#Ask Your OB-GYNE

[ventique18]

A soon-to-be papa 🐉 who waits for his baby's egg to hatch like he's checking every minute for any progress on his Amazon delivery.

🐉: "Has it hatched yet?"

🌸: "No..."

🐉: "I see."

🐉: "What about now?"

🌸: "It's been three minutes since you last asked. No it hasn't."

🐉: "Why not?"

🌸: "What do you mean why not? How would I know?"

🐉, knocking on the egg: "Come out already, child."

🌸: "Why are you pressuring the baby?!"

🐉: "Tell it to come out. Maybe it'll listen to you."

🌸: "Are you okay? And what if it's still a yolk?"

🐉: "Sebek, can you ask your father why my child is taking so long to hatch?"

🐊: "My liege... My father is a dentist... Not an ob gyne..."

🐉: "Oh? Are you defying me now, Sebek Zigvolt?"

🐊: "Of course not! Why, I would never dream of it! I shall ask him immediately! EXCUSE ME FOR A WHILE!"

🌸: "Can you please stop bullying the poor boy?"

[greycaelum]

Hi! I love how you capture Gojo's character in your series. I was wondering if you could write a scenario where the high and mighty Gojo Satoru felt insecure and undeserving of reader at any point in their relationship through the Kaleidoscope Series? I wanna see Toru be sad and then comforted mehehe. Hope this ask finds you well!

Kaleidoscope Series—Clouds and Mochi Chapters { Lose }

—Gojo Satoru X Wife Reader

𑁍 Synopsis: Y/n left for a few days and Satoru has to handle the kids.

𑁍 Genre: family theme, fluff, angst to comfort

𑁍 CW/TW: (2.8k)— arguments, insecurities, regrets, Satoru doing his job (overboard manner), not proofread

𑁍 Grey ✒️☕: Hi sweetheart thank you for the wonderful ask, I hope I managed to make it well this time

Being married to Gojo Satoru has meant that you will have more work than you anticipated. Contrary to the eyes of the mass that Gojo Satoru's existence is the entire Gojo Clan itself there's so much that runs behind what people see.

In the absence of Gojo Satoru, his wife, The Madame of the Gojo Clan, Gojo Y/n controls everything.

"I have to leave for a business trip in Kyushu 'Toru. Can you handle the kids for three days?"

You asked after tucking Saika into bed.

Satoru shot up from the bed, removed his glasses, and look at you with a confused face.

"What do you mean? You're pregnant Honey. It's not safe for you or our babies to travel long distances." Satoru walked over to you and held your hands to his lips, pressing kisses to your knuckles. "I cannot let you go with your delicate situation Baby."

"I'm okay Satoru, besides I consulted my ob-gyne and she said it's alright." You chuckled at the sudden protectiveness, not that Satoru isn't normally protective of you already.

Satoru ran his hand over his hair. Good grace. He's not letting you outside of this house or even letting you get in that piece of flying metal, that who knows might fall just because life is a bitch.

"No. You're not going anywhere, Honey." Satoru was sentenced with finality. The frown on your brows slowly curled and retrieved your hand from his lips.

His heart fell at your withdrawal as you looked at him and sighed.

"Love, this is my job. Alright? This is my duty as your wife, my duty to the Gojo Clan because I'm the Madame. I won't go if I think I'm unfit to." You tried to be understanding yet firm as you explain this logic to him.

Years of marriage certainly taught you better than to enter an argument head straight. Instead, you calmly laid out your facts.

"No means no. Honey, you can ditch all your work if you want to. You're with our child. To be exact you don't even have to work with your state." Satoru put his hands on his waist, assuming an authoritative stance.

The room dropped several degrees as Y/n raise her brows and narrowed her eyes at the imposing tone of his words.

"I understand you're concerned—"

"Oh, believe me, Honey, I'm beyond concerned I'm fervid." Satoru cut you off with a frown.

"But you're not changing my decision Satoru." The softness of the way you call his name was gone. It was cemented with stubbornness. "I'm pregnant, not invalid."

You could be such an angel at times but that stubbornness of yours... Satoru blew out a sigh.

"I'm not saying you're invalid. I'm looking out for you and our children. What if something happens? The stress of work, or just simply going out there, away from what's supposed safe for you and the children. Can't you send someone else?" Satoru's voice was an octave higher, trying so hard to find the right words without sounding rude.

"Satoru, I know you are concerned, but again, I won't put myself or our child at risk if I'm unsure that I can do this safely. I am pregnant, but that doesn't mean I can forego my duties. That's not how this works. I have my responsibilities, and those responsibilities I'm doing not just for myself, but for this family as well." Your voice constricted, not wanting to shout or even raise your voice at him, marking the end of the discussion as you turn your back to pack your luggage leaving Satoru standing where he was.

The next day, sure enough, the car that will send you to the airport arrived. Kouki and Saika knew something was up with the perfunctory kiss you gave to their father, and Satoru's sad eyes as he loaded your luggage to the bag. The kids watched from the doorstep, a worried look on Saika's face while Kouki had his usual emotionless expression on.

"Call me if anything ever happens no matter how minuscule it is." Satoru pulled you into his arms before you could enter the car. Damn, you feel so soft his heart is being pricked to let you go. He hates disagreeing with you. It throws him off.

"I will be back sooner than you expected, I promise." You nod, cupping his cheeks noticing he's pale. Price of a sleepless night...

Satoru watch the car drive off until it was out of sight. The sinking feeling like his feet is being shackled to the ground slowly started creeping in. An unpleasant feeling swirled inside his gut.

Kouki watched his sister bite her lip. Anxious with the sudden cloudy mood between their parents. She is after all a four years old girl who is learning how to sense her surroundings.

"Mama and Papa just had a fuss, but they're going to be fine." Kouki's blank face soften and pat his little sister's head. "They love each other after all."

What's so special about that trip? Satoru pondered as he do his work, taking in more jobs than he usually does. Using it as a distraction but ultimately ends up pondering over you while he fights off curses.

He remembers your words. Somehow he understands what lies beneath those lines. The cold truth behind it, even if you won't say it out loud.

 This is my duty as your wife, my duty to the Gojo Clan because I'm the Madame.

It's the price of marrying him. The burden of being his wife.

Satoru grits his teeth.

"G-Gojo-san?" Ijichi flinched at the vivid way the poor level 3 curse was exterminated. The force was more than necessary. It was like bringing out a bazooka for a mosquito. Raw and brutal as that.

He thought he was already aware having been married to you for almost 10 years. But he is still so witless.

The hole in his heart couldn't be filled. It's like something inside him was gnawing him alive. Like there's sand inside his gut. Unsettling the cold sweat in his spine. Do you feel this way whenever he heads out to battle every time?

It's a dreadful sensation.

He couldn't imagine this happening to you. Especially since he heads out to battle almost every day.

Because this is his duty, as the strongest, as Gojo Satoru...

"Fuck!"

He never wanted you to face any difficulties that will ever endanger you. That's why he built a home away from the Gojo Estate. He doesn't want you to be subjected in the eyes of his clan. Not the hostility, and not the burden... He never wanted you to carry any of it.

But it seems like every time, he fails.

"Do you regret me?" 

You once asked him, lying on the hospital bed after being attacked by Tachibana's daughter, barely escaping the preemptive danger.

Since then and until now, his answer is the same.

"No, I never. I regret putting you in this kind of situation."

It's his biggest regret. To put you in such peril because he loves you. He loves you so much that he pulled you into his rotten world. He wants to protect you, but then he cannot stop you from doing what you want, what you could to grow. Because deep down the thing he never wishes to see is your eyes filled with hatred looking towards him. 

It would break the cracked heart you pieced together. He could never leash you, nor cage you no matter how much he loves you.

 "There is no curse more twisted than love." He said that to Yuta because he knows it more than anyone... Probably because his love is as twisted as it could be just to have you. 

Ringggg

His phone vibrated and he answers it without saying 'hello'. His mind is too clouded to form the right words without using the usual cheery masks he uses in public. 

"..." The other line doesn't answer as well.

There was only their breathing. A steady one and the other one breathed quietly to listen as closely as possible. They didn't speak for a good moment, simply staying in that silence, listening. Satoru hid his lips in the high neck of his uniform.

"Satoru?" You finally spoke.

"...Mnn?" He swallowed a huge lump in his throat. "You called Honey, did something happen?"

"..." He could see you shaking your head on the other line even if he cannot see you. "I just wanted to hear you, that's all."

He faintly chuckled. "Are you going to sleep?"

"Hmmm." You answered. "The business deal is going smoothly. They'll sponsor the orphaned children's education in exchange for them as working students for the company."

"You're... working so hard." Satoru bit the walls of his mouth. "My wife is so hardworking." Did the praise have to be this bittersweet to his tongue?

"You should reward me when I come home. Lately, I've been craving some orange juice and baklava."

"Mnnn, I will."

Silence ensued over the two of them again... Soon your breathing slowed down. Satoru sensing you're probably asleep, just opened his phone until your call dropped, most probably because of low battery.

You have always loved kids. Probably that is why Kouki and Saika turned out to be such angels despite him being a menace. You're such a good wife and caring mother it puts him to shame always being away. So what right did he even have to stop you from doing your duties when he's the one who's often away to do his own?

Satoru closed the book, and look at his daughter who is fast asleep by his side. She has white hair and blue eyes from him but she looks just like you. He can already see the riot she will make when she grows older.

The door opened with Kouki holding his cinnamoroll plushie.

"Hey Buddy, can't sleep?"

The little guy walks over and climbs into the bed on Satoru's side.

"Are you and Mama upset, Papa?" Kouki settled quietly and held his plushie.

Satoru carefully lifted the blanket to Kouki's chest while making sure Saika doesn't wake up.

"Kind of, but we're gonna be okay. Coz I love Mama so much." Satoru kissed Kouki's forehead, reassuring his son. 

"Mnn, I know. I love Mama too." Kouki nodded and blinked at his Papa. "Papa?"

"Mnn?" Satoru removed the blindfold from his eyes and replaced it with his sunglasses.

"I love you too." Kouki yawned and closed his eyes.

Satoru let out a deep breath and chuckled. Biting his lips as he leaned down to kiss his son one more time.

"I love you most Kikufuku."

The business deals went smoother than you expected, the three-day trip you thought became a two-day trip and before you knew it, you are on board the plane back to Tokyo, leaving your assistant to clean up behind as you did your best to come back early and surprise your family.

You won't say quarrels with Satoru are unusual. It's normal in marriage to have it. You have some quarrels with him, but most of those are solved within that day and the two of you talk about it as civilized as possible. It's a very rare thing for the two of you to shout or snarl at each other. It was only two or three times in the duration of your marriage that the argument reached the point of screaming.

With Satoru's line of work, the two of you decided to always work on the problem as soon as possible so no one walks out the door, angry. The one you had recently is one of those civilized quarrels but deep down you knew Satoru was still against it even the moment he hugged you in the car, he just let you go against his will... Because that's the person he is. He will never hold you back against your will.

That business deal was very important for you, perhaps being a mother makes you really soft and empathetic that you cannot turn your eyes away from those children that have lost their parents. The least you could do for them is make sure that their future will be taken care of.

You opened the door and everyone was already out of the house. The kids are in school and Satoru is at work. The house is spotless...

"Y/n?!" The door burst open and Satoru stood there with his blindfold falling down his neck, his breathing id ragged, probably from the hurry. His strides were quick as he cross the hallway and reach to pull you in his arms.

He smells so good... Like baby soap and powder... You inhaled his scent and returned the hug, it's not so tight because he was afraid to squish the baby bump but it was still warm...

"I was supposed to surprise you, but you surprised me first 'Toru." You chuckled and smiled.

Satoru was silent as you brush the underside of his eyes and stare at him with those eyes of yours that were filled with love. He could never get tired of the way your fingers caress him like he's the most fragile thing in the world. It feels so soft, so precious, so warm.

"Are you hungry? I'll cook." There was something stuck in his throat that was so hard to swallow.

"I'll take a shower first." You move and went upstairs leaving him in the kitchen. He was probably alerted by the guards that you're back that's why he looked as if he ran. When you came down, the sliding door to the backyard garden was open. Satoru was also there and so are your food.

The garden is blooming full of hydrangeas with butterflies fluttering around and the faint scent of the drizzle this morning wafted the air. It's a soft scene with the silence between you and your husband. You silently ate while Satoru simply stared at you, sometimes offering you more food which you accepted, not shying away when you're eating for three persons now.

"You know—"

"I'm sorry—"

You both spoke at the same time making you laugh a little and gestured for him to go first.

Satoru sighed, rubbing the back of his head, and awkwardly smirked.

"You know, I realized I was stupid for asking you not to go... For almost stopping you to do your duties. I didn't realize how unfair I was when I'm often away doing my obligations too. I was just really scared... for you, for our children that I didn't think how one-sided it was on your part for me to stop you from going when you've always been there to support me whenever I go." Satoru looked at you and his eyes finally softened. "I guess, the next time I will just tag along with you wherever you go. I won't stop you, and I'll make sure you're extra, extra safe with me by your side, won't you like that Baby?" His teasing tone was back.

But before he could see your reaction he was enveloped in a hug.

"I'm sorry... I know I can get really stubborn. And that will be the last trip for now." You pulled back and smiled. "So, this one..." You touched his heart and look at his eyes. "...will never worry that you'll lose me or our children."

You know how much he has already lost, and you will never be one of those.

Satoru pulled you onto his lap, making you sit sideways as he tuck his nose against your neck, his hand protectively splayed over your growing bump like a snug protection. You hugged him back, peppering kisses on his temples, whispering assurance as you run your fingers through his hair feeling him slightly whine at the tenderness you are showering him.

"You will never lose me Satoru, not me nor our children. So you have to always come back home because we are waiting for you."

Satoru nodded, nuzzling into your kisses.

Many of his elders said that he needs an obedient and submissive wife. But he knew that while you've always been nice, you still have that stubbornness rooted inside you, and yet... You may never be as obedient as per standard but he knew your understanding made you stand out the most. The heart to love him and to compromise was something you have given home boundlessly. You loved him enough to understand and compromise. He never needed a submissive wife. He needed an understanding spouse. Someone who understands it's hard to be with him and yet still stayed. And that was you, with the stubbornness that made him love you more.

"I won't say that is the last trip you'll take." Satoru grinned making you frown and look at him. "It's going to be autumn soon, and you know what that means?" Satoru already made arrangements for this.

Then it clicked on you. Ah... yes, Kouki and Saika have been looking forward to this every year. The annual vacation to their favorite place.

"How does a babymoon in Switzerland sound?" Satoru kissed your lips and grinned.

—GreyCaelum

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME

Check out the Masterlist for more

All rights and credits of the Jujutsu Kaisen character(s) mentioned images(s) and songs(s) used, belongs to their respective owner(s)

General/Kaleidoscope Series Taglist: @ice-icebaby @aeanya @gummy-dummy @tender-rosiey @lexiene @nevermoresworld

[emgoesmed]

Hi , i love your blog. Everything always looks so perfect. So i wanted to ask you for some advice, i am an IMG , and have recently done my residency(medicine) back in my home country In south east Asia. So my background knowledge is not so bad. Life happened (some not so good events) and i needed to move to US. I dont think am in for studying for step 1 right now but i think i ll be able to study for step 2 CK. I wanted to ask you if one can do well on step 2 ck by doing uworld. I am worried the most about pedes gyne surgery, cuz its been a while i have studied these subjects. Could you please recommend what extra sources should i use for pedes gyn surgery. And if those are as heavily tested on ck as medicine. Any advice on sources , timeline or anything really would be helpful. This is the only social media platform i av right now and i dont know who else to ask. I would be really grateful for any advice.

Hi!

UWorld is the main question bank that US med students use to study for USMLE step 2 CK. It is a great learning tool because the question/answer explanations are very thorough.

Medicine is about 50-60% of the exam, Surgery is 25-30%, Pediatrics is 20-25%, OB Gyn is 10-20%, and Psychiatry is 10-15%.

For surgery, I recommend De Virgilio's case book; the surgery portion of the exam is less about the actual surgeries and more about medical management of pre- and post-op, and indications for surgery.

I didn't have a very good resource to study for Pediatrics or OB Gyn, but recommend looking on Reddit for ideas. You don't need an account to do so. Search for posts about what helped people succeed on their shelf exams during third year, since those are specialty-specific resources.

One IMG I know who is in Internal Medicine residency in the US told me his study strategy was to complete UWorld and then do the entire Amboss question bank over several days prior to his exam because he just used a free trial period lol. I know other US students who did both question banks and got great scores (260+) as well.

I hope this is helpful! Best of luck in studying for your Step exams and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions, I'll try my best to answer or point you towards helpful resources. :)

[norwestobstetrics]

How to Choose the Right OB/GYN for Your Reproductive Health Needs

Selecting the right OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) is crucial for managing your reproductive health and ensuring a positive experience throughout various stages of life, from routine check-ups to pregnancy and menopause. Here are key considerations to help you choose the best OB/GYN for your needs:

1. Assess Your Needs and Preferences

Start by identifying your specific reproductive health needs. Consider whether you need a general OB/GYN or a specialist for particular conditions. For instance, if you’re seeking prenatal care, you might look for an obstetrician with a strong background in managing pregnancies. For gynecological concerns, such as menstrual disorders or menopause management, a gynecologist with expertise in these areas would be ideal. Knowing what you need will guide you in finding an OB/GYN who aligns with your requirements.

2. Evaluate Qualifications and Experience

When choosing an OB/GYN, evaluating their qualifications and experience is important. Look for board certification, which indicates that the OB/GYN has met rigorous standards in obstetrics and gynecology. Additionally, consider their years of practice and experience in managing specific conditions or procedures relevant to your needs. An experienced OB/GYN will likely provide expert care and confidently handle any complications.

3. Check for Accessibility and Location

Accessibility and convenience play a significant role in selecting an OB/GYN. Consider the location of their practice and how it fits into your schedule. A conveniently located office can make it easier to attend appointments regularly, especially if you anticipate frequent visits. Additionally, check their office hours and emergency availability to ensure they align with your needs.

4. Consider Communication Style and Comfort

A positive doctor-patient relationship is essential for effective care. Choose an OB/GYN whose communication style makes you feel comfortable and respected. During initial consultations, assess how well the OB/GYN listens to your concerns, explains medical information, and involves you in decision-making. Feeling comfortable and understood can enhance your overall experience and ensure that your health concerns are addressed effectively.

5. Review Patient Feedback and Recommendations

Researching patient feedback can provide valuable insights into an OB/GYN’s practice. Look for online reviews and ratings to gauge other patients’ experiences. Personal recommendations from friends, family, or primary care physicians can also be helpful. Positive reviews and recommendations often reflect a high level of patient satisfaction and trust in the OB/GYN’s care.

6. Confirm Insurance Coverage and Costs

Verify that the OB/GYN is covered by your health insurance plan to avoid unexpected costs. Contact your insurance provider to confirm the details and ensure that the OB/GYN’s services are included in your plan. Understanding costs and coverage beforehand can help you budget for your care and prevent financial surprises.

7. Schedule a Consultation

Finally, schedule a consultation with potential OB/GYNs to understand their practice firsthand. Use this opportunity to ask questions about their approach to care, discuss your health concerns, and assess the overall environment of their office. This meeting will help you decide whether the OB/GYN is the right fit for you.

Choosing the right OB Gyne near me involves assessing your needs, evaluating qualifications, considering accessibility and communication style, reviewing patient feedback, confirming insurance coverage, and scheduling a consultation. These steps allow you to find an OB/GYN who meets your reproductive health needs and provides comprehensive, compassionate care.

[wildpeachfarm]

hello! saw your post on twt about pcos and I wanted to share ^^

Ever since I got my period my cycles have been really abnormal, like I wouldn't get my period for a months and/ or the period would last longer/shorter than it should. My mom had me checked around 2020 (I was 16 y/o) because of a period lasting more than 1 month (End of April to 2nd week of June). I had a transrectal ultrasound and they found that my ovaries were polycystic; and the doctor also asked for some blood tests cause she was worried about anemia bc of how long my period lasted but thankfully the results were in normal range ^^

I've been prescribed Diane 35 first but my current prescription is now Yaz (both of them are birth control pills) and since then my cycle has been normal. Though last year I had my ovaries checked again and they didn't find any cysts so my current OB-GYNE told me to stop taking Yaz for some months to try and see if my cycles would be normal. And rip my period never came during those months so I went back to my doctor who told me to take Yaz again. Guess I'm stuck with taking Yaz daily for the rest of my life ^^||

It's interesting though, prior to that very long period that had my mom concerned, I was told that irregular cycles were alright because my mom's were too. My mom is already pre-menopausal so that's also a cause of irregular cycles (she's taking Yaz too, prescribed by the doctor) but I think her ovaries were also found to be polycystic.

Well that's all I wanted to share, thanks for taking the time to read :>

oh this is helpful thank you!

Right now I'm like 50/50 suspecting two different causes for my current symptoms and chatting with people on twitter about PCOS is definitely helping me narrow down things, and also note symptoms that I don't really have which is just as good to help determine a possible cause ^^

[krystelprado]

The one where I got pregnant

My hands are shaking the moment I flipped the pregnancy test kit and I saw two solid lines in it.

As a PCOS girly, taking pregnancy tests aren’t new to me – positive ones, specifically. I have been diagnosed with PCOS since 2019 and every time I had hormonal imbalance and visit my OB, she’d let me take pregnancy tests. And yes, most of the time it appears to be false positive.

But this time, that one day I had a gut feeling I am really pregnant, I always get cold feet taking pregnancy test hence, intentionally forgetting to take it on the said day I should. You might ask, “Gut feeling? Why would you rely on your feelings?” BECAUSE, I AM NERVOUS! And also, aside from being nervous, my hormones are all over the place. I started to hate the smell of sauteed garlic, I always salivate (like a crazy dog from the streets!), and I had very bad breakouts. C’mon, I’ve had false positives before because of PCOS but these aren’t showing. And seriously, salivating?! It is really inconvenient. I proceeded to tell RJ about what’s happening to me and that I think I’m pregnant. He just smiled and said, “I know.” He later explained that his mind and heart already knew that I am pregnant and he just doesn’t want to pop my bubble and wanted me to figure it out myself.

So, okay... he's cool with it. He's not running away, so we're good.

We looked for another Ob-Gyne near us and found our angel doctor who took a little snip on what’s going on from the inside.

Our little fetus is there!

We then broke the news to our families and they’re thrilled! Also, my sisters kinda already knew because I am casually vomiting every morning. Lol!

RJ’s side of the family also gave our little fetus the warmest welcome. My shift of emotions are through the roof the entire pregnancy, so, yeah, just imagine my tears.

Planned or unplanned, as what my mama said, babies are a blessing and you’re blessed to be chosen to carry them. Savor every moment and enjoy the pregnancy journey.

I will try to enjoy, Ma. If this morning sickness won't stop, I'm gonna be a zombie before giving birth!

[doctor360india]

Essential Questions to Ask Your OB-GYNE

Have you ever attended a doctor’s consultation and experienced the nerve-wracking feeling of going to an examination you didn’t analyze for? Other than the subject matter is your body, how come I can’t recall when my last period was on the way? You’re not the one – a gynecologist session is a physically intimate experience to start with, and you can feel shy to speak so many personal and relevant details simultaneously verbally. It’s also possible to state that many of us aren’t at our most chatty when our limbs are in stirrups. It can undoubtedly help to come prepared with a script (or a note on your phone). So, to maximize your time at the doctor, we consulted a few OB/GYN about what you should be asking your gyne the next time you visit the chamber.

1. What Area Of Expertise, How Long Have You Been Practicing, And Are You Board Accredited?

Yup! It can be an exciting idea to decide on a doctor as you decide on a holiday location – distance to your apartment/office, a fair amount of optimistic testimonials, and Insurance acceptable? A couple of OB/GYN whom we consulted recommends -you be a bit more discerning regarding who is getting in your treatment business and that your OB/GYN is up on “the most up-to-date and perfect with regards to guidelines, the standard of health care tactics, and suggestions. Nothing is worse than someone practicing ‘dated’ medication.” However can call as old-school, yet there is something to be mentioned about the experience… INVALUABLE!” they all add.

2. What Is Your Range Of Patients Plus Services?

Do they serve the aged, Young, LGBTQ folks? This is yet another question for folks visiting a new gynecologist who can be inquiring about the range of patients they treat. They clarify that this is an excellent way to get a sense of your OB/GYN’s practice. Patient variety will give hints about your physician’s level of approval to specific societal norms, along with their know-how base in dealing with particular conditions that affect specific populations.

They also recommend asking your medical professional what their broader interests happen to be.” It would help if you vibed with your OB/GYN as you rely on them with some relatively personal and pertinent details of your life. It would help if you made sure that this is someone you can depend on, feel comfortable with, and can confer with. “You are doing yourself a grave disservice if you don’t feel relaxed speaking about anything and everything with your gynecologist. Suppose you don’t feel at ease talking about that unusual vaginal discharge, or your private practices/preferences may be a bit left of the center due to fear of being evaluated. In that case, you most likely don’t have the perfect ob. /gym.”

3. When Should I Get a Pap smear And Get Screened for HPV?

Depending on your age and sexual practice, the reply to this will be different. Doctors added that, usually, you won’t require a pap smear until 21, and co-testing (for example, pap’s with screening for HPV) doesn’t have to start until you’re 30. The reason why? “Primarily because most young, healthy ladies can get rid of their HPV, and not testing until 30 has led to a reduction in OVER treatment.” The American Cancer Society confirms!

4. What Birth Control Is Proper For Me?

Since you likely know what we generally make reference to as “birth control,”- it is utilized for much more than the title proposes. Even if you aren’t participating in reproductive sex, your medical professional might suggest hormonal birth control to manage conditions like acne, PMS, endometriosis, and PCOS. If taking hormones suits you, your gyne can help you through the trial and error it sometimes requires to find what works with your body system.

For ladies requiring birth control for its name purpose – it’s never too early or late to talk about your contraception choices, even if you’ve already been on the pill or using condoms for as long as you’ve been intimately active. What might wonder for you at 16 or 26 years old not be the same at 36 or 46? Birth control technology is also constantly developing, and it in no way hurts to evaluate with your doctor about seeking something new.

5. When Should I Start Considering Family Planning?

Family planning is just not one-size-fits-all, and if you’ve made a decision you want to give birth, it doesn’t harm to stroll through your choices with your gynecologist. Your medical professional will be able to counsel you on additional experts you may need, whether you’re thinking about freezing your eggs in vitro, getting a sperm donor, or conceiving by natural means.

As for when you should cease taking contraceptives if that’s the move you’d be taking to have a baby? “Not until you are prepared to have a baby.” “Oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, etc., are conveniently alterable. When you decide you are ready to have children, cease using your ongoing method of contraception and replace it with a prenatal vitamin right after consulting your doctor. At times things happen a lot sooner than you would expect. 

[minnieves]

thank you for your support and your comments regarding the last addition to bj!terry. i hope you'd enjoy this one!

bj terry part one, two, three, and five.

new to the bj series? see here for the guide.

warnings: mutual masturbation, degradation, peaising, and filming.

summary: a good performer needs to inquire to their audience in order to improve themselves. it gets boring when you watch the same show every now and then. how can he rope you longer as his viewer?

"kang taehyun!" you called his name when you saw him across the hallway. he turned his head towards your direction. waiting for you to reach him. "how's your day?"

"busy as usual." he told you. slowing his pace while walking so that you won't struggle walking with him. he glanced at your direction. he wanted to ask if you watched his previous lives. "you weren't in class yesterday."

"oh, i had go to my ob-gyne." you told him. letting him open the library doors for you. his ears picking interest to whatever you're going yo say. "i'm not sick or anything. i just got an implant, y'know for birth control?"

you walked pass taehyun, signing yourself to the system. behind you was a grinning taehyun. his mind flying high and low with your small information. it was as if you're inviting him to hit it raw.

"didn't know you were sexually active?" he asked you. making you turn your head towards him as you placed your bag down on one of the empty tables.

"i'm not," you told him. truly there was nothing to be ashamed of not being sexually active. you're both in med school, not everyone have a sex-work-school balance. "maybe i'm just kinky."

"are you into breeding or something?" he asked you. his head ready to take notes to whatever you're going to shoot at him.

"why? do you want to breed me?" you whispered to his. leaning towards his space, taking him by surprise. you were just teasing, but there's something about a flustered taehyun. "do you want to fill me up, kang taehyun-ssi?"

"are you asking me to have sex with you at 0900 in the morning?" he asked you. completely flustered by your comment. you leaned back down as you take your things out of your bag.

"it's never too early for sex," you told him. taking a sip of your coffee before turning to him. "you sounded so defensive. it was just a question." you teased him.

you were trying to grab a book from the shelf when you felt a presence behind you. making you turn around only to find taehyun grabbing the book for you.

he leaned his face closer to yours. making you gulp from his closeness. you tried to look else but him. you didn't want to close your eyes to not seem like you wanted a kiss from him.

your eyes meet as he leaned closer. you hold your breathe as you watch him get closer to you.

"excuse me y/n," he said. you quickly moved out of your way. pretending to look at the book that you were reaching for earlier. "here."

"thanks," you told him. leaving the scene to not humiliate yourself further. once you're far enough, you moved to another aisle. leaning against one of the bookshelves as you let your breathing even out. "fuck y/n."

"what else are you into?" taehyun asked you as you sat in front of him. you were waiting for your pomodoro break timer to run out. opting to ask each other questions. "besides breeding and degrading?"

"wow, you must be really into me huh?" you told him. leaning back against your chair. arms crossing in front of you as you think about it. "let's see... choking? rope play? i want to try a few others too. maybe dom and sub? like possession too. just basic things."

"those are not basic kinks y/n," he told you. watching your expression. he wants something more than you're giving him. but he couldn't bring himself to give more. he knows that you might pick up. he doesn’t want to ruin his fun.

"you ask me these questions like we're signing a contract or something." you told him. picking up his phone which has the timer on it. you looked at it before glancing at him. "why are you suddenly curious about my kinks?"

bj terry is live...

you were late to his live. he had already done his intro and what not. you sat on your couch as you try to fill yourself in the comment section.

"i have, a little toy for us today," he said. hand reaching behind the camera to show a bright red rope. making you gasp when you saw it. "i was hoping to use it on you. seeing that you're not here, i'd do it on my thighs."

he fixed his camera so that his thighs could be seen. he was wearing a tight boxer briefs and a black shirt. he looks so simple but so irresistible. the sight alone making you gulp.

you watched his arm flex as he tie his thighs. your hand rubbing your own as you think about it. you didn't know if you want to see him tied up more, or if you want to be tied up. either way could work. right now you're focused on how good his muscles are flexing.

"fuck, you look good," you whispered. you wished that the app would allow you to zoom in. you couldn't help but crave more of him.

"thank you, baby," he said. making you turn your head back to him. you were cleaning the dildo that you wanted to use for this session. "do i look better?"

"oh my god, this? again?" you gasp. knowing that he's referring to the last week's incident. you couldn't help but smile coyly. as if you're enjoying how possessive he is of you. "can you tie me up like that?"

"i would love to. i've never done this, actually," he said. making you furrow your brows because it looks good to you. he was showing it on camera. "this would look so good against your skin."

you glanced at your thighs, skimming over the area with your hands. eyes closing as you imagine ropes on them. being tied open for him to use.

"i know what you're thinking," he said. making you smile. you opened your eyes to see him palming himself. "having you spread open like a fucktoy for me to use."

"yes, for you to use," you affirm. you spread your legs open. like you're asian squatting, but with legs much apart. similar to the way you've seen others get spread out in porn. "i'd be so pretty."

"would you be? it'll leave marks on your skin," he said. hips thrusting to his hand as he imagine your skin bruising from the ropes. "ah, you'd like everyone to see just how much of a whore you actually am."

he lowered his boxers with a laugh. one that sounded so sarcastic. so much so that you feel so horny for him. you gently lubed the vibe you have. not wanting to miss the action.

"you like being marked up?" he asked. you pulled your panties off as you think about it. do you want that? suddenly an image of how you think taehyun would react if you came in the labs all bruised. would he be worried? "i'd leave them in higher areas and dark enough that it'd last for days."

"you're suddenly so possessive?" you asked.

"how could i not be possessive?" he asked. gently playing with his balls. hand occasionally pumping his cock lazily. "you've been going around. who knows when you'll leave me?"

you closed your eyes at the topic. slowly inching the vibe inside you. grabbing your phone to control it's setting.

"you know how i'm better," he said. you watched as his smirk grows. it was as if he was talking directly at you. your hips moving with how he jack off. "you know you'd come back to me."

"you sound so fucking toxic terry," you muttered. followed by a low moan. you feel conflicted. like his possessiveness suddenly makes you feel suffocated, but not in a bad way. as of you're thriving over the idea of being fucked over for having sex with someone else.

"you're too intoxicating," he said. he moved his hand to his tip. playing with it and letting his precum dribble down to mix with the lube he put on his cock. "being a slut for another."

"i'm not! i unsubscribed. i swear i did," you justified. you felt like he's your fuck buddy who wants you to be exclusive but without the commitment. "fuck terry, go faster."

you watched as his hand moved faster. you moved your vibe into a higher frequency. making you moan his name out of pleasure. terry got quiet like he was thinking.

"please talk," you whispered. his silence deafening to your ears.

"i want to cum inside you," he said. you wondered if he was looking at the camera. his hips thrusting in his hand as he throws his head back. "watch it drip down your thighs."

"fuck," you moaned. he was painting the idea of possession. maybe it was because it was terry that was talking. your hips moving against the dildo. mimicking the way he thrusts on his palms.

your fingers moving down your clit as your rub it in circular motions. eyes shutting closed as your mouth opens. your moans filling the room as you move your vide with your other hand.

"god, my good little slut would look so good like that," he moaned. he sounded like he was imagining you like that. as if he wanted to see you be filled with his cum. "everyone would know that you're my slut."

"okay," you said. agreeing to what he's saying. you felt like he was a siren singing to you. wooing you to agree with him. you rarely hear terry moans, but when he does? it felt like heaven was giving you a 5d version of it.

"i'd fill you up," he said. his hips faltering from thrusting. you've been edging yourself as you wait for him. you placed your hand on the couch, hoping that it'd ground you up. "cum."

you shivered. feeling your high and moaning his name. you watched him closely. slowing the frequency when he slowed down. you noticed how much cum is on his fist and abdomen. did the idea turn him on that much?

"my pretty little slut," he whispered. eyes closing as he thought of you. thinking about that implant that you mentioned a few days ago. he felt like he was going mental. his little game making him more into you, and he can't even get an output from you.

y/n: hey, i never asked you what you're into?

kang taehyun: i like being watched

kang taehyun: why? would you watch me?

[yutahoes]

Our Baby

pairing: sugar daddy! Yuta Nakamoto x sugar baby! female! Y/N word count: 1.3k words genre: slight fluff, slight angst summary: The bright red lines told you you’re pregnant but you cannot, not now.  warnings: sugar daddy-sugar baby theme, unwanted pregnancy, planned abortion

I cannot find the exact request but this is for you who requested the pregnancy fic with sugar daddy Yuta. I’m sorry it took so long and thank you so much for your patience. 

Your fingers shook at the image in front of you. Two lines. Two bright red lines. 

It can't be. Not now. You still have months left to graduate. This isn't part of the plan. 

This isn't part of the plan when you accepted to be the CEO of Nakamoto Corporation's sugar baby. Honestly, there isn't a plan. You just needed his money for college fees and he needed company which you can give. It was a win-win situation. 

It was an inevitable circumstance. He's an amazing guy. A very attractive man. And you gave yourself to him, body and soul. 

He took care of you, always reminding you to see the OB-Gyne or take your pills. Because a baby can make things complicated. Because a baby might make it awkward between the two of you. 

You stared at the two red lines on the piece of stick, blinking twice as if it can be erased by what you did. 

Yuta will surely get mad at you.

"Y/N," you heard his voice followed by a knock on the bathroom door. "I'm home. Are you taking a bath?" Quickly, you threw the pregnancy kit in the bin. He cannot know. You cannot let this baby ruin what the two of you had. 

He was changing his clothes while watching you go out of the room and into the kitchen to make him some dinner. You didn't ask if he had already eaten, just assumed. When he went out, wearing his black shirt and sweatpants, he quickly wrapped his arms around you. "I already ate though. Didn't you see my message?" 

You stopped preparing for his meal and just kept the ingredients in the fridge without a word. "Y/N, baby…" he called which made you flinch. "Are you alright?" 

Yuta held the edge of the countertop, trapping you. You turned around and gave him a timid smile. "I'm fine." He stared at you for a second before brushing the strand of hair away from your face, "Are you sure? You look pale." He touched your forehead but you only shook your head. 

"I'm just stressed with the thesis." You stared at his feet to avoid his eyes, trying to get away from him. "Can I stay in the dorm this week?" He raised an eyebrow at you, leaning his body closer. "I have to research a lot in the library so I might stay late outside." 

"I can pick you up from school." 

You shook your head. "I don't want to bother you. Staying on campus is more accessible." 

Yuta hummed then stared at you for a while before nodding. "It's just a week, right?" You nodded, smiling. 

Maybe. 

That night, you were startled at how Yuta cuddled you while sleeping. Unlike other nights when he has his own space and you have your own, he was holding you in his arms. You had intimate moments together, evident was the creature inside you, but there's honestly no label in the relationship that you have. He never said he loves you outside of sex. And you were aware that you're just his bed warmer. He needed company. That's your role in his life. 

And maybe it's time to get out of his life. 

This was your fault. You should have been more careful. 

Your roommate let you cry on her shoulder when you reached the dorm. It was so early in the morning that you almost woke her up by banging on the door. But really, you just wanted to leave Yuta's place the moment you woke up. 

You didn't even say goodbye to him. And you’re not planning to.  

"What are you going to do now?" she asked in worry but you only shook your head. You don't want things to get complicated. You don't want to ruin anything with your carelessness. 

It's been past a week and you finally made up your mind. Yuta had been calling your phone every night but you never answered. He even visited the dorm once and you're glad that your roommate reasoned out that you're outside so he cannot see you. Foods would get delivered in your dorm room, all sent by your sugar daddy. 

Every day felt heavier. You cannot study and have a child. You cannot go back to Yuta and tell him that you’re bearing his child. This is the one thing he warned you not to do. He isn’t ready. You are not ready. 

Maybe, you just need to remove this baby inside you. 

Your roommate had been talking some sense to you, stopping you from doing what she said was ‘the greatest regret of your life’ but your decision is final. How can you take care of a child when you cannot even take care of yourself? 

The words in the paper got your head spinning but when the nurse attending to you asked, “Does the father of the child know about this?” you felt as if the tears wanted to get out of your eyes. You cannot be emotional over this. You shouldn’t create a bond with this little creature inside you. 

You were tapping your foot, biting the nail of your thumb while waiting for the doctor to call you. This is so nerve-wracking. You didn’t know if you’ll get hurt. Maybe you should have asked your roommate to come with you. 

The equipment inside the room scared you, the apparatus only making you more nervous. “Are you sure about this?” the doctor asked and you nodded, closing your eyes as the lights shone on you. 

“Y/N!” It must be the medicine that you’re having hallucinations like this. But then she never gave you anything yet. “Y/N!” Maybe you’re too scared that you’re starting to hear a voice. His voice. “Y/N!” The door opened that startled you and the doctor. 

You must be dreaming already. Is this your body’s way of telling you to calm down? To remove your thoughts from the pain? “I am the father of the child,” he said that made you blink twice. “And I don’t agree with this abortion.” His eyes are dark, seriousness was written on his face. When he held your arm and asked you to stand up, you realized he was real. Yuta is here. “Let’s go home, Y/N.” His voice was warm, eyes staring at you in concern. 

He paid twice the amount you’re supposed to pay to remove the child inside you. He patiently waited for you to change back into your clothes and calmly opened the car door for you. He even put the seatbelt on you and placed his jacket on your lap, making sure that it covers your stomach as well. 

The moment he sat on the driver’s seat of the car, your tears started to fall as apologies come out of your lips. This is your fault. You shouldn’t have bothered him like this. “I’m sorry, Yuta. You warned me a lot of times but I’ve been so busy, I forgot…”

“Ssh.” he hushed you up, leaning close to hug you. “This is also my responsibility. You are my responsibility.” The cries got louder that he hugged you tighter. “I don’t think this is a mistake, Y/N. When your roommate called and told me that you’re pregnant, all I wanted to do is hug you in my arms. When I saw you in the hospital bed earlier, my heart almost dropped. I shouldn’t have hurt you like this. I shouldn’t have made you cry like this.” But you cannot stop the tears from flowing.

You wanted to stop crying, really you do. It must be the hormones or just the fact that you missed Yuta’s warmth and being hugged like this. 

“I love you, Y/N.” It made you stop. Did you hear him correctly? “I’m sorry I cannot say those words to you. But I can’t bear losing you.” 

He held your cheeks, wiping your tears with his thumb. “Stay with me. Marry me. And let’s be great parents together.” You nodded, tears falling on your cheeks that made Yuta laugh. “I think I’ll have to take care of two babies in the future.” 

You groaned, lightly hitting his shoulder. You look like a mess. When your roommate said that being pregnant makes you beautiful, you didn’t think she meant this. “Now, let’s go to a real hospital.” You stared at him in surprise.

“Why?”

He placed a hand on top of your stomach, grinning at it. “I have to make sure that the baby is safe.” He stopped then shook his head, “Our baby.”  

You held his hand that was above your stomach, the corner of your lips curled up. “Our baby.” you repeated that made him smile. 

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Forever

One Shot: Bump In The Road

Summary: What should be a routine sexing scan for their latest baby throws up something a little more serious, and leaves Katie and Steve reeling. Warnings: Language! And some mega angst with a light sprinkling of fluff

A/N: What’s life in the Rogers household without drama… sorry…but this and the follow up chapter are a lead in to the mini series- Stark Spangled Destiny.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Stark Spangled Forever Masterlist // Main Masterlist

 October 2029

It was meant to be a routine scan…they’d been to 3 of these already after all…a routine, 20 week scan to find out the sex of their latest addition. But as Steve sat there, the words of Katie’s ob-gyn made him feel nothing but numbness.

“I’m…I don’t understand?” Katie said, her voice quiet “You said at the last scan that it would most likely right itself.”

“And 9 times out of 10 Mrs Rogers it does.” Dr Kellet said, sadly “Normally a low lying placenta moves but it’s developed into something called placenta accreta, which is where it has grown too deep into the uterine wall. This means that it won’t detach during labour and can cause critical levels of blood loss.”

Steve swallowed and turned his attention from the small, blank screen which had moments before shown the image of their baby to the Doctor as Katie gripped his hand even tighter “So what does this mean?” he demanded.

Dr Kellet sighed “I won’t lie to either of you. It is considered a high risk complication. However, we are lucky in that we have caught it now. In a lot of cases as it often causes no signs or symptoms, we don’t realise until the mother is in labour which can have disastrous consequences for her and baby. As we have picked it up now, you’ll need careful monitoring for the rest of your pregnancy and we’ll have to perform an early C-section delivery…” she paused “Followed by a hysterectomy.”

“A hysterectomy?“ Steve said gently "as in…”

“Surgical removal of the womb yes.” Dr Kellet says “We do his at the time of the C-section, so you’ll be awake with your baby Mrs Rogers…it just means you’ll be in hospital for a few days, possibly a week or so to recover.”

Katie swallowed, taking a deep breath “You said early…”

The Doctor nodded. “Yes, anything form 34 weeks but again, that will be subject to how you go. Obviously the longer we leave it the better but…to be honest, all your babies have been fully baked, to use the popular term now-a-days, thanks to Dad’s enhanced DNA so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Worst case scenario they may need a few days in the Neonatal Unit but…”

Katie wiped at her eyes with her spare hand and Steve felt his heart contracting painfully at the sight of her as he bent over to kiss her head.

“I know this is a lot to take in…” Dr Kellet said, her tone sympathetic “But we’ve found it in time to deal with it. I assure you, it won’t make any difference to your baby’s development…it’s you it poses the biggest danger for. But, as we’re prepared, like I said, we can deal with it.”

Katie nodded and sniffed a little “Is there anything that causes it or…”

“No, not really.” Dr Kellet shook her head. “Women over 35 are more susceptible to suffering from an accreta but your placenta laying low is what’s done this. Like I say, it’s rare but not completely uncommon.”

“This is not your fault.” Steve looked at her, speaking sternly as he knew exactly what she was thinking. Her green eyes locked onto his and she gave him a small smile as he kissed the back of her hand.

“No,it isn’t.” Dr Kellet said, equally as sternly “This is just one of those things Mrs Rogers.”

The three of them fell silent and after a few seconds, Dr Kellet took a deep breath and looked at Katie.

“Ok, so…how about we get some good news huh?” she asked, picking up the wand and pressing it back to Katie’s stomach. “Let’s find out if it’s pink or blue.”

Once more the tiny profile of their baby filled the screen and Steve felt Katie’s fingers tighten around his again. He squeezed her hand back and Dr Kellet made a little noise in her throat. “Ahh, there we go…and it’s another little girl mom and dad…”

Katie’s face broke into a smile as did Steve’s and he pressed another kiss to her hand which he know held in both his, his elbows resting on the edge of the bed. As they both watched, their daughter moved her tiny little fist in front of her face, and Steve swallowed, blinking back tears.

After a little more discussion with the Doctor who told Katie to try and stay calm and to call her if she had any worries, they booked in with the receptionist on the Gyne Ward for another scan in a fortnights time and then after bidding Dr Kellet a final goodbye they made their way back to the ground floor, both lost in their thoughts. Steve kept shooting a side glance at Katie whose face was straight, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. He was fighting back the tears himself, he hated this. The thought that something could go wrong, something that meant he might lose her or their baby…but she would be in good hands. He trusted Dr Kellet implicitly afer the safe birth of the other 3 and, after all, like the woman said, early diagnosis made a huge difference. The elevator doors opened and they walked down the busy corridor towards the main doors of the building, and as they reached the main reception desk a young man and a heavily pregnant woman passed them going in the opposite direction. Katie’s eyes followed them and she stopped, the hand that wasn’t in Steve’s falling to her bump as she took a deep breath, and turned to look up at him Steve.

“Well…"she smiled softly as she spoke for the first time since leaving the Maternity Suite, “At least when all this is done there’s no chance you’ll impregnate me again.”

Steve spluttered a small chuckle, shaking his head “Seriously? You’re making that joke now?”

“I have to.” she said softly “Because if I don’t I’m gonna cry.”

Steve sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. She buried her face into his chest and he softly rubbed at her back, pressing a kiss to her head “It’s gonna be fine Sweetheart.” he said, sounding braver than he felt “You heard Doc. They found it early, we can prepare.”

Katie nodded against his shirt, keeping her eyes scrunched shut “Yeah…”

“And you get a few more days recovery…relaxing, away from the rabble at home.”

Katie gave a watery laugh as she stepped back and looked up at him, “I’d rather be with them…”

“I know baby.” he said, wiping her tears with his thumbs as he cupped her face “I know.”

Katie took a deep, shaky breath and licked her lips before she smiled softly “Another girl though Stevie” and he gave a playful groan.

"Makes it 4 on 3, I’m outnumbered.”

“Nah, it’s 4 on 4 if you count Stark.”

“That’s true.” he grinned “Not sure how Jamie’s gonna take it though!”

“It’s Rori you’re gonna have to worry about.” Katie looked at him, smirking a little as she made to continue walking, and Steve was pleased to see her Stark sassiness was creeping back through.

“How so?”

"Because she’s suddenly going to have to cope with not being you only little princess anymore…there’s gonna be another girl fighting to wrap you around her pinkie.”

“Well…” Steve said, curling an arm round his wife’s shoulders as they walked out into the sunshine. “Let’s go break the news….”

“Kinda wish you still had the shield…” Katie mumbled, and at that he let out a loud laugh, pulling her closer and pressing a kiss to her temple.

***** It was after dinner that they told the kids about the sex of the baby. They all gathered in the sitting room, the youngest two in their pyjamas as Katie told them all that they should be ready to buy a lot more pink things.

“A girl?” Jamie looked at them both, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah.” Steve smiled at his eldest son who was sat in the chair on the opposite side of the room. Rori was perched on his knee whilst Harry was sat on Katie’s, his little hand on her bump.

“Wow…” Harry mumbled, looking a Katie “Sister?”

“Yup.” she smiled, kissing his head as he smiled at her. She looked at Jamie who shrugged at her.

“Whatever.” he said, grinning “I don’t mind…as long as it doesn’t turn out like her.” he pointed to Rori.

“Shut up Jamie!” she glared at him as Steve sighed.

“Ok, come on guys…” he said his tone carried enough warning to shut them up “Don’t fight.”

“I think it’s awesome.” Emmy smiled, where she was slumped on the rug, tickling Stark. “Another Rogers girl eh Rori?”

Rori looked at Emmy, then to Steve, then to Katie’s bump before she shook her head “No. I don’t want it.” she said nonchalantly, jumping off Steve’s knee and heading to the door.

“Rori.” Katie said, and she stopped to turn to her. “Come here.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Aurora.” Steve frowned at her, his voice stern and she sighed, taking small steps back into the room. “Come on princess, this is a happy time.” She looked at him, her face sullen “Why do you have to have a girl?”

“We don’t pick honey.” Katie looked at her, Harry shifting in her lap a little, his hand tangling in her hair. “And it’s not something we can change.” “But I don’t want a girl!” she stamped her foot and Katie sighed, rubbing her forehead a little and Steve felt the nerve in his jaw twitching. After everything they’d been told and had to process today he was mentally drained and really NOT in the mood for one of her little temper tantrums.

“That’s enough!” he said loudly and she looked at him, her green eyes widening slightly before she recovered herself and fixed him with a filthy look. He saw Emmy and Jamie exchange a glance and Jamie stood up, backing to the door.

“I’m gonna go play on the computer in the den…” he said, before he hurried out of the room sensing an impending Diva meltdown. Which arrived seconds later.

“I hate it!” Rori glared at her father and then Katie “I hate the baby already and I don’t want it in this house.” “Aurora Sarah Natasha Rogers! That is a horrible thing to say.” Steve pointed at her, feeling his neck warming with anger. “You apologise right now”

“No.”

“Fine.” Steve said, standing up. He pointed to the door. “Go to your room.”

“No.” she repeated

“Rori…” Katie said, her voice cracking slightly as she blinked back her tears “Do what your father says.”

“Make me.” she folded her arms and looked at Katie, her chin raised defiantly and Steve let out a noise of frustration that vibrated in his throat like a growl. “Don’t tempt me.” he glowered at her and she turned her attention to him.  “You have until the count of 3 to get out of my sight and up those stairs before I drag you up them myself.”

Rori looked at him, blinking and he started his countdown.

“One…”

Nothing.

“Two…” his voice grew louder.

At that point, it was like something twigged in her brain and she suddenly understood exactly how pissed he was. Her eye filled with tears and she wheeled round, running from the rooms her sobs carrying to their ears as her feet stomped up the stairs. They heard the dull slam of her bedroom door and Steve’s hands fell to his hips and he took a deep sigh, looking at his feet.

Katie sniffed slightly and Harry looked at her, frowning.

“No cry momma…” he said softly, his hands wrapping around her neck. She pressed her face into his hair and kissed his head.

“I’m ok baby.” she said gently. Steve shook his head and looked at his wife, running his hand over his face.

“What’ going on?” Emmy asked, looking at her mom then to her dad.

“Nothing, just sick of her attitude…” Steve snapped back and Emmy looked at him.

“Don’t take it out on me.”

“Sorry I’m…I didn’t mean to.” he shook his head.

“What are you not telling me?” Emmy pressed “Don’t treat me like a kid!”

Katie looked at Steve then to Emmy before she sighed “The scan showed something up. I have a condition called placenta accreta. The baby is fine it just means that I will need a caesarean section…” she swallowed “And then a hysterectomy afterwards. But it’s gonna be ok, they picked it up and we have time to prepare.”

Emmy took a deep breath “So you’ll both be ok?” she asked “You and the baby?”

“Yeah.” Katie told her. “It was just a shock, for both of us to hear that’s all.”

“I can imagine.” Emmy said quietly “I’ll ring Pete, cancel tonight, I can stay…” “No,no…” Steve protested at the same time Katie shook her head.

“Em,you don’t need to do that.” Katie sighed “We don’t want you to…honestly there’s no need.” “Are you sure?” “There’s nothing you can do.” Steve said “There’s nothing any of us can do and there’s not point you worrying about it so…go out, enjoy yourself ok?”

She nodded and stood up, crossing to give her mom a hug before doing the same to Steve and heading out of the room. Steve looked at his wife for a moment before Harry glanced at him.

“Dadda mad?” he asked softly.

“Not with you pal.” he replied, crossing the room to sit besides them. Harry shifted and untangled himself from Katie before he crawled over into Steve’s lap.

“I get sister?” he asked looking at Steve and Steve smiled at him.

“Yeah buddy.”

Harry grinned and nodded before he tugged on Steve’s beard and Steve playfully snapped his teeth at the tot’s fingers in the way he always did.

“Snappy snappy crocodile!” Harry laughed and Steve let out a chuckle before he looked at Katie, his hand gently squeezing her knee.

“I’ll give her 10 minute and then I’ll go speak to her.” Steve said.

“Don’t think I’ve ever heard you shout at her like that.” Katie raised her eyebrow.

“She deserved it.” Steve said, blowing a breath out of his nose. “Her attitude stinks.” “She’s jealous.” Katie said simply “And we only have ourselves to blame.”

“What do you mean?” Steve frowned.

“I mean we ruin her.” Katie said simply “We indulge her little diva attitude, brush her tantrums off as amusing most of the time…she’s not a bad kid, I mean 9 time out of 10 she’s awesome and everyone comments on how well behaved she is, how all of them are for that matter, but…” she sighed “Things are about to change for her, and like I said she’s going to have to share you-“ “She shares me now…” “Yes but not with another little girl.”

“Yes she does, we have Emmy…” “Emmy isn’t little.” Katie shook her head. “She was a lot older when Rori was born and she’s been there for Rori’s entire life.” Katie reasoned “This is different. And it’s going to take some getting used to. I’m not excusing her behaviour before you say it…” she held her hand up to cut him off as he opened his mouth to speak. “She was really naughty then and you were absolutely right to do what you did…I guess, well we just need to be prepared to follow it through because I don’t think that’s the end of it.”

“So how do we deal with it?” Steve said after a moment’s deliberation.

“We keep her involved, try as much as we can to ensure she becomes interested in the baby.” Katie shrugged “And perhaps if you can get her to talk to you, admit what she’s feeling that might help.” “Easier said than done.” Steve looked at his wife “She’s as stubborn as you.

“Pot, Kettle Rogers.” Katie raised an eyebrow and Steve chuckled, leaning over to give Katie a soft kiss.

“Gross…” Harry mumbled, in a very Jamie like way.  Steve blew a raspberry on his cheek, making him giggle and scrunch his body up, pushing Steve away. They both spent a bit of time with the tot then, talking to him about Nursery, listening to what his limited vocabulary told them, before Katie headed into the den to check on Jamie and Steve jogged up the stairs to face the Star Spangled Diva.

“Rori…” he said, poking his head round the door.

“Go away.” She sniffed and he sighed, shaking his head.

“Sorry, can’t do that.” he said, stepping into the room. “It’s the law in this house that we don’t go to bed angry, remember?”

She looked up at him from where she sat on the floor, her Scrap Book (or the crap book as he and Jamie dubbed it) open on the floor at a page where she had been sticking in some pictures of animals from an old book he’d picked up in the University second hand shop for her to dissect. He noted she was labelling different parts of the animals with brightly coloured pens and smiled.

“You been doing animals at school?” he asked.

“No.” she shook her head “I just like them.” her voice fell quiet. Steve crossed the room and took a seat on her bed and she avoided his gaze again.

“Rori, look at me princess.”

She obeyed and her eyes locked onto his and he patted his knee “Come on.” She stood up and scrambled onto his lap and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Sorry for making you mad daddy.” she sniffed.

“And I’m sorry for shouting.” he replied, “But do you know why I did?”

“Because I said mean things.” “Yeah.” he nodded “You did. You wanna tell me why?”

She shrugged

“You know having a baby sister isn’t going to mean you miss out on anything.” he said softly “Me and Momma will still love you just as much. You know that right?”

“I guess so.” She shrugged again. Sensing he wasn’t going to get anything more out of her, he decided to leave it there and looked down at her, as she pulled back, her hand fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. “Do you think you need to apologise to someone else?”

“Momma.” she said quietly.

Steve nodded “Ok, go on then and come back up. It’s bed time for you.” “But…”

“Rori…you’ve been really naughty and apologising isn’t going to change that. So you can go say you’re sorry to momma and then it’s bed. We start again tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok Daddy.” she bowed her head and slid off his knee, heading out of the room and down the stairs. Steve gave her a second or so before he followed her down, almost bumping into Emmy who was dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a tight, low cut navy blue sweater under her black leather biker jacket. He looked at her and she shook her head

“Don’t bother.” she smirked “I’m 22 you can’t say it…” “I can and I am.” he arched an eyebrow “Cover yourself up.” “Bite me.” she grinned, and he nudged her with his elbow, chuckling as they headed down the stairs. Katie was in the kitchen crouched down, hugging a sobbing Rori.

“It’s ok.” she soothed “I forgive you baby.” Rori sniffed and pulled back, as Katie wiped her daughter’s tears with her fingers. “You know me and daddy love you don’t you?” She nodded and looked down at the floor, averting her gaze. “I know.” “Hey…” Emmy cut in, crossing the room and crouching down next to her mum. Katie stood up and looked at Steve who smiled at her. “You know what…when Mom and Dad told me they were having Jamie I got scared too.” “I’m not scared…” Rori said defiantly and Emmy shook her head.

“I’m not saying you are…I mean you’re way braver than me.” she smiled “But I thought having Jamie might mean there was no room for me anymore.” “There’s lots of room.” Rori looked at her confused. “We have a big home.”

“I know that now, but I didn’t at the time.” Emmy smoothed her little sister’s hair back. “I thought Mom and Dad wouldn’t love me as much because I wasn’t actually theirs but they did. And that was almost 10 years ago. I’m still here. And Jamie was so cool as a baby, we got to do loads of fun things, share stuff, play together.”

Rori looked at her sister and then looked down at her feet. “I’m not sharing my toys.” Emmy glanced up at her mom who shook her head, indicating that enough was enough. They’d had an apology and that was fine for tonight. Tempers needed to stay calm and they were in danger of spiralling again.

“Ok….come on.” Steve said, and Rori looked at him, her eyes pleading “Remember what I said.”

With a deep sigh she looked at her mom “Night momma.” she said, her eyes falling to the floor again.

“Night baby.” Katie said, bending down to give her head a kiss. She trudged to the door and looked up at her dad, batting her eyes at him and for a second Katie thought he might waver but he didn’t. Not a chance.

“Nice try.” he said, gesturing into the hall with his head. Rori gave an exasperated groan before she headed to the stairs.

“Sorry, I thought that might help.” Emmy looked round.

“Don’t be.” Katie looked at her “You know what she’s like. It’ll work out.” she rubbed at her eyes before she smiled “You look nice, where are you going?”

“Oh, just to play some pool and grab a burger.” Emmy said, “Brooke’s bringing Josh. I won’t be out long.” “Josh…” Katie mused “Double dating?”

“kinda.” Emmy shrugged “He’s a bit of a douche to be honest but, whatever, she seems to like him.” “Bucky doesn’t” Steve snorted.

“Uncle Bucky doesn’t like a lot of people.”  Emmy laughed and Steve chuckled.

“That’s true.” he admitted as she fished in her pocket for the keys to her BMW convertible, a 21st present from them both. He nodded to them and fixed her with a look “Drive safe.” She rolled her eyes and then grinning saluted him “Yes Captain.” He shook his head and snorted as she passed him in the doorway, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek.

“See you both later.” “Have a good time.” Katie called. Steve watched her go before he turned to his wife and stepped into the kitchen. She fell into his open arms and he kissed her head.

“Why don’t you go put Harry down, then have a bath and get in bed?” he suggested “I’ll spend a bit of time with Jamie before I send him up.”

“You sure?” she asked.

“Course.” he dropped a kiss to her head.

“Ok. That sounds great, I won’t lie.”

He smiled as she stepped back, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and headed out. He followed her with his eyes before he took a deep breath and pushed his worries to the back of the mind and wandered into the den.

“Right son…” he grinned “Fire up the Mario Karts…I’m gonna kick your butt this time.”

“No chance old man!” Jamie grinned, jumping up to switch the game in the console.

*****

An hour and a half or so and 15 round of karts later, Steve was down 6 games to 9, which was an improvement over all. He sighed, tossing the controller down, holding his hands up. “Ok, I yield…”

Jamie grinned “Told ya…”

“Yeah, yeah…” Steve rolled his eyes. “And now I’m telling you, bed time…you can watch TV for half an hour ok?” Jamie let out a little groan but stood up, obeying all the same. He turned off the TV and Stark followed him out of the room. Steve turned off the lights before he closed the door as Jamie turned to him in the hallway. .

“Night dad.” Jamie said, giving him a hug.

“Night bud, don’t forget to say night to your mom too.”

“I won’t.” he nodded, before he bounded off up the stairs.

Steve headed around the house, doing his usual lock down checks before he too made his way up to their room. Katie was sat propped up in bed, looking at her phone.

“You ok?” he asked, walking into their room.

“Yeah…” Katie looked up at Steve, “I’m fine.”

“Good.” He dropped a kiss to her lips. “What you looking at?”

“I was googling my condition.” She shrugged. “Then I decided to change the topic and was looking at names…”

“Any you like?” He asked, seizing the opportunity to talk about something positive to do with their baby. He sat down on the side of the bed, tilting slight so he was facing her, placing one arm over her so his palm was flat on the covers by her hip.

“One…but it’s a little old fashioned…but…I really like it” she looked at him a little shyly “Florence”

Steve looked at her for a moment and then then looked to her bump before he peeked back up at her, smiling softly “that was my grandmother’s name, on my dad’s side.”

“I know.” She looked at him “I think it’s beautiful. So many things we can shorten it to as well…”

“She was known as Flo.” He said, “I never met her…I only know from what Ma told me”

“Well I like Flo or Flossie…” she said, looking down at his hands as her fingers began to play with his.

“Flossie…” Steve played with the name. It was a little unusual, but he liked the way it rolled off his tongue “yeah.” He chuckled “Flossie Rogers”

“A 40s movie star name if ever there was one.” Katie smiled.

“I think Rori has dibs on the Diva title.” He chuckled.

Katie gave a small laugh and looked at where their hands were tangled together again before she glanced up at him, her eyes full of tears. “I’m scared Stevie.” She whispered and he sighed, shifting slightly to cup her face with his spare hand.

“I know.” He said gently “but you’re the strongest person I know. If anyone can get through this, you can.”

“I don’t feel strong.” She whispered

At that Steve took a deep breath and moved, wrapping his arms around her as she lay her head on his shoulder, her face pressing into his neck, her body shaking with silent sobs. He had been waiting for this, the moment she cracked. His hand gently rest on the back of her head, fingers softly tangling in her hair.

“I dont wanna be numb…” she said gently “the thought of them sticking needles into my back…not after…” she gulped and Steve closed his eyes, gently shushing her as he tried to stop his own tears. He knew full well about her fear of needles and anaesthetic which stemmed from the time Hydra had taken her. She had told him all about the fact they had injected her with stuff that left her paralysed from the waist down for hours, just to watch her lose her dignity and control. That was the reason she had refused epidurals for all their kids. The fact she was shouldering this, as well as knowing how she didn’t have a choice tore him in two.

“I’ll be with you, the whole time.” he said softly, looking down at her and pressing his forehead to hers. She smiled and nodded, wiping her eyes. “Do you want a drink or anything before I hit the shower?”

“I wouldn’t mind a camomile tea.”  she looked at him.

“Ok.” he dropped a kiss to her head and stood up. He made his way downstairs.

He flipped on the kettle and became that lot in his own thoughts he didn’t hear the security system announce Emmy had come home which was why her voice startled him slightly when she spoke.

“You ok pops?”

Steve spun round to see her watching him carefully as she leaned against the counter, her long hair hung around her heart shaped face, her eyes shining.

“You weren’t out long.” he commented and she shrugged.

“Brooke has an early shift tomorrow. We shot a few games and ate and…well that was it. It was fun.” “Good.” he smiled “Where’s Queens?”

“I dropped him home.” Emmy shrugged and she didn’t need to explain why. She was trying to give him and Katie some peace, which Steve was grateful for.

He took a moment to look at his eldest, taking in not for the first time how pretty she was. With her olive skin, ebony hair and deep brown eyes she looked nothing like him or Katie, which was to be expected as she wasn’t biologically theirs but still, she’d turned into a gorgeous young woman, but what he was most satisfied about was her compassion and drive. She’d aced university, working so hard and was now channelling her skills and her degree into becoming a Child Therapist, working alongside a local Children’s charity which the Stark Relief Fund had set up. Steve had no doubts that she’d end up running the Charity on behalf of SI at some point- she had the drive and passion to do so and she had been adamant since she was 17 that she wanted to work with kids who suffered from abuse, just as she had, using her own experiences to help others.

That he could attribute directly to Katie, and he couldn’t be more proud to do so if he tried.

“I’m fine honey.” He said, giving her a small smile and she chuckled.

“Liar.”

He sighed “you always call me out on my bullshit. You’re like your mother.”

She shrugged “There are worse people to be like”

“Very true.” He agreed, turning to the kettle as he picked it up and poured hot water over the teabag in the mug.

“Do you think you’ll get any more trouble from Rori?”

“Probably.” Steve licked his lips as he turned back to her. “But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Thank you for trying before by the way. I was a bit surprised you remembered all that to be honest”.

“Course I do.” She grinned “I was petrified you wouldn’t want me anymore.”

Steve shook his head “nothing could have been further from the truth”

“I know” she smiled “know what else I remember like yesterday?”

“The time you punched that jerk in the face at school?” Steve teased and she snorted

“Well yeah but that’s not what I was gonna say” she shook her head “I remember the day you got punched in the supermarket. You gave me the adoption papers that afternoon. It was Jamie’s birthday. Uncle Tony and Auntie Pep gave me my bracelet with my initials.”

Steve beamed “Yeah. Despite the punching that was a good day. You know, we’d had those papers for a week before we told you.”

Emmy took a deep breath “I don’t think I say this enough but I really am grateful you and mom took me in…”

“Em, you don’t need to-”

“I know.” she cut him off “But I am. You didn’t need to, but you did. And all of us, bump included are the luckiest kids around. You’re the best parents any kid could wish for.”

Steve felt his eyes misting over and he looked at Emmy, shaking his head “Come ‘ere.” he smiled and she pushed off the counter and walked towards him, stepping into his embrace “I know it might not seem like it at times with the others being as demanding as they are but we do love you with all our hearts Em.” he said, pressing a kiss to her head “You’ll always be our first baby.”

“Stop it!” she spluttered, stepping back to wipe her eyes.

He smiled and cupped her face before he took a deep breath “Anyway, I meant to ask…you and Queens still going to look at that apartment or…”

Emmy shrugged “It’s not important at the moment”

“Em.” Steve sighed “What’s going on with your mom, we don’t want that to impact on your plans.”

“No, I don’t mean that. Well, ok, that is important but, well,  I’m still training at work and Pete’s getting to grips with all the R&D department  at SI so we both kinda said if the right place appears then great, if not…well, we can wait.”

“Sensible decision.” he nodded, “You only just turned 22, and yes, I know…” he held his hand up to cut off what he knew full well was going to be her protest about wanting to be independent “You want to stand on your own two feet but, this is your home and always will be for as long as you want. And if you’re really desperate to be away from the chaos in here, well me and your mom had an idea that maybe we could do the Cabin up.”

“That’s your man cave.” she looked at him.

“I can move my art stuff into the attic or the garage.” he shrugged “We could use it and make you a little apartment. Just a thought to keep in mind.”

“Pete as well?” she asked and Steve looked at her, cocking his head to one side, taking a deep breath as he nodded.

“Queens as well.”

She smiled. “Thanks Dad. Maybe we can talk about it once everything has settled down.”

Steve nodded “Sounds like a plan.”

“You’d know, after all you are the star span-…”

“Yeah yeah.” he cut her off, rolling his eyes “And on that note I’m going to bed.” He picked up the mug containing Katie’s drink and stooped to give Emmy a peck on the cheek. “See you in the morning sweetie.”

“No don’t stay up too late?” she quipped in a deep voice as he walked past her. He chuckled and looked back over his shoulder.

“As you keep reminding me…” he dropped his chin to level her with a look “you’re a grown ass woman now.”

At that she let out a laugh and he smiled, before he left the room. Katie was in the en-suite when he got upstairs so he placed the mug down on her nightstand and then headed over to check on the kids. First off he stopped at Rori’s room and smiled as she was in her bed with Sparkles, her pink unicorn teddy clutched to her chest. He crossed the room and placed a kiss on her head, noting the tear tracks were still evident on her face. He felt a pang of guilt once more for his outburst at her earlier in the evening but really, she had deserved it, and he knew that tomorrow was a fresh start. He flicked off her lamp before he then headed over to check on Harry. He was led flat on his back, the covers tangled around his feet, his stuffed giraffe on the floor as always. Pulling the duvet up around his chin he tucked him in, errant giraffe placed by his side he dimmed thes night slightly, leaving it casting soft illuminated stars onto his ceiling, which was apt really as the boy was an absolute star of a kid. Then he headed over to Jamie’s room, the boy already asleep with Stark led by his feet.

“Down.” he instructed the dog, pointing to the basket in the corner of the room. The mutt gave him a reproachful look before he stood up and gave a huff as he jumped down and padded to his bed. Steve knew full well the dog would be back up there the minute he closed the door on his way out, but at least his conscience was clear when Katie moaned about dog hair on Jamie’s quilt. As he turned off Jamie’s TV it struck him how it seemed such a pointless thing to be complaining about all things considered.

Turning off the hall lights he made his way back into their bedroom where Katie was watching something on TV.

“They all ok?”

“Fast asleep” he smiled, pulling unbuttoning his plaid shirt before he tossed it into the hamper. He then shed his jeans and headed into the en-suite for a quick shower before he dried off, pulled on a clean pair of boxers and settled down into bed, Katie snuggling up to him, tossing her leg over his and laying her head on his chest. After a moment or so she moved, her hand dropping to her bump.

“You ok?”

“Yeah she’s kicking…” Katie smiled, “That’s the first time I’ve felt her doing that…she’s just been wriggling up until now.” She took Steve’s hand and he eagerly waited until he felt their baby give another little jab and he felt the grin spread across his face as he felt his daughter move for the first time. He shuffled down a little placing both hands either side of her bump.

“Hey Flossie…” he mumbled, pressing a kiss to the curve of Katie’s belly as her hand tangled into his hair.

“So we’re decided on Florence.” Katie chuckled and he peered up at her, smiling.

“Yeah, I think so.” he nodded, his hand feeling another kick and he gave another smile before he shuffled back upwards and lay on his side, looking at his wife .“Love you.” he said, sliding his nose against hers, seeking out her lips for a soft kiss.

“Love you too” she muttered against his mouth, unwilling to break away as his kiss grew a little more urgent. Eventually he pulled back, pressing his forehead to hers, his eyes closed.

“It’ll all be ok.” he muttered softly.

“You trying to convince me or yourself.” Katie asked.

“Bit of both.” he admitted.

She gave him another soft peck before she turned over, reaching for the remote. Flicking off the TV she shuffled back into his arms, her back pressed to his chest as Steve curled his arm around her, his hand cradling her bump and their precious cargo.

*****

November 2029

Things settled down a little after the initial shock of the news had sunk in. Katie was continuing to have regular scans and their baby was fine. Dr Kellet had suggested that they look to do the operation at 35 weeks, the point at which she was confident their baby would be absolutely fine. With that in mind they were given a provisional date of 9th January, subject to the situation remaining stable.

What didn’t improve, however, was Rori. Whilst there were no more outbursts or temper tantrums, her attitude had changed from one of anger to simple apathy. They’d told the kids what they were going to call their daughter, but Rori wasn’t interested. She wouldn’t talk to Katie’s bump, or feel it like the other kids did, she was just completely and utterly indifferent to the entire situation. And whilst it was better in some ways than her shouting and screaming, Steve could see it was starting to get to Katie which was why he had taken Rori out for the day to give Katie a bit of time where she didn’t have to worry or deal with her, and hopefully try to get the little girl to open up a bit more. She still hadn’t admitted to either of them what she was feeling and every time they tried to talk to her she simply changed the subject.

He’d taken her to the Natural History Museum in Manhattan, treating her to a ride on the subway which always fascinated her. They’d had a lovely afternoon, even if it had been a little cold outside, and she had enthusiastically looked at the exhibits on the dinosaurs and animals, her little face lighting up as she chatted away and completed the activity booklet she had been handed on their way in, tracking all the clues as they went.

There had been no mention of the baby, at all, and as they walked around in the gift shop, Rori browsing, Steve decided to raise it and see if she would talk to him and open up now they were alone and away from the house.

“Shall we pick something for Florence, ready for when she is born?” he asked her as she examined a shelf full of stuffed animals.

Rori looked at her dad and averted her eyes “if you want…”

“Don’t you want?“

She shrugged

“Ok…” Steve sighed, knowing when he was beat. “Come on then, let’s go home.”

Rori turned her eyes to his before he looked at the floor, her sneakers scuffing on the tiles of the gift shop. “I’m sorry…” She whispered, her lower lip wobbling.

“What for?” Steve asked, taking a deep breath as he crouched down and gently brushed her hair out of her eyes, one of his hands gently resting along her rib cage.

“Being mean.”

“You’re not being mean.” he said gently, which was true. She wasn’t. “You’re sad though. I can tell.”

She shrugged again, still avoiding his eyes.

“Why does the baby upset you so much Princess?” He pressed gently. She looked at him, her eyes watering.

“Coz she’s gonna take you and momma away from me…”

“Oh Rori…” Steve sighed as her tears trickled down her face. Finally hearing her admit it out-loud meant he could confront it head on, give her the direct re-assurance she needed. “I told you already, that’s not gonna happen. Me and momma love you and that’s not gonna change.” She sniffled as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “Harry was born after you, did he take us away from you?”

“No.” She sniffled.

“So why would the new baby be any different?”

“Coz she’s gonna be your new princess. I’m not gonna be special anymore.”

Steve felt his heart breaking as Rori began to sob.

“Ok…” he said, picking her up and carrying her out of the shop into the large foyer. She pressed her face into his neck and he gently rubbed her back as she cried whilst he walked them over to a bench at the side of the room where he sat silently with her, gently rocking her as she cried, Katie’s words from a few weeks ago echoing in his head.

“She’s jealous Steve. And we only have ourselves to blame.”

As much as Katie had said “we” she may as well have said “you”. Rori had been his little princess since the day they had found out they were having a girl, and Steve knew he indulged her, because he fucking loved her. He loved her craziness, her sassiness, the way she gave him so much back chat and general attitude…even if it did drive him mad. But most of all he adored the way she looked just like Katie and had inherited her mother’s tactile nature. She was always the first to reach him when he got home from work, racing down the hall to fling herself at him. She insisted on sitting on his knee at night as they watched TV, she would crawl into his and Katie’s bed between them on a Sunday morning for a cuddle before they got up. He was the one she went to when she had fallen over, unless he was out, and then Katie would suffice but he would get the full sympathy play when he got home. It was the exact role reversal to their two boys who sought Katie out for their bumps and scrapes but came to him for the fun and games. Both parents gave them all different things, which was how it was supposed to be and fuck, Rori would always be his little girl, as would Flossie, and a new baby sister should be filling her heart with love not worry and sadness. As he sat still, she hiccupped slightly, he sobs growing quieter and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I’m gonna tell you something now sweetheart.” He said as she tightened the grip her little hands had on his jacket as he continued to gently rock her to and fro “you have no idea how special you are to me and your momma. You know we lost you once…”

“Lost me?” Rori sniffed “how?”

“Remember we told you about the bad man that made Uncle Bucky and Uncle Sam go away…and how your Uncle Tony died with Natasha to bring them back?”

She nodded

“Well when he sent all those people away, you were in your momma’s tummy and he made you go away too. We were so upset when we found out.”

“But I came back?” She asked, her green eyes wide

“You sure did. You were our little magic baby” He smiled “And when you were born we were so happy to finally meet you because we had waited so long, Rori. And I remember thinking when I held his for the first time how beautiful and perfect you were.”

“So I am special?”

“Of course you are” he nodded “I mean how can you not be? Your birthday is the same as your Uncle Tony’s and you’re named after 2 other very special girls.” He smiled as she glanced down at her hands which were now playing with the buttons on his shirt. “Your nanna Sarah and Natasha.”

“And Princess Aurora” she looked at him.

“And Princess Aurora” he nodded.

“And I look like Momma.” Rori nodded back to him, “which makes me pretty too right Daddy?”

“Absolutely.” Steve smiled “your momma is the prettiest woman in the world.”

Rori looked at him for a moment before she smiled “Can we go back to the shop please Daddy? I want to get the baby something now.”

Steve smiled. “Sure, come on.”

She hopped off his lap and they headed back inside to the store, her little hand in his and she led him over to the soft toy section, her eyes roaming the shelves, brow furrowed in concentration.

“What should we get?” She asked, looking up at Steve.

“You pick.” He said, looking down at her. “I trust you. You are a princess after all so you know what princesses like…”

She contemplated his words before she glanced back at the shelves, scanning the plush toys. Steve stood patiently before she tugged on his hand and pointed to a zebra which sat on the shelf in her eye-line.

“That one.” She said firmly

“Sure?” He asked and she nodded.

“Zebras are like ponies daddy.” She said “and all princesses should have a pony”

“Alright. You wanna grab it?” He looked down at her, his spare hand gently cupping her cheek.

She nodded and turned back, plucking one down off the shelf.

“Do you want one?”

“No, I have a Sparkles” she shrugged “Unicorns are much better.”

Steve looked at her for a moment, and decided to let her have that little victory.

“I think we should call her Rolfina.” Rori said, handing it to him.

“Rolfina?” he frowned “Where on earth did you hear that?” “Dur, it’s the zebra in Zootopia.” she said and Steve rolled his eyes.

“Course it is.” he mumbled, heading to the till to pay.

***** “Momma!” Rori burst into the living room “Look…”

She held out the toy zebra as she made her way over to where Katie was sat, tapping at her laptop

“Wow!” she smiled, setting the computer down onto the coffee table. “Did you have a nice time?” “Yeah. I did the activity book and we did the treasure hunt and then we bought this…” she paused and Steve leaned in the doorway, bracing himself for her to clam up again but she continued, albeit her voice a little softer “…its for the baby.” Katie hid her shock well, Steve had to give his wife credit.

“She’ll love it.” Katie smiled “You can put it in her room if you like?”

Rori nodded and then hesitated before she climbed up onto the sofa and wrapped her arms around her Mother’s neck. Katie hugged her back and looked at Steve who flashed her a wink as he pushed off the door frame.

“Where are the boys?” “Playing lego in the den.” Katie smiled as Rori pulled back slightly.

“Can I say hi to the baby?” she asked shyly and Katie nodded.

“Of course you can.” Rori wriggled down a little, her cheek pressing to Katie’s bump over her t-shirt. She took a deep breath and spoke in a soft voice. “Hi Flossie…” There was a second pause and Katie felt a jab in her belly and Rori’s head flew up as her eyes widened and she squealed. “Momma she moved!”

“That’s because she heard you baby.” Katie smiled, thanking her lucky stars that Flossie had chosen that exact moment to give a harsh boot. Steve felt his heart swell as he watched Rori return her hands to Katie’s stomach.

“She can hear me?”

“Yeah, she can hear you all.” “So…” Rori sat up a little, her eyes downcast “Will she have heard me say those nasty things when I said I hated her?”

“And she will have also heard you say sorry.” Steve said, sitting down next to her. He wasn’t even going to try to explain that the baby wouldn’t be able to understand a word of what Rori was saying.

“And she knows its me?” Rori asked “For sure?” “For sure.” Rori gave a grin and jumped down running into the hallway.

“Hey losers!” she shouted, heading towards the den “I just talked to the baby and she listened and knows me coz she moved…” Whatever sarcastic reply Jamie shot back died as the door to the den shut and Katie looked at Steve.

“Ok, who is she and where’ the real Diva?” “What can I say, I just have that magic way with my girls…” he grinned. “Hmmm, sure you do.” Katie looked at him and he smiled, leaning over to give her a kiss.

“And maybe Rolfina had something to do with it.” he grinned, picking up the stuffed Zebra.

**Original Posting**

[mirakeul]

sup queen! Can I ask for a make up with our baby Keigo Takami and a fem reader after he doubts if shes really trustworthy and they fight? it could be a cheating thought or a secret, i don't know 😣💛

Hi anon! Thank you for requesting! I hope you'd like this short fic with our baby, Keigo Takami! This was definitely out of my zone esp. since this is the first with Keigo so HAHAHA i hope it was fine,,, 😘

warnings: some cussing, mentions of cheating and emotional manipulation  

words: 880

summary: You and Keigo got into a fight as he doubts your actions, however he was wrong to assume and promises to make it up to you  

pairing: Keigo Takami x fem!reader  

Your POV  

You and Keigo have been married for a year now. He proposed to you in the comforts of your own home and married you with your families and friends watching. You were happy, yes. I mean, you’ve dreamt of this after 5 years of dating so when it did, your heart was over the moon. However, you don't know how this happened. You were just watching a movie with Keigo and the next minute, he was shouting at you for something you don't really understand.  

"Who the hell was that guy?"  

"What guy?" You were confused, Keigo was looking at you with pain evident in his eyes.  

"Last weekend, you canceled our plans and then I was met with the picture of you with some guy!" Your mind flashed back to the day he was saying, it was the day you found out you were pregnant and so, asked for help from your best friend (who was your ob-gyne).  

"Are you cheating on me?" Keigo immediately felt guilty when he saw the pain in your eyes, but he couldn't help but doubt you and your actions. How could he believe you when you don't even tell him things?  

"Do you really think I would do that to you?" You said, getting up from your seat on the couch. You sighed, you don't want to deal with stress especially with a baby growing in your belly and so you said, "You know what, clear your head. I am not doing this right now. Let's talk tomorrow. I'll sleep in the guest bedroom." 

Walking to your bedroom, you left the result of your appointment with your ob-gyne. You were hurt when he thought you would do something like that. It was something that triggered you especially because of your incident with your last ex. He was manipulative and made you feel that you were the one lacking that's why he ended up cheating on you. Keigo knows that because he saved you from that relationship, but you couldn’t believe he would doubt you like that.  

You gathered your pillows and went to the guest bedroom to sleep. Keigo, feeling guilty, went to your bedroom so he could think rationally. This isn’t your first fight, but it was the first time you didn’t do anything but talk calmly. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw the papers, taking in the information. He was going to be a father! Without wasting any second, he went into the guest bedroom you were staying at.  

“Love,” He knocked, looking inside the dark room. You were curled up on the bed and it pains him to know that he was the reason for that. “Can I come in?”

You were silent, you don’t want to say anything to make this worse. You felt the bed dip signalling that he took your silence as a yes, and that he saw your results. He sighed, debating whether he would touch you but decided not to. “Can we talk?”

“What is it, Keigo?” You turned around to face him, holding back because of the baby. He takes in your appearance; your hair was disheveled, and it looked like you were crying. “Y/N, I know it was a dick move but I'm sorry."  

"You do remember my ex, right?" He looked even guiltier because he remembers. "The guy you saw in the picture was my best friend. That day, I woke up feeling nauseous, so I texted him to know what's happening since I rarely feel nauseous. I learned I was pregnant, but I figured not to tell you just yet because I was planning to surprise you."  

You smiled at him, tears forming in your eyes. "I know how much we wanted to have a child of our own and I thought it would be nice to let you know as a surprise. I'm sorry for making you feel that I would cheat on you, but I would never, Keigo. You, of all people, should know that."  

"I know, I won't make any excuses. But I love you and I am willing to make up for this. I love you and I don't want to lose you. You're the best thing that's happened to my life."  

"Keigo, I love you too. Thank you for understanding me and I know we'll get through this. Besides, you were the one that saved me from before. You are and will always be my hero, Keigo."  

He smiled, tearing up as he realized that you have given him a chance to make up for this mistake. He pulled you in closer, setting a kiss upon your forehead as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear. You snuggled into him, inhaling his scent as you get lulled by his voice.  

“Plus,” You muttered. “You do remember he’s married, right? He has a husband, Kei.” You chuckled because you remembered how you helped your best friend find his husband.

“What?” Keigo whispered. He smiled when he saw you were sleeping, setting another kiss before closing his eyes. He still feels bad, but he would do anything to get your trust back. He really loves you and he can’t wait to have a family with you. If anything, you were his hero.  

“I love you, Y/N.”

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Stark Spangled Forever  Bump In The Road

Summary: What should be a routine sexing scan for their latest baby throws up something a little more serious, and leaves Katie and Steve reeling. Warnings: Language! And some mega angst with a light sprinkling of fluff

A/N: What’s life in the Rogers household without drama… sorry…but this and the follow up chapter are a lead in to my mini series- Stark Spangled Destiny. And to be honest, I’m sick of reading shit on here today so thought I’d post some of my own.

@southerngracela​ @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​ @icanfeelastormbrewing​ dedicated to you, my home girls...

SSF Masterlist // WIYPT Masterlist

October 2029

It was meant to be a routine scan...they'd been to 3 of these already after all...a routine, 20 week scan to find out the sex of their latest addition. But as Steve sat there, the words of Katie's ob-gyn made him feel nothing but numbness.

"I'm...I don't understand?" Katie said, her voice quiet "You said at the last scan that it would most likely right itself."

"And 9 times out of 10 Mrs Rogers it does." Dr Kellet said, sadly "Normally a low lying placenta moves but it's developed into something called placenta accreta, which is where it has grown too deep into the uterine wall. This means that it won't detach during labour and can cause critical levels of blood loss."

Steve swallowed and turned his attention from the small, blank screen which had moments before shown the image of their baby to the Doctor as Katie gripped his hand even tighter "So what does this mean?" he demanded.

Dr Kellet sighed "I won't lie to either of you. It is considered a high risk complication. However, we are lucky in that we have caught it now. In a lot of cases as it often causes no signs or symptoms, we don't realise until the mother is in labour which can have disastrous consequences for her and baby. As we have picked it up now, you'll need careful monitoring for the rest of your pregnancy and we'll have to perform an early C-section delivery..." she paused "Followed by a hysterectomy."

“A hysterectomy?" Steve said gently "as in..."

"Surgical removal of the womb yes." Dr Kellet says "We do his at the time of the C-section, so you'll be awake with your baby Mrs Rogers...it just means you'll be in hospital for a few days, possibly a week or so to recover."

Katie swallowed, taking a deep breath "You said early..."

The Doctor nodded. "Yes, anything form 34 weeks but again, that will be subject to how you go. Obviously the longer we leave it the better but...to be honest, all your babies have been fully baked, to use the popular term now-a-days, thanks to Dad's enhanced DNA so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Worst case scenario they may need a few days in the Neonatal Unit but..."

Katie wiped at her eyes with her spare hand and Steve felt his heart contracting painfully at the sight of her as he bent over to kiss her head.

"I know this is a lot to take in..." Dr Kellet said, her tone sympathetic "But we've found it in time to deal with it. I assure you, it won't make any difference to your baby's development...it's you it poses the biggest danger for. But, as we're prepared, like I said, we can deal with it."

Katie nodded and sniffed a little "Is there anything that causes it or..."

"No, not really." Dr Kellet shook her head. "Women over 35 are more susceptible to suffering from an accreta but your placenta laying low is what's done this. Like I say, it's rare but not completely uncommon."

"This is not your fault." Steve looked at her, speaking sternly as he knew exactly what she was thinking. Her green eyes locked onto his and she gave him a small smile as he kissed the back of her hand.

"No,it isn't." Dr Kellet said, equally as sternly "This is just one of those things Mrs Rogers."

The three of them fell silent and after a few seconds, Dr Kellet took a deep breath and looked at Katie.

"Ok, so...how about we get some good news huh?" she asked, picking up the wand and pressing it back to Katie's stomach. "Let's find out if it's pink or blue."

Once more the tiny profile of their baby filled the screen and Steve felt Katie's fingers tighten around his again. He squeezed her hand back and Dr Kellet made a little noise in her throat. "Ahh, there we go...and it's another little girl mom and dad..."

Katie's face broke into a smile as did Steve's and he pressed another kiss to her hand which he know held in both his, his elbows resting on the edge of the bed. As they both watched, their daughter moved her tiny little fist in front of her face, and Steve swallowed, blinking back tears.

After a little more discussion with the Doctor who told Katie to try and stay calm and to call her if she had any worries, they booked in with the receptionist on the Gyne Ward for another scan in a fortnights time and then after bidding Dr Kellet a final goodbye they made their way back to the ground floor, both lost in their thoughts. Steve kept shooting a side glance at Katie whose face was straight, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. He was fighting back the tears himself, he hated this. The thought that something could go wrong, something that meant he might lose her or their baby...but she would be in good hands. He trusted Dr Kellet implicitly afer the safe birth of the other 3 and, after all, like the woman said, early diagnosis made a huge difference. The elevator doors opened and they walked down the busy corridor towards the main doors of the building, and as they reached the main reception desk a young man and a heavily pregnant woman passed them going in the opposite direction. Katie's eyes followed them and she stopped, the hand that wasn't in Steve's falling to her bump as she took a deep breath, and turned to look up at him Steve.

"Well..."she smiled softly as she spoke for the first time since leaving the Maternity Suite, “At least when all this is done there's no chance you'll impregnate me again."

Steve spluttered a small chuckle, shaking his head "Seriously? You're making that joke now?"

"I have to." she said softly "Because if I don't I'm gonna cry."

Steve sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. She buried her face into his chest and he softly rubbed at her back, pressing a kiss to her head "It's gonna be fine Sweetheart." he said, sounding braver than he felt "You heard Doc. They found it early, we can prepare."

Katie nodded against his shirt, keeping her eyes scrunched shut "Yeah..."

"And you get a few more days recovery...relaxing, away from the rabble at home."

Katie gave a watery laugh as she stepped back and looked up at him, "I'd rather be with them..."

"I know baby." he said, wiping her tears with his thumbs as he cupped her face "I know."

Katie took a deep, shaky breath and licked her lips before she smiled softly "Another girl though Stevie” and he gave a playful groan.

"Makes it 4 on 3, I’m outnumbered."

"Nah, it’s 4 on 4 if you count Stark."

"That's true." he grinned “Not sure how Jamie’s gonna take it though!”

"It's Rori you're gonna have to worry about." Katie looked at him, smirking a little as she made to continue walking, and Steve was pleased to see her Stark sassiness was creeping back through.

"How so?”

"Because she's suddenly going to have to cope with not being you only little princess anymore...there's gonna be another girl fighting to wrap you around her pinkie."

"Well..." Steve said, curling an arm round his wife's shoulders as they walked out into the sunshine. "Let's go break the news...."

"Kinda wish you still had the shield..." Katie mumbled, and at that he let out a loud laugh, pulling her closer and pressing a kiss to her temple.

***** It was after dinner that they told the kids about the sex of the baby. They all gathered in the sitting room, the youngest two in their pyjamas as Katie told them all that they should be ready to buy a lot more pink things.

“A girl?” Jamie looked at them both, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah.” Steve smiled at his eldest son who was sat in the chair on the opposite side of the room. Rori was perched on his knee whilst Harry was sat on Katie’s, his little hand on her bump.

“Wow…” Harry mumbled, looking a Katie “Sister?”

“Yup.” she smiled, kissing his head as he smiled at her. She looked at Jamie who shrugged at her.

“Whatever.” he said, grinning “I don’t mind…as long as it doesn’t turn out like her.” he pointed to Rori.

“Shut up Jamie!” she glared at him as Steve sighed.

“Ok, come on guys…” he said his tone carried enough warning to shut them up “Don’t fight.”

“I think it’s awesome.” Emmy smiled, where she was slumped on the rug, tickling Stark. “Another Rogers girl eh Rori?”

Rori looked at Emmy, then to Steve, then to Katie’s bump before she shook her head “No. I don’t want it.” she said nonchalantly, jumping off Steve’s knee and heading to the door.

“Rori.” Katie said, and she stopped to turn to her. “Come here.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Aurora.” Steve frowned at her, his voice stern and she sighed, taking small steps back into the room. “Come on princess, this is a happy time.” She looked at him, her face sullen “Why do you have to have a girl?”

“We don’t pick honey.” Katie looked at her, Harry shifting in her lap a little, his hand tangling in her hair. “And it’s not something we can change.” “But I don’t want a girl!” she stamped her foot and Katie sighed, rubbing her forehead a little and Steve felt the nerve in his jaw twitching. After everything they’d been told and had to process today he was mentally drained and really NOT in the mood for one of her little temper tantrums.

“That’s enough!” he said loudly and she looked at him, her green eyes widening slightly before she recovered herself and fixed him with a filthy look. He saw Emmy and Jamie exchange a glance and Jamie stood up, backing to the door.

“I’m gonna go play on the computer in the den…” he said, before he hurried out of the room sensing an impending Diva meltdown. Which arrived seconds later.

“I hate it!” Rori glared at her father and then Katie “I hate the baby already and I don’t want it in this house.” “Aurora Sarah Natasha Rogers! That is a horrible thing to say.” Steve pointed at her, feeling his neck warming with anger. “You apologise right now”

“No.”

“Fine.” Steve said, standing up. He pointed to the door. “Go to your room.”

“No.” she repeated

“Rori…” Katie said, her voice cracking slightly as she blinked back her tears “Do what your father says.”

“Make me.” she folded her arms and looked at Katie, her chin raised defiantly and Steve let out a noise of frustration that vibrated in his throat like a growl. “Don’t tempt me.” he glowered at her and she turned her attention to him.  “You have until the count of 3 to get out of my sight and up those stairs before I drag you up them myself.”

Rori looked at him, blinking and he started his countdown.

“One…”

Nothing.

“Two…” his voice grew louder.

At that point, it was like something twigged in her brain and she suddenly understood exactly how pissed he was. Her eye filled with tears and she wheeled round, running from the rooms her sobs carrying to their ears as her feet stomped up the stairs. They heard the dull slam of her bedroom door and Steve’s hands fell to his hips and he took a deep sigh, looking at his feet.

Katie sniffed slightly and Harry looked at her, frowning.

“No cry momma…” he said softly, his hands wrapping around her neck. She pressed her face into his hair and kissed his head.

“I’m ok baby.” she said gently. Steve shook his head and looked at his wife, running his hand over his face.

“What’ going on?” Emmy asked, looking at her mom then to her dad.

“Nothing, just sick of her attitude…” Steve snapped back and Emmy looked at him.

“Don’t take it out on me.”

“Sorry I’m…I didn’t mean to.” he shook his head.

“What are you not telling me?” Emmy pressed “Don’t treat me like a kid!”

Katie looked at Steve then to Emmy before she sighed “The scan showed something up. I have a condition called placenta accreta. The baby is fine it just means that I will need a caesarean section…” she swallowed “And then a hysterectomy afterwards. But it’s gonna be ok, they picked it up and we have time to prepare.”

Emmy took a deep breath “So you’ll both be ok?” she asked “You and the baby?”

“Yeah.” Katie told her. “It was just a shock, for both of us to hear that’s all.”

“I can imagine.” Emmy said quietly “I’ll ring Pete, cancel tonight, I can stay…” “No,no…” Steve protested at the same time Katie shook her head.

“Em,you don’t need to do that.” Katie sighed “We don’t want you to…honestly there’s no need.” “Are you sure?” “There’s nothing you can do.” Steve said “There’s nothing any of us can do and there’s not point you worrying about it so…go out, enjoy yourself ok?”

She nodded and stood up, crossing to give her mom a hug before doing the same to Steve and heading out of the room. Steve looked at his wife for a moment before Harry glanced at him.

“Dadda mad?” he asked softly.

“Not with you pal.” he replied, crossing the room to sit besides them. Harry shifted and untangled himself from Katie before he crawled over into Steve’s lap.

“I get sister?” he asked looking at Steve and Steve smiled at him.

“Yeah buddy.”

Harry grinned and nodded before he tugged on Steve’s beard and Steve playfully snapped his teeth at the tot’s fingers in the way he always did.

“Snappy snappy crocodile!” Harry laughed and Steve let out a chuckle before he looked at Katie, his hand gently squeezing her knee.

“I’ll give her 10 minute and then I’ll go speak to her.” Steve said.

“Don’t think I’ve ever heard you shout at her like that.” Katie raised her eyebrow.

“She deserved it.” Steve said, blowing a breath out of his nose. “Her attitude stinks.” “She’s jealous.” Katie said simply “And we only have ourselves to blame.”

“What do you mean?” Steve frowned.

“I mean we ruin her.” Katie said simply “We indulge her little diva attitude, brush her tantrums off as amusing most of the time…she’s not a bad kid, I mean 9 time out of 10 she’s awesome and everyone comments on how well behaved she is, how all of them are for that matter, but…” she sighed “Things are about to change for her, and like I said she’s going to have to share you-“ “She shares me now…” “Yes but not with another little girl.”

“Yes she does, we have Emmy…” “Emmy isn’t little.” Katie shook her head. “She was a lot older when Rori was born and she’s been there for Rori’s entire life.” Katie reasoned “This is different. And it’s going to take some getting used to. I’m not excusing her behaviour before you say it…” she held her hand up to cut him off as he opened his mouth to speak. “She was really naughty then and you were absolutely right to do what you did…I guess, well we just need to be prepared to follow it through because I don’t think that’s the end of it.”

“So how do we deal with it?” Steve said after a moment’s deliberation.

“We keep her involved, try as much as we can to ensure she becomes interested in the baby.” Katie shrugged “And perhaps if you can get her to talk to you, admit what she’s feeling that might help.” “Easier said than done.” Steve looked at his wife “She’s as stubborn as you.

“Pot, Kettle Rogers.” Katie raised an eyebrow and Steve chuckled, leaning over to give Katie a soft kiss.

“Gross…” Harry mumbled, in a very Jamie like way.  Steve blew a raspberry on his cheek, making him giggle and scrunch his body up, pushing Steve away. They both spent a bit of time with the tot then, talking to him about Nursery, listening to what his limited vocabulary told them, before Katie headed into the den to check on Jamie and Steve jogged up the stairs to face the Star Spangled Diva.

“Rori…” he said, poking his head round the door.

“Go away.” She sniffed and he sighed, shaking his head.

“Sorry, can’t do that.” he said, stepping into the room. “It’s the law in this house that we don’t go to bed angry, remember?”

She looked up at him from where she sat on the floor, her Scrap Book (or the crap book as he and Jamie dubbed it) open on the floor at a page where she had been sticking in some pictures of animals from an old book he’d picked up in the University second hand shop for her to dissect. He noted she was labelling different parts of the animals with brightly coloured pens and smiled.

“You been doing animals at school?” he asked.

“No.” she shook her head “I just like them.” her voice fell quiet. Steve crossed the room and took a seat on her bed and she avoided his gaze again.

“Rori, look at me princess.”

She obeyed and her eyes locked onto his and he patted his knee “Come on.” She stood up and scrambled onto his lap and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Sorry for making you mad daddy.” she sniffed.

“And I’m sorry for shouting.” he replied, “But do you know why I did?”

“Because I said mean things.” “Yeah.” he nodded “You did. You wanna tell me why?”

She shrugged

“You know having a baby sister isn’t going to mean you miss out on anything.” he said softly “Me and Momma will still love you just as much. You know that right?”

“I guess so.” She shrugged again. Sensing he wasn’t going to get anything more out of her, he decided to leave it there and looked down at her, as she pulled back, her hand fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. “Do you think you need to apologise to someone else?”

“Momma.” she said quietly.

Steve nodded “Ok, go on then and come back up. It’s bed time for you.” “But…”

“Rori…you’ve been really naughty and apologising isn’t going to change that. So you can go say you’re sorry to momma and then it’s bed. We start again tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok Daddy.” she bowed her head and slid off his knee, heading out of the room and down the stairs. Steve gave her a second or so before he followed her down, almost bumping into Emmy who was dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a tight, low cut navy blue sweater under her black leather biker jacket. He looked at her and she shook her head

“Don’t bother.” she smirked “I’m 22 you can’t say it…” “I can and I am.” he arched an eyebrow “Cover yourself up.” “Bite me.” she grinned, and he nudged her with his elbow, chuckling as they headed down the stairs. Katie was in the kitchen crouched down, hugging a sobbing Rori.

“It’s ok.” she soothed “I forgive you baby.” Rori sniffed and pulled back, as Katie wiped her daughter’s tears with her fingers. “You know me and daddy love you don’t you?” She nodded and looked down at the floor, averting her gaze. “I know.” “Hey…” Emmy cut in, crossing the room and crouching down next to her mum. Katie stood up and looked at Steve who smiled at her. “You know what…when Mom and Dad told me they were having Jamie I got scared too.” “I’m not scared…” Rori said defiantly and Emmy shook her head.

“I’m not saying you are…I mean you’re way braver than me.” she smiled “But I thought having Jamie might mean there was no room for me anymore.” “There’s lots of room.” Rori looked at her confused. “We have a big home.”

“I know that now, but I didn’t at the time.” Emmy smoothed her little sister’s hair back. “I thought Mom and Dad wouldn’t love me as much because I wasn’t actually theirs but they did. And that was almost 10 years ago. I’m still here. And Jamie was so cool as a baby, we got to do loads of fun things, share stuff, play together.”

Rori looked at her sister and then looked down at her feet. “I’m not sharing my toys.” Emmy glanced up at her mom who shook her head, indicating that enough was enough. They’d had an apology and that was fine for tonight. Tempers needed to stay calm and they were in danger of spiralling again.

“Ok….come on.” Steve said, and Rori looked at him, her eyes pleading “Remember what I said.”

With a deep sigh she looked at her mom “Night momma.” she said, her eyes falling to the floor again.

“Night baby.” Katie said, bending down to give her head a kiss. She trudged to the door and looked up at her dad, batting her eyes at him and for a second Katie thought he might waver but he didn’t. Not a chance.

“Nice try.” he said, gesturing into the hall with his head. Rori gave an exasperated groan before she headed to the stairs.

“Sorry, I thought that might help.” Emmy looked round.

“Don’t be.” Katie looked at her “You know what she’s like. It’ll work out.” she rubbed at her eyes before she smiled “You look nice, where are you going?”

“Oh, just to play some pool and grab a burger.” Emmy said, “Brooke’s bringing Josh. I won’t be out long.” “Josh…” Katie mused “Double dating?”

“kinda.” Emmy shrugged “He’s a bit of a douche to be honest but, whatever, she seems to like him.” “Bucky doesn’t” Steve snorted.

“Uncle Bucky doesn’t like a lot of people.”  Emmy laughed and Steve chuckled.

“That’s true.” he admitted as she fished in her pocket for the keys to her BMW convertible, a 21st present from them both. He nodded to them and fixed her with a look “Drive safe.” She rolled her eyes and then grinning saluted him “Yes Captain.” He shook his head and snorted as she passed him in the doorway, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek.

“See you both later.” “Have a good time.” Katie called. Steve watched her go before he turned to his wife and stepped into the kitchen. She fell into his open arms and he kissed her head.

“Why don’t you go put Harry down, then have a bath and get in bed?” he suggested “I’ll spend a bit of time with Jamie before I send him up.”

“You sure?” she asked.

“Course.” he dropped a kiss to her head.

“Ok. That sounds great, I won’t lie.”

He smiled as she stepped back, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and headed out. He followed her with his eyes before he took a deep breath and pushed his worries to the back of the mind and wandered into the den.

“Right son…” he grinned “Fire up the Mario Karts…I’m gonna kick your butt this time.”

“No chance old man!” Jamie grinned, jumping up to switch the game in the console.

*****

An hour and a half or so and 15 round of karts later, Steve was down 6 games to 9, which was an improvement over all. He sighed, tossing the controller down, holding his hands up. “Ok, I yield…”

Jamie grinned “Told ya…”

“Yeah, yeah…” Steve rolled his eyes. “And now I’m telling you, bed time…you can watch TV for half an hour ok?” Jamie let out a little groan but stood up, obeying all the same. He turned off the TV and Stark followed him out of the room. Steve turned off the lights before he closed the door as Jamie turned to him in the hallway. .

“Night dad.” Jamie said, giving him a hug.

“Night bud, don’t forget to say night to your mom too.”

“I won’t.” he nodded, before he bounded off up the stairs.

Steve headed around the house, doing his usual lock down checks before he too made his way up to their room. Katie was sat propped up in bed, looking at her phone.

"You ok?" he asked, walking into their room.

"Yeah..." Katie looked up at Steve, "I'm fine."

"Good." He dropped a kiss to her lips. "What you looking at?"

"I was googling my condition." She shrugged. "Then I decided to change the topic and was looking at names..."

"Any you like?" He asked, seizing the opportunity to talk about something positive to do with their baby. He sat down on the side of the bed, tilting slight so he was facing her, placing one arm over her so his palm was flat on the covers by her hip.

"One...but it's a little old fashioned...but...I really like it" she looked at him a little shyly "Florence"

Steve looked at her for a moment and then then looked to her bump before he peeked back up at her, smiling softly "that was my grandmother's name, on my dad's side."

"I know." She looked at him "I think it’s beautiful. So many things we can shorten it to as well..."

"She was known as Flo." He said, "I never met her...I only know from what Ma told me"

"Well I like Flo or Flossie..." she said, looking down at his hands as her fingers began to play with his.

"Flossie..." Steve played with the name. It was a little unusual, but he liked the way it rolled off his tongue "yeah." He chuckled "Flossie Rogers"

"A 40s movie star name if ever there was one." Katie smiled.

"I think Rori has dibs on the Diva title." He chuckled.

Katie gave a small laugh and looked at where their hands were tangled together again before she glanced up at him, her eyes full of tears. "I'm scared Stevie." She whispered and he sighed, shifting slightly to cup her face with his spare hand.

"I know." He said gently "but you're the strongest person I know. If anyone can get through this, you can."

"I don't feel strong." She whispered

At that Steve took a deep breath and moved, wrapping his arms around her as she lay her head on his shoulder, her face pressing into his neck, her body shaking with silent sobs. He had been waiting for this, the moment she cracked. His hand gently rest on the back of her head, fingers softly tangling in her hair.

"I dont wanna be numb..." she said gently "the thought of them sticking needles into my back...not after..." she gulped and Steve closed his eyes, gently shushing her as he tried to stop his own tears. He knew full well about her fear of needles and anaesthetic which stemmed from the time Hydra had taken her. She had told him all about the fact they had injected her with stuff that left her paralysed from the waist down for hours, just to watch her lose her dignity and control. That was the reason she had refused epidurals for all their kids. The fact she was shouldering this, as well as knowing how she didn't have a choice tore him in two.

“I’ll be with you, the whole time.” he said softly, looking down at her and pressing his forehead to hers. She smiled and nodded, wiping her eyes. “Do you want a drink or anything before I hit the shower?”

“I wouldn’t mind a camomile tea.”  she looked at him.

“Ok.” he dropped a kiss to her head and stood up. He made his way downstairs.

He flipped on the kettle and became that lot in his own thoughts he didn’t hear the security system announce Emmy had come home which was why her voice startled him slightly when she spoke.

"You ok pops?"

Steve spun round to see her watching him carefully as she leaned against the counter, her long hair hung around her heart shaped face, her eyes shining.

“You weren’t out long.” he commented and she shrugged.

“Brooke has an early shift tomorrow. We shot a few games and ate and…well that was it. It was fun.” “Good.” he smiled “Where’s Queens?”

“I dropped him home.” Emmy shrugged and she didn’t need to explain why. She was trying to give him and Katie some peace, which Steve was grateful for.

He took a moment to look at his eldest, taking in not for the first time how pretty she was. With her olive skin, ebony hair and deep brown eyes she looked nothing like him or Katie, which was to be expected as she wasn’t biologically theirs but still, she’d turned into a gorgeous young woman, but what he was most satisfied about was her compassion and drive. She’d aced university, working so hard and was now channelling her skills and her degree into becoming a Child Therapist, working alongside a local Children’s charity which the Stark Relief Fund had set up. Steve had no doubts that she’d end up running the Charity on behalf of SI at some point- she had the drive and passion to do so and she had been adamant since she was 17 that she wanted to work with kids who suffered from abuse, just as she had, using her own experiences to help others.

That he could attribute directly to Katie, and he couldn’t be more proud to do so if he tried.

"I'm fine honey." He said, giving her a small smile and she chuckled.

"Liar."

He sighed "you always call me out on my bullshit. You're like your mother."

She shrugged "There are worse people to be like"

"Very true." He agreed, turning to the kettle as he picked it up and poured hot water over the teabag in the mug.

"Do you think you’ll get any more trouble from Rori?"

“Probably.” Steve licked his lips as he turned back to her. “But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Thank you for trying before by the way. I was a bit surprised you remembered all that to be honest”.

"Course I do." She grinned "I was petrified you wouldn't want me anymore."

Steve shook his head "nothing could have been further from the truth"

"I know" she smiled "know what else I remember like yesterday?"

"The time you punched that jerk in the face at school?" Steve teased and she snorted

"Well yeah but that's not what I was gonna say" she shook her head "I remember the day you got punched in the supermarket. You gave me the adoption papers that afternoon. It was Jamie's birthday. Uncle Tony and Auntie Pep gave me my bracelet with my initials."

Steve beamed "Yeah. Despite the punching that was a good day. You know, we'd had those papers for a week before we told you."

Emmy took a deep breath "I don't think I say this enough but I really am grateful you and mom took me in..."

"Em, you don't need to-"

"I know." she cut him off "But I am. You didn't need to, but you did. And all of us, bump included are the luckiest kids around. You're the best parents any kid could wish for."

Steve felt his eyes misting over and he looked at Emmy, shaking his head "Come 'ere." he smiled and she pushed off the counter and walked towards him, stepping into his embrace "I know it might not seem like it at times with the others being as demanding as they are but we do love you with all our hearts Em." he said, pressing a kiss to her head "You'll always be our first baby."

"Stop it!" she spluttered, stepping back to wipe her eyes.

He smiled and cupped her face before he took a deep breath "Anyway, I meant to ask...you and Queens still going to look at that apartment or..."

Emmy shrugged "It’s not important at the moment”

“Em.” Steve sighed “What’s going on with your mom, we don’t want that to impact on your plans.��

“No, I don’t mean that. Well, ok, that is important but, well,  I'm still training at work and Pete's getting to grips with all the R&D department  at SI so we both kinda said if the right place appears then great, if not...well, we can wait."

"Sensible decision." he nodded, "You only just turned 22, and yes, I know..." he held his hand up to cut off what he knew full well was going to be her protest about wanting to be independent "You want to stand on your own two feet but, this is your home and always will be for as long as you want. And if you're really desperate to be away from the chaos in here, well me and your mom had an idea that maybe we could do the Cabin up."

"That's your man cave." she looked at him.

"I can move my art stuff into the attic or the garage." he shrugged "We could use it and make you a little apartment. Just a thought to keep in mind."

"Pete as well?" she asked and Steve looked at her, cocking his head to one side, taking a deep breath as he nodded.

"Queens as well."

She smiled. "Thanks Dad. Maybe we can talk about it once everything has settled down."

Steve nodded "Sounds like a plan."

"You'd know, after all you are the star span-..."

"Yeah yeah." he cut her off, rolling his eyes "And on that note I'm going to bed." He picked up the mug containing Katie's drink and stooped to give Emmy a peck on the cheek. "See you in the morning sweetie."

"No don't stay up too late?" she quipped in a deep voice as he walked past her. He chuckled and looked back over his shoulder.

"As you keep reminding me..." he dropped his chin to level her with a look "you're a grown ass woman now."

At that she let out a laugh and he smiled, before he left the room. Katie was in the en-suite when he got upstairs so he placed the mug down on her nightstand and then headed over to check on the kids. First off he stopped at Rori’s room and smiled as she was in her bed with Sparkles, her pink unicorn teddy clutched to her chest. He crossed the room and placed a kiss on her head, noting the tear tracks were still evident on her face. He felt a pang of guilt once more for his outburst at her earlier in the evening but really, she had deserved it, and he knew that tomorrow was a fresh start. He flicked off her lamp before he then headed over to check on Harry. He was led flat on his back, the covers tangled around his feet, his stuffed giraffe on the floor as always. Pulling the duvet up around his chin he tucked him in, errant giraffe placed by his side he dimmed thes night slightly, leaving it casting soft illuminated stars onto his ceiling, which was apt really as the boy was an absolute star of a kid. Then he headed over to Jamie’s room, the boy already asleep with Stark led by his feet.

“Down.” he instructed the dog, pointing to the basket in the corner of the room. The mutt gave him a reproachful look before he stood up and gave a huff as he jumped down and padded to his bed. Steve knew full well the dog would be back up there the minute he closed the door on his way out, but at least his conscience was clear when Katie moaned about dog hair on Jamie's quilt. As he turned off Jamie’s TV it struck him how it seemed such a pointless thing to be complaining about all things considered.

Turning off the hall lights he made his way back into their bedroom where Katie was watching something on TV.

“They all ok?”

“Fast asleep” he smiled, pulling unbuttoning his plaid shirt before he tossed it into the hamper. He then shed his jeans and headed into the en-suite for a quick shower before he dried off, pulled on a clean pair of boxers and settled down into bed, Katie snuggling up to him, tossing her leg over his and laying her head on his chest. After a moment or so she moved, her hand dropping to her bump.

“You ok?”

“Yeah she’s kicking…” Katie smiled, “That’s the first time I’ve felt her doing that…she’s just been wriggling up until now.” She took Steve’s hand and he eagerly waited until he felt their baby give another little jab and he felt the grin spread across his face as he felt his daughter move for the first time. He shuffled down a little placing both hands either side of her bump.

“Hey Flossie…” he mumbled, pressing a kiss to the curve of Katie’s belly as her hand tangled into his hair.

“So we’re decided on Florence.” Katie chuckled and he peered up at her, smiling.

“Yeah, I think so.” he nodded, his hand feeling another kick and he gave another smile before he shuffled back upwards and lay on his side, looking at his wife .“Love you.” he said, sliding his nose against hers, seeking out her lips for a soft kiss.

“Love you too” she muttered against his mouth, unwilling to break away as his kiss grew a little more urgent. Eventually he pulled back, pressing his forehead to hers, his eyes closed.

“It’ll all be ok.” he muttered softly.

“You trying to convince me or yourself.” Katie asked.

“Bit of both.” he admitted.

She gave him another soft peck before she turned over, reaching for the remote. Flicking off the TV she shuffled back into his arms, her back pressed to his chest as Steve curled his arm around her, his hand cradling her bump and their precious cargo.

*****

November 2029

Things settled down a little after the initial shock of the news had sunk in. Katie was continuing to have regular scans and their baby was fine. Dr Kellet had suggested that they look to do the operation at 35 weeks, the point at which she was confident their baby would be absolutely fine. With that in mind they were given a provisional date of 9th January, subject to the situation remaining stable.

What didn’t improve, however, was Rori. Whilst there were no more outbursts or temper tantrums, her attitude had changed from one of anger to simple apathy. They’d told the kids what they were going to call their daughter, but Rori wasn’t interested. She wouldn’t talk to Katie’s bump, or feel it like the other kids did, she was just completely and utterly indifferent to the entire situation. And whilst it was better in some ways than her shouting and screaming, Steve could see it was starting to get to Katie which was why he had taken Rori out for the day to give Katie a bit of time where she didn’t have to worry or deal with her, and hopefully try to get the little girl to open up a bit more. She still hadn’t admitted to either of them what she was feeling and every time they tried to talk to her she simply changed the subject.

He’d taken her to the Natural History Museum in Manhattan, treating her to a ride on the subway which always fascinated her. They’d had a lovely afternoon, even if it had been a little cold outside, and she had enthusiastically looked at the exhibits on the dinosaurs and animals, her little face lighting up as she chatted away and completed the activity booklet she had been handed on their way in, tracking all the clues as they went.

There had been no mention of the baby, at all, and as they walked around in the gift shop, Rori browsing, Steve decided to raise it and see if she would talk to him and open up now they were alone and away from the house.

"Shall we pick something for Florence, ready for when she is born?" he asked her as she examined a shelf full of stuffed animals.

Rori looked at her dad and averted her eyes "if you want..."

“Don’t you want?"

She shrugged

“Ok..." Steve sighed, knowing when he was beat. “Come on then, let’s go home.”

Rori turned her eyes to his before he looked at the floor, her sneakers scuffing on the tiles of the gift shop. "I'm sorry..." She whispered, her lower lip wobbling.

“What for?” Steve asked, taking a deep breath as he crouched down and gently brushed her hair out of her eyes, one of his hands gently resting along her rib cage.

“Being mean.”

“You’re not being mean.” he said gently, which was true. She wasn’t. “You’re sad though. I can tell.”

She shrugged again, still avoiding his eyes.

"Why does the baby upset you so much Princess?" He pressed gently. She looked at him, her eyes watering.

"Coz she's gonna take you and momma away from me..."

"Oh Rori..." Steve sighed as her tears trickled down her face. Finally hearing her admit it out-loud meant he could confront it head on, give her the direct re-assurance she needed. "I told you already, that's not gonna happen. Me and momma love you and that's not gonna change." She sniffled as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. "Harry was born after you, did he take us away from you?"

"No." She sniffled.

"So why would the new baby be any different?"

"Coz she's gonna be your new princess. I'm not gonna be special anymore."

Steve felt his heart breaking as Rori began to sob.

"Ok..." he said, picking her up and carrying her out of the shop into the large foyer. She pressed her face into his neck and he gently rubbed her back as she cried whilst he walked them over to a bench at the side of the room where he sat silently with her, gently rocking her as she cried, Katie's words from a few weeks ago echoing in his head.

"She's jealous Steve. And we only have ourselves to blame."

As much as Katie had said “we” she may as well have said “you”. Rori had been his little princess since the day they had found out they were having a girl, and Steve knew he indulged her, because he fucking loved her. He loved her craziness, her sassiness, the way she gave him so much back chat and general attitude...even if it did drive him mad. But most of all he adored the way she looked just like Katie and had inherited her mother's tactile nature. She was always the first to reach him when he got home from work, racing down the hall to fling herself at him. She insisted on sitting on his knee at night as they watched TV, she would crawl into his and Katie's bed between them on a Sunday morning for a cuddle before they got up. He was the one she went to when she had fallen over, unless he was out, and then Katie would suffice but he would get the full sympathy play when he got home. It was the exact role reversal to their two boys who sought Katie out for their bumps and scrapes but came to him for the fun and games. Both parents gave them all different things, which was how it was supposed to be and fuck, Rori would always be his little girl, as would Flossie, and a new baby sister should be filling her heart with love not worry and sadness. As he sat still, she hiccupped slightly, he sobs growing quieter and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I'm gonna tell you something now sweetheart." He said as she tightened the grip her little hands had on his jacket as he continued to gently rock her to and fro "you have no idea how special you are to me and your momma. You know we lost you once..."

"Lost me?" Rori sniffed "how?"

"Remember we told you about the bad man that made Uncle Bucky and Uncle Sam go away...and how your Uncle Tony died with Natasha to bring them back?"

She nodded

"Well when he sent all those people away, you were in your momma's tummy and he made you go away too. We were so upset when we found out."

"But I came back?" She asked, her green eyes wide

"You sure did. You were our little magic baby" He smiled "And when you were born we were so happy to finally meet you because we had waited so long, Rori. And I remember thinking when I held his for the first time how beautiful and perfect you were."

"So I am special?"

"Of course you are" he nodded "I mean how can you not be? Your birthday is the same as your Uncle Tony's and you're named after 2 other very special girls." He smiled as she glanced down at her hands which were now playing with the buttons on his shirt. "Your nanna Sarah and Natasha."

"And Princess Aurora" she looked at him.

"And Princess Aurora" he nodded.

"And I look like Momma." Rori nodded back to him, "which makes me pretty too right Daddy?"

"Absolutely." Steve smiled "your momma is the prettiest woman in the world."

Rori looked at him for a moment before she smiled "Can we go back to the shop please Daddy? I want to get the baby something now."

Steve smiled. "Sure, come on."

She hopped off his lap and they headed back inside to the store, her little hand in his and she led him over to the soft toy section, her eyes roaming the shelves, brow furrowed in concentration.

"What should we get?" She asked, looking up at Steve.

"You pick." He said, looking down at her. "I trust you. You are a princess after all so you know what princesses like..."

She contemplated his words before she glanced back at the shelves, scanning the plush toys. Steve stood patiently before she tugged on his hand and pointed to a zebra which sat on the shelf in her eye-line.

"That one." She said firmly

"Sure?" He asked and she nodded.

"Zebras are like ponies daddy." She said "and all princesses should have a pony"

"Alright. You wanna grab it?" He looked down at her, his spare hand gently cupping her cheek.

She nodded and turned back, plucking one down off the shelf.

"Do you want one?"

"No, I have a Sparkles" she shrugged "Unicorns are much better."

Steve looked at her for a moment, and decided to let her have that little victory.

“I think we should call her Rolfina.” Rori said, handing it to him.

“Rolfina?” he frowned “Where on earth did you hear that?” “Dur, it’s the zebra in Zootopia.” she said and Steve rolled his eyes.

“Course it is.” he mumbled, heading to the till to pay.

***** “Momma!” Rori burst into the living room “Look…”

She held out the toy zebra as she made her way over to where Katie was sat, tapping at her laptop

“Wow!” she smiled, setting the computer down onto the coffee table. “Did you have a nice time?” “Yeah. I did the activity book and we did the treasure hunt and then we bought this…” she paused and Steve leaned in the doorway, bracing himself for her to clam up again but she continued, albeit her voice a little softer “…its for the baby.” Katie hid her shock well, Steve had to give his wife credit.

“She’ll love it.” Katie smiled “You can put it in her room if you like?”

Rori nodded and then hesitated before she climbed up onto the sofa and wrapped her arms around her Mother’s neck. Katie hugged her back and looked at Steve who flashed her a wink as he pushed off the door frame.

“Where are the boys?” “Playing lego in the den.” Katie smiled as Rori pulled back slightly.

“Can I say hi to the baby?” she asked shyly and Katie nodded.

“Of course you can.” Rori wriggled down a little, her cheek pressing to Katie’s bump over her t-shirt. She took a deep breath and spoke in a soft voice. “Hi Flossie…” There was a second pause and Katie felt a jab in her belly and Rori’s head flew up as her eyes widened and she squealed. “Momma she moved!”

“That’s because she heard you baby.” Katie smiled, thanking her lucky stars that Flossie had chosen that exact moment to give a harsh boot. Steve felt his heart swell as he watched Rori return her hands to Katie’s stomach.

“She can hear me?”

“Yeah, she can hear you all.” “So…” Rori sat up a little, her eyes downcast “Will she have heard me say those nasty things when I said I hated her?”

“And she will have also heard you say sorry.” Steve said, sitting down next to her. He wasn’t even going to try to explain that the baby wouldn’t be able to understand a word of what Rori was saying.

“And she knows its me?” Rori asked “For sure?” “For sure.” Rori gave a grin and jumped down running into the hallway.

“Hey losers!” she shouted, heading towards the den “I just talked to the baby and she listened and knows me coz she moved…” Whatever sarcastic reply Jamie shot back died as the door to the den shut and Katie looked at Steve.

“Ok, who is she and where’ the real Diva?” “What can I say, I just have that magic way with my girls…” he grinned. “Hmmm, sure you do.” Katie looked at him and he smiled, leaning over to give her a kiss.

“And maybe Rolfina had something to do with it.” he grinned, picking up the stuffed Zebra.

[redthreadoffate]

two birds, one stone [sonny carisi]

relationship: sonny carisi x pregnant!reader

warnings: mistakes here and there, i have never been pregnant but i do have pcos

requested by: anon

notes: hello dear anon! i know i promised i’d be more confident but this is the last time i will not feel ver confident huhu. i’m not so sure if you’ll like the last part but i did so i hope you do too! if you don’t like it, please tell me so i know what i can work on!

summary: hitting two birds with one stone

Marrying Sonny Carisi wasn't like anything you have ever imagined.

It was so much more.

He was very caring, very kind. He never forced you to do anything you didn't want to do. Of course, that was how he already was even before the wedding vows. But this time, you appreciated it differently.

He was both an old-school and modern man. He knew how to treat a lady, how to treat his own wife. But he also knew that you had your own needs, that you wanted to make your own living. Yes, he provided, provided really well, but that didn't mean that you didn't have to.

You were a teacher in a special needs school not far from his office. He would walk you there and pick you up...that is, if he wasn't working overtime. There were times when you would ride the car but you've been so used to walking that you were able to convince him to do it more often.

You hated it when he was stuck in the office. If you were to be very honest, you'd rather have him work at home. At least you can pamper him, just like how he pampers you.

"I may have to work overtime today," he told you when you reached the school building.

"What? Why?" You pouted, gripping his hand tighter.

"This case is a pain in the ass," he said, half-chuckling, half-groaning. "Hoping that everything will be resolved soon."

You nodded. "Yeah, you need some rest."

Suddenly, there was an uncomfortable feeling in your body. It made you gag a little, tripping slightly. Sonny caught you and placed one hand on your shoulder, the other hand let go of yours and held your waist.

"Are you okay?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.

You placed the back of your hand by your lips and nodded slowly. "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit...dizzy, I think."

"You had breakfast, didn't you? I was right there beside you. Do you need something sweet? I always have some candies in my bag." The hand on your shoulder reached for the pocket of his messenger bag. "Maybe you should take the day off. Call in that you're sick. They wouldn't want their students to get sick, too, right? You can come with me to work, I can take care of you and—"

"Sonny," your hands cupped his face, "I'm fine. Maybe I just need that candy. I'm okay, don't worry." You kissed him. "If I feel anything, I'll call you. Okay?"

He frowned. "I'm just worried, y/n."

You shook your head. "It's just a small issue." You smiled. "My husband the worrier."

He grinned. "God, that's the best thing I've heard the whole day."

You kissed him. "I'll see you later, okay?"

He nodded. Another kiss and he watched you enter the school.

You had to admit that you really weren't feeling all that well the whole day. But you hadn't wanted to worry Sonny.

During the lunch break, you and a few other co-teachers were talking amongst yourselves. Well, except you. You were quiet and holding your stomach, your head resting on the palm of your hand.

"Are you okay?" one asked.

"Yeah," you answered, a small smile on your lips, "just a little light-headed."

"Have you been feeling that for a while?" another asked.

"Not really. Just this morning."

One of them hummed. "It's still too early but maybe you should take a pregnancy test sometime soon."

Your jaw dropped. "Pregnancy test?"

"Yeah, it's not impossible. You're married, surely you've done adult-rated things."

You blushed at the memory of the weekend. "I suppose."

"If you're still feeling it for a few days, maybe you could try," they suggested.

With a nod. "Okay, I'll give it a try."

Dismissal came. But as usual, you were still stuck in the school premises to prepare for the next day and any other extra activities. At some point, you had to take a breather before returning to your work. And because of the constant breaks, it took you some time to finish.

When you were finally done, you readied yourself for the walk home alone. Until, that is, you saw Sonny talking to one of your co-teachers by the gate.

As you approached, your co-teacher waved at you. Sonny turned around and a huge grin on his face.

"Thanks for keeping me company," he said to him when once you reached the area.

"Don't worry about it. I'll see you tomorrow, y/n." And he left.

Sonny opened his arms and locked you in a tight hug. "How's my wife?".

"Eh," you began your answer with a shrug, "could be better."

He frowned. "Still hasn't gone away?"

"Bouts from time to time."

"I'm bringing you to the hospital."

You shook your head. "Sonny, it's fine. It's probably just the heat." But at the back of your mind, maybe you will take that pregnancy test soon. "Why are you here anyway? I thought you were going to work overtime."

"I was so worried about you," he answered as he wrapped an around your waist. "Come on, let's go home."

Two weeks and three pregnancy tests later, you were sitting on your bed and contemplating, mostly about your future life decisions and choices.

You were holding all three tests and you looked at them all from time to time, just to make sure. But yup, there it was. There was a sign.

You were pregnant.

Okay. Okay. No big deal.

Think, y/n, think.

You were going to need to make sure that these pregnancy tests are accurate. But you couldn't do it without the help of Sonny. You needed his support. Hospitals and clinics made you jittery. You couldn't go alone.

But at the same time, you really wanted to surprise him.

Could there be any way to do so?

Laying down with your hands on your stomach, you licked your lips. What was that thing that you heard from your friend? She wasn't pregnant but she did have to go to the OB-GYNE. It started with the letter P…PCOS!

That's it.

You felt bad that you were going to use something serious to help surprise your husband. But then again, you're going to hit two birds with one stone. Pregnancy surprise. And PCOS check. Not bad at all.

When Sonny arrived home, you were sitting on the couch watching some TV with a tub of ice cream on your lap. A spoonful of the flavorful milk had just entered your mouth.

"Hey, sweetheart," he greeted, kissing your cheek. "How are you feeling?"

You hummed as you licked the spoon clean. "Doing okay."

Sonny sat beside you and took the spoon from your hand. He scooped a piece and ate it with much gusto. "That's a good way to end the day. You know what's even better?" He smirked.

You rolled your eyes and got the spoon back. "I was thinking of going to the doctor."

He leaned forward and checked your forehead with his hand. "Is it getting worse?"

"Oh no, not about that. I've just been hearing that women should be checked for PCOS. There's nothing to lose if I do. It's just a precaution."

Sonny nodded. "Okay. No harm will be done. Want me to go with you?"

You nodded vigorously. "You know I get jittery." And I want you to be there if it's true. "When are you free? So that I can schedule an appointment."

"The day after tomorrow?"

"Sounds great."

The next day was a long one. But you stayed up and kept yourself busy while your husband was at work. After informing the school that you needed to go on leave until tomorrow, you really had nothing better to do than watch TV and eat more ice cream.

So when the day after finally arrived, you were nervous. The whole car ride was tense. Sonny seemed even tenser than you did. Did he know?

When you reached the area, you were waiting for your turn as you filled out the form. Your name was then called and you and Sonny entered.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Carisi. You're here for—oh! Oh, I see. Two birds with one stone," the doctor said with a chuckle. "Come right this way." She led you to a room and asked you to lay down on the bed.

As you prepared, Sonny asked what the doctor meant by two birds with one stone. "Is there something else you're not telling me?" You didn't bother answering.

"I'll be sticking this inside you," she showed the equipment, "and let's see what we can find."

You nodded. Your spread legs were cold and you kind of wished that this would be over with. But you were also waiting for the surprise.

You held Sonny's hand and smiled at him. "This is it," you whispered.

He raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

After fiddling around, the doctor smiled. "Good news, Mrs. Carisi, no signs of a cyst. However, please continue to observe any symptoms that were listed on the sheet. There's a flyer by the entrance in case you would like to see them again.”

"Thank you, doctor."

She smiled. "One more look?"

"Much appreciated," you said, trying to act natural. 

Again, the doctor fiddled as she looked at the monitor. "Well, would you look at that." She grinned.

Sonny looked at the monitor. "What's that?"

You covered your mouth with one hand. "So it's true."

"Congratulations," the doctor said cheerily.

Sonny looked at you. "We're...we're...we...we're having a...a...b-b-baby?"

You nodded. It was an awkward position to be in but you were too happy to care. "Yeah, we are."

"Let's get you in position before we celebrate," the doctor said, helping you fix yourself and out of the bed. "Congratulations again, you two. I'm really happy for you."

Sonny wrapped his arms around you and gave you a tight squeeze. "We're having a baby."

"We are." You smelled his scent. "We are."

tagging: i honestly don’t know

[mischiefapprentice]

2: Birth of the Goblin’s Bride

March 1, 2004

Christine Wayland

It has been seven months since I have been saved by a mysterious man from death. The prospect of me dying along with my unborn child gives me chills; it will be my eternal regret. I have prayed to the Divinity for such gift, and it has been granted. What strikes me the most is that he have predicted that my baby will be a girl. How would he know it? How can he foresee what my baby's gender would be? Is he a wizard? A goblin? An astrologer?

No matter. I am forever grateful to him. How should I repay him for saving me and my child from sudden death? He deserves to be thanked. My husband and I are forever indebted to him. Where can we find him? How can we express our gratitude to him?

"Love, is she still bothering you?" My husband chuckles as he wraps his arms around us. Michael is really a sweet man; he never ceased to make me laugh. "No, she's sleeping inside. Don't bother her, you might make her angry." I joked. Suddenly, I feel my water breaking. Oh no. "Love, are you okay?" Michael suddenly comes to my rescue. He sees water streaming down my legs. She's going out! "MICHAEL! MY WATER BROKE!"

He prepares everything we need to bring to the hospital as he calms men. He calls his brother to drive us to the hospital.

"One last push!"

It has been 5 straight hours since the start of my delivery. My husband was always at my side, soothing me as I kept pushing. She's arriving, I thought to myself. She'll be the most loved baby in the world!

"I can see the head now!" The doctor tells us. I kept pushing, motivated with thoughts of seeing my child grow with love and happiness. Michael held my hand, whispering sweet nothings to me. "She's nearing, love. You can do this!"

After giving few more pushes, hearing my baby's cries made me cry with joy. Michael beams at me, smiling his widest I have seen.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Wayland! You have a beautiful and healthy bouncing baby girl!" Our OB-Gyne says to us.

The midwife brings our beautiful daughter to us, swaddled in pink cloth. Her brown eyes are staring back at me, as if she were memorizing my face. Michael smiles at us, and kisses my forehead as he caressed our daughter. "She's got your beauty, love." He remarked. I chuckle as I share the smile he has. "She got your eyes, love." I tell him.

Silence envelopes us as we stare at the window. We see the moon shining its brightest, with weak streams of pink light surrounding it. A pink moon meant prosperity for the spring seasons to come; harvests increase tenfold, many farmers prosper as their crops and grains are on demand. How coincidental; our girl was born during its peak. She's a blessing, indeed.

"What would our daughter's name be?" He asks me. I haven't thought of it yet, though we made a list of all possible names for her. A small memory flashed through my mind.

"Hey Chrissy! How're you today?" My friend Abigail smiles at me as I come closer to our special area.

Abigail Lauren is one of my closest friends back in college. We are one of the top students in the class, and we were known around the school. She is also the girl who set me up with Michael.

"Here, just doing fine. Gosh, I can't believe we are about to graduate in two weeks!" I sigh in exhaustion. Just in time, Michael comes with four water bottles, and he has brought a friend with him. Michael and I are in a relationship already. Don't worry, nothing happened between us yet. Our promises are not to do frisky things while we are still studying.

"Hey, Chis, how are you?" Michael wiggles his eyes at me, much to my annoyance. Well, I love him so much but his face really annoys me. And the nickname? What am I? A cheese? Bah! But don't worry, I have a rebuttal to make. "I'm great, Microphone." I roll my eyes at my boo. I laugh as he pouts at my nickname for him.

Since then, Abigail really is one of our greatest friends. There was this one event that really changed our lives: my first near-death experience. I was looking for a donor for my heart when she donated hers for me to live.

I remember Michael telling me his final words when my doctor found me a donor. They never mentioned who did, until I heard the news Abby died. She sacrificed her life for my sake, and we are forever indebted to her.

"Abigail." "What?" "I'm naming her Abigail, after our friend." I tell my husband. He smiled and nodded in agreement. Our bestie deserves to be recognised, and naming our daughter after her would be dedication.

"She'll be like her. She'll learn the values of love, friendship, and sacrifice. She'll be the smartest woman in the world." He tells me, tears streaming down his eyes.

"From now on, we name you... Abigail." I whisper.

       Loki

Seven months have passed, but still my mind lingers on her and the child she bears. Has she given birth? Is the child doing fine? I know it is a grave mistake to meddle with the cycle of life, but I cannot bear to see a woman cry because of her loss. I also knew the feeling of loosing someone you love.

"Uncle Loki, you seem to be in deep thought." I turn to see Arnie Jason by my door. He clearly hasn't slept yet. "Arnie? Why are you still up? Isn't it past your bedtime already?" I ask as he settles by my side. He lets out a small yawn. "I cannot sleep, Uncle. Can you tell me your story again?"

I smile at his adorableness. Arnie likes the story of how I met the Avengers, though it is quite not a good one. I must admit, I missed them. If I didn't fall into Thanos's hands, maybe I am working with them now. Maybe I didn't stumble onto this quest.

       "Sir, what are you thinking about?" I turn to see William with two cups of Earl Grey tea. He knows when I am stressed with different things. "Oh, it's nothing. Thank you for the tea."

Even I already have my tea with me, I still cannot get my mind off her. Something really tells me that the child she carries is my bride! But, how can I know if she really is the one? What signs do I have to look for? "Are you thinking about your bride?" William asks me. I chuckle and nod. He really knows when I think about her.

"You see, Will, I cannot help but think about the pink moon last night. It was stated that she will be born during its peak. Tell me: would I meet her soon?" I ask him as he lays his cup on the table.

"That, sir, is one question I cannot answer. Let destiny meet you; let her cross your way. She's nearby, I assure you."

       Anonymous

"What do you mean the bride is born already?"

The woman clad in her red robes stared at the window. She was aware of the Goblin and his Bride, and the chance when they meet. However, she wants it not to happen; she'd want to see him suffer than be in peace.

"Today's the peak of the pink moon on Earth, sire. It was stated in the prophecy that she will be born during its peak." Her enchanter tells her as he casts multiple events that showed the Goblin's bride being alive.

She sighs.

"Find a way to make her disappear from earth. Assassinate the bride and her family."

[mugglemd]

Is it true na if I take saridon and coke as the panulak, it will lessen the chances of getting pregnant? Wala naman kasi tayo dito sa pinas na morning after pills e. Can you recomment what to do at home para maiwasan yung unwanted pregnancy aside from using condom and pills? Ang dami ko rin nababasa sa internet na mga foods to eat para raw bumana chance, is that even true? Same thing with coffee? We just had sex yesterday, May 20. He pulled out before pa man siya labasan. Please help.

Hi! Thank you for your question. Wala po scientific basis yung mga un. For ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy, family planning pa din po ang most effective. Abstinence and if hindi talaga, condom is the most accessible way. And dapat kasama kayong dalawa ng partner mo para maeducate kayo pareho. You can consult your OB Gyne specialist para massess ka ng most effective para sayo. :)

ASK ME ANYTHING

[littlemissfutile-blog]

Happy Birthday, Love!

Happy 26th birthday! I know I sent you a message and a slideshow as soon as the clock struck 12 on the day of your 26th birthday but that message was actually just an excerpt of my real message to you. I didn’t know that until I found myself typing this message half an hour past 5pm of your birthday. We’re still in quarantine and I badly wanted to see you.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for you. You’ve been very kind, thoughtful and patient with me. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve your love. I thank you for saving me. Saving me from those thoughts that drown me every night. Those thoughts that creep up my mind and and leave me feeling empty. You saved me from those thoughts that visit me every single night until you came along. I’ve always asked God to bless me with someone I can talk to and be myself with. You see, I was never a talker or someone who would share every thought that pops into her mind but boy, you made me feel relieved. Having someone to talk to wasn’t so bad after all. It’s even quite nice. 

People might find you funny, a bad boy and most of the time annoying. I honestly did to! But days and months passed of talking to you, knowing you even more and being with you, I’ve come to say that yes, you are indeed funny and annoying. Haha. They, myself included, saw you as a bad boy since you’re one of our few classmates who smokes. I know, poor association. What they didn’t know, however, was that you’re a softy. I don’t know if you would agree because you’d always say that you’re a gangster. You’re a momma’s boy and that’s why I’ve come to love you. You are one gentle giant and you have so much respect to people you love. You always prioritize the comfort of others. You complain of untoward situations but shrugs it off and go with the flow. Your patience amazes me. You have greatly dealt with my mood swings, rants and sulkiness. I’m sorry for being such a pain in the ass. You have proven yourself day by day and I cannot be more delighted with my decision to say yes to you on that one summer night.

You are destined to be successful. I know you will. You were more diligent and more eager to learn than me. You were not the type to be late in class and you were rarely absent. You’ve got your priorities straight. Yes, you may have stumbled along the way but you picked yourself up and never allowed yourself to stumble again. I am proud of you. You always have that dream which is what I admire about you. As of this moment, I believe you’d want to be a surgeon. Know that I will always be by your side rooting for you. And some day when experiences lead you to another department or path different from Surgery, I would still be here to support. Who knows, maybe you would want to be in OB-Gyne after all? HAHA. Kidding aside, keep pushing forward. You have so much potential in you. I see your compassion for the patients and your willingness to learn without counting the cost. You will go far, I know it. Hang in there.

I love you, Raymund Angelo. More than I could ever imagine. You are my answered prayer. Happy 26th birthday, love!