You sat on the couch, staring at the small positive pregnancy test in your hand. Your heart was racing, and the weight of the news felt like it was settling in your chest, as overwhelming as it was exciting. You couldn’t help but smile, but that smile faltered when you turned to face Bucky.

He was pacing in the kitchen, his brow furrowed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He had been quiet since you’d told him, his usual confidence replaced by uncertainty. The idea of becoming a father seemed to terrify him, and you understood why. After all, he had spent years trying to figure out who he was, the shadows of his past always looming over him. He had never thought about having a family—at least, not one of his own.

You set the test down gently on the table and stood, walking toward him slowly. His eyes flickered to you briefly, but he quickly looked away, his hands running through his hair in frustration.

“You’re thinking too much,” you said softly, reaching for his hand. “It’s okay, Bucky.”

He shook his head, pulling away slightly. “What if I mess this up?” His voice was barely above a whisper, the fear in it cutting straight through you. “What if I’m not good enough? I never… I never had a real family. What if I can’t do this right?”

You stepped closer to him, your heart aching at the vulnerability in his words. You took his face in your hands, turning it gently so that his eyes met yours.

“Bucky,” you said, your voice steady but soft, “you’ve already done so much. I know you’ve been through hell, but you’re not that man anymore. You’re not the Winter Soldier. You’re the man I love. And you’re going to be an amazing father. You have so much love to give. I know that.”

His eyes softened, but the uncertainty was still there. He closed his eyes for a moment, his forehead resting against yours. “I’m scared,” he admitted, his voice rough. “I don’t want to hurt you, or… or the baby.”