[There was never a chance of protest; Bucky drops the cigarette and hugs her back just as tightly. He can't tuck her neatly in his arms anymore but it doesn't matter. For all the height and curves and legs he's seen kick in multiple doors by now, it's still Steph. He pulls her close, warm and real, and holds her for a long moment before mumbling against her hair.]

Wanted to see you before the end. Got that, at least.

[It's no less morbid than what she's saying, really. He pulls back a little but doesn't let go, just cups her face with one hand.]

Kept telling myself if I got my dumb ass back to you, there's one thing I'd do.

[His gaze flickers to her lips before meeting her eyes. They had kissed, and she'd even kissed back before the entire factory threatened to come down on their heads from the explosions being set off. Maybe her letter is still there, burnt to ash. He has it memorized.]