Steve kissed Natasha deeply; she was getting used to this fusion of lips easily. Their natural progression from teasing, heart-felt conversations, mission discussions, and sexy talk between kisses made Natasha fantasize about a life where, if there wouldn't be any extraterrestrial threats or out of this world danger, Steve and her would make for a happy life.

"Nat?"

"Steve?" she mimicked, looking at him through her long eyelashes. Yes, she was using her feminine wiles to rattle him up; but, he was hers. She was allowed to do so - whether he knew it or not.

"I...I…" he said, looking at her, blue eyes piercing green, "I'm glad you're sure about this and if you ever don't feel this way…"

"Even if I just gave you my word, a promise I intend to keep?"

"It's not that I doubt you, Nat. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you ever don't feel like this about me...I want you to remember we were friends first. I will always trust you and I hope you will trust me. Nothing that happens along the way will change that. You will always be important to me."

"Always."

"Good," Steve said. He smiled down at her, a smile that lit up his whole face. Natasha figured it was the same reason why she was smiling like an idiot. They were giving love life a chance.

"Where did we leave off?" she asked, her arms still holding him tight around his waist. He chuckled and leaned forward eagerly.

Their kiss was meaningful - as if sealing their affections. And while Natasha was eager and ready to take it further, she knew it was up to both of them. But, damn, she had it bad.

It wasn't her fault - not really - not when life presented you with a person as pure and honorable as Steve Rogers. What she wasn't ready for was the surges of unexpected jealousy. Twice she had felt it in less than a week: Agent Blonde and Agent Hill….Hill, really...she knew better than that.

What was wrong with her? Steve was kissing her - time is ticking.

She sunk into his embrace and hoped that this kiss was hot enough to make him blush. Natasha Romanoff didn't want to corrupt Steve Rogers, except for one specific way. She already knew she was attractive. Now, she needed to hear Steve tell her. It may be selfish, but damn, she could feel her insides quiver at the thought of his voice telling her sweet words during intimate moments.

Yes, a corrupted Steve Rogers in that aspect was definitely not a bad thing.

"Steve, how much time do you think we have left together before someone else interrupts us?"

"I'd say...hmm...about 10 minutes."

"Not very exciting, huh…"

"What do two people who want to spend time together do?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"That's a bit of a loaded question…" he said, blushing, "One I'm not sure how to answer."

"A blushing Steve is one of my favorites," she laughed, and took his hands in hers, "How about we take it easy for tonight and watch a movie on your list...unless you've finished that?"

"I've got a couple pending."

"Then, let's play the domestic couple. We'll go up to your mini-theater, which I'm slightly jealous of, we'll pick out a movie and you can do that one armed hug around my shoulders," she said, furrowing her brows, "I've seen this done before, and I've done it when I needed to lure a mark in...I want to know what it feels like for real."

"I haven't done that either," he smiled sadly, "I was too busy creating fake names to get enlisted, then all I knew was war...then ice...and now…"

"Too busy, right?"

"I was too busy," he said, smiling sadly.

"Until now," she beamed, "Let's go."

The soldier and the spy were sitting on the couch of his darkened room, covered by a deep red blanket courtesy of Natasha, who before going to Steve's floor, changed into shorts and a t-shirt - domestic - and brought with her a blanket she intended on leaving there. He sat on the corner of the impossibly comfortable sofa, with Natasha stretched across it, her head resting on his lap. They had decided to watch Rocky, and it seemed Steve was enjoying it.

"How many of these are there?" he asked softly, still eyes still glued to the television as the final boxing match came to a close.

"More than you think…"

"Fury only recommended this one and the third installment."

"Those are the best ones," she said, sitting up to look at him, "Unless you'd enjoy watching the U.S. duke it out with Russia in Rocky 4."

"That sounds...interesting. Did you like it?"

"You would have disliked the Cold War," Natasha said, avoiding the question and going deeper into her thoughts, "It was two counties bullying the other with threats on an all out nuclear war. Just like when we took down Hydra and S.H.I.E.L.D. Fear and freedom."

"Then you and I wouldn't have gotten along," he said, smirking tenderly at her.

"Oh no, not at all," she said exaggeratedly, "I would have been sent to hunt the courageous Captain America down...maybe seduce him and then bam, Russia: 1, U.S.: 0."

"Such little faith in me," he teased, "Maybe I would be sent to get you, seduce you and then bam, U.S.: 1, Russia: 0….but, I don't think I would have been good at that."

"Why?" she said, still chuckling at he had said.

"I don't like bullies," he said, remembering Dr. Erskein, "Doesn't matter where they're from. I doubt I would have stood for what was going on at the time...making people hate a country with propaganda or false information...that's not freedom, it is fear."

"Would you have rescued me from the Red Room then, Captain Intensity?"

"If you would have needed rescuing, yes. You probably would have shot me, but I think I still would have tried."

Natasha laughed, and pressed closer to Steve - leaning against his chest and feeling his arm come around her to secure her shoulders, just as she had asked earlier.

"Full clearance question," she said, suddenly.

"When does this full clearance end?"

"Until I have no more questions. To sweeten the deal, Captain, I offer you clearance too," she said, seeing his eyes fill with surprise and...was that tenderness or affection?

"Alright. Ask away, agent…"

"In Sokovia, when we were looking out into the sky, when I told you it wasn't a bad way to go…remember?"

"Of course I remember."

"Were you afraid of dying?"

Steve was stunned to answer, mostly because Natasha looked at him with a vulnerability he was not used to.

"No. It wasn't the first time I was willing to exchange my life for others, and I don't think it will be the last."

"And that's what makes you a wonderful hero, Steve, your selflessness. It's beautiful….I was disappointed," Natasha said, "Disappointed that my life would have been a series of battles and missions and targets. I felt the vision I saw thanks to Maximoff, again - right in front of me. I was so scared of the graduation ceremony - I didn't want that. From that point on I was a machine. Then, there we were, on the brink of dying and I felt jilted. I cared for Clint and his family, but I never truly told him how much I trusted him. I never told you, even when you did. I was content that if I were to die right then and there, I was going to do it next to you, but it wasn't enough."

"Hey, Agent Intensity," Steve said, making her laugh, "We didn't die. Maybe it was a sign for us to start living, maybe a chance to find a place to belong…."

"And I will," she said, pulling him from the collar of his shirt to kiss him, "Come on, Captain...let's make this make-out session count before we get interrupted again."

They laughed between their kisses, reveling in their play at domesticity; however, they knew it wouldn't last. Living in a superhero filled tower, literally glowing with self-sustainable energy, for all of New York to see, wasn't the most peaceful place. Especially for a clandestine romance.

And, without surprising them much, a voice broke through their comfortable and heated silence.

"Captain Rogers, you have a visitor waiting at the door. Agent Hill." J.A.R.V.I.S. said

Natasha didn't bite back her groan, as they let go of each other and turned to pause the movie, credits already rolling.

"What does she want, now?" Natasha groaned.

"It would be rude to leave her standing there, Nat. Hopefully it isn't something to do with S.H.I.E.L.D. or Fury."

Getting up reluctantly, Steve walked out of the room and towards the doors.

"Agent Hill," Steve greeted, "Didn't you have a date?"

"That's why I'm here," she said, voice stern with a hint of desperation in it Natasha picked up on quickly as she waited by the doorway unseen, "I received a call from Sam. It's the Winter Soldier. It seems he's looking for you."

Steve's face drained in color as quickly as it flushed back, and Natasha saw him tense up. Agent Hill took out her phone and showed him, what Natasha assumed, were messages from Falcon.

"Is Sam alright?"

"I hope so. He's in pursuit, last he messaged. It seems the Winter Soldier...Barnes...followed him to the restaurant we were supposed to meet. I'm not sure what ensued."

"Meet me downstairs in a few minutes. Keep the coordinates coming."

"Yes, captain."

Without another word, Hill exited the floor and Steve stood in his place. He sighed deeply, his hand coming to rub his eyes.

"When do we leave? Because, obviously, we're going together as partners, right?"

"Right. You've fought Bucky and know what we're getting into, suit up and leaving."

Steve and Natasha drove towards Brooklyn - the coordinates of Bucky's last seen location sent to Natasha's phone. Zooming down streets and alleys on Steve's motorcycle, Natasha thought about the strain he was feeling at the moment. Bucky was his last tie to his old life - and Peggy, although her health deteriorated more and more each day.

Static filled their communicators suddenly, then flat-lined.

"Hill?" Natasha asked, "Do you hear me?"

"Oh we hear you loud and clear, little red."

"Stark, what are you doing?"

"You hacked into the line - Hill could be communicating right now," Steve said, "Go back to sleep."

"I don't sleep, Capsicle. I'm peeved, upset, desolate." Tony said, through the com, "You didn't invite us to the party."

"This isn't a mission, Stark. This is Bucky. Sam, Romanoff, and I have faced him before - I didn't want to involve anyone else."

"Too late, already involved, buddy. I've honed in on his coordinates. He's making a hell of a ruckus."

"You're tracking him?"

"Not quite. J.A.R.V.I.S. is tracking Falcon. We have eyes on him, heat sensors signal he's hot on someone's tail - someone missing an arm. Anyone you know?"

"Where are they now, Stark?" Natasha asked, although it seemed Steve knew where he was going.

"Give me a sec…." he said, looking through information, "Seems like Capsicle is about to get blasted to the past. Remember your old home?"

"We're on our way. I know you're already close, too, Stark," Steve said, making a sharp turn that made Natasha hold on tighter, "Last time I saw Bucky he was still very volatile, so don't do anything stupid."

"I make no promises. See you in three minutes."

"Steve, how volatile?" Natasha asked.

"Just be ready."

They turned on a last corner, Hill's car appearing close behind. Farther into the darkened alley, Falcon was restraining Bucky and avoiding a dagger to his limbs. Steve and Natasha jumped of the motorcycle and headed towards the action, ready to use as much force as possible to restrain him.

"Bucky!" Steve called, making the long haired man turn. The look on his face terrified Natasha, reminding her of a look she once had.

Bucky grunted, elbowing Falcon with force and breaking the hold. When last they had seen him in Russia, they met a different fighter - more Bucky Barnes. Now, donning the attire Steve had first seen him with, Barnes was back to being the Winter Soldier. His black mask and eyes blurring as he moved quickly to avoid and deflect hits and kicks.

Steve threw his shield at him, knocking Bucky off balance and giving Falcon enough time to step back.

"Bucky, you need to calm down," Steve said, his shield magnetizing back to him. He lifted his hands, walking cautiously closer to the potential threat. Natasha and Hill stood behind, hidden in shadows, guns ready.

Bucky ripped off his mask and let out a strangled sound, half growl half groan.

"That is not my name," he finally said.

"James Buchanan Barnes, fought in WWII as part of the Howling Commandos. Together, we destroyed Red Skull. Hydra is the enemy, Bucky, not me."

"Stop!" he yelled once more. Natasha and Hill ran closer, surrounding him.

"We're not here to hurt you, Barnes, but you have to lower your weapon," Hill said, "Otherwise, we'll be forced to restrain you."

"You are my mark," he said, pointing to Steve. Natasha tensed, knowing well the Winter Soldier always finished off his marks. She looked to Steve, his shield ready.

"Steve, he's going back and forth - brainwashing is hard to get rid of," Natasha whispered, hoping everyone heard her through her com piece, "Remember how I fixed Barton?"

Steve's slight nod made her relax as he stepped closer.

"You are Bucky Barnes. I can show you."

"Stop calling me that," Bucky yelled, aiming to dig his dagger at Steve but was blocked by Iron Man landing between both of them within seconds.

"Calm down, Rocket," Tony said, through his armor, "We all have bad eyeliner days."

"Rogers, this guy is either going to run or attack," Natasha said, knowing from experience, "We'll have to knock him out quick."

"I know," Steve said, his gaze never leaving Bucky.

"Stand down, soldier," Falcon said, his hands up.

Steve and Tony mimicked him, showing Bucky they weren't there to attack. He, however, had different plans, throwing his dagger at Natasha. She jumped back; not fast enough causing her right arm to be scraped by the blade. Steve moved faster than she had ever seen and stepped forward, blocking the other punch coming towards him.

Engaged in combat, both soldiers punched and kicked repeatedly until Steve was able to knock him back using all the strength he had to push his shield against Bucky's chest. The Winter Soldier flew across the alley, and crashed into the darkened brick wall.

"Stand down, Bucky," Steve said, his voice straining.

Tony stood behind him, repulsors ready. Falcon, Hill, and Natasha surrounding the area. Bucky calmed considerably, focusing solely on Steve,

"I'm sorry, Buck, but it's for your own good," Steve said, looking over to Tony.

Before he could react, Tony slammed his iron glove against his head, knocking him unconscious.

"See, what would you do without me?"

"Probably keep my sanity," Steve muttered, "Falcon, think you can carry him back to the Avengers facility?"

"I'll meet you there."

"He'll have information on Hydra, Captain, I need to inform Fury and Coulson," Hill said.

"If we get him to talk."

"We will get your friend back," she said, walking back to her car, "I'll meet you at the facility."

"I'll alert the others," Tony said, turning to Steve and Natasha, "If we find something, we'll need all the Avengers."

Flying off, Natasha stepped closer to Steve.

"You're hurt?"

"I've had worse," she said, smiling.

"I suppose we're at U.S: 1, Russia: 0, no scrapes on me," he teased. She rolled her eyes, making Steve's heart flutter uncontrollably - really all she had to do was look at him and he was putty in her hands. Seeing Bucky throw a dagger at her brought out an instinct to protect her, although he knew well she was a better skilled combatant than anyone he knew.

"I smell another bet," she said, "Cold War bet, whoever racks up the least points by the end of the week has to spend the entire day with Stark."

"You've got yourself a deal, Romanoff. I already have boss rights at the tower, and I'm sure I can get Thor and Clint into a bet to free me from those $400, seeing you spend the day with Stark is the cherry on top."

"Dream on Rogers," she said, turning semi-serious, "By the way, I'm beginning to form a theory, Captain Rogers."

"And what's that, Agent Romanoff."

"Every time we attempt...intimacy...something dangerous or unexpected happens. Hulk destroys a floor, Fury brings back the dead, Bucky shows up."

"Unluckiest pair, remember?" Steve said, making her laugh. He took her hand and together they walked back to his motorcycle, "We have a pattern to uphold."

"Yeah, until we get so frustrated we kick everyone out of the tower and have our wicked way."

"Don't tempt me, Romanoff," he said, kissing her lightly, "C'mon, let's get to work. We don't want Bucky to wake up and beat the crap out of Falcon."

"Such language," she said, jumping on the motorcycle.

"Seriously"