tcnetwork | Steve Rogers

[He buries his face in his neck and hangs on. Bucky can only nod at the question.]

They knew who I was. They knew they could use you against me.

Never could tell you no.

[He strokes his friends back and just lets him cling as long as he needs too. He knows because Shuri told him that some of the damage to Bucky's brain was permanent and he'll likely never fully recover from it. It's horrible and he feels somewhat responsible. If he'd gone looking for him instead of drowning his sorrows in booze and then crashing a plane to commit suicide maybe...maybe it wouldn't be like this. So he just holds him close and lets the morning brighten around them]

Have you had food at all since lunch yesterday? [That had been the last time he'd seen Bucky.]

[Lunch? He shakes his head.] No. No I don't think so.

I don't remember. [He hates his mind, hates how it makes him doubt himself.]

Come on, I'll make you some breakfast before we go work out. Can't do that running on empty after all. [He offers him a supportive smile.] Can you give Max his bowl of food while I get ours ready?

Yeah.
Yeah I can do that.

[With a task to do, Bucky is okay to move on his own, fill his dog's bowl and ruffle the dog's ears in apology.

He can drink some coffee and sit and watch Steve work.]

[Steve is far from the best cook around but he can reheat some quiche and sweet rolls Mick has obviously sent over along with frying up some bacon. He plates it up and grabs his own cup of coffee before joining Bucky at the table]

Alright, Buck. Eat up. After this we can get ready and head over to the arena where I can kick your butt for a few hours.

[He can drink his coffee and try to collect himself while Steve cooks. It's familiar and alien at the same time but it's enough to keep his attention focused and out of the past and the nightmares that plagued him.

A ghost of a smile at the challenge.] Yeah, you say that now.

And I'll be more than happy to back it up. [He chuckles at the teasing nature of his reply.]

Afterwards we can go to the Saloon and get some drinks and a table full of fried food.

[Being around Steve helps in ways he's not sure he could ever explain to Mick or Diana. There's a comfort in their shared past and even the trauma of the war and being pulled forward in time. The food helps and he's feeling at least a little closer to human after clearing his plate twice and going to the sink to toss a little water on his face.] Always the man with the plan, huh?

Well one of us should have one. [He chuckles and stands to do his own dishes] Yours are usually better so if you think of anything let me know.

Aren't you the one sweet on the master crook? [A fond tease as he sets the rest of the dishes in the machine to be dealt with later.

Max can run outside and watch the animals as they head to the gym.

Bucky is restless and itching for movement, a way to safely release the need for action without anyone being hurt.]

Yes, but this is between you and me. [He says with mock seriousness] I got the looks and you got the brains.

[Bucky snorts at him fondly because Steve's always been the brains ]

I don't know about that. Seems like your fella is smarter than even a Stark.

Pretty sure Lenny's smarter than just about anyone. [He smiles over at Bucky]

You ready to go?

And I'm pretty sure you're biased. [But it all works out because once they're clear they can move without trying to pull punches. Steve can attack with everything that he is and Bucky can defend appropriately.

It's the sort of fighting that he needs to clear his head.

He can't always have Diana meet him in the arena for days like this.]

Probably. I love him after all. Hard not to be biased.

[Steve has no intention of holding back and he attacks as if he's intending to actually defeat Bucky. He catches a punch to the nose and feels the blood start to drip down his face but he doesn't stop. They don't need too. He doesn't mind the burning sting and he knows they'll both be bloody and bruised before it's over with.]

[The fight lasts a long time, neither giving ground until they're both bloody and bruised and Bucky feels closer to human. He waves off before Steve's next attack and grips his best friend's shoulder.]

Thanks.
I needed that.

[Steve smiles brightly both of them are covered in dirt and blood and who knows what else. ]

Wanna get cleaned up and then get some food and drinks at the Saloon?

[Bucky grins and nods.] Give me about an hour. [He should at least check in with Mick and Di, let them know that he's okay. He's safe and after a long bout with Steve he feels more himself.] I'll meet you there.

Meet you there. [Steve heads back to the Waverider and changes his clothes and showers before heading to the Saloon. He arrives before Bucky and orders them both super soldier booze as well as a mountain of food.]

[Bucky isn't far behind him, freshly showered and looking much more alive. Any bruises have healed and in clean clothes he looks like himself again, greeting his best friend with a smile.

He's going to sleep long and hard tonight and that's just what he needs.]

Got here faster huh? I see you're cleaning out the kitchen.

[Steve reaches a hand up and cups his left chest over his heart and laughs at Bucky's teasing comment]

Something like that. Figured we'd eat and drink ourselves into a stupor then go see Len and Mick or something and get free dessert.

Haven't seen you laugh like that in a long time. [He loves the sound of it. Steve happy and free. It feels good.] Getting plenty of food and getting good and drunk sounds like a good way to end the day.

[It's still kind of amazing, seeing the wealth of food that a place like New Dodge can offer up and Bucky is more than happy to eat his fill along the way while talking with his best friend.]

[Steve pours them both a drink and holds his glass up in a toast]

To my best friend, a man I'm so glad I still have in my life.

[Bucky's expression softens.] I wouldn't be myself without your faith in me, pal. I'm glad you found your way back here and to someone who loves you the way you deserve.

(no subject)

cap_rogers0704 - 2020-12-03 02:45 (UTC) - Expand