Dr. Blake came back a short time later that afternoon. Natasha had to stay that night. Dr. Grey had called to check in and wanted to run one more test in the morning. Both Doctors agreed on that. Though he was loathe to leave, Steve went home but he couldn't sleep without her. So he made a call.
"You know it's the middle of the night, Steve."
"Really Bucky? I didn't know eleven p.m. classified that way now."
"You were the one who said we're in our thirties now."
"Yeah, but that was in regards to getting drunk and waking up with a hangover. Sorry Grandpa, I'll let you get back to sleep."
"I wasn't asleep yet anyway. Sharon hasn't gotten back home from her shift at The Falcon. So what's on your mind?"
"You remember when we were kids, and we used to sit up on the roof of my Mom's apartment?"
"Yeah, so you want to come over and stargaze like we used to do, is that it?"
"Well we didn't just stargaze. We talked about everything."
"All right, Steve. Come on over. If it will help to talk, you know I'm here for you."
He arrived at Bucky and Sharon's apartment twenty minutes later. They didn't talk all that much, just ended up playing video games. It took a while for Steve to open up.
"So, we've been playing this game for an hour Steve. You gonna tell me what's bothering you?"
"I'm just worried about Nat. I wish I could've stayed in the hospital with her."
"I get it, it's hard to sleep without her. I don't sleep well if Sharon's not here."
"Speaking of, have you guys decided on a wedding date yet?"
"No, we're waiting to be sure her Aunt Peggy can make it."
While they're still talking, Sharon comes home. She's not surprised to see Steve there.
"Hey Bucky, I'm home. Hey Steve, how are you? How's Natasha?"
"She's in the hospital. She passed out from exhaustion earlier today."
"Is she going to be okay?"
"Dr. Blake said she would. I just couldn't sleep without her. But it's late, I should get home. I'm picking her up in the morning."
"Well, you know if the two of you ever need anything, all you have to do is call."
"I know, thanks. Good night guys."
As he leaves, Sharon is curious about the late night visit.
"You think he'll be okay? You always said he was an early riser."
"Steve will be fine. I can understand what he's going through."
"Oh, can you now?"
"Yeah, I don't sleep well when you're not here."
"Well, come on then soldier. This was my last night at The Falcon, and I'm exhausted."
"Yes, Ma'am."
He doesn't say another word as she drags him to their bedroom. The next morning, after only four hours of sleep Steve went to pick up Natasha. His entrance this time was more relaxed.
"Good morning Steve, how are you today?"
"Morning, Nurse Foster. I'm a little worn out."
"Dr. Grey will be bringing Natasha out shortly. There's coffee if you want some."
Grabbing a cup, he sits down and waits. He has started a second cup when Natasha is brought to the waiting room in a wheelchair.
"Now remember Natasha, you need to take it easy. You're almost to the third trimester. You're going to experience more exhaustion, so get as much bed rest as you can."
"I will, Jean. Thanks for being here."
"And I'll be checking in over the next three months. It's nice to see you again, Steve."
"Thank you Dr. Grey. Thanks for everything."
An orderly takes her place, wheeling Natasha out of the hospital. As they drive away, she gets a closer look at Steve.
"Baby, you look like hell. What's wrong?"
"I couldn't sleep, because I was so worried about you. I spent a couple hours last night with Bucky, playing video games."
She appreciates his honest admission. She never slept well without him there either. He still hasn't looked at her though.
"Did you guys talk at all? Have he and Sharon decided on a wedding date yet?"
"Not yet they haven't. They're waiting for her Aunt Peggy to be well enough to make the trip overseas."
"Steve look, I'm sorry I pushed myself too hard yesterday. Don't be upset. And don't be mad at Bobbi. She's just excited about this."
As they pull up to the stop light, he can hear the worry in her voice. He knows he has to assuage that.
"Nat, I'm not upset. At least not with you or Bobbi. I'm just frustrated because I still haven't found a job. I have to be able to provide for you and our kids. If I can't do that…"
"Don't do that to yourself. It's only been a couple of months since you graduated. You just have to give it time. Something will come up, I know it."
The way she said that, he knows she believes it. When they get home, she is proven right. A message is waiting on the answering machine.
"This message is for Steve Rogers. My name is Eugene Thompson. I'm the Principal of Midtown High. My secretary gave me your application. I see from your resume that you graduated with a degree in art education. You also did your student teaching here during your junior year. We are in the position of needing a new arts teacher. Our previous instructor retired this past year. I have a staff meeting next Monday, so I'll be at the school. If you would be interested in the position, please come by and we can talk."
After hearing the message, Steve is ecstatic. He'd always wanted to teach, and now he may have the opportunity. As they relax on the couch Natasha smirks at him with an I told you so look in her eyes.
"So are you still worried about finding a job now?"
"Not anymore. Teaching is what I wanted to do. You're always right. How do you always know what to say to cheer me up?"
"It's because you love me. Admit it, you'd be a mess without me."
"I was a mess without you. Time didn't change that."
She laughs and rolls over to sleep on her side, while resting her head in his lap. Draping an arm over her, Steve realizes that their lives together are where they wanted them to be.