[ despite everything she's been through, there's a surprisingly refreshing joie de vivre to the former widow. nothing about yelena's life is light or carefree or easy, and yet she radiates this tongue-in-cheek playfulness anyway; whenever he gets to spend time with her on these rare occasions, it feels like the sun coming out from behind clouds. it helps kick him right out of any self-absorbed brooding gloominess. frankly, it's probably good for him; sam's always telling him to lighten up.

when she flaunts her weaponry, bucky leans slightly in order to peer closer at the knife in her boot. ]

Is that a Ka-Bar? Nice choice.

[ because comparing brands of combat knives is a totally normal topic of conversation. ya dummy. at least she can relate? ]

Home decor really, really isn't my strong suit. And, like, wouldn't a houseplant die if I'm away for a few weeks? I still don't get how you're keeping a kid alive. What do you do with Fanny when you need to go on a job?