He hadn't left the message out there to draw Steve in to kill the man; that wouldn't serve his purpose, wouldn't provide him with the structure that he needed to be functional. The sheer idea that he would save Steve and then kill the man months later seemed absurd; he didn't waste efforts and didn't change his mind on things.

"I'm not going to kill you," he said slowly, his eyes half-lidding almost casually. "I drew you here to protect you. Hydra is out there, but I've got your back."

There was a twist of odd euphoria as the opening to insert himself in completely just seemed to present itself. If he wasn't already crouching, he might have sat down next to Steve to be close, but he had committed himself to cool, calmness, and he would stick to that. "You're belief was never a lie. Remember what you believed." A look of confusion flashed across his face at the question relating his opinion, his feelings. "I was empty, a blade laid bare... you are strong. You'll make your way; I'll... help you."