You awake the next morning to the wonderful aroma of bacon and maple syrup wafting in from the hallway. You roll over and notice Steve is not in bed anymore. You throw on some comfy clothes, pull your hair up in to a messy bun and head for the kitchen. You realize by the silence that it is still fairly early, it seems everyone else is still asleep.

As you round the corner to the kitchen you hear the sounds of soft music playing. It is one of Steve's favorite from the 1940s. You stand quietly in the door way just watching him cook. He's happy and humming to the music as he flips the French toast. He knows it is one of your favorite things that he cooks. You look over at the counter and notice a tray with juice, fruit and a beautiful red rose in a bud vase. You can't believe this amazing man is yours, that he somehow loves you through all the drama and the pain you seem to cause.

Steve burns his finger on the pan. "Shit" he quickly shoves his finger in his mouth to sooth the burn.

You giggle a little. "Language, Captain! You kiss your girlfriend with that mouth?"

He turns smiling hearing your voice. You walk over to him and he pulls you in to a deep kiss. "I do a lot more than that."

"Hmmm, she's a lucky girl." You glance back over at the bed tray.

"This was supposed to be breakfast in bed. I figured after last night you would sleep in a little." He says a little disappointed.

"I'm a little surprised too but Nat and Clint have had me on such an early schedule lately my body is just on auto pilot I guess." You give him a quick kiss. " I'm sorry I ruined the surprise."

Steve goes back to the griddle. "How are you doing this morning?"

You sigh a little. " I'm dealing with it. Knowing you're still here helps. How are you doing?"

He turns and looks at you with a sad but resolved look. "I'm dealing with it but I'm glad you told me everything. I don't want us to have anymore secrets."

"What secrets?" Asks Tony as he enters the kitchen. "Cap, I hope you made more or I'll have to steal from my sister because that smells fantastic?" As Tony points to the plate of French toast.

Steve rolls his eyes. "Wasn't my plan but sure."

Tony sits down next to you. " So what secrets are we not keeping?"

You explain everything about the Limerence bond to Tony. " So that's where we stand as of this moment."

"And you're Ok with this Capsicle?" Tony says as he looks towards Steve.

"I'm dealing with it but I'm sure as hell not rolling over and losing her to Loki either." Steve says with a determination in his voice that you know all too well.

Tony swallows a bite of French toast. "That's definitely the answer I was looking for and by the way you should market these, they are fantastic."

"Mmmm is that Steve's famous French toast I smell?" Nat says as she walks in to the kitchen.

She walks over and kisses Steve on the cheek and grabs a plate of French toast. " Lark is really lucky she's my bestie because these would make me steal you away in a heart beat."

She sits down and you and Tony catch her up on last nights revelation. "Wow, I don't know what to say. I don't know how I managed to sleep through all that. You know I'm here for you Lark? Whatever you need, you know that right?"

You reach out and put your hand on her's. " I know and that's why I love you." She smiles at you. You look around the table at Nat, Steve and Tony and feel so much gratitude for these people and the love and support they give you.

"You know what I could really use from you right now?" You say to Nat.

She looks at you and smiles. " What can I do for you?"

"I really need to work off this French toast. Want to go on a run with me in the Park?"

Her face lights up. "Absolutely, but dial down on the super soldier speed, so I can keep up this time." You both laugh.

You stand up. " Ok give me 15 minutes to change and I'll meet you downstairs." You lean over and kiss Steve good bye and give Tony a quick hug before walking out.

Nat turns to Steve and Tony. " Ok, seriously, how is she really doing?"

Steve looks at both Tony and Nat. " We had our moments last night but we are both dealing with it one hour at a time. It's not going to be easy. Loki said the bond will more than likely intensify with time. Which means things could get bumpy but I hope we can both count on everyone to keep us both on the right path?"

Tony looks at Steve. " You didn't run this time so whatever you need from me, you've got it."

Nat gets up and squeezes Steve's shoulder. " You know I love you both and I'm in it till the end. Now I need to meet Lark. We'll be back later."

You and Nat head over to Central Park for a long run.

Steve has headed down to one of the training rooms and takes all his anger out on an innocent punching bag. He's spent an hour in there and anticipates you'll be back soon. He heads back to his room to shower before you get back. As he passes the bar he sees Loki standing there looking out at the skyline.

Even after his workout there is still anger inside him. He walks over to Loki and says in a tense voice " We need to talk."

Loki turns around and scoffs at him. " I have absolutely nothing to say to you, Midgardian."

Loki turns back around but Steve grabs his shoulder. "You had a lot to say to Lark last night. What ever mind game you're playing with Lark needs to stop now."

Loki lashes back. " GAME! You think the Limerence is a game. It will bond us forever in ways that you and Lark will never be able to share. Our minds and hearts intricately entwined together. Our bodies craving one another, so obsessed that I'm the only thought in her brain and she in mine. This magic is ancient, powerful and nothing to be trifled with."

Steve's body tenses, ready for a fight. " I love Lark. If you think I'm going to just step aside and let you take her because of some magical bond, you better think twice."

Loki steps closer to Steve, his voice lowers but is still tense. " I love Lark but I also know her love for you is pure. What you don't understand Captain is how deeply my love goes. I want her to be happy... even though I know that means watching her live a life with you. I will gladly carry that pain to assure that she lives a happy life."

Steve unclenches his fists and is caught off guard by Loki's admission. "I..I honestly didn't expect that from you Loki."

"I love Lark and I need her in my life. Fighting for her would ultimately cause her pain and I would lose her completely. At least this way I can still have her in my life even if it is limited."

Steve shakes his head a little. "Maybe Lark is right, maybe there is different side to you."

Loki steps up to Steve's face and lowers his voice to a growl. "Oh Captain..never doubt that if you ever hurt her again, I will be there to help her pick up the pieces and I'll never let her go. You will do best not to underestimate me."

" I learned that lesson long ago, Loki." Steve under his breath but loud enough for Loki to hear.

Suddenly a bright blue beam of light comes down from the clouds in to the center of Central Park.

Loki looks at Steve with a worried face. " Where is Lark?"

Steve turns to Loki with panic in his eyes. " Running in the park with Nat!"

Both men lock eyes for a second thinking the same thing. They need to get to Lark. Loki shape shifts in to a raven and flies toward the park. Steve rushes down the stairwell jumping down flights of stairs at a time. He reaches the garage and jumps on his Harley Softail Slim and races towards to park at a break neck speed.