AN: Hello, thank you so much to anyone still reading and enjoying. Hope you are keeping ok

So, here we are at Bucky's first day back on the job and everyone's got a big decision ahead of them!

So, my story is and isn't alike the original films and canon material, it does differ in places and there are some controversial decisions coming, from both characters and writer... I hope it's always believable for the characters themselves and the source material. When I doubt myself, my partner reminds me to be happy with what I wrote and I am, I have loved writing this so so much! Not done yet, sounds like a goodbye, I'm just pre-warning for a season of change and some startling moments. It is dramatic at times, but I personally like a balance of intrigue and sweetness in the stories I read.

Fluff warning towards the end, happy Sunday Stay safe. X

Usual disclaimer applies.

Chapter 33: Time to Choose

Bucky arrives early at the tower, slinking into his office, hoping for minimal fuss. Until he's greeted by Sam, who lets off a party streamer in his face. It falls to the ground sadly and Sam grimaces, 'well, that about sums things up around here.' He stares after the streamers and then shakes himself.

'But, hey! You're back! You sly dog, where have you been? You slacker!' Bucky rubs his face but smiles a little, secretly pleased to see Wilson and letting his guard down just a little. Sam holds his arms out, 'you wanna hug? We huggers or nah?' Bucky ignores him, shaking his head with a smirk.

Bucky eyes the other man, 'what happened?' he asks pointing to a bruise above Sam's eye. 'You switched on a television recently? See the news?' Sam queries and Bucky just sighs, he continues 'yeah. I've just given my statement regarding events. I'm not even sure what happened. From bad to worse.'

Sam settles at his own desk with a huff, 'good to see you, man. Gotta say, you don't look like you've had two weeks away.' Bucky groans, 'hmm, lots of baby-sitting.' Sam agrees, 'still, seriously, it's good to see you. Won't ask what went down, but glad it's all sorted.' Bucky appreciates that and Sam pokes, 'not long now until the big day!' His eyebrows dance around and then he suddenly turns serious again, 'Steve told you about this accords crap, people are dropping like flies, Romanoff is even planning to sign. Can you believe that shit?'

Bucky nods, stating flatly 'they are scared.' Sam just stares at him as he declares flatly 'Steve will sign as well.' Sam scoffs, 'no way, no, he won't.' Bucky doesn't argue but he knows he's right.

Bucky opens his mouth and Sam stops him, 'Barnes, please, I can't talk about any of this anymore, please? I'm trying to bury my pain here.'

Sam kicks his friend's chair, 'now, tell me something. This comms girl, Victoria. What's going on there?' Bucky coughs and switches a computer on, 'what do you mean?' Sam explains, 'she was with you, then me, then we went out for what I thought was a date, she corrected me quickly in the parking lot, went on a rant about her reputation or something. Then she stormed off and next thing I know she's been moved departments. Nothing, not a peep from her. Any ideas what's up there?' Bucky just shrugs, Sam leans back, 'hmmm, well anyway. I'm on the FRIDAY train now and it is sweet, she whispers naughty things in my ear in that nice voice of hers.' Bucky laughs and Sam lights up, 'oh, meeting at twelve. Decision time, I assume you've made up your mind?' Bucky shakes his head, lying. Sam grips Bucky's shoulder, 'stick with me, man. We could take on the world, I know it. Maybe become a duo?'

'Hey,' the two look up to see Andi, swinging by, holding the doorframe. Sam sighs, watching her, 'hey, pretty rough yesterday, right?' She swallows, nodding and not wanting to relive it. She turns to Bucky, 'how's you first day going?' Bucky moves his head from side to side, 'this guy is showing me the ropes.' Sam laughs, 'yeah right, other way around. And how are you, bride-to-be?' Andi looks at him suspiciously 'why are you so happy?' He exhales slowly, 'just hiding my pain.' She accepts that answer, 'aren't we all? Anyway, Tony wants me to book your arm in.' Sam looks shocked, 'wait, you're having an upgrade? Why didn't you say? You're so coy, Barnes.' Bucky looks at her subtly and she grins at him, biting her lip. Bucky nods, 'sure, can we fix a date later?'

'I'm easy, you going to this meeting at twelve?' Bucky agrees, pushing hair from his face in habit but remembering he cut it all off. 'Yes, we will be there.' Sam watches him, gesturing 'this a wedding chop? Getting ready, are we?' Bucky peers down shyly, 'something like that.' Sam looks over at Andi, 'did I hear right, bachelorette party at the weekend?' Andi shuffles, 'yeah, but doesn't seem right now, so…' Bucky feels guilty and Sam shakes his head, 'no, enjoy it while you can, live your life, that's my motto. If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it's that. Now, I'm going to find Barton, I want to be there when someone breaks the news.'

Sam leaves and Andi stares after him, 'well that was… full on.' Bucky agrees, grunting as he slides closer to the desk. 'You ok?' She asks him softly, Bucky looks up, worried she might get closer, 'yeah, but we better not… you know.' Andi catches on, laughing, shooting him a finger gun 'ok, no kissing, got you.'

Bucky feels bad, 'I have a meeting with HR to receive my written warning in twenty minutes.' Andi bites her lip, joking 'bad boy.' Bucky rolls his eyes, 'not helpful.' She feels guilty and produces something from behind her back, 'sandwiches from Mia. I've gotta run. Good luck with your meeting, be nice.' Bucky nods, she stops 'and with your other meeting, just do what you gotta do.' She says no more before she leaves. They haven't discussed his decision. He senses she might know the answer already. She smiles earnestly and waltzes from the room. Bucky stares at his computer, not sure he can even remember the password after the weeks away and then questioning if it's too early for sandwiches.

…

Amelia and Steve sit in traffic across town, 'well that was better than expected, I can still go to work at least. I can't sit at home over thinking all day.'

Steve looks over at her face, frowning 'yeah… doesn't mean you should.' Amelia sighs, ignoring his worried tone 'thank you for coming.' She reaches for his hand and holds it between them. 'You ok about today?' Steve nods, checking and tapping his pocket for the new scan image.

'Have you… have you made a decision?' Amelia eyes him, concerned and trying not to sound too worried. Steve nods, 'yeah, I think so.'

Amelia wants to ask but isn't sure if she should. Every time she has mentioned it, he seems to still be thinking about something. She can see the turmoil in his eyes, the missed sleep on his face and the stress in his mussed hair. He tells her he wants to be selfish and just be them for a little longer, she wonders what that means. Amelia's dying to know what's going on in his head, good or bad.

'You were up late, last night,' she ponders and Steve kisses her hand, 'yeah, couldn't sleep.' He smiles her way, 'you were kicking me.' She rolls her eyes, 'well she was kicking me, so we are equal.' Steve grins at her bump, 'she's so big now,' he mutters in awe. Amelia shuffles dropping his palm, 'you're telling me! If I make it to this wedding, it will be a miracle.' Steve double takes in worry, 'I mean, not right now, but… yeah, feels like a way off and baby could easily make an appearance by then.' Amelia giggles, pulling out her own scan image. Staring down at it happily 'definitely my nose, Bucky was right.'

'You still like the name?' Amelia asks and Steve nods, 'yes, one of the few things I'm certain of right now.' She looks at him sadly, 'don't forget to drop me at the office, don't drive on autopilot to the tower.'

At the mention of the tower, his demeanour changes. Amelia tries to talk about something else.

'Bucky left early this morning.' Steve just nods 'I hope he's ok, doesn't bump into you know who.' Amelia agrees, 'I mean, you'd just leave, wouldn't you? What a weird situation, I think she got off lightly. It's pretty serious stuff. Accusing someone of that, gossiping about it, taking it back, I dunno...' Steve stares out the window, his knuckles turning white as he grips the wheel. 'Hey,' Amelia reaches over and he snaps to look at her, 'woah, you ok? What you thinking about?'

Lying, he offers 'sorry, just the traffic, you know.' Amelia doesn't buy it and Steve quickly banishes the image of Rumlow talking about her and Rosie. His whispered warning repeating in Steve's head.

'What will Bucky do about the accords?' Steve sighs at her small voice, putting the break on and looking at her seriously, 'he won't sign. How can he? Look at what he's been through. Why should he? At some point he deserves to live his own life.' Amelia bites her lip, thoughts running fast through her head, 'but what does that mean? For him? For him and Andi? For you?' Steve honestly doesn't know the answers, 'we'll find out, I guess.'

Amelia stares out the window, 'when my parents got divorced, and this isn't the same… but, my dad refused to sign to begin with, thought my mum would come around. He seemed to think that a loveless marriage was better than divorced parents and what he thought would be this broken home. But in the end, something that felt wrong and hurtful, was just what we needed. We made a new way, made a new family and now I can't remember anything before that. Other than arguments and fighting. It wasn't his decision, but it was for the best.' Steve nods, considering her words.

The radio turns to news and he quickly hits it off, trying to ignore the massive incident they caused, at least until he gets to work. Amelia swallows, 'God, I hope Richard doesn't spring anything on me, you better hope you don't really have a mole at the tower. You know, the other day, I actually doubted Natalie, thought she'd told him about Bucky. He just messes with my head.' Steve straightens, 'about the harassment claims? How would he know about that?' Amelia shrugs, 'he seems to have his ways, I honestly have no idea, I can't wait to finish, I'm going to tell him where to stick it on my last day.' Steve watches her, she looks angry, her fists clenching her dress. 'Just hold fire, maybe, you might need that job to go back to.' Amelia stills, considering what happened to moving away, quiet country life and her potentially new career in radio.

They move forward a little in traffic and Amelia can see her building, 'I can walk, it's no issue.' She starts gathering her things, Steve sits up, 'no, you will not.' She laughs a little, 'aright, dad. Practicing, are we?' He smiles, it feels good to forget what's going on around them, then he frowns. 'Look, work, this Richard guy, do you want me to speak to him?' Amelia just laughs loudly, 'sorry, sorry, that was rude, but no! It's just, no. What are you going to do? Jump onto his fire escape and warn him to be nice? Thanks, but no, I've got this.'

After five minutes of quiet, Amelia takes a deep breath, 'ok, I need to know, which way are you swaying on the whole signing thing?' Steve sighs loudly and she winces. He seems to think about it and she feels guilty that she might have forced him into a decision here and now. It feels like forever before he says anything.

'Well, I need to be around to see whose nose she really has.' He doesn't really answer, but the truth hangs in the air. 'I'm sorry that we haven't… I haven't said much, but you and the girls are the only thing I'm certain of right now.' Amelia feels her body untense and her stomach uncoil, relief washing over her.

'Will you and Bucky be on opposite teams then?' Steve shakes his head quickly, 'no, never.' Amelia stares ahead, horns blaring, red break lights glaring, 'everyone's so angry in the world.' Steve agrees, she mutters after a time, 'life is going to change, isn't it?' He doesn't respond. 'Here we were, planning the best time to make a change and now what, it's out of our hands? Fate took control. The world is changing around us. We have no choice.'

Steve pauses at her words, thinking back to Peggy and wondering what she would do.

Amelia reaches for his knee and calls to him, 'if you need time, we will be here, together. As a family. We said six months or however long it takes, but if you need longer, take it. Ok?' Steve holds her poignant stare and he can feel his heart relax for the first time in days. He places his hand over hers and thanks her quietly.

Steve eventually manages to crawl the car closer to her building and Amelia swings the door open before he can stop her, spinning and climbing out like Bambi on ice. 'I'm fine, don't get out,' but looking up, he's already at her side. His hood is up and his familiar disguise glasses perched on his nose. 'You didn't have to, I'm fine. Get back inside. People will see.' Steve holds her face, 'being fine and being pregnant are two separate things. I know you're fine, but I also know you're pregnant, accept the help now and then. We're in this for the long haul. I want to help you.' Amelia stares up at him, hoping his words are the truth.

'Feels like a lot of uncertainty,' she confesses, and he kisses her, stepping away, 'some people enjoy that,' he jokes and she wonders who. 'Good luck at your meeting, just be honest with them, we're here for you, long haul, remember?' She bids him goodbye and he won't leave until she's gone inside. 'Fine, I'm going, I'm going!' Steve watches her leave, spotting a man with a newspaper on a bench across the street. The headlines and images pertaining to the events in Lagos and Steve dips his head in shame, hurrying back to the safety of the car.

…..

Bucky exits the HR office, exhaling deeply, closing the door softly and sighing in relief that it's done. He looks about the hallway, feeling at a loss, unsure what to do now, he fiddles with the envelope containing his warning and nods to himself, it's over. He wonders what he did before all of this.

Starting for the elevator, he halts, staring across at Victoria, sat on a metal bench, presumably waiting for her own meeting. She doesn't look up, flicking through her phone and Bucky wonders what he should do. He's not even sure how he feels about this now, he would like to know why she did it, but he mainly wants to pretend it never happened and not make the same mistakes again.

Deciding it's not worth it, and certainly not worth another telling off, he makes for the exit.

Walking away briskly, he pauses at the sound of 'Bucky?' Her voice is small and surprised. He closes his eyes and considers just walking, but he wants to be better than that. He questions how HR could make such a mess of this, their final warning was please don't contact Agent Haynes and here she is. Bucky swallows and nods a little to himself again, turning back and looking her in the eye.

She appears to baulk at his strong stare and shuffles awkwardly, she opens her mouth to speak and he cuts her off, 'it's Sargent Barnes.' The subtext is obvious, we are done, we aren't friends. She nods weakly, smiling awkwardly, 'yes, sorry, of course.' Her apology is mumbled, and Bucky can't tell if it meant more, but he's not sticking around to find out.

He turns away and can hear the office door reopen and Theresa invite her inside. He nods, knowing it's done, he has nothing more to say.

…

Steve arrives at the conference room, meeting Bucky outside, 'all good?' Bucky asks his friend and Steve nods, 'yeah, got a picture, I'll show you later.' Bucky knows things must be bad if Steve is keeping his sonogram in his pocket. 'Get your warning?' Bucky gestures yes, 'one-year, written warning, issued verbally, but I'm assured they will mail it out as well. Just to cross all the boxes.' Steve looks solemn, 'I'm pleased it's over, I hear she's been reassigned, hopefully you can avoid each other.' Bucky scoffs, knowing that's already out the window. 'Took me fifteen minutes to find this room, so yeah, I think we can.'

Natasha appears beside them, 'big day, boys. Cap, I hope you brought your frowning face.' Bucky laughs a little, in spite of the situation, 'I don't frown.' Bucky agrees, 'you do, very disapproving.'

Inside the room, the table is almost full, the team sat around, waiting to begin. Sam looks over to a coffee cart, 'I love that someone got hospitality in for this meeting, these are some great cookies.' Steve wanders to the front, making eye contact with Tony and nodding, 'afternoon all…' Tony interrupts, 'before we go any further, how's the kid coming?' Steve looks up, Tony seems serious and he looks around at the sea of concerned faces. Faces of his friends and family, Steve admits 'she's doing well. Thank you.'

Silence resumes and Steve continues, 'ok. So, we have a big decision to make, about our future and the future of the Avengers. I assume those not present yesterday, have been filled in.' Steve looks over at Clint, he looks away, biting his lip angrily. 'You should have all been emailed a copy of the contract.' Bruce nods and Tony stands up, 'there's no big decision, it's the easiest we've ever had to make. We all need to sign and those not willing to, are out or I dunno what, underground? Please, can no one pick underground!' Steve agrees quietly, no one else as vocal as the billionaire, Tony continues 'right, someone needs to step up. Romanoff, yesterday you said, and I'll repeat it for all those not present, that I was right. So, time to put your money where your mouth is, you signing, or not?' Tony demands, Natasha looks to Steve and he stares at the table as she admits 'I think we should sign, yes.' Clint looks up in shock, 'this must be a joke, I mean, really?'

'What about Bruce? You honestly think they will let big green operate freely?' Sam questions, Vision explains, 'a sure worse fate may await if we do not agree to their terms. If we want to continue to protect people, we should sign the legislation.'

Clint can't believe what he's hearing, 'this is bullshit, I can't believe I've been gone for a couple weeks and this is what happens.' Rhodes looks over, 'I thought you weren't retired?' Barton seems frustrated, 'I'm not, I'm just taking it easy.' Tony folds his arms, 'well maybe you should take it easy full time. Don't sign and take it real easy on your farm, playing happy families.'

'Barnes?' Natasha asks and Bucky gazes down, then he makes eye contact with Steve, slowly shaking his head from side to side in rejection. Sam pats his back, 'finally! I'm with this guy, no signing here either.'

'Me neither,' Clint announces, pushing back from the table. Rhodes looks to Steve, 'I'll sign, I'll do it now, we put our faith in the government to run our country, we can trust them to use our skills effectively. Sammy, you're a military man, you know better!'

'Turn us into a weapon, more like,' Bucky mutters bitterly. Rhodes looks over, 'look, Terminator, I know you have some pretty big shit in your history, but this is about the future. Saving lives.' Bucky scoffs, 'so was the war and look how that ended for me.'

Natasha peers around, 'wait, where's Scott?'

'Late!' Someone calls, 'he won't sign, he's a bad boy for life that guy,' Sam explains as Steve rubs his face. Voices begin shouting over each other, suddenly interrupted by a resigned voice 'I'm not signing… I just got my freedom back, how can I give it away again so easily?' Everyone looks to Wanda and she avoids Vision's stare, 'I'm sorry. But I can't.'

'Bruce?' Tony asks hopefully. The doctor reads anxious, eyeing Nat quickly, 'uhhh, I dunno, Tony, I need more time.'

Slowly attention turns to Steve, until he's the only person not committed in any sense. 'Well, Cap, what's it to be? In or out?' Steve takes a breath, swallowing 'my head says no, by my heart… my heart says sign and it's never steered me wrong before.' Clint coughs, 'except into the Atlantic that one time.'

Steve looks to Tony, as if addressing just him. 'I'll sign.' Bucky drops his head and Sam stares at Steve in confusion. Steve can sense the animosity filling the room, he explains 'you heard what he said, if we don't and we continue to act, we are outside the law on this one, wanted criminals.'

'Ah, I see, so now you're Mr Family, this life doesn't matter?' Clint accuses and Steve shakes his head, 'it's the opposite, this way I can keep both of my families safe.'

Clint stands, 'I have a family and I didn't just throw all my friends under the God damn bus, along with my principles. I'm out of here, I've heard enough.' He leaves and Natasha watches him go sadly.

'Well, that's a kicker for you, Barnes,' Rhodes comments and Bucky eyes Steve. They share a small nod. Tony calls, 'it's the right decision, Cap.' Steve isn't sure, but he can see no other way. Tony announces, 'I'll invite Mister Secretary around for tea and we can get to signing. Those not so keen, still have a couple more days to ponder. Then we will move from there, I'll speak to Pepper about a press release. Rogers' door is open if you want to chat, please don't bother me with it.'

Tony leaves and Wanda follows shortly, Vision going after her. Rhodes looks to Sam, 'change your mind, birdie boy, it won't get better than this, you too, Barnes. Redemption is even harder when you're back on the run.'

It's just Natasha, Sam, Steve and Bucky eventually. 'What the hell, man? I was sure you'd stand by your guns, now what?' Sam demands from Steve. The Captain licks his lips, taking his time, 'Sam, what can I do?'

Wilson continues to push him and Steve snaps, 'if you had something to lose like I do, you'd sign, trust me.' Steve winces, he didn't mean it like that and Sam scoffs dryly, 'right ok, that's how it is. You know what, I'll see you later. I'm out too.' He leaves quickly and Bucky cringes.

Natasha watches the Sargent, finally asking 'what will you do, Barnes?' Bucky leans back, 'ahhh, I dunno. Marry my girl and settle down, maybe buy a farm of my own.' Natasha smirks at him, 'I've still got a couple days to persuade you.'

Natasha stands slowly, 'you're doing the right thing, Cap. It's the only thing,' she leaves with a knowing glance and Bucky shuffles, looking about the empty table. 'That went well,' he exclaims, and Steve takes a seat at the head of the table. 'Like a lead balloon, you mean?'

'Yeah, or like a plane in the Atlantic.' He jests, mimicking Clint, 'hey? Don't beat yourself up, you've made the sacrifice, more than once. It makes sense for you, but not for everyone.' Steve nods, a mutual respect for the other's decision.

Bucky shrugs 'why not just bow out now? Surely this is the ideal time? Take up that nice house you purchased.' Steve shakes his head, wiping his face, feeling more than tense. 'No, I need to see them through this, Amelia said something that stuck with me, she said we can only try. She's right, I have to try, but I have to be with them. I can't leave the team now, not when the cracks are already showing. If I step back there could be no Avengers, if they were to tear themselves apart, I'd never forgive myself. We'd be leaving the world vulnerable. I have to see this through. Amelia tells me she will be there, I can't see anywhere in the contract where we're tied in, so six months transition and I'm out.'

Bucky seems unconvinced, he stands, stretching, 'well, you do you. I know you'll make the right call. I got to go break the news to my way better half, you got any plans?' Steve smiles a little, 'yeah, I got one thing I need to do.'

'I'll stay here tonight, let you and Mia have some peace, I'll keep Andi away as well, if she's still speaking to me by then.' Steve chuckles sadly, watching him go.

…

Bucky taps on the open lab door, he spots Andi and laughs, 'hey, look at you.'

She walks closer, pulling open a white lab coat. 'Right? How about this? Gift from the boss man, one year as the world's most mediocre PA.' Bucky smiles and buries his hands in his pockets, rocking on his feet and gazing over her. They stare at each other, both knowing this is the moment when everything changes.

'So, looks like I'll be redundant come the end of the month.' Andi drops her coat lapels slowly and tilts her head at him. He waits with bated breath, not quite able to predict how this one will land, 'I'm proud of you.' He looks at her in question, she pats his chest 'you followed your gut, picked a side, that takes courage.' She kisses his cheek, placing her forehead against his for a moment and them moving away. Bucky watches her, as she busies herself clearing up a work bench.

'Steve?' She asks not looking up. 'He's in, think the big move might be pushed back a couple months' she nods slowly, 'guess that means me and Mia are on opposite teams as well.' Bucky bristles at that, 'no, never.' He looks about the lab for the arm, but no sign. He kicks a stool lightly, 'will you still like me if I'm not a superhero?' Andi chuckles at the notion, 'no, I will still love you.' She fiddles with her new lab coat and flashes the embroidered name on the pocket shyly, 'will you still love me if I tell you I'm not really a scientist?' He just chuckles and decides, 'hmm, undecided.'

'What about your deal?' She asks nervously. He shrugs, 'I'm sure they can find me some community service here in NYC,' he looks unconvinced and she smiles weakly, anxious about where he or they could end up.

He grabs a stool and sits, wiping his face, 'this will change everything.' Andi looks falsely optimistic, 'change is good? That's what the songs say.' Her questioning tone is unconvincing, and he asks suddenly, 'hey, what's left to do for the wedding?' She groans 'I dunno, need to get my head back in the game, the big one, vows, obviously.' Bucky smirks, 'you can just use the statement you wrote for me, that was pretty special.' Andi laughs, nudging him, 'you kidder, but no, I'll read Steve's, he's obviously still into you.' Bucky laughs loudly, it feels good to be them again and he reminds himself that this has to be enough.

'Just think, in a few weeks we will be Mr and Mrs, scary, hey?' Bucky's heart rate picks up and scary is right, suddenly he feels a little short of breath, but quickly regains control. 'You want to get in here?' She offers sweetly, holding open her new lab coat. He wraps her in his arms and lifts her a little, as she giggles.

'Hey, I need to book this arm in, before he changes his mind,' Bucky explains and she agrees, 'shall I get my disguise?' Bucky feels warm at the memory, she looks up, 'you thinking pre or post wedding?' Bucky considers it. 'Let's do it after, one thing at a time.' She agrees with a gentle nod, 'I'll book you in, good lookin'.' Andi strokes his newly shortened hair, 'you'll look damn good with that new shiny arm.' Bucky reaches for her hips, holding her in place, 'we need to talk seriously about this, you know that?' She nods at him, 'yeah, but not now, let's just enjoy my new lab coat and the fact that you're back.' He can get on board with that idea easily, 'you wanna stay at my place?' He grins and she giggles, 'it's like you just moved out of your parents' basement.'

Bucky presses his face to her and she whispers, 'hey? You remember that movie, Sound of Music? Can we not just wear some nice hats and escape across the Alps? You know, stow the kids, Steve, Mia, start a new Avengers?' Bucky chuckles but Andi wasn't entirely joking, he kisses her cheek, 'some of us have escaped across the Alps before.' She gasps, enthralled, 'noooo, you're kidding, no, did you? No! Were you wearing knee highs and singing as you went? Were there nuns?'

…

Amelia is cooking, well watching a baked potato in the oven and grating cheese, but she justifies it still counts as cooking. Flipping through a magazine that Andi left behind and quickly answering the crosswords, not confident enough to use a pen. Steve and Rosie disappeared some time ago and she was told to stay out of their way, while they set up a surprise. She laughs to herself, every so often hearing them chat in the hall, Rosie telling Digby to come in and Steve telling Digby to go away.

'Mommy!' She doesn't look up, Rosie's voice echoing around the ground floor, 'you ok?' She calls, realising she messed up her sudoku, 'crap.'

'Can you come in here?' Rosie shouts and Amelia sighs, 'I'm coming, give me an hour!' Amelia tugs at her dress, pulling it over her bump firmly and re-tying the belt above her belly. She looks around the hallway, she can't see either of them and she wonders if Steve slipped out. She can hear music, but get's distracted by the cat crying at the front door. Unhooking the latch, she lets him back inside.

'Steve?' She calls, looking about. 'Where are you two?' She pauses, as he responds, 'the lounge, come in.' Amelia steps through, the room lowly lit by lamps, the furniture pushed back. 'Making dens again, please clean up this time.' She looks up and spots him stood in the middle of their front room, dressed in a black suit with a tie. She's surprised and confused, 'you going to a party, I don't know about?' He shakes his head softly, 'no, not quite.' She watches him, sceptically. He looks nervous, 'I made a pretty big life changing decision today.' Amelia softens, looking at him tenderly, 'I know, but it will be ok. It's only six months, it will fly by.' She reaches for his hand and he seems to find the confidence from the small movement.

'I was thinking… that I've really let myself down, there's something I've really overlooked and forgot to do.' Amelia feels a bit anxious, 'like what? Are you ok?' He nods and rummages inside his jacket pocket, pulling out something small and shiny. Amelia starts, realising what might be happening. Steve stares down at his fingers, fiddling with the item. 'I've had this in my wallet since before you said no the night of that party, two years ago.'

Amelia covers her mouth, almost biting her palm. He continues 'it was never last minute, it wasn't ill thought. I meant it, but I was willing to wait and I carried it with me every day. Waiting for the right time.' Amelia covers her mouth, there's giggling from somewhere in the room but she misses it, captivated by the man in front of her. 'So many times, I've nearly asked you and then my good old best friend went and beat me to it. But the last few days… well, they have put a lot into perspective and I cant wait any longer, so…'

Steve smiles to himself, almost giving himself approval. His eyes flick to Peggy's framed note in the hallway. Slowly he kneels down and Amelia inhales, she can't really see him because of her belly but she thinks she knows what's happening. 'Amelia Hannah Miller…' She struggles to keep her mouth shut, staying quiet feels impossible, she nods before he's said anything, and she tries to store this moment forever in her mind. She doesn't even notice she's crying, and she looks down at her dress, wishing she was wearing something more special. But Steve's earnest eyes and genuine gaze bring her right back to the now.

'Will you marry me?' She looks at the ring, wondering if he really carried it for all that time, almost forgetting to agree, she nods 'yes, yes, of course, I mean, yes.' Steve relaxes and hurries to stand up, Rosie cheering, Amelia still not spying her.

Steve slides the ring onto Amelia's finger and in contrast to her sister's, hers fits perfectly. She stares at it, she's been through pregnancy before, that bit she knows, but this feels surreal, scary almost. 'This is happening,' she mutters and he kisses her forehead, 'yes, it's happening and there's more. Hey, Rosie?'

The little girl jumps out from behind a curtain. Amelia looks at her in shock and suppresses a laugh. Rosie slouches over to them in a suit jacket, her hair tied back and a painted on moustache and beard. 'I'm the best man!' She can't find her hands in the long jacket sleeves and she grins at her mother.

Steve nods awkwardly, unsure 'she insisted on the moustache, not my idea.' Amelia laughs to herself, 'so, I don't want to be accused of peer pressure and now isn't the time for a wedding, so I thought, maybe we could… just be here, just us three. Just for now anyway.' Amelia isn't sure what he means, Rosie grins and drags over an empty toy box, climbing onto it. Her jacket swings around her knees and she still can't find her hands. 'It's a wedding!' She announces and Steve nods shyly, not sure if Amelia's freaked out or endeared. Rosie promises, 'I know what to do, I've seen it on the TV!'

'You go!' Rosie points to Steve and he chuckles. He raises a brow at Amelia and nods to the little girl 'thank you, Rosie. Great job.'

'And Digby!' She shouts and Steve begrudgingly thanks the cat for nothing. They look over, he's washing himself, not remotely interested. Amelia laughs and she can't quite believe or understand what is happening right now.

Steve digs in his other pocket and Amelia wipes her face quickly hiding her tears. He pulls out a piece of paper, unfolding it and watching her. Rosie giggles, distracted and disappearing to follow the cat across the room. Steve refocuses, 'bear with me, I wrote this at three AM.' Amelia can feel her pulse racing, as she watches him scanning his notes.

He coughs, taking a deep breath, 'Amelia, the last few days have forced me to re-evaluate my life and my priorities. When I reflect on the things that are important to me, you and our growing family is the one thing that remains constant. Before I met you, I was living to survive. Doing my job, filling in the gaps in my history, trying to build a semblance of a new life. But when you shuffled into the junket seat across from me, relentlessly crossing your ankles, babbling about noodle soup, you started events that have brought me here. And now I only think about surviving to live. To live out the rest of my life with you, to raise our daughters…'

'And Digby!' Steve closes his eyes at Rosie's loud voice and Amelia snorts, dropping her head against him, he relents 'yes, and the lovely Digby.' Amelia straightens and tries to take it seriously.

'I know plans may have changed somewhat, but it's a delay and nothing else, I swear to you,' he looks desperate and Amelia has no choice but to believe the honesty in his eyes.

'I'm in love with you. And if you'll let me, I'd like to marry you someday soon, once you're free, of course.' She looks down at her bump and tilts her head, unsure when that will be. Amelia gets lost looking up at him and suddenly panics that she might need to say something at their pseudo wedding. Steve coughs and summons Rosie back, she clambers back onto her box, her moustache smudged already. Pointing at her mom, she calls 'and you! Mommy, do you take daddy as your husband?' Amelia smiles and it's the easiest question she's even been asked, 'let's do it. Yes, I do.' She nods confidently and Rosie shouts 'yay! Ughh, oh no, now you have to kiss.' Steve eyes the little girl, she blushes, waving at them and covering her eyes. 'Oh, go on then.' With her permission, Steve leans in and Amelia mutters last minute, 'can't believe you carried a ring around for two and a half years!' He shrugs, 'biding my time, had to be right.' Amelia's eyes flicker around and she realises this is right, 'just kiss me, quick.' Steve's lips touch hers and she closes her eyes, giggling when Rosie announces, 'stoppppppp, no more. Stop!' Steve smiles and Amelia ushers, 'I can wait another six months.' He squeezes her, whispering earnestly 'thank you. The house…' Amelia nods against him, 'I've already pre-warned my dad.'

Pulling apart, Amelia shakes herself and chuckles at them both, 'you two look amazing, look at this ring, I can't believe this.' Steve seems nervous, 'is this ok? We can do it officially at some point, whenever you're ready, however you want, but for now...' Amelia shakes her head, 'this was perfect. I didn't get to say anything but, ummm, I'm in love with you too and our life, no matter how it might change or where it might take us, as long as we are together.' Steve kisses the top of her head and pulls her close. Sadness courses through him and he grips her a little tighter.

'Now?' Rosie asks and Steve nods, she runs over and grabs a broom, knocking the main light off and then racing across to the speaker and pressing play.

'First dance,' Steve utters shyly, blushing a little, holding out both hands. Amelia laughs, 'you two have too much time on your hands!' Steve holds her close, her head against his chest, her bump caressing his stomach. 'We need to put this place back to normal though. The stripper will be here at the weekend, he'll need plenty of room.' Steve smiles, but doesn't say anything, stroking her back in slow circles.

AN: Thanks so much for reading