A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
"Katya" fluttering my eyes open, I rolled over to see doctor Cho standing by my bedside. I must have fallen asleep after Steve had left "It's time for you examination. I'll try not to be too long" she said before I nodded and sat up "Please hold out your arm for me"
Doing as instructed, Cho wrapped a grey piece of material around my arm. Listening to the beep of the machine, a tight pressure began to build around my arm. Once it was finished, Cho wrote the number down on my personal chart "Alright, just lay back down and lift your shirt up a little"
Lying down on the bed and raising my white shirt, it came to me what Cho had really been doing when she used that machine to see inside of me. It wasn't for my injury, it was so she could see the baby. Drizzling some gel onto my abdomen, Cho rolled around the ball shaped receiver. I waited before eventually asking "Can I see it?"
I have to admit, I'm curious.
The doctor looked at me before nodding with a small smile. Tilting the screen, she pointed with a gloved finger "This is your baby, right here. Fit and healthy" staring at the white blur on the screen, I could barely believe what I'm seeing. Is that possible?
"It's bigger than it should be. I don't understand" I said while staring at the image. I've been educated on the human growth cycle and that's not what it should like in any remote sense. It should barely be a dot and yet here it is, much bigger than it's supposed to be.
"This isn't a normal pregnancy" explained the doctor "The baby's growth has doubled or perhaps even tripled since the time of conception"
"What does that mean for me – and the baby?" I added.
"I'm not quite sure, but we'll be monitoring you closely for the next couple of months" placing down the receiver, Cho cleaned my stomach of the left over gel "In the meantime, if you think anything's unusual I want you to contact me immediately" I nodded my head "I can also say that you won't be needing to stay in the medical ward"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I've already talked with Mister Stark so there shouldn't be any problem" she replied "Do you have any other questions before I leave?"
I shook my head "No"
Cho nodded before turning and leaving the room without another word. Still lying down, I stared up at the white ceiling before flinging myself from the bed and heading straight into the adjoining bathroom. Making it just in time, the sound of sickness filled the air. I wish it would stop. Taking a deep breath in, I felt tears water my eyes from the acid sting that burned my throat.
A small disgruntled sigh came from behind me and my hands tightened on the edge of the toilet. Feeling my stomach churn, I didn't both to turn to see who it is when I already know "You're back" I said "Are you going to tell what you did?"
The sound of boots thudded on the tiles before the tap on the sink turned on "Don't worry about that. I took care of it" he replied. Wetting a wash towel, I watched from the corner of my eye as the Soldier crouched down beside me to wipe away the sheen of sweat "Are you feeling any better?"
"I'm fine" I replied before getting up onto my feet and flushing the toilet. Washing my mouth with some water, I turned only to run right into the Soldiers solid chest "Move. I want to go to bed"
He only continued to look down at me with those steel grey eyes. Leaning down, I didn't see it coming as he pressed his lips against mine. Pulling away, I tried to move out of the way but he wouldn't let me. Pressing himself closer, the Soldier picked me up from the floor to sit me down on the bathroom counter.
"Tell me about the appointment" he said "Did everything go alright?"
"I told you, everything's fine. You don't need to keep worrying. I can take care of myself" leaning back on the counter, I wanted to put some distance between us.
"Would you rather I don't care?" he asked seriously and I sighed. That isn't what I want "The doctor, she said you could leave?"
I nodded "She did, and I'm going to"
"Then you can move in with me" he said "I don't want you by yourself. If you stay with me then I can keep a good eye on you" I shook my head. This is my chance to move into a place of my own where I can have the independence I need "I already have your things" he added "Tony delivered it from the house"
"I don't want to be with you. I want to be by myself"
"We all want things Katya, but we don't always get what we want" he retorted "There's plenty of space in my apartment. I'm not living in a shoebox" picking me up from the bathroom counter, he placed me back onto the ground. Steering me into the other room, we stood by the bed "Get some rest. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning"
Shrugging his hands off of my shoulders, I scowled as the Soldier left the room. Why doesn't he listen to me?
The next morning had come and was ever so slowly leaving. I still haven't gotten out of bed yet. Partially awake and asleep at the same time, I felt a ghost of a hand run along my cheek. Fluttering my eyes open, the site of buckled jeans and the edge of a navy blue shirt stood before me. I huffed. I was hoping the Soldier had forgotten.
"Good morning" he said.
Pulling the covers off, I slowly sat up and rubbed my eyes "There is nothing good about this morning"
"And why do you say that?" he asked with an amused tone. I scoffed. How is any of this amusing? I'm the one being forced to live where I don't want to, and I barely got any sleep last night. I was too busy throwing up or getting headaches, but I'm not going to tell him that. The Soldier will start to worry again and I've already had enough the nonsense.
"I want to move into a place of my own" I replied "I don't need you to looking after me. It's childish" getting off of the bed, the cold floor sent shivers up my spine.
The Soldier crossed his arms "It's not childish, it's logical. You're in a vulnerable state"
"I'm pregnant, not dying"
"If something happens and there's no one there to help you, what's going to happen?" he questioned "It's better for the both of you if you live with me from now on. I honestly don't see what the big problem is. We've lived together before"
"And look what happened" I retorted before pursing my lips. I shouldn't have said that.
There was a pause of silence before the Soldier spoke up "Come on" he said with a nod to the door "I'll show you where it is"
Keeping my mouth shut, I followed close behind and made sure to memorise the path. Taking a good five minutes, the Soldier jingled a set of keys before unlocking the door. Heading inside, the apartment appeared much larger than I thought it would be. The floor is made of expensive polished wood and the wall paper is fancy but clean. The apartment held a certain masculinity to it, which I could understand.
Open planned, straight ahead I can see an entire wall made of glass panelling that gave a clear view on the city. On the far right-hand side sits a large television mounted on the wall and a long white curved lounge chair in front of it. Closest to us on the left is the six seater dark wooden dining table and beside it on the other side, is the large modern looking kitchen with an island counter.
Continuing on the tour, the Soldier pointed to anything he thought I might need to know before taking me down the hallway "Down the end is the main bathroom. My room's on the right and yours is opposite" he said while gesturing "All of your things are in the boxes" I nodded my head and opened my bedroom door "I'm going for a run. I'll be back in an hour"
Turning to look at him, the Soldier didn't wait before heading into his room and closing the door to change. Stepping toward the stack of three cardboard boxes, I knelt on the floor to sift through my belongings. At least I have something to do. When the door to his room opened again, I noticed that the Soldier didn't appear to be too happy and I think I know reason as to why.
I definitely shouldn't have said what I did.
Heaving a sigh, it was hours until I finished unpacking and setting up my new room. Hanging the last piece of clothing, I closed the cupboard with a sigh. Glancing around the room, I saw my bed adorned with the dark purple sheets, the office desk with my computer and a few accessories; including the small panther T'Challa had given me. So far everything is starting to look a little more familiar and no so blank.
Looking at the clock, I know it's starting to get rather late and the Soldier has yet to come home. Heading out into the hallway, I checked his room just in case but found no sign of him. I beginning to wonder where exactly he went. Walking into the kitchen, I rummaged around before starting to prepare a simple dinner. Hopefully by the time I finish cooking he'll be home.
After another hour, I placed the bowel of freshly made garden salad into the fridge to keep cold. Resting my back against the island counter, I watched as the chops continued to cook in the oven. Slowly zoning out, I started drifting into oblivion when a loud splattering noise echoed out into the apartment. I turned to see a pour of rain outside as the droplets of water pounded against the glass windows.
If the Soldier isn't home now, he will be soon.
Tapping my nails against the counter top, I leant on the surface once again. Besides the rain it's awfully quiet. This is what it'd be like almost all the time if I were actually allowed to move into a place of my own. I'm starting to think that maybe this isn't such a bad arrangement after all. I think all this quietness would slowly drive me insane over time.
Jumping in fright, the front door slammed open with a thud "Hey" spoke Steve with huff as he supported the staggering Soldier from falling to the ground "I thought I'd return him to safety for the night"
Frozen stiff with a shocked expression on my face, it quickly changed to worry once I looked the Soldier up and down. Barely able to stand, his head slumped down and his metal arm is thrown over Steve's shoulder for support "What happened?" I asked while assessing the dry exercising clothes he wore.
"Don't worry. He's just a bit under the table. He should be fine by the morning" explained Steve with a guilty smile. I think he gathered that I didn't know what the Soldier had really been up to all this time. Giving a cough he asked "Where's his bedroom?"
Keeping in my emotions, I nodded behind me "This way"
Listening to the incoherent protests of the Soldier, Steve guided him down the hallway "Sorry about all of this" said the blonde.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure it wasn't your fault"
The sound of a buzzer rang out signalling that the rest of dinner is ready. Heading back to the kitchen, Steve made sure his friend is well situated and not in any danger of drowning in his own vomit during the night. Pulling open the oven, I slipped on the thick mittens before taking out the metal tray. Grabbing the tongs with one hand, I dished out the meat to the plates.
Steve walked around the corner with a groan "That smells great. I didn't know you learnt to cook" he said and I nodded in reply. Placing the empty tray back into the oven, I reached into the fridge to take out the salad bowl from earlier.
"Since I have extra, would you like to join me?" I asked hesitantly. I doubt the Soldier had enough motor function to be able to handle a knife and fork. Besides, I should thank Steve for bringing him back in one whole piece. Dishing out the salad, I'm impressed with how dinner had turned out.
Steve gave a small clap of his hands "I wouldn't mind, that's for sure. It's been a long time since I've had a home cooked meal. Everything here all tastes the same or plastic" giving a chuckle, I'm inclined to agree.
Despite the people that work here in Stark Tower, all the options food wise is either from the Café during the day or fast-food restaurants. Taking the plates over to the dining table, we both ate with a nice conversation. When we finished, I took the plates away.
"Thank you for keeping me company" giving Steve a genuine smile, we stood by the front door.
"Any time" he replied "Have a good night"
Packing the rest of the dishes into the dishwasher, I made sure everything's alright before checking on the Soldier one last time before I went to bed. Peeking through the small crack of the door, I found him passed out with a slight wheeze of a snore. The whole room stunk of alcohol. Quietly closing the door, I walked into my room and tucked myself under the fresh covers before dozing off.