Bucky had meant it as a kindness, but he has no way of knowing that it pains her. He smiles softly when she steps away, and puts his hand on her head gently. "It's okay, if you're not, you know," he insists softly, finally pulling his hand away.

The way she speaks, though, that hurts his heart. "You're not responsible for that," he says firmly. "If she beats your friend, that's her fault, not yours," and he's not going to accept any argument on that point. "Not yours," he repeats.