[Video | Open to Both Courts]

[wipedclean]

[He looks slightly nervous. He still... doesn't do this talking thing well, and he doesn't really see the point of introducing himself to everyone. Making himself known to the entire network... showing his face on a recorded device... he's not supposed to, and it's just a bad idea for an assassin but...

But Steve said he should, so... well. He is.]

...hello.

[He swallows, his gaze flickering off to the side, where, unseen to the camera, Steve is nodding and giving him a thumbs up.]

I'm... Bucky.

[He hesitates when he says it, because... it's the first time he's said it. That he can remember.]

I was told I've been here before, but I don't remember.

[He frowns.]

So I'm sorry. If you knew me before. I don't remember you.

[He glances over to the side again, shifts, shakes his head. He's done, he doesn't want to do this anymore.]

That's it.

Comments

[starspangled]

This guy - this thing is still out there.

[And that just doesn't sit well with him. And while having a plan is great, he's certainly not above going into a fight without one, especially when it's solo.

Except that it's not entirely, not when Ariadne, Bucky, and anyone else in the house could get caught in the crossfire. Steve takes a deep breath. He's still itching to get out there, but at least he's not rushing out half-cocked.]

I'll wait until you get back.

[boutant]

Again. We don't know if the two are related.

[ She sighs again, runs a hand through her hair. ]

I mean, I'm guessing they are, at least indirectly. But I don't know if the spirit roaming the forests is under his control, and if it isn't, then I'd rather deal with it without getting entangled with him. Does that at least make sense?

[starspangled]

It does. But if he's trying to take over the forest, he's gonna have to be dealt with eventually. And the more time you give him, the worse it could get.

[boutant]

Running in shouting isn't going to help anything either.

[starspangled]

I thought I might try punching first.

[wipedclean]

[And over here we have exhibit b: the typical Barnes eyeroll and exasperated outburst.]

Steve.

[boutant]

[ Once more, with feeling. ]

Steve.

[starspangled]

There is no way the two of you didn't practice that.

[It was damn near in unison.]

[boutant]

We're just that good.