Bucky's still holding onto him, but it's not tight, it's not 'I'm about to throw you somewhere' or 'I need you to breathe'. It's almost normal. Almost affectionate.

He sounds like Bucky, even if he also sounds like he's giving a weather report. Steve reddens at the until you kissed me, feeling heat in his temples and cheeks. A crazy part of him wants to go tell Natasha that he at least has enough skill to make Bucky's heart race, ha HA, but then he thinks about how Bucky isn't exactly himself right now and he tells that crazy part to shut up.

...he gulps out a short wry laugh. "I suppose it is. How's the metal arm, soldier? Is it causing you pain?"

It's a question. Something he can do, something he can ask, to keep Bucky occupied. Also, he's wanted to know for a long time. It's heavy, as he knows firsthand. It must have a pretty big impact on Bucky's spine.