[Pot calling the kettle black. He fights the urge to roll his eyes, even though what Steve’s saying isn’t unfounded given their interactions thus far. Something about actually hearing the words come out of Steve’s mouth makes the weight that much lighter though. Enough anyway that Bucky decides to do as Steve has just asked as example of why he probably should hold back regardless. Maybe. Or maybe because all the pleasantries means he’s also been holding out on the criticism that had always come so naturally before, and he's actually kind of sick on holding out on all of it.]

Hi, Pot. I’m Kettle. [The remark is overtly dry, the hint of exasperation clear but also the familiar lilt of something from decades ago makes itself known. He shakes his head to add to his clear annoyance with the situation. But he knows as much as Steve likely does that the air between them is still murky on the best of days.] Ain’t gotta tell me twice.

[That’s the cue by the way, Steve. That he did need to hear this, but you won’t ever have to say it again. It's the first time Steve's said it after all.]

I could say the same for you. [The “you know” goes unsaid because they both know it.] I know it’s not all gonna be sunshine and smiles. That’s just...life. If you think I’m scared about...

[He trails off because there’s any number of things that could go there with the way they’ve been holding back from each other, trying to keep it all simple and light-hearted. Steve can fill it in with whatever he wants.]

—well, I’m not. Maybe then— [The train. Hydra. Falling. Remembering.] —but not anymore. I’m only afraid of what I still can’t control. [That part of his mind they’ve locked away from him.]