Thinking about HYDRA recapturing him, taking him away earned a clipped growl- gone almost as soon as it formed. Sam shook his head though he knew it was completely viable. Years just...gone. Rumlow had the unfortunate privilege of being some sort of fountain of youth, or at least a product of it.

“I am,” he insisted. He wouldn't let anyone hurt Rumlow and he wasn't going to let Rumlow harm anyone else as much as possible.

But he'd admit, he was too easily distracted now and the moment he felt Rumlow reach for their bond his attention fell solely to that. His eyes shut and he sighed, tension bleeding out from him as he stopped pushing the awareness away and just let it run through. It felt like finally bedding down after a long day, the air cold around but everything cozy and perfect and right underneath the covers.

He knew what home left like and he knew, so acutely, that he hadn't felt it ever since SHIELD came down.

Just this much contact was already strengthening the hungry thread, building it further. Sam reached out without thinking, needing contact along with the wrap of their minds and slid his hand down Rumlow's forearm until their wrists were pressed together, scents mingling just above the line of the cuffs.

It felt right. Resonating all through him. Sam turned his head in and towards his bond, wondering how the hell he could miss someone he barely knew this much.