Those fractals may be working to completion in Bucky's mind. He may recall, and the truth is certainly what Bucky deserves.
And yet.
Working the admission out takes Steve a few breaths. He keeps Bucky near to him, and visible, planting his hands on Bucky's shoulders. He means to steel himself. He means to make his confession.
"I didn't do right by you, Bucky. I let you down back there, at the castle. You... I let you go on alone." He breathes in because there is more he could say, however hackneyed. He shakes his head to clear the cobwebs and looks at Bucky. "You shouldn't be here with me, dammit."
Timezones for you, man.... I'll be in bed within the hour. Wacky.
And yet.
Working the admission out takes Steve a few breaths. He keeps Bucky near to him, and visible, planting his hands on Bucky's shoulders. He means to steel himself. He means to make his confession.
"I didn't do right by you, Bucky. I let you down back there, at the castle. You... I let you go on alone." He breathes in because there is more he could say, however hackneyed. He shakes his head to clear the cobwebs and looks at Bucky. "You shouldn't be here with me, dammit."