A/N: I don't own either universe.

Thanks for all your comments, reviews, follows, and favorites! I read all your reviews eagerly! If you want me to respond, lemme know, otherwise assume I think the fondest thoughts of you for taking the time to express your love of the story or add comments of your own. As always, if you have a headcanon/fluf/plot bunny you want to see, let me know and I'll see what I can do!

I'm super glad you like Sam! He's a fun addition!

Hermione and Bucky's POV is coming soon…I promise!

If you're wondering about interaction with the other Avengers, they will all be there, thought I haven't decided how much I'm going to feature them. Feel free to input!

Additionally, there has been some speculation on the timeline of the story and whether it will go into A:AoU or CA:CW. I hadn't originally intended to go in to those plots fully, but now I'm kind of considering a sequel to this that would cover both movies. While this story is predominately designed for fluffiness and love, the sequel-I've already begun planning it out just in case- would be a little more mystery/action orientated. In any case, I'm considering it!

For this story, according to my most recent story plot alignment, it seems like it will have about 20 or so chapters total—though that number will change depending on how the chapters flow in length and story pace. In any case, that means I have some time to think about doing a sequel or not. Either way, let me know what you think!

Thank you for reading and please enjoy!

-0-0-0-

Steve woke in time to catch Hermione waking. Bucky had apparently already awakened and he darted a quick look at Steve before they both watched the witch open her eyes slowly. She attempted to blink away her daze. Her eyes looked watery and before long tears began to drip down her cheeks. Steve shared an alarmed look with Bucky who seemed just as panicked at the tears.

"Hermione?" Steve whispered softly in concern. Hermione sat up and Bucky and Steve mimicked the motion. Hermione peered around the room with unseeing eyes and Steve looked on in concern. "Hermione?" Steve asked again, distraught as the tears continued to trace tracks down to plop in her lap. His hands hovered around her but he wasn't quite bold enough to touch. Idly, she brought her own hands up and wiped her tears. She attempted to blink the sleepiness out of her eyes.

"Harry?" Hermione asked softly. Steve glanced at Bucky whose face was shuttered. When Steve looked back at Hermione, her head was tilted to the side and her eyes were still glazed as she scanned the room.

"It's…it's me—Steve… and Bucky." Steve answered slowly. Hermione turned towards Steve and closed her eyes.

"Steve?" She asked quietly before opening her eyes with noticeable clarity. Steve gave her a half-smile that she tentatively returned. "Sorry." She began on the end of whatever confusion had shuffled her mind. "I was a little disoriented." Hermione clarified.

"That's alright." Steve said soothingly. He tried to ease the concern from his eyebrows. "Are you okay?" Steve asked tentatively. Hermione gave a warbling laugh.

"Just the occasional disorientation; I'm fine." Hermione assured him. "Good morning." She added awkwardly. Silence descended and Steve observed Bucky grab Hermione's hand gently. She patted the hand reassuringly.

"So…errands today?" Steve asked and Hermione released a sound that was something akin to relief before she resumed the list she had sleepily began the night before.

-0-0-0-

Sam was wearing a shit-eating grin with his arms folded across his chest.

"I know." Sam enthused and Hermione rolled her eyes beside him. Steve forced his mouth to close from where his jaw hung dropped.

"How…when…where?" Steve began but he could not fully articulate the question he could not completely understand he wanted to ask. Hermione had convinced Bucky to let her leave the room with Steve and Sam for a brief moment. Steve noticed that he was becoming more compliant and more cognizant with each day that passed, though he still rarely talked beyond short words and glares. Hermione had explained that she had to be with him the first time he entered the house the manual way and had escorted him through the garage door. When they stepped out the door, Steve turned back around to find the alley where they had first met and nothing else—no church-like house and no stained glass windows. She had passed him a piece of paper that revealed her address and he read it quickly before Hermione set the paper ablaze. When Steve looked up again, the building seemed to push itself out from nowhere. It had blown Steve's mind.

"As far as the charm is understood, it's more-or-less a distorted reality." Hermione explained, pleased.

"You just casually distort reality? You can do that? Why wouldn't everyone use it?" Steve asked flabbergasted. Hermione frowned.

"It's a rather complex spell…" She seemed to pout. Steve fought the urge to grab his head with his hands.

"I…this…you…" Steve continued particularly inarticulate and Sam laughed behind him. Steve gave him a stern look. "I at least believed her when she said she was a witch." Steve defended and Sam shrugged.

"Between the teleportation and distorted reality I am content to be wrong—as long as I get those beach vacations." Sam qualified. Hermione laughed lightly behind him.

"The garage actually connects to the alley so you can drive back in and out. You won't be able to bring anyone in—I have a lot of other protections around the house." Hermione mentioned. Steve nodded dumbly.

"What are you hiding?" Steve suddenly thought to ask. Hermione gave him a wry smile.

"Currently Bucky." Steve flushed. "Do you have the list?" Hermione continued. Steve held up the list with a suppressed eye roll. They had attempted to ask Bucky for anything he particularly wanted or needed but unlike the night before, Bucky had simply requested plums—much to Hermione's amusement. The list, in addition to food, included clothing for Bucky, the notebook he had mentioned wanting the night before, and shaving equipment. Steve's fingers fumbled against the shadow on his chin; he could sympathize.

"Feel free to buy anything that you think he might want or need." Hermione authorized as she passed him a bank card.

"Hermione, I'm perfectly capable of providing money for Bucky's needs." Steve reprimanded and Hermione gave him a look.

"Steve. You've seen my house; I'm doing quite well." Hermione chastised but Steve maintained his hard stance as he folded his arms across his chest. Hermione sighed before pulling out a few bills. "At least take money for my groceries, please." When Steve did not accept the outstretched hand for cash, Hermione stuffed the bills between the folded arms before ducking back quickly. Steve frowned harder as he attempted to hand them back.

"Hermione…" Steve said as he waved the cash at her. "It's not like your charging for your work; I can afford this."

"Just take the money, Steve. I'll see you two when you get back." Hermione said as she continued her retreat. She nodded at Steve and Sam. "Call me if you have any questions!" She turned around and went back inside, leaving Steve with his hand still outstretched.

"You're going to find a way to give that back to her, aren't you." Sam observed. Steve glared at the house.

"Absolutely."

-0-0-0-

Sam and Steve pulled into the mall parking lot to take care of their first set of chores: clothing.

"Cap, that looks like something my grandpa would wear." Sam said as he snatched the pants out of Steve's hand. Steve gave him a look.

"Then it's appropriate; Bucky might prefer something similar to the past he can remember." Steve decided as he took the pants back. Sam returned the deadpanned look. "Besides," Steve continued, "I thought you weren't interested in clothes shopping." Sam looked thoughtful.

"On second thought, I think we should get him a 'Hello Kitty' shirt." Sam said as he began rotating towards the little girl section.

"Sam!" Steve exclaimed and Sam gave a half-laugh.

"I'm joking." Sam appeased before muttering "mostly," under his breath. Sam sighed as he pulled more modern pants from the rack and tossed it at Steve. "Your lucky penny should've been doing this." Steve gave Sam a warning glance.

"She's not my lucky penny, Sam." Steve said as he pulled a button down shirt and looked at it appraisingly.

"You're missing a sweater vest." Sam commented idly and Steve 'hmmd'.

"I think it still isn't quite cold enough—"Steve was interrupted by Sam's laugh. Steve sighed. "You were joking." Steve identified and Sam laughed again.

"Give him a t-shirt, Cap." Sam recommended as he pointed to the buy-one get-one. Steve picked up a red and blue plain t-shirt. Sam tossed a few colored tank tops in and workout pants. "Does he…does he need boxers or briefs?" Sam asked and Steve shrugged.

"Both? Either?" Steve hazarded a guess as he tossed some into his rapidly filling cart.

"You mean you haven't seen…" Sam trailed off as he idly searched a clothing rack for a jacket.

"We're just sleeping, Sam." Steve said warningly again. Steve threw socks into the cart along with a sweater. Sam added a blue jacket. "I think this is a decent selection." Steve appraised as they headed to the checkout line. Sam snickered as he tossed a hoodie with a Captain America shield printed on the front. Steve glanced at it with exasperation and Sam shrugged.

"He liked the shirt…" Sam said as Steve paid the clerk. They grabbed the multiple bags and left to walk around the mall. Steve barely noticed Sam glancing back into the store.

"What, Sam?" Steve prompted, his eyes swiveling for a perceived threat.

"That clerk was checking you out." Sam commented and Steve scoffed. "No—really, you didn't even notice? She was pretty and she looked interested and you just completely ignored it." Sam complained.

"Bucky is—"Steve begun.

"Bucky is safe. Wasn't that the new reason you had for not calling that nurse?" Sam asked resurrecting a previous conversation.

"She's not a nurse." Steve said as they continued passing various stores. Steve pulled his hat down further to shadow his face from potential recognition.

"Isn't that better?" Sam questioned and Steve didn't respond. "Look, man. I'm not trying to say you need to go date now, but Bucky will get better if Hermione has anything to say about it and when he does, you won't have anything to hold you back." Steve contemplated the words.

"I have time." Steve said and Sam shrugged.

"Just keep your eyes and options open for when Bucky's better." Sam recommended. Steve felt his throat tighten. Steve didn't want to look. Steve didn't want; it was safer than realizing no one could match him now. Steve turned around when he realized Sam had stopped in front of a window.

"Captain America teddy bears." Sam smirked and Steve felt his face turn pink with embarrassment.

"They have Iron Man, too." Steve pointed with his bags at the other display. Sam's smirk looked darker even as his eyes lit up.

"I'm getting one." Sam laughed as he ducked into the store.

"Sam, no!" Steve pleaded as he hastily followed him into the store. He maneuvered his bags to dodge the small children acquiring teddy bears, squealing with delight. Steve shuffled towards Sam but was forced back when an onslaught of children danced around the shelves and impeded his path. When Steve made it to Sam he realized his attempts were all for naught and Sam emerged from the store victorious. Steve sighed as Sam looked gleefully at his own personal purchases-two Captain America bears complete with uniform.

"You spent nearly $80 dollars on a gag-gift; you realize that-don't you?" Steve commented disparagingly as Sam smirked.

"So they'd be like 10 cents in the 40's?" Sam joked. "Besides, Hermione said we should buy anything that might be helpful; I'm being helpful." Sam rationalized.

"What makes you think Bucky would want one? What makes you think Hermione would either?" Steve asked with a sigh. Sam gave Steve a look as they continued walking through the mall.

"Hermione is your lucky penny-" Sam began.

"Sam, She's not-" Steve interrupted with exasperation but Sam continued.

"And Bucky clearly is a fan of Captain America if his shirt choice reveals anything." Sam finished before he muttered something about a guard dog needs a chew toy. Sam turned back to Steve to favor him with another long look. "Trust me, Cap; you might need a little help in understanding the modern woman."

"Weren't you the one asking me to stop by your work just to impress women?" Steve asked suspiciously but Sam waved him off.

"Woman throwing themselves at you and you sealing the deal are completely separate things." Sam justified.

"I'm not trying-"

"Exactly." Sam summed. "You need to try." They loaded their purchases into the back of Sam's SUV.

"You're worse than Natasha." Steve grumbled as he sat in the passenger seat.

"Somehow I doubt that-imagine if Romanoff knew about Penny." Sam commented idly and Steve shuddered to think what Natasha would do with the same information Sam was privy to. Sam was still speaking on the subject when they entered the grocery store.

"All I'm saying is that you have pretty high standards for women and Hermione hits them; she's loyal, smart, and strong. Captain America has a lot of enemies and they wouldn't be able to find Hermione, let alone take her." Sam reasoned and Steve was reluctant to admit he had a point.

"All that aside, Sam, we have a mission and it's already been hours since we left; I just want to hurry up with the groceries and then get back to the house." Steve groused and Sam shrugged minutely.

"Fine." Sam agreed as he took the list from Steve. He squinted at it. "What the hell is an aubergine" Sam asked as he passed the list back to Steve. Steve looked at the list thoughtfully.

"Let's skip that for now." Steve finally said as he glanced around the produce aisle. "She said to add food that Bucky liked so I'm just going to grab some fruit..." Steve puttered around the store and picked up several apples. He spotted a bunch of bananas and recalled that Bucky and he had had their first banana near the end of the war in England. It was a rare enough fruit and they celebrated taking down another Hydra base by partaking in the delight. Steve placed the bunch in his cart. He glanced back around the fruit aisle. It always astounded him when he went into grocery stores. After two years, it was slightly less overwhelming to see the saturation of products, produce, and variety. Steve still remembered rations. Steve spotted citruses and grabbed grapefruits and oranges. He knew that Bucky only liked grapefruits with sugar and he was curious if Bucky would remember that in his current state. Steve looked down at the cart that was essentially becoming a fruit basket. Committed, Steve began grabbing nearly every fruit he could find. Steve was still reluctant to try a lot of the modern foods that assaulted his senses every day. He tended to try new foods when Clint, Natasha-or in the case of the shawarma—Stark presented to him to try. All the variety of fruits and Steve still routinely chose apples and peaches. Now as Steve grabbed kiwis, mangoes, starfruits and papayas, he thought perhaps Bucky and he could try new things; Bucky always liked trying new things.

"You planning on adding meat to that basket?" Sam asked amused as he dropped vegetables into the cart. Steve looked up from where he was holding plums before setting them back down into the cart.

"Yeah...let's move on." Steve said as they pushed through the aisles. Steve attempted to stay more to the list.

"You think one of those was an aubergine?" Sam wondered as he stared at the heavy-laden cart. Steve grimaced.

"Hopefully." Steve said as they threw in additional grocery item. Steve meandered through the aisles with newfound appreciation. The choices that were once overwhelming before suddenly seemed inviting. Steve grabbed his usual oatmeal and breads but lingered at the ones he always tended to avoid. He glanced at the maple-bacon cupcakes. He inspected the brightly colored cereals. He resolved to one day return with Bucky and try all the new things Steve had previously ignored. Bucky would love it and Steve would love that. Steve paused at the shaving equipment before decisively grabbing a kit for Bucky. He grabbed regular composition journals per Bucky's request and hoped that he wasn't expecting anything extravagant. Steve couldn't imagine Bucky would particular care about the quality and he would probably get reprimanded for anything too nice anyway.

They grabbed various meats and chocolate—per Hermione's request—and made their way back to the car. The drive back to Hermione's house was filled with Sam's disgruntlement at the traffic and detours.

"I thought DC traffic was bad." Sam grumbled. "So if you aren't moving into the towers immediately, when do you think you will?" Steve grimaced.

"I hadn't thought about it. I need to see what Bucky wants to do, too. He might not be comfortable staying at Stark's." Steve surmised. Sam glanced at him before looking back at the cars in front of him.

"What makes you think Barnes will want to live with you?" Sam asked and Steve bristled unintentionally.

"Bucky and I have lived together since my mom died." Steve explained. Sam exhaled slightly.

"Look man, people come back from things and they're different sometimes. Bucky is probably going to be one of them. I don't want you to get your hopes up in the event that Bucky needs time to recover privately." Sam explained and Steve attempted to relax. Steve was sure Sam had seen a lot of examples in Veteran's Affairs but that was different. Steve knew Bucky; their home was each other and they always went back home.

"We'll see when everything is over." Steve conceded.

"The thing is—it's never over." Sam said solemnly and Steve frowned. He was saved a remark as they pulled onto the alley way that led to Hermione's residence. Now that Sam and Steve knew the location, it did not pop into existence like when he read the address—instead it just stood proudly as if it had been there all along. Sam pulled into the garage and they grabbed a few bags inside. The door was not locked and Steve entered. He heard a rush of movement and squeal, prompting Steve to rush inside and observe Bucky once again protecting Hermione from potential intruders. This time he had barred her into a corner so he could effectively block her.

"Darling! It's Steve and Sam!" Hermione called and Bucky only relaxed when Steve entered his sight warily. Bucky tensed again when Sam followed but he ultimately relaxed and allowed Hermione to push him aside as she walked towards him. When Bucky hung protectively over her shoulders again she sighed before continuing her walk towards them in an awkward four-legged shuffle. "We were doing so well, too." Hermione muttered. She brightened visibly as she got closer. "How did it go!" Hermione inquired with a smile. Steve returned it and Sam positively smirked.

"Steve bought a fruit basket and I got you presents." Sam announced and Hermione's head tilted in confusion despite her pleased glanced.

"Oh-kay?" Hermione hedged warily as Sam rooted around his bags. Steve sighed.

"Really, Sam? We can't even unload all the bags first?" Steve asked ruefully but Sam disregarded him. He procured his purchase and pulled them out with a flourish.

"Ta-da!" Sam said as he displayed the bears to Hermione. Hermione looked to barely be containing her mirth.

"Is that…" She questioned and Sam nodded proudly. Steve wiped a hand over his face.

"Captain America bears!" Sam identified as he passed them to Hermione. He shuffled back quickly when Bucky glared over Hermione's shoulders. "One for you and one for him." Sam said as he nodded towards Bucky. Hermione smiled.

"They're precious." Hermione declared. She turned in Bucky's protective arms to face him. Steve noticed it seemed less protective and more romantic when she faced a different direction. "Darling, this is yours." Hermione said softly and Steve noticed her amber eyes swirling into Bucky's. Bucky's face became impassively shuttered as he released his hold on her in order to take the bear; he looked at is strangely as if he could not understand the concept of the bear. "Thank you, Sam!" Hermione beamed at him and Sam nodded back.

"Some people thought it wouldn't be appreciated." Sam commented as he threw a significant look at Steve. Steve flushed when Hermione inspected him, too.

"Well." Hermione said as she inspected the bear. "It is much appreciated." Hermione declared as she looked back to Bucky who was still contemplating the stuffed toy's existence. Steve supposed so.

-0-0-0-

Steve and Sam had brought all the bags into the house when Steve felt his phone vibrate. A quick glance down at the unidentified number and Steve felt that perhaps he'd better answer the call in his room. He excused himself without any resistance as Hermione and Sam were occupied in laying out the purchases on the dining room table. Steve winced as he realized they perhaps had gone overboard with their purchases. Steve was a minimalist by nature but he did like to buy gifts for Bucky—not that he really ever could when he was poor-but he was making up for lost time.

Steve entered the guest room and flicked the phone open.

"This is Steve." Steve greeted.

"Bout time you answered—I thought I might need to hunt you down." Steve recognized the voiced immediately as Natasha. "You're lucky Sam called or I'd be using my new-found free time to check up on you in person. Although, according to Sam I'd have to find a way to get myself to Oz…?" Natasha trailed off in question. Steve chuckled softly.

"Sam and I found Bucky and we currently have him in a safe house. Sam has declared the codename is 'Oz'" Steve regaled. Dimly he thought the moniker actually fit well.

"How safe is your safe house? How safe is Barnes?" Natasha inquired seriously. Steve sighed.

"Bucky needs to recover. He's lucid sometimes but less lucid other times." Steve admitted.

"Is he dangerous?" Natasha asked.

"Not where we have him." Steve decided.

"Where is that? For some reason I'm inclined to believe that you are not, in fact, in Tokyo, Japan." Natasha prompted. Of course she had already tracked the call, Steve thought. It was a good thing the house was protected from tracking the signal but Steve worried about the vast differences in locations it seemed to project.

"We found someone who could help him." Steve began. "She's trained, she's discreet. When I say safe house I really mean that she's the one who makes it safe."

"Steve, I'm starting to get a little jealous." Natasha teased back lightly. "What's her name? How do you know you can trust her?"

"We've been here for half a week and no one has found us." Steve said. "I'm sure you were already trying to track me before this call-despite Sam's call-but you haven't found us." Natasha remained silent.

"Name?" Natasha prompted.

"She'll keep our secrets if we keep hers." Steve said seriously back. "That's all I'm going to say about that." Natasha paused again.

"Are you sure she is safe? We thought a lot of places were safe and we have been wrong before." Natasha recalled.

"I'm staying with both of them and she is helping. I'd take the risk anyway." Steve pronounced and Natasha sighed on the other line.

"How are your bullet wounds?" Natasha asked changing subjects. Steve knew it was not the end of the conversation, but he was pleased that Natasha had seemed to drop it for now.

"Healed." Steve revealed.

"That's some super soldier ability if you healed that quickly." Natasha said with feint approval. Steve chuckled.

"I had a little help." Steve revealed.

"Bullet wounds and stab wounds is considered a little help? Do you think you can convince her to be the Avenger medic?" Natasha joked and Steve laughed outright.

"I had the same thought!" Steve declared.

"Speaking of which, did you ever call back that nurse?" Natasha asked lightly. Steve laughed in disbelief.

"I was a little busy with Bucky." Steve admitted. "Besides, she isn't a nurse." Steve corrected.

"If you're so keen on someone who can fix you up, maybe you should make friendly with our future Avenger Medic?" Natasha said and Steve could hear the smirking in her tone.

"She's not-." Steve began. "That's not-." He tried again. Steve paused recalling her warm compassionate eyes and teasing demeanor. Unwittingly he recalled her shedding her clothes to help Bucky bathe.

"Wow, poor Sharon-replaced already." Natasha commented and Steve flushed.

"Her—The owner of this safe house is off limits. She's doing Bucky and I a huge favor by housing us and it wouldn't be right." Steve declared. Natasha was quiet over the phone.

"Whatever you say, Rogers." Natasha said later. "Just remember to use a little more tongue next time you kiss." She recommended with a laugh.

"You said it wasn't bad—" Steve barely finished his sentence before Natasha cut him off.

"Keep me updated, Steve. I'm glad you found Barnes." Natasha said quickly before she hung up. Steve looked at the phone balefully. She had said that the kiss wasn't that bad. Steve knew she had been lying, he thought resentfully. He put the phone back into his pocket and sighed.

First Sam, then Nat, Steve closed his eyes to collect himself. Sure Hermione was pretty, and she was kind and compassionate, and she seemed so utterly strong and capable—all things that Steve did indeed like but she was healing Bucky. They were imposing on her life with their own personal problems and Steve was extremely grateful but he didn't want her to feel obligated or burdened by the crush Steve was unintentionally developing. He didn't even know if Hermione was dating some! He sighed as he rubbed his face with his hand. If everyone else had noticed, had Hermione? She seemed no different than the start of the week, seemed just as welcoming. So maybe Steve's attempts at maintaining distance were working. Steve reminded himself again of all the reason why he shouldn't even try. When he was satisfied with the logic, the man-out-of-time went back to his broken ex-assassin best friend; a summary of problems in two sentences or less. He approached the atrium slowly when he overheard voices.

"Do you know how difficult it is to drive an SUV in this city?" Sam was complaining.

"Well why do you even have it? You live in the city, too; shouldn't it be something more practical?" Hermione countered.

"It's far more practical than a car when a certain assassin is determined to kill your new friends."

"Don't look at him like that! You play nice Sam or there will be no pudding for you!"

"I don't like pudding; it's no loss."

"No—pudding means dessert and today's dessert is seven-layer chocolate cake which apparently you won't be getting!"

"Don't threaten the cake, Penny!"

"Penny?"

"It's your call sign."

"Isn't that for flyers? Haven't we already established I do not enjoying flying?"

"It can be used as a nickname in general." Steve interjected as he entered the space. Hermione was standing with her arms crossed; her ire was directed at where Sam was sitting at the table amongst the material items they had purchased. All the groceries looked put away. Hermione turned to Steve and smiled.

"We were waiting for you!" She exclaimed as she beckoned him forward. "How was your phone call?"

"It was my friend, Natasha. She wanted to see how we were doing." Steve glanced at Bucky and then pointedly at Sam. "Why were you waiting for me?"

"We're seeing what he likes out of your purchases!" Hermione seemed excited as she glanced between Bucky and Steve; Steve felt it was infectious. Bucky was still hovering close to Hermione as usual but something else caught Steve's eye. Steve had made a double-take to make sure, realizing that Bucky was holding the Captain America bear with one hand. Steve nearly laughed aloud when the image of Bucky holding a blanket and sucking his thumb appeared in his mind. He looked forward to the time he could tease Bucky about all of this and instantly regretted not getting a camera. Thinking about what Sam had showed him the other day; Steve whipped out his phone and snapped a covert picture of Bucky. Judging by Sam's sudden laugh, it was far less covert than he thought. Steve coughed to cover his own laugh.

"So what exactly are we going to be doing?" Steve said as he pulled one of the dining room chairs out to sit on.

"Well, you have a lot of options for clothing so I'm going to see what he likes first." Hermione said as she guided Bucky closer. She grabbed a button-down shirt and a t-shirt. "Which one do you like?" She asked as she stared at Bucky. His face was largely emotionless except the faint comprehension that seemed to be struggling to reach the surface. "Please take the one you prefer." Hermione asked again and this time Bucky grabbed the t-shirt. Steve flushed when Sam laughed loudly. Hermione glanced at them both.

"Is there a reason why Sam keeps guffawing like a loon?" Hermione asked icily and Sam quelled instantly at her tone.

"Steve thought Bucky would like old man clothes and I chose all the modern clothing." Sam explained. Hermione glanced at them both before a smile emerged on her face.

"Oh that is funny. I'm curious now; keep a tally!" Hermione instructed with an appreciative chuckle. Steve sighed as he hunched his shoulders reflexively.

"I thought it was a nice shirt." Steve complained and Hermione humored him with a smile.

"We'll just set it aside, then." She said as she bit her lip to contain her laughter. Hermione picked up two more items and played the same game. Steve frowned when Sam's laughter echoed Bucky's choice. Steve looked at Bucky sternly.

"You're killing me, Buck." Steve groaned and Bucky glanced over at him innocent and unaware. By the end of the unintentional competition, most of Sam's choices were preferred over Steve's picks—especially anything with the Captain America logo, leaving Steve with mixed feelings.

"I bow to your prowess in dressing." Steve deadpanned and ignored the urge to hit Sam and his stupid smirking face.

"You should let me dress you, too." Sam offered and Steve rolled his eyes. Hermione and Bucky returned from putting the new things away just as the oven clicked.

"Dinner time, children." Hermione joked as she sat the two at the table. Sam and Steve broke apart from their antics to sit at the table just as the dishes began floating by. She joined them at the table. "What were the notebooks for?" Hermione asked. Steve glanced at her in surprise. He didn't realize he hadn't mentioned.

"Bucky requested them when he woke up last night. He also requested a shave." Steve said.

"You didn't mention that!" Hermione complained. She was fiddling with the fork and pushing it into Bucky's good hand and he finally began to eat on his own—progress! "I'm a notoriously light sleeper," Hermione began again, "Yet I somehow keep sleeping through all these discussions! I am going to stay up tonight just so I can witness it!" Hermione declared. "I want to hear fun and interesting stories, too!" She pouted. Steve thought it was adorable, a smile tugging at his mouth. He forced it down.

"To be fair, all he said was essentially he wanted notebooks to help him remember and a shave." Steve placated. Hermione harrumphed.

"To be fair, he needs a shave." Sam added. Hermione narrowed her eyes at Sam and Sam diligently returned to stuffing his face. She huffed but summoned a chocolate cake to the table. She divvied up the cake onto plates and passed them to everyone but Sam. Sam looked up at her, his face drawing into a frown.

"You are lucky I am kind." Hermione groused before she placed the cake in front of Sam. Judging by the muted pleasure she displayed as everyone devoured the cake, Bucky included, she probably had never intended to withhold the cake at all.

-0-0-0-

When they retired for the night Steve took the shaving kit with him. Hermione changed into a bathing suit with a roll of her eyes and Steve followed her into the bathroom. She stared at the shaving kit awkwardly.

"I don't…know how to shave a face." Hermione commented awkwardly as she inspected the foam.

"I don't suppose you could use magic?" Steve hazarded a guess. Hermione winced.

"Like enchant the razor? That'd be far too dangerous. Besides, normally wizards just use their wands but I'm hesitant to point anything towards his face." Hermione frowned. She looked at Bucky. "Darling, do you want Steve to shave your beard?" She asked calmly. Bucky seemed to observe both Steve and Hermione before he picked up the razor and passed it to Steve.

"Steve." Bucky nearly commanded and Steve and Hermione both seemed to melt. For Steve, it was the first time he was getting a request from not-lucid Bucky. Steve turned on the sink for water and turned to look at the impassive Bucky. Bucky had taught him how to shave, Steve remembered fondly. Steve, who had never known his father, who had never been taught such things, learned everything from Bucky who learned it first. Steve watched as Bucky's hair fell to the floor. When he was finished he looked back at Bucky who grazed his hands over his shaven chin. Steve thought he looked appreciative.

"Alright, into the bath." Hermione said as she pushed Bucky towards the tub. She swept her wand and the fallen hair disappeared. Steve marveled at the useful spell. Hermione seemed to make a half-hearted attempt to leave before Bucky pulled her back to his side. Steve noticed her face was tinged with guilty pleasure. Steve sighed as he left the room to prep for bed himself. When he returned he placed a notebook, light, and pen on Bucky's side. Hermione fed him potions, sang her promises and lullaby and Bucky faded into sleep.

"He's recovering well." Hermione said into the softness of the night. Steve propped himself on his elbow to look down at Hermione. She looked good, he noticed. Her hair fanned around her in wild tumbling waves and her face looked flushed in the dim light.

"That's good." Steve said dumbly. Hermione pulled up the blanket to her chin as if to hide.

"The potions will be ending soon." She said nonchalantly. "His increasing recollection will be more apparent afterwards."

"I hope the notebook helps." Steve commented and Hermione nodded.

"It's a great idea; I hadn't realized he was ready for it." Hermione admitted. "Seeing as I'm never awake for his lucid conversations." She muttered crossly.

"Are you planning on staying up tonight?" Steve said teased. Hermione scrunched her nose up adorably. He wondered if she'd be angry that he thought so.

"I've decided you have sleep pheromones and it would be a foregone conclusion." Hermione said decidedly. Steve raised a brow.

"Sleep pheromones?" He repeated. Hermione nodded.

"Yes, well, I can't emphasize how unexpected it is that I don't wake up when you do-or that I sleep so thoroughly at all." Hermione expressed seriously. Steve contemplated the knowledge; she always seemed so peaceful when she slept that he couldn't imagine her being disturbed at all. Thinking back to the morning, Steve wondered about the large gaps of knowledge Hermione carefully avoided when discussing her life. He glanced at her and watched her eyes begin to droop.

"Well, you're healing Bucky everyday—that's surely a factor." Steve proposed. Hermione 'hmmd' noncommitting.

"I think it's something about you two in particular." Hermione confessed sleepily and Steve felt a swell in his heart.

"Well, then it's good that we're here." Steve determined. Hermione chuckled softly and then she was asleep. Steve waited. He waited until Bucky stirred so quietly that Steve would not have noticed if he hadn't been waiting and watching.

"Steve." Bucky said.

"Yea, Buck." Steve returned eagerly.

"Thanks for the shave." Bucky said quietly.

"Mark of a gentleman is a clean shaven face." Steve laughed.

"I don't know if I'm much of a gentleman but I don't think I want a beard." Bucky admitted and Steve laughed softly again.

"I don't know, Buck, they're apparently in fashion." Steve teased good-naturedly. Bucky scoffed.

"I'll pass." Bucky determined. Bucky sat up and let go of Hermione's hand so he could grab the light Steve had left him. Steve looked at him surprised.

"You remember something?" Steve asked and Bucky nodded, flipping the book up to begin writing.

"I need to write it down, Steve." His voice had a frantic quality that made Steve hesitate. "I need to write it all down before I forget." Steve watched as Bucky wrote furiously, Steve yearned to hear what he was remembering but he didn't want to intrude on his friend's concentration. Instead he kept a vigil over his friend as he worked. Eventually Bucky began to flag and Steve watched him fall asleep hunched over the journal. Moving lightly, Steve assisted his friend back down to sleep, turning off the light and moving the journal and pen to the side. He held the book, tempted to read what Bucky had written. He knew Bucky was recovering and he hoped that when he was in a better state of mind he would tell Steve himself. Even if Hermione could read his every thought, Bucky deserved a semblance of privacy. Steve sighed before setting the book down. He lay in bed thinking of Bucky and Hermione in endless alternating intervals. He had not even realized he slept until he awoke the next day.