[ jokingly batting the straw away from him, bucky finds himself examining that question from all angles, trying to untangle it. is he disappointed? he’s not quite sure what that mingled cocktail of feelings is, tight in his chest. he doesn’t especially trust himself around kids — too accustomed to being a weapon — but sam’s nephews and their friends have been doting on him, flocking to him in fascination, and he has fun joshing around with them. hmmmmmm. ]

Maybe a tiny bit disappointed ’cause I’m good with kids, yeah. [ then, his impish expression twinkling, ] Maybe a tiny bit relieved ’cause it’s complicated to ask out a single mom. Although I have faith we could make it work.

[ pivot, pivot, hey how about that abomination of a drink with tabasco sauce, he looks down at it rather than yelena’s face, ]

What the hell is that thing. Can I have one? Whatever you’re making.