#6-Candles

[blue_sniper]

[Bucky's not in the ballroom with everybody else, or whoever decided to go to the ballroom. He's actually sitting in the lobby, with a bunch of candles around him. There's a book of matches next to him, too, since there seems to be a magical draft in here. Thanks, Castle. There also seems to be a wished-up bottle of the worst tasting whiskey in the world and a shot glass.]

Hey, are all of you guys all right? You aren't stuck anywhere, are you? If you want some company [or to keep him company] I'm in the lobby. Can't miss me. There's a ton of candles.

(OOC: You probably know if you're Bucky's friend or not. This is also open to anybody who wants to walk by and see him there.)

Comments

that was quick and also, bucky learns quick

[blue_sniper]

I am not going to set myself on fire. [When has denials like these ever worked in his favor? Never. He resigns himself to having Steve in the lobby in about ten minutes.]

he really does. :(

[valuedstrength]

[A little longer than ten minutes since Steve is pretty up high. He manages to get there with his journal, a sketchbook, and a small case. Bucky's markers and some spare pencils may be in it.]

Looks like I made it in time. You're not smoking yet.

[blue_sniper]

Of course I'm not smoking. I'm near an open flame. And turns out smoking's bad for you anyway. I quit a year ago. [Yes, but he'll drink whiskey around an open flame.]

[valuedstrength]

That isn't what I meant. [He points to the bottle.] I don't know if this is the time to be drinking.

[blue_sniper]

It's the perfect time to drink, Steve. [He takes another shot.]

[valuedstrength]

Bucky, have you noticed what's going on here? [There's creepy noises everywhere and no sun. The last one is his most pressing concern.] This could be one of the things the older residents warned us about.

[blue_sniper]

Of course I've noticed, Steve. Why do you think I'm drinking? Need to steady my nerves somehow.

[valuedstrength]

You don't need that to steady your nerves, Bucky.

[blue_sniper]

Then what should I do to steady my nerves, Steve?

[valuedstrength]

[Steve smiles and playfully punches his arm.] Remember I'm here, you jerk. I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you.

[blue_sniper]

You? [He laughs.] Right, okay. Punk. [And now it's time to change the subject.] So what did the Castle give you for Christmas?

[valuedstrength]

[He's getting a look. Steve can totally protect him from darkness and scary noises!!!]

Something funny. [He frowns.] It got me a shield and an some clothes. I think it's supposed to be for protection but, none of it fits.

1/2 BECAUSE BUCKY CANNOT DEAL

[blue_sniper]

[There is a long pause. A very long pause. Bucky is look at Steve with this exact face.]

2/2

[blue_sniper]

...the Castle gave you your shield?! And your uniform?!

[valuedstrength]

I guess it did. [He didn't know what to make of them.] Everything okay?

[blue_sniper]

...How can it give you something that doesn't exist yet for you? [He pulls out his Christmas present-a picture of them and the Howling Commandos. And yes, he keeps it on him at all times.] I probably shouldn't be showing you this...

[valuedstrength]

[He can't see the portion with Bucky but, Steve doesn't comment on that. Steve looks fascinated all the same.]

We fight with these guys?

[blue_sniper]

Yes. They're the Howling Commandos. [He looks at Steve curiously.] You do see you, right?

[valuedstrength]

[Steve stares a moment later and then... the outfit and shield worn by some really tall guy with blue eyes... oh. Right by the blank spot. That had to be....]

... I got really tall.

[blue_sniper]

Just a bit. [Bucky finally feels validated and like Steve doesn't think he's crazy.] And also extremely strong.

[valuedstrength]

I didn't think it'd work that well. [He's a little overwhelmed bro.]

[blue_sniper]

Of course it worked well. [He wraps his free arm around Steve's shoulders, squeezing him tightly.] It brings out what's on the inside. And you have a lot to bring out.

[valuedstrength]

I never thought I'd see the day you believed in me more than I do. [Steve is quiet a second as he works up to something.]

You ever miss it? Having me like that?

[blue_sniper]

I've always believed in you.

[And that's the question he's been expecting Steve to ask for a long time.] ...yes and no. And before you get all upset, hear me out first. We were fighting together for a year and of course I got used to you. And then I come here, and well, you're small again. It threw me off for a bit. But you're, well...you. And I'd follow you to the ends of the earth.

Though, I have to admit, your new body is more you than your real one ever was. It just...fits. You're happier too. You smile more.

[valuedstrength]

I'm not mad Bucky. You can feel however you want. [His attention is still on the picture.]

It's nice to see that it works. Erksine deserves that much.