Sorry to keep you all waiting and sorry I haven't kept up with thanking you all individually. I hope you all know how much I appreciate your feedback and encouragement! Again I'm not feeling on top of my game and I've started school, so updates will remain sporadic. But please enjoy and I promise to include more Sadie next chapter, as well as Sam in the future.

Also I'm not including AOU in this story, but I liked the hammer scene, so I thought that'd be a fun addition since they would totally do this anyways.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers.

Steve glances at the bunch of flowers in his hand as he walks through the door. A variety of baby blues, light pinks, soft yellows, and dapples of white rest together in a cellophane wrapper, tied with a neat satin bow. The sight of the geraniums, forsythias, English daisies, crocus, baby's breaths, dittany's, camellias, and day lilies brings warmth to Steve's chest as he remembers each meaning the flowers represent. Marital affection, anticipation, heavenly bliss, celebration, gratitude, and pregnancy. Everything these flowers represent neatly articulate Steve's feelings about their latest adventure in life. For Steve, having a family with Adrianna and Sadie is more than he could have ever dreamed of. Adding another member just further blows his mind. With their impending announcement to be made tonight with their friends, Steve wants to ensure Adrianna knows how utterly joyous he is.

Abby greets Steve first, running up and licking his hands before he quickly pulls the bouquet out of her mouth's reach. It'd be a shame to lose those wonderful blooms just before giving them to Adrianna. Steve smiles and pats the dog affectionately, feeling her wiggle beneath his touch as she struggles to contain her excitement. The former stray was certainly never meant to be anywhere but with a family.

"Daddy's home!" Sadie exclaims as she bounds down the stairs and into her father's arms. For his part, Steve catches her in one arm expertly. He's quick to plant a kiss on her head as he says hello and she asks, "Are those for mommy?"

"They most certainly are, bear." Steve confirms, "Where's mom at?"

"She's in bed, the baby's making her not feel very good." Sadie explains. Her eyes drift from his as she briefly considers an idea before looking back and suggesting, "I think mommy needs a hug. And soup."

"I bet you're right. You should be a doctor sweetie," Steve tells her with a grin. Though she obviously can't become a doctor just yet, Steve means the sentiment wholeheartedly. Sadie can be whatever she wants when she grows up and he'll encourage her pursuits 100%.

"Okay daddy," Sadie says with a beaming smile, "Can I go practice now?"

"Sure, go right ahead." Steve sets her down and Sadie scampers off to play with her doctor kit that Bruce and Dahlia got her a few months ago.

Meanwhile, Steve heads to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase before they begin to wilt. After removing the wrapper, Steve fills up the glass and sets the bunch inside, adjusting the flowers as needed until they're presented just right. Once he's satisfied, Steve goes upstairs to check on Adrianna and hopefully get her feeling better. She's managed to make it through work all week, but perhaps it was too much activity for her. It'll be something for the two of them to adjust to, that's for sure. Steve takes the stairs up to his and Adrianna's room, finding his wife just where Sadie told him. She's laying in bed, reading a book she's probably studied hundreds of times during her pregnancy with Sadie. The loose fitting dress she's wearing does little to hide her stomach as she lays there, but with no one to hide the surprise from Adrianna is unconcerned.

"Hey babe," Steve greets warmly. Adrianna sets her book down on her stomach, open to whatever page she was on, and smiles up at him as he approaches the bed.

"You're back," Adrianna says as he makes himself comfortable beside her. An arm encircles her shoulders as she asks, "Where did you get off to? I was kind of sad to see you weren't here this morning..."

"Aw you actually missed me?" Steve replies, earning a playful glare from Adrianna. He kisses her head and affectionately brushes her arm with his fingertips, "I wanted to do something nice for you. That's all."

"Steve," Adrianna draws his name out, whining. "You didn't have to do that."

"No, but I wanted to." Steve insists. "But what's this I hear about you not feeling well?"

"Ah. You spoke with Sadie," Adrianna chuckles, "I'm fine now. I was just really tired and nauseous this morning. Nothing unexpected."

"Alright but if we need to have a talk with little bird then let me know. We'll set some ground rules." Steve laughs along with Adrianna, who tucks her head into the crook of his neck and rests a hand protectively on her abdomen.

"So strict already. He's not even born yet and you're planning on bossing him around."

"Who says it's a boy?" Steve asks curiously. He hadn't really contemplated the baby's gender before. Though he wouldn't care either way, Steve had subconsciously assumed another girl was on its way. Actually thinking it may be different than his expectations caught him off guard.

"I just have a feeling," Adrianna shrugs. "But don't take my word for it. That all can change when we actually get evidence."

Steve nods and hugs Adrianna close. He mindlessly draws circles on her arm as he holds his wife for a minute. A boy or girl. Steve can't decide which is better. Both are great possibilities. What about both? Steve's stomach rises to his throat at the thought. One baby on the way is hard to wrap his mind around as it is, but two or even more makes his heart stop. Steve pushes the intrusive, though not entirely unwelcome, thoughts away for now in favor on focusing on his wife.

"Feel up to going downstairs for your surprise and some lunch?" Steve asks her. Adrianna happily nods.

"Absolutely," She responds, "Lead the way Captain."

Steve still gets goosebumps whenever Adrianna calls him that. He almost doesn't get up from bed, it's all too tempting to kiss her senseless right then and there. But they've been distracted enough. So he and Adrianna leave the room together and head back to the kitchen. Adrianna immediately spots the colorful arrangement sitting on the table, and her hands fly to her face.

"Steve they're beautiful!" She cries, looking up to him and revealing ready eyes. His wife hurries to examine the flowers, gingerly touching each petaled stem as she places their kind and meaning. Sniffling alerts Steve that his gift has perhaps worked too well.

"Are you crying? Oh Addie, honey..." Steve feels a weight in his chest and he rushes to get a tissue into her hands. Adrianna accepts the paper and dabs at her eyes and nose with a laugh.

"I'm okay Steve, honestly. I'm just happy," Adrianna says with a watery grin. "Pregnant women cry. A lot. Over stupid things sometimes. This isn't stupid, but it's incredibly sweet and you're the best!"

Steve is caught off guard for the second time as Adrianna's lips crash into his. Instead of him kissing her senseless, it's the other way around. With his eyes closed and their bodies pressed together, it's easy for Steve to get lost in Adrianna as her lips meld with his and her fingers weave along the nape of his neck. He's vaguely aware Adrianna knocked him off balance and sent his back lurching into the wall, that he's holding her hips as though she'll keep his knees from buckling. When they part, Steve mindlessly follows her, hungering for more and regretting the cool air hitting his lips as she ducks her head into his neck.

"Thank you, love. I don't know what I've done to deserve you," Adrianna murmurs into his collar.

"I have a whole list somewhere," Steve chuckles breathlessly, his voice decidedly huskier than before, as he licks his lips. Adrianna laughs and shoves herself away from him. She looks up at Steve and shyly bites her bottom lip before looking again at the flowers. Steve isn't sure how it's possible, but in this moment he's positive they've both become silly, lovestruck teenagers. As he regains his bearings, Steve watches Adrianna's expression switch from that soft, loving smile to something more contemplative. Instinctively, Steve reaches out and rests a hand on her shoulder.

"What's on your mind, Birdie?"

"I'm just wondering about tonight," Adrianna says passively. She shrugs and looks back at Steve, "I'm not sure how everyone's going to take it. With everything that's happened you know?"

"I can see how that's worrisome." Steve replies understandingly. This is big news to drop after such a stressful couple of months. "But I think everything will work out great tonight. Our friends are always supportive, they've always been there for us. They'll be happy to hear our news, even if it's so soon. We could all use some good news."

"I knew it was silly..." Adrianna chuckles and hugs Steve again, arms securing around his waist. She smiles up at him, "Thank you."

"You don't need to feel your concerns are silly. I certainly don't," Steve says softly. He kisses her forehead as her chin rests on his chest, "But you're welcome. I'm only happy so long as you're happy."

"Alright, well same here. Let's get started on lunch."

"Whatever, man. It's a trick!" Clint exclaims while lounging against Tony's tan leather love seat. He and the other Avengers and company sit around a glass coffee table sharing drinks, facing Thor's mighty hammer. Adrianna sits in Steve's lap, snug in his arms, as the God of Thunder merely smiles at Clint's skepticism.

"Be my guest," Thor mildly challenges, gesturing to the hammer which sits facing down. Jane couldn't make it for tonight's festivities, nor her friend Darcy, but that wasn't stopping Thor from enjoying everyone's company.

"Really?" Clint raises a brow and Thor nods. He gets up from his seat, handing Natasha some drum sticks he'd been fiddling with. She and Maria share a quick glance, already predicting the archer's outcome. But neither make a move to stop him, both seem eager to see Clint look a little foolish. Adrianna chuckles as she looks back to the hammer, watching Clint nonchalantly make his approach.

"Clint, you've had a tough week. We won't hold it against you if you can't get it up," Tony says with a smirk. Everyone snickers, Adrianna can feel Steve holding back more bubbles of laughter in his chest as Clint wraps his hand around the hammer.

"You know I've seen this before right?" Clint states, looking at Thor who nods in the affirmative. Thor watches from his chair with nothing but genuine amusement behind his bright eyes, also awaiting the same outcome as Natasha and Maria.

"Think he'll do it?" Adrianna whispers in her husband's ear, not taking her eyes off their friends. Steve shrugs in response, not favoring a 'yes' or a 'no.'

"Guess we'll find out," He replies in a hushed tone. His fingers wrap around hers and she squeezes them in response, both watching in anticipation. Because they sit beside Thor on the same couch, he hears their conversation and playfully winks at them.

Clint tries his hardest, grunting and pulling as hard as he can, but as expected the hammer doesn't budge. He finally gives up with a breathy laugh, confounded.

"I don't know how you do it!" He complains, retreating back to his spot. Natasha pats him on the shoulder consolingly, smirking. He simply shakes his head and continues to mutter about the possible illusions behind the trick, though none of them sound very convincing.

"Can I try?" Dahlia asks, standing up eagerly. Thor gives his permission and she quickly takes her place. She wraps her nimble hands around the hammer's handle, one hand going through the leather loop at the end, and pulls. Dahlia even braces a foot against the table, with Tony verbally complaining, and pulls again but nothing gives. She takes a deep breath afterwards and glances at Thor with a red lipped pout.

"You make it look so easy." She says as she sits with Bruce on a large ottoman. Her boyfriend wraps his arm around her shoulder and she rests a hand on his knee.

"Come on, it can't be that difficult." Tony teases from his place between Pepper and Rhodey. Pepper rolls her eyes, already anticipating the trouble Tony will get in. Adrianna laughs softly as Clint quickly addresses the billionaire.

"Please, Tony, by all means..." He gestures over to the hammer and Tony obliges.

"Never one to shrink from an honest challenge," Tony responds as he confidently approaches the hammer, smoothing out his black jacket. Everyone groans at his joke but he ignores them. "It's physics."

He looks to Thor as he grabs the handle, presumptously asking, "So if I lift it, I then rule Asgard?"

"Yes, of course." Thor affirms. Tony nods and focuses back on the task at hand.

"I will be reinstituting Prima Nocta," He says before giving the hammer a good tug. Surprisingly, Tony quickly gives up, realizing he doesn't have the strength to complete his task alone.

"Be right back," Tony says as he jogs downstairs.

"Tony," Pepper calls after him, shaking her head with an exasperated though amused sigh as Tony ignores her.

He quickly returns with one of the Iron Man suit gloves and puts that over his hand before continuing. Before anyone can object, he fires the glove up and gets to work tugging the hammer, using all his extra strength. Still, nothing amazing happens. That's when he enlists Rhodey's help.

"Are you even pulling?" Rhodey huffs, also having donned his signature blue glove.

"Are you on my team?" Tony responds irritably.

"Just represent, fool!" His friend urges.

Not even their combined forces can make Mjilnor move. And next to step up to the plate is Bruce, who softly approaches the hammer. He takes hold and makes a big show of pulling, grunting, and finally roaring as menacingly as he can, as though he's Hulking out. Instead of screams or laughter, Bruce receives a largely silent response. Though Addie, Steve, Natasha, and Dahlia smile over the affair.

"Eh," Bruce shrugs.

"Go on Steve," Adrianna encourages her husband, now genuinely wondering if the nicest man she's ever known is able to lift Thor's hammer. Steve shakes his head.

"Nah, I probably shouldn't..."

"Oh come on you punk," Bucky says as he lightly shoves his friend's shoulder, smirking. "You can't possibly embarrass yourself worse than Tony -I mean- everyone else has."

"Watch it Barnes," Tony warns, "I know where you live."

"He has a point," Thor says, though he seems awfully secure after everyone's previous attempts. Adrianna smiles and gets up, grasping Steve's hand and gently tugging him up while the others insist he at least try.

Steve finally gives in and looks at Adrianna and Bucky, "Fine, but this is on you guys."

He steps over to the hammer with Bucky and Adrianna softly cheering him on. Adrianna sits beside Bucky and watches as Steve rolls up his dark blue sleeves. She and Bucky hold hands, both squeezing the other's in suspense. Steve firmly wraps his hands around the hammer handle, adjusting his grip ever so slightly. Finally, Steve takes a deep breath and then pulls, veins bulging in his arms. The table squeaks and Adrianna is positive the hammer moved, just a touch, from Steve's efforts. She looks over at Thor, catching his once confident expression switch to one of genuine concern. When Steve gives up, Thor lets out a shaky, relieved laugh.

Steve returns to the sofa and Adrianna pats his chest, excitedly whispering, "You almost gave Thor a heart attack."

"That hammer almost gave me one," He laughs, breathing a little heavier than before. Adrianna chuckles and nestles into his arms again as Bucky takes his turn, Steve having goaded him into it. Even with his enhanced metal arm the soldier is unable to sway the hammer.

Bruce looks over at Natasha and gestures her to take a turn. Natasha shakes her head, taking a swig of her beer. She smiles pointedly as she cryptically answers, "I already know the answer to that one."

"She can lift it," Adrianna whispers. Steve looks at her skeptically, but ultimately smiles and nods. No one challenges Natasha either way. Natasha may be able but too worried about being considered, and thus profoundly confirmed, unworthy of such honor. Pepper, Adrianna, and Maria also ultimately turn down the challenge, effectively putting an end to the shenanigans and leaving Thor the victor.

"Whosoever has Thor's fingerprints is, I think, the literal translation." Tony amends, likely to save his wounded pride.

"Yes, well that's a very interesting theory. I have a simpler one." Thor says as he stands and effortlessly retrieves Mjilnor, mockingly flipping the hammer before catching it. He smiles wide and bright as he cheekily says, "You're all not worthy."

Everyone begins to settle down again afterwards, listening to some music Tony has Jarvis playing in the background over the room's speakers. Adrianna idly listens as the friends converse. Dahlia and Bruce start asking Steve about how he's feeling, both doctors pleased to hear that he's healing well. Rhodey and Bucky discuss their difficulties keeping their best friends in one piece, sharing stories and mutually understood laughs. Maria, Pepper, and Natasha talk about their plans for the next few weeks. Natasha and Clint are going to lay low for a while until the media attention surrounding them dies down some. Maria plans on working with Tony by helping the Avengers from the tower now and by recruiting and training both new and old agents. Tony also reveals plans to relocate the Avengers to a more secure base, he just needs to convert some old warehouses to do so. Clint and Tony continue to pester Thor about the hammer, neither believing his explanations.

But the conversations don't hold Adrianna's attention for long. Just like her husband, she's easily distracted by the latest development in their lives, one that's still in production. She can't help but smile as she ponders over the next coming months. She and Steve are already making plans for that spare room in the house and she can't wait to turn that blank canvas into a cozy nursery. It's enough work to tire her already and she's only thinking about it. Adrianna tries, but fails, to stifle a yawn.

"Hey Adrianna?" Dahlia's voice snaps Adrianna to attention. She looks over at her dark haired friend, finding her and Bruce a little concerned. "You okay? You're usually not this quiet. Or... exhausted."

"Oh, yeah. I'm great," Adrianna replies, smiling genuinely. Adrianna sits up a little, trying to stretch the sleepiness away. "I was just thinking, is all."

"Seems serious if it's got you drifting off like that," Bruce comments with a soft laugh. He adjusts his glasses and smiles, making her wonder if he already suspects something. Adrianna wouldn't be surprised, he is a doctor after all.

"I wouldn't say it's serious," Steve answers, automatically knowing what's on her mind. Adrianna knows that's what he's been thinking about all night too. Steve glances at her as he slyly smiles, "But it is important."

"Excuse me. What's more important than me?" Tony remarks as he and the others focus their attention on the couple.

"What isn't?" Clint snickers, earning a light slap on the shoulder from Natasha, though she smiles in equal amusement as everyone else laughs.

"First of all, I don't appreciate the sarcasm. Second of all, what happened to your drink Sunshine? I thought I filled like two seconds ago." Tony says, blatantly ignoring everyone's amusement.

"Oh, I gave it to Steve," Adrianna says absently. Tony raises a brow as he collects her glass.

"Well... that sounds very unlike you. What gives? You're not pregnant are you?" Tony teases, his laughter now melding with the others. Upon Adrianna and Steve's silence, however, the room grows quiet. Tony's eyes widen as he tilts his head in confusion.

"Wait. You're not saying no."

"Does this mean what I think it means?" Clint asks excitedly, while everyone begins smiling in realization.

"Yep, Addie's pregnant." Steve says proudly, pulling his wife even closer to him.

The mood in the room is instantly celebratory, with several of their friends declaring that they had suspected so and the rest exclaiming "it's about time." As the couple stands, they're instantly swarmed with hugs and pats on the back. Adrianna is relieved she's able to hold back her tears as everyone congratulates them.

"I'm going to be an uncle!" Bucky excitedly exclaims as he takes his turn hugging his friends.

"You're already an uncle, doofus." Adrianna laughs into his shoulder. He steps back and smiles, not the slightest bit disturbed or swayed by her teasing.

"Fine, I get to be an uncle again." Bucky amends, "This time I get to be there from the beginning though."

"I'll allow it," Steve says agreeably.

"I was wondering when you were going to tell everyone," Pepper says as she kisses Adrianna's cheek.

"Wait a second. You knew! And you didn't tell me?" Tony frowns.

"Technically, so did Jarvis." Pepper teases.

"You too, Jarvis?" Tony complains, "Is there no one I can trust above all else to spill everyone's secrets?"

"I apologize, sir. They made me promise." The AI responds.

"It's true," Adrianna admits, "Thanks for not spoiling it though, Jarvis."

"My pleasure, ma'am."

"You've all corrupted him," Tony groans as he returns to the bar. "Don't expect a long maternity leave, missy."

At that point, the women take over the upstairs seating area while the men head down to the bar after Tony. After they've taken their seats, Thor pulls a flask from his inner coat pocket. He explains that it's a special alcohol from his home in Asgard, not meant for mortal men.

"I knew tonight would be a perfect night to share this with you. It's Asgardian mead," Thor says as he deftly fills Steve's drinking glass. Just as Steve takes a sip, Thor teases as he takes a swig too, "I congratulate you on your virility my friend."

Steve nearly chokes on his drink, coughing violently as the liquid burns his throat and chest. Bucky laughs loudly as he pats him on the back, attempting to help out his friend but ultimately failing.

"Ah, it's just like old times." Bucky grins.

"Careful, this isn't a frat house." Tony chides as he sips his own glass, "But I agree with him. Congrats on the super sperm."

"Christ," Steve coughs with flushed cheeks. "I'm not sure whether to thank you guys or throw you out the window."

"Not the first time someone's asked themselves that regarding Tony," Rhodey remarks.

"Aw come on, Steve. You know we're just happy for you," Clint says. "Though it looks like I'm down 100 bucks."

"What, were you taking bets or something?" Steve asks, finally recovering from his coughing fit.

"Would you be mad if we said yes?" Bucky responds.

"Damnit Buck!" Steve exclaims, though if he's honest with himself he's not surprised.

"Language, Rogers!" Clint quickly admonishes. The redness in Steve's cheeks quickly returns, they'd never let him live that down, but he can't even pretend to be angry at this point. He knows his friends were just excited.

Instead Steve asks, "Who won?"

"Bruce," they collectively state. The losers look at the bet winner with disappointed glares but the scientist merely smiles.

"Hey, at least now we've got a new pool to start." Bruce says, soothing their wounded egos. "There's the gender, when it'll arrive, how many they'll have-"

"You're right. And Rogers, if there's more than one then you really will have super sperm." Tony teases with a laugh as Steve groans and shakes his head.

"Someone fill my glass," Steve mutters.

Upstairs, the women laugh as they overhear their boys' antics.

"Sounds like they're getting riled up down there," Maria chuckles as she reclaims her spot next to Natasha. She adjusts the leather jacket around her shoulders, which Steve had offered her earlier since she seemed a little cold. Adrianna nods in agreement, though none of them are really bothered by the group's shenanigans.

"So, how's it going so far Adrianna?" Dahlia asks, clasping her hands together. "I want to know everything!"

"Yeah, don't leave us hanging Rogers." Natasha softly teases.

"Says the one who got married and didn't tell anyone." Pepper responds as she sips her drink. Natasha glares at her but it doesn't intimidate her in the slightest. Not that it was ever really meant to.

"I knew I should've burned that evidence." Natasha says with a shake of her head. Just like every other SHIELD agent, Natasha's and Clint's files were released to the public as well. Though it took a while, their marriage certificate was eventually found and quickly sent the Internet abuzz. The development between the two hasn't surprised any of the friends, though they were a little disappointed they hadn't known.

"I'm still throwing you guys a party, just you wait." Pepper adds before Adrianna continues.

"Anyways," Adrianna says with a soft smile as she rests her hands on her stomach, "Everything's going fine. I'm only about eleven weeks now, so we've got some time."

"Have you been feeling alright?" Maria asks, curious too.

"For the most part. I could use more naps if anything, less bathroom runs, and the morning sickness could do with sticking to the morning. But so far, it's nothing too terrible." She answers.

"Okay, but how did Pepper find out?" Dahlia asks, and Adrianna allows the redhead to explain.

"It was an accident, if anything. I caught her in the bathroom when she was heaving her guts out and was about to have Jarvis call for Steve when she explained everything."

"I should learn how to lie on the spot," Adrianna pouts.

"Well, I'm glad everything's going alright." Natasha says, with the others nodding their agreement. She reaches over the coffee table and grasps Adrianna's hands. "I know I have to go in a couple days, but if you need anything you know I'm only a phone call away."

"Thanks Nat," Adrianna smiles gratefully.

"Now on to more serious business." Pepper says with a wild smile, "When are we having a baby shower?"

"Not for a couple more weeks at least," Adrianna laughs, her hand resting over her belly. "I think some time after Steve and I find out what we're having would be a good time though."

"Plan on telling us or is it gonna be a secret?" Dahlia asks, her mahogany eyes ever curious.

Adrianna smiles excitedly, "Actually I saw something really interesting that has to do with that. I was going to talk to Steve about it, but basically we tell you at the party what the baby is. It'll be a surprise until that point."

"That sounds fun," Maria responds, "Like a game?"

"Exactly like a game. I wanted to have everyone take bets and whoever gets it right wins a small prize. And the way we tell everyone is through cupcakes. When you bite into it, the filling is the color for either a boy or a girl." Adrianna feels a little silly explaining it but the other women quickly nod in understanding.

"That does sound fun!" Pepper grins. "I know a great bakery too, if you'd like to go for a tasting some time."

"I'd go right now if I could, actually." Adrianna laughs. "I'm starving."

Pepper smiles as she suggests, "Well there isn't any cupcakes but everyone did bring plenty of dessert. Why don't we go round everyone up for that?"

After dessert, everyone is quick to wind down again. The friends reclaim their seats and settle in, watching a movie together before bringing their party to a close. Adrianna rests her head on her husband's chest and, as has become the norm, Steve runs his fingers up and down her belly. The rhythmic pattern soothes Adrianna to the point she actually falls asleep. Steve is only alerted to this fact when he whispers something to her and she doesn't respond. Once he looks down and notices her closed eyes and slow, quiet breaths Steve decides it's time to head home. He gingerly rouses his wife, smiling when she sleepily murmurs a protest and finally opens her eyes. Adrianna apologizes for falling asleep but Steve is quick to reassure her that it's fine. It's not like he minds. In actuality, Steve lives for these moments. It still warms his heart to feel Adrianna's trust placed upon him.

The couple gets up and goes through their round of goodbyes, beginning with Natasha and Clint and ending with Pepper and Tony. All of the friends, particularly Dahlia and Bucky, emphasize their interest in helping out and babysitting. Natasha and Clint promise to visit once the baby arrives, perhaps even before, and look forward to any and all updates on how Adrianna's pregnancy progresses. Pepper and Tony, as predicted, will spoil the kid to no end, though Pepper intends to reign her husband in. Bruce expresses how he'd like to help look into how Steve's genes may affect their child and the couple agree to let their doctor know she's got an extra set of hands. Thor mentions something about providing the child with some Asgardian item, a traditional gift among his people, though he promises to also consult Jane and Darcy. Rhodey and Maris also let the couple know how happy they are for them, with Rhodey promising to outdo any gift Tony has in mind. Every sentiment is delivered with hugs, kisses, and laughter. Both Steve and Adrianna leave twenty minutes later than intended but neither do so without a broad smile plastered on their faces.

"You okay babe?" Steve asks Adrianna as they head to the car. Adrianna feels a little surprised by his question before she notices the tears tracking down her cheeks. She laughs and nods, wiping at the streaks of water as Steve fishes a tissue from his pockets.

"I'm okay. It's just-" Adrianna sniffles, accepting the tissue as her throat constricts.

"They got to you?" Steve guesses with a smile. Adrianna nods and he expertly pulls her against his side. She snuggles into his embrace and walks alongside him, heart full after the loving expressions made by their friends, their family.

"It's alright Birdie, they got to me too." Steve chuckles as he kisses her head. Adrianna glances up and catches a misty look in his eyes, "Sappy bastards."

"Language!" Adrianna playfully chastises, holding her tummy as though it had ears, "He'll hear you."

"Oh my god, I'm never going to live that down." Steve laughs, cheeks warmed. Adrianna grins as Steve stops and stoops down to speak to their unborn child with his hands placed atop hers, "Sorry little bird. Daddy will work on that."

"You're forgiven," Adrianna says with a laugh. Steve kisses her and stands back up, resuming their trek to the car.

Once at their vehicle, the couple takes their place inside with Steve at the wheel and Adrianna riding shotgun. The two settle in for the drive home, a cozy and comfortable silence falling between them. Adrianna idly listens to Steve as he thumps his hands to the radio. Resting her head against the window, she closed her eyes and smiles to herself. Having everyone's approval and encouragement seemed like such a small thing. But actually gaining it has brought Adrianna more joy than she'd ever thought and relief washes through her like a wave passed over sand. Knowing everyone is just as excited for their baby's arrival as she is means more to Adrianna than they'd ever know. And it's a treasure that remains firmly in her mind even as she drifts off once again.