[ His body stiffens at the mental touch, but he doesn't try to shrug it away, stops in his tracks before he gets started and goes silent again, frowning at the ground. ]

I know. I think this is one of those things I've gotta figure out for myself. [ There's finality to his words. Not out of pride or a need for self-flagellation (he would deny either, in any case). It's a fine line for him and Sam to walk - Sam telling Steve that he's both his own person and also the same as the man Sam met in another future.

The shield carries a war's worth of blood, on a battlefield he never stepped foot on. He doesn't measure up yet, but the decision's already been made that he has to try.

A glance at Sam, eyebrows knitting together. ] You know, I could show you where to go. [ Pass along the map if Sam needs to take some time before this visit. ]