Chapter 2
They sat Steve down in one of the health labs of Tony's tower, wrapping his thin body in a white blanket as he laid down on a bed, getting his first ultrasound. Fortunately the baby was healthy, but by what Bruce saw of what was happening inside the womb, it didn't look as healthy as expected at three months. It wasn't properly developed. And Bruce had to break it to Bucky, just not Steve. He didn't want the man who's been suffering all for this baby, learn that it isn't even properly constructing inside him.
By the second week through month three Steve could only barely walk. He wanted to go back to his home but Stark demanded he stay at the Tower in case of an emergency. And so him and Bucky had to move into one of the spare double bedrooms that Tony won't admit; he actually built it for them whenever they were to visit.
Steve was upset at Bucky. He didn't want their help, but he needed it. He didn't want to burden them with what's already a big enough problem. He got everyone checking up on him, walking around with him everywhere he went like he was a child. Everyone is constantly offering their assistance, holding his arm to take him to the bathroom or to the kitchen. They make him breakfast every morning and kiss him on the forehead and cheek whenever they get the chance. They were helping him, supporting him- loving Steve.
But what Steve hated the most was that, no matter the amount of help, the baby's conditions only got worse. His body became fragile, frail, too soft to touch that someone was afraid they would break him. His legs and arms thinned so much that his bones were almost visible. His face- his face was pale with splats of a sickening green and yellow shadowing beneath the flesh, and so small his cheekbones were sharp. Bold.
Bucky had to hold back tears seeing his beautiful partner fall into this heartbreaking state. He stayed with Steve 24/7, waiting outside the bathroom door and holding him in his arms as they gently rocked back and forth, side to side, embrace tight and warm.
"Oh Stevie..." Bucky gently whispered, rubbing his hand up and down Steve's back as tears started to stream down his cheek. He could feel his Omega's spine popping from underneath that white flesh.
"Bucky...I'm going to be fine..." Steve gave a small smile. It was broken, hiding thousands of emotions washing through him. His baby wasn't growing, but his stomach was. By the day.
Bruce had to check up on Steve so much that he just decided to bring the equipment to their room, getting visuals for the baby and everything. Nothing was working. And Bucky fell apart seeing Steve laying on the bed, his round stomach bare in gel with his head turned to the screen beside his bed. His eyes still had glimpses of hope, of faith.
Steve smiled seeing the tiny arms and hands flicking slightly up and down and he gently chuckled, Bruce as well. "Hey look, the little guy is waving at you." Bruce smiles.
The baby was waving. Motioning its un-developed arm up then its hand to wave. Bucky felt a small smile come onto his face as well seeing that, and he squeezes Steve's hand, fingers still entwined.
"Look Buck, it's waving..." Steve breathes out when realising the squeeze over his hand. Seeing that smile on his face...Bucky just wants to give him the world. He wants to love him, spoil him so much until Steve can't take anything else.
*****
After the appointment with Bruce, the couple stayed in their room, Bucky on a chair beside Steve laying down on a bed. They still held hands and Bucky was almost asleep after another rough day of rushing around the house. But he doesn't care, because it's all for Steve. He runs around the place every day and night for Steve and he couldn't care less.
"Buck?" The blonde murmurs. Bucky lifts his head up to his partner, seeing his head still pointed up to the roof.
"What's wrong, doll?" Bucky shifts in his chair, closer towards the bed.
Steve takes a few moments to speak. He holds his breath and then they come. The tears. They're unstoppable. They roll down the sides of his face, onto his neck and into his blonde hair. They go everywhere staining the pillows. He doesn't dare look over to Bucky with such a broken expression.
But Bucky sighs, holding back tears and leaning down to kiss Steve's hand. "What's wrong my sweet?" He shudders.
He doesn't respond and when the tears finally stop, he shakes his head. "Never mind."