Kitchen Adventures

Kitchen Adventures (A Bucky Barnes POV)

In our cozy apartment kitchen, Natasha and I are embarking on our first cooking adventure together. She's effortlessly beautiful in a white apron over her casual clothes. I stand beside her, feeling a bit out of my element as I awkwardly hold a wooden spoon. My metal arm glints under the kitchen lights, a constant reminder of the past, but here, in this warm atmosphere, it feels almost normal.

"Okay, Bucky, just stir the sauce gently," Natasha instructs, her voice warm and encouraging.

I nod, concentrating hard as I carefully stir the simmering sauce. Her soft smile gives me a surge of determination. I really don't want to mess this up, especially after our last kitchen disaster that ended with the smoke alarm blaring and us ordering takeout.

"Like this?" I ask, hoping for reassurance.

"Perfect," she replies with an approving nod. "You're doing great."

Her words make me grin, and I feel a sense of accomplishment. Cooking isn't exactly my forte, but with Natasha by my side, it seems like anything is possible. Watching her in that white apron, teaching me step by step, makes me feel content. It's like she's bringing a piece of normalcy into my life that I didn't know I was missing.

As we work, we talk and laugh, the atmosphere light and filled with easy banter.

"Remember the time I almost set our kitchen on fire?" I ask, chuckling at the memory.

Natasha raises an eyebrow, amused. "Which time? You've got to be more specific."

"Very funny," I say, grinning. "I'm talking about the time I tried to make that fancy stir-fry and didn't realize how high the flame was. The whole pan was practically a fireball."

Natasha bursts out laughing, the sound warming my heart. "Oh, I remember. You looked so panicked, and I had to come to the rescue with the fire extinguisher."

"Yeah, not my finest moment," I admit, shaking my head. "But at least tonight's going better."

"Well, tonight's already a step up from that," Natasha says, still giggling.

Finally, the meal is ready. I carefully spoon the sauce over the pasta while Natasha sets the table. We sit down together, and I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness filling the room.

"Not bad for our first time cooking together," Natasha says, raising her glass in a toast.

"Not bad at all," I agree, clinking my glass with hers. "To more kitchen adventures."

As we dig into our meal, I can't help but think about how much this moment means to me. Watching Natasha teach me to cook, seeing her in that white apron, and spending time with her like this—it's more than I ever thought I'd have. Maybe, just maybe, I've found something even better than being a superhero—sharing these everyday moments with Natasha.

"Thank you for this," I say quietly, looking at her across the table.

She tilts her head, a gentle smile on her lips. "For what?"

"For being here. For making me feel... normal," I admit, feeling a lump in my throat.

Natasha reaches across the table, her hand finding mine. "You're more than normal, Bucky. You're extraordinary. And I'm lucky to have you here with me."

Her words sink deep into my heart, and I squeeze her hand gently. In this moment, I realize that no matter what the future holds, as long as I have Natasha by my side, everything will be okay.