A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
Shivering as the cold gel touched my belly, my eyes moved from the roof to the machine sitting beside me "There it is" said Cho before tilting the screen toward me. Roaming my eyes over the monitor, I can't believe how much the baby's grown. Flicking a switch, a patter sound echoed into the room "That's its heart beat" smiling, I squeezed the warm hand of the Soldier as he stood beside me to watch.
"Is it healthy?" I asked.
She nodded her head "A hundred percent. Everything's going according to plan" pressing a few more buttons, Cho turned off the monitor before handing me a small square black and white image "Here's a picture you can keep" staring down at the image, I held it out so that me and the Soldier can both see "If you'd like, I can tell you the gender"
Cleaning my stomach of gel, the Soldier helped me sit back up. I glanced from the doctor to the man beside me "It's up to you" he said, answering my silent question.
Thinking a moment longer, I was about to answer when the group arrived. They said they'll be checking in to see me after the bulk of the tests "What's the verdict?" asked Tony with his hands in his pockets.
"I'm not sure" I replied "We haven't decided if we want to know the gender or wait"
Looking back down at the picture in my hands, I passed it to Wanda who stood with a giant smile as I gave it to her. After taking a good look, she passed it over to Steve "Wow" he said teasingly "It looks just like you Buck. The resemblance is uncanny"
"Very funny" retorted the Soldier as he crossed his arms.
Passing the picture to Stark, the man grumbled "Children, babies, it's not my thing. But for the record, I think you two are going to be great parents" giving a faint smile, I thanked him. These are the types of moment where I like Stark; when he has something genuine an un-sarcastic to say.
"You know" said Wanda suggestively "You could always have a surprise gender reveal. Most people I know have done something similar" she went on to explain "The doctor gives you an envelope with the gender inside and you take it to the bakery. They'll make you a cake filled with either blue or pink frosting inside"
"Sounds like a plan" replied Tony while rubbing his hands together "Think of it as a revealing slash baby shower. It'll be perfect. That way I can unload all the things Pepper's bought, and you two can start decorating the room while arguing over what colour the wallpapers going to be"
Ignoring the last comment I nodded my head. The suggestion isn't a bad idea. I think I rather like it "Alright" I agreed "We'll do it that way"
After collecting the envelope from the doctor, Wanda was happy to take it to the bakery as I can't walk very far as of late. Standing in the kitchen, I tuned in to the sound of the television as I rolled the dough out onto the counter. Since everyone wants the party to be tonight, I decided to make a few treats. Of course, the Soldier's been monitoring my eating habits and he's been very strict on what I consume. Although, I'm hoping that tonight I'll be able to get away with it.
Cutting out circles of the dough, I placed them in the cupcake tray to make the base of the caramel tarts. Following the instructions on the magazine I've been looking at, I pushed the tray into the oven to let them cook. Turning my head, the Soldier opened the front door and walked in with some mail he'd collected.
"Smells good" he said before heading down the hallway and into the bathroom. When I heard the shower start, I sighed before looking around to see if there's any type of mess I can clean before everyone arrives. I've never done anything like this before and I admit, I'm a little nervous. I hope everything goes according to plan.
Picking up a few stray glasses and tidying up some misplaced objects, I sat down on the couch with a sigh. Playing with a few strands of my hair, I continued to watch the television. The Soldier eventually made his way out a few minutes later and I looked over to see him poring a glass of orange juice "I was wondering" I said.
"Of you were, were you?" he replied with a slight tilt of his head. Giving a narrowed look, I got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. Opening the cupboard, I searched for something to eat. The cravings make me constantly hungry and it's always for something salty.
Grabbing a packet of peanuts, I turned to face him "What do you want it to be?" I eventually asked "A boy or a girl?" popping a few peanuts into my mouth, I heard the crunch as I chewed. Lately I've been curious about the question, but I've never gotten around to asking until now.
"I don't know" he replied "As long as it's healthy and you're safe, that's all I care about"
Reaching over, I watched as the Soldier gently pressed his flesh hand against my belly. I stared a little transfixed at the site. He's never done that before, been so close or touched it. Brought out of the moment, I sniffed the air and remembered the tarts are still in the oven. Stepping around him, I hurriedly slipped on a pair of oven mitts. Pulling the tray out, I placed it on the bench to let them cool. They're not burnt which is a relief.
Pressing up against me from behind, the Soldier muttered over my shoulder "Looks like I don't have to cook anymore" elbowing him lightly, I chuckled.
I guess not.
Glancing over to the phone dock, I checked the time to see it's slowly creeping up to six-thirty. Everyone will be here shortly. Plating up the tarts and the few other small things I'd made along with crackers and some dip, a knock sounded on the door. Taking a quick glance around, I made my way over since the soldier had disappeared into his room to get changed.
Smiling, Wanda held up some sort of green coloured dip "I made it. It's a Sokovian dish" looking beside her, I noticed Vision stood with an awkward look on his face "I hope you don't mind"
"Of course not" I quickly replied "The more the better" taking a step back, I pointed to the kitchen "The other food is right over there" letting the couple in, I nodded to Steve as he held a cake box while following suit behind the others. Shutting the door, I headed over "I made a few snacks, nothing big"
"It's looks delicious" replied Wanda as she sat down her dip bowl to pick up a tart. Taking a bite, she hummed before covering her mouth to speak "You should come live with me. I could use someone who knows how to cook" she said jokingly while casting an eye to Vision. Chuckling at the jest, the Soldier came out a minute later to give Steve a short hug.
"Well, I guess were just waiting on Stark" spoke Steve.
Busying themselves with the assortment of foods on the kitchen bench, Steve and the Soldier opened some beers for diving into their own conversation while Wanda sipped on a glass of white wine. Unfortunately I'm the only sober person with a glass of lemonade. Talking with Wanda and Vision in a slight conversation, the front door busted open to announce Stark and Pepper as they both carted in a bundle of wrapped gifts – too many if you ask me.
"Sorry to keep you waiting" apologised Pepper. Putting the gifts down in a pile in the lounge room, she immediately came over to give me a side hug "Congratulation. I should have said it sooner but I've been busy cleaning up this one's mess" she said while gesturing to Stark who only rolled in his eyes in return.
Coming to join us in the kitchen, Tony and Pepper grabbed a drink before Steve announced "A toast to our host! First, I'd like to thank you for inviting us all. I know it's only been a short time since we've met, but I hope to have many more years of friendship. Tonight we celebrate the soon to be parents of both you and my best pal, and I just know that both of you are going to be great for the job" Steve raised his glass "To a happy future and no sleep"
I smiled before we clinked out glasses and drank "Well then" spoke Tony "That just leaves the main event" lifting the lid on the cake, I looked to the Soldier nervously as he handed me a knife.
Clasping it with my hands, he placed his own over top while pressing into from behind. Pointing the tip into the centre of the cake, we cut straight down with one swift stroke. Dragging the blade back, it revealed a smear of frosting – the colour of light blue. Everyone clapped and cheered, and I can't help but realise we're going to have a baby boy.
Letting go of my hand, the Soldier placed his hands on either sides of my hips before reach over and planting a kiss on my lips. For a moment I was stunned. It's been so long since he's done that, let alone in front of anyone. Taking in a breath, I continued to cut a piece of cake. Plating up the slices, everyone ate with a clink of their forks.
Once the cake was gone, we made our way from the kitchen to the lounge room. Sitting down on the middle of the couch, the Soldier sat on my left and Wanda on my right. Taking a few chairs from the dining room table, Stark and Pepper sat on one side while Vision sat on the other. Huddled around, Tony passed me a gift with an added wink of mischief.
"Here" he said "Open this one"
Tearing the paper, it revealed a full piece of baby clothing "Your kidding me, right?" asked Steve with a chuckle as he looked at what I'm holding. It's a baby onesie with a Captain America shield printed on the centre. Smiling, I wondered where Stark managed to find this. I'm certainly keeping it.
Opening the rest of the gifts with the Soldiers help, they revealed themselves to be more clothes, a sophisticated looking pram, Tupperware, supplies, a changing table and white cot. I didn't realise how much they'd bout us until it was laid all out in the open. Now that I think about it, I don't think we'd actually need to buy anything substantial. Everything I can think of is right here in front of me.
"Thank you Tony, Pepper" I said with a smile "We appreciate it"
After much banter and laughter, I ended up being taught a few card games and soon with a couple more drinks and snacks, the night drew to an end. Standing by the door, everyone slowly made their way out of the apartment; some more tipsy than others. Looking behind me, Steve and the Soldier are still talking to each other in hushed whispers.
Patting the brunette man on the back, Steve walked toward me "Have a good night. Thanks again for inviting me"
"Of course" I smiled. Closing the door after he left, I leant against the wooden surface with an exhausted sigh before walking back over to the kitchen. Grabbing a fork, I scooped a piece of left over cake into my mouth "That turned out well"
"It did" replied the Soldier as he collected the glasses and plates to start packing the dishwasher. Unhanding the fork from my fingers, he turned me around to face him before planting a kiss on my lips. I can't help but notice how oddly affectionate he's being "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself" raising an eyebrow, he kissed me again with a sliver more force.
Getting a hold on myself, I pulled away "What's gotten into you?" I asked while looking at him. He certainly isn't drunk. I'd only seen him have a single drink the entire night.
The Soldiers face became serious but sincere and I sucked in a breath when the words fell into the air "I want you to marry me Katya"
Frozen.
That's what I imagine I look like. Squinting at the Soldier, I caught my breath before nudging him away. Walking around, I rushed to the safety of my bedroom in order to hide. Shutting the door behind me, I closed my eyes as the thought of marriage came to mind. Why would he want to ask a thing like that? Why me?
Listening to the door knob jiggle, a knock vibrated against my back "Katya, let me in" spoke the Soldier. Ignoring him, I stood still and pressed my weight against the entrance. I don't know what to say to him or how to react. It's too sudden "Come on, I just want to talk" he said. I know I can't avoid him and so I swung the door open "Why did you run away?"
"What did you expect me to do?" I questioned "Jump up and down and say yes?"
Nervous butterflies entered my stomach as I stood not knowing what to do. One minute were having fun and celebrating, and the next he's asking me a question I don't understand. It's only been a few months since I was let out and so far I've been doing well in adjusting to everything that's happened, but this is it. I don't know how to handle this.
"I didn't expect you to run away either" heaving a sigh, the Soldier raked his fingers through his hair "Tell me what the problem is?"
"You can't ask me to marry you" I replied with a shake of my head. I went to close the door, but he forcefully pushed it open with the palm of his hand. Walking in, I took several steps back as he shut the entry way behind him.
"Why not? We're having a baby?" he said with a gesture to my stomach. So that's his explanation for this sudden proposal – were having a baby.
"I'm having a baby, not you. We can't get married" turning around, I walked over to the edge of my bed and sat down. Placing my hand over my stomach, I can feel a slight sort of movement underneath. I've noticed whenever my heart rate goes up, the baby always starts to move "It's not right"
The Soldiers shadow loomed in my peripheral before he knelt down in front of me, his hands on my knees "What do you mean?" he asked "What's not right?"
"This" I gestured to him and myself "You and me, in this world. This can't happen. It won't"
Surely the Soldier understands how things work now. It should have crossed his mind at some point that he's a twenty-six year old man, and I'm a sixteen year old girl. It won't work how he wants it too, at least not yet. He sighed "What if I said that I love you"
"Then I would say you're lying"
"Am I?" he asked "What you and I have is different. We both know that. In my time we did things differently. We don't go running when things happen. I'll always be here to care and protect you. Marriage is no different"
"Then why do it?" I asked "If it's not any different, what's the point?"
"The point is it shows that I love you" sighing, he bowed his head for a second before reaching a hand behind his back. Searching his pockets, the Soldier pulled out a simple yet elegant ring "Katya, will you marry me?"
I stared at the ring glittering in front of me. Looking into those steel grey eyes, I know I need to make a decision. There's no denying that I have feelings for this man, but I'm still confused. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this type of commitment or normalcy. I hope that my answer is the right one. Hesitantly nodding my head, I replied "Yes"