Hi! Thank you for reading, following and comments I hope you are enjoying it, the world feels a little dark at the moment, so some fluffy superhero love feels like a nice interlude.

Guess who's back…

Chapter 33: Tied with a Ribbon

'On my way.' A voice grunts and the front door swings open. Bucky stares at the man on the opposite side of the threshold, 'Steve!' he says in surprise. Steve looks shocked to see his best friend as well and maybe even a little disappointed. Bucky's hair looks longer, his face more scruffy, but he's wearing a t-shirt, looking relaxed, with his arm on full display. Bucky steps to one side, 'get in here, punk, they didn't say you would be back.' Steve steps through and when he looks up properly, the flat is quiet and there are boxes stacked everywhere. He looks around further in confusion and Bucky coughs lightly.

'Where are they?' Steve asks, Bucky moves a box and points at one for Steve to sit on, 'oh, well, Andi is working at the bar and Amelia is at some office party. Rosie's asleep and I am taking the bunks down. I wasn't crazy about the idea, but she was falling asleep when I got here and Andi said only a couple hours.' Steve ignores the offer to sit and stands with his lips parted in surprise. He's confused but he feels an ache, thinking about the beds being taken apart. 'What's going on here?' he asks in dismay, as he looks over the room. Bucky shrugs, 'they're moving.' Steve had hoped for more information than that. 'Not too far away, bit more room, closer to work, bigger place, it's nice.' Steve stiffens thinking that Bucky has been there, he's looked around their new home. Steve sighs, wiping his chin, Bucky follows his hand with his eyes, 'how are they?' Bucky nods slowly, 'yeah, all good. Mia will be happy to see you, long couple of weeks. What's this on your face?' Steve looks up at the change of topic, touching his cheek, 'just a bit of scruff, long month.' Bucky nods, he's never seen Steve so dishevelled, it's off putting.

Steve mumbles 'everything ok with you? Saw the interview, you did good.' Bucky lightly punches his shoulder, 'yeah all good and that was your girl mainly, she saw me through.' Bucky's mind flits to what happened after, but he keeps his mouth shut. Bucky holds his arms out and they awkwardly hug, relaxing into it, 'it's good to see you,' Steve says warmly.

Steve looks around again, he looks a little sad and then brightens, 'where's Rosie?' Bucky points to Amelia's door and Steve heads over. He pushes it open slowly and looks inside, Rosie is face down on her mother's bed, facing him, dribbling, her mouth is open and the bedding is kicked off. Steve smiles softly and his heart constricts at how much he has missed her. Part of him wishes she was awake. He stares down at her and gently pulls the comforter back to cover the little girl. As Steve straightens, he looks around and spots that Amelia's room is packed away. He sighs, wondering how long he has been gone, it feels like everything has changed. He looks down again at Rosie and is relieved to see she doesn't look any different.

There's very little left on display in the room, Amelia's work clothes and some makeup. Boxes are marked clothes, Rosie, Amelia and shoes. Steve turns and heads back to the lounge, closing the door behind him. He walks past the kitchen and looks inside, remembering kissing Amelia for the first time, but the shelves are empty and the counter is bare. He spots something pinned to the fridge and without stepping any closer he can tell it is an article about Amelia and Bucky. He can see the headline reads, 'Hero Complex?' And there's a picture of Amelia with Steve and an image of her with Bucky, with a large VS in between. He sighs and turns back to the lounge, he looks around and spots a small silver tinselled tree, there's a few gifts beneath it and five stockings pinned to the wall. Two read Amelia and Andi, they look old and worn, handmade patchwork and beside them hangs one that says Rosie, it's newer and its Mickey Mouse in a Santa's hat. Lastly there are two brand new stockings, one that says Steve and one that reads Bucky.

Bucky walks over, 'I'm fairly sure little sister stole that tree from the Stark canteen.' Steve laughs a little and steps forward stroking the stocking with his name on it. 'They really did miss you, punk, nothing's changed, it is all still here for you.' Steve appreciates the reassurance, 'babysitting, hey? Big step?' Bucky nods, 'I felt ok about it actually, figured she'd be asleep for most of it, shouldn't be long.' Steve smiles, watching this more confident Bucky, 'you look good, Buck, it's good to see you.' They both look up at the sound of the front door and Steve holds his breath.

'Hey Bucky, guess what happened at the bar tonight!' Andi calls as she sweeps into the apartment, she nearly trips on a box and curses, 'I hope those beds are down, otherwise Mia will have your balls in a vice. She's so stressed about this move.' Andi rounds the corner and realises Bucky is not alone. Beside him is a very hairy Steve Rogers. Steve looks up at Andi, she has reindeer antlers on her head, she's wrapped in a scarf and her cheeks are rosy.

'Steve? What are you doing here and what the hell is that on your face?' Steve rubs his chin self-consciously and asks 'you don't like it?' Andi crosses her arms and stands back, staring at him, 'actually, I dig it. I like my men rough and ready' she winks at Bucky. 'But I don't know what Mia will think.' Suddenly Andi freezes, 'is she back? Does she know? Where is she?' Bucky tells her to calm down and explains that Amelia is still out. Andi groans and stalks to the fridge, grabbing a carton of juice and drinking from it. 'I'd offer you a drink, Steve, but we boxed up our glasses,' she calls. 'I mean there's milk?'

She walks back into the lounge and sits on a box, the three of them perched on a cardboard box each. 'Where's the kid?' She asks, and Bucky chuckles, 'asleep, since nine maybe, moved about ten toys and drifted off in a pile of them.' Andi laughs, 'and now?' Bucky points to the door, 'I tucked her in Mia's bed.' Steve looks between them, their natural conversation taking him by surprise. It feels like Bucky has filled his void in his absence and it stings a little.

Andi clasps her hands together, unsure of what to say, 'soooo, how was work, honey?' She asks Steve, he laughs and looks down, 'long,' he merely replies.

Andi can't take it anymore, 'you're going to go and get her, right?' Steve shakes his head, 'she's at a party.' Andi looks outraged, 'a work doo! She won't care, once she sees you! She has been climbing the walls, sex-starved, even her new boyfriend didn't help her out.' She points to Bucky, who shrinks in embarrassment slightly. Steve looks at him and tries not to look annoyed, but he also spots the article once again, pinned to their fridge. Andi just laughs, 'look, as fun as this is, and it feels like we might acoustically jam any minute, you should go and get her, sweep her off those tired feet.'

Andi writes the address down on a pink post-it and gives it to Steve, explaining, 'green is keep and pink is to go, so you should really go. Like, NOW!'

Steve walks through the city, checking his phone's map and looking up every time he walks into someone. New York is covered in Christmas lights and Steve feels a little lost.

He comes to a stop in front of the address listed, he can see a lit-up lobby area and an older security guard pacing inside. He checks again that everything matches and then spots a sign for Amelia's channel. He's been there before, but he is ashamed to admit, he wasn't paying any attention and he didn't even drive himself. He knocks on the window and the security guard looks alarmed. He walks over to the door and unlocks the large glass entrance.

'Sir, can I help you? We have a private function here tonight.' The guard looks sternly at Steve, who manages to politely squeeze through the open door and into the lobby. 'I know that, I'm actually looking for someone, Amelia Miller?' The guard looks unsure and gives him a look, 'what do you want with Miss Miller?' Steve doesn't appreciate the tone and adds 'umm, I guess I'm her boyfriend, Steve Rogers.' He offers his hand and decides to try a friendly approach. The guard stares at his hand, 'no, no. Everyone knows she is dating Captain America, you sir, are not him, so I suggest you leave.' Steve is so surprised by this, it's not until the guard lightly pushes him that he responds. 'Sorry, I think there's some confusion, I am Captain America. I'm Steve Rogers.' The guard raises his brows, 'then what's that all over your face, son?' Steve rubs his chin and wonders what everyone is so surprised about, he considers leaving and going home, shaving and just meeting her in the morning.

'Look, I know I seem a little different, but I've been away for over a month and I just want to see Amelia for five minutes, can you get her down here? Ray, is it?' Steve asks looking at his badge. Ray eyes him carefully and then discerns 'no, certainly not, I don't who you are, despite what you say and I don't believe you are Cap, so, I think you should go.' Once again Ray tries to force the doors on Steve. 'Natalie! I know Natalie.' The guard pauses and stares at him, 'fine, I will ring up, but only one time and if they don't know who you are, you will leave immediately and never darken my door again, or I will call the police.' Steve nods and salutes him cheekily, proud to have made some progress, 'yes sir.'

Ray rolls his eyes and mumbles, 'who knew Captain America was such a dork.' Steve looks surprised at the older man and thinks to himself, this is what anonymity used to be like.

Amelia and Natalie are dancing to the YMCA, the younger brunette has kicked off her shoes, abandoning them at the side of the room. Natalie shouts to her over the music, 'I saw Donna and Jonah from accounting smooching by the copier, what a cliché.' Amelia laughs and her eyes search for the kissing colleagues. 'Anyone that you like the look of?' Amelia rolls her eyes, 'Natalie! He's coming back, he's just working, you make it sound like he moved to get away from me.' Natalie coughs jokingly and Amelia nudges her, 'hey! Keep up, you're out of time and your C is sloppy.' The office furniture has been pushed to one side, there's a disco light and a fairly terrible DJ. All of Amelia's colleagues are there, dancing and drinking. Natalie has mistletoe on a spring in her hair and bauble earrings, 'budget cuts have really hit us where it hurts this year, this might be the worst work function I've ever been to.' Amelia grins, 'I quite like it, nothing too fancy.' Natalie shakes her head. 'Sorry, you overly accustomed to fancy now? Some of us would like a little fancy in their lives.'

Amelia can see Mark on the office phone and wonders who would be ringing at this time. He looks around the room and makes eye contact with her. Waving and beckoning her over, she hurries towards him, suddenly panicking that it might be Rosie, what if Bucky can't cope or there's a problem. 'It's for you.' She looks confused but accepts the phone quickly. 'Hello? Oh, hi Ray, what's up?' her breathing evens out and then her eyes widen. She drops the phone back onto the hook, sprinting towards the lift, she stops, 'my shoes?' But then she continues for the lift.

Natalie looks at her questioningly and Amelia shouts, 'Steve's here!' Mark follows after her and manages to squeeze into the lift at the last minute as the doors close. She looks at him in confusion, 'what? It could be a serial killer or a stalker, Ray said he doesn't believe him. Said he doesn't look like Cap.' Amelia freezes, thinking maybe Steve is injured. She tells herself to be quiet and taps her foot, waiting impatiently for the lift to arrive. 'You didn't need to come…God, I hope it's him.'

'Mr Searle, it's security down in the lobby, is Miss Miller there? There is a visitor here for her.' The security guard watches Steve carefully, as the phone is obviously passed over to Amelia. 'Ah Miss Miller' he continues, Steve sucks his lip in, trying to hide his smile. 'There is a man down here to see you,' he pauses. 'Well, he claims to be Captain America. Hello? Hello? Miss Miller?' The guard slowly hangs up and folds his arms over his chest, eyeing Steve. 'I believe she is on her way, MISTER Rogers.' The over annunciation of the mister part, is just to prove he still doesn't believe him. Steve is grateful and nods mutely at the guard, stepping back and taking a seat on a marbled bench. The guard coughs as he sits down, but Steve ignores him. Waiting patiently for Amelia, wondering how she will be, if she will be excited to see him, or if she will be disappointed, maybe she won't be interested anymore.

Steve can hear the loud music, he pictures Amelia and Natalie dancing, he's glad she has so many people who care about her.

The guard looks up at the sound of the lift and Steve follows his eye line. Amelia steps off the elevator in a ruby red pencil skirt dress, with a green belt at the middle. She looks festive and her hair is longer, curls falling down her back, and something clipped in her hair at the front. Steve watches as she starts to run from the lift, smiling at her attempt of a sprint, as she slips on the polished floor. A man accompanying her pulls her to a stop by the arm and whispers something. Steve pulls his head back and wonders who the guy is. Amelia squints over at the guard and the visitor and lights up, recognising Steve. She shakes the greying man and begins to run for the entrance. She runs past the guard, shouting, 'thanks so much, Raymond!'

She's not wearing any shoes, Steve notices and she almost skids into his arms. She squeals loudly and Steve lifts her up and envelops her in an embrace. 'Steve! Oh my god, you're here, you're back?' She pulls away, grabbing his arms, touching his chest, stroking his face, 'what are you doing here? When did you get back? I missed you so much. You have a beard! I'm so glad you're home. I have so much to tell you, it's been crazy.' She lists quickly, as she opens her mouth to say more, Steve leans down and kisses her deeply. Amelia's hands swing dumbly at her side. She melts against him and reaches her hands into his. As he pulls away he looks at her fully, she's wearing red lipstick and he realises it's artificial holly clipped in her hair. He steps away and observes her, standing small without her shoes, but her face bright and her eyes sparkling with joy. He consciously touches his face and says 'is this ok?' She smiles widely, 'the beard? Oh my god, yes, I love it. But you have red lipstick on you.' Steve beams at her and she steps in close, just as someone appears in Steve's periphery. He looks up, to see a middle-aged man next to them. Amelia drags herself away from Steve and wipes her lips, 'oh Mark, this is Steve. Steve this is my boss, Mark.' The men shake hands and Mark watches Steve closely, explaining, 'I just wanted to check there actually was someone down here to see her, not a kidnapper or anything. Got to protect my staff,' Amelia laughs awkwardly, Steve has an arm around her and he pulls her tight against him, she keeps looking up at him disbelieving he is there. Steve ignores the comment and looks down at the giddy brunette beside him, 'I'm sorry, I'll let you get back, I just couldn't wait to see you,' he says smiling at her fondly.

Amelia takes him firmly by the arms, 'don't be ridiculous, let me grab my stuff and we will go,' she looks down at herself, 'and my shoes. Then we can go. What time is it, Ray?' The guard is mortified at his error and looking down at his watch he stumbles over his words, 'almost eleven, Miss Miller.' Amelia smiles warmly and says to Steve, 'give me five minutes.' She begins to back off, not wanting to look away, in case he disappears again. The three men watch her leave and Mark calls to her, 'Natalie will be devastated, you know?' Amelia turns and jogs for the lift, shouting over her shoulder 'she will live.' Steve smiles after her, it's like he never left.

Steve clasps his hands together in front of himself, feeling vindicated. 'Well, it was good to meet you both, enjoy the rest of your party,' he says as he takes a seat, he pays no more attention to either and he smiles smugly to himself, waiting patiently for Amelia to return.

'I went to your place. What's with all the boxes?' Amelia is gripping Steve's arm, both of her's looped through one of his. She peers up at him and sighs, 'yeah, I feel like I have so much to tell you. We're moving out!' Steve nods slowly, guilt creeping in that he missed this, that he hasn't been able to help and his mind wanders to where she is going and why he isn't invited. 'Where are you off to?' Amelia grins and says, 'we three Miller girls are heading north.' Steve stops walking and looks at her with horror and surprise. Amelia laughs, 'not upstate, closer to you lot, if anything, but your face was priceless.' He starts walking again, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. 'Cruel. So, why the big move?' Amelia swallows and looks around, there's people strolling as couples, the festive lights are up and its cold, it finally feels like Christmas.

'We need more room, Steve, Andi's got a good job now and we will be closer for her and Rosie. Room is the main thing and Andi says she can hear you moaning my name.' Amelia stops and faces Steve, he would normally blanche at the statement, but he has missed her so much and just mentions of moaning her name leave him dazed. Amelia lightly slaps his arm, 'don't worry, I told her that it's her and Bucky that need to watch out, loud doesn't even cover it.' Steve knows this is the perfect segue, but he's scared to ask the next question. 'Speaking of... I saw the magazine article.' Amelia stops and looks at Steve in confusion, he adds 'the one on your fridge?' Amelia blushes, 'yeah, Andi thinks it's hilarious but I was mortified, I look terrible, we literally had a chat on a bench, not press worthy, is it?' Steve reaches for her hand and intertwines their fingers, 'you two looked close,' he says slowly. Amelia considers his words 'well, we are, he's my friend, he's basically family these days.' Steve side eyes her, feeling bad that he left them alone, Amelia can sense what he is thinking, 'Steve, it was only four weeks, we were fine.' She stops and turns to face him, reaching her arms into his jacket, 'it doesn't mean we didn't miss you terribly, I've been a bit lost, if I'm honest.' Amelia has a red bobble hat on now and a black overcoat. Steve looks down at her rosy nose and smiles at her, 'you're not suddenly sweet on Bucky then?' Amelia is deadly serious and then throws her head back, her bobble sways and she laughs, 'no! One super soldier is ample and you are the one for me. Anyhow, I should be asking you if there's anyone? No-one knows what you get up to.' Steve smiles and wraps an arm around her, 'work. Please, let's leave it there. And no, there is no one to match you, Miss Miller. You don't see it, but everyone adores you.' Amelia laughs in embarrassment. 'I'm serious. Bucky, Tony, Raymond, Greg, even your boss.' Amelia shakes her head, 'don't be silly, anyhow, I am sweet on someone else,' she looks at him mischievously and he blushes, 'laugh it up, but that's what we used to call it.' She laughs and squeezes his arm, 'I like it, we would say, 'into him' 'hot for him' 'DTF,' Steve looks confused and she jokes, 'please don't ask me to explain.'

Steve and Amelia stroll for a few more blocks, stopping at a hot drinks cart. 'I've missed you so much,' Amelia whispers, burying her nose into Steve's coat. He smells the same and she feels like she's being submerged in his warmth. She looks up at him with big eyes, 'take me home?' Steve considers throwing her over his shoulder and running for her flat. 'Is your bed even still together?' He asks jokingly. Amelia laughs, 'I hope so, but Bucky is on a mission and so it might not be,' Steve stops, 'but there is a sleeping child in it.' Amelia smiles understanding and then frowns, thinking about their predicament. 'Your place then?' She asks hopefully. Steve is surprised by her serious tone and he can't deny, he feels the same. He says, 'nice try, but people are expecting you.' Amelia gives him a seductive eye and leans into him, 'Steve, I can't help it, I just want to get lost in you.' Steve's face warms, turning pink form more than just the cold.

'Could you two move up, no one cares about your sex-life,' an older man says from behind them. Steve looks him in the eye and the man pauses, 'come on chump, take her home or hurry up, I want a drink.' Amelia laughs, muttering, 'maybe I'm going to take you home!' The man doesn't recognise Steve, and he asks Amelia 'is the beard really that different?' She hums, 'I like it, very rogue Rogers. Now order quick, before we get told off again.'

Steve hands Amelia her hot chocolate and they keep strolling towards home, 'did you walk all the way here?' He nods and she stands still, twisting her feet, itching her soles. 'Yeah, well, I can't walk all the way home, I'm afraid.' Steve offers her a piggyback and as much as Amelia fancies it, she blushes thinking she doesn't want to embarrass herself.

'So, what else happened while I was gone?' Amelia smiles up at him and steps forward to hail a cab, Steve looks impressed when the first one she tries stops beside her, 'show off' he mutters. She puts her empty cup in the trash and laughs, 'how did you even find your way here?' He looks offended, 'with a map!' They get inside and close the doors, she directs the cab driver and Steve continues, 'I am an Avenger, you know?' The taxi throws forward, breaking hard and Amelia almost falls into the foot-well, as she hits the back of the front seat. They both look at the driver and he coughs an apology. Steve is still staring ahead at the driver and Amelia giggles beside him, when he turns to her, she is leaning over to his side, almost touching his face. He looks shocked and chokes out, 'so, how was your party?' Amelia smiles flirtatiously, 'yeah, good, lots of colleagues kissing in corners and grinding on the dance floor.' Steve looks embarrassed and his eyes flicker to her lips, he feels her warm palm on his thigh and looks down, 'not you, I hope?' He croaks. She shakes her head, 'no, I'm very much taken, oh, unless this isn't exclusive?' She jokes with him and he looks very confused, he looks down at her hand, trailing up his jeans and then looks back at her. 'What?' He says in a breathless tone. She leans in and kisses his neck and around his ear, whispering, 'it means, we are seeing other people, at the same time as seeing each other.' Steve's eyes widen, trying to comprehend this idea and the heat from her hand, somewhere in his brain he is aware she may be trying to undo his pants. He looks up and the driver's eyes advert from the mirror quickly. Amelia kisses down his cheek and jawline and whispers to him, 'I've missed you so much,' Steve's eyes flutter closed and he feels her hot breath again, 'and your hands.' He shifts in his seat, 'and your warm mouth.'

Steve looks at her and tries to list reasons that this shouldn't happen in the back of the cab. Leaning across to him, she is squeezing her chest together and her dress falls away, offering him a quick peek, he tries to look ahead and Amelia makes humming noises beside him. Suddenly her heat has disappeared and when he comes to his senses, he looks over and she is sat back on her side, legs out straight and palms flat to her outer thighs. She's dragging her hands up and down and slowly bunching her skirt. Steve thinks he might die, here in this taxi. He splutters, 'I like your dress!' Amelia smiles at him, scrunching her nose 'I feel like I look like a Christmas present.' Her hat and coat are abandoned on the seat and her red dress is dangerously high, showing her black stocking clad legs. Steve shuffles in discomfort and the cab driver announces, 'here we are, folks.' Amelia snaps back to reality effortlessly and Steve stares at her in shock. She leans forward and pays, he misses the entire interaction, trying to refocus his brain. He scoops up her hat, coat and abandoned shoes. Once they step out, she looks at him innocently, 'oh, you're an angel.' Thanking him for grabbing her stuff, he looks at her, 'you're the opposite, I tell you.' She pretends that she didn't hear him, 'sorry, honey?' She looks around and spots Bucky's truck, 'oh, he's still here, brace yourself, Captain.'

When Amelia and Steve finally make it inside, they are laughing as they walk into the apartment, as she tells a story from work '…I don't think he will be back on the show, it was pretty bad…' Andi shoots up, she is sat on the floor in between boxes, straddling Bucky. 'Crap, hi!'

'Ugh you two, we discussed this, do it in your room,' Amelia begs, covering Steve's eyes. He pushes her hand away and gets a glimpse of Bucky pulling on a shirt and Andi slipping her dress up. 'You've missed this, Steve, but they went paint balling and they have been like this ever since, can't get enough apparently.' Steve's eyebrows are caressing his hairline in shock and he looks at Bucky questioningly. Andi warns 'don't be jealous, you two.' Steve scoffs at her, but in reality he knows that she is bang on.

Amelia walks further in and knocks a box over and something sounds like it's broken and she just closes her eyes. 'What does the box say?' Andi squints and reads, 'plates.' Amelia's sighs and throws her hand bag down on a box. 'Aghhhhh, I'm so fed up of this.' She waves her hands dramatically and looks around, there's nowhere to sit. 'You can always move in with us for the week, spend Christmas there?' Steve offers. Andi slaps his back, 'oh Steve, I'm so happy you are back, finally a gentleman,' she looks poignantly at Bucky. 'It won't be too much of a Christmas, but better than boxes and well, more boxes,' he says looking around. Amelia looks at him in surprise, 'you're sure? It's loud and full disclosure, we don't travel light. There will be tears and tantrums and that's just my sister!' Andi mutters, 'rude.' Bucky looks at Steve a little surprised, but folds his arms, thinking it could be ok.

A small voice asks 'mommy' and all four adults look over at a sleepy Rosie. She's rubbing her eyes and she's wearing Captain America pyjamas, Amelia blushes and rushes to her. 'Hey, you ok? Missing your bed?' She lifts Rosie up and balances her on her hip, pushing wild hair out of her face. She walks her into the main part of the room, Rosie's eyes widen, 'Stevie?' He gives her a small wave and opens his arms for her, she's not sure and buries into Amelia's hair, asking who it is. 'It's Steve, don't be silly, he just has a furry face.' Rosie looks around again and Steve smiles at her, she giggles and smiles back, waving. She whispers 'where have you been?' He looks down, 'working.' Rosie asks 'did you miss us?' Steve inhales and sniffs a little, 'I did, so much, I can't believe how much you have grown.' Rosie sits up and asks excitedly 'really?' Steve nods and once again holds his arms open to her, she pulls away from Amelia and hops into Steve's grasp, he gives her a big hug and Amelia tries to wipe her eye subtly. Bucky smiles warmly and nudges Andi when he notices her dress is slipping down again.

'You guys are cute, I knew something was missing from our lives, this whole Hallmark lifetime movie thing is adorable, but we are going to skip out now, leave you two to it.' Steve barely hears what she said, as Rosie touches his face and tells him stories. Steve feels Bucky's hand on his shoulder and he nods goodnight to them. 'Good night, Rosalyn, thank you for your company tonight.' She giggles and reaches for his nose, but he ducks and Steve watches this confident Bucky saunter to the door.

Amelia appears, holding her arms out, 'right, missy, you should be in bed, it's very late.' Steve stops her, 'I'll take her, if that's ok?' Amelia looks surprised, 'Umm, yeah, sure, I'll wait out here, no, I'll meet you in there?' Steve smiles at her flustered face and he walks Rosie into her room, she climbs on the mattress and jumps up and down. 'Are you staying with me?' Steve laughs, 'no, I'm just making sure you get some sleep, come on, get in.' Rosie pouts, but drops down and lies flat, Steve tugs the comforter up and passes her Mr Goose. 'I'm not sleepy,' she says yawning. He nods, 'sure, but close your eyes and I bet you will be.' Rosie pulls at Mr Goose's beak, 'will you still be here?' She asks in a timid voice, 'yes, I will be here when you wake up, I promise.' Steve sits down on the edge of the mattress, feeling the hard ground under him, 'you missing your beds?' Rosie sighs and pulls at her knitted comforter. 'Santa will be coming soon,' she whispers with sparkling eyes. Steve gasps, 'will he now?' Rosie nods, rolling over on her side to look at him, 'where's mommy?' Steve smiles down at her, 'she's getting ready for bed, she's very sleepy, like you.' Rosie frowns, 'I'm not! Is uncle Bucky sleeping over too?' Steve chuckles at her, 'not tonight, were you well behaved for him?' Rosie grins, shaking her head. 'Time for sleep then, I'll see you tomorrow, maybe pancakes in the morning?' She nods happily, shouting 'waffles!' She settles in, 'night night,' she waves, 'night night,' he replies, leaving and closing the door quietly.

Steve and Amelia are lying on her bed, legs entangled, with music playing softly and a discarded tub of ice cream. Steve reaches across and wipes a spot of cream from the corner of her mouth, 'it's late, we should get some sleep,' she giggles, kicking her legs, 'I don't want to, you're finally back, I don't want to miss a moment of you.' She sighs happily, 'thank you for tonight, it was so sweet of you to come for me.' Steve smiles, holding her close, kissing the top of her head. Amelia rolls over onto her front, looking up at him, 'Are you sure you want us to stay? And for Christmas? It's a pretty big offer?' Steve just strokes her hair, she continues, 'we can stay here, make it work, it's not a problem. I wouldn't blame you, you know, if you've changed your mind.' Steve swoops down and kisses her, 'shut up.'

'Bucky and Andi seem close,' Amelia hums in agreement squeezing him tighter, 'yes, at least they were dressed tonight, mostly. Rosie was saved another shock.' Steve stops and looks at her, 'wait, what?' Amelia hides her face, 'no! Please don't make me relive it, another time!'

Amelia smiles, Steve straightens, frowning, 'on anther note, I umm, I think we should talk to Pepper about press, I'm worried it's getting too invasive for you.' Amelia rolls away numbly, groaning, 'oh God, that is the least sexy thing you have ever said to me. It's really not that bad, don't make a big deal.'

Steve slowly rolls back towards her, placing an arm over each shoulder, 'oh yeah, what's the most sexy thing I have ever said to you?' Amelia laughs, watching Steve say the word sexy seems like a struggle for him, but she knows the answer immediately. 'I can't say, you will think I'm weird.' He jokes that he already does and she bats him away, 'Fine, when we first kissed you told me that you wanted this, you wanted our life and oh god do you I want you.' Amelia impersonates his voice and Steve stares at her, heatedly, ignoring the poor impression. She continues, 'and it just played in my head on a loop for days, and I would get this cold shiver, just thinking about it, I'd hear it all the time, so yeah... that's it.' Steve watches her bite her lip nervously, he leans down and plants a kiss beside her ear, whispering, 'good choice.' Amelia's skin prickles and a shiver winds down her neck, he kisses along her jaw, then her chin and softly pecks at her lips. Amelia leans forward quickly, pulling Steve close and ripping at his shirt buttons, muttering 'touch me.' She can feel him smirking against her lips and she throws her legs up, wrapping them around his waist, pulling him close. She moans as she feels his hands on her thighs, then her waist, cupping her hips, dragging a slow finger up the centre of her back, while he kisses her neck. Amelia finishes the final button and pushes Steve's shirt over his arms, kissing anywhere she can reach, still pinned beneath him. He strokes her neck, sliding a hand down her collar bone and sliding her dress from one shoulder, kissing over her bra strap. Steve moves his leg and places it between hers, smiling as Amelia moans and rubs against him. 'I heard you with Tony.' Amelia pauses, 'what?' Steve pulls back, smirking at her, 'I heard you talking with Tony, when he tried to get me on the comms.' Amelia rolls her eyes, 'now who's bringing him up?' Then she freezes, thinking back to what she said, did she incriminate herself at all. 'You defending my honour to Tony Stark, it made me smile.' Amelia blushes instantly remembering, 'so it's better than a five out of ten?' Amelia groans and slides against the sheets, 'yes! But stop talking and remind me, it's been weeks.' Steve smiles, enjoying her demands. Steve kisses her and his fingers find the zip at the back of her dress, tugging gently. Amelia reaches for his belt, still kissing him. 'I missed you,' she mutters, 'four weeks was too long…' he closes his eyes, breathing her in and trying to memorise what this feels like, he wants to assure her he will be stay now, but he knows he can't make that promise. Amelia doesn't notice Steve's internal battle, tugging at her dress zip and pulling it over one shoulder.

'Mommy? Stevie?' Amelia freezes and slaps a hand over Steve's mouth, whispering, 'wait.' Steve tries to resist, worried that something might be wrong, 'she might go back to bed, maybe she's sleep walking?' Steve looks at her sceptically, 'does she do that?' Amelia creases her face, 'no, but she could have started!'

There's silence and then, 'I need a drink.' Steve looks confused and Amelia gives in, dropping her hand, 'Mommy?' Amelia sighs, 'hey, yeah, I'm here. Stevie's on his way,' she bites back a laugh and Steve looks at her in fake thanks, climbing off her and grabbing his shirt. Amelia settles back down, smirking and closing her eyes. Steve rushes to button his shirt up and when he opens the door, he quickly looks down before he steps, spotting the wild curls of the little brunette at his feet, she giggles, pointing at his hair, 'you look funny!' Steve reaches for his head, feeling the spikes and tufts that Amelia pulled. 'Thank you, I was just sleeping, your hair looks pretty crazy too, now come on let's get this drink and get you back to bed, go on in, I'll bring you a water.' Steve speaks quickly, steering her down the hall as Rosie whines about wanting a blackcurrant carton, not water.

Steve walks to the kitchen, once again spotting the article on the fridge. He can't find glasses, but spots a plastic cup with dinosaurs on it, sat on the drainer. He fills it at the sink and turns, almost standing on Rosie. She smiles up at him, waving her hands, trying to grab the drink, 'me, me, me!' Steve shakes his head, 'I told you to go to bed, Rosie. I'll carry this in, off you go.' She smiles at him, pointing to the fridge, 'that's Uncle Bucky, he has more hair than mommy, Auntie Andi told me!' Steve laughs a little, then acts serious, 'bed! I'll race you to your room, go!' She squeals, 'no! Noooo! I'm going! Night-night! Night-night! Love you!' She does as she's told and runs back to bed. Steve stands still and replays what she just said, uncertain he heard her correctly. He slowly smiles, knowing the super hearing hasn't failed him yet.

When Steve pushes her door open, armed with a full cup, he sighs, spotting the little girl, asleep in the bed. He pauses and watches her, sighing but smiling. He places the drink beside her and straightens her legs, covering her up again and reaching for her night light.

He returns to Amelia's room, 'I swear, she did that on purpose, she was asleep before I even gave her the drink.' Steve turns around, expecting Amelia to be asleep as well. 'Yeah, it's a new thing, she gets up most nights asking for one.' Steve's mouth drops open, his cheeks flushing as he looks at Amelia naked in her bed. 'You getting in or what?' Steve coughs a little, not used to her being so forward, unsure of what to do or say, he begins to reach for his shirt and Amelia stops him, 'no, you can keep that on, I'll help you with it,' she says suggestively.

AN: I had so much fun writing this, nobody recognising Steve! :D I love the bit at the end with Rosie, it's one of my favourite parts of the whole story, I don't know why, it's just super cute.

Next chapter… a staycation at the tower, at Christmas, what could go wrong?