AN: Hello! Thank you for reading and sorry for the sloooooow update, life has just been busy! Usual disclaimer applies, own nothing, all Marvel. Hope you enjoy the chapter, thank you for reading! Not a doctor, tried my best, sure it's inaccurate in places! :D Here we go…

Chapter 39: Eyes Front

Amelia rides the Stark elevator, still in her pale pink bridesmaid dress. It's stained with tears and makeup from her mother's sobbing face and Rosie's lunch. The illusion is truly ruined. She checks her phone, having abandoned Steve with Rosie to look for her sister. He pleaded with her to stay home, claiming they will look together and Amelia realises she is just as bad as the rest of them, upping and disappearing when the going gets tough, but she needs to find her sister.

She checked Bucky's room first, clothes strewn across the floor, door wide open and drawers torn apart by someone clearly distressed. For a moment, she thought he was back, but the discarded white dress told her who was really responsible.

The communal sofa full of Avengers was pretty awkward, how they stared at her silently, as she waited for the exiting elevator. Tearing through her lip with her teeth and trying not make eye contact.

Arriving at R&D, she steps out, it's eerily quiet and she's not used to it. She stops and closes her eyes, breathing in deeply, pain gnawing in her side and her back. Starting again and walking further in, 'Andi?' She calls and there's nothing, no sound, no sister. Tony told her she wasn't here, but Amelia can't think of anywhere else, a random coffee house is not her sister's style. Unsatisfied by his one-word text reply, she snuck out, taking back control. She thinks of her house full of sniffling family and friends, sat around holding a silent vigil for the wedding that never was. Steve's worried face, begging her not to go. His arms full of a sleeping Rosie, that Amelia shamelessly used against him, 'I'm fine, you look after her, I'll be really quick…'

Amelia pushes through a glass door, stopping to brace against a wall, exhausted from the day. She looks around and breathes out, 'oh, Tony, thank God, is she here? Have you seen Andi?' The billionaire looks up slowly, she looks at his white shirt under his waistcoat, noticing he's still dressed from the wedding. He doesn't respond and she assumes that's a no.

Amelia sighs loudly, 'I can't believe this, you and Pepper must have been so shocked.' He watches her closely, deducing silently, yet another person who doesn't know about the footage. 'She was here,' he announces in a monotone, 'she tried to kiss me and then she left.' Amelia gasps, pulling an ugly face, 'what? She did what? What?'

'She's not thinking clearly,' he tells her casually, unaffected and Amelia nods, 'I should think not.'

Tony peers over and watches her lean against a wall, bending over, palms on her thighs. 'What's wrong with you?' He asks, turning to her slowly. 'I'm pregnant!' He nods, walking closer, listening to her pant 'yeah, but what's this that's happening right now?' Amelia looks up, her face red and her hair sticking to her forehead with a layer of shining sweat.

'I think I'm in labour.'

Tony winces, 'I knew it, I knew that was what you were going to say! Damnit! I should have pushed you back in an elevator instead of maligns chat. What are you even doing here?'

Amelia pulls herself up, 'it's fine, it's probably not, I'll just go home, tell Andi to meet me at home, yeah?' She grips the wall, doubling over, 'la…labour can last daysssss.' Tony rushes over, 'let me help you, Happy can drive you home.' She shakes her head, self deprecating, 'I just took a taxi, I've run away.' Tony straightens, 'what? Another one? What is it with you people.' Amelia sighs, 'no, it's Steve, he wants me to stay home, but I need to know she's ok. I have to find her.' She reaches out for his arm, not even realising she's doing it. 'Oh, you're pinching there,' he groans and she keeps hold, grappling at his shirt 'she was so upset, Tony. Broken hearted, I just need to find her, and everyone needs to answer their damn phones.' Tony pries her off him, 'I'm going to get you a chair and then get Pepper, she'll know what to do.' Amelia shakes her head, 'no, I'm fine, I'm going now, sorry to have bothered you. It's just Braxton Hicks, I think, it's been happening for a while.' Looking up at him and attempting a smile, then she freezes. They both look down, 'is that…'

Amelia shuts her eyes tightly, 'my water broke.' Tony cannot believe his luck and starts to panic, 'right, ok, we need… we need to go.' Amelia looks scared, 'where? Go where?' Tony looks at a loss, 'the hospital, come on.'

Amelia looks up, scared and afraid, 'Tony?' He stills from fretting, looking to her, 'she's early.' He holds both her hands and squeezes them, 'she's fine, just desperate to join the fray! What a great day for it, we will turn that frown upside down yet.'

Amelia looks terrified and he nods, 'you've done this before, right?' She agrees, 'good, well I haven't, we are going to find Happy and we will get you to a hospital.' Amelia pleads that she can go home, bending and wailing in pain. Tony shakes his head, 'no, there is no home, only hospital. Breathe deep, bear down, breath deep, in, out. I've seen Look Who's Talking, I know what I'm doing.' Amelia grabs his hand, 'Steve, I need Steve.' Tony stops, 'I can't… uhhhhhh, no, uh, we will call him in the car, yeah?' Come on. FRIDAY? Get Happy to meet us downstairs, tell him there's an emergency.' Amelia looks frightened, 'just to speed him up, he's probably tucking into a slice of pizza in the canteen. He loves a dramatic situation, drives like a mad man, "don't worry, he's a limo driver." Get it?' Amelia winces, panting 'no!'

Tony walks her steadily to the elevators, 'Dumb and Dumber?' She smiles 'oh right, I had no idea you have such a penchant for nineties comedies?' Tony shrugs, 'maybe. There are worse things. Actually, I think your sister may be to blame, always watching crap on her laptop, that I paid for by the way.' Amelia flusters, 'Steve won't forgive me, he told me to stay home, this is karma, so he can tell me off for once. He told me to stay at home and wear a coat if I insisted and I think… I think…' Amelia can't breathe, gasping 'I think I left my coat in the damn taxi, ahhhhhh.'

Tony ushers her softly, 'lean against this wall, can't tell you how many times I have in a drunk stupor or near comatose state.' Amelia follows his suggestions, the metal cold against her warm skin.

'I'll call the elevator and we are on our way' Tony announces, clapping his hands, Amelia nods tiredly and he thinks, before asking 'right, what hospital?' Amelia tells him and his face scrunches, 'don't you want to go somewhere a little more, high end?' Amelia shakes her head, bending over, 'no, no, I'm good. Did you get Steve? Try Andi again? Try my house!' Tony explains, 'I don't know any of those numbers.' He watches her, breathless and in pain, 'look, we need to get into the car and then we will phone everyone, the entire city, if needs be.'

Amelia breathes out when the elevator arrives and struggles in. 'Is it bad?' Tony asks once inside, 'it ain't good,' she moans, eyes creased shut. 'You're not going to have it in the car, are you?' Amelia shakes her head and FRIDAY confirms that she can't locate Mr Hogan.

'Oh, shit. Right, ok, looks like I'm driving.' Amelia stares up at him in panic, she assures 'it's fine, I'll just wait here. Call an ambulance, call Steve, call him now.' Tony refuses, 'no, we can't wait, I need to get you to the hospital.'

Amelia watches the descending floors, 'have you had a disagreement with Steve?' Tony looks perturbed, 'now, why would you… no. Why?' Amelia presses her head against the elevator wall, it's steel cold and she's grateful. Pushing her hands above her head, bent over and looking down, puffing steadily in and out. 'Every time I mention him… you pull… that face. That one, you're pulling it now.' Tony looks away proudly, 'just don't want to talk about him, or that coward, Barnes.'

Arriving at the garage, Amelia baulks at the size of the sports cars, almost crying, 'Tony, I won't fit in there!' she declares. 'You will, you will, just watch.' He reaches in, the automatic seat moving up and back slowly, it's awkwardly slow and Amelia just stares at him, he smiles 'it's a great lumber support feature.' Amelia nods quickly, 'it's nice, I like the colour.' Tony grins, 'your carriage, madame, you want a hand? Or…' Amelia blushes, 'no, get in, I'm going to roll in, do whatever I have to do to fit in this thing, don't you have a practical car? One for grocery shopping?' He shakes his head and she shouts, 'just get in!'

Inside the car, Tony kicks on the engine, it revs loudly and Amelia feels like she's in a car chase, not labour. 'Please drive safely. Couldn't we have flown there, you know, Iron Man style?' Tony looks at her dryly, 'it's so nice that you pay close attention to my work, but baby delivery service is still the stork's job.' He pulls out quickly, and she groans, tapping the car dashboard loudly 'Steve. Now!' He instructs the AI to call the man in question and they await his pick up. Tony dreading speaking to him again. 'Oh, not there, just find a new beau, yeah?' Tony jokes as he finally answers.

'Tony, thank God, I need to talk to you…'

'Cap, stop right there! Got a situation, you're having a baby, like now. We are on route to the hospital.'

'What?' Steve calls and Tony confirms, 'Amelia's in labour.' He looks back over just in case it's passed, but she looks worse than ever.

There's rummaging and shouting the other end, people demanding to speak to Andi, 'it's not her, Amelia's in labour!' Steve sounds annoyed and Tony's a little impressed. 'Where is she?'

'Steve?' She calls desperately, 'my water broke, Tony, he's driving me. I can't find her, Steve. Andi, she's not there.' Steve nods at the other end, 'ok, but are you alright? Labour? This is early, isn't it?' Tony peaks across at the red-faced Amelia, rolling in her seat, gripping the handle above her head. 'Keep it positive, Cap, something's happening here.'

'Amelia! You ok?' Steve panics and she groans, 'oh shiiiiiit, I'm having a contraction. Oh God, this is actually happening. I cannot believe this.' Tony looks over, 'how do you know it is?'

'It's seared into my memory, dumbass!' Tony stares at the road, slightly offended, 'Steve, you need to meet us there.'

'Yes, of course, I'll be there, please be safe, drive carefully. Tony? Look after them, please.' Tony grips the wheel, delaying before answering 'you got it, Cap. See you there. FRIDAY send him the details.'

'Steve? Message Andi, tell her about the baby, say to meet us there, please? Message Bucky as well.' Amelia begs and Tony straightens, knuckles paling as he grips tighter. There's a pause, 'of course, just keep doing the breathing, like the classes, remember? I'll be there before you know it, I love you.'

Amelia nods, shifting in her seat, 'you too, look after Rosie, don't scare her.'

The phone cuts out and she calls, 'now try my sister! Now!' She moans loudly and Tony jokes 'I should charge you for the calls.' Amelia grabs his arm on the armrest, digging her nails in, 'drive quicker,' she demands lowly and he's slightly scared right now. 'Yes, Ma'am.

'Ughhhh, my whole family will be there, they came for a wedding, they will want their monies worth. Oh no, my mom will be there,' She begins to cry and Tony pats her knee, 'come on, happy thoughts, we're nearly there.' Amelia looks up and out the window, 'no we aren't!' Tony agrees, 'we will be soon though!' An ambulance whizzes past and Amelia stares after it, 'that could be me,' she slaps his arm, 'why didn't you call me one, always the hero! You and Steve are so alike!' Tony scoffs at that, 'yeah right. You know your sister tried to kiss me?' Amelia looks up, 'you said that already. When? Gross. What was she thinking!' Tony's offended again, 'I'm going to ignore that. You're so rude when delivering a human.'

They stop in traffic and Amelia whines, 'I don't want to have this baby in your car! Please!' Tony looks about, 'it's a nice car, you sure?' Amelia groans, writhing beside him.

Amelia goes quiet, then she breathes out, 'I'm having a baby,' she realises and reaches for Tony's hand across the parking break. He smiles warmly at her, 'we're having a baby.'

…

Steve beats them to the hospital, pacing in the waiting room. 'Sir, can you take a seat, please?' He shakes his head, 'no, they will be here, they should be here.' He watches the doors frantically. His phone is blank and he continues laps of the waiting area.

He can suddenly hear a familiar voice and runs around the corner, spotting Tony, shouting orders beside Amelia, who's being pushed in a wheelchair by an orderly. 'Steve!' She cries out and they meet him halfway, he bends beside her, kissing her hands and her cheeks. 'Ok? You ok?' She nods, 'yeah, I'm ok. This is happening. And early. We aren't ready.' Steve strokes her hair, 'of course we're ready, come on, let's go.' He stands and Amelia reaches for Tony's waistcoat, tugging him close, 'thank you, you got us here.'

For a moment everything slips away. The gratitude on her face reminds him of the here and now, but then he catches sight of Steve and he withdraws again. He winks at her and watches as she's wheeled off.

Steve hangs back and looks at Tony desperately, 'thank you, for…' Tony nods, 'just go.' Steve agrees and leaves, following after Amelia. Tony moves his mouth and sighs, unsure what to do now. He turns and walks for the exit. Pausing and spinning, he returns and takes a seat in the waiting area, folding his legs and closing his eyes. Smiling to himself.

…

Steve walks into their room sometime later, the doctor asking questions, he panics he's missed something and quickly passes Amelia the ice chips he went for. She's lying in bed, now in a medical gown, she looks calmer, happier, '…umm, about every seven minutes, lasting around thirty seconds. Is that ok?' The doctor nods, not particularly interested, 'and where's your pain out of ten, 10 being the worst.' Amelia moves her head, 'right now, like a three, but then a six when they start, is that alright?' He just nods, scribbling something on her chart.

'Is Dr Kareen around? Will she be here?' He checks his watch, 'should be, very soon.' The man eyes Steve, before leaving, he stops 'are you…? Never mind, best of luck.'

Steve stares after the door, turning back to her, pulling his chair close. 'Hey, you doing ok? I can't believe this, all the stress, I guess.' Amelia's head rolls back and she admits, 'I've been having contractions all day.' She shies away and he looks angry, 'why didn't you say something?' Amelia softens, 'it's my baby sister's wedding day, I wanted to be there so bad. And look how that ended?' Steve kisses her hands, she panics 'where's Rosie?' He sighs, 'she's with your dad, they'll come by when we call.' She nods, confessing, 'I'm nervous, Steve. What if they were wrong and everything isn't ok. She's early…' He kisses her forehead, sitting back down, 'everything's perfect.' She laughs loudly, 'you're the most optimistic person on the planet, the world is on fire right now.' He smiles, 'not our world, here and now, all I can think about is you and bringing this baby into the world, ok? Let me hold your hand and do that.' She nods desperately, 'I thought Tony and I would be in a pull-in somewhere by now, trying to car birth. He was so great.' Steve pauses, looking down sadly, Amelia prods him distractedly, 'make it up with him, whatever it is, make it up. He's your family. I know something's wrong.'

She winces in pain and Steve leans into her, 'it's fine, it's fine, it's not one.'

'Anything from Bucky?' She asks breathlessly, she grips the cushion behind her, and he shakes his head, 'oh, God.' Amelia mutters, gradually panting more and more, 'this is one. This is so cruel, what did I do to deserve this?' Steve lets her grasp his hand as tight as she can, 'where's Andi?' She wails and Steve swallows, looking down at her, finding it difficult to watch. She looks in so much pain and he has to remind himself this is how it's meant to go.

Amelia grits her teeth, arching her back and biting back a scream. 'Ahhhh shit, take her out, make it stop. I can't do this.' Steve wipes her brow and she pushes him away. She gradually settles a little, flustered and fraught, gripping the rails of the bed, blowing hair from her face.

Steve shakes his head, 'that looked bad.' Amelia just stares at him and he meekly apologises.

The door opens and Dr Kareen walks in, 'Amelia, a little earlier than expected, overdoing it, were we?' Steve gives her a knowing look and the doctor smirks. 'Can I take a look?' Amelia nods and Steve focuses on her face, he smiles, smoothing her damp hair 'still like the name?' She asks and he nods, 'yes, just the middle part we need to decide on.' The doctor stands up, 'all looks good, you're at seven centimetres, so over half way. Should speed up from here on out. How you feeling?' Amelia groans, 'not good, it's way worse than I remember.' She smiles at the pair, 'I get that a lot. The sweet child you're raising does a good job of wiping that memory, hey?' The doctor turns to Steve, 'are you doing ok? Any questions?' Steve can't think of anything to ask that isn't stupid, so stays quiet.

Amelia nods to herself, counting her breathing as best she can, loudly the door bursts open and Andi hurries in, still looking like she mugged Bucky of his clothes. 'I'm here, I'm here. Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I missed your call, Happy drove me home, we stopped for burgers, he was nice to me for once, it was a thing and I nearly missed this.' Amelia cries harder, Steve passing her a tissue, 'you made it.' Andi pushes past Steve a little, 'of course I did, you're my girl.' The doctor smirks at the pair and announces she will be back soon.

Amelia squeezes her sister's hand, 'are you ok?' Andi clocks the tube on the back of her hand and ignores her, 'wow, way to be dramatic, hey?' Amelia chuckles and then remembers something, tugging at her sister's sleeve, 'I can't believe you kissed Tony!' Amelia mutters and Andi looks embarrassed, 'what?' Steve asks and she backs away, 'that's not what happened, trust me.'

Steve turns to her, 'are you ok?' Have you seen him?' He looks at her outfit and she shakes her head, 'nothing, think it's best we don't mention him for now, don't you? I need to focus on my sister and my new niece.'

'God, what a day,' Andi wipes her hair away. Steve notes her red rimmed eyes and how she looks exhausted. He didn't think he'd see her so soon and he doesn't know what to say.

…

Andi wanders down to the waiting room, reluctantly asked to leave as Amelia's contractions come faster and faster. She stalls and looks over, spotting Tony, eyes closed, feet on a coffee table. She walks closer and stands beside him, looking down, 'you stayed.' He opens his eyes and looks about, 'ah, you made it.' She kicks his legs and walks past, taking the seat beside him, 'thank you, for what you did, getting her here.' He nods genuinely, 'it was exciting.' Andi smiles warmly, 'oh and stop telling people I tried to kiss you!' He laughs and folds his arms, 'what's going on up there?' Andi rubs her face, 'she's reaching ten centimetres, so they kicked me out.' Tony pulls a face, making a circle with his fingers, 'woah, that's… yeah, no mean feat.' Andi agrees, wincing 'tell me about it.'

'How long now?' He asks and she shrugs, 'I don't know.' She peers around the room, then back to her boss, 'this thumb drive, tape thing, who else knows?' Tony shuffles, 'me, Steve, your boy, I'm guessing and now you.'

She nods solemnly and looks down, 'you're going after him, aren't you?' Tony doesn't move, 'he needs to pay for what he did, you know that's the right thing.' She looks vacantly at a pile of magazines. 'Do what you got to do,' she admits, like she's past caring. 'Some wedding day, hey?' Tony just nods.

…

'Ok, Amelia, you are at ten centimetres now, so at the next contraction, I need you to bear down and give me a really big push, can you do that?' Amelia shakes her head anxiously, 'no, I don't think I can, it hurts, she needs to wait. She can stay in there a little longer, I'll come back in two weeks.' Dr Kareen orders, 'this baby is not waiting, Amelia.' She nods, looking at Steve, 'this is all your fault,' she breathes raggedly. He smiles, kissing her hand 'I accept that.' Leaning in close he whispers to her, 'I know you can do this, push really hard, ok?' Amelia agrees, 'so your contraction should be starting in about five seconds, remember, push really hard.' Amelia flails on the the bed, her face wet with sweat, 'is it ok, it feels like I'm splitting in two. Don't look, Steve! Swear to me!' Steve nods, the doctor smiling a little at the pair. 'Can I have the drugs, more? The epidural? Please?' Amelia begs and Steve shakes his head, 'you said no, the birthing plan, remember?' Amelia looks outraged, 'the what? Shut up! Just make it stop,' she pants aggressively, covering her eyes, murmurs of heart rate looks good catching her attention. 'Amelia, you ready?' She nods her head yes, crying, 'noooo.'

'Ok, and push, really, really hard. That's it, just like that.' Amelia growls, wincing and gasping, 'I need you to push a little bit harder, Amelia.' She lies back with a gasp, 'I can't, I'm done, I want to go home. She's safe in there, can she stay in there?' The doctor shakes her head, 'no, she's definitely coming out now. Next time, another big push, ok? You need to keep going.' Steve leans close and mutters sweetly, 'someone very wise told me, when she has something brave to do, she thinks about Digby, is that of any use?' Amelia lets out a bark of laughter, she moves her head from side to side, unable to focus on him, 'no, he's such a bad cat, in, out, in, out, make up your mind!' Steve grins, 'well, who do think of when you need to be brave?' Amelia manages a weepy smile, reaching for his hand. 'Another contraction is on its way.' Amelia sighs, 'I think of my little girl, I can do anything for her…' Steve nods in agreement, gripping Amelia's hand, 'she is going to be the best big sister.'

'Right, let's try this again, pushing really hard, Amelia, you're doing great, Steve hold on tight, help her out,' The doctor advises and Steve nods keenly. Amelia is putting everything she has behind this one, Steve chanting push close to her ear. 'Shut up!' She demands and he wilts, unsure of how to help. 'Hold my leg…' Amelia demands, 'hold it, back, more, no, not that much! Ow!' Steve looks between her and the doctor in panic.

'Ok, I can see the top of the head, really good. Next time another really big push and we will have some shoulders.' Amelia clutches Steve's shirt, 'ahhhhh, don't look, promise? You'll never see me the same.' He agrees sweetly, 'I won't look, I'm here with you. I'm looking at you.' Amelia huffs, throwing her head back and then announcing 'I'm going to push,' the doctor tells her, 'not yet, not until I say.' Amelia thrashes her head from side to side. 'Ok, here we go, again, really hard, ok?' Amelia pushes onto the bed, griping the metal bars and can't quite tell where this baby might appear from at this point. 'That's really good, Amelia, keep going, she's almost here.' Steve watches her face in fear, 'this is it, one final push.' Amelia cries out in agony and then falls back.

Silence and then a tiny stuttering cry echoes around the room. Steve kisses her wet forehead, 'you did it, she's here, she made it.' He tries to look over, as the nurses whizz the baby away, making checks. 'Is she ok? She's a bit early,' Amelia desperately calls, she can't see anything, nurses rushing to clear up and pad under her gown. There's another cry and Amelia sighs, 'she seems ok. She's here.' Steve cranes his neck to get a good look, but a nurse turns around and walks over, holding a bundle of baby. 'Here she is, she's seven pounds and three ounces.'

'Is she ok? Have you done the checks? Does she need to be in a bed, is she ok?' The doctor agrees happily, 'everything look great, perhaps not two weeks early at all.'

Amelia sobs and accepts the baby gratefully, looking down at her in awe. She bites her lip, 'hi, hi, little girl. Hi baby.' She pushes the blanket away from her rosy cheeks as Steve watches, blinking tears away, 'she's so small.' He touches her tiny head, wrapped in a pale-yellow hat. 'Wow, I don't know what to do,' Amelia nods, looking down at their tiny little girl, she looks back to the doctor, 'it's just the one in there, right?' The staff laugh and confirm, 'just the one baby, yes.' Amelia relaxes, staring down at the bundled up little girl, Steve exhales in disbelief, 'she's here, I didn't think we'd make it here.' Amelia looks up, shocked by the confession, reassuring him, 'but we did, she's here.' Steve nods, kissing her head and wiping his eyes.

Doctor Kareen leans in, having a closer look, 'you did great, Amelia, were you at home when you went into labour?' Amelia shakes her head, eyes trained on the baby, 'you wouldn't believe me, if I told you.'

The doctor nods to Steve, 'outnumbered now, dad.' He smiles, 'fine by me.' She grins, 'so, do we have a name?' Amelia smiles, Steve nodding to her, 'yeah, we have a name.'

…

Steve strolls down into the waiting area, spying Andi dozing on Tony's shoulder. Tony looks up, Steve smiles and both momentarily forget this morning's events. 'Hey, she's here. She's ok, she's perfect.' Tony smiles at him earnestly, 'congratulations, Cap, truly.' He nudges the blonde beside him and Andi rubs her face, spotting Steve, 'did I miss it, is she ok?' Steve smiles, 'she's fine, she's here, seven pounds and six ounces. She's doing well.'

Andi covers her mouth, 'oh my God, wait, what's her name? tell me, tell me!' She clutches Tony and he prizes her off.

Steve smiles, 'it's Phoebe Rogers. Phoebe Sarah Rogers.' Andi melts, crying ' oh, I love it, Rosie and Phoebe, awwww. Such a great choice!'

Andi rushes over, hugging Steve, 'Mia?' She asks and he nods, 'she's doing good, very tired, seemed like a lot of pushing.' Andi just grins at his naivety, Steve explains 'give it thirty minutes and they said you can come on up.' Steve looks at his shaky hands, 'it's surreal. It's crazy. I was at home, now I'm here and she's here and there's more of us… Sorry, I'm not making much sense.'

Andi offers her help, and he shakes his head, 'no, I'll call your folks, Amelia wants me to tell Rosie.' Andi takes a step back, realising she's not needed like last time, but that's ok. She looks down but back at him happily, 'congrats, really.' Steve glances about the waiting room, missing the face of his best friend. 'I'm so glad that the worse day of my life, turned out to be the best of yours, we can remember it as that now,' Andi sniffs and Steve suddenly feels guilty. She hugs him close, 'I need to get back,' he mutters, suffocating with guilt as she announces she needs to call a few people, heading for the exit. 'But… I'll be knocking on your door in ten minutes, got to meet my second niece!'

'Thirty…' he mutters but she's already running off merrily.

Steve and Tony share a nod and the Captain turns away, heading back. Tony calling to him sombrely, 'Steve?' He stops and Tony stands to meet him. They stare at each other from across the seating area, the distance between them symbolic of their fractured relationship.

'Congratulations, I mean it, really.' Steve is grateful and he considers shaking hands with his friend, but senses there's something else.

Tony walks closer, closing the gap, so other patients don't hear.

'Look, about Barnes…' Tony starts. 'I meant what I said, and I'm sorry to do this to you now, but I'm going after him.' Steve opens his mouth to argue, Tony shaking his head firmly, 'no, you're done. No more words, no more lies. This is my business now.'

Tony takes a deep breath, 'I'm going to give you one more chance to do the right thing. You have until midnight tomorrow to bring him in quietly.' Steve looks up, his brow pinching, 'Tony, I just had a baby. What do you expect me to do?' Tony nods, finding it hard, but sticking to his guns, 'I know and the timing sucks, but he's a murderer and you covered for him. No more excuses. I mean it.' Steve recoils surprised by the venom in his voice. 'Bring him in or I will call the cops, and I will hunt him like a dog. You as well. If I don't get Barnes, I will take you down as well. Both of you. You knew and you did nothing.'

Steve looks up at the last part, 'what?'

'Andi knows. She walked in on me watching the tape,' Steve frowns, confused and he continues, 'the tape of my mother being slain by him, did you really think you could keep this up? Hide this from her? From me?' Steve shakes his head, not knowing what he was thinking anymore. Suddenly his life spiralling out of control. From elation to this in a matter of minutes. 'They were my family, they were all I had' Tony seethes, his voice cracking.

Steve looks up 'and he's all I had. Don't you see that?' Tony shakes his head bitterly, 'not the same. He killed my mom. Stand by him now and you're no better. Bring him in, sign the documents by Monday, do your goddamn job and get out of my sight.' He turns away and Steve begs, 'what if I can't, Tony?'

Tony takes a deep breath, 'then you will leave me no choice, I will do it, I'll blow this wide open to the world. You have time, find him, do the right thing.'

'Tony, I don't know where he is!' The older man shakes his head, 'don't care, find him! Do whatever it takes. Don't forget, there's a fourth copy out there, waiting to land. God knows where.' Steve straightens at that bit, having forgotten entirely about that. 'I'll let you get back to your family. Just remember, midnight tomorrow and then I will fire everything I have at him, throw every resource into finding him, got it?' Steve can't move, frozen to the spot. 'I… I need to get back.' Tony watches his retreating form, holding his stance and questioning how it came to this.

AN: I hope you liked it, I tried to make the entire pregnancy as realistic as possible throughout the story.

I had so much fun writing Tony with Amelia in labour! But she made it and the baby is finally here, don't know where the name came from really, I always had it picked when writing, there is a little back story coming up

Still no Bucky

Dramatic ending as well… eek, oh dear, Tony's on the warpath, I guess this is the equivalent of the end of Civil War, I wanted to keep that animosity in there, Tony's parents were killed.

Next chapter soon, stay safe!