It's the fact that this time, he asked. It's the fact that he's pissed but not projecting any of his upset in Sam's direction. It's the fact he's here, safeguarding Sam's way home.

When Bucky steps close, Sam doesn't flinch or back away. Even though a shifter this agitated scares most people. To Sam this radiates safety right now.

And Sam's own scent is a mess. It's taken on the acrid, bitter notes of fear, hunger, upset, mixed with the scent of Tony's cum and aroused alpha - the cab driver. It all clings to Sam.

He reaches out after a moment, slides his arm through Bucky's as they walk.

"You okay?"

Because he will always ask that first of others, when when he just went through some shit.