Shock was what hit Bucky, too. Shock and a battering ram of a human that was his best friend. The force of the blow knocked the air from his lungs and cracked his back against the ground. That was going to be hell, later. Bucky was so confused, caught off guard, that he hadn't even tried to dodge. He had not expected this, couldn't have, But when Steve scrambles back, so does Bucky, making a grab for his weapon.

What did Hydra do to Steve. What had they given him to make him react this way?

Gripping tight to his makeshift weapon, Bucky shakes his head to one side. This isn't good. He needs a way through to Steve. He'll fight him if he has to, but he can't do any serious damage. Assuming he even got that chance.

Well. Maybe he could, but he wouldn't.

Jesus, that had hit hard in more ways than one.

"Stand down. I don't want to have to hand your ass to you again, pal, but I will if it comes down to it."

If Steve comes at him again, he'll be getting defensive swings from the metal and a whole lot of attempts at gaining distance between them, without ever turning his back.