Maybe there's a subtle ulterior motive here, too, even though Steve isn't usually prone to ulterior motives. If Tony's new protege is this genuinely interested in his friendship--and Steve would give it freely, either way--that's a sign that the bridge isn't so far burnt it can't be mended. Or at least that Tony feels bad enough about his own actions that he's unwilling to badmouth Steve's part in the falling out completely.

In any case, Steve Rogers has a heart, which he wears on his sleeve, and the obvious enthusiasm the kid has for this project touches it. No matter how uncertain he is at this point that he's a suitable role model, Steve is used to people looking at him as such. It's an honor and a privilege. He's going to do it justice here for the kid's sake, not his own.

"You still in school? That's important too. If you are." Oh, Steve is dead positive this kid is still in school. Probably high school. But if he keeps it vague enough that it sounds like he maybe thinks he's in college, maybe the 'do your homework' message will come across softer.

"One of these days I should go back to university," he murmurs, half to himself. He's got a two-year art degree and a half dozen honorary degrees from various U.S. colleges. If tomorrow the world were permanently safe and he had no further work to do, and he and Bucky could come home? Yeah, once they were out of therapy, he'd put them both through school.

Anyway. He blinks at the apple and smiles. "And if it comes out the other side as applesauce, we'll know something's not quite right? Sure thing, let's do this."