[Steve was from a military family? He couldn't help but feel a slight itch of discomfort, a cold worm of concern that Steve's friendliness was only because of his desire to do something to help a veteran. If he was that keen to do something, in his words, then maybe this is just some misplaced pity.

Damn it, of course it is.

Stupid, Bucky. Stupid. He should have realised what this was from the beginning, he was usually good about figuring out who was pitying him and shutting it down. Just because he's been blinded by a gorgeous face and a smile that makes him want to grin right back, that's no excuse to get sloppy.]

Yeah, sure.

[He snorts, but it sounds hollow and weird to his own ears. The easy camaraderie has disappeared like smoke in the wind.]

I can see why the army would refuse to take someone like you, they always hate people in good shape with excellent muscles.