It was tough, adjusting to Avengers life after everything that had happened. Most of the team still didn't trust Bucky, but seemed to be alright with Mika - which was, honestly, about what he expected. Mika, for her part, got downright pissed any time Bucky even got remotely slighted, and wasn't afraid to say something about it.
"You don't have to say anything." Bucky whispered after another operative had said something about him being a "confounding variable."
"Someone has to, and I know you're not going to." she pointed out. "I will yell at them in three different languages if I have to."
"And I appreciate that. But it's a lost cause. These guys…they'll only ever see the Winter Soldier." he said in a matter-of-fact manner. This made her face soften, her eyes shinier than usual.
"They're wrong about you." she said softly, putting her hands on his cheeks. "You are, by far, the best and bravest man I know."
He smiled, his hand tugging at her hip until she stepped closer and gave him a kiss. "As long as you think that, Little Bird, I'll be okay." he whispered to her lips. She kissed him again, fully and deeply, hoping to show him exactly how much she loved him.
