A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
Peeking my eyes open, I turned to see the clock that hung from the wall. It's been a month's since the accident and only a week ago did I manage to finally find the courage to move back into my old room. Even though I didn't want to, I thought it to be foolish and selfish to stay in the Soldiers room any longer; as he continued to sleep on the sofa in the living room.
Sighing, I saw the time to be still early morning. Pushing off the warm covers from my body, I slowly got up using the palm of my hands. As the days passed, my struggle to do anything by myself have become almost unbearable. The roundness of my stomach has caused problems and sleeping is the most uncomfortable of them all.
Slowly getting up from my bed, I walked over to the full length mirror installed on the sliding doors of my wardrobe. Standing with my arms by my side, I turned this way and that as I stared at my reflection. I almost don't recognise myself anymore. I look so different, but it's all contained in my belly area; which I suppose is a blessing or so I've heard.
Placing a hand on the shirt glad and swollen stomach, I rubbed it a little before standing on my side; running my hand from the top of my belly to the very underneath. Although I haven't reached the peak size of pregnancy, I'm almost certainly there. Lifting my shirt up, I have no stretchmarks to speak off; which would look hideous considering the growth rate of the baby. Shaking my head with a small sigh, I tugged my clothes off to get change into something more comfortable and decent.
Exiting my room, I made my way down the hall and into the kitchen. Looking around the main part of the house, I found it to be empty. I assumed the Soldier is still asleep. Since everything happened he's refused to leave my side. At first I thought his sudden change in attitude was rather odd, but as time ticked by I came to be glad. I don't want to be alone, especially now, being the way I am. Everything is getting close and frightening.
Opening the fridge, I pulled out a container of blue berries before sitting down on the lounge to get comfortable. Turning on the television, I made sure the volume is low as I watched the morning news. So far I've rarely seen anything good in the world. There's always some type of anarchy happening and I wonder why I bother watching it at times.
Crunching away on the cold blue berries, I turned my head to glance out the windows. It's a beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. It'd be perfect to go out and enjoy the sun, which is something I haven't done it what feels like a small eternity "You're awake early" mumbled the Soldier as he finished putting on a charcoal grey shirt.
Fumbling around in the kitchen, I heard the familiar beep of the coffee machine. It's the first thing he darts for whenever he wakes up. However, I hate the taste of it. To me it's like drinking black tar and I don't have the stomach for it, but he seems to like the substance for some strange reason. Placing down my blue berries and switching off the television, I turned to look at the Soldier.
"Will you take me outside?" I asked as he leant against the counter.
Furrowing his brows, he continued to stare at the coffee machine as it brewed "What for?"
"It's a nice day. I haven't been outside since we left the house" I argued "I don't want you to take me anywhere special, just somewhere quiet where I can sit and breath the air"
Letting out a low grumble, the Soldier raked his fingers through his hair. He'd yet to cut it again after I'd done it and so it'd grown back to how it used to be. If I'm being truthful, he looks much better this way. I didn't like the way he looked so clean and professional when it was short. It made him look like he used to, back when he was the ladies' man as Steve once told me.
The machine beeped as the Soldier grabbed a mug to pour some coffee "I don't know" he said while taking a long sip. Picking up the morning paper he flipped through a few pages "Where do you want to go?"
"Anywhere" I replied hoping that he's considering the idea and not completely shutting me down "How about the park? It's not that far away. There's barely any people around"
The Soldier eventually nodded his head before closing the paper and taking another sip of his coffee "Alright, fine" staring for a moment, I wondered if I heard correctly. Turning to look at me, he gestured with his mug in hand "Are you going to get up, or are you going to stare me like I just killed someone?"
Nodding my head, I got up from the couch as fast as possible. Grabbing a few of his things, he placed the same blue cap onto his head while shrugging on his jacket; the weather is starting to get slightly chilly lately and it's also to cover his metal arm. Slipping on some shoes, I followed behind him as we made our way out of the apartment and several floors down.
Getting out of the elevator, I've never been in the main ground administration part of Stark Tower. It all looks incredibly modern with stylish tiles and glass walls. Staring in front of me, the large double doors that led to the outside world stood not a few meters away; all sorts of people walking past on the other side. My heart leapt a little at the notion of being free.
"Alright, time to set some rules" spoke the Soldier "Don't talk to anybody, keep close and don't go running off. Simple" he said while holding the glass door open for me "If you don't follow them, then I'll drag you right back here and that'll be the end of it. No second chances"
I nodded my head "Okay"
Walking down the side walk next to him, I'd never seen so many people in all my life. Everything is so overwhelming. The buildings are taller and grander, the fashion ever changing and the smell of food wafted past with all sorts of enticing flavours. Walking with the smile on my face, I looked over to see the Soldier with a passive face. He always looks as if someone is going to jump out at any minute, but I suppose I can't blame him.
Continuing on, we crossed the road and started up the last length of the street before taking a turn directing for the park. Feeling a dull ache start in my lower back, I breathed a sigh of slight exhaustion and pain. Managing to keep pace, I glanced over to see a woman as she stood talking on her phone whilst leaning against a wall. I didn't think much of her until she looked down at my stomach and then to the Soldier beside me. An expression of disdain morphed her face
A hand suddenly rest on my lower back as the Soldier muttered "Ignore it"
Keeping my lips shut, I kept moving forward until we reached the park. For some reason the disturbed look of the woman makes me feel something I can't explain. Perhaps it was anger, for being judged without ever communicating a single word to each other. That woman doesn't know me and I don't know her. How is that fair?
Sitting down on a lonely bench, the park is quiet besides the background noise of a few cars and the rustling of trees. Breathing in a breath of fresh air as the breeze rushed past, I can't help but smile again. Forgetting the earlier ordeal, my mind was soon replaced with the feeling of liberty. Watching a man and woman jog not far from us, they both laughed at something one of them had said.
Leaning forward and being mindful of my stomach, I sat with my head in my hands as they rested on the bench table. Turning my head, I looked at the Soldier as he sat beside me with his forearms in front of him "Thank you" I said.
He nodded his head "You're welcome"
Enjoying the rays of sunlight that decided to grace me with its presents, I closed my eyes to listen to the birds as they chirped above me. For a moment I forgot where or who I am. I feel at peace. My eyes opened at the sound of shifting beside me. Getting up from his seat, the Soldier held out his hand for me.
"Come on" he said.
"Where are we going?"
"I want to show you a place. You'll like it" he replied. Hesitantly giving him my hand, he helped me off of the bench seat and we started walking out of the park.
Turning along streets, I noticed by the firm but still gentle hold that he'd yet to let go of my hand. Not saying a word, I didn't want to ruin the small moment. Eventually stopping out the front of a café, he held the door open and we made our way inside. A small shop with a calm vintage style to it, he guided us through to reach a booth at the far back corner.
"What are we doing here?" I asked while we sat opposite of one another.
"Steve brought me here once" he replied "I make it a habit to visit every now and then. It gives me a place to get away and clear my head"
I nodded my head in understanding. Coming over to the table a moment later, a waiter stood in her black apron and uniform "Welcome, what can I get you?" she asked with a high pitched voice.
"Just a coffee, hot chocolate and special cheesecake" he replied. Nodding her head, the blonde took off with our order and we sat in silence again.
Looking around the café, I can't help but observe the handful of people around. One man, young in age, sat dressed in a business suit with an uneasy habit of jogging his leg up and down under the table. Watching him glance around and down at his watch, the slight sheen of sweat on his collar makes me assume he's supposed to be meeting someone fairly important; a colleague or woman.
Flickering my line of sight to a booth at the front of the café tucked in the corner, I spotted a women with her two children; both boys, smiling as they drank their milkshakes. I could assume by the solemn look on her face and the fact she's bought nothing for herself, that perhaps she has financial issues. Snapping out of my observation, I faintly smiled as the waitress from earlier sat down the two drinks and cake.
After the blonde left, I asked "What is it?"
"It's cake" replied the Soldier while scooping a chunk with his fork and holding it out for me "Try it"
Leaning in, I ate the bit on the fork and an explosion of sweet and rich flavours coated the inside of my mouth. It tastes wonderful and chocolatey "Good, isn't it?" he asked before taking a bite of his own.
"It's better than good" I said while licking my lips "I could eat nothing but this"
A small smirk of a smile lifted the edges of the Soldiers mouth "I'd like to see you try"