Let me tell you about a thing.
That look on Bucky’s face. That is the look of a man who’s barely keeping it together because the love of his life got hurt again. That look is where he really, really wants to throw tiny bitty Steve over his shoulder and carry him off where he can be safe and sound and nobody can hurt him.
But he can’t do that. He won’t do that. Because while he can protect Steve, he can’t make Steve feel like he’s less than what he is. He won’t step on Steve’s dignity like that, because it’s more than just stupid pride. It’s everything to do with respecting Steve and the strength in him that is a lot more than the physical.
So he’ll walk in when Steve’s out of his depth and cover with a smart ass comment that will keep Steve from feeling worse than he already does. They’ll banter and snark while Bucky covertly makes sure Steve isn’t hurt worse than he appears.
But then there’s that look and he isn’t as good at hiding as he thinks he is and Steve will remember that. One day, Steve will figure it out, because he’ll recognize that same expression in himself. And maybe they won’t have to cover things up so much with snark and wiseass commentary.
Maybe Steve will just lean over, press his lips against Bucky’s temple and say, “Love you, jerk.”
Maybe Bucky will turn his head, press a kiss back to the corner of Steve’s mouth and answer, “Right back ‘atcha, punk.”