[ Bucky is one of the very few people Sam trusts completely, too, and Sam doesn't really trust a whole lot of people not to hurt Bucky, either. They're better together than apart for a number of reasons, and only part of that is because Sam's too damn in love with him to want to be separated.

It might be a really big part, but still.

It feels good, talking this over with Bucky. They ask each other the hard questions, they're realistic and emotional all at the same time, and Sam appreciates it more than he can say. ]

I don't know.

[ Sam doesn't bother pretending like everything's going to be fine, like there's no real danger and neither of them will feel guilty if something bad happens. He's optimistic, sentimental, but he's also practical, and he's never tried to bullshit or candy coat things with Bucky. ]

We're gonna be split either way. Down here - maybe we could've helped, but maybe we'll be getting in the way, staying past our usefulness. Up there? Maybe we can do some good for a change. I learned a long time ago that I'm gonna go crazy if I put everything on my shoulders, if I take everything personal and make it all my responsibility. Don't always remember that, but maybe now's a good time to practice. Maybe we can help remind each other of that. And anyway, if -

[ He pauses, biting the corner of his lip. He's said before that Bucky's more important than any mission, but - he means it, more than before. Bucky's happiness, his mental and physical well being, is gonna come first. ]

If it's you or a mission it's always gonna be you. That's a choice I'm happy to live with.