"Magnificent asset? I don't think anyone's ever used that as a pet name before," Bucky teases. It's more lighthearted than he feels. If he hadn't been focused on driving, he thinks he might have done something rash that he'd regret later and that's just going to make the tentative bond between them fraught when they need to be a unit more than ever. Once they get to safety, maybe he can let his guard down a little but for now, it's important that he keep his wits about him.

"I like the sound of it, though. You'll have to keep that one in your pocket for later." It's just glib enough to be played off as a tease and if she wants to pursue it, she can. It's the most Bucky can give right now when he's afraid of getting hurt; he's more afraid of losing Natasha somehow than his own skin and that's a dangerous place to be. He's afraid that when they're alone, he won't be able to hold back.

"I happen to think you're a magnificent asset too, since we're tossing compliments."