( It's a quiet moment, watching Steve so diligently focused on that last wrap. He studies Steve's hands for a second, but eventually shifts his full attention to Steve's expression. Their bodies have changed, but Steve's expressions are the same.
And that's the thing, isn't it?
Whatever happened-- happens-- the reality is there's no reality where Bucky doesn't forgive him. That isn't to say things are magically better; he's still selfishly sad, still selfishly hurt, there are still complicated things to process in the wake of it, but the anger and the resentment slip away for now. They leave behind instead a nostalgia-inspired reminder that Steve is Steve, and every moment leading up to him leaving isn't undone by that choice.
Maybe he shouldn't be ruining this extra time so goddamn hard, he knows he'll regret it and hate himself for it once it finally comes to an end.
So, instead of answering the question, he softly sighs. )
I'm sorry. For... being such an asshole. I don't really mean it, you know?
( The passive aggressive barbs and the ire he keeps throwing out. )
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And that's the thing, isn't it?
Whatever happened-- happens-- the reality is there's no reality where Bucky doesn't forgive him. That isn't to say things are magically better; he's still selfishly sad, still selfishly hurt, there are still complicated things to process in the wake of it, but the anger and the resentment slip away for now. They leave behind instead a nostalgia-inspired reminder that Steve is Steve, and every moment leading up to him leaving isn't undone by that choice.
Maybe he shouldn't be ruining this extra time so goddamn hard, he knows he'll regret it and hate himself for it once it finally comes to an end.
So, instead of answering the question, he softly sighs. )
I'm sorry. For... being such an asshole. I don't really mean it, you know?
( The passive aggressive barbs and the ire he keeps throwing out. )