[ Sam's usually better about easing Bucky into things when he first wakes up, when he first starts coming back to himself - but this is the first time it's happened since they actually acknowledged that what they've got between them is a hell of a lot deeper than friendship.

It's the first time that Sam'd felt so damn empty without Bucky there.

For a moment, their thoughts parallel each other almost exactly, as he thinks Bucky's here, Bucky's okay. That's what's important.

He pulls back as well, though he keeps his fingers in Bucky's hair, tangled in the mix of feathers and flowers. ]

We were on the way back from the desert when you went into a coma. I couldn't figure out what was happening in time, I... almost went with you. But I didn't, I - [ Sam huffs out a little laugh at himself, shaking his head. ] I kept reaching out for you. I don't know if it even helped.