[Steve's honestly starting to think that Bucky's not going to make it the whole way. Look, pride is one thing, but concussions trump pride. They even trump stubbornness, because right now, Steve's starting to think that sheer stubbornness is the only thing that's kept Bucky going this long. But it's starting to run out.
When Bucky stumbles, Steve stops and tries to carefully tighten his grip on Bucky's hand, because the only other way to grab him is around those broken ribs and like hell he's going to do that. But if he grips Bucky much harder, he's going to end up tugging him over his shoulder by that arm, and let's not add a dislocated right arm to the left one already in a sling.
He pauses, takes a breath, then shakes his head slightly.] Look - I'm sorry. You can get me back later. [But before Bucky can do or say anything, Steve ducks down, slides under him, and picks him up in a fireman's carry - because at least that way he can put all of Bucky's weight on his right side over Steve's shoulders and avoid even touching the left. And he just gets going down the next set of stairs, taking care to make sure there's enough clearance for Bucky's head any time they go around a corner.]
Spam
When Bucky stumbles, Steve stops and tries to carefully tighten his grip on Bucky's hand, because the only other way to grab him is around those broken ribs and like hell he's going to do that. But if he grips Bucky much harder, he's going to end up tugging him over his shoulder by that arm, and let's not add a dislocated right arm to the left one already in a sling.
He pauses, takes a breath, then shakes his head slightly.] Look - I'm sorry. You can get me back later. [But before Bucky can do or say anything, Steve ducks down, slides under him, and picks him up in a fireman's carry - because at least that way he can put all of Bucky's weight on his right side over Steve's shoulders and avoid even touching the left. And he just gets going down the next set of stairs, taking care to make sure there's enough clearance for Bucky's head any time they go around a corner.]