Bucky's Anchor

Chapter 77 - Final Countdown

It's early morning, the light barely seeping through the curtains, and I can already feel the familiar discomfort in my back. I shift slightly in bed, trying to find a more comfortable position. Being nine months pregnant has come with its challenges, and while I've gotten used to the sleepless nights, the weight of the baby makes everything more difficult.

Beside me, Bucky is already awake. I can tell because he's so still, too still, and I know he's lost in his thoughts again. It's been like this for weeks now, his anxiety growing as my due date gets closer. He hasn't said it outright, but I can see it in his eyes—the fear that something might go wrong, that he won't be able to handle it.

I shift again, wincing slightly as another wave of discomfort rolls through me. Bucky notices immediately, his head snapping toward me.

"Are you okay?" His voice is laced with concern, already moving closer, his hand hovering over my arm, unsure of what to do.

"I'm fine," I assure him, offering a small smile. "Just uncomfortable."

He watches me for a moment, his brow furrowing. I know what he's thinking. He's been waiting for me to go into labor any day now, and the tension between us has only grown as the due date approaches.

"I don't want you to worry," I add softly, resting my hand on top of his. "We're almost there."

"I can't help it," he admits, his voice low. "I feel like there's so much that could go wrong."

I shift again, trying to get comfortable as I gently pull him closer. "Bucky, you've been amazing through all of this. You've taken care of me, made sure I'm okay, and you've been here every step of the way. You don't have to carry this fear alone."

He sits up, running a hand through his hair, the worry still clear in his eyes. "What if I can't handle it? What if something happens, and I can't protect you? What if I'm not enough?"

---

Later that night, I wake up to find Bucky gone. The space beside me is cold, and a sense of unease settles in my chest. I sit up, wincing as I shift the weight of my belly, listening for any sign of him. It doesn't take long before I hear the low murmur of his voice coming from the living room.

Curious and concerned, I slide out of bed as quietly as I can, making my way toward the sound. As I get closer, I hear him talking to someone, his voice quiet but strained.

"...I don't know if I can do this, Sam," Bucky says, his tone filled with doubt. "I keep thinking about everything that could go wrong. What if I'm not strong enough? What if I fail?"

I pause in the doorway, my heart aching for him. He's always carried so much on his shoulders, always felt like he had to be the protector. But I can see now how much pressure he's putting on himself, how afraid he is of letting us down.

Sam's voice comes through the speaker, calm and steady. "Bucky, you've been through worse than this, and you came out on the other side. Being scared doesn't mean you're not ready—it means you care. And that's exactly why you're going to be a great dad."

Bucky lets out a shaky breath, and I watch as he runs a hand over his face, his body tense. "I just... I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to fail her. Or the baby."

I step into the room then, unable to stay silent any longer. "You won't," I say softly, and Bucky looks up, surprised to see me standing there. I give him a small smile as I move closer, sitting down beside him on the couch.

"I'm gonna let you guys talk," Sam says over the phone. "But Bucky, remember what I said—you've got this. Call me if you need anything."

"Thanks, Sam," Bucky replies, his voice a little steadier now.

---

After hanging up the phone, Bucky remains quiet for a moment, staring down at his hands. I reach out, taking one of his hands in mine, threading my fingers through his.

"I heard what you said," I begin softly. "I know you're scared."

He sighs, leaning back against the couch, his gaze still fixed on the floor. "I just don't want to let you down, Emily. You've been so strong through all of this, and I feel like I'm barely holding it together."

"You haven't let me down," I assure him, squeezing his hand. "Bucky, you've been incredible. You've been there for me every step of the way. And I know you're scared, but that's because you care so much."

He closes his eyes, his jaw tightening. "I'm supposed to be the strong one, though. I'm supposed to be the one who protects you, and I can't even get past my own fears."

I shift closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. "Being strong doesn't mean you're not allowed to be scared," I say quietly. "It means facing those fears and moving forward anyway. And you've been doing that every day, Bucky."

He opens his eyes, turning to look at me, and I can see the vulnerability there, the weight of everything he's been carrying. "I just... I want to be enough for you and the baby."

I reach up, cupping his cheek with my hand, forcing him to look at me. "You already are," I tell him firmly. "And you're not alone in this. We're a team. We're going to figure this out together, just like we always do."

---

Bucky leans into my touch, closing his eyes as he rests his forehead against mine. "I don't know what I did to deserve you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

I smile softly, brushing a thumb over his cheek. "We deserve each other," I reply. "And we're going to be okay."

We sit there in silence for a few moments, his arms wrapping around me as he pulls me close. I can feel the tension in his body slowly easing, the weight of his fears lifting, even if just a little.

"Sam's right," Bucky finally says, his voice steadier now. "Being scared means I care. And I do—I care so much about you, about the baby. I just want to do this right."

"You will," I promise, resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "We both will."

He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and I can feel the love and determination in the simple gesture. We've been through so much together, and I know we can face whatever comes next.

As we sit there, wrapped in each other's arms, I feel a sense of peace settle over us. We don't have all the answers, but we have each other. And that's enough.

"Everything's going to be okay," I say softly, echoing the words we've both needed to hear.

Bucky nods, his arms tightening around me. "Yeah," he murmurs. "Together."