#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

[valuedstrength]

Don't you think you should be worrying about yourself? I'm not the one with whiskey near an open flame.

[blue_sniper]

I am not going to set myself on fire, Steve. And remember, steadying my nerves? [Actually, he's going to take a shot right now, because he just heard more noises. Steve might be able to tell-his hand is shaking when he pours.]

[valuedstrength]

[Steve is setting his hand on Bucky's arm. He's got that determined look on his face Bucky should be used to by now.]

Bucky, I meant what I said earlier. Whatever is giving you the jitters... [He shakes his head.] I'm not going to let it get you, alright? We're safe here so put the bottle down. It's only going to make things worse.

[blue_sniper]

You can't... It's all in my head, Steve. You can't help me. Every time I hear a sound, every time I see a shadow, it's like I'm strapped to that operating table again. And it'll haunt me everywhere I turn for the rest of my life. [He takes the shot and laughs a bit bitterly.] It already got me, Steve.

[valuedstrength]

Bucky... [It's his turn to hug you bro. He couldn't fix this even if he had super strength and all that other stuff.]

[blue_sniper]

[Bucky lets him hug him, and after a few seconds hugs him back, saying the first thing that comes to his mind with a startled laugh.] I... Isn't it strange, that you're the one that gets a new body and yet, I'm the one who changes the most?

[valuedstrength]

You're still the same man, Bucky. You're just going through some things.

[He wonders how he could help with this.]

[blue_sniper]

[He shakes his head. Steve always did have a talent for understatement.] Steve... I'm not the same person.

[valuedstrength]

Who do you think you are then?

[blue_sniper]

...I don't even know. I'm me, but I'm...not. [He knows he's not explaining this well, but he hopes Steve gets what he's saying.]

[valuedstrength]

Do you ever think you'll be just you again? [He trusts Bucky knows he'd care about him regardless of his answer.]

[blue_sniper]

...Maybe who I'm turning into is me, too. Maybe I'm changed for good. [All this talk about identities is confusing, so time to lighten it up. He laughs.] Maybe I've changed for the better.

[valuedstrength]

[Steve smiles.] I can see it happening. Who knows? You might stop being a jerk for good too.

[He's kidding of course.]

[blue_sniper]

[He punches him lightly in the shoulder.] But you will never stop being a punk. Even after the the serum. Trust me. [He grins.]

[valuedstrength]

[He laughs.] Yeah, yeah. Have your fun, Bucky.