Better Together: Green Series 6 (Pre-Serum Omega!Steve x Alpha!Bucky AU)

Twelve

Returning home, the men were greeted with Violet laying on the ground wearing an Elsa wig and a Superman cape. On her stomach, Greg laid, only giving the men a glance before doubling down on her purring. All the while, Violet loudly counted, "Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen..."

Smiling, Bucky lightened his steps as he gave her a thumbs up and crept around the corner to head for the hallway. Knowing that he'd probably scare the boys as much as he'd surprise them. Let it always be known that Bucky loved playing hide-and-seek. Even if Oliver was just now getting the hang of it while Finn was still at the phase where he assumed that if he couldn't see them, they couldn't see him.

As if to make Steve's point, Finn was hiding beside the couch. Out in plain sight. But since he was facing the wall, clearly he was a master at hiding. Steve smiled at that. Remembering when Oliver used to be the same way. Rubbing his hand over his bump, he let himself hope that their new little guy would be just the same once he reached that age.

"Ready or not, here I come!" Violet called out, even though she continued laying on the floor, loving on Greg.

Chuckling under his breath, Steve shook his head and pulled out the meal he had prepped over the weekend. Taking off the lids and preparing to reheat the garlic butter chicken and asparagus, a high-pitch squeal broke through the house, startling Steve and causing his heart to momentarily race while his current wombmate moved around inside of him.

Also causing Finn to cry.

Instantly, the two year old came out of his hiding spot and ran for Steve. Taking the crying toddler into his arms, Steve settled him on his hip and rubbed his back. Trying to soothe him as he cried into his neck, while scenting him.

"It's okay, sweetie," Steve assured, smoothing his hand over his blond curls, "It's just Ollie and daddy playing."

Pulling back to look at Steve, Finn covered his ears and said, "'oud."

"I know, it was loud," Steve wiped his face. Pushing his curls off his red, tear-stained face, Steve kissed his cheek and clarified, "They were just playing though. Nothing to be scared of."

Sniffling, Finn leaned forward again. Tucking his face against Steve's scent glands. Finding all the comfort in Steve's scent now that the omega had stopped using blockers completely. All the while, Steve rubbed his back, comforting his sweet boy. Just letting Finn be while Steve got back to their dinner.

Still giggling, Oliver was thrown over Bucky's shoulder as the alpha entered the living room. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out money for Violet and let Oliver hug her. On her way out of the house, she waved goodbye and confirmed that she'd see them on Sunday.

As Bucky carried Oliver towards the kitchen, he paused. Brows furrowing as his gaze landed on Steve and Finn. Quietly, Steve explained, "You scared two pups for the price of one."

The corners of his mouth pulling further down, Bucky crossed the kitchen so he could apologize to the two year old, "I'm sorry, bub. I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't mean to scare Ollie either. Just wanted to surprise you two."

Soon enough, the alpha was able to coax the toddler into his own arms. Steve continued with their dinner and let Oliver help by handing him placemats. The five year old happily carried them to the table with his head held high. And while the placement of those mats were crooked, at best, Steve still praised the little boy and kissed the top of his head.

When they all sat down to eat, Steve shared smiles with his guys. Figuring that it wasn't so bad to be having another one. After all, he was lucky. Blessed with the greatest guys he had ever met. What would one more hurt?

Later that night, after the boys were tucked in, the nightlights were turned on, and Greg curled up around Steve's protruding abdomen, the two men settled into bed. Bucky rereading his favorite novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, while Steve looked at some nursery inspirations.

That was when it happened...

"Ooh," Steve jerked. Dropping his phone and touching his protruding abdomen.

"What? What's wrong?" Bucky instantly moved onto his knees, so it'd be easier for him to jump into action if need-be.

Smiling, Steve took Bucky's flesh hand in his and placed it over the spot where their unborn son was kicking. The strong flicking sensation against the inside of his belly felt like a reassurance. That they were there. That he wasn't going to let them forget him.

Immediately brightening, Bucky lowered. Pausing before he pressed his mouth to Steve's stomach, Bucky looked over at him. Silently asking for permission before doing so. And while Bucky was always a stickler for consent, Steve was still appreciative that his husband's priority continued to be Steve's own comfort.

Nodding, Steve allowed and watched Bucky lean down to press a kiss to Steve's baby bump. Then, he got more comfortable to greet him, "Hello, in there!"

At that, their little guy kicked harder. Really trying to get their attention and causing Steve to wince at the sheer force. Bucky noticed and reprimanded, "Hey, easy on pops. He's done nothing but love you and that's no way to treat him."

Rolling his eyes, Steve teased, "What're ya gonna do? Ground him?"

"Maybe," Bucky mocked, winking at Steve before returning his attention to his abdomen. With his lips against Steve's skin, Bucky continued, "Ya hear that, Atticus? Take it easy, or you're grounded."

Steve quirked a brow, "Atticus?"

Purposely not meeting Steve's eyes, Bucky explained with a shrug, "He was an empathetic man who wanted the world to be more compassionate."

Admittedly, Steve liked the sound of that. It was how he wanted to raise all three of their sons and any other children that might come along later. Testing, "Atticus Barnes." And damn, if that didn't sound good to him. Only needing to say it once to know that it was his name, Steve confirmed and directed at his bump, "Hi, Atticus. We love you."

Beaming, Bucky promised the fetus, "You're gonna be a good man, Kit. I just know it. You're gonna take after your pops."