Steve waited for Rumlow to get comfortable, then buried against him without much shame, moulding himself to Rumlow's chest as the little spoon and wrapping the blankets tightly around himself. He gasped for a few moments, as quietly as he could, all but willing the warmth to seep into his small, frail body.

He nodded. "Okay," he whispered. "I understand." He shifted uncertainly, then glanced at Rumlow over his shoulder. "Can I ask you something, if you promise not to be mad?"