He appreciated Bucky saying that, even if he didn't quite believe it. Steve could take care of himself now, but it had been different when he was a little guy, sick with every season, barely able to pull his own weight enough to help pay the rent. Still, back then Bucky had never implied that he was a burden, never even seemed to think it, which just went to show that Steve judged himself far more harshly than Bucky ever would.

Maybe, then, their bond had something to teach him about accepting limitations, about trusting the man he loved to help him with the things he couldn't do by himself. He felt nothing but acceptance and welcome from Bucky, the warm sense that he belonged. Steve stirred as Bucky looked around, brushing a kiss to his hair before turning to business. "You lead the way, then." He was willing to go anywhere Bucky took him, deep into hiding if that was what he thought was best.