A/N: A short chapter today, but I think you guys will like it. ;) Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do own Marvel, Disney, or the Avengers.
"It is with deep sadness that I complete my last day as Chief of Surgery." Dr. Fish- Peter, started off. I couldn't pay attention though, because Tony had been released the week before. He was running a temperature, normal post-op infections, and I had him on antibiotics. Steve was busy pulling double duty while Tony healed, and Athena had gotten so much bigger. She looked to be full-grown for only being 6 months old.
We discovered that my birth control implant had been null and void as of two months ago, around the time Bucky came to me. I wasn't too worried, neither was Steve. But I was worried that if I somehow were pregnant, that Tony and Pepper would be in more emotional distress than ever. They had been trying to conceive by in vitro, by the sounds of it, for over a year. They didn't want to tell anyone in case nothing happened. They had no other options, as Pepper wanted Tony to have an heir of his own, rather than through adoption.
"And as you all know, Dr. Stark will be taking over, as per my recommendation and with the boards approval. She will lead this hospital to groundbreaking discoveries, through science and technology. She has my full support, and I hope, yours too. I am entrusting her with all of you, because I see how passionate she is about medicine. Not just the science behind it, but the care and consideration she shows for every patient that comes in our doors. She is a phenomenal doctor, and a dear friend. I hope you all will make her feel supported as she makes this transition." Dr. Fisher said, breaking me from my thought process. I smiled, and gave a little wave, before Dr. Fisher motioned for me to speak.
"I've never been very good at speeches, so I will keep this short and on point. I in no way, can ever replace the gracious Dr. Fisher. I don't intend to. Some may not like the things I'm going to change, but as scientists it is what we do. We adapt to change, whatever it may be. Dr. Fisher has loved and cared for this hospital, long before I decided I wanted to be a doctor. I honor that. His vision for this hospital came into fruition, and I'm ready to take it far beyond his wildest dreams, with your help." I said, as I looked out to the sea of doctors, nurses and support staff. One clap resounded, and I turned to see Gwen smiling with tears in her eyes, to which the whole room burst into applause. I held up a hand and said, "I don't not deserve them. Dr. Fisher does."
Clapping along with everyone, I stepped aside as the crowd parted for Dr. Fisher. He understood we were giving him a grand exit, as he stood with his coat on and briefcase in hand.
"Thank you," I said to him, shaking his hand. He looked about ready to choke up with tears as he nodded, moving to the next person.
Saying his goodbyes to everyone, I trailed at a distance with Gwen by my side. We walked him to his car, as the crowd couldn't follow down the elevator, and to the underground parking.
"I won't be around forever, so take my knowledge while you can. Sometimes an apology can make lawsuits go away. Your training tells you one thing, but never forget your gut feeling about something. And trust your nurses. They do more work than anyone realizes."
"Yes sir," I said, giving him a hug.
"We want you dressed for a classy night on the town next Friday." Gwen reminded him. He had no idea about the Ball, but we warned him we would be taking him out for an evening.
"Well, should it be a tux or a suit?" He laughed.
"Tux," Gwen and I answered together. He looked confused, but smiled anyways.
"I'm just a phone call away if you need anything. For a while at least," he said, climbing into his car.
"Yes sir," I said, swallowing the bitter truth. We waved goodbye as he drove off.
"Doesn't suspect a thing," I said, before I walked to my own car. Gwen was coming over to spend the night with Sam, so she followed behind me on the drive. She explained that she needed to have her car because our shifts differed a bit now.
"Honey, I'm home!" I announced to the apartment. Steve came around the corner to smile at me.
"How was work?"
"Will you stop walking on eggshells?" I teased. He knew I wasn't doing well, but we also couldn't avoid the situation forever.
"How have you been feeling?" He asked.
"Symptoms won't show up for another two weeks." I deadpanned, "And I'm not too sure if I actually am to begin with."
"When are you supposed to… you know…" He trailed off with a blush.
"Bleed? Have the red tide? Expect Aunt Flo to show up? Shark bait?"
"Shark bait?"
"Oo ha ha," I giggled out. It was all too much, between his adorable stumbling, and my stress over Dr. Fisher, I couldn't contain my stress anymore. I had to laugh at myself, because that's all I can do when it gets too much.
"Mia?" Steve asked, as I collapsed on the floor in hysterics.
"I'mm finnne!" I laughed, as Athena came to lick my face. After settling down, I changed into some comfy jeans, and my favourite Steve hoodie, and sat down on the couch. He brought me a bowl of soup, and I told him to put in Finding Nemo. After catching what made me laugh, he had to laugh at my reaction.
"Why don't you open the bag on the table," He said, finishing cleaning our dishes. I felt more like the working husband, and him the housewife.
"Bag?" I asked, looking up from my paperwork.
"Oh I must have left it in my pocket after all," He smirked, getting down on one knee in front of the couch.
"Steve?" I gasped, shocked.
"Amelia Maria Stark, these past few months have meant the world to me. You've given me my best friend back. You've shown me that I can be happy in this time, and you've given me so much hope for the fut2ure. One I hope you will share with me." He said as I pressed a hand to my mouth.
"You're brother being the only living relative you have, has given me your hand, but I know that you are your own woman. I am asking you, as a simple soldier, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife, my best friend, forever?"
"Yes," I sobbed, throwing my arms around him.