Maybe if she knew Steve before he became what he is now, she would understand. Or maybe Bucky can show her a picture of him when he's small and skinny, practically a runt. There are images of him in the Smithsonian in the exhibit. The truth of the matter is that Steve is only a brick on the outside. Inside, he's still that tiny hint of skinny Steve, at least when it comes to Bucky Barnes. He tries not to let it show, he tries to be strong and brave Captain America for others, but Bucky really is his weakness.

He doesn't get mad at her. He doesn't show any sign of tension or emotion and he doesn't fault her for her response. She doesn't know him, doesn't know Bucky either. She has no reason to care and Steve can get it. In a way, it almost makes things worse, but he won't comment on it.

"I understand," he said softly. "You... You need to... He... Bucky's not just my best friend. He's my everything." Steve remains strong. He doesn't cry. His lip doesn't tremble. He doesn't move from where he's standing, but he hopes his words convey everything. If he loses Bucky twice, after losing Peggy, it would kill him. "He's chasing something he has to chase. And I... I have to let him chase it." Even if he hated it.