Never Letting Go (Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff)

Chapter 12 - America Turns 241, Steve Turns 99

-July 4, 2017-

"There you are," Steve whispered as he walked into the baby's room. "Couldn't sleep again?"

Natasha shook her head as she put her book down on her lap, next to Meg's face. "No and my buddy here was willing to keep me company."

"Looks like Bucky's gift is being put to good use," he smiled as he neared her and gave Meg a little pat on the head.

"I never knew a rocking chair could be so comfortable," she said. "It was sweet of him. He seems like he's doing well. It's nice to see him this way."

"It's been nice having him around. I think he's a little lonely still... I wish we had someone we could set him up with..."

"Yeah, we certainly don't know anyone. It's kind of hard being that we still have to keep our heads down," she said, running her fingers on his chin as he crouched next to the rocking chair. "And thanks for shaving again," she smiled.

"You ready for today?" he asked, the early morning light dazzling in his blue eyes.

"Locked and loaded," she laughed. "I think I'll stay in the kitchen until everyone gets here. I picked out an outfit that will hide my little belly and I don't think it stands out too much..." she drifted off.

Steve reached over and laid his palm on her stomach. "I really don't think they will notice, you don't have to worry."

"I just really want it to be a good surprise," she smiled. My helpers will be getting here a little early to go over the plan."

***

"They're all here, baby," Steve said, kissing Natasha's neck as he walked up behind her. She was standing in the kitchen looking through some poster boards, making sure they were in order. "You're not going to believe who's out there..."

Natasha turned to look at him.

"Thor's here!" Steve exclaimed.

"Oh my goodness!" Natasha laughed. Today is going to be so much fun." She walked to the living room to find her helpers. "Okay, team, we're ready to go."

Steve walked out onto the back porch. "Can I have everyone's attention?" he called out. Faces turned to look at him. "Welcome, everyone and happy fourth of July. Please take a seat, we have something really special for you today." He watched as people started to sit down. "Happy birthday, Steve!" Wanda called out as she found a seat and Steve chuckled heartily. Natasha walked out the backdoor and handed Bucky the stack of poster board and then took a seat. "Without further adieu," Steve started, "I present to you the Barton players..."

The audience gave a little clap as movement started from behind a sheet Natasha had hung on the porch that was acting as a makeshift stage curtain. Lila Barton walked across the porch wearing head to toe black clothing and a red wig. Bucky, standing next to the "stage" held up a board that said "Steve and Natasha, the early years". Cooper Barton walked out in a Captain America costume and stood next to Lila. There was a laugh from the audience when they saw him.

"Hi, I'm Steve Rogers," Cooper said, doing his best to deepen his voice."

Lila looked up at him, "Hi, Steve. I'm Natasha Romanoff."

"Looks like I'm your new partner," Cooper said.

"Okay," Lila replied, standing up to join him. "Do you have a girlfriend? - I know some girls you might like." Everyone laughed again. At the back of the audience, Natasha stifled a laugh remembering when she used to try to set Steve up.

"I don't have time for a girlfriend," Cooper said. He took her hand and they walked behind the curtain again.

Bucky stifled a laugh as he flipped to a new board that said, "Steve makes his move". Steve looked across the crowd and caught Natasha's eye as they smiled at each other.