"Not exactly," Steve said after a moment, looking a little shifty. "But she hasn't even used magic while we've been here, and never around me."

"Not at all?" Bucky asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought that was the whole reason for this field trip, that she couldn't control it. If she can, why is she still out here?"

Steve shrugged. "I don't know if she feels like she can control it," he said. "I haven't said anything to her, because I think her not using magic around me is still subconscious at this point. A couple times she's tried to use normal spells." He paused. "That was... definitely more vigorous than expected."

Bucky snorted.

"Well, that's all on you then," he said, shaking his head. "I ain't dealing with magic, that's not my thing."

Steve snorted quietly. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered. "I'm okay with that." He grinned a bit. "You get to deal with the dragon."

Bucky snickered a bit at that.

"She's easier to deal with," he said. He glanced at Steve. "By the way, hope you realize Stark and Barton are putting bets on you again. Something about whether or not you're sleepin' with your girl."

Steve rolled his eyes at that. "Those two will bet on anything," he said, grumbling a little. He glanced over at Gemma, satisfied that she was still doing alright. "C'mon, let's go get some food ready for everyone."

"I don't hear you denyin' it, Stevie," Bucky pointed out. "You been gettin' it on with her?"

Steve gave him a bit of a Look. "I'm not tellin'," he said, moving back into the kitchen in a move that was absolutely not a tactical retreat.

Bucky nearly cackled.

"You are!" he said, following Steve into the kitchen. "Never woulda believed it if I hadn't felt it through the bond myself. Way to go, Stevie."

Steve huffed a bit and shoved him. "Go make yourself useful, you punk," he grumbled, though his ears were reddening.

Bucky still snickered as he helped Steve put together some food for the ladies.

"Barton's never gonna let you live it down," he teased. "Not to mention Stark."

Steve huffed a bit. "You think I don't know that?" he muttered. "I do. Not really looking forward to it."

Bucky paused at that. Maybe he'd gone a bit too far?

"Stevie?" he ventured. "C'mon, you know I'm just playin', right?"

Steve huffed a bit. "You are, I know," he agreed. "But Barton and Stark aren't so reserved." He grimaced faintly.

"So put 'em in the dirt next time you get 'em in the sparring ring," Bucky said with a shrug. "It shut the Commandos up real quick, should work with Barton and Stark too."

"It probably will with Barton," Steve agreed. "Tony, though?" He made a face. "I might have to enlist Pepper's help. Or even Kenzie's, if she's willing."

"Prob'ly," Bucky said, shrugging again. "Can't hurt to ask. 'Specially if it ends up keeping Gemma happy."

Steve nodded, glancing at him. "Not like you'll protest gettin' to see your dragon in action, either," he said with a bit of a grin.

"Ain't gonna deny that," Bucky replied. "And beatin' down Stark, even better. Guy needs to be taken down a coupla pegs."

Steve smiled at that. "Aim Kenzie at him, then," he said. "After I get my chance."

"Sure thing," Bucky said with a grin. He paused, and then smirked. "So is she good?"

Steve huffed and threw an apple at his face. "None of your business," he said primly, though his ears were red again.

Bucky snickered.

"I'm betting she is," he said, catching the apple. "Your ears are red, Stevie. Didn't know you liked a bit of danger in your bed."

Steve gave him an arch look. "Really? I tried goin' after Peg, Buck. You really so surprised?"