He had survived brunch without killing someone or sneaking out a window. The worst he had done was escape for a bathroom break that had taken longer than was required to empty his bladder and wash his hands, but he had sat for the overly enthusiastic conversation, laughter, questions and meal. He knew that it was important to Steve, so he had endured it as he had endured so many of Hydra's tortures and punishments, both done without complaints.

Perhaps the worst about this brunch matter that a part of him longed to enjoy it, felt like he could have at one time. Then the long years of lost memories and the mental scars kept him sitting quietly eating and just watching, picking out weaknesses rather than opportunities to join in. He kept to himself, but he enjoyed watching Steve have fun, expecting that the experience was enough to satisfy him because he was uncertain how to have fun himself in such a large group of people when all the memories on how to relate to others were still glaringly missing.

As always, he followed Steve back to the apartment like some stray cat. The walk was good for him, and he grunted as he reached out to plunk the bag from Steve's hold so his friend could actually open the door and not drop everything that had been bought all over the hallway.