(a/n: I wrote this for a challenge I joined on Tumblr. It's some flangst.)

You sighed heavily as you scanned your closet for something to wear. You really weren't in the mood to party. Not with Steve still being gone. After everything that happened between him and Tony, Steve decided to stay away. And since you hadn't been part of the fight, he left you behind. He wasn't about to let you get in trouble for staying by his side. You knew he was trying to protect you, so you really couldn't be too angry with him.

You looked over at the picture of you and your boyfriend that sat on the dresser and smiled. You really missed him. Sighing again, you turned back to your closet . Your eyes landed on a dress and you grabbed it. It was one of Steve's favorites on you. You felt that by wearing it, it would make you feel close to Steve again. Especially at Tony's Christmas party. Shaking the sad thoughts from your head, you got ready and dressed.

You left the room and nearly ran into Natasha. "Hey, Nat." She smiled at you. "You look good." You tried to return the smile, really you did, but you couldn't seem to. Instead, you nodded and walked with her to the elevator. "Hey, keep your chin up, Y/N. Things are changing. I think Ross realizes that they made a mistake. Steve will be back...eventually."

"I hope so. Until then, I have to endure these things by myself. I-I miss him, Natasha. I miss him so much it hurts. And I want to be mad at him for leaving me, but I can't!" Natasha grabbed your hands, making you unclench the fists you hadn't even realized you'd clenched. "I know. Just try and put on a happy face."

You didn't get a chance to argue before the elevator doors opened and you were greeted with bright lights and cheerful music. "Lady Y/N! You look stunning!" Thor greeted merrily and you couldn't help but smile. Nothing seemed to bring him down when there was a party. Natasha left your side to go work the bar. You were left to mingle when you really didn't want to. You wouldn't be alone for long though. Tony and Rhodey quickly spotted you and made their way over.

"How's Tony's contraption working for you, Rhodey?" you asked. Rhodey smiled and gestured to his legs. "I'm walking, ain't I?" Tony chuckled then tried to hand you a drink. You shook your head. "What? Don't want alcohol on your breath? Are you hoping to get a kiss under the mistletoe, or something?" Your lips turned down into a deep frown. "Not funny, Tony."

Tony hissed slightly. "Sorry. Uh, how about a dance?" You rolled your eyes and grabbed Rhodey's arm. "Sure, I'll dance. With Rhodey." Rhodey shook his head. "Sorry. No dancing for me yet. Dance with Tony Stank." Tony glared at you both when you burst into a fit of giggles. "Please, Y/N?" You could see the pain in his expression and nodded. You knew how badly Tony felt for what happened between him and Steve with the Accords.

You let Tony lead you to the dance floor. For a few moments, nothing was said between you. Then, Tony cleared his throat. "Secretary Ross wants me to find Cap." You frowned again. "So he can arrest him and everyone else again?" Tony shook his head. "No, because he wants to talk to Steve. Apparently, they are voting to repeal the Accords and take Cap off the most wanted lists, but you didn't hear that from me."

Your heart jumped in your chest. He was telling you that there was a possibility that Steve could come home. For good. If he wanted to anyway. "How likely is it, Tony? Truthfully?" Tony gave a little shrug, but the smug smirk on his face said differently. "I don't know. Maybe you should ask someone else." Your brows drew together in confusion. You were about to ask what he meant when you heard a very familiar voice behind you. "Mind if I cut in?"

Tears immediately sprang to your eyes and Tony smiled at you. "Like I said, you didn't hear it from me. Merry Christmas, Y/N." He dropped his arms and gently turned you around. "S-Steve," you gasped out. Standing there in all his glory, was your boyfriend, the love of your life. He wore black slacks and a nice button up. His blue eyes twinkled brightly and his smile nearly blinded you, even from behind the beard that you weren't used to seeing on his face.

"Hey, Doll." The words were barely out of his mouth before you launched yourself into his arms and hugged him close. "I missed you so much," you whispered through your tears. "I missed you too, Y/N." You pulled back and stared into those eyes you loved. "Are you mad at me?" he asked and you shook your head. "I wanted to be, but I know you only did what you thought was right and you were trying to protect me."

Steve pulled you close again. It was just like you remembered his hugs. Soft and warm, the kind of hug that just envelops you. He smelled the same and you held onto it as long as you possibly could. Your moment is short lived though, when Tony called out, "Hey, Y/N! Look up!" You and Steve pulled apart and glanced up. Mistletoe.

You looked back at Steve, who grinned. "Well, I never was one to break tradition. May I, Doll?" You laughed. "You don't even need to ask, Steve." With your permission, Steve leaned in and kissed you. It was as if he tried to pour every missed kiss over the months into the one kiss. It made your head swim and it made everyone around you cheer loudly.

When you needed air, you separated from him. After catching your breath, you opened your eyes and said, "Please come home, Steve." Steve hummed and kissed you again, more softly this time. "I've already moved my things back in." You giggled and Steve nudged your nose with his. "Hey, Stevie?" Steve arched a brow, prompting you to finish your thought. "I like the beard."