I lied. Sorry, this one is also short. But it's super cute so I hope that makes everything better. I'll see you at the end.
After Tony's last breakdown Steve barely left his side. Tony still wasn't doing so hot and Steve needed to make sure that he was there for his love. In the past, Tony would have complained about all the attention. But now Tony knew that this all came from a place of love. Tony still couldn't get over the fact that Steve loved him. It was just too perfect. They were in love and having a baby together. Life was so much better then what Tony imagined it would be like as a kid.
Two days before Christmas Tony was getting changed into one of Steve's oversized sweaters for movie night when he noticed it. There was a change in the shape of his stomach. It was only a tiny change, but enough that things were noticeable. Tony was starting to show his baby bump.
Tony slowly rested his hands over the tiny bump. This was his baby. This was his and Steve's baby. There really was life growing there. If Tony had any doubts about this they were gone in an instant. This was his baby and he knew he already loved them with everything he had.
Tony took another moment to enjoy this before he threw on the sweater and made his way out to the other Avengers. Rhodey was there visiting for the holidays and both Pepper and Happy had sent their regards and love. Tony would have liked them there with the rest of his family but he understood that they had families of their own.
As Tony walked over to take his seat curled up next to Steve he contemplated for a moment on if he should tell Steve about the baby bump. In the end, Tony decided to keep the secret for two more days. It would make an amazing Christmas morning surprise. He couldn't wait to see Steve's face. They hadn't gotten a good view from any of Tony's ultrasounds yet so this was a big thing for them.
When Christmas morning arrived Tony was very excited. He didn't have any good memories of the holiday growing up and the fact that he got to spend this one with the people who loved him was better then any present he could ever receive. Everyone was sitting in the living room in tacky Christmas sweaters sipping coffee and hot chocolate while eating breakfast together in front of the tree. It was magical. It was everything Tony wanted as a child and more. He couldn't wait till this time next year to share this feeling with the baby.
Tony hadn't asked for any presents that year. He was more than happy with just being with everyone else. But that didn't stop anyone from spoiling their favourite genius. Most of the other Avengers gave Tony some things for the baby. Yes, it was still early but seeing tiny little baby shoes and some stuffed animals brought a smile to Tony's face. Rhodey had gotten a science pun shirt to carry on their tradition from when they were teenagers. And Steve, Steve had gotten Tony a necklace with a little shield on it made from vibranium from his shield. Tony cried when he put it on. Tony, in turn, had made Steve a photo album of them together as well as fun moments where the team was together. It brought back so many amazing memories.
"I've got one last surprise for you, Stevie." Smiled Tony and Steve looked intrigued.
"And that is it?"
Tony pulled up his shirt a bit and showed off the baby bump. Steve caught on in seconds and gently placed his hands over the bump with wonder and tears in his eyes.
"You're showing." Tony nodded. "That's our baby. That's our baby!"
Steve spent the rest of the day with his hands over Tony's baby bump. Tony didn't mind one bit. They spent most of the day on the couch together with the rest of the team watching cheesy movies while Steve talked to the baby. Everyone thought it was adorable.
A week later Steve was still touching the baby bump whenever he could. He would walk up behind Tony and just wrap his arms around him. It made Tony feel so safe and secure and Tony knew that their baby was also feeling the love.
Steve, because he loved Tony and their baby so much, had a slightly different motive for all the touching. He wanted the world to know that Tony was taken. Tony was his and their baby was his and nobody was ever going to mess with them. Steve needed the world to know that he would fight to the death for his little family. He never thought he'd ever have this and he'd be damned if he was ever going to let it go. The only reason Steve would go was if he became a threat to Tony and their baby. He could never hurt his family.
Speaking of love, Steve had had this idea floating around in his head since Christmas. If Steve had never gone into the ice he would have proposed to Peggy and lived a quiet life with a white picket fence, two kids, and a dog. But that was never going to be his life. But Steve didn't care. What he had with Tony was so much better. But still, Steve knew he wanted to marry Tony. He wanted to propose with a big old ring and flowers. He wanted a wedding where they shared their love. He wanted to show the world that he and Tony truly loved each other. He really wanted this.
But Steve knew he had to wait. If he proposed now it would look like he was just trying to do the right thing and marry Tony before the baby arrived. That wasn't what Steve wanted. So, he would wait till after the baby was born to propose. Plus that allowed time to plan out the perfect proposal. Maybe he could do something fun with their baby once they arrived.
But for now, Steve would just enjoy being with Tony. He'd enjoy the late-night cuddles, the weird pregnancy snacks, and all the sweet kisses they shared together. Steve had time to make sure things were perfect. After all, Tony deserved the world and Steve was determined to give it to him.
So, thoughts? I thought this one was cute. Who doesn't love a nice dose of fluff? And trust me, I needed it after the weekend I had. Also, Happy Thanksgiving my fellow Canadians. Yes, in Canada we have our Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. I had lots of pumpkin pie today and I have no regrets. We also had a roast and Yorkshire Pudding because my mom doesn't like turkey. She's crazy. I fucking love turkey. We only get it once a year at Christmas. So, I pinky promise that the next chapter will have a little more meat to it. Pinky promise. I'll see you soon. -Shadows.
