He has not a single concern about Clint at his back. Worrying about his physical safety isn't a thing Steve really does, or has ever done - even when he should, even when he was about a hundred and twenty pounds, soaking wet.

That doesn't mean there isn't a reaction. It's just mostly an emotional one and he doesn't see it coming or expect it at all. His stomach tightens briefly under Clint's hand before he manages to stop it with an almost impossibly soft sound. Then he closes his eyes, curls his body around Clint's arm. Brings both arms up, fingers of one hand woven into his own hair, face buried in his own forearms.

Clamps his teeth together and resolutely does not let his breathing change or tension creep into his body to disturb Clint. But also absolutely falls apart and silently cries. Can't stop it, doesn't really try to. Just focuses on not letting it translate into physical tension or noise.

He doesn't even know why he's crying, exactly. Something about Bucky, or Sam, or just how fucking goddamn impotent he is and has been for ... years, and feels fucking stupid and selfish for it.

And will absolutely end up asleep, anyway.