Even seventy years of brainwashing couldn't make him forget how stubborn Steve can be. Sighing, Bucky sets his food down and looks directly at Steve. There's been so much between them over the years, the experiments, the shared heat and rut experiences, and Bucky making his desire to claim Steve very clear. It's not something Steve's ever wanted and Bucky respects that. He can't bond any more, anyway, and Steve deserves someone that can give him everything.

"You say it's not safe, but I know that you know alphas that can take care of you," he points out. There's Thor, and T'Challa, and even Bruce. Bucky isn't the only one that can match Steve in strength. "And I don't understand how it's not fair to me. If you want me, my answer will always be yes. You ain't forcing me into anything."