It was late afternoon the next day when James decided to wander down to the kitchen for a snack. He waved the servant on duty away and opened the refrigerator, rummaging around.

"The others are at a meeting with Nick Fury. Why aren't you there?"

He froze at the familiar voice and turned around slowly. "I'm not technically an Avenger. Or a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent."

She nodded. "It's Bucky, isn't it?"

He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach at the sound of his nickname on her lips. "Uh… yeah."

"I'm Natasha," she said, not taking her eyes off his.

"I know who you are," he said, meeting her gaze. "And you… know who I am?"

She smiled. "Cap's teenage partner from the war."

He nodded.

She took a step closer, eyeing him up and down. "Look at you, all grown up. Yet still looking as young as ever. How do you do it?"

He grinned. "I could ask you what's your secret too."

She laughed. "I don't think you'd believe me if I said I use a really great moisturizer."

He laughed too. "Probably not. I guess they didn't tell you all about me, then."

She cocked her head to the side. "About the Winter Soldier? I've heard stories. Mostly from a long time ago…"

He raised an eyebrow. "The Red Room?"

Her eyes stilled on his. "How did you-?"

"I was there."

"Then the stories are true."

He nodded. "They are."

"All of them?" She thought for a moment. "I guess your friends told you what happened to me."

"I… uh… I know."

"And you're not afraid to be alone here with me?"

He offered her a half smile. "I thought you heard all the stories. I'm not afraid of anything."

"That can't be true."

He folded his arms across his chest. "Try me."

"Well… most people are afraid of death. Dying a horrible, untimely death… "

"Is that a threat? I've already died twice, you know."

"Really?" She took another step closer. "How'd you come back?"

"The first time, after the war? That's when the Russians found me. The stories you heard. And the second time? Well, how many ways do you know to come back?" He challenged.

Her eyes widened. "The Infinity Formula," she breathed. "I guess it's good for you that you know Nick Fury."

He nodded. "We go way back." He was quiet for a moment, debating internally. "That must be your secret too."

She smiled. "Well, I guess it's not a secret anymore."

He closed his eyes for just a second before continuing. "The… the formula. Who gave it to you?" He asked quietly.

She froze. "I… I don't…. I don't know… I mean, I barely know you. I can't tell you all of my secrets," she said, recovering quickly.

"Natasha…."

"I've got to go," she said, backing up slowly.

"Wait…" He called, his voice barely a whisper, but she had already gone.