There's a moment where he almost caves and says yes, especially at the way that Steve kisses the top of his head, but ultimately he sticks with his response.
Although, really, the walk to the elevator feels eternal. There's a moment where he can feel that point of exhaustion where he's starting to feel borderline nauseous, but washing up is a good idea no matter how much he wants to sleep for the next three days. It makes him feel at least a little bit more human, and by the time he changes into the cotton shirts, he's finally feeling a little more comfortable in his own skin.
It won't last long, though, and he already knows that even now. In the morning, when he can think a little clearer, he won't be worrying about his fight with Steve. He won't be distracted by the bitterness and anger that kept nagging at him after leaving Medical Services. He'll be able to fully focus on what has been happening - he'll remember the pool of Natasha's blood he woke up in 48 hours ago, he'll remember the fact that he's losing his damn mind, and--
The feeling of Steve's lips against the back of his neck, and the way he pulls him closer, help to quiet down those thoughts and he presses himself closer against him. He knows this peace and quiet won't last long for him, and he knows he doesn't deserve it, but for now he's selfish and tired enough to want to get lost in how comfortable he's feeling by how Steve is holding him. It makes him take a slow deep breath as he takes in his scent, this feeling of being home, and he manages to fall asleep almost as soon as he finally closes his eyes.
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Although, really, the walk to the elevator feels eternal. There's a moment where he can feel that point of exhaustion where he's starting to feel borderline nauseous, but washing up is a good idea no matter how much he wants to sleep for the next three days. It makes him feel at least a little bit more human, and by the time he changes into the cotton shirts, he's finally feeling a little more comfortable in his own skin.
It won't last long, though, and he already knows that even now. In the morning, when he can think a little clearer, he won't be worrying about his fight with Steve. He won't be distracted by the bitterness and anger that kept nagging at him after leaving Medical Services. He'll be able to fully focus on what has been happening - he'll remember the pool of Natasha's blood he woke up in 48 hours ago, he'll remember the fact that he's losing his damn mind, and--
The feeling of Steve's lips against the back of his neck, and the way he pulls him closer, help to quiet down those thoughts and he presses himself closer against him. He knows this peace and quiet won't last long for him, and he knows he doesn't deserve it, but for now he's selfish and tired enough to want to get lost in how comfortable he's feeling by how Steve is holding him. It makes him take a slow deep breath as he takes in his scent, this feeling of being home, and he manages to fall asleep almost as soon as he finally closes his eyes.