Steve was quiet for a moment, just trying to gather his thoughts.

"I thought we were enough, Buck. You and me. I thought we were good."

"We are. Where is this coming from?" Bucky frowned. "Is it because of Victoria? It's not like I planned on picking up an Omega, Steve."

"You didn't have to bond with her," Steve pointed out. He sighed. "I didn't think we were having any kind of problems. Was I wrong?"

"No!" Bucky shook his head. "You weren't wrong. We aren't having problems." He was quiet for a few moments. "I didn't plan to bond with her. I tried not to, but I'm not as... good as you are. I couldn't resist." His lips twisted wryly.

"Well, what am I supposed to think, Buck?" Steve asked, looking at him. "You go off on a mission and come back with a new mate, what am I supposed to think?"

"You're supposed to think," Bucky said. "And talk to me, you lug." He sighed. "Look, I don't regret bonding with her. You'd like her if you gave her a chance. But you still came first. I'm with you 'til the end of the line."

"So what now, then?" Steve asked. "Just move along like it never happened? Or like it was like this all along?"

"Don't be an idiot, punk." Bucky nudged him. "Can't do either. You gotta decide if you're okay with her bein' around before we figure out what now."

"It's probably gonna take me some time, Buck," Steve said. "I don't know well this will work out."

"I expected it'll take time," Bucky said, moving so he was against Steve's side. "I don't expect you to be instantly okay with this. I'm just asking you to give her a chance before you say no altogether."

Steve just leaned against him for a moment, taking comfort in the contact.

"So, tell me about her," he finally said quietly.

"She's sweet, a little quiet still but I think she'll get more talkative as she gets more comfortable. Got some steel in her, though. Has to, with what she went through." Bucky shook his head. "Kinda like we always imagined, y'remember? Always said we'd finish the war and settle with an Omega to share."

"I remember," Steve replied quietly. "Thought that was something we'd have to give up, though, after everything."

"Thought so too." Bucky grimaced a little. "Not many people who'd want to put up with me, let alone Omegas."

"Don't say that, Buck, anyone is lucky to have you," Steve replied immediately. "I meant that I didn't think we'd still get to hang on to that dream, with what our lives are like now."

Bucky was quiet for a few moments. "Maybe we were both wrong," he said quietly. "Maybe we'll get lucky again."

"Maybe," Steve replied, just as quietly. He sighed. "I can't promise I'll like her, Buck. You know I can't promise that."

"I know," Bucky agreed. "But you can give her a chance. Try talking to her or somethin'. I'll stay in the room if you want."

"Maybe," Steve said. "We'll see." For the moment, he was content with the physical contact with Bucky.

Meanwhile, Victoria was already back in the room she was sharing with Jasmine. She'd initially gone looking for Bucky, to see if there was anything around to eat, and she'd accidentally overheard the first half of the conversation. She'd slipped away after that, not wanting to hear anymore. Clearly, her being there was a problem, and now she needed to figure out what to do.

Jasmine looked up when the door opened and Phil let himself in. He looked at the two for a moment, a little surprised at how comfortable they were with each other, before he looked at Clint.

"May I have a word?"

Wordlessly, Jasmine slipped out of the hammock and headed for the door.

"Phil?" Clint asked, slightly wary. He sat up as Jasmine left the room.

Phil took a few moments to pet Lucky, gathering his thoughts.

"You're very comfortable with her."

"I like her," Clint replied cautiously. "I'm trying to get to know her a bit."

"Still trying to figure out if we can make three of us work, then?" Phil didn't look at Clint, instead focusing on Lucky. It was easier that way.

"I'm trying to see if she'll fit with us, yeah," Clint replied. "Phil, talk to me, what's wrong?"