"Oh, I've been paying attention. You can be very distracting." Bucky couldn't help twisting his head to nip lightly at Steve's jaw. "That doesn't surprise me, though. Romanoff was a smart woman who knew how to manipulate circumstances to fit her needs when she had to." It wasn't stated as a criticism. It made tactical sense, even if Bucky wasn't on the same level as the Black Widow. "Even you can't fuck up pancakes that badly." And if he could, who cared? It was enough that he'd make the effort.
"I know you don't expect that, punk." There was never any question of Steve expecting anyone to fight who couldn't...or wouldn't. Nor was it a shock to hear Steve was already thinking ahead. The legends always seemed to forget, in all their focus on body he'd been given, that Captain America was also one of the best strategists in the world. And that was all Steve. "Smaller groups could work. This is the sort of situation where smaller groups would be beneficial, easier to move, split up if we have to. We've got enough magic users you wouldn't have to make the groups too small."
A quiet laugh escaped him. "Such a punk. Fine, have your silver-lining." He shook his head fondly, falling serious when Steve did. "Small steps are good. Small steps and patience."