The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Thirty Five

Steve walked through the door and placed his gym bag down, looking around the hallway for any sign of you being home. The loud laughter of Dot confirmed you were.
He journeyed further into the apartment with slight excitement, purely because he got to see you.
The excitement turned to dread when he saw you leant against the counter, arms keeping you up and head bowing low.
"Hey doll." He said carefully, stepping towards you slowly. You jumped slightly at his words and quickly wiped at your eyes.
He placed his hand on the small of your back and watched as you kept your head down. "What's got you down, sweets?" He hummed as he kissed your head.
You turned away from him so he couldn't hold you anymore and sniffled. "I don't want to call the baby Alfred." You mumbled, wrapping your arms around yourself.
Steve's eyebrows furrowed. "Is that why you're upset?"
"No Steve!" You yelled, hand slamming on the side. You took a second and breathed. Before you could utter an apology, the tears started up again. "My god. I can't do this." You hyperventilated, hand coming to your forehead.
Steve strode towards you and placed his hands at your elbows. "Hey, Hey, Hey. Look at me." You did, face crumpling from the tears. "Tell me what's wrong." He pleaded, Dave showing desperation.
You steadied your breathing. "Bucky called." You whimpered. Steve tensed. "He wants to talk. I didn't answer but he left the voicemail." You whimpered. "He sounded like shit. Jesus. It seems like every time we take a step forward something has to come up and just tear it down." You buried your head in your hands and Steve pulled you into his chest. "I can't do it, Steve. I can't." You muffled.
Dorothy peeped her head into the kitchen and watched her parents embrace, both looking sad. The way she feels when a toy breaks or her dad goes away on a mission.
Her dad noticed her and turned so he shielded her mom away from her. "Hey sweetie. Mommy's not feeling well. Want to go draw her a picture to make her feel better?" Her dad asked and Dorothy automatically nodded. She left quickly.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. This isn't your fault." You whined as you lifted your head.
Steve smiled softly and wiped your eyes. "Don't apologise. This is stressful enough without carrying a baby." You nodded. "How about I go run you a bath so you and...not Alfred can relax." You laughed slightly. "You seriously don't want Alfred?" He seemed tired.
You shook your head. "Want to join me so you can relax too?" You sniffled.
He lifted an eyebrow. "Who'll watch Dot?"
"We can have a bath after she's gone to bed." You shrugged. He agreed and kissed your head again.
After pinning dots drawing of the family (including a very round you) to the fridge and ordering a Chinese, Dot was happily settled into bed.
You sank into the bath, Steve's arms wrapping around you immediately and pulling you against his chest. His hand splayed against your bump and he rubbed small circles.
"Not that I'm ready for you to be in pain, but I'm so excited to meet this little one." He mumbled into your ear.
"You better sing to me again." He let his head roll back as he groaned.
"I didn't know what else to do." He defended himself. "It was hard to watch you in that state and you always liked me singing."
You hummed in agreement and looked up at him. "Can you sing now?" He sighed. "Please?" You pouted and he laughed.
"Fine." He took a second. "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day." His voice was soothing despite it being out of tune.
You closed your eyes and sighed in content. He was in the middle of the second chorus when you spoke, causing him to stop abruptly. "I love you so much." You whispered.
He smiled and placed a kiss on your neck. "I love you too."
You laced your hands through his and squeezed them. "Thank you for this. You're the best."
"Always, doll. You know I'll always be here." He whispered, kissing your cheek and pulling you even closer.
But despite the calming atmosphere, a slight dread filled both of you because you knew that come tomorrow, you'd have to face the music and meet with Bucky.