Because of Peggy Carter (Steve X Reader) Part 2
Y/L/N - your last name H/C - hair color
Over the next few months, you found yourself slowly moving past the pain of Steve, aided by three unexpected allies: your best friend Alyssa, Bucky, and, of all people, Agent Peggy Carter.
You’d initially sought closure, wanting to understand Steve’s constant comparisons. But after meeting Peggy, after having genuine conversations, you began to see why he loved her so much. It wasn’t just admiration; it was a deep, unwavering connection.
Your monthly visits transformed into near-daily check-ins. Peggy offered guidance on motherhood, life advice, and a comforting presence you hadn’t realized you needed. She felt like another grandmother, a warm, steadying force.
When you told her you were pregnant, her joy was radiant. She’d even attended the small party you threw to discover the baby’s sex – your beautiful baby boy. You first felt his little kicks while visiting her, and she was the one you turned to for advice. Steve was right; she *was* perfect.
Over the following months, you decided to honor those who had helped you heal. You’d name your son after them. James Carter Y/L/N. And, should you have another child, you’d name them after Alyssa.
~~~Time skip brought to you by Pietro meeting Barry Allen~~~
You lay in bed, face timing Peggy, now on mandated bed rest, when a wet sensation startled you. “Y/N, what’s wrong?” Peggy asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Um… Peg, I think my water just broke.”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Get to the hospital!”
“Yeah, you’re right. Talk to you later, Peg.” You managed, the initial shock fading as adrenaline kicked in. You hung up and yelled for Bucky.
“BUCKY! GET YOUR SMALL ASS UP HERE AND TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL! I’M GOING INTO LABOR, DAMNIT!”
You remembered little of the labor itself, lost in a haze of pain medication. Bucky claimed you cursed everyone in the room. Him, for offering his metal hand after you’d broken the flesh one. Steve, for getting you pregnant and being a terrible person during your breakup. The doctors and nurses, for not making the baby come faster. Even the baby, for causing you so much pain.
Apparently, Bucky had fainted when you’d screamed, “What the *fuck* is that?” You fully intended to torment him with that memory for years to come.
Then, finally, the doctor cleaned up your beautiful baby boy and handed him to you. The next two days were spent ensuring both he and you were healthy enough to go home. As soon as you were discharged, cradling your small bundle of joy, you knew exactly where you wanted to go.
Alyssa and Bucky met you outside the hospital with the car, and you drove straight to Peggy’s nursing home.
Inside her room, Peggy’s face lit up when you walked in.
“Hey, Peg. I would like you to meet Mr. James Carter Y/L/N.” You didn’t hear the door open just before you said it.
“Oh, he gets his amazing first name from me.” Bucky bragged, beaming.
“He’s beautiful, Y/N. His eyes are just like his father’s, but he has your gorgeous H/C hair.”
“Thank you, Peg.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. I have a little surprise for you. Turn around.”
You turned to find Steve standing there.
“Now, Y/N, I think you and Steve have been fighting for far too long. Nine months. And from what you both tell me, you really miss each other. So why don’t you two go for a walk outside while me, Bucky, and Alyssa watch the baby? I’m sure we can handle it. Now shoo.” Peggy said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. The woman was a master shipper, even at over ninety years old.
Steve offered you his arm, but you walked past him, a silent statement of independence. The tension between you and the super-soldiers was palpable.
“So… Y/N, how have you been?”
“Better since I left you.” You snapped, even though Peggy had pushed you into this walk. You weren’t going to pretend to be cordial.
“Okay, I deserved that one.”
“Oh, and so much more.”
“I’m sorry, okay. I know I was an ass. Even more of an ass than Tony is. I just couldn’t control the fear of losing you, and in my attempt to keep you close, I only pushed you away. I am so sorry. I looked for you every day, I went to all your friends, hotels, and even real estate offices to see if you’d moved. I’ve never stopped looking for you. I miss you, Y/N. I’m a mess without you, I’ve been suspended from the Avengers and SHIELD since I can’t function fully without you. You are my rock, and I still love you. I never stopped. Please, Y/N, I know I don’t deserve you. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m sorry that I put you through all that.” He finished his speech, and you couldn’t help but hug him.
He tensed at first, shocked by your embrace, but then relaxed, returning the hug.
“Steve, it’s okay. I’ve forgiven you.”
“Wait, forgiven. That implies you already did before this conversation.”
“I was beyond angry and hurt, but then I went to Peggy for closure. She helped me realize that you were right. She *was* perfect. I couldn’t hate her, no matter how much I wanted to. She was kind and steady, and reminded me of you. She was the one who helped me forgive you.” You smiled, and he couldn’t resist mirroring it. You pulled away, but he pulled you back into another embrace.
“Y/N, I let you go once, and I plan on never doing that again.”
“Steve, I hope you know things won’t be the way they were. It’ll take time.”
“Take all the time you need. I can wait.” You started walking back toward the nursing home when Steve stopped again.
“Y/N, I know he’s my son, so I’m hoping you’ll let me be in his life. I don’t want him to grow up without a father like I did.” He said, his voice laced with emotion.
You noticed he was lost in thought, reminiscing about his father, Joseph.
“I’d be happy to have you in our son’s life.” You continued walking, returning to Peggy’s room to hear Bucky's frustrated muttering.
"Your my namesake, I'm supposed to be your favorite. Why won't you shut up?"
You giggled to yourself and took James from Bucky, shooing both him and Steve out so you could feed him.
Following Peggy’s instructions, you gently burped James and invited the boys back in. Steve sat in a chair, and you showed him how to hold James properly.
“Hey little bud, I’m your daddy. I promise you I will be there for you, I will protect you with my final breath and be the best dad I can be. I love you.” Steve said, kissing James on the forehead. Then he turned to you and said, “And I also love you.”
“I love you too, Steve.”