Bartoned

Chapter 7

You sat staring at the row of pregnancy tests. All different brands, all the same result.

You were pregnant with your ex fuck buddy's baby.

You were completely frozen. It was like the news that this had happened had stopped time itself. You couldn't stand up. You couldn't even breathe. Your heart even felt like it had stopped beating in your chest.

When time started again you threw the tests in the bin like they were going to burn you if you held them for any longer. You got up, washed your hands, and went straight to your bedroom. Flopping down on the bed.

Fear was mixing with anger to make your stomach churn and your jaw clench tight. You were careful. You'd used protection. Every. Single. Time. How could this happen? Why after things were going so well for them could they fall apart so badly? You had a new job. One that involved combat training. How were you even supposed to do that if you were pregnant? You couldn't possibly keep it, right? The notion of raising a child alone while you were being an Avengers operative was absurd and trying to find a whole new job while you were pregnant was equally as absurd. There was no way you could keep this baby.

Right?

You'd have to tell Clint. Fuck. Clint hadn't spoken to you outside of giving you orders during training since you got into that fight. He was going to freak the fuck out. Maybe it would be better if you didn't tell him. Although the only way that would work would be if you terminated right? Could you terminate and then just look Clint in the eye like nothing happened? There would be no getting the friendship back after that. You couldn't do that. You would have to tell him.

You fell asleep fully clothed with the thought of every single reaction Clint could possibly have to hearing the news that you were pregnant.

The next day you woke and immediately ran to the bathroom to vomit. When there was nothing left you showered, standing under the warm water until it began running cold. You made it into the tower for work just as the run had started. Wanda and Kari spotted you and you saw Wanda lean over and whisper something to Kari before Kari stopped dead where she was and stared at you with her mouth open. You wanted the world to swallow you.

"Recruit! Keep moving," Steve called and Wanda nudged Kari so she started jogging again. Her pace was so slow, you had no choice but to catch up to her.

"It was positive?" Kari said, her tone slightly accusatory.

"Keep it down," You hissed, staring straight ahead with your brow furrowed. Clint was running with Natasha. He was laughing about something and she just rolled her eyes. God, you missed his dumbass jokes. You would give anything to dial back two weeks ago and have it be you rolling your eyes at whatever the hell thing he just said.

"But it was, right?"

"Yes. Okay. I used 8 tests. They were all positive."

"Oh my god, you idiot!" Kari squawked. "You know that condoms exist right?"

"I swear to god, Kari, if you don't keep your voice down I'm going to trip you," you snapped. "And yes, I know. I was using them."

"Congratulations, sweetie," Wanda said, rubbing the small of your back.

"I don't think this is a congratulations moment, Wanda," you said with a frown.

"Well, maybe you should start thinking about it like it is one. See how it feels. It might help you decide," she said.

You nodded. "That's not a bad idea. I have no idea what I want to do. I'm pro-choice. Just... is that the choice I want to make?"

"Well, Kari and I have your back. Make sure you go speak to Steve. You can't be doing any sparring in your condition."