"He thinks a lot of things are great ideas," Bucky groused. "Like walking into Hydra bases. Through the snow."

"It worked," Clint pointed out, snickering. "Can't say it didn't."

"It worked, but it was still a stupid ass decision at the time," Bucky shot back. "Just like taking on the neighborhood jerks twice his size."

That made Clint outright laugh.

"Oh you'ce got to tell me about that one," he said. "I need all the dirt."

Bucky grinned, all to happy to complain about Steve's younger days. It was a good enough way to pass the time, at least.

Clint was definitely enjoying the stories.

"Oh god this explains so much," he said, cackling. "So goddamn much."

"I'm amazed he's still alive," Bucky said dryly. "He didn't have me to haul him outta trouble for a while there." He scowled a bit, because he'd spent far too much time saving and patching up the Alpha.

Clint snorted.

"Yeah, he does kind of jump in head first all the time," he agreed. "And then he gets on us for doing the same thing."

"Yes he does. Little punk." Bucky shook his head. "And he has to get involved in everything."

"It's weirdly comforting to know that he's always been like that," Clint said, grinning.

"Long as I've known him, he's been that way." Bucky shook his head. "I fished that kid outta more trash cans..."

Clint snickered so hard he was nearly cackling.

"This is absolute gold," he said.

Bucky smirked. "I have all the dirt on him," he said, a tad gleeful.

"I bet you do," Clint said. He was quiet for a second. "Good luck explaining this to him, though." He gestured to where the girls had apparently dozed off. "I still need to explain it to Nat."

Bucky sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "He's not going to be pleased with me," he said with a little shrug. "But we'll deal with it. Hopefully he doesn't stick his foot in his mouth entirely when he talks to her."

"That's what you're worried about?" Clint asked, a bit baffled. "Him tripping over himself over her?" Although, if Clint was honest, he wanted to see that.

"Yes," Bucky said. "He's the worst when it comes to dames, honestly." He shook his head a bit. "He could scare her off without ever meaning to."

"Gonna let him?" Clint asked. It was a legitimate question; Bucky was already bonded, after all, even before the girls came into the picture. It would be easy enough to let Steve drive off the potential rival.

Bucky shook his head. "Not if I can help it," he said, looking a little uncomfortable now. "I know it's too quick to really tell, but I feel like she belongs with us."

Clint was quiet for a moment.

"I get what you mean," he said, glancing at the girls.

"What about you and Phil?" Bucky asked, eager to get the top off himself for now. "You'll have to tell him, too."

"Don't remind me," Clint muttered. He shook his head a bit. "At least it won't be the first time I dragged someone back outside of orders."

"Yes, well, bringing back the person you were supposed to take out is a little different from this situation," Bucky pointed out dryly.

"Not a whole lot different," Clint replied. "Still, Phil's going to give me that Look, and all the paperwork, and it's just going to be a mess."

"No kidding." Bucky sighed. He was not looking forward to that part of heading home.