( audio 16 )

[yourbestguysgun]

[ He doesn’t really want to make a big deal of it, there’s no point, and he already feels kind of awkward about it. So Bucky’s network post is short, to the point, because he’s too tired to make it anything else. ]

Hey, so uh -- I’m not dead. Just figured people should know that. In case they were curious. [ Sarcasm, thy name is Bucky. ] Howard, I need to talk to you. In private, okay?

[ End feed. ]

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[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

[ Howard is reluctant to talk to anyone, especially not the man he got killed, so he sticks to audio to avoid looking him in the eye, and to hide the fact he's locked away in the corner of the lab where he works, drinking when no one's paying attention. ]

Sergeant.

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

[ He doesn't speak straight away, but there are the sounds of someone moving around the room, Bucky probably taking a seat. ]

You okay?

Video:

[charring]

Bucky! [She's super excited and near tears, here. She's missed her brother something fierce.]

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

[ That takes him off-guard, and the quiet metal on metal noise stops for a moment. ]

Sure. You need something?

[yourbestguysgun]

[ He doesn't switch to video because he doesn't really have the heart to be seen. ] Heya kid.

[charring]

You okay? You need anything?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

Nah. [ Another long pause. ] Guess I was jus' checking for myself. Steve said y'made it, but --. [ Breathing out. ] So, uh, thanks for not leaving me.

[yourbestguysgun]

M'fine. Kinda feel stupid more'n anything. [ A sound like he's running a hand through his hair. ] You okay? I never got to check before - uh - well, before.

Private to Bucky;

[charring]

That was a really rough day. I'm sure I'll be okay, though.

[ private ]

[yourbestguysgun]

Yeah? What happened? Did you get hurt?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

Steady on there, pal, it almost sounds like y'care. [ The laugh is hollow, emotionless. ] Yeah, well, I might not be one'a you soldiers, but I'm with the military, and ain't it the motto to never leave anyone behind?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

[ Bucky remains silent for another long moment. He could blow this off but part of him doesn't want to. ]

Where are you an' has it got the good booze?

Re: [ private ]

[charring]

You died. Ed died. Ran into a 'friend' of Ed's. I'm unharmed. It just sucked, yesterday.

[yourbestguysgun]

[ Worry creeping into his voice. ] Need me to kill anyone for you?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

City Solutions with the finest bottle'a scotch you can find in this place.

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

Uh -. [ He woke up there, saw the metal table, freaked out. ] You busy?

[charring]

Not yet. I know nothing about the guy except that he's the one that turned Ed. And that my warning flares don't do much to him.

[yourbestguysgun]

You threw fire at him? [ Concerned, very, very concerned. ] Why? He do something t'you?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

Guess I can spare some time.

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

Come round?

[ There's the slightest hint of hesitancy moving into his voice, because this is a crazy, awful situation but he needs to work through this. ]

[charring]

Got too close and was way too creepy. [Conveniently leaving out the gross bit about Jerry kissing her.] I don't think he likes me with Ed. He wanted to know how a girl like me changes a monster like Ed.

[yourbestguysgun]

Not the only one who thinks so. [ But Bucky doesn't sound angry about it. He died, he's allowed to change his mind. ] If he gives you grief, you come t'me.

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[latenightfondue]

Y'actually inviting me over?

[ But there's some tinkering and shuffling, hiding the evidence of things he's been playing with and shouldn't have. ]

You come back wrong or something?

[ Audio - Encrypted ]

[yourbestguysgun]

Oh, fuck you. [ He almost sounds amused. ] Jus' come over and bring your fancy alcohol with you, 'kay?

[charring]

Loads of people aren't too keen on it. You guys should form a club. [She hesitates, nose wrinkling slightly.] I actually don't think that's a good idea. He's kind of terrifying.