(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

[prespangled]

I'll talk to her about it.

[Steve knows he might have to vouch for him a little more. But he thinks it might be good for him, plus it would go a long way in the trust points department.]

I'm... [He starts, mouth twisting before he looks down.] I'm sorry about the 'Bucky' thing. Are you still okay if I call you that? Because I can - James is a nice name too.

[wipedclean]

It's fine. You can call me that. It... it feels right when you say it.

[Not so much anyone else. Names in general don't feel right to him, not when they're supposed to be his. He's been so detached from names for so long that it doesn't make sense to him.]

[prespangled]

Yeah?

[Steve glances back up at that, a little hope in his voice. But he's going to let Bucky tell him, if he can. Either way he's not assuming anything.]

Any idea why that is?

[wipedclean]

You're... important.

[He tilts his head.]

I don't... really remember why. But I know you're important to me.

[prespangled]

[He wasn't expecting that answer, but it makes him smile slowly, softly. Steve's been lying to himself, been telling himself that he's dealt with the fact that his friend isn't coming back when he hasn't. But moments like this will help with the transition.]

Maybe it's just something you gotta learn again.

[wipedclean]

[He watches Steve's face wonderingly, as if he can find the answer in his eyes, in his skin.]

Maybe.