This isn't a level of intimacy Natasha's used to with Steve. Oddly enough, while the physical contact is new to her, it's less strange than Steve's openness expressing his feelings. Maybe in part because of her own indirect style of communication, but also she'd always chalked some of it to Steve's up bringing. He could be blunt, open at times, but he'd rarely been so honest about his feelings.

It's not a conversation that Natasha is sure how to have. She's not entirely sure if she should even encourage it, not when she can't return his openness in kind.

So failing a response, she lets him keep her hand, her fingers twitching into the touch occasionally, tips brushing back against his own calloused hand. It's as close as she can come to reciprocation.