[for Spud]

[onlyapassenger]

It's almost quaint, Bucky thinks. Here he is, sitting across from a fellow vet, armed with a cup of tea sweetened with honey and a combat knife strapped on his thigh. He opted to shower first, as much for Spud's benefit as his own, and it makes for a surprisingly nice way to unwind after a long night's work, the pair of them sitting on Bucky's porch.

"Told you I did tea," he says, spooning more honey into his cup.

Comments

[sorrydearie]

"It couldn't hurt." Laurie shrugged, finishing the last of his tea, but not putting down the cup. Holding it wasn't much, but at least it gave him something to occupy his hands with. "Though it's not because I think you're a liar. Honestly, it's not."

[onlyapassenger]

Bucky sighs, dubious, but after another moment's hesitation, he presses the button. Flesh and muscle seems to melt away, leaving gleaming metal in its place, a white star encased in a blue circle outlined in red marking his shoulder. He holds out his arm, palm flat, and flexes his fingers into a fist.

"Not a liar."

[sorrydearie]

"I didn't say you were," Laurie said after a long pause. His hand twitched for a quick moment as though he was seriously contemplating touching it, then drew back. "Christ, that's bloody impressive."

[onlyapassenger]

"You can touch it," Bucky replies, rolling his eyes a little. "Not that I'll feel it. The hologram -- what hides it -- simulates the look and feel of flesh when I need to pass for normal, but it's for everyone else's benefit, not mine."

[sorrydearie]

So this was the future. Laurie brushed his fingers hesitantly over Bucky's arm, somehow still half expecting to meet flesh instead of the shock of cold metal. It was enough to occasion a low, impressed whistle. He had seen more than his share of artificial limbs, but none that had come anywhere near as complex and functional as that. "I know chaps at home who'd have done just about anything for one like that."

[onlyapassenger]

"The original model was Soviet tech built in '45," Bucky explains, slowly flexing his fingers so Spud can see the machinery at work. "Didn't have all the bells and whistles like this one, but it did its job. Still... Not so far off as all that."

[sorrydearie]

"I am well and truly impressed, Mr. Barnes," Laurie said, settling back in his chair, but still watching the other man move his mechanical hand. He could only imagine what life might be like if they had amputated his leg, if he had been able to get something like that to replace it.

"Well and truly impressed. Upon my honor, I shall never doubt you again. Even when it comes to dinosaurs."