There was quite a bit of change when Bucky and Sharon returned from Hawaii. When they heard the news, Steve and Natasha planned an engagement party at their beach house. Sarah was released from the hospital, and was strong enough to go home. While Steve was helping his mom get settled back in her own apartment, Bobbi took Natasha shopping for the nursery.

"I'm glad you're doing well, Mom. How does it feel to be home?"

"I've missed this place. Granted it's not the one I watched you grow up in, but this has been home since you went to war."

"I kind of miss that old apartment though. I have a lot of good memories there."

"I know, but I didn't need a place that big anymore. So where's Natasha today?"

"Bobbi took her shopping for the twins' room. I'm going to go get your bags, and then I'll make lunch. What would you like?"

"No Steve, I'm making lunch. You need to rest. You're still trying to find a job, and you're taking care of a 6 months pregnant wife. Let me do this."

"All right, Mom. I'm not going to argue you with you. I'll be right back."

While they celebrate her homecoming, Bobbi is dragging Natasha into one more store.

"Come on Nat, just this last one. There's got to be something here you'll like for the kids."

"Bobbi, I really think we should stop. I'm exhausted. Steve and I don't even know whether the babies will be boys or girls yet. We still have three months until they're born."

"I know, but you're the first one of us to get pregnant. It wouldn't hurt to be prepared before the arrival."

With Bobbi so insistent, Natasha can only follow her around. She listens as her friend goes on and on about the cribs, and the car seats. Finally finding a chair, she sits down. The exhaustion has become overwhelming. Back in Brooklyn, Steve is just finishing lunch when he gets a phone call.

"Mom, Bobbi's calling, I have to take this."

"Go ahead. I'll be cleaning up."

He steps into the living room and hears Bobbi, frantic on the other end of the line.

"Steve! Thank God you answered! You've got to…, I need you to…"

"Slow down Bobbi, catch your breath. What's wrong?"

"Natasha, we were out shopping, and she passed out. I'm not sure why. I know she was tired, but she's never had this happen before."

"Where are you? Bobbi, I need to know. Tell me where you are."

"We're at NYM. It was the closest hospital. I called Dr. Grey from Natasha's phone. She's on her way here."

His phone drops to the floor when he hears that his wife is in the hospital. His fear is that something happened to the kids, or to her. From the floor, their friend's voice is muffled.

"Steve? Steve are you there?"

He grabs his phone, before running for the door. He only gives a brief answer when his mother asks him where he's going.

"Steve, what's wrong? Where are you going?"

"The hospital, Natasha passed out."

"Go, I'll be fine. Call me if you need anything."

At the bottom of the stairs, he remembers Bobbi is still on the line.

"Bobbi, I'm on my way. Stay with her, I'll be there as soon as I can."

After a mad dash to his S.U.V., the drive only took ten minutes. Partly because the hospital was so close, but also because there was very little traffic. He sped the whole way there. Running through the front door, he vaults over a wet floor sign, directly to the nurses' station.

"Jane! Sorry, Nurse Foster. I'm looking for…"

Jane remembers him from when he first came in looking for his mother. She also notices the strain in his voice.

"Steve, Natasha is here. Dr. Blake has her stabilized. And Dr. Grey has run a sonogram, your babies are fine."

"What about Nat? I need to see her."

"She's resting. When

I saw you run in the front door, I paged Don. He's on his way here now. Impressive vault, by the way."

He doesn't notice her attempt at levity. Five minutes later, Dr. Blake arrives at the waiting room.

"Doc, where is she? Is she alright?"

"Steve, calm down. Your wife is resting comfortably. Dr. Grey has double checked the health of the babies. They're okay."

"So what happened? When my friend called me, she said Nat passed out."

"She did. Trust me, it's just simple exhaustion. It is summer after all, and Mrs. Barton did say they did an extensive amount of window shopping for when your children do arrive. Is there anything else that could have caused this?"

"Not that I know of. She's taken time off of work. Can I see her?"

"Of course, if you'll follow me, I'll take you to her room."

After a short walk, and an elevator ride up to outpatient services, they're both standing outside her door. A page calls Dr. Blake away.

"Sorry, Steve. I've got another patient to check on. If you need anything, just press the call button."

He leaves Steve standing outside the room. After a deep breath, he steps inside. Bobbi is still with her, sitting by the bed. When she looks up, it appears that she had been crying.

"Steve, I…"

"It's okay, Bobbi. Thanks for waiting with her. You should probably get home."

She didn't expect him to be so understanding. After a hug and a gentle pat on the back, she leaves to tell Clint what happened. Bobbi knows that if she doesn't tell him first, he'll come busting into the hospital and kick down every door until he finds Natasha. When the door closes, Steve takes the chair she was sitting in and lowers his head. The steady beep of the machines connected to her is the only sound.

"Nat, I'm here. I'm going to stay here with you until you wake up."

He rests one hand on top of her stomach, and takes her hand in the other. After a few moments the babies kick, but only he feels it. He's trying to be strong, and fight back the tears, but they fall. His voice cracks when he speaks again.

"Baby, please. You've got to wake up. I-we need you."

For three hours he remains in this position. Dr. Blake returned to check on them, but his entry went unnoticed. Sensing the need for privacy, he checks her vitals and departs silently. After another hour passes, there is a gentle squeeze of his hand. Natasha turns her head slowly, and sees him with her.

"Steve? Where am I? Are you okay?"

He looks up and she can see his tear stained face.

"Nat, you're in the hospital. Dr. Blake says you passed out while shopping with Bobbi."

A quick burst of fear runs through her, and she wonders about their babies.

"What about…"

"The babies are fine. Dr. Grey came by after Bobbi called her. They also kicked while you were asleep."

"Good, when can I leave?"

"I'll have to ask Dr. Blake when he comes back. For now, you should rest."

"I will, but I need you to do me a favor, Steve."

"What's that?"

"If Bobbi insists on taking me shopping again while I'm pregnant, don't let her."

They laugh together as he lays his head down on her chest, while she runs her fingers through his hair. All that remains is for the Doctor to come back to let them go home.