Sorry guys! It's been awhile since I've updated, but I promise I haven't forgotten about it. Life just got busy and hectic, but I finally had some time to write.

The sun was still low when he pulled into his spot behind Sweetie's. He'd barely made it to the door when Clint's motorcycle took the spot next to Lola, the engine roaring loudly in the early morning silence like the trumpet section in one of Audrey's symphonies.

"What are you doing here so early?" he called just as Clint's helmet came off to reveal his face. He watched as the younger man yawned, rubbing at his eyes tiredly, and Phil shook his head with a grin as he waited for his answer.

"We've got a birthday cake going out today at two and that hell-beast of a bride's wedding cake out at four. Natasha finished all of the decorations yesterday, but it still has to be assembled and your sister, much as I love to tease her, will rip you and I a new one if it isn't finished in time," he informed as they stepped through the doors, though the reminder was unnecessary—for they both knew them to be unquestionably true. "Hunter is coming in to deliver the smaller one by himself and then he and I will deliver the wedding cake. We might need your help though. It looks like it might be a bit heavy once it's finalized."

Phil nodded as they donned their apron's, falling easily into their usual routine, warming up the ovens and mixing the doughs for the morning breads and pastries, the two of them having ironed out the perfect steps over the past few years. He'd hired Clint when the boy was barely sixteen and what had started as a summer job to save money for a car, had turned into a permanent arrangement, Clint easily learning the trade and his penchant for detail making him a wonderful asset to the bakery.

Natasha had followed soon after and though Phil hadn't been too thrilled with their developing relationship at first, he had to admit that she and Clint meshed well together, both romantically and professionally, and any reservations he'd had about the two of them had faded with their happy smiles and each beautiful cake that went out his door.

Bobbi and Hunter had been a more recent addition, the latter a complete accident entirely, when he'd backed into a Sweetie's delivery truck after picking Bobbi up from her shift. Hunter had offered to pay for the damage by working off his debt and, somehow, Phil had been stuck with him ever since.

He didn't mind as much anymore...

Natasha, Bobbi, and Hunter arrived shortly after, helping to finish the morning preparations before they opened for the day. For the next two hours, customers poured in, devouring pastries and coffee as fast as he and the boys could make them.

It was only when he heard Clint's call of "Mornin', Little Bird!" that Phil took a peek out front to spot Skye and Melinda. Skye was as enthusiastic as ever as she hopped towards Clint with a smile on her face, her mother following with a smile of her own.

The two of them had become regular fixtures inside of his bakery, Skye having wrapped everyone within around her small, but capable fingers, Clint being the most affected after himself—even enough to dub Skye with a nickname of his own making.

With two blueberry muffins, a small glass of milk, and a green tea in hand, he met Melinda at her usual table, turning to watch as Skye spoke with Clint and Natasha. She was smiling as they talked, as animated as ever, but it was all too obvious that there was something...off.

"Is there something wrong with Skye?" he asked, turning to Melinda.

Melinda seemed surprised that he'd noticed, but nodded. "It's the first day of school."

"She's nervous?" he guessed with a frown.

Another nod. "She puts on a brave face, but she is. I'm afraid she gets that from me."

He was stopped from answering by Skye's arrival and though she appeared happy enough, she was now radiating pure nervous energy, her tiny body almost vibrating with anxiety.

"Hi, Phil."

"Hi, sweetie!," he grinned. "Are you excited for your first day of school? What are you, in sixth grade or something?"

Happily, a small smile grew on her cheeks. "No, silly! I'm only in the first grade."

"First grade?" he gasped in mock astonishment, "but you look so grown up!"

She grinned, though it faded quickly, her manner growing uncharacteristically shy as she looked down at her shoes. "I'm afraid."

"Why, baby?" Melinda whispered, leaning towards her little girl in an effort to hear.

"What if they don't like me, mommy? The other kids?"

His heart broke a little at her question, as her bottom lip began to quiver. Melinda pulled her closer, brushing an errant curl away from Skye's eyes as she spoke lowly, "Oh, baby, everyone is going to love you. And if they don't, then they don't deserve your friendship."

"But what if they don't?"

"Baby, unfortunately, not everyone is as kindhearted as you, but just because someone might not like you, that doesn't mean that it's your fault."

"What if I do something stupid?"

"You're not stupid."

The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, with a bit more force than he'd intended, much to Melinda's amazement and his own; Skye was looking at him with wide eyes, startled no doubt. He could feel himself flush, as out of place as he found himself to be. "I'll, uh, go clean...something."

He could feel Melinda's eyes follow him across the bakery as he retreated behind the counter, busying himself while the mother-daughter pair whispered to one another.

"What's wrong with Birdy?"

He turned to find Natasha, concern painted on her features as she glanced across the room at the two of them. "She's afraid the other kids won't like her at school."

"That's absurd. She's easily the cutest thing I've ever seen. Making friends will be as easy as just sitting in the cafeteria. The kid practically radiates positive vibes—it'll be like flies to honey; she'll be fine."

Phil laughed, but her words struck a chord, and inspired, he opened one of the pastry cases to pull out his signature Chocolate Chip cookies—perfectly designed to attract more than just flies in his opinion. He boxed a number of them up quickly, eyes watching over the case vigilantly.

He waited until they stood, their hushed conversation seemingly finished, before he rounded the counter. Beckoning Skye towards him, he knelt down to her level, offering the white pastry box up for her to see.

"Now, you have to promise me two things," he whispered to Skye, looking around as if involved in some secret operation, before reaching around to open her yellow backpack so that he could stuff the cookies inside. "It's absolutely necessary to our mission that you follow my instructions to the letter, Agent Skye. Understood?"

Skye nodded, a spark of curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What do I have to do?" she whispered, barely holding still as he fiddled with the zipper.

"Two things. One, you have to promise me that you'll only eat these after lunch," he began, though he could see just a hint of indecision in her eyes, "And only with a new friend."

She looked skeptical, but continued with their charade. "What's two, Agent Coulson?"

He laughed, eyes following Melinda as she tidied up their table. "Simple. Don't tell your mother."

Finally, she grinned, offering up her hand for a shake. "Deal."

The airport was crowded, happy reunions and tearful goodbyes in every direction that he could see. Phil was grateful that he was anticipating the former, Audrey's plane from New York due to land any moment and he had the perfect view of her terminal from his tiny cafe table.

"Still a half hour to go," he mumbled to himself before glancing at the cafe's menu off to his right, eyes landing on their pastry display and a delicious looking cherry turnover.

He'd barely lifted the flaky donut to his lips when a loud, high-pitched squeal caught his attention.

It was an adorable little girl, no older than Skye he'd imagine, racing off across the lobby towards a dark haired man with outstretched hands, her mother following close behind with the same sort of excitement. Upon reaching him, they jumped into his arms laughing, the little girl's happiness, at what Phil assumed was the sight of her father, bringing a smile to his own face. He watched as they twirled in the middle of the airport, the family group hug bringing a pang of longing to his chest.

They were so happy.

And he wanted that.

He wanted long walks through the park with a wife, kids, and maybe even a dog of some sort.

'No, not a dog...Cap wouldn't approve,' he thought with a small grin, pulling off a piece of his turnover and frowning at the filling on his fingers.

He'd always imagined he'd have a daughter, brown curls bouncing wildly as they ran through the zoo or through an amusement park, squeals of laughter escaping her at every new animal or attraction they passed.

They'd visit his mother in Rhode Island and she'd teach his daughter how to cook like she had her own son and then, just like when he was a kid, they'd catch fireflies before ending the night on the front porch swing, tired and exhausted, but content. Phil knew he'd be a family-man; knew without a shadow of a doubt that he'd be wrapped around his wife and kid's fingers, desiring only to make them happy and to make them laugh every day of his life.

He wanted all of that. Every single, last piece of it.

His gaze followed the little family to the baggage claim and then out of the terminal completely, hands holding tightly to each other as they swung the little girl back and forth between them, much to her delight.

Thirty minutes passed quickly then, as lost in his mind as he was. He stayed there, unmoving, until the light weight of a hand coming ot rest on his shoulder zapped him out of his head.

"Phil?"

"Audrey?" he replied, dazed at her sudden appearance. Realizing just how long he'd been sitting there, he stood, legs protesting as they tingled sharply, but he hugged her in greeting anyways.

She laughed at the state he was in, accepting his embrace as he enfolded her in his arms, smiling as he whispered a quiet "hello" in her ear.

There was no twirling, no laughter to be heard as they separated, but he was happy nonetheless.

"How was New York?" he asked, still thrown off by her expected, but sudden appearance.

"Oh, Manhattan is beautiful, Phil! Have you ever been?"

"Once or twice, but not recently. It's my sister's future home," he responded, chuckling a little.

"Future home? Is she planning on moving?"

"Uh, not yet, I'd guess." He was still laughing, remembering his sister's red face at just the mention of her boyfriend's name, but catching Audrey's confusion, he elaborated. "Pepper is dating Tony Stark. I don't think she's realized it just yet, but I'm fairly certain she's in love with him. She's never been as easy to fluster as she is now. Just his name makes her as red as my Corvette. It's entirely hopeless."

"Tony Stark as in Stark Tower?" she asked in surprise.

"That's the one."

"It's a beautiful building and it definitely stands out," Audrey mused. "Especially at night. Oh, a few of us ate at this magnificent little restaurant right across from it the first evening we were there. Lovely, little Italian place, but for the life of me I can't remember its name. They had the most delicious ravioli with an Alfredo cream sauce that nearly rivals yours. And I'm sure I ate my weight in their garlic bread sticks. Completely to die for."

"Oh, I'm wounded!" Phil exclaimed, hand coming up to grasp at his chest in mock pain, his stride stumbling a bit as she slapped him on the arm with a grin.

Offering his arm, he took her bags before leading her towards the exit. "Well, it's not my cooking but we have dinner reservations at Mamma Maria's tonight and then afterward, maybe a movie back at my place?"

"Mamma Maria's? How in the world did you get reservations there? I only knew I was coming home today, yesterday."

Phil laughed. "I made a birthday cake for the head chef a few years back. It was back when I delivered every cake I made and Nick loved it so much, he invited me to stay. He taught me how to make the perfect spaghetti and meatballs that same night and we've been friends every since."

"Well, you'll have to thank him for me because that sounds fantastic and I'm starving. Lead the way, please."

It was a few hours later when they returned, the both of them lethargic and stuffed to the brim with good food, Nick Fury's hospitality knowing no bounds. He'd treated them to a plate full of succulent oysters and a full menu with the best wine and desserts, the vanilla bean cheesecake he'd eaten being the perfect kind of nightcap after a meal such as the one they'd just had and they were both warm and full.

He'd just put the key in the lock, jiggling it a bit out of habit, when the door across the hall opened enough for tiny, frizzy headed little girl in pajamas to peak her head out. Skye eyed Audrey a little warily, but offered up a sweet smile as she dashed to him suddenly, her arms wrapping around his legs tightly. Stunned and surprised, it took him a moment to snap out of it, but quickly enough he knelt down to her level, much like he had that morning to return the hug.

"I made friends!"

She was jumping up and down now, practically bouncing in his arms and, if her excitement hadn't been so contagious, he might have grown sad at her surprise.

"But I knew you would, sweetie!"

Skye hugged him again, arms linking behind his head this time, her still damp, wavy hair clinging to his nose. He felt more than saw Audrey finish unlocking the door, but he caught her small, confused smile as she stepped inside his apartment to give the two of them some privacy as little Skye began to ramble.

"Their names are Jemma and Leo and they said they'd be my friends! They both talk kind of funny. Mommy said it was because they have different accents than I do, but I don't know what that means. Fitz—that's Leo—comes from some place called Scotsland and Jemma is from...umm, across some big pond..."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the door across the hall open wider, the silhouette behind it this time, larger, but still small in stature. Melinda's smile was a fond one, eyes crinkling in amusement as she watched the scene.

"...they're both in my class and they shared their pudding cups with me. Oh! And they loved the cookies!"

He smiled, giving Melinda a sheepish glance as her daughter mentioned the bribe that was meant to be a secret, but she merely rolled her eyes as Skye's hands flew up to cover her lips.

"Oops. I wasn't supposed to say that."

Phil was relieved when Melinda laughed. It was light and contagious and a few seconds later they were all chuckling, an abundance of happiness flowing between them, but soon enough, it was interrupted by a tired yawn, eliciting tender smiles from the two adults.

"Come on, baby. It's bed time."

To be expected, Skye groaned in distaste, but nodded anyways, her eyes drooping as her remaining energy practically faded before their eyes. She turned towards him again, arms squeezing his neck one last time in another loose hug as she said goodnight.

"Thank you, Phil."

Momentarily bewildered, he asked, "For what?"

"For being my friend, silly."

Instinctively, he squeezed back tightly, touched beyond measure by such an innocent answer. He was unable to reply, but she didn't seem to need one as she extricated herself from his arms and headed inside.

"I'll be in soon, okay?"

Skye nodded at her mother before stepping out of sight and Melinda waited a few moments before she broke the silence that had fallen over them at her daughter's departure.

"Thank you for the cookies. I'm fairly certain you helped to make her day. You didn't have to."

Phil smiled. "I know. But she just needed a little incentive."

Softly, she nodded. "She's been talking about them all day and she couldn't wait to tell you. She's been perched by the door all afternoon." Melinda paused then, before motioning towards his door. "I'm sorry she interrupted."

He frowned, turning back towards his apartment, slapping himself mentally for becoming sidetracked, but he smiled anyways, in an effort to reassure her. "No harm done. We were just calling it a night."

"Well, I should let you get back to it then," she grinned, her innate playfulness shining through for just a moment. "Goodnight, Phil."

"Goodnight, Melinda."

He waited, watching wordlessly as the door shut completely and only when he could no longer detect the sound of her footsteps on the hardwood did he turn and enter his own apartment.

Audrey was sitting upon his couch, a glass of wine in hand with the television down low, some news station broadcasting the latest events around the world as Cap eyed her distrustfully from the kitchen bar stool.

In an offer of appeasement, he fed the poor creature, stroking the fur at the back of his neck absentmindedly. He'd just replaced the stopper in the wine when Audrey called from the living room.

"So, what was that all about?"

"Oh, nothing much. They came into Sweetie's this morning and Skye, the little girl," he explained, "looked a little green. Turns out she was nervous about her first day at school. So, long story short, I slipped her some cookies with the agreement that she had to share them with some new friends. Turns out that I'm a genius."

Audrey laughed as she came around the corner, the noise startling Cap somewhat as the feline jumped in surprise at the sound. "That was sweet of you. I'm glad it worked out."

"Yeah, me too. She's the cutest kid."

She paused, watching as he pulled a tub of vanilla ice cream out of the freezer. "I didn't know you were such a family-man."

At that, he looked up, the contemplative frown on her face and the odd tone of her voice confusing him, but he brushed it off. "I've always wanted kids. My mom says it's because I never quite grew up myself, but I don't have any idea what she means."

"Says the man drowning his ice cream in brightly colored sprinkles," she deadpanned.

"What?" he asked, a look of shock on his face as he took a bite. "I like sprinkles. Do you want some?"

Shaking her head no, Audrey returned to the couch with a smile and he followed soon after, ice cream cradled protectively in his hands. He waited silently as Audrey picked a movie out of his vast collection, some romantic comedy he'd forgotten he owned, that his mother and sister had forced upon him no doubt, but he was distracted long after the movie had started, Audrey's question about children lingering in his mind and it was nearly half over when he finally decided to broach the subject.

"Do you not want kids?"

For a moment, she looked distinctly uncomfortable. "I wouldn't say that exactly. It's simply not on my radar at the moment."

He nodded, completely understanding, but there was something she wasn't saying that sent up red flags—something that didn't sit right. If he was any other man, he might have pushed the issue, but as it was, she'd just gotten back and he was keen to end the night on a good note and not spoil it with topics best left for another time.

And if his dreams were filled with a smiling little girl, jumping into his arms with a happy giggle as he twirled her around in the middle of the crowded airport...Well—he tried not to think too much about it.

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