The hug took Steve by surprise. It wasn't that they had ever been short on signs of affection. Steve's memories always featured him and Bucky side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Arms slung over shoulders, propping one another up when one had too much to drink or was too weak to get around on their own. Touching wasn't something that was unusual, but hugging was reserved for time spent apart. Or worse, a substitute for a real goodbye. It was their way of saying I miss you and I love you and Try not to get into any trouble without me.

Still, it didn't take him more than a second to respond to it, wrapping his arms around a Bucky and hugging him back. So maybe things were more complicated than he'd anticipated. Maybe there were some things that needed to be worked through. A future that needed to be readjusted to. None of that mattered as long as Bucky was here. Steve held on too, closing his eyes and burying his face against Bucky's neck. He held on long enough to say everything he couldn't and then pulled back, clearing his throat.

"We should get downstairs, before she sends a squad after us."