The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Twenty Nine

A year later and a half later...

"Merry Christmas!" Sam shouted as he walked into the living room of the compound, Nat soon following with a small smirk.
"Try and save that energy for later Sam." She said cheekily.
"Why you trying to get me under some mistletoe?" He licked his lips afterwards and you immediately covered Dorothy's eyes.
"No fondue in front of my child!" You grinned playfully.
Everyone had gathered for the holidays at the compound, rooms being sparred and presents being piled high for everyone to grab in the days to come.
Tony entered from the kitchen, a Santa hat on his head and a tray of drinks in front of him. "Who wants eggnog?" The group cheered and raced to grab a beverage, except you and Dorothy who sat happily with hot chocolate.
"Y/N? You're not drinking? Are you Ill?" Wanda playfully commented, sitting next to Dorothy and wrapping an arm around her. The child was now wedged between her mother and god mother.
"Someone has to stay sober and make sure no one gets into trouble." You pointed out.
"I can do that mommy!" Dot smiled up at you with a toothy (or lack of) smile. You grinned back down at her and ruffled her hair making her squeal.
"You're the one causing all the trouble, misses." Steve chimed as he picked her up from behind the couch. "Come on. Pepper wants your help in the kitchen."
"Cookies!" She shouted using her monster voice; her new favourite way of talking.
"She's grown so quick, Y/N." Wanda pouted quietly.
You nodded. "It doesn't feel like she's nearly five though. It feels like it was just yesterday Steve was singing 'my girl' out of key to me when I was pushing her out." Wanda nodded fondly.
"Ah yes. The days of you two beating around the fact you loved each other. It drove us all mad." You snickered and pushed her shoulder.
"Why do you never make fun of Nat and Sam for that?" You shot back.
She shrugged. "They've only been together for six months. You and Steve have been together for nearly two and loved each other for much longer." You rolled your eyes and got up.
"Speaking of. I need to talk to him." She took a swig of her drink.
"Is this about your secret you've been keeping. About a certain..." You squinted your eyes. "Situation."
You tried to think about what she was getting at...until it hit you. "How do you know! I haven't told anyone!" You hissed quietly.
She shrugged again. "I read minds, remember?" You sighed and shook your head.
"Well, please just don't tell anyone until I say something. I don't need this getting out yet." She waved you off and nodded, seemingly annoyed at your demand of secrets.
You walked into the kitchen to find Steve covered in flour and Dorothy laughing her tiny head off. You loved seeing how well they got along.
"Look mommy! Daddy's a flour monster." Both yours and Steve's eyes widened. She hadn't called him dad since she was a baby.
You looked at each other and then back to Dot who looked extremely sheepish.
"Was I not supposed to cover him in flour?" Steve let out a breathy laugh and lifted her onto his hip. "No sweetie. I think I look great like this." A smile broke out on her face and you had to compose yourself so you wouldn't cry.
"I'm gonna take mommy for a walk, okay?" Dot nodded eagerly and let him walk away with you, his hand coming up to rest on your back.
Once you were out in the hall, he turned to you and smiled softly. "You alright?"
You nodded quickly. "Just a shock is all." You waved a little to try and show it wasn't a big deal.
But it was.
"Hey. It's okay. I get it. You want her to remember Bucky as her dad. That's okay doll." You looked up at him for a second.
"It is?" You squeaked.
"Of course. Biologically he's her father. It's good for her to remember that." You pondered on it for a second.
"But it's not good for her to not have a dad at all." You pointed out. Steve let a sigh out of his nose and looked away for a second.
"What are you saying?" His tone had changed to one of concealed worry.
"That Bucky may be her father but you're her 'daddy'. You've raised her too, Steve. If she sees you as a dad, well, I don't really have a problem with that." Steve nodded and breathed in quickly.
"So you're not upset?" He looked at you with concern.
You giggled and leaned against him. "No. I'm happy. Very happy."
He broke out into a smile and wrapped his arms around you tightly. "Good. That's what I like to hear." He leant down to peck your lips but you held a hand up. You quickly swiped the flour away from his lips before letting him proceed.
"I just wanna keep my girl happy. My girls happy." You grinned goofily and squeezed him tighter.
"I love you." You pushed up onto your tippy toes until your lips were nearly touching.
"I love y-"
"Can you guys stop being sappy? Games are about to start." Clint said irritably from the doorway to the living room.