Steve pulling him close should be enough to set him off, but it's not. He stiffens just for a moment before he manages to relax again, aware that like this, they'll be trading their scents. The elders will be pleased from that alone. It's not like Bucky has the reputation of being the more approachable man.

He squeezes Steve's hand in return, watching as the moon peaks over the trees, and watches the slight slowly start to touch him. He breathes in, nerves suddenly spiking so much he's sure Steve can smell his anxiety. Even if he knows the moonlight touching him isn't what throws him into heat, not that alone, he can't help the desire to move away from the light. He's never shied away from it before, because the transformation is always exhilarating.

Bucky wants to close his eyes, but doesn't. This is important, and even if this is the last thing he wants to do, it's not something he wants to screw up. It's so much more important than the both of them.