AN: Hello, hope everyone out there is doing ok. So, I spent ages writing this story and like ten minutes picking a slightly cringing name and now the 'new normal' has become a thing, for post virus life, so that's a bit strange. The next couple chapters are all really fun, with some super fluffy moments. As previously mentioned, Andi's opinions of Maine are purely her own, it looks lovely in the photos, I haven't been and I've tried to make it authentic. I live in the countryside in the UK, so a big fan!

I hope everyone enjoys and it gives us a little break from the reality.

Chapter 35: Growing up on Maine Street

'Here we are, home sweet home,' Andi announces as she steps out of the car. She stretches and looks around, 'hey, where the hell is the swing seat?' she asks no-one in particular. Amelia heaves Rosie out of the car, 'don't start. This isn't our house anymore, they can do what they want.' Steve and Bucky stand beside Andi and stare up at the house in awe. It's wooden boarded with steps leading to a porch area. There's lots of grass and a large barn building in the distance. Bucky whistles lowly, 'this is like a fucking postcard.' Steve rubs his hands together and Bucky zips up his coat, 'it's chilly, boys!' Andi shouts, Amelia lets out a dramatic huff, reminding them about the luggage. Steve turns and spots her struggling with bags and child, running over, he advises, 'you could have waited.' She just grins and waltzes off, leaving him with the baggage.

Peter appears at the door and waves from the top of the steps. Amelia leans into her sister and warns, 'don't mention the swing immediately, please?' Andi waves happily and ignores Amelia, walking off. 'Hi Dad,' Andi says as she walks up the stairs. Peter hugs her and when she pulls back, she asks 'where's the swing seat?' Peter laughs and ignores her, calling to everyone else. Bucky comes up behind her, 'put your bottom lip away, you're not four.' Andi teases, 'Barnes, if you knew what I got up to on that seat, you would know why I'm so attached.' A cough interrupts them and Dana stands close by, clearly having heard the previous comments. 'Hi Dana,' Andi says coyly. They share a quick hug, 'Andi, great to have you both home. Bucky Barnes, let me look at you, you got a haircut!' Dana opens her arms, asking 'you ok for a hug?' He nods in confusion and she grabs him close, squeezing the air from him. He panics a little but relaxes as he hears Andi giggling beside them as she watches on in amusement. He pulls back and moves his hair away from his eyes, cautiously asking 'what do you think?' Dana nods approvingly, 'looks fantastic! I can see that handsome face of yours! Come on, get inside, before we get a shed tour.'

Turning back to Bucky, Andi asks 'do you think Tony will be ok, with Nat and Bruce? I feel bad, poor little guy, we've only had him a couple days.' Dana looks intrigued and Andi follows her inside explaining about Bucky's gift.

Peter arrives beside Steve and Amelia, he reaches for Rosie, taking her from her mother. 'Hey there, Monster! Good trip, you two?' he asks merrily. Amelia widens her eyes, 'bad music, thanks to my sister, but a good drive, thanks to Steve. Hi Dad.' Peter shakes Steve's hand and stands back, admiring the car. 'Mia, you're still at Manhattan Matters, right? How did you afford this beauty?' Amelia shakes her head, 'not mine, it's Tony Stark's,' she chirps walking off, smiling to herself. Rosie shouts 'Yay, Tony!' Steve unloads the last bag, eyeing the pile of ten plus cases, Steve and Peter look at each other. 'Good to see nothing changes,' Peter jests, adding 'and they're your problem now.' He walks off and when Steve looks up, they are all inside the house, leaving him with the luggage, Rosie reappears at the door, calling for him to hurry up.

When Steve makes it inside with the final bag, Dana goes to him for a hug and welcomes him. 'Steve, you look well, thank you for coming. Come on through!'

Petch gets under his feet, happily barking and jumping at Steve's ankles. Steve looks around and it reminds him a little of Barton's place, the walls are painted in soft colours and there are photos hanging everywhere. There's a fish theme in the hall and wooden shutters on all the windows. It's quaint and hand-made, warm with charm and old but well-kept. Steve grins at a picture of Amelia fishing with peter, her two front teeth missing as she smiles at the camera.

Amelia walks up to Steve and whispers over his shoulder, 'check this out, Miss Lobster 2005.' She pulls a photo off a shelf and its Andi at a restaurant with foam lobster pincers, smiling with colleagues. Steve chuckles, 'I thought she didn't eat fish?' he asks, Amelia shrugs and replaces the picture.

She looks around her childhood home, 'it never changes. I miss it sometimes.' Steve's ears prick up, 'would you ever want to come back? Live somewhere similar?' Amelia nods, 'yeah maybe, it's home I guess.' Steve looks out of the window and can see the barn at the end of the property. 'I could see myself here, with a wife and a couple of kids.' Amelia laughs and asks, 'is she hot?' Steve looks confused but then beams and steps towards her slowly, 'she's unbelievable, not sure she knows it though.' Amelia smirks, 'maybe she's coming around.' She saunters away and Steve could swear her hips sway a little more than normal.

Bucky coughs and Steve stops his staring, looking surprised at being caught. 'Good to see you are improving with the ladies, Rogers.' Bucky nods to the next room and Steve blushes, 'thanks for the help by the way, with the bags.'

They follow the way Amelia went to the kitchen, where everyone is stood chatting. Peter announces, 'so, I booked Capers for tonight, table for seven at seven.' Andi groans, Peter continues 'you all eat fish, yes?' They nod and Andi shouts, 'but I don't. Your daughter, remember me?' Peter pretends not to hear her. She sulks leaning against the counter until she looks out of the window and notices the swing seat around the back, smiling brightly to herself.

Peter claps his hands, 'right, rooms. Amelia, you will be in your room, with Andi. Rosie will be on the pull out.' Andi looks horrified, 'what? Dad, we are adults, it's no secret what is going on here.' Peter coughs and Dana struggles not to laugh, 'Steve and Bucky will be in Andi's room.' Andi looks even more annoyed, 'why are they in there, we should be! It's the better room.' Peter shakes his head and explains 'there are two singles in there, it will work best.' Andi halts 'you got rid of my bed!?' she asks loudly. Amelia looks at Steve shyly, as if to apologise and Bucky is stood cross-armed, grinning at Andi's uproar. Dana intercedes, 'don't waste your breath, Andi, I tried, but your dad has his ways. I will show you up.'

Rosie stays with Peter and the four follow Dana, knocking the wall paper and hanging photos with their bags on the narrow staircase. Bucky leans in close to a school photo of Andi, she has brown hair and he double takes at the metal ware on her teeth 'So, this is you, girls, as you know.' She opens the door and Amelia takes a quick look, shutting it again quickly. 'Yep, all good, looks great.' Everyone watches her suspiciously as she body blocks the door and nods to Andi's room.

They all plod to Andi's room and when the door opens she walks in and gazes around, gasping 'this is way worse than a gym!' The room is pale green, with two single beds and the decor is old, there's scented candles, faux flowers and worst of all, a guest book. Andi looks mortified and turns to Dana, as she opens her mouth Bucky jumps in with 'this is perfect, Dana, thank you.' Steve huffs dropping some bags and smiles at the small window and the view across the countryside.

Dana makes her exit, 'see you all in a minute, get settled, we've got your Christmas presents as well downstairs.' Andi lies on the bed, sighing loudly. She suddenly jumps up and forcefully pushes Steve away from the door, closing it loudly, she sighs in disappointment and then runs to the wardrobe. Swinging the cabinet door open and cheering when she sees her N*Sync poster has survived the makeover. Peter calls up, 'please don't slam the doors, girls.' Andi mimics her dad and then peers out of the window, she laughs and points across the driveway, 'I see the Jenson's are still here.' Steve and Bucky look at her questioningly. She proceeds 'Amelia was in love with their son.' Amelia shouts 'Andi, not true and we were fourteen! Come on, you're a nightmare, calm down! Let's go get unpacked.' Andi swans out after Amelia and calls 'don't miss me too much, lover.'

Bucky looks around and says to Steve 'this is nice, you must be pinching yourself over the location. I could see you here, no question.' Steve sighs pensively, 'yeah, me too.'

Andi runs past Amelia in the hallway and says 'you are so transparent; I know what you are hiding.' She swings the door open and laughs raucously. The room is plastered in posters and photos, it hasn't been touched. It's bright pink, where you can see the wall and there are band pictures all over the place. The furniture is poorly painted and there's stuffed toys in a small hammock, suspended from the ceiling. Andi stops laughing and asks 'wait, does this mean they love you more? Why is mine a grown-up room and yours looks like this?' Amelia tuts and rubs her temples. 'This is like being in a bad dream,' she groans quietly. Andi lies on the bed, laughing at the Buffy and Angel poster above her, on the ceiling. 'Can you believe they have done this to us? Separate bedrooms? We are adults!' Andi jumps off the bed and spots a blow-up chair, launching herself into it, 'has this got smaller?'

Amelia unpacks some stuff from the bags and sighs in relief that the drawers are at least empty. Andi looks over at her sister, stating dryly 'and Capers? Really? That will be fun. Not!'

There's a knock at the door and Amelia runs for it, barely opening it, she sees Steve. 'Hey, you all done? Want to give us a real tour?' Amelia nods enthusiastically and promises they will be ten minutes and to wait downstairs. Steve looks unsure, but backs away.

Andi eyes her sister, 'you're really going to keep him out of here all weekend? I thought this was one of your kinks?' Amelia sighs and looks around, grimacing at the X-files boxsets still on a bookcase, yes, she intends to keep this firmly hidden.

At six thirty everyone is piling out of the car for dinner. Steve looks up at the restaurant sign and a couple pass by, greeting him politely. He smiles, this feels almost too normal, he turns back and helps Amelia out of the car. He looks down at her long floral dress and curled hair, 'you look nice,' he says sweetly, 'did you come here a lot?' Amelia grins, 'better ask Andi.' He looks over and Andi looks miserable, pulling her coat tightly around herself. Peter has Rosie on his shoulders, Bucky beside him. Bucky walks alongside Amelia, 'what's up with your sister?' he asks jokingly. Amelia sneers, 'wait and see.' Peter places Rosie down and helps Dana out of the car and nudges Andi, 'nice to be home?' She softens a little at her dad, 'I can't believe you did this, was there really nowhere else to go?' Dana laughs and wraps an arm around her waist, 'I tried, Andi, I know it's not very cool. But we love it here.'

Rosie runs over to Bucky, chanting up, up, up! He looks down at her and then back to Steve and Amelia. 'Ummm, I'm not…' Amelia cuts him off, 'it's fine, if you want to? If you don't mind?' Slowly he bends down beside Rosie and she cheers and she climbs onto his back. She wraps her arms around his neck and grins, 'look mamma!' Amelia gasps, 'wow, you are so tall!' Steve looks a little concerned, but Bucky seems content enough.

As they enter, a small bell rings above the door. The place is full of people, laughing and chatting merrily. Bucky tenses a little and Dana leans over to him 'not that kind of place, soldier, these people don't care about superheroes or villains,' he nods at her and relaxes a little, Rosie softly drumming on his head. Amelia looks around, they ate here for her sweet sixteen and on many other occasions. It looks no different, there's a wooden boardwalk down the centre of the restaurant, with fish tanks dotted about, there's rope aisles and gingham table cloths. Bucky looks between Andi and the tanks, 'you ok with this?' She huffs and admits, 'they don't eat those ones, people like to look at them.'

Steve reaches for Amelia's hand and squeezes it, 'this looks like a great place. Lucky for you, I don't mind fish.' Amelia grins at him and checks on Rosie. She looks up at Steve's bright blue eyes, 'I'm sorry we aren't sharing a room.' Steve looks stern, 'you should obey your father.' He seems serious, but she thinks there's a fun tone in there as well. 'It's just nice to be away, no tower, no Tony.' Amelia chuckles, she kind of misses Tony when he's not with the group, she thinks there's a lot more to him. 'You're hard on him, he's just a lost soul, like the rest of us.' Steve is surprised by her words. 'lost sole or soul?' he asks and Amelia looks at him in confusion, 'oh no, you've already spent too much time with my dad!' She grins at him, 'hey? Where's your cap, Cap?' She smirks and he tugs her arm, 'I gave it a miss, not polite at dinner, is it?' He looks around, 'plus, no one really seems to care.'

A woman walks over to them and calls 'Pete, Dana! Wow, this is unexpected, I saw your name in the book, but I didn't know it was a reunion and you were bringing all the gang.' Amelia smiles, stepping forward, 'Hi Sally, how are you?' the woman stands back and looks at Amelia. 'Little Amelia Miller, look at you, all grown up and you are glowing, my dear. This isn't your little one, is it?' She looks at Rosie and offers a small wave. Amelia nods 'yeah, Rosie, she's four, not so little now and this is my partner, Steve.' Steve steps forward and shakes the woman's hand politely. 'Well, it looks like you are doing well for yourself.' She offers a not so subtle thumbs up, eyeing Steve, and then looks around the group, 'and where is…' The family parts slightly and a very sulky Andi is hiding at the back. Sally throws her arms out and pushes past the others, embracing Andi. 'Welcome back! This girl was my best waitress and Miss Lobster for three years on the trot, she can sell fish to fishermen.' Andi looks pink with mortification and everyone suppresses a laugh. Rosie claps and Bucky jests 'I had no idea. Miss Lobster, we are not worthy.' Sally squeezes Andi and then whispers, 'who the hell is that?' she's checking out Bucky and Andi finally sees an opportunity to gain some control back. 'That's my boyfriend, Bucky.' Everyone looks at her, as they've never used that term and Andi is smug, thinking she's back on top, until a man walks by and calls, 'hey, it's Miss Lobster, the OG.' Sally squeezes her again, 'come on, let's get you all seated.' The group shuffle through, Peter calls to their host, 'Sally, I've been telling my best fish jokes, but so far they have all tanked!' Amelia looks at Steve with a raised brow, 'see? It's a dangerous path.'

Rosie asks Bucky if he will be her boyfriend and Peter chuckles, grabbing her foot. 'Certainly not, you've got at least twenty years.'

Amelia hangs back and leans towards Andi, laughing, 'that was so much better than I expected. Now cheer up, the worst is over.' Andi looks up and resigns herself a little, but stops when she sees a photo on the wall of her with a Lobster mascot, wearing a tiara and a sash. 'You were saying?' she asks Amelia. Andi seats Bucky in front of the photo, hoping he doesn't see it. Steve is opposite and he laughs silently as he looks at the image.

A waiter comes over, 'hey folks, can I take your drink orders? Oh, hey, Andi, how are you? It's been forever.' Andi gapes and asks, 'Dan, you still work here?' she winces, because it sounds rude and he just laughs it off 'yeah, I love it actually, I'm a manager now, Sally can't do as much since her hip op.' Peter asks 'Daniel, do we get a discount for bringing in a Caper's celebrity?' Andi slouches down in her chair and Bucky shakes his head at her, laughing and enjoying her ongoing humiliation.

Once the waiter has gone, Bucky gasps at her 'Miss Lobster, I had no idea and after what you did to that poor fish at Coney Island?' She rolls her eyes at him and throws her napkin across.

'Dad, pssss, Dad,' Amelia whispers, leaning behind Steve and trying to get her father's attention. Peter looks around, confused and then spots her. 'What is it, Mia?' She mouths to him to whisper and rolls her eyes when he asks her what she said. 'Why is my room stuck in 2005 and Andi's is a guest room?' Peter catches up, 'well, we are doing both, we only did your sister's a few weeks ago and yours is next, kid, no big deal. Dana's shaking things up. You should sort it out while you're here, in case you want anything.' Amelia looks horrified, 'no thank you!' Steve smiles, listening to them chat behind his back.

Amelia sits back and looks at Steve, who is reading his menu, she ties a bib around Rosie's neck as she bangs her cutlery on the table in excitement. Steve smiles at the little girl and Peter leans into him, 'you're very good with her, just the kind of dad she needs.' Steve's eyes shift to Amelia, but thankfully she is busy chatting with Andi. 'Uh, thanks, sir, she's very special, they both are.' Peter nods and leans in further, 'you looking to make an honest woman?' He asks, and Steve nearly chokes on his drink, catching everyone's attention. Andi laughs, 'ughhh, gross, Steve, it's dripping out your nose.' He mutely wipes it and stares at his menu with great interest.

Daniel comes back with a skip in his step, 'ready to order, folks?' Everyone informs him of their choices and Daniel asks, 'have you met the new Miss Lobster?' Andi blushes and slips down in her seat again 'fuck me, this is not happening.' A young blonde waitress bounces over and she looks genuinely excited to meet them, 'Hey, how are you all doing?' She's perky and excitable. 'You're the girl from the photo. I'm Miss Lobster too!' She proudly shows off a badge and Bucky coughs, 'what exactly does Miss Lobster entail?' The girl looks surprised by the good looking soldier and then finds her tongue, 'Umm, I'm the best waitress, as voted for by the colleagues here. Oh, there's also a Mr Lobster now, that was my doing!' Andi cringes and mutters 'maybe Miss World next year.'

Someone comes over and chats with Dana, leaning over her shoulder. Steve reaches for Amelia's leg with his and she looks surprised. Amelia offers her hand beneath the table and clasps his. Rosie is colouring in a Lobster picture and asks 'Stevie?' Steve is always apprehensive at that one word question. 'Nana Dana says Mommy is pretty.' Steve nods and smiles at Amelia. 'Am I pretty?' Steve watches her, 'very pretty. Just like your Mom.' Rosie cheers happily and Andi stands up and takes some photos around the table. 'You need some new material, kid. Same questions all the time! Too much Disney romance.' She bumps into Sally and the older woman holds her shoulders, 'you hoping to get your job back, little Lobster?' Bucky chuckles and Andi throws her head back, looking at the ceiling and sighing.

Peter calls over, 'what is that on your neck?' Andi places a hand against her scab and locks eyes with Amelia. 'Nothing, I just caught it, you know me. And I picked it, made it worse.' Bucky looks down glumly. Amelia asks Bucky about what he ordered and he gives her a sceptical eye, but appreciates the distraction. Dana looks up, 'so, we were thinking, you kids could go out for a drink tomorrow, leave baby girl with us?' Andi gulps her drink and raises her empty glass, 'hell yes, thank you Dana! You can be my new Mom, I'm sold.' Dana and Peter share a look and it doesn't go unmissed by Bucky. 'And after I will cook us all dinner, so be back by eight.' Amelia tries to offer help, but Dana is having none of it, 'at least let me do the shopping?'

Another lady rushes over to the table, bending beside Peter and kissing his cheek, Rosie looks scandalised and when the lady stands she gasps 'my oh my, Amelia, Andrea, how you have both grown up.' Amelia looks shy and Andi laughs loudly, 'Mrs Jenson, it's so nice to see you.' The woman makes small chat and when she bends back down to talk with Peter, Andi whispers harshly to Steve and Bucky, 'she's our neighbour, Mia was in love with their son. God knows why, he was a dick, called her names and shit.' Steve narrows his eyes and looks to Amelia, she looks genuinely happy to see the woman and Andi explains, 'oh his parents are gorgeous, it's just him who's a spoilt little shit.' Mrs Jenson looks around the table and starts to say something about seeing them in a couple of days, Peter interrupts her, cutting her off and the sisters share a confused look. Dana looks up, 'I've invited my daughter in law, Maggie and my grandson, Ty for dinner tomorrow as well girls, I can't wait for you to meet them.' Amelia asks how old Ty is and Dana comes to life talking about her grandson, 'he's seven, he's a little character, just like my Nathan. Big fan of yours, Cap, not sure he will recognise you with the beard though.' Everyone laughs and Peter asks, 'Yes, Steve, what is the new look all about?' Steve shakes his head looking at the table and Amelia interrupts, 'I like it.' Andi mutters, 'yeah, between your thighs,' her father hears and gives her a disgusted look, she mouths an apology. Amelia smirks at Steve and he blushes furiously.

Later, Steve and Bucky are lying in their respective twin beds, both staring into the dark, looking towards the ceiling. Bucky sighs and puts his hands behind his head, 'I like it here.' Steve hums in agreement. After a moment of silence, Steve asks, 'how are you doing since, you know, the haircut?' Bucky tenses and grabs the sheet tightly, 'fine.' Steve sighs and rolls to face Bucky in the dark, 'it's ok, you know, not to be ok.' Bucky doesn't respond. Steve gives up and moves on, 'so, boyfriend, hey? Is that what this is? You and Andi?' Bucky chuckles a little, 'I can't keep up with her.' Steve thinks about this, 'is that a good thing? Is it what you need right now?' Bucky huffs and responds 'I like her, she makes me forget.' Steve rolls onto his back, deciding that will have to be good enough for now. Bucky laughs suddenly, 'Miss Lobster, she kept that quiet,' Steve chuckles as well, 'I imagine that's hard for her.'

'I really could get used to this,' Steve says. Bucky looks over at him, 'sharing a room? No thanks, Punk.' Steve mumbles, jerk, 'no, I mean a place in the country, fishing, building canoes, barns.' They both fall into silence and consider the lives they could lead in a place like this.

Bucky rapidly blurts out, 'I gotta ask, what was under that coat?' Steve is confused but then gets it, laughing he says 'no way, that's classified.' Bucky lies back, 'we used to share everything.' Steve smiles 'you mean you used to share everything. I had nothing to share.' Bucky replies, 'not true anymore.'

Down the hall, Amelia is sharing her old bed with her sister and Rosie is asleep on the floor. Andi is tossing and turning and kicking Amelia profusely. 'Will you quit it?' Amelia whines. Andi mutters about Miss Lobster and faces away from her, 'can you believe this, separate rooms? Unforgivable.' Amelia laughs, 'grow up, you can go one night without him.' Andi wipes her face forcefully, muttering 'you have no idea. I had all these plans, romantic weekend away.'

Andi sits up suddenly with a bright idea and runs for Amelia's window, stepping over her niece and swiping soft toys from the ledge. Opening the window, slowly, she looks down and then across. Amelia can just about see Andi's outline; she sits up, 'please tell me you aren't doing what I think you are doing?' Andi laughs and runs back over, grabbing her slippers and pulling on a woolly hat. Amelia groans 'well, that seems excessive, seeing as the aim is to end up naked.' Andi sits on the ledge and swings one leg over at a time, she hops down onto the garage roof and leans back into the window 'fuck it's cold. See you in the morning, sucker.' She shuts the window and Amelia drops back down, pulling the comforter over her face.

Bucky and Steve sit up quickly, hearing a noise at the window. Steve leaps up and tries to find the light switch. A bright light appears at the window and Andi's face is illuminated by her phone, as she bites her lip, trying to pick the window lock. She perseveres and then looks up noticing the two confused faces. Offering them a wave, she beckons them over and Bucky opens the window for her. Climbing in her slipper falls off one foot and she says 'they've changed the windows, can you believe? I used to be able to get in here no problem, wouldn't even wake you two.' Bucky and Steve stare at her with mouths agape. She pulls off her hat and kicks her other shoe across the room.

'Steve, you better leave, things are about to get dirty.' Bucky chokes a laugh and looks at Steve apologetically but shrugs as if to say, I'm not saying no. Steve remains unmoving and then Andi starts to reach for her shirt, this spurs him into action and he grabs his jacket, leaving the room. 'Fine, whatever, but do it on your own bed.'

Steve stalks down the hallway, pausing outside Amelia's room, there's a wooden sign on it that reads her name, with glitter and butterflies. He looks back down the hall and sees a similar one on Andi's door. He looks back at the door before him and he considers knocking, but remembers Rosie is sleeping in there and sighing, he walks to the stairs, zipping up his jacket.

Amelia is lying in bed wide awake, turning from side to side, she hears a bump from the next room and in a flurry, she throws the sheet back and stands from her bed. She checks Rosie is asleep and grabs her nightgown. Tying it around herself, she side steps her sleeping daughter and quietly opens the door. She arrives at Andi's room and gently knocks. Bucky opens it and he is naked, with a pillow over his waist, his forehead is glistening and his hair is sticking to him.

Amelia stumbles 'umm...' He looks a little embarrassed, but he looks smug and cocksure, enjoying her reaction. 'Look, I'm going to get a drink, tell my sister to listen out for her niece.' Bucky smiles and looks back into the room, checking Andi heard her. Amelia blushes at the tense muscles in his neck and the sweat dripping down his chest. When he looks back, he says 'she's a bit tied up right now, but we will keep our ears open.' Amelia pulls a face, not wanting to know what tied up means. 'Where's Steve?' she enquires with concern. Andi calls, 'I kicked him out. I said he could watch, but no dice.' Bucky smiles and lightly closes the door on her, Amelia stands there until Andi's giggling encourages her to walk away. She heads down the stairs, tightening her robe. She goes to the fridge and is happy to see her dad still buys the strawberry milkshake she loves. Pouring herself a glass, she peeks around, but can't see Steve. She considers going back to bed, but then there's a bump upstairs and she thinks better of it.

Andi sits straddling Bucky's waist, her shirt slipping off one shoulder. Bucky peers up at her, gently moving the hair from her shoulder and caressing the band aid on her neck. 'Does it hurt?' He asks solemnly and Andi shakes her head fiercely, 'no, it's nothing, I told you. You're acting like you made an attempt on my life.' Bucky closes his eyes slowly and she throws her head back in shame. 'Shit, sorry, again. Foot in mouth.' Bucky slowly reaches for her hips, stroking her waist with his thumbs. 'Hey' he calls 'when you put that big old foot of yours in your mouth… it makes me feel… normal, like you said it because you forgot how damaged I am, what a monster I really am.' Andi looks at him sadly, 'Bucky…' He shakes his head, demanding she doesn't defend him.

He quickly changes the topic, 'so who's the guy in your wardrobe?' Andi can't help but giggle and jumps up and out of bed. Her shirt only just covering her behind, Bucky smirks at her and pulls the covers back over himself. She runs to the wardrobe and opens it, waving a hand at a poster of a curly haired Justin Timberlake, explaining who he is. 'He was my first love, but you are easily the best looking guy I have had in here.' Bucky looks down shyly, he looks up at a creak and Andi reaches for the top of the two wardrobe doors and swings between them, her shirt inching even further up. Bucky tries to keep his eyes on hers, 'you know, you never seem to have an issue being intimate, I thought it might be harder for you?' He considers it and puts a thoughtful arm behind his head, 'sometimes no words is easier…' Andi smiles at him, 'what would you have said if Steve had agreed to that threesome I just offered?' Bucky let's out a bark of laughter, he just shrugs, 'Steve would never say yes…'Andi gasps and starts to speak, 'and neither would I' he explains. Andi watches him, catching his smirk, 'what aren't you telling me? You haven't done one, have you?' Bucky doesn't answer, closing his eyes and pretending to sleep. She runs over, leaping onto him and chanting his name, 'Tell me! Now, now! Tell me!' Bucky grins, knowing it's killing her. His hands find her bare thighs and slide over her smooth skin. Andi groans, 'fine! Tell me something else… did you and Steve go Christmas shopping?' Bucky opens his eyes in horror, 'no!' She laughs at his face, he sighs and admits 'I asked the woman's voice in my room and a fish appeared one day, I have no idea where or when Steve got those earrings.' Andi grinds her hips against his, enjoying the feel of him beneath her.

Bucky reaches under her shirt, circling her belly button and caressing her waist. 'I've been thinking, that umm exhibition, we could go.' Andi looks delighted that her gift has paid off, 'really? Great! We can go whenever you want! You will shit yourself, there's this Howling Commandos display…' Bucky cuts her off, frowning, 'I think I've already been.' Andi pauses, confused, 'yeah, in D.C. it slipped my mind, figures, but talking about it the other day, it's all coming back to me.' Andi looks put out, 'alright Celine Dion, well at least Steve hasn't been!' Bucky looks up at her, 'he's been as well.' Andi leans back, shoulders dropping, 'what!? My Christmas gift is crap then. Worst gift ever!'

Bucky reaches under her shirt, caressing her spine. Andi throws her head back, forgetting her disappointed pout and moaning at his touch. 'Watching you tonight, I realised…' Andi nods, distracted by his nimble fingers. 'I want that.' Andi sobers and looks down at him, 'ridicule and a lobster suit? Well, whatever floats your boat.' Bucky shakes her off, 'no. Family, memories…' Andi smiles at him, 'you can have that, it's all there for you, take it.' Bucky grins at her and suddenly tugs her shirt off, Andi squeals and bats him away. 'Hey, you said take it!'

Amelia walks into the lounge and through the patio doors she can see Steve sat on the swing chair, brightened by the automatic light, the gentle swinging setting it off. He looks pensive and he is writing something in a journal. Amelia looks around and spots her dad's work boots, she slips her feet in, grabs a coat, a blanket and leaves the house. As she trudges towards Steve, her feet slosh in the men's shoes.

Steve looks up and smiles at her. She drags her feet over to him and eventually stands before him. 'Hey, I heard you got kicked out? Seems unfair.' Steve grins, 'what's your excuse?' he asks. 'My sister is a sex demon and apparently can't go one night without having her wicked way.' Steve looks Amelia up and down in her navy blue robe, furry hooded coat and work boots, 'I can relate to that.' Amelia mocks shock and sits down beside Steve. He closes his journal and wraps an arm around her, she chucks the blanket over their legs and leaning in, she asks 'what did you think of the restaurant?' Steve looks at her and says 'I liked it, I enjoy a good lobster pun as much as the next man and they seemed to have them in spades.' Amelia chuckles beside him, 'here's a secret. I'm not that keen on fish, but I was always delighted to go, as Andi looked so funny in her red and white uniform, and sometimes she had this hat...' Amelia laughs and her eyes drift to Andi's room, there's a small glow of light and she asks Steve, 'how is Bucky? Anymore panic attacks?' Steve looks troubled, 'not that I know of. You know he tore up his room the night of the gala you covered.' Amelia sits up straight. 'Really? Why? Because of the Beth thing?' Steve nods quietly, Amelia and Steve both consider Bucky and his circumstances.

Amelia sits to one side and throws her legs over Steve's knees. He lifts his hands and rests them on her, his journal in his grasp. 'Can I see?' she asks, nodding to it. He opens the page and flashes it at her, it's a drawing of their house. 'Steve, this is amazing. I knew you drew, but you've never shown me anything.' Steve looks down shyly, 'it's just a hobby.' Amelia watches him, 'well, maybe when you move out here with your smokin' wife and two kids, you can take it up properly, you know retire from the game.' Steve laughs and pushes his feet off the ground, swinging the bench. Steve looks at Amelia, she's staring at his journal. He reaches across and moves some hair from her face. She bites her lip as she looks at his sketch and her eyes appear to sparkle. 'I wish I could take you to bed,' Steve says sincerely. Amelia looks up and her breath catches, his serious face, piercing gaze and warm hand halting all her thoughts. Amelia blushes, 'I have a four year old on my floor.' She jumps up and down a little on the swing seat, testing it and it creaks. 'Hmm, not an option,' she says with a naughty grin. 'Well, you know what they say, all good things…' the light goes out and she waves to set it off again. She looks over at the barn at the end of the yard, 'wow, my dad's been busy, the barn looks amazing. You know, when we were young we were banned from going in there, it was a death trap. We told all of our friends there was a dead body inside and people were even more desperate to get a look.' Steve smiles warmly at her, she sighs and looks around, 'we were very lucky growing up.' He agrees and she asks him, 'what about you, do you miss home? Brooklyn? Is your place still there?' Steve shakes his head, 'no, mine is gone, knocked down a few years back, but Bucky's is still standing, although he spent more time at mine then his own.' Amelia leans back, staring at the stars, 'do you think your mom and me would have got along?' Steve nods slowly, 'I know she would have loved you and Rosie.' Amelia grins happily, 'I kept my distance from girls when I was young, it never ended well and the rejection was no fun, deep down I think she was worried there would never be grandkids.' He looks down at his lap and Amelia's heart leaps at the insinuation. He doesn't seem to realise what he has implied and she watches him, carefully. He looks into her eyes, 'I see Rosie's wearing the clip, the butterfly?' Amelia stretches her arms above her head, 'yes, I keep hiding it, but she's tenacious. She knows it's meant for special occasions.'

There's a thump and it sounds like a bird hit the window, but looking towards Andi's room, the light is now off and it's suddenly very quiet. Looking back at the book, Amelia says 'it's a good house, isn't it?' Steve peers up at the real thing, 'I should say.' Amelia suddenly looks up at him, 'you haven't drawn me, have you?' He just smiles and she whines, 'oh no, promise you haven't, I couldn't cope.'

Steve and Amelia sit and chat for a long time, until she drifts to sleep on his shoulder. Steve rubs her arm and eventually wakes her. Walking her back to her room and leaving her for the night. He deliberates not returning to his room, but in the end he does, the light is off and he keeps his eyes on the floor, climbing into bed and turning away from Bucky's, praying Andi has gone and if not is gone before he wakes.

In the morning, Andi comes to and notices that Steve has already gone and his bed is made as if ready for a barrack inspection. She smiles, thinking when this was her room, the bed was made once in a blue moon. She looks at a sleeping Bucky and wonders how often he sleeps in. She pauses, having never actually seen him asleep. 'I can feel you staring,' he mutters, she curses under her breath at being caught. He rolls over and she wonders if he is really going back to sleep. She grabs her clothes from the floor, quickly dresses and kisses Bucky goodbye, pulling on her hat, she steps into the hallway and meets her father's keen eyes. 'Ah, Andi, good of you to use the door this time.' She closes her eyes and drops her chin onto her chest, cringing. She hears another door and darts for Amelia's room, before Dana can kick off round two.

Following breakfast, Amelia stands at the kitchen sink looking out the window, onto the backyard. She smiles as she watches Steve walking the length of the lawn, holding Rosie's hand. Rosie has a bobble hat on, it slips down over her eyes and she uses her mitten gloves to push it back. Steve constantly stopping and kneeling beside her, to pull the hat back on properly.

She watches Steve point things out, accept picked flowers from the little girl and run after her.

Amelia smirks, biting her lip and rubbing her hands in the warm soapy washing up water. She likes this look on Steve, father figure, caring for her most precious thing in this world. Amelia shuffles on her feet, squeezing her legs together subconsciously and feeling heat spread across her cheeks, she blows her hair out of her face, in frustration. She feels like quality time alone with him in this house is destined not to happen. She thinks about sweaty Bucky opening the door last night and almost fans herself, it's just not fair. She looks up, catching sight of Steve pushing Rosie on the swing seat.

'He is a very handsome boy,' Dana whispers beside Amelia, making the younger brunette jump, slapping the soapy water hard and making a splash. 'Fu...shit...Dana, gosh, yes, yes he is, I guess, of course he is.' Amelia nods enthusiastically, gradually calming and resuming the washing up, trying to act cool. Dana loudly sips her tea, staring out the window. 'Very handsome...' Amelia swallows and nods in agreement. Dana grasps her chest and coos, elbowing Amelia 'awwwww, look.' Amelia looks up, noticing Steve lifting Rosie up and down, to peek over a wall.

'Cute!' Andi chirps, appearing next to the pair and eating a banana. Amelia rolls her eyes, Andi mumbles with a mouthful of food, 'he is dammmmn fine!' Amelia carries on with the washing up, scrubbing a dish aggressively. Dana turns to Andi, 'kind eyes,' she offers pointing to her own. Andi nods in agreement, 'he has a tight ass, that's my favourite.' Amelia groans, 'can you both stop!' Dana strokes her arm, 'aww we are just being nice!' The three continue watching, Andi drops her chin onto her sister's shoulder, chewing her fruit loudly. They watch as Rosie tries to do a cartwheel and Dana smiles warmly, 'a lovely personality as well!' Andi nods and agrees, leaning over the counter, watching Steve out the window. Dana continues, 'selfless, you can tell.'

Peter strolls into the room, stopping beside the group, bending to see under the blind. 'He is a good looking boy!' The women turn to look at him and he shrugs, 'no harm in looking. Nice strong jaw!' Andi groans, 'gosh, you two sound so old! Strong jaw...really?' Peter chuckles at her, tugging at Andi's hair softly. Dana squeals again, pointing back to Steve and Rosie giggling and running around, Peter takes Dana's glasses and squints out the window. 'Dad, get your own,' Amelia moans. Peter ignores his oldest daughter, 'marriage material I think!' Andi giggles and Amelia gasps, 'Dad! Honestly! Stop it! It's not the fifties.' Andi laughs louder, 'why? We are all thinking it.' Amelia shakes her head, ignoring them, 'he is going to see us, this is embarrassing, go back to what you were all doing.'

Andi finishes her banana, 'I mean look at him...can you believe this?' Peter looks aghast, 'Andrea, don't be rude!' Andi rolls her eyes, 'don't call me that and what I meant was, most people don't meet celebrities, let alone date them and torture them with a family Christmas, while they babysit for you.' Amelia looks at her sister dryly, knowing she's speaking the truth, it does feel unbelievable.

Rosie's giggles emanate throughout the house, as she sprints past the window. The four stop bickering and watch the scene as Rosie runs around with one of Steve's gloves. Peter leans in close to Amelia, 'well look at that.' He gives her a gentle kiss on the head and whispers, 'that little girl deserves the world.' Andi smiles, secretly agreeing.

When the four look back, Steve is watching them, he awkwardly lifts his hand and offers a wave. Amelia waves back, 'he thinks we are weird, this is weird, we are weird.' Peter asks, 'think he will mow my lawn, while he's out there?' Andi groans loudly, 'yes please, hopefully shirtless!'

'What are we looking at?' A deep voice asks. Amelia splashes her hand once again in shock, launching bubbles into the air. Dana jumps, spilling her tea onto the floor and all four turn to spot Bucky, quickly denying their antics. There's bustle and Dana quickly gives Amelia the shopping list. The four disperse and Bucky grins, spying Rosie chasing Steve around the yard.

By 10am Steve and Amelia are preparing for their grocery run. 'Can I drive?' Amelia whines. Steve smiles at her and says dramatically 'I don't know, it's not my car, what would Tony say?' She eyes him suspiciously, 'since when have you cared what he thinks?' Steve is pulling on his coat, he then bends to help Rosie into hers. 'What do you think, Miss Rosalyn? should we let mommy drive?' She cheers and Steve says 'well, if you insist.' Amelia jumps slightly and reaches for the keys, calling goodbye to everyone else and running down the porch.

Later, Andi is upstairs with Bucky, they are in her dad's room, stood on a balcony, looking out over the back yard. 'I used to ride my bike here, I ran over Amelia there.' Bucky looks at her with a raised brow. 'She didn't move in time, not my problem.'

They hear Amelia call goodbye and then hear the car starting, engine revving and the scrabble of dust beneath the wheels. Andi smiles, 'looks like she got her way, driving Stark's car.' Bucky leans down and over the balcony, 'I don't think there is much he would deny her.' Andi smiles and then leans down casually, muttering 'a threesome?' Bucky looks at her, stunned and she laughs. 'Come on, Barnes, step up, help them out,' she says teasingly. 'Um, no thank you, I don't want to see any more of that punk, than I already have.' Andi squints, 'ah, but you would like to see more of my sister?'

Bucky doesn't rise to her and she smiles smugly, 'hey, I'll show you the real Amelia.' Andi grabs his hand and drags him out of the room and down the hall, to the door marked 'Amelia's Room.' Bucky hesitates and tries to protest, Andi tells him to shut up and pushes the door open. Bucky's pleas die on his tongue, as he looks around the room, it's cluttered, pink, full of pictures of men with guitars, long hair and makeup on their eyes, the opposite to the Amelia he knows. Andi laughs and flops on the bed, lying flat. 'God, I remember this bed as being comfier, I tell you.' Bucky continues to look around and spies a photo of Amelia, Andi and some guy. He suddenly hears what she said, 'comfier? You slept in here?' She leans up on her elbows, 'well, slept seems like a stretch.' Bucky looks sceptical, 'in your sister's bed, really?' Andi laughs, 'hey, I thought you were a player, back in the day? No judgement.' Bucky sits on the bed gently, scratching his head and looking around the room, 'Stevie won't know what to do with himself in here, I tell you.' Andi jumps on Bucky and pulls him down, lying him on his back and straddling his waist. He smiles up at her, blonde hair, pulled back, swaying eagerly with her. She's wearing denim overalls that Dana found in a drawer and a striped shirt. She looks full of energy and Bucky smiles at her, trying to recall life before her sunshine.

'Barnes, where did you go then? Stay with me, soldier.' His eyes drop to her neck and he reaches lightly to touch the mark he left, 'almost gone, see?' She reassures. 'I'm sorry, you deserve better.' Andi looks at his sad face and leans down, 'yeah, but so do you and you're still the best boyfriend I have ever had!' Bucky laughs bitterly, 'that doesn't say much for your taste.' He looks around and then asks casually, 'is it a long list?' Andi smirks and presses her thighs together, tightly, 'yeah, I mean I got mine,' she winks and the turns serious, 'but, you're only my second boyfriend.' The implication hangs in the air, that second to Greg the meanie there is only Bucky and this confident woman, balanced on his waist has only given her heart away twice and round one was a disaster. 'I mean, there's been men and one nighters, one monthers, but long term? Just twice. You know who and well, you.' Bucky looks at her seriously and Andi panics about what he thinks of her, 'but do we have to say boyfriend, doll. You know, I'm over ninety years-old?' Andi softens and drops her forehead onto his chest, giggling.

When they arrive at the store, Amelia sighs as she switches off the engine and relaxes with pure joy. Steve is clutching the door and Rosie has her eyes closed. Amelia looks in the internal mirror, asking 'are you two in this together? I'm not that fast!' She starts to get out and heads for the entrance. Steve gets Rosie and she can hear him muttering 'I think I'll drive us back.' Once the door closes, Amelia throws the key over her shoulder, locking it and pushes her sunglasses down over her eyes. Steve pulls up next to her with Rosie and a cart, 'you think you're so cool.' Amelia agrees, 'I am cool.'

Inside, Amelia focuses on fulfilling her list and Steve pulls faces at Rosie, pushing her slowly up and down each aisle. Rosie is chucking random things into the cart and Amelia laughs, 'she does this, you can deal with it,' swanning off to the next aisle. Steve smiles at the little girl, enjoying the regularity of this. 'Do you like it here, Rosie?' he asks her gently. She nods, looking around, 'lots of cookies.' Steve grins, he meant New England, Maine, even, but he settles for the cookie aisle. 'Can I wear the hat?' She asks, reaching for his baseball cap, Steve gently shakes his head, 'no, I need it, but we can get you one, if you want?' Amelia appears beside them, 'you know my mom's only in the next town.' Steve's brow creases, 'we stopping in?' Amelia looks horrified then turning to her daughter, 'hey, Rosie, wanna visit grandma?' Rosie pulls a face, shaking her head quickly. Steve tries not to laugh at them both, 'maybe next time?' Amelia makes a noncommittal noise and wanders off, looking at the list again and passing it to him, calling back, 'I'll get the frozen peas!'

Amelia is armed with peas and fries, reaching for a tin when she senses someone stopped close by, looking at her. She pauses and looks up, 'Jenny...' she says quietly. The woman opposite her is staring in shock. She has tawny straight hair, draped over one shoulder. Amelia straightens and looks the woman dead in the eye. 'Jennifer, I didn't realise you moved back home.' The other woman looks Amelia up and down, 'I didn't know you had either.' Amelia shakes her head, 'I'm just visiting dad. For New Year. Where's…where's Patrick?' Amelia spits out his name, almost choking on it and Jennifer look nervous, gripping the rail of her cart, pupils darting away from Amelia. 'He's not here, we broke up. It didn't last, maybe a year after college, but it wasn't right.' Amelia laughs bitterly, 'I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse.'

Jennifer opens her mouth to say more and Amelia cuts her off 'save it, we aren't friends, you don't owe me anything. I don't care.' Jennifer looks at her feet sadly, 'we were friends, Melly, best friends.' Amelia looks horrified, 'until you slept with my boyfriend and he chose you over us! I mean me, and please, don't call me that,' Jennifer laughs a little, 'you are well rid, trust me, he's a waste of space.' Amelia looks annoyed, 'am I supposed to thank you for that? Cheers for the save, Jen!' The woman shrinks a little and there's a noise, as Steve skids around the corner. Rosie giggles and he pulls up next to Amelia, he misses her tense expression and asks about the groceries, 'is this Rosie's doing? Or am I missing them on the list?' he holds a pack of something towards Amelia and Jennifer's eyes widen, watching the little girl, swing in the child's seat.

'Is this her?' she asks. She steps closer and Amelia walks towards her, warning 'leave us alone.' Jennifer looks over Amelia's shoulder and watches the child. 'She's precious Amelia, congrats. A word of advice, keep her away from that asshole, he's human trash, trust me. Four years has flown, right? But you look great and she's a cutie.'

Amelia is staggered by Jennifer's strong words, last time she saw her, she was draped all over Patrick at a student bar and practically gloating about being his girlfriend. Steve straightens watching the interaction and as the woman walks past, she stops and gives Rosie a long look, smiling. 'Congrats on this as well, Mia,' she calls, pointing to Steve. He looks between the women and can see Amelia's face heating up. 'Who was that?' he asks. Amelia mutters 'not now' placing the tinned goods in the cart and dragging it to the next aisle. Steve follows her and by the time they reach the last few rows, it's like it never happened but the way Amelia constantly checks behind her, gives it away.

At the cash desk, they unpack and Amelia looks around again for Jennifer. When she refocuses on her current task, she spots the sales assistant and groans audibly. Steve follows her gaze to a man about her age. Rosie merrily chants beep and bounces in her seat. As they step up to pack and pay, Amelia smiles and the young man stares at her, eyeing her and looking up between scanning items.

'Do I know… Amelia?' he asks slowly. She nods, 'yeah, hi Leon, how are you?' The man beams, 'I thought that was you! Are you back for the thing? Wow, you look great.' Amelia blushes and Steve looks between her and the guy, he decides she's mortified, not flattered. 'Yeah, here for New Year. This is Steve, my partner and Rosie, my daughter.' She gestures to them both and Leon smiles, he waves a little, 'Leon Jenson, our parents are neighbours, well, actually I technically still live there.' Steve nods, making the connection. 'Oh right, weren't you two school friends?' Leon snorts and laughs, 'yeah, just think that could be my kid.' Amelia grimaces, 'hardly, Leon, we went to school together and when I asked you out, you egged our house, to prove you hated me.' He laughs and shows no remorse, he's clearly not grown up at all and Amelia is relieved she didn't bark any further up that tree.

Steve packs the shopping and smirks at the pair, Amelia looks unimpressed. Leon asks 'what do you do?' Amelia explains she's in TV. Leon gapes, 'wow, amazing, do you want to get a drink sometime? Are you single?' Steve chokes and Amelia looks at him, as if he's from space, wondering if he missed the words partner and child. Politely she says 'umm, no, not here for long, so better not.' Leon nods and mutters about trying again sometime and Amelia scrunches her face in disgust. 'Oh, what do you do, big guy?' he asks Steve. Steve opens his mouth to speak and Amelia cuts him off, 'he's Captain America.' Leon freezes and stares at them open mouthed. People in the queue and the next register look over in surprise. 'Sorry, Leon, we are in a rush, we've got plans.' Amelia pushes him to carry on and they finish the transaction in an awkward silence, gaping mouths and wide eyes following their every move.

Once they pay, he bids them goodbye quietly and as they walk off, Steve says 'you should have agreed, poor guy, seems like he has it bad.' Amelia pockets her receipt and rolls her eyes, 'well, he should have figured that out all those years ago.'

An: as always, let me know what you think. Stay safe x