Steve was quiet for a long time, but he didn't let go of Bucky's hand, never letting him drift too far away. He remembered what he had been thinking at the time. Steve had been so tired, both emotionally and physically. He didn't want to be Captain America anymore. Thanos, the snap. All that loss, all that heartache. Even super soldiers had their limits. And Steve had finally reached his.
But his decision had been selfish. He hadn't been given a long time to think it over. Returning the Stones to their respective places in the past was paramount. But if he had been allowed to consider his options, he might have second guessed that decision, much like he was doing now.
Except handing over the shield. He wouldn't have changed his mind about that. Sam deserved to be Captain America. Steve was very sure about that.
It was cathartic, in a way, hearing it being said out loud. And somehow, at the the same time, it made it worse. He had abandoned someone who meant the world to him, and honestly, there wasn't an excuse for it, no matter how done he was with the hero life.
"It's almost cruel, the hotel bringing you back here. You were finally able to move on and then it brings you right back to me. Do you.. think you can forgive me?" Steve had heard Bucky when he claimed he didn't feel wronged, but Steve didn't entirely believe him. Or maybe, Steve was stubbornly insisting that he had messed up. "I'm.. happy you're back. Selfishly happy. I'm just saying I'd understand if you were a little bitter with me."