You and Me, Together (Single Parent AU)

Part 1

"Why didn't you get her number?!" Steve's friend, Sam exclaimed.

Steve rolled his eyes as he walked down the hallway to his apartment, "She doesn't seem like my type."

Steve's other friend, Bucky, scoffed, "You say that about every girl you meet! She looked nice!"

Steve just shrugged and Sam shook his head, "You know it's been a while since Sharon passed. You really should start looking for a mother figure for Gracie."

Steve sighed as he unlocked his door. Bucky bursted out, "Hey! I know-"

"Ssssshhh!" Steve said, "Gracie's sleeping!" he hissed.

"No I'm not!" She exclaimed as she ran from her room and towards her father. She leapt towards Steve and he caught her.

"Hey, munchkin! Whatcha doin' up?"

Wanda, Gracie's babysitter and their neighbor came out from Grace's bedroom, "She refused to go to sleep until you came back home safely."

Steve smiled at Wanda, "Thanks, Wan." He set Grace down and fished out his wallet. He handed the young lady $40 and thanked her once again before she left.

"Hey! No hugs for your favorite uncles?" Bucky asked.

Gracie smiled and she ran up to Sam and Bucky, hugging them both. They chuckled and ruffled her hair. Sam kissed her head, "Alright, kiddo. We're gonna head out. Make sure your dad goes to sleep at a reasonable time!"

Gracie gave a toothy grin and saluted him, "Yes, sir!"

Bucky chuckled, "And you go to sleep too, missy."

Gracie saluted him as well, "You got it, Sergeant!"

Sam and Bucky said their good-byes to Steve and Gracie and left. Gracie followed her father to her bedroom and he tucked her in.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah, munchkin?"

"Why don't I have a mommy? I know mommy's gone, but my friends say I can get another one. Can I get another mommy?"

Steve didn't know what to say to his daughter. He wasn't sure if the truth would break the six year old's heart. So all he said was, "Well...I'm working on it, munchkin."

That answer seemed to appease her and she settled into bed, not taking long to fall asleep.

____________________

It was Saturday and was a nice day outside. You decided to go to the park, dragging your orange tabby cat, Pasta, with you. Pasta refused to go outside and the only way he would is if you brought him along and walked him via leash.

Only ten minutes at the park and you were dragging that cat along the concrete. He refused to stand, "Pasta! Come oooonn! You lazy cat! Stand up!"

You heard some giggling as a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes walked up to you, "Your cat is funny."

You smiled, "Yeah, he is, isn't he. His name is Pasta and he's such a lazy furball." the girl knelt down and started petting the cat, smiling from ear to ear.

A man, probably her father, and a very handsome man at that, walked up to you holding an ice cream cone, "Who's your friend, munchkin?"

She looked up to the man, "This is Pasta!"

The man giggled, "I meant Pasta's owner, but okay." The man looked at you and apologized, "Sorry, she loves animals. Cats especially."

You shook your head, "It's fine. She's no bother. Pasta needs to interact with more people anyway. He never goes outside."

The man chuckled and stuck out his hand, "I'm Steve. That's my daughter, Gracie."

You shook his hand and introduced yourself, "Nice to meet you. I'm Y/N." You heard giggling and looked towards Pasta, whom was on his legs purring and rubbing himself all over Gracie, "He likes you."

There was a soft smile on Steve's face, "Okay, munchkin. Let's have Y/N get back to her walk and get you started on your ice cream."

Gracie stood up and grabbed her father's hand. She waved at you, "Bye Y/N. Bye Pasta!"

You waved back, "Bye, sweetheart. Maybe I'll see you around!"

Gracie smiled and watched as you and Pasta continued to walk down the park's path. She then accepted the cup of ice cream her father offered her and said, "I like Y/N and Pasta. They're nice."

Steve's eyes lingered on your retreating form, "Yeah, they are, aren't they?"