[He stalled as he considered that seriously. She had definitely offered the hand of friendship towards him, and he had openly taken it with little convincing. He was not particularly suspicious of people by nature because he was kept in relative naivete thanks to HYDRA only using him as muscle. It meant that he was willing to trust most people even in Hell unless they gave him reason not to.

He looked away, wavering on his choice. She could be using him; she could be using him to get to Rumlow, to have a clear shot at undermining the only source of order that he had. Why didn't it feel that way then? He had been so easily comfortable with her in a way that he wasn't able to be even with Steve. Like two peas in a pod, he supposed.]

She did. Did I make a mistake? It doesn't feel like a mistake, but I will... explore the possibility that she is using me.

[He watched Rumlow and knew that this turn of events was a major glitch in the plan. It wasn't as if his commander could think through it, but right now, it must have seemed like a big pain. He reached out and smoothed his flesh fingers through his commander's hair.]

I won't let her harm you. You're my priority. And I don't want this to turn into a war between you and her.