hadriel | (video)

[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.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It sounds like he must really care about you. I'm glad someone like that is here for you.

He'd probably just look all grumpy if you suggested that to him. [But Steve's smiling as he says it.] Thanks. Everyone here's been really nice, but I guess it's true what they say. No place like home.

[And for Steve, that includes Bucky.]

No offense, Steve, but he kind of looks like the person whose default expression is grumpy.

It wasn't always that way. Bucky used to be- [Steve catches himself, stops. He has to stop doing that, especially where Bucky can hear him.] Nevermind, doesn't matter.

[ Ashley understands immediately, her tone softening, expression cast downward. ] People change, it's all right. [ There's no reason to discuss Bucky's—No, uh... ] W-What should I call him, by the way? I don't want to offend him, or anything.

You should ask him.

[He nods, a gesture of encouragement.]

Oh, I guess... [ She flushes. That would probably have been the best idea in the first place, but, lbr, scary soldier is a little scary. ]

Uhm, what should I call you, Mister... uh...? [ Don't call him Bucky. Even if it's a totally adorable name. ]

[He leans his head in to Steve's video.]

James is fine.

[He'd prefer no name at all, but since people seem to keep insisting...]

Okay. It's nice to meet you, then, James. [ that's a surprisingly ordinary name for such a cute nickname. ] I hope you take good care of Steve here.

[He nods.]

I will.

[If nothing else, he will do that.]