Chapter 8
By: MysticFantasy
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"Dress is done, tux is done, preperations are set, cake is going to be delivered right before the reception, priest will be on time, limo will be waiting, bridesmaids and groomsmen will be waiting, the dj is going to be set early...Everything is set." Natasha said and put the list down. "Are we forgetting anything?"
A thoughtful look crossed Steve's face for a second before he answered her question.
"I don't think so. I've never been married before but I think we got everything."
Natasha smiled at the man sitting next to her. Their wedding was just a day away and so far everything seemed to be going smoothly. There really wasn't much left for the two to do.
They had thought about writing vows but then they remembered that this was marriage was just because of the baby and that they didn't love each other in the way that vows could be made and kept in the same manner that a married couple could.
As the two guessed, Pepper and Tony had really gone all out for the wedding even though it was going to be small since it was mostly going to be the Avengers and a few people from SHIELD.
The two had right away agreed that they wanted to keep the information of their child as quiet as possible. They didn't want any kind of possible threat or danger to come near their unborn child.
Really the wedding was just going to be a big party for a few select people. But the two let Tony and Pepper have fun planning everything out since they both knew that it was still going to be a while before they actually got married.
"So, any idea what to name the baby?" Steve asked trying to make light conversation with his future wife.
"Well, I have a few ideas in mind but I'd like to know the gender first." she answered as she placed a hand on her stomach.
"What are you hoping for?"
"Well, I was kinda hoping for a boy. That way he could take after you."
"Think the world would be able to handle another Captain America?" Steve asked with a smirk.
"Hey, the world loves the one it has now. Why not have a second?"
"Boy or girl, maybe they can gain your confidence with things. I wouldn't like it for my child to be as shy and awkward as me."
"Whatever gender our baby is, I'm sure they'll grow up right. With a father like Captain America, they're bound to grow up perfectly."
Steve lightly smiled when she said 'our baby'. Even though he and Natasha weren't in love it still somehow felt right that they would be raising their child together and acting like a family.
"Hey Cap, there you are." Clint exclaimed as he and Thor walked into the room.
"Captain, the doctor has informed us that our presence is needed right away." Thor informed.
"Is it serious?" Natasha asked.
"Kinda." Clint answered with a smirk.
"I know that look." Natasha said. "What are you up to?"
"Cover's blown. Grab him." Clint declared and dove for Steve along with Thor.
Natasha laughed as she watched the archer and thunder god wrestle Steve to the ground and then fling him over Thor's shoulder.
"Bachelor party!" Clint announced then turned to Natasha. "Don't worry. You'll see him at the alter. I can't guarantee anything else."
"You better make sure that he's alive and able to stay on his feet for the whole ceremony." Natasha said as the two walked out with Steve trying to escape Thor's grasp.
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"Another round Jarvis." Tony announced.
"Tony, take it easy." Bruce advised with a smirk as he watched Tony try to keep his balance. "We need you able to perform your duties of Best Man."
"You know Cap, I don't get you." Tony slurred as he slung an arm around Steve's shoulders. "We hated each others guts when we first met, then we kinda start getting buddy buddy and now you want me to be your best man. You're confusing."
"Sounds familiar." Steve said with a smirk.
"Come on Cap. You are about to not be a single man anymore. Party while you can." Clint said as he put another drink in Steve's hand.
"You know this stuff can't affect me." Steve replied.
"Worth a try." Clint said. "All I know is that I'm celebrating enough for you and me."
"Then I guess it's a good thing that you're single and don't have a girl to catch the bouquet." Tony said. "I have to keep my eye on Pepper the whole time."
"Why aren't you ready to get married?" Bruce asked. "You and Pepper have been together for a while."
"I'm afraid of commitment." Tony answered before plopping down onto the nearest couch.
"I just think he's afraid of turning into his father." Steve said.
"Can't blame him." Clint said. "But back to the party."
"We're the only ones here." Bruce reminded.
"Oh yeah." Clint said with a lost look and then joined Thor on the large carpet on the floor and proceeded to fall asleep.
"So, you ready for the big moment?" Bruce asked as he and Steve sat on a second couch in the men's private bar room.
"I'm a little nervous but I think so." Steve answered. "I'm actually very nervous about becoming a father."
"As anyone would be." Bruce said. "I know I would be nervous. But how do you feel knowing that you're going to have a child with Natasha?"
Steve lightly smiled.
"I like the thought of having a baby with a strong and independant woman. I really hope the baby will take after Natasha in terms of being confident."
"What do you want to baby to get from you?" Bruce asked.
"Uh, I guess the love of drawing."
"Come on, Steve. If anything, your child should be exactly like you."
"Exactly like me? Why?"
"You really are modest, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Bruce lightly chuckled.
"Steve, you're the symbol of hope that everyone looks up to. You're the perfect example of a gentleman, you've got manners, looks, brains and talent...You're the shinning example of how all men should be."
Steve lightly blushed at the praise his friend was giving him. He always heard, in his time and this one, that all men should be like him. That he was the perfect example of perfection. Physically, mentally and spiritually.
At first he had thought that people were just doing it to make him feel shy or try to get him to fight harder. But over time he realized that they meant what they were saying.
They really thought that he was perfect.
"I'm not as perfect as everyone makes me out to be." Steve said. "I have my demons that I face. I have guilt that I deal with every night."
"No one is perfect." Bruce agreed. "No matter how much people make their story seem. Everyone looked up to you since they first heard how you saved all those men from the Hydra prison. I guess people were so inspired by you they kept making you sound more amazing."
Steve lightly chuckled. He'd run into a few people in this time who were what Tony called 'groupies' and all of them always asked if he had done this or that and then they would praise him and say they worshipped the ground he walked on.
He found it all a little odd since he still wasn't use to having fans but he did his best to push it aside.
"Any advice you can give a future father to be?" Steve asked his friend.
"Take the remaining time left to mentally prep." Bruce answered. "I can't tell you how many times I've seen men be ready with supplies and that kind of thing but not mentally ready for the long nights and thoughts of changing diapers."
"I better go get some more baby books." Steve said.
"It can wait until after your honeymoon." Bruce said. "Clint was right about one thing. This is your last night as being a single man. You should celebrate."
"I've been a single man all my life. I should be celebrating that that's coming to an end."
"Alright then. Here's the end of single life." Bruce said holding up his glass.
"The end of single life." Steve agreed and clicked his glass with the doctor's.