"I never loved someone like that," Tony admitted. "I don't think I even love Pepper like that. I don't even know if she's alive but I've barely thought about her-- but you? You were this brain washed scary robot guy and you still wanted nothing but to protect him. I can respect that. There's not a lot of people like you around. So he's off limits. But your hair and your crazy way of talking is not. You need tougher skin if you want to be my friend."

He was already starting back to the Village before Steve could find them and happen upon a conversation Bucky would punch his skull in if he heard. So Tony left it like that, hands in the pockets of trousers that didn't fit too well but he didn't have a tailor handy anymore to do anything about.

Steve had his hands on narrow hips and a worried look on his face as Tony and Bucky pushed out of the jungle. "Are you--"

"We're fine, mom. Thanks," Tony said, heading back inside to avoid having to eat any more boar-cat.

Steve headed slowly over to Bucky. "You too? You can tell me if you aren't."