The Choice (Steve Rodgers x Reader)

Thirty Six

It was deadly silent. Bucky played with his metal hand, nervously as you waited for Dot to  return with her favourite toy to show him.
"I know I've done shitty things." Bucky started.
"Language." Steve muttered, earning an warning glance from the both of you.
"But," He ignored him. "I'd like to be apart of Dorothy's life. Had I have known I was a father...I don't know. I would've done something differently." He sighed as he shook his head.
You nodded and tried to smile. "We can work something out." You offered, interrupted by Dot running into the room, laughing.
"This is the toy daddy got me from England!" She cheered as she waved the figure in Bucky's face.
You cleared your throat at the sight of Bucky's face dropping. "Sweetie?" She looked over at you. "Remember how we said that your dad was never around?"
"The one who was on a different world?" She had never fully grasped the idea of an afterlife, no matter how many times Steve tried to tell her.
You nodded. "This is him." You said quietly, smiling softly as you watched her reaction.
She was quiet and everyone watched as she processed.
"If I have to dads, does that mean I get two birthday's?" You laughed and shook your head, watching as Bucky's lips started to turn softly.

"I can't believe she's mine." Bucky breathed as you watched her play with Steve from the kitchen. "I can't believe I've missed so much of her life."
You pursed your lips, not sure what to say. "She has your eyes."
"What?" Bucky turned to you in bewilderment.
You shrugged and looked down towards your mug. "Since the minute she opened them, she's reminded me of you. The sharp blue. The way she squints them when she's confused or upset. You weren't there to raise her, but she's so much like you."
Bucky smiled in appreciation.
Steve sighed dramatically as he entered the kitchen, subconsciously placing his hand on your belly as he lifted his mug of tea. "Thank you, sweetheart." He muttered.
You didn't miss the way Bucky glared at his hand.

Dot was to spend the day with Bucky tomorrow. Start forming a bond while he still could and get to know his daughter.
You walked (waddled) to the door to show Bucky out, leaning against the wall as you approached it.
"Thank you for today. And I'm sorry for how I acted when I found out." He said glumly.
You hesitated. "Bucky, I am sorry. But at the same time I can't apologise for the life I had without you."
He sighed through his nose. "I'll meet you and Dot at the park tomorrow."
"Can't you just meet us here-"
"No." He barked, causing you to look up at him in surprise.
"If you want this to work out, you can't avoid Steve." You bit back.
His head snapped up and he walked closer to you. "Do you think it's easy for me? To see you two together? Living the life we should've had!" You stood your ground and scoffed.
"You can't expect people to put their lives on hold for you. I've explained to you. I've apologised. I've told you how it's going to be. If you don't like it, then don't come back." You hissed.
Bucky shook his head. "You always said you wanted a girl." He said out of no where, you assumed to diffuse the situation.
"You always said how marriage was pointless." You shot back, anger still boiling within you. "Don't say how this should've been the life we had. You left. You never had any interest in marriage or kids. And that's fine, but don't lie to me."
"I would've done it for you. Because I loved you. I still do, even if-"
"Stop it." You warned.
"I know you still do to-"
"Bucky." You warned again, avoiding eye contact at all costs.
"You're still my girl." Your jaw tightened.
"You should leave." It was silent for a few moments before Bucky stiffly walked out the door.
You gently closed it, breathing out deeply when it was shut.

Your hands wouldn't stop shaking as you tried to put on your pyjama top. Steve was sat silently on the bed, a distant look on his face.
"I heard." Is all he said.
You froze and then turned.
"I didn't mean to. I was coming to say goodbye to him and then I heard everything." He still hadn't looked up at you.
"That's okay." You said weakly, still staring at him. Your throat had dried quickly.
It was silent again.
"Do you?" He whispered.
You swallowed thickly. "Do I What?"
He finally looked at you. "Do you still love him?" Your eyes watered. "I'll understand if you. Really I will. I just want to know so I can...prepare." He croaked the last part.
You were frozen in place for a second. When you felt as thought you could move, you sat next to him and placed your hand in his.
"I'd never leave you, Steve. Not only because I'm having your baby soon," He chuckled through the tears. "But also because I love you. More than anyone."
"Except Dot." He mused as he wiped his eyes.
You rolled your own as you smiled. "Except dot." You agreed.
"And not-Alfred." He pointed out.
"Him too." You smiled as he looked at you. "I love them as my children. But I could never love anyone the way I love you...I never really say it because it sounds clingy and gross, but when you go on missions...I feel like a little piece of me is missing. You're apart of me. And I'm apart of you. Why would I leave?" Steve sniffled as he drew you into his arms.
You breathed out as he held you for a few moments.
"You're right. That was gross." You laughed and pinched his side, looking up at him laughing face.
"I'm never saying anything nice to you, ever again." You mumbled as he placed his lips on yours.