z_jay | Luceti | Appointments

Maybe one day, but we're doing alright. We have each other.

[Which might explain the slightly codependent relationship he had on Jack. Through thick, thin, unsure, desperate, and dangerous times. But the grip on his arm was nice and reassuring and he couldn't help but grin to know that there was at least a commonality between them that extended beyond coworkers in Natasha's coffee shop.

It also helped he was cute.

So, now that we've established we'll be good friends for a nice long time-- can I call you Jim? Or... anything but Mr Barnes? You can call me Gene if you want, Jack does.

Bucky. My friends call me Bucky. Try to stick me with any version of Jim and I'll deck you clear across the counter.

[His eyes are bright with good humor, taking any edge off the weight of his tone. He wouldn't actually deck Eugene for it, but he really does hate being called Jim.]

So Gene, huh? Is that all he calls you? Or just in public? [He raises his eyebrows, teasing, since it's just the two of them.]

Careful, Bucky [he began, resting his chin over his knuckles in a purely amused way] I might like the strength required to knock me clear across the counter more than you might expect.

And only in public, I'm not telling you what he calls me out of the public eye. You couldn't handle it, my good friend.

[Especially not since 'luv' was on the lower end of the naughty scale and a hell of a lot higher on the adorable one. Or at least the kind to have them both acting awkward]

If I told you I'd have to kill you, and all that.

[Bucky chuckles at that. He'd complain about all his threats getting turned around, but he's dating Natasha so really, he can't say that he doesn't see the appeal.

He considers changing the topic, but he's actually having a pretty good time flirting with Eugene, and seeing as how they're both attached, it's harmless fun. And, okay, maybe he gets a bit of a kick out of it. Flirting with other guys in public isn't exactly what he'd have considered 'harmless' back home.]

If you told me, you'd have to try. [Bucky smirks at him.] And I think between the two of us, I'd come out on top.

Ah-- yeah. I can't deny that. Former cripple, here, still trying to get back. Even in my prime I think you'd kick my ass with your pinky.

[Hiking and camping and the occasional hockey tournament was the most exertion Eugene had ever given voluntarily. The zombie apocalypse had improved his cardio for a time, but without a leg for near on two years, that went pretty fast.]

But... Nah, we really aren't as kinky as people might like to think we are. ...Speaking of things to discuss between friends, though. Would you mind sort of, I mean, unless they already planned for one with that infamous zombie invasion prior to our arrival, helping us develop a cohesive plan in case that happens again?

[Bucky's expression goes from teasing to thoughtful, his gaze flicking over Eugene like he's actually sizing him up.] Not necessarily.

[There was more to a fight than what you can do head-on - and thank God for that, because if it wasn't true, he'd have died a lot sooner.

He lets Eugene change the topic, and his brow furrows briefly at the question, but he nods.]

Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Some of the brains here worked out a vaccine for the virus that went through Kin'cora - the enclosure that got hit - but if something like that could happen over there, it could happen anywhere.

[There was a small smile when Bucky refuted his original claim and it felt nice to have a soldier say you weren't as useless as you thought. One day, he'd take Bucky up on some advice of his own regarding personal combat.]

Kin'cora? Is it still functioning now? I admit some morbid curiosity but just because I'd like to know there's no... threat.

[Not that there was much more could be done. And he was understandably skeptical of any 'vaccines' developed. They'd been developed as a countermeasure back home but their efficacy was... of questionable value.]

Did the vaccine work? Or did it prevent the infected from turning?

Understandably. It's fully functioning - we see some of the guys from that enclosure on drafts sometimes. They've gotta hate the Malnosso more than anyone. From the looks of things, Kin'cora gets some of the worst experiments thrown their way.

[He's not even sure this wasn't one. Sure, the Malnosso had pulled out those who weren't infected, but... He didn't trust them. Not by a long shot. He pauses, trying to recall the details.]

It worked, I'm pretty sure. Stopped the damage, the cravings. Recovery took a while after we got 'em all home, but the people who could still come back from it are normal now. Some of them were too far gone. The virus had been keeping 'em going.

[He runs his thumb absently over the rim of his cup.] We got those back a week later. You know how it is around here.

[A grim reality, to be too late to save some, but it was a truth he was more familiar with. Almost comfortable with, in lieu of this too-perfect Luceti. Lips pressed together in a thoughtful line, he nodded, eyes darting from a nondescript point on the wall to Bucky's face.]

They've still got this vaccine, I hope? As a contingency plan in case this comes at us again. I am not claiming to be an expert or anything of the sort regarding that, but it seems smar-- heh. Y'know, I think I'm taking this way too seriously. The Malnosso seem the type to keep throwing new things at people, not the same old.

Nothing that we can properly plan for at least.

That's the thing. But it gives you a little peace of mind, doing what you can. I dunno if the next thing is gonna be something I can fight, but I still like to be ready when it is.

[That was something, right? It was rarely a matter of if his skills would be useful, and more often a matter of when. He thought that applied to Eugene too. He also had a pretty specific skill set.]

You'd have to ask the doctors for the specifics. I'd think they kept samples at least. And if it's any consolation, a lot of the experiments turn out more ridiculous than... traumatic.

Well at least there's that... I'd rather laugh at something than be forever scarred by it. Trust me on this one.

[He'd check in with the doctors, then, at some point. He only trusted one-- well, two... but he didn't know anyone other than Maxine in that capacity that he trusted all the same. ]

They have these weird shift things happen often? Seems like this place has been relatively quiet as of late.

Yeah, no kidding.

Don't jinx it. We get one every month or so, I guess? We'll have some new faces around early next month - it's usually quiet at least until they all get in.

[That was fair enough and he ducked his head apologetically, not wanting to call attention to a lack of anything dastardly happening recently. He'd had his lifetime share of that and then some]

Pepper mentioned something about New Feathers. i must confess I didn't know about it for a while, till I got my leg back, in fact.

Yeah, New Feathers has still gotta be the worst name I've ever heard. If anyone called me that when I showed up I'd probably have socked 'em for it.

[His wings flick once, like he's shaking something off them.]

People seem to leave off whenever, but new ones only show up at a certain time. I guess they just replace the ones that leave, or something like that.

No rhyme or reason to it, looks like. I wonder if this could be someone's elaborate dream.

[Although, Inception was a bit different than this. He grinned faintly when he saw Bucky's wings twitch, looking from them back to his eyes]

I think Pepper came up with the name? Or perhaps she's just in charge of making sure the newbs don't get themselves killed on the first day.

[but now that they were more comfortable chatting with one another he decided now was a good time to revisit a mentioned name]

So, who's Steve?

[Dryly:] I am pretty dreamy.

There's a book, but I can't remember if the name is in it. Just don't tell her I said anything - she already thinks plotting torture with my girlfriend is a fun pastime.

[The question actually surprises him. Seems like everyone knows Steve, even here. He gives Eugene a wry smile.] Better known as Captain America, or that lunatic in the flag outfit. You might have seen him during the drafts, or in your history books if you paid attention.

[Captain America in a history book-- the only time he'd seen him in a history book was his mention in the history of comic books. If he hadn't noticed him in the drafts, he really must have been focused on other things.]

...I hadn't actually realized he was here. Or in the flesh.

[It also seemed Pepper had a more devious side than he'd realized, grinning softly when he heard about torment, Bucky, and his girlfriend and how Pepper would plot for it. It was always the ones you least expect]

Y'think she's looking for contributions for ideas?

[Bucky laughs.] Well, he looks good for 96.

[His eyes narrow at the question, though there's a spark of good humor in the look.] No. Absolutely not. There's probably a waiting list by now. What's a guy gotta do to get a little loyalty around here?

Ah-- yeah, I'd say so. That is quite impressive. [And for a guy with that much experience under his belt, he probably would also have some decent ideas to consider in terms of a zombie apocalypse. Eugene had been witness to enough zombie nazi games prior to which... kind of made him chuckle]

A waiting list? In that case, everyone loves the underdog, right? That'd be a fine way to inspire some loyalty. I mean, if she's got ideas like that for you, who's to say she doesn't have it for others?

And you haven't even met him yet.

[He figures eventually he'll get sick of the way people practically swoon over Steve, but he spent so much of his life trying to get people to give the guy half a chance, it's kinda nice. You know, when it's not a pretty girl he's trying to impress.]

I'm sure she does. And that's just the poor saps that she likes. I don't even want to think about what either of those dames would be like if you got on their bad side.

I'll take you at your word, I don't think I've seen him around, though. But if he's dressed up in my neighbor's red, white, and blue, I figure he'll be a hard miss.

Also--That is precisely why I will do my best not to get on their bad side. There's more than meets the eye, I think with those ladies. Call it a hunch honed by a few years of surviving on hunches and judging character pretty quick.

[But now he'd made his coffee and was content with that, moving his tongue around his mouth to work out those last bits of flavor. He pushed off where he stood and sighed softly]

Well, I think I've sort of got a feel for the equipment and all. You gonna be okay here by yourself? I'm pretty sure that there's a few people wondering where I am now. So I might want to head back.

[Bucky just grins at him. Eugene's got that one right on the nose.

He stands when Eugene gets ready to leave so he can stretch.]

'm fine, go on. I've got some paper work to finish up for Tasha anyway, and as much as I appreciate the company and the coffee, it's not gonna get done while we're yackin' away. Don't be a stranger, alright?

You, either.

[He does extend his hand for a handshake before he leaves, though. Something solid and confident for their parting. Too often he only had one-time encounters with very worthwhile people, and he didn't want this to be one of those times.]

And don't work too hard.

[Bucky shakes his hand firmly, and flashes him a grin.]

Don't worry, that's not a problem I've got.

Luceti | Appointments

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