If Steve thinks that Bucky ever stopped loving him, then he's a goddamn idiot.

But this is one of the main reasons why he didn't call, didn't reach out. He doesn't want to disappoint Steve with the man he is now, knowing that he's struggling so hard to get back to being even half the man he was. He doesn't want to be second best, or see the pity in anyone's eyes as they remember how he used to be, or worst of all to become an obligation that they put up with for the sake of a memory.

He looks tired for a moment, and then a sudden snort of laughter escapes him, seemingly taking even him by surprise.

"Jerk."

Putting spice in his food, what are they, twelve? Penny seems to sense that Steve needs comfort and that's what she's trained for, so she sits next to him good as gold and licks his ear once in a while.

"I don't have a phone, so I can't give you my number. But I won't stalk about without you, I've gotta start making sure you're not breathing in mould."

If Steve isn't going to ask, Bucky isn't going to volunteer it. He's not quite that brave. Not yet.

"Besides, we can't have dinner, don't you gotta get to work?"