Steve's POV:
The new year. Nearly three years after we lost everyone. We're nearing Charlie's due date. Each day we get closer I can see her mood changing. She's been oddly quiet, and mostly busy "nesting". I feel an odd sense of puzzlement not knowing what to do to help her. She refuses to vocalize what her thoughts are. I ache for her to just turn to me, allow me to help with her feelings.
Not that it would make her feel better, but pregnancy looks breathtaking on her. I love watching her when she cradles at her constantly growing bump, almost like she's visualizing holding our little girl. Her eyes are soft and always looking at herself, I even can catch her soft hums to our baby.
One morning after showering I set out in the house looking for Charlie, like always I hear her in the nursery. I pause outside the door just wanting to observe her movements, I see her shoulders slump, and a soft sigh of a whimper escapes her lips before sitting in the glider. She catches my eyes as she looks at the door. Calmly I walk towards her, just wanting to let her know that I'm here, and I want to listen to her worries.
I crouch in front of her, both of us looking at one another, not saying anything, just soaking up the others presence. She intakes a deep breathe, "I didn't see you standing there." Her eyes move down to her bump as she cradles and massages herself.
"Charlie, you've acted distant for a couple weeks. Is there anything you want to talk about?"
Her hazel eyes move back up to mine. Sadness is laced throughout them before the tears start to fall. "Princess what is it?" I plead wanting her to tell me what's going through her mind. If only I had her empathy powers. "Please, let me take some of whatever you're feeling. I'm here to listen, to help."
She gives me a weak smile. "Why are we doing this?" My head tilts, not sure exactly what she's asking me. A fear flashes across my face that she sees and places her hand on my cheek. "Nat is alone in the compound, barely holding herself together. She's the director of the pitiful numbers of the Avengers. Rhodey is always running around, keeping tabs on Clint. Nebula and Rocket lost the only people who loved them and are flying through the galaxy doing only God knows what. Bruce is only staying back long enough to deliver Maggie and then he's running away. Thor is in a deep depression, and then there's us. We're pretending that everything is normal. We bought a house, we're having a baby, and eventually we're getting married. Why?" Her voice cracks. "Why are we so special?"
"What about Tony and Pepper?" I currently don't want to focus on the other people she's mentioned.
"Pepper was pregnant before Than...before the snap. We decided this after." Her eyes leave mine again. "We're selfish."
"I don't think we were meant to completely quit living life. Everyone deals with grief differently. We're trying to bring a bit of happiness to the grief, but we'll still have our days, like today, where it's overwhelming." I place my hand on her thigh, tracing gentle circles trying to calm her.
"I miss them...I miss...him." She sucks in a breath quickly before her slowly cascading tears turn uncontrollable, "And I feel guilty for the amount of time I spend thinking of him. You're anything and everything I could ever need, but..." Her words begin to hiccup as she's trying to catch her breath. I want to say something, but still want to listen, because I asked. "I just miss him. And I'm sorry."
She stands, beginning to walk away as she realizes exactly what she just told me, feeling guilty. I wrap my arms around her, refusing to let her leave. "It's okay." I whisper, placing my chin on her head. I lightly caress her belly, feeling Maggie swirl around in her almost too small womb. The feeling of our daughter makes a slight smile tickle on the outside of my lips.
"No, it's not. You're too good to me." Her breathing has steadied in my embrace.
"Do you think any of what's happened since Thanos has been easy for me? Do you think me realizing how some of us are coping with everything is easy?"
"No, but..."
"No buts. All we can do is move forward. Allow the bad days to happen, knowing that tomorrow is another day. And soon we'll be bringing home Maggie."
I feel her smile on me. "It's probably just hormones and nerves of her almost being here." She sighs gently.
I pull her chin to look up at me, softly kissing her lips, "Don't go through these thoughts alone. I want to be here for you, but you have to let me in. Come on." I grab her hand guiding her to follow me.
"Where are you taking me?" She playfully asks.
"Well, I was hoping we could lounge together, maybe watch a movie, and let me just rub your feet. It won't be long until there's three of us in this house."
"Steve, I really do love you." She whispers.
"I know, and I really do love you. We're in this together though. Don't be ashamed to talk about what you're feeling. Maybe when Maggie is here, we can go to a group therapy. There're others out there that feel like you...like us."
"I would like that."
She follows me downstairs. I grab the remote and sit down on the couch. Charlie sits sideways beside me, leaning onto me. I wrap my arm around her, resting my hand on her stomach as I lazily rub on her. It's not long until I feel her go comfortable and her soft humming snores are heard. "Margaret James, I can't wait to actual meet you, and not just feel your movements." I whisper down to her stomach. Charlie doesn't stir or change her breathing. My words were only for our daughter.
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Charlie's POV:
March 1st. Due date. Nothing is happening, but it is time for the weekly visit to the compound and to see Bruce for a checkup. Steve grabs our bags just in case it is time for Maggie to make her appearance. I look down at our growing girl, "You are about to overstay your welcome little lady, so if you could please just make your entrance into the world soon, that would be great." I look down at my stomach once we get into the car talking to our daughter.
"I already told you princess, she's stubborn like you." I glance over to my fiancé, wanting to smile and then also wanting him to wipe off his smug smile. I reach over wiping on his mouth. Steve gives me a genuine laugh, making his eyes crinkle around the edges.
"Hush, Rogers. Today is not the day to mess with me. I just want her to come out already."
"We'll see what Bruce says, okay, babe?"
After our talk a couple months back, we've been better than ever. Yes, thoughts of the ones we've lost is crippling, but it's good to know that Steve has mostly the same thoughts. I still feel guilty the amount of time I spend thinking of Bucky. I don't deserve Steve, he's too perfect, but I'm beyond thankful that he's the one I'm having a child with.
"Okay sugar cube, whatever you say." I smile over at Steve and hold my look at him. "It's almost not fair that you still look like that, and look at me." I gesture down to my stomach as he starts the drive to the compound.
"First off, I hate when you call me sugar cube." He smiles, "And secondly my darling fiancé, you're beautiful. You're absolutely glowing. Not to mention, you are kinda sorta growing our child. You have no idea how jealous I am of you."
"What could possibly make you jealous of me?" I look at him with a shocked expression.
"You've got to feel our daughter actually grow inside of you." My face softens as I look at Steve, his eyes barely leaving the road. "The first flutters you got to feel, I had to wait months to feel her move. Your body is changing, but it's changing all for her, and you've remained so stunning through it all."
I can't help but look at my man. He's obviously handsome, but how is he also so kind, and sweet. Not to mention sexy. "You complimenting me like that makes me want to fuck you right now." I mischievously whisper to him, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe later." Steve smirks over to me.
When we arrive at the compound Nat meets us out front. "Charlie, why are you so adorable? Look at your little waddle."
"Oh, my lord Nat! Shut up. She won't come out." I waddle over to her, giving her a hug.
She walks over to me, rubbing on my belly. "Little Maggie James, your mother is ready for you to quit occupying her body. Are you ready to come out little one?"
"Knowing her mother, she'll wait to make a grand entrance." Steve winks carrying our bags.
"Yeah, Charlie has never been good at being on time for things." Nat teasingly plays along with Steve.
"Oh no, we're not ganging up on Charlie. I'm forty weeks pregnant." I walk into the compound, going straight to the lab with Steve and Nat following.
"You know to make things easier you could just stay here. We've got the room. Your old room is still there, and I added some stuff in there for Maggie." I look over at her confused. "Not saying you should move back, just saying that when you're here you'll have things to make life easier for you and her." She rubs on my belly and Maggie gives her a kick. "Definitely her daddy's girl." She smiles over to Steve, he beams back, he's so proud of our baby.
Bruce meets us at the door of the lab, "I've got everything all set up for you Charlie." He helps me up on the exam table he pulls up my shirt as I pull down the top of my pants. He squirts on some gel that causes me to hiss at how cold it is. "Sorry, I forgot how sensitive you are to how cold the gel is."
"Don't look at me, Maggie doesn't like it either." I sheepishly push blame onto the baby. Steve gives a little giggle. Bruce uses the wand to smooth around the cold gel and the image of what's going on in my womb appears on the screen. The soothing sound of hearing Maggie's heartbeat. It's strong and rhythmic. Steve hums as he watches the screen, taking my hand in his own. Both of us wistfully looking at the screen.
Even Nat is grinning ear to ear. "Why is she so perfect already?" She responds.
"Have you experienced any contractions?" Bruce asks looking at me.
I shake my head no. "But we have the app." Steve proudly tells Bruce. Oh, my sweet fiancé. He's so soft. I remove my hand from his and place it on his cheek. He's going to be the best and most gentle father.
"Do you want the good news or bad news?" I huff at him. "Well, the good news is, she's perfect. There doesn't seem to be any abnormalities or anything."
"Is the bad news that we're no closer to her birthday?" Bruce nods his head, and I let out an agitated sigh.
"So, see you in a week?" Bruce says wiping off the goo from my stomach.
I roll my eyes at him, and lean my head back in exaggerated frustration, "Margaret James if this is what our future holds, we're in trouble little lady. I'm ready to evict you from my body, so I can hold you. I know your daddy is ready too." I talk down to my belly while Steve watches and listens with a toothless smile.
"You guys want to stay for dinner?" Nat asks.
"What's dinner?" I ask.
"Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup? It won't take long for me to make it." She smiles. Steve and I both nod at her. "Rhodey should be here soon as well."
We walk up into the kitchen. Nat motions me and Steve to sit on the couch, while her and Bruce get to making up the comfort food. "Cap you want a drink?" Bruce asks. Steve looks at me, before answering with a yes. Bruce walks over with a beer handing him the bottle. He takes a quick sip before looking at me with absolute love in his eyes.
"You know I am kind of tired Captain. We could just stay here." Steve's eyes change when the name Captain escapes my lips. I offer him a quick smile and wink before he has to jerk his head away from me taking another swig of his beer.
As if understanding our quick and short exchange, "You know? They say the best way to induce labor is sex." Nat blurts out nonchalantly. I smirk over at Steve who refuses to meet my eyes, I let out a quick chuckle. "What? Bruce isn't that true?"
"I mean medically speaking it has been said to work." He awkwardly grunts in agreement with Nat. She motions for us that dinner is ready. She places a sandwich and bowl of soup at an empty chair. Five minutes into our eating and Rhodey walks in, he greets Steve and places a peck on my cheek.
"She's still not ready, huh?" I shake my head no, already getting full. Even though I know in thirty minutes I will be hungry again. Rhodey sits with us and we begin our slow conversations amongst us.
I let out a yawn. "Were you being serious, princess?" Steve casts in my mind looking at me.
"If you're okay with that. We have our bags, and we have the room. I'm just tired." He nods at me, deciding we would in fact stay.
"You guys want to watch a movie before you leave?" Nat asks, her eyes pleading for us to say yes.
"We're actually not going to leave. I think Charlie is pretty tired though so we may turn in." Steve answers.
"No, I think a movie would be nice. I can't promise I'll make it far into the movie though."
"You are growing a child to be fair." Bruce responds. Steve stands and helps me stand before walking us to the loveseat, and grabbing a blanket covering us up. Nat starts Legends of the Fall and we all settle down, five minutes in the movie Rhodey jumps up to make popcorn and even passes out bowls for everyone. I've missed being around everyone.
"We need to do this more often Steve. We no longer have family, but this is the perfect family for our little one." I smile casting into Steve's mind.
Steve slumps back into the couch more, making himself a bit more comfortable, "I was thinking the same thing princess." He smiles down at me. I randomly eat at the popcorn, still feeling a bit too full to eat too much. Steve's super soldier metabolism will take care of most of it.
I catch Steve staring down at me during the movie. Everyone else is fully focused on the movie, Natasha elated that Bruce has been at the compound for so long, she soaks up every moment with him. Rhodey is already drifting to sleep. I look back up at him, "Captain?" I give my best doe eyes I can muster.
"There you go with that name again, princess." Both of us glance around the room at everyone, Nat and Bruce are wrapped up in one another still, and Rhodey's head drops down completely.
"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about Captain." Steve places a wandering hand on my stomach, firstly massaging our girl before he scoops lower. "Do you remember what Nat said?"
"So that's the only thing this is about?" His eyes shift back over to Nat and Bruce before turning back to me.
"Nope. You know, it won't be long before we won't be able to do that for a while. We should take advantage of the time we have now."
I love that Steve and I have our ways to communicate full thoughts only to ourselves. His hand roams around my stomach before pulling down my too high maternity leggings. Ugh, this is annoying. Steve's hands are more than able, without skipping a beat he's able to pull them down, I lift up a bit so he can fully move them down.
His hand massages around my thighs, teasing my clit over my panties. I spread my legs further apart, giving him generous room to travel around, pleading him to provide some friction that I've been missing out on. He finds the hemline of my panties before moving his hand underneath. Achingly slow he makes his way to my entrance, only barely grazing my clit. I let out a soft mewl, and our eyes drift over to Nat and Bruce. She's laying up against his chest, and both sets of eyes look only at the movie.
"Quiet princess. We've got company."
"And if I choose not to?" Steve's hand begins to crawl its way out from under my panties. I hold his arm steady, "Point taken, Captain." I feel a smile creep up on his lips. His hand slowly moves to my clit. I move my hips to the rhythm of Steve's fingers. I happen to glance over to Nat, who's eyes dart up to meet mine, as she gives me a knowing smile before returning her attention back to the movie.
Steve moves his warm body closer to mine, pulling the blanket up just a bit higher, before he places two fingers inside of me causing me to throw my face into his neck, trying to stifle a moan. Since becoming pregnant I'm much more sensitive to Steve's touch, and he's always had a way of making me feel taken care of.
"You like that, huh, princess." He hums, casting his thoughts to me.
"Yes Captain, but it would feel better having your cock inside of me."
"Maybe later." He shrugs. His fingers curve hitting perfectly on my g spot. To return some appreciation my hand slides over his pants, feeling the tightness through his jeans. His free hand pushes my hand off of him. "Let me take care of you first. Then we can go to bed."
My face buries deeper in Steve's neck until I taste the saltiness that lingers on Steve's skin. His woody cologne still lingers on his skin. My lips trace down his neck, and his breathing hitches a bit. His fingers pick up their speed as he goes deeper, his thumb resting on my clit adding more pressure and synchronized with his fingers in me.
The music of the movie reaches a crescendo right as I reach the peak of my orgasm. The tiniest of moans escapes my mouth. Rhodey sits up with a jerk. Yawning and looking between the two of us couples. I struggle to try and make my breathing as steady as possible. Nat looks over at us with a sly grin. Steve catches her, he knows she knew what we were doing. Rhodey yawns before reclining back in the sofa.
Steve helps me pull up my leggings, and I let out a soft yawn, which Steve reciprocates. "I think we're going to turn in for the night. Good night you two." Steve tells Bruce and Nat. Innocent little Bruce has no idea what has transpired, but Nat cannot help smiling at us. Steve grabs my hand and leads us to my old room at the compound.
Nat wasn't lying. She added a basinet in here, along with a closet full of clothes for Maggie, changing table, glider, stock full of diapers, wipes, and anything Maggie could need. She really puts so much thought into making sure we're comfortable.
Steve plants himself onto the sofa chair and stretches out, watching me looking around the room. I walk into the bathroom and take off my leggings, tossing them in the hamper before walking out to sit on the bed. Steve clears his throat. When I look over to him, he's completely naked on the sofa chair. "Is it later now, Captain?" I mischievously grin at him, he nods his head, and I stalk towards him. "Captain, when I speak to you, you need to use your words."
"Yes, princess, it's later now." He lifts a finger up and motions for me to come closer. I go ahead and remove my panties. My attempt at being sexy fails, and I almost lose my balance. Steve's hands grip the armrests tightly before realizing that I was able to right myself. "Could you be more careful and just come over here?"
I stroll closer to him, he helps me straddle him on the sofa, using his hand to place his dick inside of me. I suck in a deep breath. Steve's hands pull at the hemline of my shirt, throwing it to the floor, and then removing my bra. "Charlie, you're absolutely gorgeous." He whispers. His praises make my heart swell.
My body starts grinding on top of Steve as his hand softly massage around my stomach and hips. "Take your time, princess. I want this to be all about you." I look at my handsome fiancé. I can feel the pure love in his eyes. He wants to make sure that I'm comfortable more than him being able to get off.
I bring one hand to his face, tracing the outline of him with my finger, while my other hand grips the armrest. Steve's grip tightens on my hips as he helps assist my grinding. The sensitivity to Steve's touch is thrilling. I feel every part of him. I throw my head back at the overwhelming sensations coursing through my body. "Captain, I'm close."
"Look at me, princess." Steve commands. My eyes find him. Intently we look at each other our breathing turns to pants as I speed up, aching for release. I place my hands on Steve's face pulling him closer to me, as I crash my lips on him. I feel a warmth pool in my core and the beautiful snap happens, as I orgasm. The warmth spreads throughout my body. I slow my speed, seeing Steve hasn't finished. I'm determined for him to reach his high. Shortly after he releases with a grunt, bringing his hands up to my face, intensifying our kiss. We both smile in the kiss.
"That was amazing." I whisper on his lips. He helps me get off the sofa chair, guiding me to the closet as he put on an oversize shirt and walks me to the bed. We fall asleep in pure bliss.
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March 9th. The day starts off normal. Over a week past our due date. To say I'm mildly irritated would be an understatement. I walk around the compound talking to my belly, "Margaret James your time needs to be up for staying in there. Everyone here is so excited to meet you, so won't you show your precious little face?"
"Charlie, why don't you come sit down? You pacing around the compound is giving me a bit of anxiety." Steve calmly tells me.
"Why won't she just come out? I am beyond the miserable stage." Thankfully I am already dilating, and only mild contractions. Bruce offered to induce me, but seeing how Maggie is fine, there's not a need. I would rather pass on induction.
I finally decide to sit down for a bit to take a mid-morning nap. It's exhausting growing a baby. And I know that when she gets here, naps will be a thing of the past for a while. Steve sits under my legs, as he gently rubs my feet. Causing me to go into a deep sleep.
Steve must have fallen asleep as well because I sit up as the aggressive contractions start. Steve's head sits up from the back of the couch, with a shocked expression in his eyes. Realizing exactly what's happening. "Oh, let me get the app open." He reaches down grabbing for his phone.
"Nat!" I scream. "Bruce!" Nat comes rushing in. She glances between me, counting breaths, and Steve staring down at the app.
"It's about time." Nat says, walking us down to the lab where we find Bruce. I'm hooked up to all the machinery, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Most the time in labor is a blur. Mostly everyone fussing around me. Making sure I'm comfortable, as comfortable as possible anyways. Thankfully everyone around me is super chill and calm, allowing me to be calm and present myself. Steve is a picture of perfection. He read all the books and he's taken the role of birthing partner and future father super seriously.
March 10th, 2021 at 12:17am Margaret James Rogers makes her debut. Everyone looks at her completely enraptured. She's the light in our darkness. Her skin is a perfect creamy baby pink. She even smells pink. Her finger nails almost look as if she's had a manicure. Perfectly shaped with a white tip, on the ends of her delicate pink fingers. Head full of silky light brunette hair, with the slightest little curls. Button nose, and the color of her eyes is the spitting image of Steve's. She's completely perfect.
Bruce and Nat leave, giving Steve and I time to be parents. Steve stands mostly by my bed. "Are you not going to ask to hold your daughter, Steve?" I whisper, not wanting to disturb our sleeping beauty.
"I want you to spend as much time holding her as you want. This looks so beautiful on you." I motion him over, and offer his daughter up so he can finally wrap his arms around her. He sits in the chair beside me and I look at this beautiful man and I'm overwhelmed and tears start flowing steadily down my face. "What's wrong?" Steve whispers.
"Nothing. I love seeing you as a father. I wasn't sure we would ever make it here." Everything from the first meeting with Steve, the years of our unconventional relationship, wars, battles, missions, being on the run, losing so many people, lead us to this moment. A beautiful moment in our life. And if it meant we would always get our perfect angel I would go through it all again.
Steve glances as me, he blinks away tears. He's happy. We're happy. "You know, today Bucky would be 104." Steve grimaces, unsure how I would feel about this information.
I'm actually not sad, there's too much overwhelming emotions in this moment. I look at our daughter, "Is that what you were waiting on Maggie girl? You were waiting to be born on your uncle Bucky's birthday?" Steve smirks, realizing this is one of the few times we talk about Bucky that I don't cry. We're happy.