It sounds like something Steve would say, actually, and Bucky's not sure he deserves it. She doesn't know all the horrible things he's done and while it's some of the beauty of this place - an anonymous life - he also doesn't think it's fair for her to think of him as a friend when he isn't really worthy of that kind of affection.

"I guess that's how friends work," Bucky says, laughing awkwardly. "But I'm sure it takes time and effort. I don't know anything about magic but learning something is not ever easy. You might take to it, sure, but you still have to put in the work."