He had never been more thrilled in his entire life. Not before the ice or after it.

His girlfriend was coming home after months away. She had said she needed space, and he had respected that. It took every ounce of self-control he had, but he respected it. She had sent him a postcard from every city she had gone to. New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Albuquerque, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and New York. She had never written on the back, just put a stamp and their address in Stark Tower. The one from New York City had arrived 3 days ago, and she hadn't come back to the tower yet. Tha anticipation was killing him, but at least he had something to look forward to. She was a bright light in his dull life, and while he had been just fine in her absence, there was an ache in his chest that wouldn't go away until she was in his arms again.

"Captain, you have a voicemail message. Would you like me to play it for you?"

FRIDAY told him, her artificial voice jarring him from his stupor. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"Yeah FRIDAY. Play it."

The disembodied voice began her drawl

"Message received Monday, July 2nd, 2017 from an outside caller at 929.421.6709. Begin Message..."

The voice changed and the vice in his chest loosened a little.

"Hi, Steve...I don't even know if you'll get this message, but I was wondering...if you wanted to grab a coffee or something...I know I left without saying why and I know that if I owe anyone an explanation, it's you...I'm currently up on Tony's roof trying to work up the courage to come see you...I'm so sorry Steve...anyways, if you want to do coffee or something, call me back. I'll stay on the guest floor tonight...bye, I guess..."

"Message ended."

Steve was halfway the elevator before the AI had finished. He absent-mindedly told her to take him to the roof. his mind conjuring up all kinds of questions but then settling on his tangible need to be with her again. When the doors opened, he was not prepared for what he saw. Standing right outside them was her. So startled by the sight of her, he said the first thing that came to mind.

"I got your message..."

He had never seen her so frightened before, but he didn't have time to dwell on it before she wrapped herself around his torso. His excitement bubbled over and he couldn't help but pull her into an embrace that swept her off her feet. The sound of her laughter at the action released the vice in his chest completely. It had been months since he had felt this good. He eventually put her down, but his hands never left her. They were resting on her shoulders, holding her away from him so he could really see her.

She looked perfect. No injuries that he could see, no bruises or cuts like the ones she had the day she walked out of the tower all those months ago. Her skin was a lovely tan, her long red hair blowing in the wind, beautifully curly and tousled. The only difference he'd noticed was that she had put on some weight, which considering how thin she was naturally, could only be considered a good thing. Eventually, she broke the silence.

"God, Steve...I'm so sorry...I just...there was so much going on...I needed to get away but I went about it all wrong...I'm so sorry..."

She said, with tears flowing down her cheeks. He took his hand and cupped her cheek, tilting her head so he could look her in those hazel eyes he loved so much.

"You're here now. That's all that matters. Thanks for the postcards, by the way. You may have dodged us in every other way, but at least we knew where you were..."

He said, and she smiled through her tears, a watery chuckle escaping her.

"I figured you'd like that."

He pulled her close again and smiled into her hair.

"You know what else I would like?"

He whispered. Intrigued, she pulled away from him just far enough to see his face.

"What?"

His smile grew and he kissed the top of her head chastely.

"You coming downstairs and sleeping in our bed. Not the guest bed or the couch...our bed. It's lonely there without you...and now that you're here, I don't plan on letting you out of my sight."

She nodded into his chest, smiling at the immense joy she felt at being in his arms again.

"I think I can make that happen, Captain."

Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms and turned back to the elevator.

"Well then, my dear: welcome home."