“I’ll try not to bore you too much.” Once, conversation had been easy. Once, Bucky had been the center of everything, the life of the party, the flirt. Now he’s quieter, more sober, and not as quick with the genuine smiles. He doesn’t know that he’ll ever truly get back to the old Bucky Barnes, and doesn’t know how much it should bother him.

The craft’s engines hum quietly as they come online, and Bucky pockets his gloves; it’s easier to feel the controls without. Though he does glance over at Loki as the illusion falls away.

“Nice trick.”