The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Nineteen

You watched Dorothy play with her toys from your bed.  She threw some of them around and squealed with delight.
Maybe you were overreacting. You shouldn't have snapped at Tony but you were so sick and tired of how quickly Bucky had been forgotten, hell, even you had forgotten him from time to time.
From now on you wouldn't. This day forward you'd keep his memory alive, no matter what anyone said. It's what he deserved.

Wanda's head poked out from behind the door and smiled sheepishly at you. "I made you some tea." She grins, her accent thick.
You sigh and nod your head back, motioning her to come in. She handed you the mug and sat next to you, hands falling immediately on her lap.
"So, I told everyone to stay away from you for at least tonight, rented a movie and made popcorn." She explains, a slight smirk on her lips.
"Thanks Wanda, but I'm not really up for it." The smirk dropped and she breathed heavily through her nose.
"I'm worried about you, you know. We all are." You rolled your eyes and leant against the headrest of your bed. "You're not the same since, well," she stopped herself.
"Since Bucky died. For the love of god Wanda, say it!" She took a moment to look at you before proceeding.
"Since Bucky died. Yes. Even when you're happy, we can see it's not really full happiness. And I see it you know. When you look at Dorthy, all I see is pain." You closed your eyes and brought your hand to your eyes. "I think that's why we talk about you and Steve so much. Because when you're together it seems like you're slightly yourself again, not fully, but getting there." She shrugs and looks around your room.
"I don't love him, Wanda." You whispered.
"No. You do. But you feel guilty because that's Bucky's best friend." You uncover your eyes and scowl.
"I don't love him! The only reason I'm around him is because he makes me feel better!" You scoff, getting up to leave your room.
You pulled the door back and saw Steve standing there, tray in hand, filled with food and drink.
You stared up at him, speechless. Had he heard you?
Steve looked down at the tray in his hands and then back to you.
He was gone in a flash and you came to the conclusion that he had in fact heard you.
"Fuck." You whispered.

"Steve? Steve!" You shouted as you ran down the hallways of the tower. You needed to apologise.
He was suddenly in front of you, door open and arms crossed over his chest. He had his hard look on his face, the one he made when on a mission before he was going to fight someone.
"Steve, I'm sorry." You panted, walking closer to him. He didn't budge. "I said it because I was angry and I needed them off my case. You mean more to me than just someone to make me feel better. Hell, you're the godfather of my child!" He still didn't say anything, but his eyes looked up at the ceiling as though he was trying not to cry.
"Steve." You whimpered. "Please say something." He shook his head, hard demeanour breaking.
"You just don't get it. Do you?" You looked at him in confusion. "It doesn't matter what you say, Y/N, I can see it. I know you better than you think I do." You furrowed your eyebrows.
"What can you see?" You stepped forward, hands placed on the door frame.
"That you're never going to get over Bucky." His voice cracked. "It's been nearly three years! Dorothy is almost two and needs her mother!" You frowned.
"I'm right here." You reasoned.
"Are you? Cause it seems like you're clinging to the past. I can't sit by and let you destroy yourself. He's dead, Y/N! He's not coming back! It's time for you to get over it!" He said harshly, staring at you for a second and watching as your face contorted in pain and realisation. "Just...get over it Y/N. Please." He finally let the tears fall as yours did the same.
He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around your shoulder, dropping his head to rest on yours as you both sobbed.
"I'll try Steve. Just please don't leave me." Steve clenched his eyes shut, his heart wrenching as the girl he had feelings for cried in his arms. "Never. I'd never leave you doll."