We’re Getting Antsy And They’re Noticing
November 27
The couple lay on Steve’s bed.
Bucky was on his back, the Alpha on his side as he leaned over to push the Omega’s hair out of his face.
“You nervous about tomorrow?” Steve asked.
Bucky opened his eyes, looking up at his boyfriend.
“I guess.” He whispered.
Sarah was downstairs folding laundry, and they had locked Steve’s door just incase she decided to come barging in. Luckily Steve’s mom wasn’t even close to as overbearing as Bucky’s parents, and didn’t make them keep the door open at all times.
Steve’s room was beginning to be the only place Bucky could be- well, himself. With Sarah either at work or doing her own thing in the house he was able to hang out in Steve’s room, in nothing but a t shirt and pants. No layers, no scent blockers, just him, Steve and their baby.
“Steve?” Bucky asked, hearing the Alpha hum as he continued to stroke Bucky’s head. “You know, we have to tell them soon.”
Steve’s hand stopped.
“Buck, you got to keep this secret for so long, just let me have a little tim-“
“No Steve, that’s not fair. We can’t just keep waiting until the baby’s born, they have to know before.”
Steve sighed, his hand sliding down Bucky’s side, resting on his belly.
The baby had hit a growth spurt recently, and he only had so many weeks until it was completely impossible to hide the bump. The baby’s gotten stronger too, a week and a half ago Steve was able to feel a kick. Which has now resulted in the Alpha touching his belly whenever he could, sometimes sliding down the bed to talk to the baby, and fuck did that please Bucky’s Omega to no end.
“I’m scared.” Steve whispered.
Bucky rested his hand over Steve’s, his lips brushing over the Alpha’s jaw. “I know.”
“W-when... when should we tell them?” Steve asked, blue eyes alight with fear.
“I mean, your mom is gonna come over tomorrow night for thanksgiving dinner.”
Steve inhaled.
“How exactly should we tell them? Like- before or after dinner? During?” Steve’s voice started to sound panicked, his hands becoming jittery.
“Steve- Steve love. Calm down, it’s gonna be okay.” He whispered against Steve’s lips.
The blond closed his eyes, taking in deep breaths.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Bucky said, rolling to his side so the two of them faced each other, the Omega’s belly pressing into Steve’s firm middle. “I think we should tell them when everyone’s eating pie. Our moms will bust out the Black Friday ads, my sisters will start circling the things they want, and my dad will be content with his pecan pie. Yeah it might kill the mood but everyone will be at their most calm, hopefully it will dull the news.”
Steve nodded, wrapping his arms around Bucky’s waist and pulling him as close as he could get.
“That’s smart, you’re so smart.” He whispered, kissing Bucky.
Bucky laughed, Steve continued pressing his lips all over the Omega’s face.
Steve’s phone vibrated on the nightstand, the Alpha reached behind himself to grab it. He held the phone between them as he read the text, sighing he looked to Bucky.
“Nat wants to know if we wanna hang out?”
It was only 2:00 PM, and school was on break for the holiday so Bucky didn’t have to worry about being home until 7:00.
“Hang out and do what?” He asked, because trudging out into the cold to watch Clint throw rocks at soda cans didn’t seem worth it (considering that’s what they did last week he’d have to pass).
Steve texted back, only waiting a moment before he received a reply. “She wants to watch crappy Christmas movies and drink tea at her and Clint’s.”
Nat and Clint have a fire place in their living room, and real cozy couch.
“Well who could resist such an offer.” Bucky said, smiling at the Alpha.
Steve grinned back, texting a confirmation back to Natasha.
“Alright,” Steve said, getting to his feet and holding his hands out for Bucky. “Let’s get get you bundled up.”
While Bucky appreciates the lift, he couldn’t help but wonder how soon he won’t be able to stand up on his own.
The Alpha walked to his closet, grabbing a clean purple hoodie from a hanger and handing it to Bucky. Although at this point in the year the Omega had to put a jacket (also Steve’s) on over the hoodie, along with thicker socks so his toes didn’t freeze.
Sarah stopped them at the bottom of the stairs. “Where are you two headed?” She asked, sunny smile on her face.
“We’re going to Nat and Clint’s to watch movies.” Steve said, matching his mothers grin.
“Oh okay, just a moment then.” She rushed into the kitchen, coming back with a saran wrap paper plate full of brownies. “Take these with you, a coworker of mine made them for everyone but I feel like you kids will enjoy them more.” Her smile was beaming. Sarah was literal sunshine and she made Bucky feel at peace, a trait her son had inherited.
“Are you sure mom?” Steve asked, although he excepted the plate without complaint.
“Of course, I had one or two already, and besides Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I know Winnie makes a ton of dessert. Take it, have a good time.” She kissed them each on the cheek and returned to the living room.
..........
“Why are we watching this crap?” Clint complained from the chair, sitting sideways as he sipped at hot chocolate.
“Because none of the good Christmas movies start coming on until December.” Natasha said, and Bucky knew that it was also the fact that Nat had a deep love for really bad movies, the worse the acting the more she enjoyed it.
They’d been skipping between two different hallmark movies whenever a commercial would come on, and the plot was basically the same. Bucky was pretty sure every hallmark Christmas movie was about a girl who moved to the big city coming home to fall in love with a buff guy wearing plaid.
Bucky sat against the comfy couch, Steve’s arm thrown over his shoulder, and his legs over the Alpha’s lap. Nat had a cup of caffeine free vanilla chai ready for him the moment they arrived, and he sipped on it happily.
When both movies were on commercial Natasha turned to the couple from her spot on the other end of the couch.
“So, hows everything going with you two?” She asked. The question was innocent enough, but Bucky knew what she was really asking.
The Omega swore he could hear Steve’s heart beat pick up, so he took the lead on this. “We actually planned to tell everyone, well, our family tomorrow.”
“On thanksgiving?” Clint asked.
“Yeah, when they’re eating pie.” Steve said, the hand resting on Bucky’s lower back smoothing over his hip in a nervous tick.
“Pie!” Clint exclaimed. “Wha- you can’t ruin someone’s thanksgiving pie experience with dropping a bomb like-“
Natasha cut him off, seeing the couples widening eyes. “You won’t be ruining anyone’s pie, ignore him. It’s good that you’re telling them, I don’t think the timing really matters anymore, but it’s gonna be better for everyone when the news is out there.”
“Uh- right.” Clint said, calming down from his earlier food rage. It’s not like his thanksgiving pie experience was gonna get ruined.
“I’m so not ready for this.” Steve whispered, sinking further into the couch.
“Well,” Nat started. “What are you most worried about happening? Maybe if you get all the bad scenarios out there, you can start thinking of the good ones. What are your biggest fears?” She asked, mostly eyeing Steve.
“Uhm, I don’t want George to hate me. Dating Bucky has already put us on different terms than before, and I don’t wanna disappoint him.” Steve said, his honest tone saddening.
“Okay, anything else?” Nat asked.
Bucky wasn’t sure where she was going with this, but he hoped she’d be able to wipe that sad frown off Steve’s face soon.
“I mean, I just don’t want them to be mad-“
Natasha cut Steve off. “No, like. Think worst case scenario, hypothetically, what could go wrong?” This time she glance at Bucky.
Steve seemed to be floundering under the question, no doubt a series of bad thoughts clogging his mind.
“Well,” Bucky started, catching the Alpha’s eye. “I have this worry that my parents are gonna kick me out-“
“They won’t.” Steve said.
“I know, but I can’t help but think they might. And this is just hypotheticals right?”
He glanced to Natasha who nodded, gesturing for him to go on.
“And I’m worried my dads gonna view me different, or that I’ll disappoint my mom. And I hope my sisters don’t forever think of me as the idiot who got himself pregnant in high school.”
“Buck, it’s not like it’s just on you.” Steve said.
“I know.” He whispered back, leaning into Steve.
“Well, how about we think of the good things that could happen tomorrow?” Natasha asked. “Like, when you tell them, they’re gonna be freaked. And probably mad, but once the shock starts to pass, I bet Winnie will ask how you’ve been doing, and Sarah’s gonna wanna know about yours and the baby’s health. Your dad will probably be protective, because he always is. And I know you’re sisters will be so curious, and the second they find out they’re gonna be aunts will be the most exciting thing to them.”
Natasha reached over, patting Bucky’s leg. “And you know they’ll help you figure out a plan, because they’re good parents, and they love you.”
...........
November 28
Thanksgiving
“Bucky, wake up!”
He felt little hands shoving at his shoulder, groaning the Omega burrowed into the blankets more.
The hands continued to shove. “Mom said you’ve been in bed too long, and that she wants you downstairs and dressed within five minutes.” Christina said, hands on her hips.
When Bucky shifted his head higher on his pillow he groaned again, this time from pain. The throbbing head ache caught him by surprise, he covered his eyes with his palms in attempts to block out the light.
“Bucky?” Chris asked, a look of concern taking over her features. “Are you Okay?”
The sound of her voice only hurt his head more.
Every breath he took got caught, and he only just realized how stuffy his nose was.
From behind his hands he heard Christina’s footsteps leave his room, thankful for the silence it left.
Not a minute later that silence was disturbed by harder, louder footsteps, and a cool palm smoothing onto his forehead.
“You’re real warm Buck, I think you’ve got a cold.” His dad said.
Bucky pushes up into his dads hand, seeking comfort. George just brushed his fingers through the Omega’s hair, whispering. “I’ll go make you some tea, we’ll see if you’re feeling good enough when Steve and Sarah get here to come downstairs, Okay?”
Bucky hummed, missing the comfort of his dads cool hand when George stood up to close his curtains. The dark cast of the blue curtains was a relief to his eyes, and he was finally able to move his hands from his face.
“I’ll be back soon with tea okay? Just try and rest.” His dad said, easing the door shut.
Bucky tried, he really did, but rest would not come when he remembered what today meant. All night he’d been thinking about how they would tell them, every approach they could take. Just blurt it out, ease them in, cry, just pass out and let Steve take care of it.
Steve.
He couldn’t let the blond deal with this alone, it was Bucky’s idea to tell them today anyway.
They would tell them together, and they would do it today, no matter what shape Bucky was in. As scared as he is, having made that decision yesterday has eased the weight (if only a little) on his shoulders. The thought of not having to hide it anymore brought an overwhelming relief to him, and he knew Steve was beyond scared about this. The Alpha needed him there, it honestly surprised Bucky how unwilling Steve would be about telling their families. For some reason he just assumed the blond would be ready to get a plan set, to sit down and figure this out. But Steve’s still only seventeen, they’re both just kids, and this is scary.
And how the fuck was he supposed to rest knowing that in two short hours the Rogers’ would show up, and an hour later pie would be served.
The green tea his dad brought did help, the warmth in his stomach from the hot drink at least calmed the baby, and the steam helped his stuffy nose.
He rubbed the spot where a gentle kick was, soothing the skin. “Today’s gonna suck, baby.” He whispered.
...............
The next time he awoke was to gentle fingers in his hair, and the spicy scent of Steve.
“Hey, Buck.” The Alpha whispered.
Rolling onto his back Bucky yawned, relaxing into the blonds soothing hands.
He sniffed, looked into Steve’s blue eyes, and sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” Steve asked, a small smile gracing his lips. “Not your fault you’re sick.”
He nodded. “I’m still sorry.”
Steve chuckled, leaning down to kiss his forehead.
“You think you can manage coming downstairs to eat? I think your moms almost done cooking.”
Bucky pulled in a breath, trying to gain enough energy to keep his eyes open. The Omega wrapped an arm around Steve’s shoulders, allowing the Alpha to slip his hands on his waist and pull him to a sitting position.
He had to adjust his sweatshirt, the material had rumpled from his blankets and slid up to rest atop his belly. Steve chuckled and pulled the shirt down, making sure to cover any evidence of the bump.
“I’m not really hungry, but I think I can handle sitting in a chair while everyone else eats.”
Steve helped him stand, going to grab a pair of socks for the Omega and slip them on. “I don’t want you getting cold.” He whispered, hiding his blush.
...............
“Hi honey, how are you feeling?” Winifred asked, setting a plate on the dining table and coming to feel his forehead. “Still warm.” She whispered, more to herself.
“Tired,” he mumbled.
Maybe this was a good thing, well, kind of.
If his parents were concerned about him being sick, perhaps they’d go easier on him in an hour when pie is served. He wasn’t really sure how serious it was to have a cold when you were pregnant, so that kind of scared him. Sarah would know, once everything is out there she’ll tell him what to do.
“Come sit down.” His mom said, guiding him to an open chair.
Steve plopped down on his right, slipping a hand into his and giving a small squeeze.
The noise his sisters created from their bickering over who got to sit next to Steve was only making his head throb more, so he rested it against the Alpha’s large shoulder and closed his eyes.
“Girls,” George mumbled from Bucky’s left (the head of the table), effectively cutting them off. “Try and keep it down a little okay? Your brother doesn’t feel good. And Soph? Why don’t you sit next to Steve.”
Sophie grinned, sliding in next to Steve to show him her latest crayon drawing. Christina huffed and pouted on the other side of the table, Rebecca shook it off easy enough (Bucky suspected she mostly just wanted to sit with the older kids so their parents would stop thinking of her as a ‘baby’, as if that would change anything).
Over the course of the next twenty minutes Bucky’s whole understanding of everything was through the chaotic sounds around him, and the shifting lights past his eyelids as everyone moved about the room.
With Steve’s warm arm clutched in his hands, the Alpha’s shoulder against his cheek, and the comforting scent blocking out the smell of food wafting through the air Bucky was able to tolerate being out here.
He listened to George and Sarah discuss about the hubbub of vaping and politics, heard the clang of silverware his mother made Rebecca bring to the table. Steve’s laugh when Sophie told him about a little girl from her class who threw up on the teacher when presenting her project, Christina tapping the stylist on her DS. The ruckus of his family as they clattered about almost soothes him to sleep, but luckily his mom put a stop to that when she set the last trey on the table, taking a seat herself across from George at the other end of the table.
He held hands with his father and remained leaning on Steve as George began to say grace, managed to pry his eyelids open when he felt Steve move forward to fill his own plate.
Someone had put a fresh cup of green tea in front of him (probably his mom), and he sipped it throughout the meal.
It was 5:10 by the time everyone was ready for pie, and Bucky remained in his seat with his Steve pillow tucked under his head.
“How’re you feeling?” Steve whispered.
That question had two meanings.
How’re you feeling? Good enough to sit up on your own, keep your eyes open, have a conversation.
Are you ready?
He looked into Steve eyes, from this angle Steve looked so tall.
“I’m feeling good...” He nodded, Steve would know what he meant.
Ready.
“Okay kids!” Winnie clapped to get everyone’s attention as Sarah spread the ads across the counter. “If you don’t write it in your list you’re not getting it!”
She spread out some markers for people to circle the deals, and some pads of paper for lists. His dads pecan pie was laid onto the table with a handful of small plates and forks, along with the chocolate and pumpkin pies everyone else loved.
They waited a few minutes, wanted to let everyone enjoy their dessert first. Or that’s what they told themselves, both knowing it was the gut wrenching fear drowning in their lungs.
George had his phone out on the table, since they didn’t have a tv in the dining room, and one earbud in to listen to whatever sports action was still going on. Winnie and Sarah compared one deal to another, trying to find the most they could save. Sophie circled everything pink in the ads she saw, Christina was looking real closely at a white bike with butterfly decals. Becca already made her list in advance and was happily munching on some chocolate pie, leaning over to see her dads phone screen.
“Boys,” Sarah said, sliding a page over to them. “They have a buy one get one 50% off deal on vans.”
Steve’s hand shook, Bucky could feel it from where he held onto the Alpha’s arm. He gave a squeeze, looking up to Steve, hoping he could help the blond settle his nerves. if only a little.
Steve just stared at the table, eyes focused on the three pair of shoes displayed in the ad.
It only took thirty more seconds before Winnie started to notice them.
“Why aren’t you two writing anything down? Here just take- Steve? Are you okay?” She asked, grabbing the attention of Becca and Sarah.
The utter panic raging behind the Alpha’s eyes was cause enough for concern, both their mothers staring didn’t help the blond with his jitters.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Sarah asked when the two received no reply.
“Uhh.” Was all that came from Steve’s throat, scratchy and scared.
They looked to Bucky.
The Omega stilled himself, pulling up from Steve to sit on his own, guiding his hand into the blonds to hold tight.
“We actually have something to talk to you guys about.”
Becca poked her dads shoulder, and George snapped his eyes up, removing the earbud.
“What?” He asked, eyes shifting from face to face and landing in the panicked ones of his two boys.
“The boys wanna talk to us about something.” Winnie said, clear concern edging every word.
“Oh,” George said. “Uhm, girls why don’t you give us some spac-“
“No,” Bucky cut them off. “I want to tell them too.”
Sophie and Christina had looked up at that, clearly having been listening but surprised their presence was wanted. Usually they got kicked out of the room when grown up talks were happening, like when George recently had the sex talk with the boys.
Oh god don’t think about that now.
“Alright then,” George said, leaning his arms onto the table and nodding. “Go on.”
Steve continued to shake, and Bucky was starting to think he’d be he the one telling this truth.
“So, me and Steve have only been together for, uhm a little over a month you know.” His breath shook, and the pressure in his chest tightened.
The adults nodded.
“Right, so uhm-“
“Oh god you didn’t get mated did you?” Winnie asked, horror blossoming behind her eyes. “You’re too young to get mated!”
“We didn’t.” Bucky said, and the sigh of relief she breathed only made it harder for him to.
“Okay, sorry to cut you off. Continue.” She said.
Bucky glanced at Steve, hoping the Alpha would chime in but to no luck. He was on his own.
“So me and Steve, uhm. We got together last month, but that’s not the first- it’s not- we-“ he cut himself off to breathe.
How the fuck do you tell your parents and siblings that you got drunkenly knocked up at a party from your best friend six months ago?
“Awhile ago, and please let me finish before you cut me off?” He asked of his parents, who nodded. “Awhile ago me and Steve went to this party together, and we were- we were drinking.” He could tell his mother wanted to say something but held back. “And we... were together.”
It’s not like he could talk about sex in front of his five year old sister.
“And I only told Steve about this last month, because I was scared. And nobody else knew, and...” he could feel his throat start to close, and his eyes well.
“James, what are you talking about?” Winnie asked, and he just knew from her tone of voice that she knew.
“I am...” he couldn’t finish it.
“Me and Bucky,” Steve said, catching the Omega off guard. “We got drunk, and I think even at the time we both had feelings for each other. And didn’t practice, uh...” he glanced to his right to see Sophie looking at him. “Safely. And last month we were hanging out and, we kind of got into a, not, fight. But, Bucky told me that- at that party, when we-“
The blond sucked in a breath.
“I got Bucky pregnant, six months ago. And we’ve been hiding it from you, well, I didn’t know until last month but that’s besides the point. We are gonna have a baby.” The alpha finished, and the shaking returned to his hands.
No one spoke.
Bucky was starting to wonder if he should have told the girls to not be in here, he thought that by telling everyone he wouldn’t have to go through this twice. But now, sitting in this silent, uncomfortable, awkward atmosphere of a room, he wishes he would have granted them the gift of not having to endure this.
The clock from the living room ticked by, loud as a drum in the ears of the family.
He couldn’t even look up from Steve’s shaking hand, can’t see their faces.
What if they did kick him out, what if they disowned him and Steve? What if they told him he couldn’t keep his baby? He’d have to leave, have to figure out his own way in life with a baby and an Alpha that would only grow to resent him. He’d be homeless and pregnant and alone with only all of his heart to give to this tiny human who would one day grow to hate him and the sad, sorry excuse of life he’d given them-
His dad sucked in a breath.
It was overbearingly loud.
His mom sniffed.
Her tears spilled onto the table top.
He couldn’t hear Sarah.
She probably hated him.
“So I’m gonna be an aunt?” Rebecca asked.
“How can you be pregnant?” His father asked, he sounded angry.
He sounded disappointed.
“You two are only seventeen.” Winnie stated, grabbing a paper towel to wipe her face, smearing her mascara and the gold eye shadow she only wore on holidays.
“You said you only found out last month, Steve?” Sarah asked, the two looked to her, and Steve nodded. She reached her hand across the table, but didn’t try and grab for either of them, just rested hers there. “Have you gone to a doctor yet?” She asked Bucky.
He hesitated, but shook his head.
“How far along are you?” She asked.
His voice shook. “Twenty seven weeks.” Her eyes widened.
She nodded, “I’m making an appointment for you as soon as I can Okay? And you’re sick...” she sounded really nervous, and Bucky felt stupid.
He felt stupid and fucking careless.
He was too scared to tell his parents and Steve, he didn’t know what to do about doctor appointments, didn’t know how to pay for them or if his parents would find out about them. What if him being a coward hurt his baby, maybe they really needed a doctor, or vitamins or something and he’d been neglecting them of that.
He was already failing them.
The tears dropped, staining the table along with his mothers.
A large hand pulled against his left, encasing his smaller fingers in the warmth of his dads palm.
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” George whispered.
“I-“ The tears continued, and the more they dropped Bucky was convinced the aching in his lungs drained out with them. It felt so good to let this out with everyone, no hiding, no masking, they knew why he was crying and it’s never felt fucking better. “I was scared that you’d hate me.”
George gathered him in his arms, Bucky’s face pressed into his fathers chest as strong arms wrapped around his whole body. “I would never, ever hate you. I’m upset, and worried maybe more than I’ve ever been. But I love you, and Steve-“
The blond must have been caught off guard as George pulled him into their hug, and Bucky felt squished, and claustrophobic, and so happy he cried even more.
When his dad pulled away, Bucky was surprised to find tears on his face.
“We- we’ll figure this out, we will.” He was sure his dad was trying to convince himself, but Bucky was starting to feel like this is the most at ease he’s felt since finding out about the baby.
“You’re twenty seven weeks along?” Winnie asked, gathering the tables attention. “How have we not noticed?”
Bucky looked down at his covered middle, the baby had been kicking this whole time, as if saying ‘Hey, I’m ready to be introduced!’.
He stood, and grabbed the hem of the sweatshirt. “Steve’s been letting me borrow his hoodies, so they covered...”
Slowly he lifted, watching their eyes widen.
“Woah! Bucky you’re fat!” Sophie yelled, leaning over Steve to poke his belly.
“Stop.” Bucky said, moving her hand away.
“Woah, you’re like, actually pregnant.” Rebecca said.
Winnie lowered her hand from her mouth, and moved around to pull him into a hug. He felt her hands touch his sides, this was probably the first time in months he’s let her really hug him, and the shock of feeling his bump probably had her reeling.
From over his head he saw Sarah holding Steve’s hand across the table, speaking gently to him.
“I’m sorry.” Bucky whispered, only to make his mom cry harder.
“It’s okay, love. It’s okay...” She whispered back, stroking a hand through his hair.
“James,” Sarah said when the two pulled apart. “I want you to go upstairs and rest, you’re sick and you should be sleeping. Steve will take you upstairs.” She gave a small smile, the same one her son usually wore.
Steve stood, reaching his hand for him.
Bucky looked to his parents, they’d both gathered at the end of the table.
“Go rest, kid. We can talk more about this later.” George said, rubbing a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll make you more tea, and some soup since you didn’t eat. You look like you could pass out at any moment, go sleep.” Winnie instructed.
“Holy shit...” Steve whispered on the walk up the stairs.
“Yeah.” Bucky said, hands around Steve’s arm.
“They took that really well.”
Bucky nodded.
Steve pulled the blankets back for Bucky, letting the Omega lay closer to the wall before climbing in after him.
Bucky cuddled into the Alpha’s chest, and Steve pulled out his phone.
“Nat texted.”
“What did she say?” Bucky asked, sure his phone probably had a text waiting as well but not bothering to check, seeing as it rested on the desk across the room.
“Asked if we did it.”
Steve
5:48 PM
They took it really well
Nat
5:48 PM
Good! I’m so glad you guys told them.
Clint
5:49 PM
Hey you guys know this is the group chat right??
Steve
5:49 PM
Nat why didn’t you text me privately?
Nat
5:50 PM
I didn’t think about it, sorry
Sam
5:52 PM
Wait did you tell your parents? Is that what you guys are talking about? Dude that’s huge!
Tony
5:54 PM
What did you guys tell your parents?? And why am I not included!