There’s no reason to put it off. Bucky is going to come over sooner or later, and while today might not be the best day for another set of emotional outbursts, Bucky evidently can’t help himself but poke. Steve would never call him a little shit but he’s acting like one.

“Fine. But you have to be nice to my roommates if you’re there. And don’t try to date Nat. I know what you’re like.” Bucky isn’t as much of a ladies man as Steve makes him out to be, but he wants to tease him anyway. The journey home is filled with worry. Every step of the way from pizza shop to a building that is very reminiscent of the one Steve grew up in is making the blond feel more and more stubbornly proud of his home. Every step is almost more defiant, as if Bucky needs to say only one word of criticism and he’ll eat him alive.

When Steve lets them in, the place is empty. Small, filled with too much stuff, but otherwise without either roommate at home. He’s relieved.