[ Maybe it shouldn't be the right thing to say, but it absurdly makes Sam feel better. He'd worked himself up so much thinking that Steve didn't want the complication that Sam brought, that he thought things might be easier if Sam'd never showed up here. It's... really good, to hear that isn't the case.

His smile grows a little. ]

There's not a lot you could ask of me that'd be too much, man, and the times it is, you can bet I'll let you know. If I got the chance to be the guy in your corner, I'll take it every damn time. [ There's a brief pause, and then his voice is a little quieter when he continues. ] I'm lucky you're here, too.