Tony had learned that trying to talk, even through the tape, was a stupid idea right around the third time he was back handed by a metal fist. It certainly shut him up and he let himself hang far forward , blood dribbling on his lap and mostly dazed when Bucky got up again out of the corner of his eye and headed towards the stairs.

"I'll stay here," he muttered, though it was impossible to make out the words through the gag, and tried to keep himself from falling unconscious.

The Soldier was breathing hard in anticipation as he saw Steve, unmasked, looking half horrified with himself. "I can't do it," he whispered. "I have to, he's my target, but I can't."