Who: Steve and Natasha When: Backdated to 11/28th Where: outside of Bruce's cabin where Bucky is healing Warnings: Talk of bad things that Natasha went through.
Steve was grateful for the progress that Bucky was showing. Physically he was getting better with each passing hour. Mentally, that was a bit tougher, but they'd reached a common ground. After continuously trying to reach him and being rejected, he was more than grateful for this step in the right direction. Bucky seemed to remember he could trust Steve. So much so he'd asked for him to give his word he'd help him not hurt Natasha again. Steve gave it willingly and made one to himself; he wouldn't let Bucky or anyone else hurt Bucky again either.
When Natasha reached out to speak to him, he'd been sitting at Bucky's bedside while he rested. The faster he healed up, the faster he could get back on his feet. Steve knew he wasn't happy having to be kept here, but he trusted Bruce. The doctor would know when Bucky was ready to go home. Not that Steve could call any place around here home. He wished he could take him back to New York, but the place they grew up was completely ravaged. They would have to make due here.
Natasha's desire to speak had his curiosity piqued. He'd been concerned about her and what Bucky's return meant to her as well. It was pretty clear not all of their team understood their attachment or why they were spending time keeping each other's and Bucky's secrets, but there was simply no way to explain it in a way that wouldn't betray his best friend. They would just have to trust them, or maybe resent them. It didn't matter to Steve. He'd always have their backs, but he wasn't losing his best friend again. Nor was he going to leave Natasha dealing with her own past on her own. He stepped outside of the cabin and held two mugs of coffee. It was damn cold and sometimes a warm drink could help. It would also give them both something to do with their hands. He was patient, so he kept an ear out for Bucky waking up while waiting for Natasha to show up. This was her show, he was just hear to listen, and maybe to help, if it was possible.