Hearing her laugh, happy and carefree, made Steve's heart soar. He hadn't realized it was possible to feel this happy. Now he was beginning to understand why people seemed so obsessed with dating, always searching for the right partner. He didn't know what his life would look like if he hadn't met Rogue, but he didn't think it would look nearly this bright. They had more than their fair share of darkness to get through between them, but together, he knew that they'd be alright.

Looking at the cupcakes, his eyes immediately tracked to the candle, and the small replica of his shield. His eyes lit up and he grinned. His expression softened with fondness at her words, but his smile didn't dim. He leaned forward over the container, and wondered what his wish should be. He'd always tried to wish for things that could be attained, because birthday wishes could only work so much, and he'd never wanted to waste one wishing for better health, when he'd known -- thought -- that it was an impossibility. But now, he wasn't sure what to wish for. He couldn't go back in time, and while a part of him still ached from the unknown possibilities that he'd forfeited by crashing that plane... He wouldn't want to abandon this, either. He bit his lip in concentration, glanced up at Rogue, then took a deep breath, before blowing, hard, sharp and quick, effectively snuffing the flame.

I wish the happy days like this, with Rogue, far outnumber the bad days we'll have to weather.

He opened his eyes, then looked back at Rogue, before leaning forward further so he could kiss her. "Thank you," he murmured.