The only sound he made in reply to Steve catching up to him was a faint growl and then a flick of his eyes to make certain that his friend could keep up and wouldn't collapse from exhaustion and dehydration. He said nothing in reply to the apology, not feeling it was necessary to have one at all given that there had been so little choice based on where the mission was going. Coping with fear was not something he did and hadn't had to for many years.

He twitched his shoulders as if trying to dislodge an annoying fly as he mounted the platform to enter the quinjet. He slammed his hand none-too-gently on the button to close the hatch and set the machine ready for take off when he made it to the pilot's seat. He radiated cold and stiffness until they both were hidden from view and he was certain he had not earned any stowaways.

Only then did he sweep Steve into a bone-grinding, bruising hug. "I thought I might have lost you forever."