Stuck in his apartment, living in memories? Is that was people thought of when they imagined what he did in his off time? Steve wanted to believe that he got out more than that, and he did, mainly for rides on his motorcycle. Still, he also couldn't deny that part of him was still trapped in the past, despite all the progress he'd made here in the future. He didn't know if that would ever change.

Still, the offer was generous, with Rumlow willing to put up with as few or as many strings as Steve wanted. He would have to make sure he knew what he hoped to get out of this and be positive on that so that he could lay it all out for Rumlow before they delved too deep. That was the fair way to do it.

"I appreciate it. I mean, all of it. The offer alone is more than you owe me," Steve said, closing his eyes as Rumlow's fingers worked through the short hairs at the back of his neck. "Can I take a raincheck on making my mind up? I need to think this over." Steve didn't hesitate to take the plunge into any sort of dangerous situation on a mission, but this required a lot more care and consideration.

Natasha would have said he was scared. But Natasha didn't know about this, at least not yet, and there was some relief in knowing that it was his secret for now.