touchscreens | video;

[The first time this happened was bad enough, but a second time? He was getting very tired of being tossed around by these people. But he would have to do something about that later, right now he needed to check on Bucky. He... he was here, he remembered that. The person he was going to start searching for with Sam was in this city.

It didn't take him long to find Bucky (and Tony). And wow. Those two were definitely something special. They owed him a big explanation for this.

After he made sure that those idiots were getting some sort of rest, Steve decided to toss something up on the network. He definitely knew how to use it and he needed to address some of the people here. Best and fastest way was to do this.]

Just lost another three days here. [He tried to look easygoing about it, but there was definitely some irritation in his now more modern features. His hair was a little shorter and he was actually wearing jeans with a non-plaid shirt.] And looks like I missed a whole lot while I was gone.

[Tony explained what happened, the malfunctioning of the suit. The fight. It was a big mess, but at least they were going to recover. A lot of his irritation disappeared at the thought and now he looked grateful as he continued to address the video.]

But wanted to thank those that checked up on Bucky and Tony, made sure they were okay. I wasn't there to help when I should've been. [Maybe it wasn't his fault, but he still felt responsible. However, he tried to push away that guilt for now and instead smiled a little wryly at the feed.] They're friends of mine that get into more trouble than they should. Can't look away from them for two seconds before they come back bloodied and bruised.

[Although, Steve wasn't really better. Probably worse, actually. But details.]

And if anyone wants to tell me their side, be happy to hear it.

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What, like something you thought was gone back in the 40s? [That's a while for something to be hidden and controlling things. Poor Steve got caught up in the middle of one of those conspiracy stories...]

I bet. [He pauses for a second, thinking about how Steve told him during the festival that Bucky had returned.]

You didn't tell me your best friend ended up being a metal-armed m-- [wHOOPS NO CALLING HIM A MANIAC TO STEVE IS PROBABLY A BAD IDEA] --uh... and more violent.

Yes. [It figured that only bad things from his past came back. Or if they were good things, there was something sad about them too. Bucky was the best thing that happened to him in a while, but even he was different from before.] Thought their legacy died with me.

Sorry. It's not something I announce to the world. [He noticed what Shinju was about to say, but decided to let it go.]

Fair enough. The metal arm thing is kind of neat, though, honestly.

[Even if the reason he got it isn't that awesome.]

Let me guess. This old group is related to Bucky showing up miraculously alive.

[Steve doesn't really think it's that neat, since he usually feels guilt when he sees it. Just a reminder of his failure. That's all, Shinju. :|] It's a part of him now.

[That's all he's willing to say about that. At least Tony got a good look into it.]

Pretty much. ...People that are supposed to be long gone have shown up these past years. [He's including himself in that, but he doesn't say so.]

[Shinju regards Steve thoughtfully for a moment, leaning his face against his hand. Whatever war they'd been in, whoever they were fighting must have returned. They probably did something to Steve's friend, then. Probably made him fight for them, if he had to guess.

He can't imagine... but he was probably on the other side of that kind of thing, wasn't he? He'd fought his friends, people who cared about him because he made some stupid decisions and listened to someone he never should have trusted. And then he went and made those people think he was dead.

God, now he feels awful, thinking about the few people he left behind. But he tries to mask it and move on. He needs to focus on Steve right now.]

Have you asked him what he feels about it?

[He can tell that something is bothering Shinju, but he doesn't ask about it. Steve's willing to answer his questions first. ...Although, he looks a little guilty at the inquiry.]

Think that's something I should do. [How can he ignore something like that? It's Bucky's arm and Steve hasn't even asked his friend how he personally feels about it.]

Maybe his answer will help you, too.

[He can tell Steve isn't enthusiastic about it--and honestly, he can't blame him, given it means his friend lost his arm in the fall. But it doesn't matter as much what anyone else thinks about it, Shinju thinks--it's the guy with the metal arm who has to deal with it the most.]

I'm sorry that you had to go through a lot to get him back, but it's good that you're together again now.

How he feels about it is most important.

[If Bucky's answer doesn't help, then Steve will have to accept that. Bucky's feelings about all this matters more than his guilt.]

I'd go through it all again if I had to. [He'd go through hell and back for him really.]

It could still help you. I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with it. [:[ Your feelings are important too, Steve. Dangit.]

Well, here's hoping you won't have to.

I'll have to- I want to. [He just needs to prepare himself for any possible reaction Bucky might have. But he forces a smile at Shinju for now.]

Yeah, that would be ideal. Less people tryin' to kill me the better.

[He laughs at the morbid joke, both amused and somewhat concerned.]

That's generally how it is, yeah. [His smile fades a little, but doesn't completely leave his face.] But... you know you don't have to force yourself to look happy around me, right?

[The smile slowly slips from his face; Shinju is always a perceptive one. Almost like Sam in a way, although he's not a soldier. Therefore, it's a bit harder to relate to him, but... that's not always important. Isn't just having friends and someone to support you good enough?]

I know. Old habits die hard, I guess. [And for the most part, they really haven't gone away. But right now...]

[He raises his eyebrows slightly.]

You always have to put on that strong face, huh? ... I guess you've been like that for a long time.

Not the only one who does it. [He doesn't want to make a big deal out of this. Steve truly feels like it's nothing out of the ordinary, plenty of people put on a strong face when things are rough.]

Yeah. [He's not about to deny that everyone tries to be strong when they feel less than great.] But you could afford to do it a little less.

[Shinju probably has a point, even if Steve doesn't really feel he's overdoing it. But... he has become more distant with the young man since he got back the first time. He should work on fixing that.]

I'll try frowning around you more then.

[That brings a grin to his face. The idea that Steve might open up to him a little more... it's nice.]

I'll look forward to it. Maybe I should take a picture.

video;

it was a nonverbal agreement. exchanges of food and bandaging services.

that... works

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