Steve is definitely not going to punish him; he figures the best way to prove that is to simply not do it. And that's pretty easy.

At the question, he maybe makes a face, but yeah - he'd said it. He might as well explain it. He shuffles back a bit and plants his butt on the floor instead of his own cushion, a little closer but not exactly in arms' reach.

"Back home - after the helicarriers. You disappeared for two years. Definitely didn't want me to find you." Because he'd definitely tried. Maybe not the full two years, exactly, because there had been Ultron in the middle there, but still.

"I mean - it was your prerogative. Your choice. Even if it didn't start out that way." Steve hadn't been there, he can't say. "And it can be your choice here."