Keira's POV

Thanksgiving showed up faster than expected. Meaning, I needed to pack for the trip to my parents' house. It also meant I would live up to the promise to send a letter to Steve detailing my time spent with family. While packing, I made sure to pack the essentials like clothes, toiletries, and the like. In two separate bags, I made sure I packed the beginnings of Steve's blanket, plus the writing items I needed to send him something. If anyone asked, I could pass it off as getting back into writing. Who knew? Perhaps I could work out something anyway.

Once I was packed, I hailed a cab to JFK airport, my flight being at 12:10 p.m. I'd arrive in Greensboro close to two and at my parents' around 2:30 or 3 depending on the traffic with it being Thanksgiving. The thing about me is that I tend to get to some places early, arriving at the airport two and a half hours earlier than my flight. Most people did this anyways, preparing for delays in security and checking in luggage. Not too surprising, given that it was busy during the day itself.

It only gave me an excuse to sit down and read in my boarding gate. This time it was a book I needed to read for a book club I joined a few days ago. Unfortunately, this particular book bored me; I guess I could attempt to get it over with while sitting here. It would allow me to move onto the next Dresden Files book on the plane. As it happens, the goal was achieved and I wrote up a quick review about the book; Where the Crawdads Sing, one of the most hyped-up books this year. Not my favorite, a little slow, and a bit shocking at the end.

I guess I couldn't figure out why everyone loved it, but then that's their own opinion. I'm not going to condemn them just because I didn't like it. It didn't live up to my own standards, but I have always had weird tastes to begin with. It's not like people can't enjoy the book, but I didn't really care for it and that's okay.

Satisfied with the review, I shut down my laptop and put it away, tuning into the next book of interest. I didn't get very far into it when they called us to board, a full flight; thank goodness I brought my earbuds to tune out the surrounding noise around me. I breathed a sigh of relaxation as the plane glided through the air, reading taking over any unnecessary thoughts roaming around in my mind. The only ones that sought out freedom from the story playing out before my eyes were the ones about Steve.

How would he celebrate the holiday? Would it be with friends or family? If we had met, would he travel with me? Meet my family? Would he invite me to spend it with his? A small smile tugged at my lips at those thoughts when they popped up, enjoying them and the scenarios that came with them. I imagined my parents and the rest of my family welcoming him with open arms.

Dad would probably grill him about his intentions and try to find out every little detail about him. Mom would talk his ear off, making subtle remarks about marriage. These scenarios prompted a giggle from my throat, silenced by the look I caught from the person sitting next to me. Wouldn't it be lovely if Steve was by my side at this moment?

We landed and I waited for people to get off the plane to head to baggage claim. Before I booked the tickets, I had gotten Dad to agree to pick me up from the airport and planned on meeting him outside in the carpool lane of the PTI airport to return to their home.

"Hey, daddy. Happy Thanksgiving," I greeted him, handing off my suitcase to be put in the trunk of the car. The other bags were put in there as well before he embraced me in a tight hug.

"Hi, honey. Welcome home. Everyone should be arriving at 3 for dinner. Did you have a nice flight?"

"Yeah, it was fine. Full, but fine," I told him, getting in the passenger side and closing the door.

"It is Thanksgiving. It's to be expected. Your mom is excited to see you and I imagine Newt will want to see you as well,"

"He'll tackle me and then lick me to death. Still, I've missed the big furball,"

"Just a heads up, Keira. I'm sure your grandmas will want to know about what you've been up to. They'll want to know about your love life, so expect a lot of questions," Dad warned me.

"Wonderful. I can't wait," I grumbled, my happy mood now dampened. I was under the illusion that I'd get through the holidays without more people wanting to get involved in my life. It appeared everyone wanted nothing but to invade how I was getting on with it; if I was dating, where I was heading in my career, if they could offer any unwanted assistance. If only I could become invisible to avoid all the pestering.

"You're staying until Monday, right?" Dad asked, getting off the subject of the impending interrogation I'd be receiving upon the arrival of other family members.

"That's the plan. Unless I decide otherwise," I answered. If things. If things went awry, I wanted to fly home immediately, avoiding the crushing drama, which happened each time our family got together. If things appeared normal, then I'd stay, enjoying the company of my parents. It'd all depend on everyone's attitude and if they chose to piss me off, intentional or not.

"Alright. You're in your old room. Not much has changed, except we repainted the walls this summer," Dad stated.

"Thanks, Dad," We pulled up to their two-story house and parked behind the second car they owned. He helped get my things out of the trunk to carry them inside; scraping claws sounded from the living room to the kitchen where we were entering, followed by a loud bark. A giant German Shepherd jumped on me, the force of his weight making me stumble back a little.

"Newtie! Hey, buddy. Who's a good boy? Newt is. I've missed you Newtie," I stated, pushing his front paws to the floor and petting him as he spun around in circles. He sat and the proceeded to lay down in the middle of the floor for me to rub his belly. I dropped to my knees to give him the attention he wanted before getting up to place my luggage in my room for the weekend. I unpacked and found my brush, running it through my long hair, getting the tangles out from it getting bunched up on the plane. A knock sounded at my door and I turned to face my mom.

"Welcome home. I trust you had a good flight," she greeted me. I nodded and walked over to hug her.

"Happy Thanksgiving," I told her.

"Others will be arriving soon. Come on down," she said, letting go and exiting the room. I sighed and descended the steps, preparing myself for the dinner of possible drama. At least, I could count on Newt to keep me in a good mood.

Steve's POV

Sounds of things being banged around roused me from sleep; a section of blonde hair falling in front of my eyes when I sat up. My first thought is someone was breaking in and I needed to go help resolve the situation. Not caring if I attacked them without a shirt on, I bolted from bed and sprinted downstairs, ready to spring into action.

Listening for where the noise was coming from, I follow it to the main dining room, trying my best to be stealthy. I peek around the corner to find Thor, Wanda, and Tony hanging Thanksgiving decorations. Standing straight from my crouched position, I walked in to address what is going on.

"Tony? Thor? Wanda? What are you guys doing?" I asked, confused as more decorations are put into place on the walls.

"Thanksgiving. I've invited a few people over to eat. It'll be kind of a big family feast. Strange will be here as well as Wong, not to mention it'll be good to have a break from things for a few days," Tony stated, moving chairs down to make more room at the huge conference table we held meetings at.

"Thanksgiving. Right. I didn't realize that was today. Do you need help with anything? I could grab supplies at the store. Maybe cook the turkey," I said.

"You can go with Natasha for the food and help cook. We've got the decorations covered. I might suggest you put something on that isn't sweatpants though," he responded to my question. I nodded and returned to my room to change into a gray shirt, jeans, boots and my favorite leather jacket. I met Nat downstairs by the entrance.

"Ready to go?" I asked her, receiving a shake of her head.

"We're waiting on Bucky. Don't get mad, but I've invited him because I think you should tell him about…her," She told me.

"Nat. I'm not sure I need to tell anyone else about Keira," I argued.

"Steve, he's your best friend. He should know. In case you need him to talk about her with. Besides, it's not like he's going to tell anyone else,"

"I've got you, don't I?" At the quirk of one of her eyebrows, I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face.

"Alright, fine. I'll tell him. Only him. I don't want anyone else to know. Not until after we've met. Not until I know for sure," I said. She smiled, patting me on the arm. A minute later, Bucky joined us, and we walked out to one of the SUVs in the garage. Natasha drove us to the store we normally shopped at, my heart hammering at the thought of telling someone else about the letters and Keira.

"Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me you've been writing to a complete stranger? A woman named Keira. And you didn't tell me?" Bucky said when I revealed the secret to him.

"Yeah. I tried to keep it secret until Natasha discovered one of the letters. Tony technically saw one first, but I grabbed it before he had a chance to ask any questions," I answered. I carded a hand through my hair, a bit nervous about his next reaction. He pulled a couple of bottles of wine – both red and white – from the shelves and placed them in the shopping basket with the other supplies we acquired.

"Why?"

"Why keep it a secret? I don't know. I-,"

"No, why didn't you tell me? You know I don't judge, and I don't spill secrets. Why didn't you say something?" Bucky asked, his expression turning to anger.

"I guess I wasn't sure how long it would last. I didn't expect to develop feelings. It just sort of happened. I feel connected to her in ways I never knew existed. This is nothing I've ever experienced before. Especially not with Peggy when we interacted,"

"How long? How long have you been writing to her?"

"A few months. Since September. It started as an event from a bookstore. No deadline, but I thought after the first letter, we might stop, get bored. Except her first letter drew me in and I found I didn't want to stop corresponding to her.

The second letter made me realize I wanted more. After the third, I knew I needed more. The last one I sent to her, I knew I wanted to meet her,"

"A few…Steve, you should've said something. Especially, if you think you're falling for this girl. Have you looked into her? Found out who she really is?" Bucky said, tossing in blocks of cheese when we approached the deli department.

"No, and I don't want to. Something about her words makes me feel I can trust her. You can't tell anyone. Please, Buck. I'll tell them eventually. After I meet up with her, once I know for sure she's the one I want. The letters are wonderful, but I'd like to see what happens when we actually meet face to face," I replied. He raked a hand through his hair, taking in what I said, a sigh escaping his lips.

"I'm not saying anything to anyone, I promise. When will you see her?"

"After the holidays. I would like to start the new year right. Create new beginnings. See how things go. I've sent her this request. I have to wait to see her response. Of course, there's the possibility that she won't respond if she feels I've crossed a line,"

"What happens if you meet before the holidays are over? Will you be prepared for it? Will you be prepared if things don't pan out the way you want them to?" he asked.

"Don't worry about me. Everything will be okay, whether Keira and I connect more or not. Let's just get through Thanksgiving," I stated.

"If they don't end up together, we can always set him up with someone else," Natasha chimed in, throwing in packets of gravy. I managed to nod and chuckle at her comment, secretly hoping Keira and I would work out, so that didn't happen.

We finished up shopping, returning to the compound to prepare the feast. Tony told us guests would be arriving around 5, leaving us plenty of time to get everything together and to change into nice attire – I changed into a dark blue, button up shirt, black trousers, and black leather loafers to complete my outfit – celebrating with our huge family.

Often, I found myself wandering to thoughts of Keira; how she was getting along with her own family, if she was thinking about me, how, if she were here, would she get along with my own version of family. I'd look at Natasha and Wanda with their arms around each other kissing or Tony and Pepper gazing at each other with adoration and wonder what Keira would feel like in my arms.

Even Strange had brought a date and the same pang of loneliness I felt at the benefit returned; I shoved it away taking in the happiness of the group around me. I was loved by many, my friends always being there for me. Bucky was even like a brother to me. It didn't stop me from wanting to be loved by her, by Keira. I knew she had gone to North Carolina. Again, as I approached a window, peered out of it, glancing at the stars, I thought of her.

Meanwhile, in Greensboro

Keira's POV

During one part of the night of Thanksgiving, I drifted over to one of the windows and peered up at the stars, lost in thought, already broken away from conversations with those who were there. Other members of the family showed up; first my mom's mother who I called Mimi, then dad's side – his brother Andrew, my aunt Kelsey, my cousin Callie and her son Jonathan, plus my dad's mother – Grandma Luanna, all being on time to the feast.

As expected, everyone inquired into my life, asking about if I was seeing anyone and my career, which all in all wasn't too bad. It appeared to die down when food was ready, and everyone sat down to eat. Still, I wanted to disappear, to write to the one person I wanted to talk to. The one person I wished was here. Later when everyone has cleared. When my parents have gone to bed, I thought. I knew if I left for too long, questions would be asked, secrets would be discovered.

Feeling the need of a brownie, I strode over to the counter and piled three of them on a plate and sat down at a table before Callie came over. Currently, as I nibbled on the brownies, a conversation was held between the two of us about New York.

"I wish I could've gone with you. It'd be nice to have my own place. Especially in New York," she said.

"It's not too bad. It's prettier in Fall and Winter," I said, taking another bite of the chocolate treat.

"So, you haven't found anyone yet? To date, I mean?"

"Please, not this again," I groaned.

"Why not? You've been up there for two years and no one's asked you out? Not even any of the Avengers? Like Tony Stark?" she pressed.

"He's engaged, Callie. It wouldn't work even if he wasn't. He seems nice, but he's not really my type,"

"Stephen Strange?"

"I thought you didn't like him because of his supposed arrogance. Alas, no, he hasn't. I'm not really in his world though. He's kind of hot, but I don't usually date someone based on looks. Trust me, I've seen his pictures before and after the accident,"

"Thor? Captain America?"

"No and no. Callie, don't worry. I'm okay.

"You don't want a boyfriend? Aren't you lonely?" she asked, the last question hitting home. Sure, I was a bit lonely, but I didn't think any of the Avengers would be the right choice. Maybe Captain America, but I would like to get to know the man behind the mask and costume. Not that I knew his real name. I'd like with that anyone, really. I liked to get to know the people I dated before I dated them. I fell for personalities, not necessarily looks. I was a firm believer that someone could be good looking but could end up being a jerk.

Steve was one I really enjoyed finding out about, getting to know. He appeared to be warm and gentle; a captivating soul. Not to mention he made feel warm inside.

"Don't tell me you're interested in women. Is that why you dismissed the men I offered?" Callie asked, a look of disgust on her face.

"No. Of course not. I'm a little lonely, but I'm not in any rush to get married right now. When I meet the right one, I'll be sure to tell you. By the way, there's nothing wrong in liking women," I told her, annoyed by her attitude. Callie scoffed and changed the subject before we joined everyone else. The celebration lasted a few more hours, going until around 8 when everyone went home, leaving my parents and me alone for the rest of the evening. We mainly watched movies, the cheesy kind in which everyone lived happily ever after. You know, like Hallmark movies.

Around midnight, my parents retired to bed while I crafted a new letter to Steve.

Steve's POV

"Explain to me why you're still single. You could have any woman you want and yet you haven't found one single girl to date. To settle down with," Tony stated, knocking me out of my thoughts.

"I don't know Tony. I'm not rushing into anything. You know how I am. I like to be friends with people, or women, before I do anything," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I still think you would have found someone by now,"

"It's not that easy. Plus, we've been busy these last couple of weeks, not to mention all of the years we've been fighting enemies,"

"I don't think you're trying hard enough. Maybe-,"

"Tony, leave him alone. He'll settle down when he's ready. It took you years before you found Pepper," Natasha cut in. Tony surrendered and the subject was dropped. I mouthed a thank you to Nat and tuned into the funny stories everyone was sharing. The night started becoming late, coming up around 1 a.m. and soon Strange, his date, and Wong returned to the Sanctum.

One by one, people left to return to their rooms, giving me leave to go to mine. I picked up a book, deciding to read for another hour, but kept losing interest. My attention kept wandering to my desk where my notebook lay, a letter waiting to be crafted. It's not that I was afraid to write another one, but after the last one I sent, I wasn't sure if I should write one. What if Keira had decided I had crossed a line and wanted to cut off communication.

Write her, Steve. You can still be friends with her, I thought. Closing the book, I walked over to the desk, crafting a new one. I stuck to asking about how she celebrated Thanksgiving and wishing her a good one. I tried not to confess my feelings to her again, instead telling her about Bucky and Natasha, followed by some fears I had. I even wrote her a story with warmth, an imagined scenario I wanted to happen between us.

Four Days Later

Our routine hadn't returned during the rest of the week, allowing us the freedom to do what we wanted. I still went out for runs, the cool air distracting me from waiting by the mailbox for another letter from Keira. I managed to stay out of the compound as some of the couples were being a little loud with their own activities.

Even Bucky and I hung out at coffee shops and movie theaters to get away from it all. In fact, I had ventured out to a coffee shop this afternoon to relax and read, returning in time with the mail truck, approaching the box after the mail man had left a stack of mail in it. Thumbing through the stack, I found the one I was looking for. I strode inside, leaving the rest on the coffee table. No one was home except for Bucky, leaving me to look at the contents of the letter without anyone being nosy.

I threw it down on the bed, pacing back and forth. What would be her answer? What did she think of me now? I picked up the letter immediately putting it back down, nerves encompassing every part of me. I ran a hand through my hair, squeezing the back of my neck as I stared at the envelope. Unable to bear the unread contents, I sat down in the middle of my bed, opening it with shaking fingers and pulling out the paper within. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I unfolded the letter and started reading.

Steve,

Believe me when I say you haven't crossed any lines. Thank you for the confession. Truth be told, we're on the same page. I believe I'm falling in love with you too. Your words have me made me feel like nothing I've ever felt with anyone before.

I can't stop smiling every time I receive something from you. I feel more alive, more confident when I write to you. I feel I'm a lot braver when writing, the words flowing like water on these pages. I think it's time we meet. See where this goes. I agree with your suggestion. Let's meet after the holidays. Start fresh with a new year.

Start somewhere small. Maybe coffee or lunch. Or maybe a movie. Do you want to set a date and place to meet? Would you like me to? I can send over my schedule and you can send me yours to figure it out.

"She wants to meet. Keira said yes to meeting," I stated out loud and in shock. A wave of happiness washed over me next, my lips stretching out in a huge grin. I'd have to get with Tony to figure out some sort of schedule and find out a good time to get together with her. I wanted lunch to spend as much time with her as possible. Maybe we could stretch it out into a dinner. I continued reading, interested in every word.

Perhaps, you're also right. Maybe fate will have us meet earlier. Still, I think a plan should be made in case it doesn't happen. I want to see you, to touch you, to feel your skin against mine. I imagine you're warm and gentle. Your words alone have me thinking it. I have no doubt we'll be happy when meeting. I believe we'll get along great.

Yes, I watched the storm. I believe I said so in my last letter. My power went out and I resorted to candles when it was over. It's funny and lovely that one storm brought a connection between us, drawing us in. It's not only the letters, but nature must be telling us something. Maybe we're meant to be.

I loved your list of favorites. For your next musical, once you've watched Rent, you should give Phantom of the Opera a try. The movie is beautiful. So is the show. I saw it live in Vegas a couple years back. Reduces me to tears every time. I've always loved the Phantom even though some of the choices he makes are awful. I've seen the Goonies. It's fantastic. It took me a while to see it, though. I thought it was something different than it was. I…I'd like to have your arms around me. Especially, during the Winter.

Some country singers I think you might like are Lady Antebellum, Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes and Kip Moore. They're pretty good and have some softer songs I think you'll enjoy.

As you can probably see from the address on the front of this envelope, I'm at my parents for Thanksgiving. Things weren't as bad as I thought. Yes, they grilled me again, but at least it didn't last the whole night. Of course, I've discovered I can't drink a whole lot if I haven't had that much food. I had a killer headache towards the end of the night, but I took Advil to make it go away. It gave me enough focus to write to you. I'm writing late at night, as when everyone left to go home from my parents', we watched cheesy Hallmark movies until they went to bed.

This got a small laugh out of me. I imagined doing this with her next year, one arm draped over her shoulders, the other linking with her fingers. We'd be buried under one of her blankets, our bodies close.

Want to know something interesting? I found myself over at a window glancing up at the stars, thinking of you. I thought about what you were doing, how you were celebrating Thanksgiving. What it would be like to have you here with me.

Oh FYI, I'm here for four more days, so I may not get your letter until I get back to Brooklyn. It'll be worth the wait, though I really want it much sooner. We need to meet, soon if possible. I miss you even though I haven't seen you yet.

Until next time. Until we meet. Please write soon.

Waiting for you,

Keira

Tears welled up, a couple escaping down my cheeks. Clearly, we were more connected than we thought. Both of us were drawn to a window, both of us thinking of each other. A soft knock echoed at my door; I quickly wiped away the tears from my cheeks and blinked back the others that threatened to fall before I answered the door.

Behind it stood Bucky, who seemed to want to invite me somewhere. He took one look at my face and worry crossed his features.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Everything's fine. Did you need something?"

"Danvers texted. She wanted to invite everyone out to drink and play darts at our usual bar. Want to come?"

"Sure. Let me grab my jacket and put shoes on," I answered, turning back inside my room. I put up the letter and placed it in the box I had the others.

"Keira again? Did you get the answer you wanted, or did she reject you?" Bucky asked, once I got my jacket on and stuffed my feet in my shoes.

"I received the best answer one could get. She wants to meet. Turns out we're more connected that I thought. Let's go before everyone gets suspicious," I told him.

"You've got it bad for this chick. I can only imagine what will happen when you finally meet her," Bucky said. He was right. I had major feelings for Keira, and they would only grow stronger once we came in contact with each other.

Monday Night

Keira's POV

I got back to New York around 8 p.m. and took a cab back to my apartment after picking up my luggage. I made a stop at my mailbox to pick up the missed envelopes and magazines I had gotten while away, taking the elevator to rummage through them.

My fingers landed on one special envelope, the address and name standing out. Steve. I smiled, eager to open it, waiting until I got into my apartment before I did so. I didn't even make it to the bedroom before my fingers were under the edge of the envelope and pulling out the paper inside it. I sat down on the couch, pulling off my boots and began reading.

Keira,

It's Thanksgiving. Something I forgot about until this morning. I almost attacked a few of my friends when they were setting up for the feast. You'd probably love them. Especially Wanda, who is a sweet girl. She'd love to watch movies with you, and she loves animals. Thor would wrap you into a bear hug because everyone says he's a giant teddy bear.

Thor? He's friends with an Avenger? I thought, recognizing the name right away and the next after.

Tony will talk your ear off about technology but he's fun and intriguing. Anyway, a couple of us went to the store to pick up supplies to help out with the huge dinner. There's a bunch of us attending the dinner and my friends are practically family since my real family passed away a while ago. Though, I wouldn't trade this family for anything. I'd only introduce someone new to the group. I'd love to introduce you to this group.

Thanksgiving was enjoyable. We drank and ate a lot, having fun talking and hanging out. At one point, I went over to one of the giant windows we have here at home and looked out to the stars. My first thought was about you and where you were at that very moment. I knew you were in North Carolina of course, but I kept asking myself if you were at a window as well, staring up at the stars or if you were talking to someone you love.

I know I haven't received your answer yet, but I still want to meet. I still want to see your gorgeous face. I'm being patient and I'll gladly accept any answer you give even if…it's a no or you don't want to write anymore.

I'll accept it even if it kills me, but it's ultimately your choice. I only want your happiness, even if you might not want it with me. Based on your last letters, I feel that you want this, but I could be reading into it wrong.

Believe me, I want this. I want you, but you've sent this before you've gotten mt answer. You'll be in for a surprise, I thought. I kept reading, soaking in his words.

I hope your Thanksgiving went well. No drama, no judgment. I hope you enjoyed your fill of turkey and dessert. As I sit here, I find I want to know what you're thinking about. What you're doing. Are you asleep? Are you wide awake? Are you writing to me or are you working on something original? Will you write me something you're working on? Write me something that came from your imagination.

Send me something beautiful. Send me something romantic, though your words are just that. Send me something that speaks volumes of your soul. Something from your heart. Let me see it, let me feel it, let me hear your heart. Each beat, each color of your soul. Please?

You asked me to tell you about my oldest friend. His name is Bucky. Well, technically speaking, his full name is James Buchanan Barnes, but I've always called him Bucky. He's my closest and we grew up in the same area. He's the one that immigrated here. He's originally from Romania in case you were wondering. Both of us grew up poor, but we got by when we could. We had our friendship too, which is nice. He was there when my parents died and has been by my side ever since.

He's sweet and kind. He's been through a lot though, but still has a kind soul. I feel like you two would get along great. You're both gentle and loving. He's the same one who made me get on the Cyclone at Coney Island and I threw up afterwards. He'll most likely be the first person I'll introduce you to after we meet…if we do meet. Bucky is the one I talk to most.

Apart from Natasha. She's sweet too, but she's got a fiery attitude. A good thing, a Natasha thing. She's currently dating Wanda, a romance I don't think anyone expected to happen. They're happy together and that's all that matters. In love, in fact. Their relationship blossomed extremely well.

I wonder if he's friends with the same Natasha, I met a few weeks ago, I thought.

I don't have a story to keep you warm at night. At least not something real. I can only give you a scenario involving us. I'll try my best to give you something you can picture in your mind.

Close your eyes after reading this.

Imagine us in a cabin during the Winter months. It's just us, no one else. It's snowing. Not heavily, but it's gentle, beautiful. Like you. Maybe it's Christmas, maybe not. We're sitting on a couch or bed, curled under a couple of your blankets. You're pressed close to me. My arms are around you, your head is on my chest, my lips pressed into your soft hair as I kiss you there. Soft music is playing in the background, a fire crackling in the fireplace near us, surrounding the cabin in warmth as well as the blankets; as well as our bodies close together.

I lift your chin up to give you a kiss on the lips. It's soft but lingers after a few moments. Even once we've pulled apart from it, your olive-green eyes gazing into my light blue ones. You snuggle closer, link your fingers with mine. We don't even have a book. We're reveling in each other's company, enjoying the snow, the sound of the crackling fire, sharing kisses. Talking, loving one another.

I close my eyes once I've read it all. Re-live it in my head. It's a lovely view. Something I desire to happen between us. Steve's painted a beautiful picture and I release a sigh, wishing it was real. To have him sitting here with me, to have his lips on mine. I open my eyes to read the rest of the letter.

Can you see it? It's not much, but it's what I have. Something I've thought about before. Something I'd love to happen.

My fear right now is that we'll never meet. That you won't want to. I'm trying to stay positive. Other fears include losing those I'm close to, the world coming to an end. A world where you're not in it. I fear that most of all.

Patiently waiting for you,

Steve

I can see it, Steve. I want it, I thought. I knew I was in danger of falling for him. Eager to set up a day to meet after the holidays, I checked my schedule for January. There were two weeks I was booked with dogs, but the 16th through the 20th, I would be free. Even some days towards the end of the month had some availability.

Fate would have other plans in mind that we wouldn't foresee in the form of coffee. As if it wanted us to meet sooner and fall faster. If I must fall, then I'd gladly fall for Steve Rogers.