Howard suddenly showing up in the future shifted everything all around, undoubtedly changing the timeline of things. Apparently, the world couldn't handle not having plenty of difficult Starks running around. At least, in the case of Howard, he actually wanted him around. Steve had a deeper connection with him than with anyone else, of course, and having Howard there gave him back some of what he lost.

If it made his heart skip a little - no one needed to know at all.

Heading home (to Howard), Steve walked in with a smile, setting everything on the counter. "Oh? What did you -" He stepped forward and his breath hitched in his throat.

Fondue.

"You - got -" He shook his head and sat down. "What's it taste like?" Not blushing. Not blushing!