As it turned out, "fighting" with Shuri wasn't really necessary, as Steve checked in about a half hour later, and promised to sit with Natasha while Bucky hustled out to find the Wakandan princess. Natasha sent her husband off with a fond smile, a soft kiss, and a fervent promise to stay right here, chuckling under her breath as the once-most feared assassin in all the world hurried out and galloped down the hall.

"Glad to see you awake, Red," Steve said after the door closed behind his best friend, leaning back in the chair with a warm smile at the redhead.

Natasha blew out a breath, rolling her eyes a little wryly. "You and me both," she quipped, taking his offered hand in a fond embrace. "Gotta say, I was having serious second thoughts about this whole 'motherhood' business, if this is how it's gonna go." She shifted, winced, and settled back, grumbling lightly under her breath.

Steve made to help her, but she waved him off, and he sat back on the edge of the chair, lightly admonishing. "Hey, you're a trooper, the strongest person I've ever known, you'll bounce right back, Nat, promise." She made a face at him, earning his low chuckle. "Stuff it, Rogers," Natasha retorted grumpily. "Your sanctimoniousness makes my teeth ache sometimes."

Steve just laughed again, and by the time Bucky and Shuri came back into the room, both old friends were sharing their odd mirth back and forth.