AN: Hello! Thank you so much for sticking with this and still reading! So here we go, two years later, more fun and games. There's lots of storyline crammed into this one, now that things are established and we've done a fluffy how we met story. There's some really fun bits and some really tough bits (that I will warn of) but stories I personally wanted to tell.

Once again, it stories of both couples

So the first part was set post Age of Ultron, a reminder that this is AU and in these stories, Bucky made his way back to Steve around the time of the Sokovia incident. This is about three/three and a half years after the AoU events and pre-Civil War.

The title is inspired by a Billy Joel song.

Disclaimer: This is still a work of fan fiction using characters from Marvel Comics world, which is trademarked/owned by Marvel/Disney. All characters created and owned by Marvel and I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Marvel. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story. Just a story based on great characters. I only own any original characters.

2 Years Later

Chapter 1: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

'Hey, hi, we have a table booked for ten people, under Miller?' The waiter smiles at Amelia politely and looks down, scanning the bookings. 'Here we go, yes, follow me.' He steps forward and Rosie rushes to keep up with him, stepping into his path, 'oh, I didn't see you there.' The small brunette beams up at him, 'it's my birthday!' He smiles and weaves through the tables, Rosie at his heels. She halts and calls back, 'hurry up, mom!'

The waiter stops, pointing to a long table, with birthday balloons tied to various chairs. 'Here we are, would you like a drink while you wait for the rest of your party?' Amelia shakes her coat loose, placing it on a chair, considering the offer, 'yes, umm, can I please have a white wine and a small lemonade?'

Rosie smiles to herself, switching chairs three times before settling on one at the opposite end of the table, she waves goodbye to the waiter sweetly. Amelia sits down and relaxes, looking around the restaurant, spotting Rosie tucking a napkin into her dress, 'why are you all the way down there, Rosie?' The little girl places someone else's napkin on her lap and smiles at her mom, showing off her pearly teeth. 'I am a big girl now, mom and I can sit on my own, it's my party.' Amelia smiles at her not so little girl, six going on sixteen and for once she finds herself enjoying the girl's choice of birthday parties. 'Well this is a very grown up party.' Rosie nods, 'even though I'm a big girl now, there's still cake, right?' Amelia laughs a little, 'yes, I think we can possibly find some cake.'

Amelia peers around the restaurant, low lighting, warm and not too busy, she appreciates her daughter's choice. She nods to herself and thinks this was a good decision, a nice restaurant and a family meal. She catches sight of Rosie, covering herself with more napkins, 'don't use all of those, other people will need them as well.' Rosie looks worried about protecting her deep green birthday dress. Amelia leans over to her so she doesn't have to shout, gasping 'I can't believe you are six!' Rosie sits up taller, 'six whole years!' Amelia asks, 'hey, why did you choose this place?' Rosie grins, leaning across the table, arms on the white table cloth 'it glows red at night when we walk past.' Amelia can practically hear the joke Mr Stark would be making right now. 'It looked fancy and I'm six now, so I need to the fanciest!'

Amelia smiles over at her daughter, 'so how was school? We didn't get much chance to talk about it on the ride here, did you have a good day?' Rosie nods sullenly and slumps in her chair, unusually quiet, turning away and toying with her silver cutlery. 'What did you get up to?' Amelia pushes the topic, Rosie kicks at the opposite chair beneath the table, snapping at her mother, 'drawing!' Amelia frowns at the short answer and knows there's more to it, 'how was Harrison today?' Rosie sits up and turns rigid, shoulders tensing beside her ears. 'Fine!' She begins to tear up her napkin, kicking the table with her patent shoes. Amelia looks on sadly, deciding to change the topic.

Rosie looks up and points happily, 'mom, there's nana and grandad.' Amelia looks over and sees her dad and Dana, chatting with the waiter. She stands and beckons them across merrily, her dad squints and she wishes he would just wear his glasses. 'Are we first?' Dana asks excitedly. Rosie nods and Dana kisses her on the cheek, 'happy birthday, little girl.' Amelia shakes her head discretely, trying to warn her, 'no, nana Dana, I am six, I am a big girl now.' Peter creeps over, 'not too big for a kiss from your old grandpa?' Rosie giggles as he encases her in an embrace and Dana walks over to Amelia, passing her a gift and pulling her in for a hug. 'Well, this place is lovely and you look beautiful, but where's your sister?' Amelia huffs, grinning with an exasperated shrug 'who knows!' Rosie points to where Dana and Peter should sit and she passes them a menu each. Dana grins across at Rosie, 'thank you! Ty said to say hello, he's very disappointed to miss your birthday.' Rosie smiles coyly, 'but Maggie sent a gift, so that's a win, kiddo! Or you too old for presents as well?' Peter adds and Rosie agrees triumphantly. 'Shame we forgot though, right, Dee?' Peter jokes and Rosie pouts in concern.

They start asking her about school and she shakes her head, covering her ears, staring hard at her menu. She starts telling them instead about the birthday cake she wanted.

'Mom, mom! When is the food? I'm so hungry!' Rosie slouches in her chair, running her belly and begging, Amelia shakes her head, 'we talked about this, it's polite to wait for everyone to arrive.'

'How's work, Mia? Keeping you busy still?' Peter asks, Amelia sips her wine but isn't sure on the taste, pulling a disgruntled face. 'Yeah, all good, sometimes I think about a change, but I think I still love it and Natalie would never forgive me, so I have to stay.' The waiter returns and Peter orders, 'I will have a ginger beer, son, and whatever this fine woman wants.' Dana smiles, 'you old charmer, you, just a red wine, please.' Amelia smiles at the pair, Dana squeezing her Dad's knee under the table and lending him her glasses to read the menu. 'What time is your flight on Saturday?' Amelia asks, Rosie looks up sadly, 'no, you should stay, live with us!' Peter chuckles to himself, 'sounds fun, but we've got to get back, we are missing our doggie, Petch is with the neighbours. Besides, I think you are fully booked at the inn. Oh, and in the evening, Mia, in answer to your question, the flight is at six.' Amelia nods soberly, feeling a little disappointed, she's seen them a couple of times during their visit, but she wishes it had been more. Peter coughs awkwardly, Dana nudging him, 'what about your uh, sister, any more talk of moving…'

Amelia looks up in time to see Natasha and Bruce coming in, strutting past the waiter with no discussion, Bruce looks apologetically at the young man as they approach the table. Natasha kisses the top of Rosie's head and Bruce greets her with a meek wave. Natasha throws her coat over a seat beside Amelia and gets comfortable, 'you look nice.' Amelia looks down at her burgundy, strapped dress, thinking it's nothing to get excited about, 'well, Rosie wanted fancy, so... here we are.' Natasha nods, 'yes, I managed to convince Bruce to ditch the lab coat.'

'Pete, Dana,' Natasha nods, before swiping Amelia's glass of wine. Dana waves at the pair and Natasha exhales, 'that's good, did you get a bottle?' Bruce stands and reaches across the table, passing Rosie a gift, 'what is it?' She gasps, and he looks around for permission, 'uh, a science kit' he answers and Natasha rolls her eyes at his naivety, Amelia chuckles to herself, hiding it behind her hand. Rosie tilts her head, miffed by the honest response, 'you're not meant to answer…' she tells him timidly.

Natalie appears next, she is armed with two cocktails and Amelia looks around confused, 'how long have you been here?' Natalie sips her drink through the straw and winks, sitting down beside Dana. Amelia smiles, relaxing a bit, pleased that the seats are filling, but she spots the four empty ones and sits back with a loud sigh. 'They will be here, they have been warned,' Natasha leans in and whispers. Amelia looks grateful, nodding and the waiter returns for more drink orders.

Everyone chats as a group, '… so then we climb out the taxi and Mrs, here, remembers she's left our guides and not only that, somebody's birthday gift in the restaurant, we had to go all the way back…' Peter explains and Amelia nervously taps her foot, not listening to her dad's holiday anecdotes. She finally notices her sister coming through the door and quickly stands, rushing over to her, 'excuse me a sec.'

As she approaches, Andi calls to the waiter, pulling at her dress and reaching in to rearrange her cleavage, 'where have you been, you're thirty minutes late?' Andi looks surprised, 'sorry, things ran on at work.' Amelia ignores her, 'sure, where's Bucky and where's the cake?' A voice beside them mutters shit and she looks up to see the back of Bucky as he heads back to the car. 'It better be on your backseat and not at the tower.' Andi looks unsure, like she genuinely can't answer that, then she looks around, 'well your lucky, we nearly took a taxi. So, is he here?' Amelia looks annoyed, 'don't change the topic, and besides you're late, so save it, no one likes a hypocrite.' Andi smiles smugly, 'nice dress, trying to impress?' Amelia looks down and brushes her skirt off, 'it's old, what's the big deal?' Andi grins at her and peers over her shoulder, 'I see the oldies are here first. Suck-ups.' Amelia sighs, 'no, they are just on time. A novel idea for someone like you, I don't know how you even do your job.' Andi leans in and kisses her sister's cheek, 'don't be angry, please? The gift is epic and your own BF isn't even here, so don't hate on me.' Amelia pushes her fingers against her temples, sighing 'don't remind me. It better not be more goldfish, please.' Andi's smile falters, 'umm, that's a really sensitive area for me, please don't mention our recently passed beloved pet.' Amelia bites her tongue from asking when was the last time Andi even fed the damn fish.

Andi pushes her sister's hair behind both ears, 'shows off your lovely face,' she jokes in an attempt of impersonating their mother. Andi looks her sister over again, 'it's a really nice dress, is it mine?' Amelia looks aghast, 'no!' Andi smirks, 'shame, could be though. Oh, the boss will be here soon, so look sharp!' She warns, Amelia rolls her eyes, 'he's not my boss. They're back together then? I had to book an extra seat.' Andi quickly hushes her sister, 'I told you that in private, they didn't break up they took a break, it's different, please, I will be fired if you say that. You'd need a break too, if you dated him!'

Someone cuts between them and puts an arm around both, 'you two going to battle it out? Need a paddling pool and some dirt? I am happy to assist.' Tony Stark is leaning in, grinning at them. 'Tony, it's a child's birthday party,' Pepper appears beside him, holding a gift bag. Amelia gives her a welcoming hug, 'thank you for coming, it's so nice to see you, Pepper, Tony makes it sound like he keeps you chained up at home.' Pepper smirks, 'if anyone is chained up…' Andi laughs and slaps Tony's back, 'gross, you wish.' Tony looks around, spotting his youngest fan, he waves at her subtly.

Andi announces, 'anyway, it's my big promotion dinner really, the kid piggybacked on.' Amelia downplays it, 'no, you-know-who was away for hers and I promised I'd make it up to her and remarkably this is what she wanted, a nice dinner. We should all be grateful, it could have been a soft play centre.' Pepper laughs a little, 'well, there are worse things, like you say. This place looks lovely.'

Amelia straightens and looks at the three, 'why don't you all just sit down?' Tony offers Pepper his arm and Andi the other, 'see you over there, give Bucky a hard time, he forgot the cake, not me!' They waltz for the table, leaving Amelia beside the door. She waits for Bucky and fingers crossed, the cake. Amelia tugs at her dress some more, looking at herself and worrying that it is too much breast, why do people keep commenting? She feels a growl in her stomach and quickly cusses herself for skipping lunch. Bucky finally reappears with a big box and she lets out a sigh of relief. 'Thank God for that, thank you.' Bucky grins at her rosy cheeks and she kisses one of his. Amelia smiles at him kindly, 'you look sharp, everything ok? We missed you at dinner this week?' She tries to keep it cool, not like she's probing, but the smug look on his face, tells her he knows her game. Looking over at the table, he can see Andi hugging everyone, he smiles at the sight of the familiar faces. 'This looks ok, no dress-up this year, for which I am grateful,' Bucky admits and Amelia grins, 'no, we are saving that for Halloween.'

The waiter reappears and offers to stow the cake away, he then asks 'is that everyone?' Amelia looks sadly at the table and starts to speak, 'actually, just one-' Bucky cuts her off, 'Mia, actually, he's, well he's not back.' Amelia's shoulders drop with disappointment but she covers it quickly, 'oh, ok. That's everyone then, thank you. Oh, and can I have another glass of white? Actually, I will take the bottle.' Bucky watches her closely, as the waiter relieves him of the large white cake box. Once Bucky's arms are free of cake he tries to explain but Amelia dismisses him, 'it's fine, I get it, work and all that.' She looks over at the empty chair beside Rosie, earmarked for someone special and laments, 'well, you better sit there and make it better.'

Amelia stalks back to the table and leans in and whispers something to Rosie. She looks upset, pouting at her mother, but her grandfather distracts her and Bucky slips into the empty chair beside her. He pulls of his black jacket and straightens his shirt collar. 'Good evening, Rosalyn, my, my you look older tonight.' She giggles and smiles proudly, 'I am. I'm six, uncle Bucky! It was last week, I saw you, we had cake! But we waited for everyone to be at my party!' Bucky runs a hand through his short spiked hair and asks her what gifts she received, Rosie carefully lists everything, including the colour of the paper and messages on the gift tags. He listens intently and winks at Andi as she chuckles at the pair.

Andi finishes hugging the last person, taking a sip of Natasha's cocktail, eyes widening at the strong taste. Bucky distractedly fiddles with his tie, uncomfortably formal. Pepper waves at Rosie, 'this is a lovely party, Rosie, very grown up.' The little brunette looks pleased, 'thank you for coming, Mrs Pepper,' Dana coos and Andi bats Bucky's hand away, 'leave it, you look great.' She sits down beside him, kissing his cheek and her dad chats with them about the New York traffic.

The bottle of wine she ordered appears in front of Amelia and Natasha raises an eyebrow, 'take it easy, Mia, he could still get here.' Amelia checks her phone and there's nothing, she scans through a few emails and eventually puts her phone face down on the table, when she looks up her wine is empty and Natalie and Natasha are toasting with it. Amelia mutters under her breath and Andi comes over, bending beside her. 'Where the hell is he? I mean, ok, we were late, but missing her birthday? Really?' Amelia gulps a table water 'he's saving the world, remember?' Natalie comes over to her other side and kneels, surrounding her. 'Where's your guy? He is coming, right?' Amelia feels backed in and nods into her water. She can feel Natasha's intense gaze and she swallows, praying he arrives soon. 'Sit down all of you, it's about Rosie, not "my guy".'

Andi returns to her seat, cheering to her niece 'open the card, Rosie, put the pin on!' Amelia tilts her head warmly, a pink envelope making its way down the table to Rosie. Bucky helps her with the tape holding it closed. Rosie rips it open and gasps at the round badge, not bothering to read the card. Bucky watches her struggle and eventually steps in and removes the pin, attaching it to her dress. 'Rosalyn, stay still, I don't want to get you,' he begs as she dances in her seat.

'So, Andi? We haven't seen you since the promotion, how's it going?' Peter asks and Amelia begins to relax, almost resigned to the fact that she is riding single for the night, she looks over at Rosie, her long plaits over each shoulder and her sparkling wide eyes, listening to the adults in awe, showing Bruce her pin. She looks at Andi, who is snapping selfies, 'sorry, what dad?' She can see her hair is knotted at the back and looking at Bucky, he has a button done up wrong. Amelia groans internally, knowing now why they were late. Natalie is reading Tony's palm, as Pepper tries not to laugh and Amelia looks at the empty seat opposite her sadly.

'Yeah, really good, dad, thanks for asking,' Andi responds, Bucky scoffs, 'demotion more like.' Tony looks up, shaking Natalie off, 'hey! She's my PA. Best job in the world.' Andi chokes on her drink, 'I am not his PA, I just work under him.' Bucky groans and buries his face in a hand, knowing she walked into that one. Tony is biting his lip, looking between Andi's mischievous face and the small child. 'Please be appropriate,' Pepper warns. Andi continues, 'I help him out, manage his diary, etc.' Dana nods sceptically, 'so a personal assistant?' Andi brightens, 'yeah, one of those.' Natasha mumbles, 'isn't that a PA?' Andi ignores her, 'we do science together!' Peter laughs at his youngest daughter, 'science was never really your forte…'

'Hey, remember when I was you PA?' Pepper asks, nudging Tony and sipping her drink, Natasha chimes in, 'oh yeah, me too.' Andi pulls back in surprise, 'sorry, is there someone here who hasn't been your PA?' Tony takes his time answering, 'well, yes, your lovely sister never applied for the position and in fairness to me, I didn't know who Nat was, she was just pretending to be my PA and even then she was still better than you are.' Andi looks grumpy, Pepper explains, 'his best PA quit, because he couldn't even remember I'm allergic to.' Tony pretends to think, 'umm, nope, got nothing, remind me again?' Pepper continues, 'hey, Tony, ever thought maybe it's you and not us?'

The waiter appears to take their food orders and Tony tries to convince Rosie to order a steak 'go big, kid, I'll treat you.' Peter calls 'you still living at the house, Andi?' Amelia looks down at her knees and Bucky catches the sadness flash over her face, 'I'm mainly at the tower these days, what with work and Bucky, you know.' Tony sips his drink, 'rent free, may I add!' Andi defends, 'I pull my weight!' Natasha looks at her cynically, 'you cook once in a blue moon, and always the same thing, might I add.' Andi nods, 'see, helpful!' Bucky laughs and throws an arm over the back of her chair, he whispers, 'well, I like having you there.' Andi touches his nose, Rosie turns to Bucky, 'can't you live with us?' Bucky smiles down at her, pulling on a plait, 'umm, I do sometimes, but it's easy to sleep where I work.' Rosie scrunches her face, 'mommy doesn't sleep with Auntie Natalie, at her TV work.' Natalie giggles, 'sorry, she's not my type, kiddo.' Amelia rolls her eyes in jest and tells her, 'you would be so lucky.'

Appetisers arrive and thankfully everyone is occupied eating. 'Rosie slow down, otherwise you won't want your main,' her mother warns, Bucky leans in and tells her something, she nods and immediately slows. Amelia looks at Bucky and smiles, he appears happy and relaxed, surrounded by friends and family. She watches her dad, who lights up talking about another shed conversion. Andi fake snores in boredom and Tony nudges her, 'cheer up, blondie.' Amelia sighs, happy that they are all here, but missing one person in particular. She politely leaves to talk to the waiter about the cake and asks Natasha, 'order me a wine, will you?' Natasha stares after her and barely nods as Bruce offers her a skewered shrimp.

Amelia passes the waiter some candles and a lighter, always prepared. Afterwards, she heads for the restroom. She looks at herself in the mirror. She stares at her pink, warm cheeks, touching them lightly with the back of her hand. She yawns, trying to keep her mouth closed and mask it, she shakes her hands, trying to lose some nervous energy. She feels unsettled and anxious, washing her hands repeatedly, lathering soap and relaxing under the warm water, she really thought he'd be here and now she feels stupid. As she prepares to re-join the group, the restroom door opens and Natasha strolls in. The new blonde looks Amelia up and down, 'you look well,' Natasha compliments, Amelia smiles at her weakly, 'thanks, so do you, I like the new look, did you do it yourself?' Amelia points to her newly dyed hair and Natasha ignores her nervous prattle. 'You never know when you might need to disappear.' Amelia looks confused by the comment. 'Chill out, Mia. Just some undercover work.' Once again Natasha looks at her, tilting her head, eyes roaming over her body, 'you are glowing tonight.' Amelia pulls a face at her, 'why do you keep saying that, it's an old dress? I think I've even worn it out with you!' Natasha nods and goes into a stall. Amelia stands with her back to the cubicle, watching in the mirror, waiting for something. There's silence and Amelia wonders what she is doing in there, drilling a hole and escaping maybe? She reappears after a time and Amelia asks, 'did you order my drink?' Natasha shakes her head, 'no.' She washes her hands and shakes them dry, grabbing paper towels.

Amelia looks annoyed by this point and asks why not. Natasha checks her lipstick in the mirror and pops her lips, 'well, you shouldn't be drinking in your condition.' Natasha leans against the opposite sink and looks at Amelia. 'What condition? I am not that upset, he can't help that he's working.' Natasha nods and says bluntly, 'no, I meant the baby.' Amelia looks at her in shock, stuttering. 'Um, what?' She's had a twisting in her gut for a couple of weeks, but it was only a nagging thought and now she's panicking, how the hell would Natasha know before she even does, surely she's wrong.

Amelia stares in shock and says nothing, quickly looking at herself in the mirror, swallowing and smoothing her dress down. She can see the blood draining from her own face. She looks at herself side on as subtly as possible, she looks no different. Amelia inhales slowly and closes her eyes, 'I don't know that for sure, so how the hell could you possibly know?' Natasha smiles, 'it's my job, now do me a favour and lay off the wine, get a test and know for sure. So I know I was right.' Natasha spins on her heels and leaves the room, with one last poignant glance. Amelia watches the door long after she has gone, wondering how she does that. Suddenly feeling self-conscious and pulling her dress down around the knees, she washes her hands once more for luck and then stands by the hand-dryer, contemplating what this might mean for her. She feels nervous, her breath coming out unevenly, her heart beating loudly in her ears. 'Shit.'

She decides there is nothing to consider at this point, brushes her hair over a shoulder and returns to the bar. She stops and straightens, noticing someone in her seat. She smiles happily in relief and heads back to the table, 'hey, sorry about being late,' the newcomer mutters as he stands and kisses her cheek. Rosie waves her hands in excitement and he sneaks down and places a kiss on her head, 'happy birthday, baby girl!'

Natasha calls over, 'Wilson, sit the hell down, you're late.' Amelia tuts at him in mock outrage, sitting at the end of the table, with a genuine huff. She swirls her drink in her glass, looking down, when a voice whispers into her ear, 'why the long face?' Amelia smiles slowly and looks over her shoulder, coming face to face with Steve, almost touching noses, she licks her lips and looks down at his. His blue eyes peering up at her, an arm over her chair and a quirked brow. Suddenly Rosie shouts 'daddy!' and Amelia shakes herself, leaning back and looking at him, he's dressed in a button-down shirt and dark jeans and she can't remember why she was mad at him.

'Where have you been?' Rosie questions, Amelia then recalls, that's why. Steve kisses the top of Amelia's head and makes his way down the table, stopping beside Rosie. She is now stood on her chair with wide expectant arms. Steve picks her up and explains, 'I'm sorry, work dragged on a little, but I haven't missed dessert, I see.' Andi leans over 'there won't be dessert unless someone eats their greens.' Rosie wriggles free and Steve places her back down. She scoffs the remaining vegetables down and Steve drags a chair from another table to sit beside Amelia.

'I'm sorry, don't hate me,' he says clinching and squeezing her hand, he presses his lips to her knuckles and she smiles. 'I could never hate you.' Steve strokes her lip, tilting her chin and lightly kissing her, 'hi.' His eyes glance down and Amelia wonders if he can see the baby, does he have x-ray vision that she doesn't know about? He smiles and looks around the table, asking her, 'didn't you want a drink? Did you drive here?' She coughs awkwardly and shakes her head, lying through her teeth 'need to keep a clear head.' Natasha smirks at her and Steve regards everyone happily, 'well this is nice, you look lovely, I've missed you.' He places a gentle kiss to her shoulder and Rosie shouts 'yuk! Daaaaad! Stop!' Amelia smiles coyly and plays it down, 'it's only been three weeks.' Steve sighs and looks around the table, 'this time. But feels like longer.' He looks across at Rosie, 'have I missed anything? Other than another year older.' Amelia's eyes widen, feeling a tightness in her gut, thinking, yeah, one big thing. 'No, not really, few issues at school, but dad and Dana have been around, so that's helped.' Steve looks unimpressed at the mention of school and strokes her face with one finger. Amelia shakes her head, intimating not to interrogate the little girl.

Steve gently reaches and touches her pearl earring he gave her once upon a time, 'you really do look beautiful,' Amelia smiles sweetly and leans in, whispering, 'you can show me how much you missed me, later tonight.' A voice says 'promises, promises.' Amelia pulls away and Sam is leaning over them, 'are you two lovebirds sure it's ok for me to join for dessert? I know I wasn't on the guest list...' Amelia slaps his arm and convinces him 'of course it is, you recommended the restaurant, you idiot, then you pulled out, I didn't think you'd be here!' Steve can hear Rosie summoning him and he closes his eyes with a soft smile, 'is it bad that I prefer daddy to dad? When did she get so grown up?' Amelia laughs, 'oh no, no way, she's a grown up this week, it will be Steve soon. She called me Miss Miller last week.' Sam chuckles at the pair, 'just think you've got boyfriends, girlfriends, driving lessons, parties, you're in for a world of trouble, Steve.'

'Steve, my boy, there you are, we were about to send a search party,' Peter jokes, Steve smiles across at the older man, 'evening, sir. How's the trip been so far?' He responds by listing all the places they have visited on their holiday. 'Don't know how you lot do it, so busy here, not a moment's peace.' Steve raises a brow in agreement. Andi makes a comment about boring old Maine and Steve reprimands her, 'be nice, I love it there.' Sam looks over at her flirtatiously, 'that sass mouth of yours must get you in all sorts of trouble.' She smirks into her cocktail and Bucky looks between her and Sam, 'your smart mouth is going to get you in some trouble, birdie boy.'

Andi shouts over at Tony, 'boss, how could you send Cap away on his little girl's birthday?' She points to Steve and Rosie waves at Tony, he sticks his tongue out at her. Natalie boos and Natasha joins in, 'I did no such thing, he's the boss, I just pretend to be, and you, Widow, stop it, you're both on my payroll, so do as I say.' Pepper chastises him and Natalie mutters about him ordering her about sometime, Bucky looks amused by the group of women ganging up on Tony Stark.

Bucky nods towards Steve, 'evening. Back for long?' Steve pinches a couple fries from Natasha's plate 'hopefully, but can't be too sure.' Sam starts a long story about a wild chase and a deadly situation they found themselves in, adlibbing wherever possible and Steve rubs his neck, side eyeing Amelia and hoping she doesn't worry too much. She folds her napkin with great interest and keeps her gaze down, hating every word of the story.

'So when's the big halloween party, girls?' Dana asks. Andi fights to swallow her food quickly, 'next Saturday! Best costumes ever, prepare yourselves, Bucky and I have gone joint!' Bucky raises his eyebrows in sarcasm and Amelia looks sadly at her step-mom, as she's not sure Steve will even be there, let alone joint outfits. 'You got an idea, Mia?' Her dad asks warmly, sensing her despondency. Before she can answer her sister shouts, 'I have her covered, I won't let her down.' Natasha asks if she can reuse a costume and Andi starts a long-winded argument of why she most certainly can't do that. Steve leans into Amelia, 'I should be there, I hope, I'm sorry I can't be more precise.' Amelia nods and reaches for his hand beneath the table.

Natasha gives in, 'fine, ok, ok, I'll get a new costume, Barnes, can you make her stop?' Bucky shrugs and the waiter appears to clear plates. He stands at the end of the table and asks if they are all done. He starts to clear the table, suddenly pausing as he recognises some of the famous faces sat at the table. His eyes slowly widening and scanning the group, stopping on Steve. Andi laughs at his obvious realisation and Rosie stands on her chair, calling to him, 'I'm an Avenger and I'm six today.' The waiter snaps out of it and scoops the rest of the dirty dishes away. Tony sips his wine, 'well, we can all go on that vacay now, the kid can keep watch.'

Rosie climbs off her chair and crawls beneath the table, Amelia leans down, 'come on out, please, I thought you were a big girl now?' Rosie pops out and leans between Steve and Amelia. 'I wanted to see you!' Steve softens and offers Amelia a grin. Steve heaves her onto his lap and bounces her lightly.

Bucky taps his face, showing Andi there is food on hers and she leans into him, cheekily, 'go on then, get it off!' Bucky pulls back in disgust, 'gross, no.' Andi laughs and licks her finger, aggressively rubbing her cheek free of tomato sauce and then leaning towards Bucky with her wet finger. He grabs her hand and pushes her away, 'get off!' Peter looks over, 'I don't think you will win, Andrea.' Bucky chuckles at her dad's warning and Tony scoffs into his drink at the use of her full name and says 'we don't call you that enough.' Andi sits up, looking him square on, 'no, because I will quit.' Natasha looks up, 'that's reason alone,' Andi gives her a dry smirk.

'We doing dessert?' Natalie asks the table, Rosie squirms in Steve's lap, looking up at him with big eyes, 'I'm so full up, Daddy. My tummy might pop,' Steve dramatically sighs and looks at her upside down features, 'well, that is a shame, because looks like your dessert is on its way.' As the little girl sits up, excited to look, she gasps as a waitress walks over with a birthday cake, alight with six candles. Rosie's mouth opens wide and the table's occupants begin to sing Happy Birthday. Amelia brushes Rosie's hair away from her face and Steve leans in close, singing softly near her ear. She jumps in excitement and Andi films with her phone, calling, 'I can't hear you, Barnes.' He looks at her sarcastically and Wilson nudges him. The waitress places the cake before the little girl and she squeals at the sight of the hulk cake. There's chuckles amongst the singing and Bruce leans across, peering over his glasses, raising a brow at Steve. Amelia mouths an apology and Steve whispers to Rosie, 'you need to blow really hard and make a special wish.' He holds her hair back and she blows, getting five and Amelia quickly shoots a breath out, extinguishing the sixth. Rosie looks proud of herself and claps, there's cheers and whooping, mainly from her auntie and Amelia kisses her cheek.

Amelia stands and liaises with the waitress regarding servings of green cake. Steve asks Rosie, 'what did you wish for?' Rosie leans back, arching her back and fiddling with her fingers, biting her tongue, 'a baby sister.' Steve is surprised and nods, slowly, unsure of what to say. 'When do you think she will arrive?' Rosie looks up at him hopefully and Steve looks out of his depth, does she think they come in the mail? Dana creeps over, bending beside the little girl, 'what a lovely cake, do you want to sit with us, while you eat it?' She smiles at Steve, patting his shoulder and saving him from an awkward situation. Steve watches Amelia, handing out party napkins, he thinks about Rosie's wish, quickly shaking the thought.

Bucky watches Steve and Amelia, pleased to see his friends happy, Andi leans into him, 'eyeing up my sister again?' Bucky ignores her, 'you got room for cake?' She asks sweetly and Bucky grabs her hand in his, 'I've been dreaming on green cake all day,' Andi laughs loudly at his joke, 'sure you have.' Bucky whispers something in Andi's ear and she laughs rowdily, her dad looking over as she quickly bites her lip, turning pink. Bucky prods her ribs with his metal finger, 'you're meant to act covert, not cackle like that, everyone will guess what we are talking about.' Andi watches him, her eyes flicking to his shirt, 'sure, do your buttons up properly and then we will talk covert.' Bucky shuffles and peers down, 'that's on you, you're insatiable, we were running on time until…' Dana stops beside them and leans over, patting Bucky's shoulder kindly, 'so kids, when you coming to visit again?' Peter shouts across, 'yes! Bucky, we need to go fishing again, you're really getting the hang of it, the girls never cared for it, Andrea was too loud, scared the damn fish away, have I told you that before?' Bucky laughs, elbowing her 'no surprise there. Yes, you have, sir, but it's a great story. Work is pretty busy, but soon, I swear.' Dana retakes her seat and Andi smiles at him, reaching out and wiping his nose. Bucky shakes his face, 'what is it?' Andi grins, 'oh, nothing, you just have something brown on your nose.' He looks at her dryly as she laughs at her own joke, he pokes her face and looks smugly, 'well you have something green on yours!'

In the taxi on the way home, Amelia strokes Rosie's hair, as she drifts asleep between them. Steve looks down, the footwell full of gifts and then to the little girl, 'how bad is school?' Amelia smiles sadly and whispers, 'later. Please?' Steve watches the girl until gentle snores emit from her. He looks over at Amelia who is staring out the window, 'hey? I'm really sorry about tonight. I tried my best to be on time, I wanted to head across with you, but there wasn't time. I feel awful, I know it's her birthday party.' Amelia nods and pacifies him, 'it's fine, let's move on, it doesn't bother me.' Steve tilts his head, 'well, there's no need to lie and it bothers me. She will only be this age once.' Amelia shuffles, remembering they could be doing this all over again in six years and when she thinks of how little he is around, she wonders if he will want that, or if she does? 'You don't seem right?' Steve's voice cuts through her thoughts, 'I'm good,' she responds quickly, 'oh, Bucky nearly forgot the cake,' she jokes, hoping to mask her thoughts.

Steve chuckles to himself, reaching across Rosie for Amelia's hand, he kisses it gently and smiles at her, 'missed you,' he murmurs. As she stares at him, she knows she still gets those same butterflies, he tilts his head back against the seat and watches her, 'what are you thinking?' Amelia instantly closes her mouth, worried she's given herself away, but can't help herself, 'honestly? That I still get hot for you like the first day I met you.' Amelia immediately blushes at the brazen line and Steve looks surprised, but smirks to himself, 'is that right, Miss Miller?' Amelia's colour deepens and she shuffles in her seat a little, Rosie mumbling against her.

They pull up at the house and Amelia pays the driver, grabbing the gifts up, when she turns, Steve has his arms full of a sleeping Rosie. There's cake on her dress and an I'm six pin still on her chest. Steve lifts her up in his arms and Amelia leads the way inside, unlocking the door. She's expecting a hallway full of Steve's kit and belongings, but there's nothing and she turns to him in question. 'It's at the tower, we dumped it and came straight over. I better go across at some point.' Amelia nods, upset that he's thinking about leaving already and disappointed that the tower is always his first stop. 'I'll be back, give me five minutes,' he starts to head for the stairs with Rosie and Amelia stops him, 'I'll do it, get settled, it's been three weeks.' Steve hesitates, and looks up at her, 'can we share?' He asks sweetly and Amelia smiles adoringly at him, 'fine, after you.' She toes off her shoes and follows him up the stairs, opening Rosie's bedroom door for him.

Amelia looks down at her sleeping daughter, whispering 'six, can you believe it?' Steve strokes her hair gently, 'no, she looked about ten tonight, it was scary, where is time going?' Amelia feels that reality more than anyone, she's not her baby anymore, she is growing up and then she thinks about him. Steve is here one day and gone the next, Rosie is growing up fast and Andi is moving on with her own life. Hitting the nightlight beside the bed, Steve kisses Rosie's head and stands, 'come on, we got a lot of cake to eat.' Amelia watches his cheeky smile and can't lie, she had other ideas. She feels a little queasy at the mention of the green and purple cake and grips her stomach, remembering the elephant in the room. She feels a little faint and Steve asks, 'hey, you ok? Too much cake?' Amelia smiles and leans on him, 'fine, just a bit lightheaded, long week, but please stop saying cake. I'm going to change, meet you down stairs.'

Steve goes to the fridge and grabs a carton of juice. As he closes the door he notices new drawings by Rosie. He gently touches each one, her name in the corners, as well as her age, five scrubbed out, replaced with six. His eyes sweep over to a photo of the three of them with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. There's letters about school trips and a calendar filled with dates, Amelia's work times and Andi's poker nights. He sighs, looking over to the table and spotting a basket of laundry and a shopping list. It is a stark reminder of what he is leaving behind every time he steps out the door. He craved normality and now he has it, he has to turn his back on it everyday to protect someone else's family.

He looks down at the feel of something against his leg, spotting the chunky orange tabby. 'Hey, Digby,' Steve chirps, bending to stroke him. The cat seems to double take realising it's not Amelia and dashing away. Steve straightens, 'great, even the cat has forgotten me.'

Amelia reappears, still in her dress, but her hair in a messy bun and wearing thick framed glasses. Steve coughs 'you know it's gone eleven, yeah?' Amelia nods subconsciously and then jumps a little, not used to the company, 'shit, yes, it's just I normally read for a little while, not crazy about sleeping on my own, you know? It's just me and Rosie now really.' Steve leans against the wall, watching her tidy the coffee table, 'look, I know work is intense at the moment, but selfishly, can we just not talk about the fact that I am not here as much as either of us want? Hopefully it will settle down. Deal?' Amelia smiles weakly, it's tempting, but she knows they can't keep ignoring it. She walks up to him and kisses his cheek, looking him in the eyes, 'deal. I am happy you are home.' She squeezes his arm and heads for the freezer, grabbing a tub of cookie dough and reaching for a spoon. Turning away from the drawer, she comes face to face with Steve. She starts giggling, like she's been caught, 'so this is what you get up to, is it?' She looks down at the tub and back up at him. He asks, 'just one spoon?' She chuckles, 'why, am I expecting someone?' He rolls his eyes, 'I don't mind sharing your spoon.' Amelia watches his mouth move slowly, even the way he says spoon feels sinful and she nods slowly, 'you'd need to be really nice to me, like really nice.' She tries to sound confident and Steve backs her up against the sink, framing her with his arms, 'I think I could do that. Want to know what I get up to, late at night on my own?' He quirks a brow and Amelia swallows, 'connect four with Wilson?' She asks, feigning innocence, Steve pulls away and laughs heartedly, she's almost pleased for the breathing room.

'We have actually played connect four. Now, do you want to talk about tonight?' Amelia panics and prays Natasha didn't drop her in it, 'you know, Rosie and school?' Amelia offers a weak smile, 'it's just not going all that easy for her, there's some kids that are pretty mean. I've been in twice, her teacher is great, but the kids are relentless. Cruel about her back pack, don't believe her about you or Tony, they tease her for drawing all the time, for the scar on her arm, anything.' Steve folds his arms, 'what's wrong with her backpack?' Amelia huffs, 'is that all you heard?' She brushes past him, picking her daughter's school bag, flashing it at him. A red, blue and white shield adorning the front, Steve sighs and rubs his eyes, catching sight of Amelia's writing on the side, stating Rosie Miller. 'Nothing is wrong with it… I dunno.'

Steve rubs his eyes with his palm, thinking of the white stripe of new skin up Rosie's arm from the car accident two years ago, 'I mean, her scar, really? Good to see nothing changes and kids are still kind to one another.' Steve catches Amelia's arm as she walks past him, 'what about the dad thing?' Amelia looks surprised and confused, 'what dad thing?' Steve sits on the sofa, Amelia walks over behind him and places her arms over his shoulders, bending down and whispering in his ear, 'why would that be a problem? She has a dad, I'm looking at him.' He falls back into her arms, 'yes, but her name is Miller, so people will know.' Amelia stands and mutters lowly, 'well, ask me again.' Steve misses it, wiping his face and thinking about Rosie being the subject of bullies just like he was. She speaks louder, 'that's not unusual, Steve and their six and seven, your Cap, not Mr Rogers to them.' She strolls around, climbing onto his lap, 'we both know, you are all the dad she needs, remember you are more than good enough,' she tilts her head to Peggy's framed letter on their wall. He caresses her back in small circles and kisses her freckled arm.

'So will you be at our Halloween shindig?' Steve wraps his arms around her waist, 'should be, I have my costume orders, I hope you have yours.' Amelia smiles at him and places a kiss on his cheek.

'I, uh, stopped by Bucky's room on the way to the restaurant and I noticed it looks a lot like your house, has she moved out properly?' Amelia drops her head onto his shoulder, 'nooooo! I think she's scared to be honest with me, it's fine, if anything I just miss Bucky's rugged good looks over breakfast.' Steve raises a brow 'you're not funny.' Amelia smiles cheekily, 'little bit funny. I just wish she would make a decision and stop taking my stuff, she seems to have a short memory of who owns and paid for what, but as long as her and Bucky are happy.' Amelia looks unsure before asking, 'has Tony decided if he's selling the tower?' Steve shrugs, 'no, I don't think so, but the important work is happening at the compound, it does make more sense. I think it's just hard for him to let go of his marker in the city.'

Steve sighs, looking about and focusing on the orange tabby scratching his ear, 'you're over feeding the cat,' Amelia laughs, 'I am not, Rosie found the dry food and she leaves trails around the house for him, if anyone's a feeder!' Steve looks down sadly, 'I don't think he knows who I am.' Amelia scrunches her nose, 'oh well, cheer up, feed him sometime and he will be your best friend!'

She kisses his nose, turning serious 'you know, you are her dad, right? Bullies and my mother be damned.' Steve smiles and Amelia does her best deep voice, 'we don't like bullies.' Steve bites his lip, 'is that meant to be me? Or Bucky?' Amelia laughs loudly and feels a rumble in her belly, clutching it and then shaking her hand away, 'it was Bucky and you know it was! Now shut up and kiss me.' Steve grabs her and pulls her close, 'honestly, I thought you'd never shut up.' Amelia smiles against his mouth and pushes two hands into his hair, pulling roughly, kissing him forcefully and grinding into his lap. 'I hope you don't do this with Sam.'

Steve ignores her, groaning and pulling her flush against him, 'I really like this dress,' he pulls her hair gently to one side and presses kisses to her shoulders, nudging the strap with his nose and smirking at her, realising she isn't wearing a bra. Amelia shuts her eyes and groans in pleasure, 'I swear if our kid wakes up right now...' Steve places two gentle hands on her arms, thumbs nudging the straps and stroking down to her hands, holding them tightly. Amelia always holds her breath in these moments, thinking he might spill, 'marry me?' Like he did two years ago, but he hasn't uttered a word since and she can feel the it fading. Why would he ask her, she just laughed in his face last time. She hates that she's a cliché, but she'd like to get married.

Steve wraps two hands behind her back, slowly pulling at her dress zip. He watches the dress slip down a little, enjoying the expanse of skin, he follows the freckles and drags a finger down between her breasts. 'I have missed you, so much,' Amelia confesses, she stands slowly and reaches under her dress, shimmying out of her underwear and balling them up in her hand. She resumes her position and tucks them in Steve's top shirt pocket, tapping it and whispering 'for later.' She laughs and Steve smirks at her, placing his hands on her thighs and dragging them up the outside to her bare behind, he almost growls and throws his head back, her skin is soft and dimpled and he admires her, as she bites her lip and her hair sways. He thinks about asking her to marry him again most weeks. But then he thinks back to the sting of not yet and he can't quite bring himself to ask again. He smiles, thinking about how far they have come, he moved in officially early last year, Rosie thinks of him as her dad and he's part of Amelia's family and she of his. However, he also kept hold of his room at the tower, he hasn't been home for more than a fortnight in ten months and he's terrified to ask her to marry him again, but it's a work in progress.

AN: And there we go, the beginning of a new story, presently unnamed… I honestly think that's the hardest part.

A Halloween party is around the corner, as I didn't get to write about Halloween last time. Andi is Tony's PA, which honestly, has been so fun to write. I have always been a bit sceptical about OCs getting jobs at Stark/Avengers HQ, but this really just evolved on it's own and it's such a great dynamic. Steve is away a lot and poor Rosie is having her own difficulties .

Then the big news is that Amelia might be pregnant! Bucky and Andi have their own big storyline too, don't worry!

Next Chapter… A bit more about Andi and Bucky's set up.

Thank you for reading, feel free to leave any thoughts

Stay safe, take care x