We've known each other since we were nine or ten, together we've climbed hills and trees...

Please Steve, I need space and time. I can't...not right now.

Bucky knows that he is one hell of a lucky guy to have Steve Rogers as a best friend. In the days that follow after Steve brings Natalia on board the Enterprise, Steve gives him exactly what he asks for - space. Not once does he feel abandoned, he's sure he hears the tread of Steve's boot going past his door at least once a day and that is comfort. His best friend is there if he needs him.

He doesn't speak a word to anyone once he sends Steve away, and that includes his room mate. Even when he wakes up from fresh nightmares, it's with a silent scream. The new nightmares came, warping reality and his worst fears. He does his best to ignore them and the dark circles that begin to form under his eyes again. The nightmares can't all be real, he isn't a monster.

Is he?

Bucky strains against the gaping holes in his memories, using Natalia's information to recall forgotten details to the surface. They come in snatches, he remembers teaching Russians to be American, teaching them hand to hand combat and explosives. All the faces are blank, nameless, apart from hers.

Even then, he gets very few clear, whole memories and it frustrates him.

When Steve knocks on the door again, it's a relief. He's getting no where.

"Coming," he calls hoarsely before he opens the door and steps aside to let Steve in.