So High School (Chris Evans) 18+

31

It's nice to be able to be around family and not hide my ring, or have to pretend. We're at Cody's party currently, Chris's arm around my waist as I stand and talk to my aunt and uncle. He buries his face into my hair every so often to press a kiss there.

"Hey, come with me". Libby comes up and whispers.

I let go of Chris and head outside with her. She looks at me with a grin. "You're the first person I wanna tell", she says and then shows me an ultrasound picture.

"Oh my god! Lib!" I can feel myself well up. "No way!" Now I look around just in case anyone is listening. "I can't believe it, how are you feeling?"

"Pretty giddy actually. Jake's so excited".

"And you've not told anyone else?!"

She shakes her head. "No, I wanted to tell you first because we used to keep all kinds of crap secret between one another. You think you could for a few days? I don't wanna ruin Cody's day".

I nod eagerly. "Of course I can", and now hug her. "This is amazing, you guys are gonna be so great". They will, and I'm gonna spoil this baby so much when he or she arrives.

"And it'll give you and Chris some practice too". She chuckles but then sees my expression fall slightly. "Oh...god, Tam - I didn't mean, wait, have I put my foot in something?"

I shake my head. "No, it's...I don't know. We talk about kids, but we agreed it's just not the right time and I know it isn't, but truth is I'm at home while he's gone and I just...it gets to me y'know? Feeling a bit isolated with only my job to distract me at the best of times. I've got Dodger now so I don't think it could be that bad, but then Chris is out in whatever state playing the charming bachelor".

She smiles weakly. "Have you told him about this?"

"No. Thing is, he's so booked up for like the next couple of years with all these great projects and...well I just don't know whether it'll be a curse in a way. He won't be there still and I'll just have a kid that rarely sees their dad".

"He wouldn't do that. He likes being home too much".

I shrug. "Part of me wonders whether he does want a family, he makes the odd comments here and there like I said, but anything deeper about it, he doesn't say much about - just that once Avengers has wrapped we'll have more time".

"But you know that your time is now". She confirms as I nod. My body's been telling me this for the last couple of months now, and the feeling is only building by the day. In some ways seeing Libby with what I would love for myself is a bit of a kick to the nuts, but I am truly happy for her and Jake.

"Yeah". I trail off quietly.

All she can do is shrug. "The only thing I can say is talk to him. You keep this building up then it'll only make you more upset".

I sigh, "look at me, I've completely crapped over your mood and your news".

"Hey! No you haven't. If anything my news is probably like a stab to the heart. I understand Tam, you can't help how you or your body feels".

"Come on, let's go back in and pretend we don't know what we know". I smile.

"Where'd you two sneak off to?" Chris asks as I return to his side. He's currently talking to Cody and his girlfriend Melissa.

"Nowhere, just girl talk that wasn't for our husband's ears". I tell him.

Cody laughs lightly. "Speaking of husbands..." he now looks to Melissa with a grin and then asks everyone to quieten down before he announces that he's asked Melissa to marry him. Of course everyone erupts into squeals and congratulations, the champagne soon coming out. I slide over to Libby and discreetly take her glass and give her my empty one so no one asks why she's not drinking.

"Thanks Tam". She mouths and pats my arm. "You feeling ok?"

I nod and take another sip of champagne as Chris comes back over. "Cody's asked if I could be his best man". He grins and holds me close again.

"Ew, I hope you said no". Libby smirks.

"Well he said he's not inviting you so sucks to be you". Chris fires back, and suddenly it's like I'm back in 99 with the bickering again.

I roll my eyes. "Calm down kids otherwise you're both grounded from Cody's wedding".

"No fair!" Libby looks shocked.

"You started it". Chris adds in jest.

We spend a little while longer celebrating before heading home to Dodger so he's not been on his own for too long. Chris takes him for a walk as soon as we get back while I slip into my PJ's and make us both a drink. Once he's back he joins me in bed - Dodger asleep with his lion down on his own.

"You alright?" He asks as we lay together.

"Yeah, the party has just tired me out that's all". I tell him.

Now isn't the time to bring up the subject of kids. I just want to enjoy the rest of the evening with him and make the most of what we have.