Steve's eyes flutter shut as Bucky scratches his nails against his neck. As he plays with his hair. As he steps closer and whispers such sweet words in the air between them. It's incredible how natural this all feels considering it's uncharted territory for them both. Steve's wondered for years if he'd imagined the moments and looks he believed they'd shared. He'd wondered if it was wishful thinking to believe that Bucky wanted him like he'd wanted him. It was a question he was sure he'd never get the answer to.

But here it is. Steve watches Bucky's eyes drift to his lips and he can read the other's thoughts like they are neon signs. Or maybe it's just that they're having the same thoughts and that fact is so painfully obvious, no telepathy is even needed.

"I'm nothing..." His voice is small as he closes that last inch by pressing their foreheads together. "I've been a ghost without you, Buck. I...I need you. I always have. I always will..."

Steve's head cocks to the side and his nose bumps against Bucky's. He practically nuzzles in a millimeter at a time, hands shaking just a bit from restrained need, not fear. There's nothing to fear, here. For the first time in too long Steve feels secure. He inhales deep, cherishing it. The two of them are close enough that they are sharing air.

He can taste Bucky's last drink on his breath.

"I need you."

Steve's lips bump against Bucky's as he speaks and words are so inadequate. So meaningless now that he has Bucky's arms around his neck and his lips a hairsbreadth away.

"I..."

Who needs them?

Steve presses in, finally. He kisses Bucky harder than he means to, already starving for it from the start. His arms wrap tight around Bucky's waist and pull him flush. The heat at every point of contact is searing.

Steve hopes he has burns and scars from each one.