(video)

[wipedclean]

[The video is showing two very different men sitting side by side on a couch in one of the apartments. The soldier, big, strong, metal arm, and still in his tactical gear but without his mask and goggles, seems to be showing the other, Steve, how to use the phone. The video joins this demonstration already in progress.]

Like that. See?

[He hands the phone over to Steve.]

And now it’s showing to everyone else.

[Steve’s figured out...well, most of the basics. Those that he could on his own. He was too stubborn to ask for help, but somehow Bucky must’ve known that he needed a little more instruction.]

Huh. [He takes the phone from the larger man.] So you’re saying that everyone can see and hear us right now? [The same way Steve has seen and heard others over the network. He blinks, expression brightening with an idea.] To everyone I haven’t met yet, my name’s Steve Rogers. And this is Bucky.

[Steve nods his head in his direction, but he never looks away from the phone.]

He used to like dancing. I don’t know if he does or not anymore, but if anyone needs a partner, it can’t hurt to ask.

[See what happens when you teach him things, Barnes.

For the soldier’s part, he turns his head to glare at Steve, then leans back into the couch, crossing his arms and scowling. He sure as hell isn’t going dancing with anyone.]

No one else calls me Bucky.

[The way it’s phrased, it’s clearly not a statement or a request. More like an order.

Only Steve gets to call him Bucky.]



(Bucky is red and Steve is blue. Replies will come from both.)

Comments

[video]

[mismanagement]

[She frowns at him.]

Do you have a rank or designation?

[Steve is military, and this man seems...well. Like the Inquisitor, if she's being honest. Perhaps he doesn't have a name either.]

[wipedclean]

[He shrugs a little, glances at Steve a moment, because he knows Steve won't like it, but says it anyway.]

Soldier.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh takes a moment to respond, composing herself until she's certain that none of her---weakness, sentiment, memories - will show on her face. She's the essence of professionalism when she finally does send the video.]

State your mission objective.

[If he's like the Inquisitor - if he's anything like the Inquisitor - then this Soldier will break whatever gets in his way. That cannot happen here.]

[wipedclean]

[He blinks, tilts his head. She talks like a handler, but she's not Hydra. Interesting.

And somewhat... strangely comforting, to have familiar territory to tread.]

No current mission.

[mismanagement]

[That's not as comforting as it could be. Someone might still give him an objective. Maketh doesn't trust anyone with eyes like the Soldier has. Too close to empty. It makes her remember things she doesn't want to.]

Regardless of present or future objectives, civilian casualties will not be allowed. Is that understood?

[wipedclean]

[His eyes narrows. He might be Hydra's tool, but he doesn't have to take orders from anyone not designated to give him orders.

Though he understands this is less of an order and more of a warning. Which he can appreciate. So he nods.]

Understood.

[He won't say it's irrelevant. With how people seem to be brought here at random, he doesn't know if Hydra will show up or not. Maybe he'll get a mission. Maybe he won't. He may never know.]

[mismanagement]

[It's no comfort. This man - or this tool that was once a man - doesn't answer to her. The one giving the orders is elsewhere. Maketh nods slowly. She will have to work around this as best she can.]

Your friend trusts you. Don't make him a liar.

[wipedclean]

[He's a little taken aback by that, unsure of how to respond. It's no real surprise Steve trusts him, but the weight of it seems to really hit him in that moment.

Should Steve be trusting him? In another world, he was sent to kill Steve. Not the Steve as he is now, but Captain America.

Steve can trust him now. But if Hydra shows up... he doesn't know.]

I'll... try not to.

[It's the best he can manage.]

[mismanagement]

All right.

[Her expression softens slightly.]

Welcome to Hadriel.

[wipedclean]

[He huffs a little, a bit of a scoff, but then he hesitates.

Then, very softly,]

Thank you.