(You're not a coward. ) [ Conviction tinged with frustration hums across the line again, and he lifts his eyes to watch Bucky. Another pause. ]
(If you need space, that's one thing. You leaving to protect us - or asking Sam to make you that promise -) [ He shakes his head, shutting his eyes for a second. ] (- you aren't sparing us from anything.)
[ He meets Bucky's memories with his own, the three men at the Bearings on Concordia from Steve's perspective, the comfort and ease he felt from their presence, the irreplaceable sense of belonging in that moment on another planet that has little to do with a past Bucky doesn't fully remember or a future Steve never lived. ]
no subject
( If you need space, that's one thing. You leaving to protect us - or asking Sam to make you that promise - ) [ He shakes his head, shutting his eyes for a second. ] ( - you aren't sparing us from anything. )
[ He meets Bucky's memories with his own, the three men at the Bearings on Concordia from Steve's perspective, the comfort and ease he felt from their presence, the irreplaceable sense of belonging in that moment on another planet that has little to do with a past Bucky doesn't fully remember or a future Steve never lived. ]