There's nothing at all groundbreaking about the confession, little that Bucky hasn't pieced together for himself in the time that he's been returned to his right mind, but to hear Steve actually say it, to put it out on the table like that, almost gives Bucky pause. The truth is, however, that they've never been the best at communication, because they knew one another so well that it wasn't necessary most of the time, and this is no different.

Instead of listening, instead of giving what Steve's said the weight it deserves, Bucky steamrolls ahead, his grip on Steve's arms tightening as he jerks him forward just enough to grab his attention, his own expression so fragile that it could break at any moment, his breaths coming in a short staccato.

His words all but tear themselves from his throat: "Look at me."