"You are an asshole."

Bucky paused in the doorway. Sam was flopped in the sofa glaring over at him like Bucky had killed his cat.

"What did I do this time?"

"You got me pregnant."

Bucky grinned and sat down next to Sam. "Of course."

Sam grimaced and shifted away slightly. "You just had to knock me up in October, so I'd be ready to pop in the middle of summer."

"You forget the condom once and you're an asshole."

Sam raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his belly. "Oh, I'm sorry. You want to do this instead?"

Bucky held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, I'm an asshole."

"Glad we can agree on that."

"There anything I can do to help?"

Sam tilted his head against the back of the sofa. "Fast forward time so it's cooler and I don't have a stupid octopus inside me. Turn the sun off. Don't ever forget the condom again."

"Okay, for the first two things, I'm not the guy you should be talking to, but I promise I won't forget the condom again."

Sam grunted, rubbing the side of his belly. "And tell your octopus spawn to stop kicking me."

Bucky laughed, rubbing Sam's belly, feeling the rapid movement through the skin. "Don't call it an octopus. If anything it's a bird."

"Or a wolf," Sam grumbled, "Now help me up. I'm hungry."

Bucky chuckled and helped Sam heft himself up.

"You know I could just get you something."

Sam waved him away, waddling towards the kitchen. "No. I might be knocked up, but I can get my own damn snacks."

Bucky just laughed. Sam glared petulantly as he started cutting up a mango. He didn't bother to sit down, just leaned against the counter. Bucky gently pressed his right hand to the small of Sam's back. Sam groaned.

"Other hand."

Bucky obediently switched hands, slipping it under Sam's shirt.

"Much better." Sam sighed contentedly.

"At least it's good for something."

"Do you want some?" Sam asked, gesturing to the bowl of mango.

"You're sharing your food?" Bucky snorted in disbelief.

"Yeah. I know I've been kind of unbearable recently. The least I can do is share my mango."

Bucky leaned over Sam's shoulder to kiss his cheek. "You haven't been that bad. Besides, I think being 9 months pregnant in the middle of summer gives you an excuse to be a little cranky."

Sam leaned back against Bucky and Bucky's arms wrapped around his waist.

"It's getting kind of late," Bucky said, "Do you want me to start working on dinner now or should I wait a bit?"

"Just order pizza."

"Sam, I don't think that's really nutritious."

"Don't care. Baby wants pizza."

"Pizza it is then."

"Thanks."

"Usual order?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. You go sit back down and put your feet up. I'll order the pizza."

Sam nodded, pressing his lips to Bucky's before waddling back to the living room. He winced as a tiny foot rammed against his ribcage. He sighed and rubbed the offending spot. "You'd better be worth all this, kiddo."

"Pizza's ordered." Bucky said. "I'm going to sort the animals out and then I'll be right back."

"Alright. I'll be here."

Bucky laughed and patted the rise of Sam's belly. "You're adorable."

Sam grumbled, chasing Bucky out of the room with his glare. He watched out of the window as Bucky rounded up the chickens and the goats. He blew out a long breath. Chickens and goats and babies…

"Hey, what are you thinking about?"

Sam startled as Bucky materialised next to him. "Don't do that."

"Sorry." Bucky sat as he sat down and slung an arm around Sam's shoulders. Sam melted against him.

"I just- my life isn't what I thought it would be and it just hit me, I guess." Sam sighed.

Bucky frowned, unconsciously tightening his grip on Sam. Sam nuzzled Bucky's cheek.

"This isn't where I expected to be, but I'm glad I'm here."

"Good." Bucky murmured. He sighed. "Do you think we're doing the right thing, having the baby?"

"It's a little late to do anything about it now." Sam pointed out, patting his belly.

"I know, but you've seen how the government has been so far. You and I both know how they're going to be when it's born. What if we can't keep them from experimenting on our baby?"

Sam's expression hardened determinedly. "We will, Bucky. We can keep them safe. Besides, my ribs haven't been broken, so the kid probably isn't a super soldier."

"But that's not a guarantee. And I don't think the government will take that as an answer."

"We'll be okay, Buck."

"Alright." Bucky huffed.

The doorbell rang and Bucky sighed heavily. "That'll be the pizza."

By the time Bucky returned to the living room, Sam had almost completely nodded off. Bucky laughed and helped the sleepy man into their bedroom and sets the pizza box between them. Sam perked up and the scent of food and grabbed a slice. They ate in silence for a while before Bucky spoke up.

"What do you think Steve would say if he saw all this?"

"He'd be thrilled," Sam grinned, "He seemed like he liked kids."

Bucky smiled wistfully. "Yeah he was. He loved them, they loved him. He'd adore this one." He pressed his hand to Sam's belly. Sam's hand joined his and linked their fingers.

"You still want to call it Steve if it's a boy?" Sam asked.

"Yeah."

"Good. I don't think we can spend another two months deciding on a name."

"Hey, our kid's name is important."

"Two months."

Bucky huffed. "Only because you were being picky about it."

"I'm sorry, who said our kid's name was important? There's no way in hell I'm naming my kid Clifford."

"There's nothing wrong with Clifford." Bucky pouted. He nudged the empty pizza box aside with his knee and pulled Sam into his arms. Eyes suddenly leaden, Sam let his head flop against Bucky's chest.

"Time for bed?" Bucky murmured in his ear.

Sam nodded, letting Bucky move out from under him. "Yeah. I'm exhausted." He kissed Bucky before settling down on his side, pulling the covers over his shoulders.

"Goodnight." Bucky said quietly, only getting a grunt in reply.

Sam awoke with a low moan. His body was taught and tense. Squinting into darkness, he read the clock. 12.07. Great. He glanced over at Bucky. For once the other man was sleeping peacefully. Sam groaned, burying his head in his pillow. The tenseness tightened more. He breathed in slowly, trying to manage the uncomfortable wave. After a long moment, it passed. Sam rolled onto his back, hand on his belly. His other arm flopped over his eyes. He could feel his chances of going back to sleep slipping further and further away. He tried to distract himself but after what felt like a blink of an eye, he felt the pain again; creeping up through his spine and radiating out from his belly. He grit his teeth against it, clenching his fists in the covers.

12.37.

Bucky was still asleep.

Sam pushed himself slowly to his feet and padded out of the room. He ambled down the stairs and into the kitchen. Rubbing sleep out of his eyes, he filled a glass of water and sipped it slowly.

He leaned against the counter as another pain started to build. Instinctively, he swayed his hips with the sensation. A low moan escaped him. A rush of heat flooded across his skin. He could feel the sweat beading on his forehead. Once the tightening was over, he opened up the freezer and pulled out the tray of frozen grapes inside. He smiled to himself as he plopped one into his mouth. It was a welcome relief from the heat around him and inside him.

He wasn't sure how long he was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, and eating frozen grapes before he heard Bucky's footsteps approaching.

"Hey," Bucky mumbled, "How long have you been up?"

Sam shrugged. "What's the time?"

"1."

"Nearly an hour."

"Is everything okay?"

Sam grimaced as his midsection cramped again. He doubled over, grabbing hold of Bucky's arms, and pressing his head into Bucky's chest. He tried to stifle the long moan but there was no use.

Bucky startled, hands coming up to clasp Sam's waist. "Just breathe. You're okay." He said cautiously.

Sam groaned. He straightened up, pressing his hands to his back. "This is so not fun."

"That was a contraction, wasn't it? How many have you had?" Bucky demanded.

"4," Sam muttered, "Now calm down, alright. It's nothing to panic about."

"Sam, you're in labour."

Sam rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Did you miss the part where I'm only 36 weeks? It's just Braxton hicks and it'll be gone in a bit."

"4 contractions in an hour, Sam. That's too many to just be Braxton hicks."

"Are you really going to argue with me? Right now?" Sam scowled.

Bucky held up his hands in surrender. "Sorry, sorry. Is there anything you need?"

Sam shook his head. He was suddenly overwhelmed by how out of his depth he felt. He had no idea what was going on with his own body, or what to do about it.

Bucky pulled him into a gentle hug. "Hey. Come back to me."

"Sorry." Sam said, his voice slightly choked.

"It's okay. You don't have anything to be sorry for."

"Don't let me go." Sam begged.

"I won't, I won't."

The next pain was intense. There was no hesitation in calling it a contraction. It stole Sam's breath away, leaving him gasping into Bucky's shoulder.

"Easy, just breath. I've got you."

Sam shuddered in his hold, scrabbling at Bucky's shirt. The pain was lasting too long. He rocked his hips against it, his knees suddenly weak. Bucky was there to take his weight.

"Do you want to sit down?"

Sam gasped as the tension finally let up. "No. No. I can't."

"Okay, captain. I'll follow your lead."

"Do not call me that right now."

"Sorry."

"You so owe me for this."

"Yeah, I do."

"I am… really sweaty." Sam grumbled.

Bucky snorted in amusement. "Since when has that bothered you?"

"Since I'm already really uncomfortable and I'm making you sweaty, too."

"Don't worry about it. I could run you a bath if you want."

Sam shook his head. "I can't even think about lying down right now and I'd probably fall in the shower." He stared down morosely at where he used to see his feet.

"Fair enough."

"Besides," Sam sighed, dropping his head onto Bucky's shoulder, "I like this."

"Okay."

"I need a distraction. Did you ever think about having kids? You know, back in 1945?"

Bucky sighed, nuzzling into Sam's hair. "I thought about it, I guess. I just never thought it would actually happen."

"If it makes you feel any better, you weren't what I was expecting either."

"What about you? Did you ever think about having kids?"

"No. Not until I enlisted and realised it probably wasn't going to happen. Obviously that's changed though."

His hands found their way to Bucky's arms and squeezed. Through a clenched jaw, he grit out, "Oh shit." Then he was keening into Bucky's shoulder. Bucky swayed in place. He hummed under the sound of Sam's muffled groans. When that didn't spark any complaints, he quietly started singing.

"Summertime and the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin', and the cotton is high. Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin', so hush little baby, don't you cry."

Sam glanced up at him. His face was still tight with pain, but he managed a grin. "Billie Holiday?"

"Sorry. Just one of the books suggested singing and its one I remember."

"'S okay. 'S a good distraction," He paused as another groan escaped his throat, "Keep going."

"One of these mornings, you're goin' to rise up singin'. Then spread your wings and you'll take the sky."

Sam blew out a long breath, leaning his forehead against Bucky's shoulder. "What time is it?"

"1: 45."

"Damn. I'm tired."

"Sorry."

"I hate you."

"Sorry."

Sam released his grip on Bucky to start pacing, rubbing at his back. Bucky followed a step behind. He reached out and pressed his hand to Sam's back. Sam faltered, leaning wearily on the back of the sofa to allow Bucky to properly knead into his back.

"You didn't- ngh- finish the song." Sam groused.

Bucky snickered. "Right, of course. Where was I?"

"But til that mornin', there's nothin' can harm you." Sam said breathily.

"With daddy and mammy standin' by," Bucky continued, "One of these morning, you're going to rise up singin', then you spread your wings and you'll take the sky. But til that mornin, there's nothin can harm you with daddy and mammy standin' by."

"You should sing more often." Sam grinned.

"I'll think about it."

Resting his arms on the back of the sofa, Sam gave a brief laugh. It quickly morphed into a whimper and he buried his head in his arms.

"Hey, you alright?"

Sam shook his head. "I'm scared shitless. I'm gonna have to push something massive out of something tiny and then we're gonna have a kid. A real life, breathing child to take care of."

"We'll be okay, Sam. It's like you've been saying this whole time. We've got each other and we can take care of this baby. You got this, okay."

"Okay." His breath hitched as another contraction started to build.

"Breathe, Sam." Bucky soothed.

Sam groaned, long and low, as the pain crested. He rocked on the balls of his feet, baring his teeth.

"You're doing so well."

"Do I want to know what the time is?" Sam croaked.

"10 past 2."

"Fuck's sake."

"I know. I'm sorry."

Sam slowly straightened up, turning to nuzzle into Bucky's shoulder. Bucky wrapped his arms around Sam's shoulders quietly.

"You've been on your feet for ages. Do you want to sit down?"

"Okay." Sam hummed meekly.

Bucky lead him to the sofa and helped him to sit down. He patted the space beside him, and Bucky obediently sat. Sam laid himself out, pillowing his head in Bucky's lap. Bucky gently stroked Sam's hair.

"Feeling any better?"

"Not really." Sam mumbled.

"I'm sorry."

"That your catchphrase now?"

"I just feel bad that you're in so much pain."

"I'll live."

"I know, but I still feel bad."

"I might forgive you," Sam grinned wearily, "If you watch the kid so I can get back to running."

"Of course."

Sam ran his hands over his belly. "I want to get back into flying shape as soon as possible."

"Just don't push yourself."

Sam's hand shot out and grabbed Bucky's metal one. He turned his head into Bucky's stomach and groaned deeply. His ragged panting gave way to a shrill wail and he pounded his fist on the sofa.

Bucky had never been more thankful for a metal arm. "Sam, you're okay, you're okay. Just breathe."

"Oh god, oh god, oh god!" Sam shrieked.

"Hey, c'mon. You're fine. Just breathe."

Sam surfaced with a shudder. He slid down so he was kneeling on the floor, resting his torso on the sofa.

"Better?" Bucky asked.

Sam nodded silently. He leaned his head against Bucky's knee and whined lowly. Bucky gently rubbed his shoulder, squeezing Sam's hand reassuringly.

"You're doing so well."

Sam shuddered and let out a startled gasp.

"What is it? Are you okay?"

"I'm pretty sure my waters just broke." Sam said, clearly stunned.

Bucky grinned and glanced at the clock. 2:21. "I think we'd better get going."

Sam nodded. Bucky quickly helped him to his feet and lead him to the front door. Sam raised an eyebrow.

"Bag?"

"Right," Bucky pressed a kiss to Sam's cheek, "I'll be right back."

He darted up the stairs and scooped up the duffel bag at the foot of their bed. He bounded back down and almost skidded to Sam's side. Sam cast him an exasperated look and shook his head; but leaned against Bucky as they made their way out to the car.

Sam groaned as he sank into the passenger seat. He shifted uncomfortably as Bucky pulled the seat belt over his belly. "This feels really, really horrible."

Bucky raced around to the driver's seat and squeezed Sam's shoulder. "I know, but it's not for long. Then it'll be over."

"Mmhm. So you keep saying," Sam grunted, "But I don't see you- hrrff- doing this."

"Yeah. Sorry. I just don't know what else to say."

"'S okay." Sam said, before breaking into a groan, throwing his head back against the headrest. He cradled his belly, white knuckled hands clutching his sweat stained shirt.

"Step on it, Buck."

Bucky nodded, though they were already leaving the drive way as fast as he dared to go. He was no stranger to reckless driving and his foot was itching on the gas pedal, but the grunts and moans at his side reminded him of why that was bad. He was just glad for the deserted roads at 2: 48 in the morning.

"Pull over." Sam moaned through gritted teeth.

"What?"

"I know you're old, but I didn't think you were deaf! Pull over!" Sam barked.

Bucky flinched and did as he was told. Sam barely waited for the car to stop before unbuckling his seatbelt and- slowly- leaping out of the car. He doubled over, clasping his hands to his knees, gasping and panting. Bucky rushed to his side, hands hovering uncertainly.

"I can't, Bucky, I can't."

"Sam, what are you talking about?"

Sam shook his head, groaning. "I can feel it. It's so low. I can't make it."

"What?"

"Seriously, are you deaf? There's no way I'm going to make it to the hospital."

"You want to have the baby on the side of the road?"

"No, I don't want to, but we don't have a lot of choice here!"

"Alright."

Sam turned, leaning against the roof of the car. Bucky started rubbing his back gently. Sam seemed to drown in the contractions; not responding to Bucky's repeated praise and encouragement, his face pinched with inward focus.

Bucky frowned. Sam's legs were shaking. He didn't look like he could stay upright much longer.

"Come back to me."

Sam glanced towards him and nodded. Bucky guided him to the back seat, and he leaned his back against the door.

"I'm going to need to get your pants off." Bucky said.

"'S what got us into this in the first place." Sam grumbled, but let Bucky slide his sweatpants down off his hips.

"There's a towel in the bag. Get it out or the seat's ruined." Sam said.

Bucky obediently fished the towel out and Sam slipped it beneath him.

"Ready to have a baby?" Bucky asked.

"No," Sam replied, "But it's too late now."

As if on cue, a bellowing groan escaped him. He snatched hold of Bucky's metal hand in his crushing grip.

"Get a farm you said! Take a page out of Clint's book you said!" Sam snarled, "Well, I don't see Clint giving birth on the side of the rode!"

Then he was lost to the contractions again.

"Shit, are you pushing?"

"What do you think!"

"Right, right, right. I'm with you."

Sam braced his leg against the back of the front seat and the top of the back seat in the brief calm between contractions. When the next wave came, he bore down harshly with a determined growl.

"You're doing great, Sam, you're doing great."

"Sam, I can see the head!" Bucky cheered.

Sam's sweat covered face broke into a smile. "Really?"

"Yeah. Not long now. Another push now- big one."

"I can do that. I can do that." Sam gasped as he threw himself into the push. The head slid forward, inching towards Bucky's hand.

"You're doing it, you're doing it!"

Sam sucked in a breath, in and out, and pushed again. He screamed out as the head pressed out of him. Bucky reached out, cautiously cupping the slippery head. Sam grunted. He pushed again and Bucky helped the shoulders slither free.

A beat.

A cry.

"She's here, Sam!"

Sam laughed deliriously. "She?"

"Yeah, she." Bucky guffawed. He gently tugged his hand free of Sam's unsteady grasp and lifted the baby into Sam's arms.

"Hey there, baby girl." Sam smiled. She was sort of purplish, covered in blood and screeching like a harpy. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"We got our Katie, Bucky."

"She's perfect." Bucky breathed. With the utmost gentleness, he traced her arm with his metal hand. "Absolutely perfect."

"We made this, Bucky."

Bucky leaned in and pressed a kiss to Sam's lips and then to Katie's forehead.

Katherine Brooklyn Barnes was born at 3:3O in the morning, July 12th in her parents' car on the side of the road. Somehow that was perfect.