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 sure is.

[He takes a deep breath. The phones, the different appliances in the apartment, Steve can adjust to the technology. But then it gets shoved right alongside the magical stuff and it's all Steve can do to keep his brain from fizzling - not that you'd really know it by looking at him.

It's tough for everyone, but some definitely manage better than others. Gansey seems the type.]

Hey can I ask you a question? It's gonna seem weird, but what kind of art do you like?

[ Gansey pauses. Of all the questions he might have expected to be asked, that one was not high on his list. He does take most of his surprise in stride, though, and lifts his eyebrows. ]

Ah, I make models sometimes?

[ ...they're not very artistic. He moves on. ]

I don't know, I wouldn't call myself a particular fan. I've come across the occasional tapestry that's caught my interest, but mostly because of its historical appeal. Why do you ask?

No real reason.

[Except it was such a specific, slightly out there question. He shrugs.]

It's just that you remind me of this guy who used to be in my class. He'd always look at those paintings that were just like weird shapes or dots of color and see the most amazing things. I bet you could do that too.

[ That makes Gansey laugh. Because, actually, he probably would. ]

I think I'll take that as a compliment. I was always taught things like museums were educational. I've seen my fair share of art galleries.

I think you can see wonderful things anywhere, though, if you know where to look. And you're willing to believe in them. In my experience, not everyone is.

You know, you asked me last time where I thought the light came from. I'm starting to think it comes from you.

[Steve's smile widens. 'Optimist' doesn't begin to cover it. Gansey's something special.]

I think I'll give it a try too.

[ Gansey can't help smiling. He is optimistic. He's known plenty of people who are irritated by that, but not Steve. He's too nice. ]

Oh, well. It's just, I've spent a long time looking for magic, and these days, it's all around me. There's a lot about this place that's frightening, but that's not all it is.

I haven't an answer about the light yet, by the way. But I'm working on it.

[No one can be a Gloomy Gus all the time. Except maybe Bucky. But Steve's willing to let him.]

Yeah, you'll get there. [But it's what he sighs right before that that has Steve thinking.] Why the interest in magic, anyway? Any particular reason for it?

[ There’s a lot of reasons for it, Gansey thinks. He picks the one that’s simplest, and most true. ]

It saved me, once. Ever since then, I’ve been looking.

Also, I’m seeking something in particular. The tomb of an old Welsh King, called Glendower. You might have heard of him. I’ve been looking for him, and magic is bound up with his story. You can’t seek one without the other.

I won’t find him here, though.

[That's a good one, as far as reasons go. The name itself doesn't ring any bells, but Steve doesn't give it too much thought. He's more interested in Gansey's story.]

How can you be so sure?

[He's probably right, but when you're looking for the resting place of a magical king, just about anything seems possible.]

[ Lots of reasons, Gansey thinks – though, the main one is that Adam says Cabeswater is elsewhere. They’re far from home. ]

Well, my research points towards a resting place in or near Henrietta, Virginia. This is very much not that. The exact location is something I’m still seeking, but I don’t think I was far.

Now, I’m probably a world away. I don’t think this place is anywhere on Earth, much less in Henrietta.