[He knows. Really, Bucky knows Steve didn't mean any harm, that he's just trying to look out for him, and in some ways, Bucky knows he's probably right, because there's something that broke in him a long time ago, and he's not sure it'll ever really heal.
But it still rubs him the wrong way, because it's easier to pretend like nothing's wrong, that he's totally fine, and he doesn't want anyone treating him differently. Especially not Steve.
So several seconds later, Bucky elbows him in return. The gesture might be a little half hearted, but it happens, and Bucky still doesn't get up to leave, either, so hopefully, things are okay.
(They have to be okay. He really doesn't know what he'll do if they're not.)][It's a further attempt at a peace offering, because if Steve wants to get food or do something else as a distraction, he's up for it. But he'll also sit here forever if that's what Steve wants to do.]
spam!
But it still rubs him the wrong way, because it's easier to pretend like nothing's wrong, that he's totally fine, and he doesn't want anyone treating him differently. Especially not Steve.
So several seconds later, Bucky elbows him in return. The gesture might be a little half hearted, but it happens, and Bucky still doesn't get up to leave, either, so hopefully, things are okay.
(They have to be okay. He really doesn't know what he'll do if they're not.)][It's a further attempt at a peace offering, because if Steve wants to get food or do something else as a distraction, he's up for it. But he'll also sit here forever if that's what Steve wants to do.]