bakerstreet

[Steve snorts a laugh, almost spilling the drink, but thankfully not actually spilling it, taking a deep drink to avoid answering right away.]

No, of course not. They don't-- they don't have me reading to orphans. Usually I end up in junior high telling kids to stay in school. Don't think that's something I can do, but you know. They like me out there.

Oh. Jesus, Mary,and Joseph. You're an educational movie. Like those stupid puberty flicks they showed in class!

[Bucky didn't have far to go to reclaim his buzz. He takes another drink, tops them both off, and then leans back with a loose smile.]

Do you tell boys about their cracking voices? How to treat a dame real nice when you take her out? Maybe somethin' good about nutrition and exercise?

[Bucky gets a huge laugh at that, Steve looking delighted, and maybe a little buzzed.]

Oh, god, no. Nothing like that. It's ridiculous, like the wartime shows, only without the war bonds. And the comics, nobody wants to read comics about Captain America when they've got him being an "uncool" adult in front of them.

I've done the nutrition talk a few times. Kids in schools these days have vending machines full of sugary drinks and candy. It's a different world.

[He takes another drink, settling into a chair happily.]

It's better than being shot at all the time.

I'll take your word on that.

[He is grinning as he sits down himself, swirling the drink.]

What secrets are you keeping, then? You'd catch hives if it was anything really bad so I'm still pretty sure it has somethin' to do with an orphan or two. Maybe you have a couple adopted somewhere, hm?

.....Um, no nothing like that. I'm not really... home enough for kids.

[But Bucky is probably onto something, seeing how he shifts uncomfortably.

Asking him about his relationships, or potential lack of any, probably has some real meat there.]

[Bucky's head tilts a bit, smile widening. He takes another gulp of the alcohol and enjoys the deepening of his buzz. It will occur to him too late that they're probably both drinking on empty stomachs]

The problems with saving the world. But hey, you still have time to yourself. You're here now, after all. You gotta have some free time.

[His face lights up with a realization and then immediately clouds over. More of his drink disappears]

That one of your secrets? A gal you have waitin' around? Or a few that you've strung? Just tell me it's not Natasha...

[Steve's expression changes, a little more worried, because it's been a while since he's seen Bucky with a look like that on his face.

He's no idiot, he knows jealousy when he sees it, he's just buzzed enough not to be really capable of attempting to make connections.]

No, nothing like that. Natasha's tried to set me up on a couple dates, but none of them have worked out.

I, uh, paint a lot. I've got a studio downtown under a fake name. I've never sold anything, but it's nice. Going down there.

[The whole mood changes then as Bucky leans forward, interested and surprised]

I mean. First off, how can your dates not work out? You're Captain America. And second...you have a studio? Steve. That's...fucking amazing. Do you have any pictures? I loved watching you draw...I miss just. Sitting and watching you focus in on a bowl of fruit or something...

Kinda hard to relate to women when half the things they talk to me about are gibberish.

[And then he's back to being shy and awkward, feeling like he's 90 pounds and chronically ill, because he has to bite back a cough.]

I've got some pictures on my phone. I could give you a tour if you want. It's nothing fancy, just 300 square feet, but it's plenty of space for me.

Hell yeah I want a tour

[He goes to stand but quickly realizes that standing up fast is a bad idea. He sits back down and drains his glass as though that would help]

Yeah. I mean. Maybe tour when we're not drinking alien liquor. But I want to see the pictures on your phone.

[He's tipsy enough to chuckle to himself there]

It's ridiculous. Isn't it ridiculous? Photos on a phone...

I don't think I could stand if I wanted to.

[He drains his own glass.]

This is a little milder than I'm used to. Thor must be trying to go easy on you, because the last time he gave the Avengers drinks, I'm pretty sure all of us but him passed out after two glasses.

[Steve finds himself nodding at Bucky's statement.]

I'm not really used to it, to be honest.

[Bucky scowls at the idea that Thor didn't think he could handle real Asgardian liquor. To defy him, he finishes up the first bottle by refilling them both and then tipping it back and finishing a good two drops straight. And that's about when the world starts spinning]

I can handle anything you can, pal. More, I bet, when all's said.

[He smirks and then, with great effort, gets off the chair and stumbles over to the couch]

C'mere and show me that art a' yours.

Bucky, that wasn't--

[But it's too late now, because down it goes. At least he has another glass of the stuff, because Steve has to admit he really likes it. He needs to ask Thor about it.

He quickly downs the final glass before setting it down on the table.]

Fine, fine, but y'can't make a big deal of it and tell me I should try and get into a private gallery or anything.

[Steve's glad the walk isn't too long, because it takes more effort than he would care to admit walking to the couch as he sits heavily on it.]

[Oh. He's doomed. The minute that Steve sits down, Bucky can barely stand to even look down at the phone he'd asked for.]

Easy, Rogers...

[He moves closer, his arm reaching around Steve's shoulders as though to steady the already rooted man beside him. And, yeah. This contact isn't helping at all.

In his head he can hear Thor's voice telling him that he has a match in Steve. A kindred partner and one that needs companionship in return. While drunk, it had been so easy to say yes. That he'd do it tomorrow, potentially fucking everything up.

Fuck shit up at 11am.]

I ain't promising anything. You're...fucking incredible. I can't lie about that while drunk. Lemme see.

[Steve is far too gone to see any real worry on Bucky's face, though it takes him a little too long to remember the password on his phone-- why do phones need passwords again?-- but he's sliding up right next to Bucky, so their shoulders are touching.]

There!

[He starts swiping through the pictures. It's not a shock that Steve doesn't use his phone much, and thus only has a few dozen photographs of his art. It's a lot of half-finished charcoal drawings and paintings. People, horses, cars.

There are also a few of Bucky. Steve turns beet red at the pictures.]

Shit, sorry. I forgot I took pictures of them.

[It's a terrible excuse, because it absolutely implies he has more of them, and now he feels like a creep.]

[Bucky reaches out and goes back to the pictures with a few swipes. It's him. It's him and he looks... Incredible.] [He pauses on one where it almost looks like he could have been asleep. Surely that's the only time he'd been that peaceful]

This. These... Fuck. There's more of them? How? How could you...how are you this fucking amazing that you can make someone like me look like this? Steve...These. They're incredible.

[He shakes his head in awe and disbelief. An almost sad smile pastes over his face]

Smart, funny, sweet, gorgeous, and talented beyond measure. Some...some gal is gonna win the lotto with you, sweetheart.

I...

[He's red, very red. The whispered comment really doesn't help.]

I used to draw you all the time, when we were kids. I never really wanted to show you those ones.

[Bucky looks up and sees that spreading blush. Steve never plays fair. His flesh hand goes up and pressed into his cheek, thumb brushing against it]

Turning into a tomato, Stevie. And why wouldn't you want me to see them? It's flattering, really. I don't know how you can see me like this to draw...

[The touch doesn't help at all, but Steve leans into it instead of pulling away.]

You're gorgeous, Buck, why wouldn't I want to draw you?

[He's too drunk to immediately process what he's said, especially to get flustered and try to backtrack immediately.]

[Wow. So that was what it felt like to have the air sucked out of a room. Bucky's eyes are wide and he stops breathing for a long few seconds]

I think you confused me with a mirror, Stevie...

[His thumb trails against Steve's cheek. And, like last night, the drink is starting to mute out just how much trouble he's currently in]

[Steve laughs a little.]

When I look in the mirror, all I see is the 90-pound half-deaf asthmatic with a bad back.

[That's just. Too wrong to even find funny. Bucky's other hand brackets Steves's head, making him look him right into his bleary eyes]

Then you're blind.

Because even then, I saw a guy who stood up tall and strong no matter what. Who's smile could light up a whole fucking room. And now? I see that same guy. The wrapping is different, but...fuck, Steve. You're gorgeous. Without the muscles. Without those baby blues. Without anything but you. You're...the best thing I've ever seen.

Coulda been going blind, too.

[It's said wryly, and Steve tips his head, like he's thinking about kissing Bucky.]

You're one of the only people who's always had faith in me, Buck.

[Bucky tilts in himself, helplessly. But then Steve kept talking and. Shit. He remembers that damn alert. 'Fuck shit up'.

Steve is drunk right now. They're both drunk. If he does this, he could fuck up their friendship forever. And then he'd have nothing. And worse? Steve would lose him. His face is filled with regret as he leans back and lets his hands fall to Steve's shoulders]

's not faith, Steve. I know you. I know you inside and out. So trust me... You're... you're perfect.

[Steve leans forward, not looking too bothered. Sure, he's drunk, but when was the last time he was this into a person? That had been a lifetime ago, with Pegs.]

I hate to be dramatic, but I think you're the only one who really knows me.

make it happen, disney

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