[ She laughs a little, something of a release of tension. She never knows which Bucky she'll get — meaning, what mood he might be in, whether he's a little more wary, a little more closed off, or open and genuine like he is now. It warms her heart to see him this way, knowing how cruel and cold his past has been. ]

Only because you did me the courtesy of waiting a few days for the cuts and bruises to fade. But never mind that.

[ The dragon can wait. (God, what a thought.) It's gentle, how she does finally reach out to rest a hand on his shoulder, the one in a brace to his metal arm. It's unflinching. She's seen it before, accepts it as a part of him. ]

You look as though you could do with a meal. Of course, I could be projecting. Join me?