Having Bucky back was surreal. Steve had mourned his friend, accepted his death and attempted to move on and Bucky's return had shocked Steve to his very core. He had respected Bucky's wishes and left him to figure some things out for himself. In that time he had also told Tony the truth about what had happened to his parents. Tony was childish, selfish and could get on every last nerve Steve had but he was a friend and lying to his friends was not an option. Tony deserved the truth and that's what Steve gave him.

It had been extremely difficult for Tony. The thought of his reaction still broke Steve's heart. For a portion of time after it he had sworn revenge, had spit heated words of hatred against Steve's old friend and he had let him. Tony needed time for this. After a while he came to Steve, obviously still extremely hurt over the whole situation but he thanked him for telling him. He admitted that it would be difficult for him to ever forgive Bucky but it made far more sense for him to help Bucky get the help he needed to avoid something like this happening again than to succumb to violence.

So with Stark's blessing and a little time, Bucky had made his way back to Steve. It was amazing but also… odd. Everything was so different now, even Steve's slice of home. Bucky had moments of such clarity, where he was so like the man Steve had known that he ached for the past. Other times he was cold, mute almost as he glared at the slightest sound and glowered in stony silence. He could be a mixture of the two, quiet and reserved with a touch of the old Bucky Barnes shining through and Steve almost had whiplash from the differences in each. His memory was spotty at best, he would remember things at random but the doctors were uncertain whether he would ever get all his memories back. Bucky was seeing a therapist and although Steve had high hopes for his recovery, he knew he would never be the Bucky Barnes he had once known.

Showing him around the tower was taking far longer than Steve had originally anticipated, it was absolutely massive and Bucky wanted to see everything. He didn't know if it was to catalogue every exit and entrance or because he was fascinated by the new world but Steve didn't care. He saved the labs for the morning, aware of Bucky's interest in science.

He had just approached the large window showing the inside of the lab with Bucky in tow when their resident spider strolled around the corner. He smiled upon seeing her, wearing civilian clothing, her hair the signature brilliant red she favoured and a soft smile when she spotted Steve. He inclined his head and then spotted the two coffees in her hand that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

'They for us?' he questioned as she approached.

'No.' she grinned at him, baring her teeth. She nodded cordially to Bucky but said nothing. He didn't see it, instead staring intently at the lab, or more specifically the people inside the lab.

Steve jumped when he let out a low whistle. 'I hope you've at least tried to talk to that dame, she's exactly your type Stevie.' His eyes never left the woman in question as he spoke.

Trying to force him to talk to a woman, now that sounded exactly like the old Bucky. 'What exactly is my type, Buck?' he smiled, teasing slightly and hoping to prod a few more memories out of his friend.

'Brunette, body like a coke bottle, hell Steve she's even got them red lips you like.' Bucky answered and Steve's heart soared at the familiarity in his friends tone. He caught Natasha's amused smile from the corner of his eye and his response was intended for her as much as it was for Bucky.

'I prefer redheads these days.'

It took everything in him not to look at her reaction to his words. He looked at Bucky instead, who cocked an eyebrow at him and glanced at Nat.

'Her name is Darcy, I will introduce you boys.' Natasha didn't wait for an answer as she walked further down the hallway. Although she was not science personnel, the doors slid open at the touch of her hand against the identification panel.

Bucky shuffled in after Steve, overwhelmed by the simultaneous buzz of activity and hush of concentration that came within the lab. The little brunette he had pointed out earlier, Darcy, was talking animatedly with Natasha, hands waving to emphasise her words and big blue eyes warm and fond when she looked at the assassin. Not the steely blue of his own but a charming sea blue colour, almost green. He watched as Natasha handed the girl one of the coffees she held and set the other one down next to an even smaller brunette who was muttering distractedly to herself and scribbling things down every minute or two.

Darcy let out a happy sigh and she held the coffee close to her chest, inhaling the scent. 'Coffee, the sweet sweet nectar of life when you work in a lab.' She directed this at both Bucky and Steve. 'Nat is kind enough to keep me caffeinated when she's tower bound.' She nudged the redhead affectionately.

Bucky was a little shocked. He didn't know that much about Natasha but from what he did know it was clear it took a special kind of person to gain her affection. Here was an ordinary lab assistant, seemingly unremarkable in every way that not only joked with the Black Widow but was on good enough terms that she did favours for her.

As Steve and Natasha chatted with the girl he took in his surroundings. He noted the number of people in the room, the closest exits, the strength of the glass in the window closest to him and all of the things drilled into him that he had to be aware of. He walked closer to the desk of the other brunette who was still scribbling notes while occasionally taking sips from her coffee. She didn't look up as he approached. It took a full three minutes of him looking over her shoulder at the complex equations on the paper in front of her for the woman to notice him.

Eventually she glanced up in alarm as if he just appeared behind her. He watched her eyes flit to his arm, not concealed in his short sleeved t-shirt. Her face softened and she spoke. 'I'm Jane Foster, are you interested in this?'

When he nodded in response she started explaining her work to him, thankfully keeping things as simple as she could. It was fascinating, attempting to create a bridge to another world. It was also extremely overwhelming since up until recently Bucky hadn't even known there wereother worlds to create bridges to.

Jane Foster was very kind, he decided. From what he knew of scientist types they were extremely focused on their work and here she was taking time out of her day to explain this all to him. Despite his dislike for the sterile, chrome environment of the lab he enjoyed the little touches of the women's personality. On Darcy's desk she had a framed picture of herself and Jane, a paperweight in the shape of Thor's hammer and little Avenger figurines dotted around the place. Jane's was simpler. He noted with amusement numerous splotches of what he assumed was coffee, dried into the table. He spotted another picture, this time of her and a large blonde man who Bucky could swear was Thor. He filed that information away for later and continued to survey the lab. He was sad to go when Steve called him to leave. Darcy, noticing his hesitation, spoke up.

'You could come back if you like? If you don't understand everything don't worry, I barely speak Jane either.' She smiled sunnily at him and he almost found himself smiling back. His eyes shot to Steve and when he gave a faint nod Bucky looked back at the smiling brunette and noticed Jane was also looking up in anticipation for his answer.

He nodded slowly and Darcy beamed even brighter at him, if that was possible. Jane also seemed pleased as she went back to her scribbling. He listened as Darcy told him her and Jane's supposed work hours. She made a point to tell him that they shifted depending on various breakthroughs Jane made. 'Or you could just come in with Nat?' she said glancing at the woman in question.

Instead of the fond smile he had expected when Natasha looked at Darcy he found a blank mask. He couldn't be sure but he almost thought Natasha was avoiding his eye. 'My schedule is erratic Darcy, you know that. It would not be fair for me to agree to that.'

Bucky was pretty sure that was a cop out and he wondered idly if he made her uncomfortable. It would make sense, he supposed. If he remembered rightly, and there was every possibility he didn't, he had shot her in the battle on the bridge. Maybe almost killing someone was reason enough for dislike. He smiled slightly to himself as he thought of Steve, whom he had tried to kill multiple times and who still treated him with the same level of fondness as he claimed he always had. Speaking of Steve he was staring at Natasha with a frown and a furrowed brow. Eager to get out of there without any kind of confrontation he turned to Darcy.

'I can get here on my own, if I get lost the robot can help me.' He pointed at the ceiling and the creepy Irish voice spoke back.

'I would be happy to escort Sergeant Barnes.'

Bucky nodded at the three women and made his way out the door, tugging Steve to follow him as he went.

Later as Bucky trained in the gym Steve set out to find Natasha. One helpful FRIDAY later and he walked into the common kitchen, spotting her sitting on the counter swinging her legs and chewing on a sandwich. Her cheeks were puffed out with food like a chipmunk as she smiled at him and just for a second he was struck by how privileged he was to see her like this. He liked seeing her out of her usual strictness, it was always fascinating to him how she could jump from official commanding presence to adorable dork in the blink of an eye but such is the talents of a spy. She kept her official mask on for 99% of people and he was honoured he was one of the few she felt she could relax around.

He made his way over to her and leaned against the counter, her legs brushing his arms.

She nudged him with her swinging legs and swallowed before speaking. 'How's tricks, Rogers?'

'How's…?' he shook his head, it wasn't important. 'That scientist, Darcy. Bucky will be okay going there won't he?' He trusted Nat's judgement but it couldn't hurt to get a little more info.

She indulged him. 'You know I wouldn't allow anything I thought wouldn't help' She smiled fondly. 'Darce is clean, she was first contact when Thor fell and now she assists Dr Foster.'

Steve's head jerked up. 'She's not… That's not the Darcy Thor talks about is it? The one that tazed him?' He didn't think someone so open and friendly could cause that kind of damage. Then again, he thought as he looked at Natasha, it wasn't wise to judge a book by its cover.

'That's the one.' She said nodding. She looked unsure for a moment. 'I know that you're concerned for the safety of the people in the tower if Barnes was to have an episode or a relapse.'

He hated to admit it but he was. Bucky was his best friend but in Winter Soldier mode he was extremely dangerous. He nodded for her to continue.

'I did some digging, I didn't really expect to find anything but I thought maybe there was something that would ease your mind. Surprisingly I came across something.' She sighed before continuing.

'There's a phrase, something they programmed into him in the event that he turned against them.' She winced and wouldn't meet his eye. 'It's not pretty, Steve. I don't really know the ins and outs of it but I do know it was built to be painful.' She sighed. 'HYDRA doesn't take kindly to traitors.'

He cursed HYDRA yet again in his head. All Bucky wanted was to be left alone, he was finally somewhere he could be happy. He was somewhere he could heal. It was positive, he supposed, that there was something to be done if the worst did happen. He had fought Bucky and if it came down to it he was pretty sure he could subdue him but what about if Steve wasn't around? There were numerous members of his team in the tower, but all it took was a second.

'So teach it to me.' He said eventually, once he had digested the news.

She winced again and he turned more fully to look at her. He knew that face.

'What aren't you telling me, Nat?' He tried to catch her eye.

She sighed again, louder this time. 'You can't use it. You were the last mission before he deserted. Maybe because he failed the mission? Maybe they had him out of cryo too long and you're the strongest memory from his past? There's a few theories.' She rubbed a hand across her forehead. 'I'm sorry I don't know more about how it works, I just know I was told that you using it isn't an option.'

He reached across her thigh to take a hold of her hand, locking their fingers together. 'You found out it exists Nat, It's not your fault it was designed the way it is.' She squeezed his hand gratefully. A thought occurred to him. 'How did you find out about it?'

She looked a little shifty now and she was no longer meeting his eye. 'An old contact. Before you ask, no I can't tell you who. My secret contact would like to remain just that, a secret.'

'Well how are we supposed to know if they're trustworthy?' he frowned at her and she frowned right back at him.

'You don't have to, you just have to know that I'm trustworthy.'

He was about to respond when he felt her whole body tense. She raised her head and cocked her head to the side as if she was listening for something. He heard nothing unusual. She let go of his hand and shuffled off the counter.

'I gotta go Steve, Clint's back.' She didn't look particularly worried, just exasperated. He wondered how she knew he was back when he hadn't heard or seen anything out of the ordinary but he knew better than to try and understand all of Natasha's secrets. Clint had been gone on a lengthy mission and he knew better than to try and postpone their reunion.

'Darcy is making me dinner sometime during the week, provided there's no disasters, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you and Barnes tagged along.' She said as she made her way towards the door. She stopped at the frame and looked over her shoulder for his response.

'Sure, should be fun. Just let me know' He replied.

She nodded and walked out the door. His eyes followed her departing form appreciatively and he made a mental note to ask her more about this mysterious Darcy. He wanted to know just how she fit into Natasha's life and how she was going to fit into his.

While Nat went about doing… whatever it was that she and Clint did, Steve made it a point to stop by the labs and have a better talk with one Darcy Lewis. He knew the stories from Thor, he often waxed lyrical about her inner strength and capabilities. Steve wasn't worried that she was a threat to Bucky in regards to Hydra, but he was concerned she may not treat the matter with the sensitivity necessary. This was how he found himself in the lab the next morning asking her if she would like to get coffee with him while they talked.

She had been alarmed at first. She turned a charming shade of red, her mouth gaping open. 'But… Nat? I mean I don't think… That's not okay'

'What does Nat have to do with anything? I'm not here to talk about her, I want to talk about Bucky.' He was confused, but Darcy seemed like the kind of girl that he was destined to remain constantly confused around.

Her face cleared in understanding. 'Ah, about the lab visit?' Without waiting for an answer she nodded and went to grab her coat, stopping at Jane's desk to fondly ruffle the scientist's hair. 'Want me to bring you back a cookie, Boss lady?'

Jane hummed in the affirmative and Darcy turned to Steve. She gestured for the door and followed him out as he made his way to the on-site café.

When he made to pay for their coffees she laughed at him, exclaiming that they weren't on a date and there was no reason for him to pay. He could have told her it was different in his time, that he wouldn't have felt right pulling her out from her work at his request and then not even paying.

Instead he took a different route. 'You make Nat smile and you allowed a formerly brainwashed assassin into your lab without batting an eye, even invited him back. I know he's a good guy because he's my best friend. You had nothing to go on and you invited him back anyway. I think you deserve a coffee bought for you Darcy Lewis.'

She turned red again but laughed and nodded in agreement. 'I can see why Nat likes you.'

It was his turn to blush. She didn't specify what she meant by liked him and goddamn didn't he feel like a schoolboy dissecting all the info his crushes friend could give him. He shook off the intruding thoughts, promising himself he'd return to them later and steered back to Bucky.

'I know you probably meant well when you asked him back and I do think it would be good for him. I just want to make sure that you understand what you're agreeing to here. Just what do you know about Bucky?' He tried to keep his voice friendly. It was a heavy subject and the last thing he wanted was for her to think he was being accusatory or cutting in any way.

'Just you know… whatever Thor has told me and stuff. Clint has mentioned him a few times. Nat told me after you guys left that she thought it was a good idea.' She looked a little uncomfortable. 'I didn't mean to overstep a mark or anything, Nat said he was interested in science and I just thought it might be nice for him?'

Just how Natasha knew Bucky liked science, Steve didn't know. It was Natasha though and she knew pretty much everything.

'You didn't overstep. Just… Bucky isn't the guy he was before, I don't think he's a danger to you or anything-'

'Even if he was, every lab has a Hulk containment protocol. Presumably it would work in this situation too.' She interrupted him.

He had known that actually, just hadn't thought to apply it to this particular situation. She was right though, whether they ended up inside the containment unit or outside it they'd be safe should the worst happen.

'Besides I asked Nat to come by the lab and scout around for anything that might be even slightly triggering.' She sighed. 'I know it's not an exact science or anything. Just… every little bit helps.'

He looked at the girl in front of him with new eyes. She had clearly been giving this a lot of thought and preparation. She hadn't just made the offer off the bat and then forgotten about it. He appreciated the effort she was going to for his friend.

He looked into her eyes earnestly. 'Thank you. You've been very kind to him'

She smiled softly. 'I think what he deserves is a little kindness, don't you?'

He nodded his agreement and then remembered the offer Nat had made him earlier.

'Nat invited me and Buck to your dinner thing, is that okay? It might be nice for us all to get to know each other a little better.'

She grinned widely, nodding at him. 'I think that's a pretty solid idea, Captain. I can interrogate you much easier in the comfort of my own home.'

'Well I can see why Nat likes you too.' He smirked.

'Oh we're gonna get along just fine Rogers.' He laughed and was about to shoot back when her phone started buzzing on the table. She picked it up and swore softly when she glanced at it.

She smiled apologetically. 'Sorry Steve, duty calls.' She waggled her eyebrows at him and made for the door, ruffling his hair as she went.

He grinned to himself, he could see why Natasha was so fond of the girl. She was much more than a simple lab assistant and might just be the normalcy that could bind their little group together.

A/N: This can be read as a continuation to 'What's Best For You' but can also absolutely stand alone. Title is taken from 'She Tastes Like Summer' by the Spilt Milk Society and chapter titles will either come from that song or 'Pretend' by Picture This. Updates should be either weekly or bi weekly depending on my schedule and comments, kudos etc are extremely appreciated. The timeline is based sometime after Age Of Ultron but I play loose and fast with canon so lets just say Vision and Wanda were stressed and took a lil holiday because they don't appear in this fic. Happy reading!