him walk by.' Victoria stares at Amelia's stall door, not moving and Amelia worries she's gone, or realised something is up. But then Victoria sighs loudly, 'tell me about it, but he's not all there, trust me, it's not worth it.' Amelia swallows, 'oh, you've… been there? Tried? I mean, how was… that? He looks like, uh, ummm, like he knows his way around?' Amelia's embarrassed and can't believe she's sunk to this. Pushing her forehead against the cubicle wall, it's like talking about her brother. She leans against the wall of the cubicle, wondering how long she can stay in there and keep this up. 'Do you need a tampon?' Victoria asks sweetly and Amelia looks down at her bump, 'uh, no, I'm good, thanks.' Amelia looks away awkwardly and she can see how the girl wormed her way into everyone's good books, she's being really nice. She replays Steve's words, they don't know her, they don't know why she did this, there will be more to it, but Amelia is struggling to be so fair and rational right now.

Victoria reaches for a lipstick in her clutch, reapplying, 'anyway, Barnes, it was… amazing, until he stood there like a dead duck and then just pushed me away.' Amelia breathes out a little, laughing to herself, Victoria snaps her gaze over. Amelia hears her and calls, 'sorry, just refreshing, you know, to know I'm not the only one who gets rebuffed.' Victoria grins, 'definitely not, he just stood there, I basically said, I want you, most men would like that, wouldn't they?' Amelia exhales unevenly, relieved to have the proof she wanted. Victoria strokes her eyebrows down and hears the flush, watching as the door opens, Amelia smoothing her dress down.

Victoria double takes at her bump, 'oh, wow, sorry, no tampon for you.' Amelia blushes a little, trying to keep her head down and quickly washing her hands, her sleeves dragging in the water. Victoria eyes Amelia closely. She can feel her heated gaze on her and feels stifled. Victoria slowly asks, 'hey… have we met before?'

Amelia shrugs, 'umm, don't think so.' Amelia looks her over, small frame, petite figure, she's pretty and Amelia quickly looks away from her beautiful dress choice. 'You look familiar, I don't think I've even been to the marketing department. Did you come with other people? Or are you here alone?' Victoria pities and Amelia straightens, side stepping to the hand dryer, 'uh no, I'm with Steve.'

The communications officer reads confused, and Amelia elaborates loudly over the fan, 'Rogers?' Victoria halts, looking over in surprise, her eyes widening and a slow look of horror spreading across her face.

Amelia sighs, rubbing her belly, trying to be casual. 'Thanks for the paper, you're a life saver. Best get back out there!' Victoria stares at herself in the mirror, clocking Amelia as she walks behind her, heading for the exit. 'Hey, look, whatever you heard…'

Amelia stares at her and offers a strained smile, shaking her head sadly, as if to say please don't do this.

'Have a nice evening,' Amelia bids kindly, her voice trembling and she quickly leaves, wincing and stopping in the hall, breathing deeply. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed like this is all too much, unsure what to do with this new information? Steve quitting, his big announcement. That girl boasting she kissed Bucky. The one thing she does know is that she knows she needs to leave this place now, Victoria will surely emerge soon.

Tony strolls past and she exhales in relief, 'Tony!' He can't hear her and she thinks about running after him, almost laughing at the word running. She looks back to the bathroom and knows she's in there like a spider in a glass. She wills her legs to carry her further away and quicker. Finding Tony, she calls to him again, he turns and looks her up and down, 'are you in labour?' He questions and she shakes her head. 'What? No, of course not, that's way too early. I wish it was nearly done!' Tony frowns, 'sorry, just you look ready to pop.' Amelia wants to thump him with her clutch. 'Stop talking, before I hurt you. I need to speak to you, where's Steve?'

'He's making his speech, I'm about to introduce him, you coming?' He offers her his arm and Amelia considers it, but accepts reluctantly 'yeah, ok. But then I must talk to you, bring Pepper.' Tony agrees, walking her back to the room, she looks down the hall and can't see any sign of the comms agent. 'Do you want me to be a God-parent?' She looks up, 'huh?' He continues 'or was it a menage-a-tr…' Amelia cuts him off, 'what? Ughh, no!'

'What was it you wanted to tell me?' Tony clarifies and she plasters on a fake smile, 'oh, right, yes, that was it, Godfather. Of course!' Tony grabs her and kisses her cheeks, she looks panicked and he announces 'what an honour, can't talk now, got to bring on Captain Atlantic.'

Parting ways at the ballroom entrance, Amelia peers around for Andi, spying her still at the bar, now with Clint and Nat. Amelia starts to weave back to her, but the lighting changes and the music stops. Tony now on the stage, making a testing 1, 2, 3 joke. She stops and stares back, Steve stood at the side, looking for her. She waves and he relaxes seeing her there. She spies the couple from earlier presumably telling another pair about the wedlock child she's carrying.

Tony rabbits on, cracking jokes and swanning around the small platform stage. Raucous applause fills the room, equally rich people stroking his ego. Amelia can feel her baby kicking and wonders if she's trying to tell her something. She watches as Tony throws out an arm and calls Steve to the stage.

Steve ducks into view, formal and rigid. The crowd are very pleased to see him and he looks a little shy. Amelia claps absently, it's lacklustre as she glances about the crowd. Not really sure what she needs to do but feeling panicked and concerned. She can hear Andi whistling and she wonders if she could find a fire alarm to press or something, anything. Trying to unscramble her thoughts desperately. She refocuses on Steve, holding her bump and trying to calm down. Her pulse is racing and she reminds herself this isn't helpful. One hand on her lower back feels like it's beating, with her wild pulse underneath it.

'Thank you, Mr Stark, for that thoughtful introduction.' Steve finds her eyes and she tries to look as calm as possible, he must notice something is off, as he falters. She nods a little and he begins. 'I am happy to be here tonight to speak to you about and celebrate our heroes of the future. The class of twenty sixteen.' There's more applause and Amelia doesn't know what to do with her clutch, banging it against her palm, looking around for that damn lemon dress. She then looks back and spots Victoria whispering to Sam. She watches as they leave, Sam protesting but going in the end like a couple of teens at prom. Amelia turns back and feels awful, she's missing Steve's speech. Trying to catch up and watching as he stumbles over his words and his writing.

He looks down and pauses, 'a hero is about more than…' he fumbles for the words and looks back at his notes, shaking his head, 'uh, sorry.' He looks out at Amelia and her shoulders drop, she offers him a smile and he continues, 'hh, part of being a hero, well for me… what I'm trying to say…' He looks back and Amelia knows this isn't the right time, it isn't the place. She looks over the sea of glazed faces, he doesn't owe any of them anything and the people he does are joking at the back by the bar and the most important person isn't even here.

She looks at him and he licks his lips, wiping his jaw and staring back at her. She shakes her head with the smallest of motions and he locks onto her, knowing she's right, he folds the speech away and speaks from the heart, forgetting the last part. 'Sorry, too much champagne.' The audience laughs and she relaxes, convinced he could say anything and they would just donate money and chuckle along. 'Where was I? Right, heroes of the future.'

Amelia wells up watching him, realising how hard this is for him. Tony arrives beside her and she double takes, he just passes her a silk handkerchief, and she smiles meekly.

Andi watches from the back corner of the room and sips her drink, arms folded. Steve is bumbling over his words and on another night she'd find it hilarious. She can see her sister twitching in the crowd, but she's lost all patience and interest outside her own pain. She stares into her drink and sighs, finishing it and abandoning the iced glass on a table. She adjusts her straps and looks down. 'You look sad,' Andi stills and senses someone beside her. Not looking up, she confesses dryly 'I'm bored.'

The male voice beside her jokes 'you look incredible. Why the long face?' Her heart constricts and she swallows, her mouth going dry. 'My boyfriend is grounded.' The man leans in closer, 'that's a pity, for him, not me.' Andi smiles, quickly hiding it, 'you know, I've read about this, women who think they are dating ghosts. At least that better be what you are!'

She looks up at a freshly shaven Bucky. He's in a tux, his hair trimmed short and spikey. Andi looks horrified, Bucky's eyes widen 'what? I thought you'd be happy?' Andi pushes him back into the far corner of the bar. 'I brought these,' he rummages in his pocket, producing the thick rimmed glasses. 'Why does everyone think that works, I'm not a secretary, Steve isn't Clark Kent and you still look like you. You need to go, this is not romantic, you will be fired, you need to go. Put the fucking glasses on for the love of God!' Bucky shakes his head, 'I thought you'd like it, Rosie helped me cut my hair.' Andi pauses, her face turning stone cold, swallowing 'where is she, Bucky?' He looks concerned and admits 'upstairs, asleep in my room, our room.' He produces his phone, a monitor image of Rosie sleeping soundly. 'It's not your room right now! Mia will kill you, I'm going to kill you. Let's not even think about Steve. You kidnapped a child!'

He explains, 'don't be dramatic, you left her with me. We left right after you, came across, dressed here, she watched TV, she helped me with the hair, the suit was here, we had to. She drifted off, what's the big crime?'

Bucky opens his mouth to speak some more, 'don't! There's multiple crimes in there, Bucky! Why are you here?' He strokes her arm and she flinches away, 'I couldn't let you go like that, you looked so beautiful and so sad all at once.' Andi grabs his arms, 'you can't be here, she's here, she's with Sam, they are dating or something. You need to leave right this instant. I've never felt so stressed, I think I'm having a heart attack. How did you get in here?' He shrugs, 'walked in.' She just stares at him, 'fine, used your key card.' Andi's mouth opens in horror, 'no, no, no. Go home, that's an order, leave the kid, I'll take care of it.' She stops, 'wait, how did Rosie get in?' Bucky chuckles, 'she wore the glasses.' Andi rolls her eyes, about ready to slap him. 'Relax, we came in the back way, parked Amelia's car there.' Andi lights up, 'oh and yet another crime. Grand theft auto. Brilliant. What are you thinking?'

'Hey, Andi!' She closes her eyes, 'fuck, quick, turn around. Now!' Bucky does as he's told, ordering a drink while she deals with the Stark colleague. '…that's sweet of you, but I just went over on my ankle, taking a break, next time, yeah?' Bucky scoffs at her poor lie and can't help but find the kid with his eyes who asked her to dance. She turns back to him, he frowns, 'everyone knows we're engaged, everyone thanked me, twice probably. Why's he asking you to dance? I've only been gone a week.' Andi snatches his drink, 'you are incomprehensible, if Stark sees you… what if Pepper sees you? Go. Home. Now.' He looks dejected and she feels terrible, what she suspects was a romantic idea, turning very sour.

He turns away from her and her eyes widen, 'your hair is all over the place at the back.' He touches it and sighs, 'that's the bit the kid did. Knew I shouldn't have trusted her with the scissors.' She watches him, almost getting lost in his pleading blues. Her sister comes bustling over, as applause launches for the end of Steve's speech. 'Oh fuck, hide, or go, but please, don't say a word,' she warns. 'If Steve finds out, you take the rap, you hear me? He will blame me for this, it's crazy enough to be my idea.' Bucky begins to leave and she grips his suit arm. 'Wait, you need to take Rosie, Steve will know, I can't produce her and be like oh she was in my bag the entire time.' Bucky nods, again trying to leave. 'Just turn around, my sister is coming.' He does what she asks 'oi, give me that, that's my key!' She grabs her lanyard and key card from his suit pocket and utters turn around.

Amelia approaches Andi frantically, getting stopped by numerous guests. She finally meets her half way, Andi looks at the panting pregnant woman. Amelia seems like she's been dancing for hours or just run a marathon. 'I need to speak to you, it's important. Get Steve and Tony, meet me upstairs in the lounge.' Amelia bends over a little, 'I literally can't breathe. Do you have your key card?' Andi isn't sure what's going on now, but as Amelia tries to look over her shoulder, she snaps back to reality. 'Here you go, key card. Just wait in the lounge, I'll get the other two. What is it? Is everything ok? Are you in labour?' Andi looks back, but he's gone. She frowns in confusion, turning back and asking 'is everything alright? What's happened?' But Amelia has waddled away, rubbing her lower back. Andi desperately looks for him, spotting him by the door and she mouths hurry. She prays he heard the conversation before he ducked out. Bucky gives her one last glance and departs.

Andi breathes out, she can see that Amelia has caught Steve on her way and Andi sighs, hoping it gives Bucky time to escape. She bends over a little, exhausted, her stomach churned up. 'I think I might be sick,' she mutters to herself.

'Steve, Steve?' Amelia fights through people, trying to get to him. 'You ok? What's up, you look very red in the face.' Amelia nods desperately, 'I just need a break, I need you to come with me upstairs. Now.' Steve double takes, 'uh, I'm not sure, I should really be here… I don't think we sh…' Amelia catches up, 'no, ugh, not for that!' She stares at him seriously, 'it's about Bucky.' He suddenly understands that she means it. 'Yeah, ok, let's go.' He then stops and looks down sadly, 'I didn't do it, I didn't tell them.' Amelia grabs his hands, 'now isn't the right time. You will have a time and you'll know when it's right, it will feel right. But please, in this moment, just come with me? Forget everything else.'

She bends over slightly, hissing in pain. Steve reaches for her, 'we shouldn't have come, you're overdoing it.' Amelia looks about for somewhere to sit or lean, and she's sure she catches sight of Bucky. Readjusting her eyes, it can't be him, he's not allowed to be here and this guy has short hair. Refocusing, the man has suddenly gone. 'Amelia? Are you ok? Right, we are going home. I'm taking you home.' She grabs his arm, her nails digging into him, 'it's a cramp, nothing more. But I'm so turned on when you say you're taking me home, but just thirty more minutes, then we can go. Now, let's go, Andi is bringing Tony.'

AN: Thank you so much for reading and following. Let me know what you think.