Sam wouldn't be surprised to learn that. It's a hard thing to have to admit to yourself, let alone say aloud to someone else. Maybe one day, they'll be at a level where Barnes can give voice to things like that. It's something Sam's going for, at least.

But he's not aiming for it today.

"I'd rather not do it alone," he replies, just to get that established, then shrugs. "I meant what I said, about maybe being your friend. I only know a little about the guy you used to be, but I'm interested in learning about the guy you are now, and the one you want to be."

He pauses, but only briefly, and then adds, "And in case you're going to ask me 'why' again, I'll go ahead and tell you I don't have an easy answer for that. But I can try, if you want."