People tell me all the time that I'm too hard on myself. Hell, Steve told me, shortly before I showed up here, that when beating myself up isn't enough, I let the bad guys do it for me. Looking at him now, though, it's hard not to think him a hypocrite. Because I've worn the flag. I've shouldered that responsibility. And while I no longer view it as the burden I once did, I know what he's going through.

Easing himself down into the visitor's chair, Bucky's quiet for a moment. He's never been one for discussing his feelings, which is as much to do with the environment he grew up in as it is his own personality, but he wants to be there for his friend, even if he's not sure he's the right man for the job.

"The Act gets overturned, you know."