Video | Both Courts

[starspangled]

Looks like we're getting the new arrivals again. My name's Steve Rogers, sorry I missed the feast. I should probably start by telling you that it doesn't matter which court drafted you into this war, and that it's not some shard inside of you that makes you important. But I think a lot of us already know that.

Another thing that I've learned is that you can get so focused on this world, you start to lose touch with the little things that you love about your own.

[The subject that he's about to bring up is also full of jubilation and heartbreak, love and victory and loss. And in some cases, betrayal.

He's looking at you, Dodgers.]

For me it's baseball. Does anyone else play? Because I couldn't help but notice that there's plenty of field around here. Maybe in the spring we could find a couple of bats, or even just toss a ball around for a little R and R.

See, the thing I love about baseball is that both sides get a fair shot. Everyone on the team wears the same uniform, from the manager to the rookie, and it's not over until the last out. It's for everyone, doesn't matter if you're a little bit smaller than the other players. If you can swing a bat or throw a ball, you might just make the hall of fame. It's about hope.

Plus it's a heck of a lot more fun than fighting.

[He gives a slightly sheepish smile when he's done, because Captain America waxing poetic about America's pastime, where's his handful of apple pie.]

So I guess all I really wanted to say is don't forget where you came from. You can even share what you miss about it, if you want. I'm not really much of a hunter, so I've got the time.

Comments

Video

[wipedclean]

[The first priority of the day was to find a sling. He's done that, found a piece of cloth and tied it to hoist his dead metal arm so it's a little more comfortable than letting it hang at his side.

The second priority was to look over the map, which he's done.

Third priority was to look over the locket and figure out how it works. And of course, almost as soon as he's got it working and figured out, he sees him.

He's shocked into staring, and suddenly his mind is rushing and his heart is pounding and he doesn't understand why. He had almost felt... stable, for a bit, even despite the strange place and the dead arm and then all of a sudden he can't keep his thoughts straight again.

He has to... he has to say something. He can't just let this by.

But what the hell is he supposed to say?

He's figured out the device well enough that he can start up a video without issue, but once it's started he can't... he can't talk.

Finally he manages to wet his lips and say something.]

You're... you're here.

[He doesn't even know what he's feeling, just that he is.]

Video

[starspangled]

[It's funny that it's during a subject that reminds him very much of Bucky, because who do you think he went to those games with? Who snuck them in under the fence half the time.]

Bucky.

[Steve thought he was ready for this, or at least the possibility. He'd even expected it when he'd first returned from going home, having learned the truth about Bucky's fate. And now it's here, and it doesn't feel entirely real.]

Where are you?

[He's pretty sure he knows. Bucky wouldn't exactly fit the Seelie ideal anymore.]

Are you hurt?

[wipedclean]

[He hasn't heard that name since the exhibit, and even then it didn't feel real. It didn't feel like him.

When Steve says it, it feels...

Well it still doesn't really feel like him.

Nothing does. He doesn't know who Bucky is or who he's supposed to be.

But it makes a little more sense when Steve says it.

There's only two questions but it feels a little overwhelming. Why does he care so much?

Best friends since childhood.]

My arm isn't working.

[He's not hurt, but it's a significant disability.]

[starspangled]

The - the metal one?

[Steve hates saying it, hates the reminder of that unnatural limb, the questions it conjures. He knows those are answers that he wants to hear, but he needs to hear them just the same.]

It probably won't. At least not there.

[Stare harder, Steve.]

What's the last thing you remember?

[wipedclean]

[The intensity of Steve's gaze drives into him and makes him look away. He can't handle it.]

I shot you.

[He finds he can't keep his gaze averted for long, but as soon as he glances back he shifts uncomfortably and looks away again.]

The ships came down. You fell. I pulled you out of the river. I went to the exhibit. I was brought here.

[He recites flatly. It's a mission report. Or it would be, if he wasn't shifting so much and avoiding Steve's gaze.]

[starspangled]

[Some of the tightness in Steve's chest starts to finally let up. Good. It doesn't exactly solve all their problems, but at least Bucky's out of Hydra's grip.]

You saved my life.

[He corrects him, reminds him. Steve wants him to know that his first independent action, Bucky's choice was to do a good thing.]

You saw the truth for yourself then, about who you are, who we are.

[wipedclean]

[He looks back then, holds Steve's gaze. Listens.

And averts his gaze again.]

Yes.

[Though the truth feels very far away.]

[starspangled]

And you're still at Caer Scima?

[wipedclean]

[He hesitates, suddenly wondering if maybe he shouldn't confirm his location to him. He was a target. A mission.

...was being the key word there.

He's not a mission anymore. There aren't any more missions left. Only the ones he makes for himself.

He suddenly feels alone. Massively vulnerable.

He looks back at Steve and knows, somehow, that he wants to help. If he'll let him.

He nods once.]

[starspangled]

I want to see you, but I'm not allowed to come there.

[Not that it stopped him before, but you know. No point is amping the war up more than it already is.]

Would you be willing to meet me somewhere else?

[wipedclean]

[Not allowed? He must be with the other court then.

Meeting him somewhere else means traveling. He can do that. Give him a few minutes and he'll have the map memorized.

So he nods.]

Where?

[starspangled]

There's a place called The Station, it's pretty much neutral ground. Do you know about the fairy rings?

[wipedclean]

[He nods. He's been told about the Station and the fairy rings. He can make it there.

Except...]

How do they work?

[Do you just... step in it, or...]

[starspangled]

You say where you want to go once you step into them. Otherwise there's no telling where you might end up.

It looks like there might be a change in plans though. A friend said we could meet at her place.

[wipedclean]

[He tilts his head at that, considering.]

Where?

...who?

[Both very important questions.]

[starspangled]

It's in the forest, closer to your castle. And her name is Ariadne. You knew her too.

[boutant]

[ ALL THOSE DETAILS ASIDE... ]

I told you he'd come back.

[starspangled]

Yeah.

[He should sound more relived about it - and he is. But now the real work starts.]

I guess you two will have to get reacquainted.

[boutant]

I guess we will.

[ A slight smile. ]

If you need to use my manor, you're free to, since the Station is... uh, still pretty broken. [ her bad. ] I'm traveling right now, but I'll be back as soon as I can.

[starspangled]

Really? Because that might be easier.

[boutant]

Absolutely. You know where it is. Straton's still there, he'll be happy to see you.

[starspangled]

I'd be happy to see him again too. But how do you think he'll take to a stranger?

[And Steve has to ask himself, how well will Bucky take to a bandersnatch?]

[boutant]

He'll be- cautious, but if you show him that it's okay, he'll be fine.

[ Ariadne isn't touching that one. ]

[starspangled]

If you say so, but I really don't think Bucky's going to let me push him down and lick his face.

[boutant]

[ snickering ]

You never know.