Hillary watched him walk away, and then turned back to the counter. Her shoulders itched, and she could feel the scales going down her hips getting tight and dry. She was definitely going to shed soon.

Steve's shoulders bothered him the rest of the day, and he couldn't figure out why for the life of him. It was really starting to bother him.

"Hey, Buck," he said when he spotted his friend on the couch. He and Natasha had finally gotten back from shopping.

"Hey," Bucky replied when Steve came in. He grinned. "How was being a packmule?"

"Not bad," Steve said with a little snort. "A little weird around the middle, but that had nothing to do with Tasha." He rolled his shoulders, still uncomfortable.

"Weird?" Bucky asked. "Weird how? And what's with you? You look like you're trying to rub your skin off on the couch."

"That's it exactly," Steve said. "I feel like I'm peeling, like when I had that bad sunburn and I was peeling for days. I feel like that, but I haven't been sunburned in a while. And it itches."

"Weird," Bucky said. He had no idea what Steve would be able to do about it, either. "And here I thought I was having the weirdest day when I had the urge to take the fridge apart again."

Steve shook his head. "Again? What is that, second time this month with the fridge?" He went and sat down next to Bucky, just stretching out and relaxing a bit.

"Second time with the fridge, though there were three with the television," Bucky replied, shaking his head. "It comes out of nowhere, I swear."

"Weird." Steve shook his head. "I'd say we're both going crazy, but this is not our kind of crazy."

"This is definitely not our kind of crazy," Bucky agreed. "And I think I'd know."

Steve nodded. "So, now we need to figure out what to do about it," he said, glancing at Bucky again.

"I kinda want to know where it's all coming from," Bucky said. He was quiet for a moment, thinking. "You know, Stark is always whining about that Doctor Strange character. Something about magic or some such hocus pocus like that. Maybe he could help."

"I've met him once," Steve said. "He's pretty nice, although confusing. Couldn't hurt to give him a holler, see if he'll help."

"Tomorrow?" Bucky suggested. "As long as nothing comes up?" Because he knew just how quickly the city was prone to falling into peril.

Steve nodded. "Sounds like a plan," he agreed. "I'll call him tomorrow."

"Great," Bucky said. "In the meantime, how did you get roped into being Natasha's packmule?" He grinned. "So I don't make the same mistake."

"She just dragged me along," Steve said with a grin. "Can't avoid that too easily. Besides, now that you've said it, she'll probably take you next time just because you said you don't want to."

"Probably," Bucky admitted. He gave a resigned sigh. "As long as I get to wear sleeves, I guess."

Steve patted his shoulder with a not-so-sympathetic grin.

"It could be worse. She could be trying to play dress-up with you too."

Bucky just shook his head.

"Bad enough she keeps trying to get her fingers into my hair," he grumped. "I'm not playing dress-up."

Steve snickered and let the subject drop.

But he did make sure to call Strange the next day to see if he had any advice.

Luckily, Strange was around to actually answer the phone.

"Ah, Captain Rodgers, good day," he greeted. "This is a surprise. What may I help you with?"

"Bucky and I are both having some... minor problems that we haven't got a clue about," Steve said carefully. "Do you have time to come talk to us? Or we could meet somewhere else, if you prefer."

"Ah, I do believe Mr. Stark would prefer if I did not come to the tower," Strange admitted. "However, I would not mind meeting you both at another place of your choosing."