"Agent Carter," James greeted politely with a nod. The old levity of James Buchanan Barnes hadn't returned to him, but there was something more composed about him lately that made him seem more like the man he used to be and less like the fractured weapon HYDRA created. It helped that he'd cut his hair recently, as well.
His warm arm was firmly around Ariel's waist, which seemed to be the place he preferred it to be most of the time she was near. Now was certainly no exception as he guided the redhead into the apartment with a gentle touch.
As soon as he was through the threshold, his eyes took in the place, finding weapons within easy reach and exit paths that he could take from various positions within the apartment. He noted the hallways and estimated the rooms beyond them. He also noticed the smell in the air.
Peggy had made what smelled like apple pie, along with perhaps... casserole? The pie was what interested him. He hadn't had pie in...