If his opinion of Steve has a person rather than a symbol has been shaky after being named a successor candidate without being given a choice, then right now the entire damn thing is folding in on itself and withering miserably.

What the hell is going on?

Sam just stares for a few long seconds, opens his mouth. Closes it.

And then:

"Bucky, the sun does not shine without the moon. It's a cycle. You as the moon give of yourself to make the sun shine, and in return the sun gives of itself so that you can shine as well and grow in strength. The sun and moon are a combined blessing."

A pause, Sam sucking in a sharp breath.

"I will show you. I'll spend my days with you. I'll keep you warm. Because that's what the sun does. And if I fail my moon, then I fail the rest of the world. I have no business traipsing around with barely any light to share while you're cold and bereft."

He swallows, tugs on Bucky's hands and kisses his knuckles.

"I know you didn't really pick me with intent. You just gave your bracelet to someone because you had to, because Steve failed you for years. But I'm your sun. I don't belong to the people. I belong to and with you. You come first, now. As you should have for the past century."