An unconventional trio

Word-tastic

Nat: "Why have they been so fucking weird since the mission? Anyone else notice that? It's been a week"

Natasha glanced around the kitchen table, meeting the amused gazes of Sam, Clint, and Steve. Sam's remark about someone being "more broody than usual" hung in the air until Steve's curiosity prompted him to inquire, "What are you guys talking about?"

"Oh, icy hot and gizmo," Natasha quipped with a mischievous grin, referring to Bucky and Nova respectively.

Just then, Bucky's voice echoed from the entryway, breaking the playful atmosphere. "I'm guessing I'm icy hot."

Natasha's eyes widened slightly, realizing they hadn't been as discreet as they thought. "Shit," she whispered under her breath, shooting a quick glance at Sam.

Bucky sauntered into the kitchen with a knowing smirk. "You know, for a group of supposed-to-be spies, you guys aren't very stealthy. I heard you the moment I left my room. Super hearing, remember?" he teased, taking a seat at the table and crossing his arms over his chest.

Natasha met Bucky's gaze, her expression curious as she began, "So... Buck..."

He narrowed his eyes at her, a hint of sarcasm lacing his tone as he retorted, "Yes... Natasha?"

Natasha rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Okay Barnes, spill it. What's up with you and Nova?"

Bucky let out a sigh, attempting to mask his disappointment. "Nothing. There is...nothing going on with Nova and me," he replied, though his tone betrayed a hint of defensiveness.

"You sure about that? I mean... you did offer your lap as a pillow so..." Natasha quipped, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Nat, stop. I was..." Bucky began, but Natasha interrupted him before he could finish.

"What? Being nice again?" she teased, her grin widening.

"Yes," Bucky replied, his irritation evident.

"Hm... was that before or after you kung-fu gripped the back of her head?" Sam chimed in, raising an eyebrow in amusement.

Bucky shook his head in frustration, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. "So what happened? You shoot your shot and she turned you down?" Clint asked with a smirk, clearly enjoying the teasing.

"No... I didn't. And no, she didn't," Bucky replied, his tone laced with exasperation.

"Why not, Bucky? Ask her out!!" Natasha exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident.

"Nat... I'm telling you... I'm not her type..." Bucky said, his voice tinged with resignation. Despite Natasha's encouragement, he couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't fit into the picture Nova had in mind.

As the conversation continued, Steve's keen ears caught the sound of footsteps approaching the kitchen. He leaned in towards the group, his voice barely above a whisper, "Speak of the devil."

Bucky shot Steve a glare, his frustration evident. "Oh, you can hear her coming but not me?" he spat, feeling slightly offended by Steve's remark.

As Nova turned the corner into the kitchen, her moment of entrance was accompanied by a sudden exclamation of pain. "Ow! Fuck you, doorway!" she spat out, clearly frustrated as she bumped into the wall.

The group turned their attention towards her, a mixture of amusement and concern playing across their faces at her unexpected outburst.

"Nova, are you okay?" Steve asked, his tone filled with genuine concern as he noticed her discomfort.