[ This connection between them - there's been a lot of times that Sam hated it, some when he was grateful for it, and moments when he didn't know what he'd do without it. But he's done fighting it. It's a reality, one he can't change, and all he can do is accept it and move forward the best he can.

Even when it pulls shit like this, when stuff he'd never meant to say slips out and he can feel Bucky's reaction, the clenched jaw and uncertainty, the programming creeping back up. He runs his fingers through Bucky's hair again, just enough to make the feathers sway and brush against his ears, as he lets himself focus more on their connection, putting more of himself into it so it's just a little bit stronger. ]

Hey now, don't pull that on me. I never met the guy you were back then. I don't give a shit about him, he ain't you. That's never gonna be who you are again. [ Harsh, maybe, for all that Sam's matter-of-fact tone is still gentle, but it's true. And Sam's never pulled his punches when it comes to Bucky; the guy deserves better than platitudes and unrealistic optimism. ] You aren't the Soldier, either, not anymore. All I want is to be here while you figure out who you are, not who you're not. Only thing I want from you is to not give up.

[ And also for him to stop killing people and probably not try to murder Sam himself again, but he's pretty sure they already covered that with Sam's promise to take him out if he hurt anyone again. ]