[There's an exhale of breath tinged with wry amusement at the words. It's nice, sounds like something Helmut would have said. Something about leading and how he didn't have to try and do this.

Then Bucky puts his cards on the table, and Steve can't help but do the same. Always a little earnest, and Bucky seems like a good person. Familiar in strange ways that make a little more sense with that fact on the air.]

Where I'm from, I only really had one friend. He saved me from some bullies when I was a kid, and we were- best friends ever since. Either getting in trouble together, or he was pulling me out of it. But his name was Helmut.

[Steve didn't expect Bucky would know the name, and if he did, who might Helmut be in his world? But he leaves off his last name anyway in a silent sort of reflex. But there's a fondness, quiet affection to his voice.]