Ah, here comes the romance :D

Flakes of ice momentarily numb the fingers of Steve Rogers as he grasp a new container of ice cream. The flavor was his choice, regarding the current state of his companion. Arina Zangari sits on a barstool, hands visibly tremoring from an incident that played out thirty minutes ago, in the very aircraft they stood. Agent Phil Coulson was dead, and that obviously did a number on the otherwise beaming woman.

As he fixes their bowls, his mind flits, wondering how she had buried herself deep in his heart, stirring emotions that were almost forgotten, but still remembered. It was the beginning movements of love, identifiable by memory. But love had hurt him before, and he wasn't quite willing to let it happen again. So, for now, they subside, vowing to return when his head hit the pillow that night.

Arina plays a ghost of a smile as her frozen dessert is passed over. She takes sparing bites, not really concentrating on the flavor, only the comforts it gives.

"You know, I used to eat ice cream with Coulson. He always made the best sundaes….." Her voice diminishes at the agents name, making the blanket of melancholy droop lower into the air.

"You two seemed pretty close…." Her grin is small and solemn, Steve's words must have triggered fond memories. That was good.

"We were…I have a makeshift, messed up family here…." The deep blues of Arinas eyes meet his, at long last, only sending the wedge she owned farther in his core.

"Fury's like a father. He always pushes me to do everything with my best effort…..Clint and Natasha are like close siblings, and Coulson was in ways like a mother…comforting when I needed it, and constantly cheering me on from the sidelines as I practically climbed my way to the top. He had this way of making everything seem easy, though I knew it wasn't." Her mouth encases the spoon dangling from her fingers. The woman swallows, and talks once more, Steve hanging on to every word.

"I come from a bad past, Steve. My parents were killed right before my eyes. The crooks were involved with high up people in the Italian government. S.H.E.I.L.D was eventually dead set on killing them for involvements in explosions throughout the corporations facilities, and Coulson was the one who made sure I did it. It gave me closure, so I focused on leveling myself with Romanoff and Barton…."

Tears slowly cascade down her cheeks, glimmering in the sunlight with hope and reassurance.

"That man did more for me than either one of my parents combined, and all I can do for him is sit and cry like a baby."

Eyes momentarily lighting up with remembrance, she reaches into her pocket, revealing three bloodied cards. Upon closer inspection, Steve notices his own face printed on them.

"He wanted me to give those to you, that's one thing I suppose I can do."

He flashes her a grim smile, and places them in his leather wallet.

The sadness is slowly lifting away, and both bowls now contain a pink soup of sticky goop.

"I'll fix up some more." It's the first time he speaks since the beginning of her story, which is perfectly fine by him. He too, had been in a situation where venation was needed, but didn't have the luxury of human companionship. Instead, he drew his thoughts, only providing momentary relief and thousands of sketchy portraits of lost friends.

"Let me help." Her feet drop to the floor, wobbling slightly as she rounds the counter to the refrigerator, stopping to grab various traditional condiments; chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and countless bags of candy. With an exasperated clunk she sets them all down, and looks to a very amused Steve. They quickly pile on the toppings, and resume their previous positions.

"You know," The man has difficulties speaking through his caramel coated mouth, "You remind me of someone I knew before the incident."

Her mouth quirks playfully, the frozen treats obviously lifting her sprits. "Oh really?" Arina's hand raises to her chin, which she strokes in a mock way of thinking. "Lemme guess….." Her eyes drift to his with new light and happiness. "Red Skull!" The chime of whole hearted laughter rings across the Helicarrier, an off sound for the current atmosphere.

"No, definitely not! But Stark, on the other hand…" She swats him playfully, scolding him slightly for the comment. Their chuckles have died down now, but still hang proudly, showing a rare sign of happiness.

"Actually, you remind me of a solider I knew, Peggy Carter. You and her would have gotten along a little too well." He contemplates her knowledge of his romance with the woman, but doesn't find any telltale signs in her face.

They finish their desserts, and sit in, for once, warm silence. Steve's eyes wander aimlessly, shooting off to the side to find hers looking at him. His face turns pink, which in turn makes her flash the pearly whites while a little fleck of scarlet covers her petite nose.

"I wanna show you something." She tugs gently, pulling him away from the dirty glasses, and ending their journey at what appears to be her room.

The inside is standard, making him frown unknowingly, which she catches.

"Boring, I know. But this one's got a little surprise in the back." Opening her small closet reveals a red button hidden behind clothing. Arina presses it, making the back of the space slide to reveal a large, cadet green painted room, equipped with art work framed on every wall. He notices soft hums of an unfamiliar tune playing as he steps inside.

Summer has come and passed , The innocent can never last

"Welcome to my safe haven."

Each of the paintings hung showcase moves with endless shapes and pigments, displaying her talent and potential. In the corner of one room, a canvas rests against an easel. The shape matches Steve's original Captain America shield. Its halfway finished, but already looks absolutely breathtaking. Millions of blues and reds combine to make out the outline of the colors, staying true to his original selection, but adding an unknown spark, making it uniquely Arina's.

"That was going to be Coulson's birthday present….."The somber gaze returns to her features, and she excuses herself briefly, leaving Steve Rogers to his thoughts, the song now in mid length, cooing out to comfort the lonely feeling rising from his gut.

As my memory rests

But never forgets what I lost

Wake me up when September ends

He traces the two stars visible with reasonably trembling fingers, mesmerized by the emotions the simple painting was unearthing. Memories of his happier times fill his brain with a glance at the blues, almost making tears spill from his eyes. The red's however, trigger recollections of his arch nemesis, and endless bloodshed.

What were they going to do next?

The question springs from his conscious, reminding him of his situation. It is there, in the cloaked studio of a beautiful woman that he is finally able to produce a simple answer; avenging Agent Coulson's death.

He moves quickly, taking time to leave Arina a small note as he goes to recruit the duo of assassins. The ballad plays behind him.

Here comes the rain again

Falling from the stars

Drenched in my pain again

Becoming who we are…

Booyah! Awesome song ref! Super emotional (and short) chapter!

As always, reviews are GREATLY appreciated!