She saw the way Steve looked at Sharon Carter.

A walking memory of his first love.

Blonde hair that fell effortlessly over the agent's shoulders, clothes that hugged a perfect figure.

Natasha suddenly felt self-conscious, wiping away the sauce from her lips and pulling her jacket tighter around her bloated body. Her once confident stride faltered, insecurity gnawing at her as she watched Sharon's perfect figure leaning towards Steve.

"So, do I hear wedding bells?"

The simple phrase jolted her back to reality. Is that what everyone else is thinking? Does Steve think that way too? Their agreement to live together for the baby suddenly felt fragile, like glass that could shatter with one misplaced word.

Her body tensed, instinctively slipping into the same defensive stance she'd used countless times in battle. "No wedding," she said firmly, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. "Just together for the baby. Right, Steve?"

Her eyes darted to the blushing soldier, her heart clenching painfully at the sight. Steve's embarrassment as he fumbled for words in Sharon's presence made her want to stake her claim on him, to remind everyone—including herself—that he was hers, even if just for now.

But he's only with you for the baby, a cruel voice whispered in her mind. Eventually, he'll find someone new.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Sharon said, shifting her weight and offering a polite smile. "Well, congrats on the baby!"

"Thanks," Steve murmured, a soft smile on his lips—lips Natasha had spent too much time thinking about lately.

"I suppose I'll see you two around," Sharon added with a wave before disappearing into the crowd.

The silence that followed was heavy, a palpable tension crackling between Natasha and Steve. They didn't exchange a word as they finished their meal, but Natasha knew—as sure as she knew how to wield a weapon—that a conversation was coming when they got home.

"What do you mean we're only together for the baby!?" Steve's voice was sharp as they entered the house, the door clicking shut behind them.

Natasha slipped off her shoes, carefully keeping her back to him. She didn't want him to see the turmoil written across her face. "I don't want you to feel stuck with me," she said quietly, her voice steady but strained. "Just because you're the baby's father doesn't mean you have to stay. You deserve to find someone who makes you happy."

Silence enveloped them like a suffocating blanket. Natasha wrapped her arms around herself, the weight of her words pressing down on her. She started toward the stairs, ready to retreat to her room and escape the tension.

But before she could take another step, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into the warmth of his chest.

"I'm happy with you, Natasha," Steve whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "I love you."

The words struck her like a thunderclap, reverberating through her chest and leaving her momentarily breathless. Natasha's hands froze mid-step, her mind racing to process the weight of his confession. Love? The word seemed foreign, unreal, especially coming from Steve. He had no reason to love her—a woman with a past drenched in blood and shadows. Yet, there was no doubt in his voice.

"How can you love me?" she whispered softly, her voice barely audible. Her lips quivered as she spoke, her hands trembling at her sides. She wanted to believe him, but the fortress around her heart refused to crumble so easily.

Steve gently turned her to face him, his blue eyes locking onto hers. There was no hesitation in his gaze, no flicker of doubt. "Because I see you, Natasha," he said, his voice soft but unwavering. "Not the spy, not the assassin. You. The woman who's strong and brave, who's building a new life for herself. The woman carrying our child."

His hand rose to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that escaped her control. "You've spent so long thinking you don't deserve love. But you do, Nat. You deserve everything."

Natasha's chest tightened, a wave of emotion crashing over her. She'd spent years building walls, perfecting the art of hiding her feelings behind a mask of indifference. Yet, in Steve's presence, those walls felt like paper, crumbling under the weight of his words.

"Steve," she croaked, her voice trembling as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

His other hand came to rest on her stomach, his touch gentle and reverent. "I've spent too much of my life waiting," he murmured. "And I don't want to wait anymore. I want to be with you. Not just for the baby—for us."

The sincerity in his voice shattered the last of her resistance. Tears spilled freely down her cheeks as Natasha stepped into his embrace, burying her face in his chest. His arms encircled her tightly, grounding her as her emotions spilled over.

After a moment, Steve pulled back slightly, just enough to meet her gaze. "Will you go out on a date with me?" he asked, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Natasha couldn't help but tease him. "A proper first date?"

He chuckled. "I suppose you could word it that way."

She stepped back, smoothing her hair and composing herself. "So, when and where?"

Steve's blue eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "I'll let you know soon."

Later that evening, Steve checked on Natasha's room, hoping she'd fallen asleep. He pushed the door open quietly and smiled at the sight before him. Her rosy lips were slightly parted, her breaths soft and even. Red curls framed her face, cascading over the pillow like a fiery halo. She looked peaceful, her fatigue melting away as she slept.

Steve closed the door gently, a quiet determination settling over him. He wanted to make their first date perfect, something worthy of her—of them.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he quickly typed out a message.

Steve: Are you busy? I need your help.

Tony: My, my. Captain America asking for my help. What can I do for you? Plan a bachelor party?

Steve rolled his eyes, already regretting reaching out to Tony Stark.

Steve: No party, Stark. I need advice... about the perfect date.

Tony: Come to the tower. I got your back.