pineslog | HAPPY CENTENNIAL, BUCKY BARNES [open to all]

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HAPPY CENTENNIAL, BUCKY BARNES [open to all]

Who: OPEN TO ALL. PARTY LOOOG!
Where: Wayward Pines's roller skating rink/bowling alley.
When: TODAY, MARCH 10th
What: It's Bucky Barnes's 100th-- uh. 31st. Yeah. 31st birthday...
Warnings: Just warn for anything in your headers.
[Open]

[ This wasn't Bucky's idea. If he had his way, his 100th birthday would come and go without any fanfare. But it's not up to him, really; it's up to Natasha. She's pretty good at getting her way. And it's not that she forced his hand, so much as strongly encouraged the party, using very persuasive arguments to get him to go along with it. It'd look suspicious, after all, if Bucky Barnes, friendly, outgoing local-boy mechanic, didn't celebrate his birthday. Right?

Now here he is, at the bowling-alley-slash-roller-skating-rink (complete with a small 'arcade' with pinball and claw machines), with Steve, Natasha, and anyone else who felt like showing up. Of course, it's not a 90s roller skate birthday party without a kick-ass mix full of songs he's never heard before. Food's a mix of whatever the concession stand's got available and some snacks they stocked up on. And-- oh, does that birthday cake actually have one hundred candles? Yeah. If asked about that, they'll just say it's an inside joke. You know, because Bucky's so old at 30...something... ha.

Anyway. Mingle. Skate. Bowl. Have fun. ]

[OOC: OKAY NOW THE PLAYLISTS ARE GETTING MOVED HERE: PLAYLIST 1, PLAYLIST 2, PLAYLIST 3.]

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[ Despite the venue of this party, Bucky doesn't actually know how to roller skate. He might have done it before, way back before the war, but it's nothing he can recall. And for a trained assassin with a body at peak physical condition, poised and graceful, with impressive reflexes and etc etc... Bucky was about as graceless as a newborn foal when he put a pair of skates on and gave it a try.

So now he's back in his nice, normal, stable boots, sitting on one of the tables, his feet planted on one of the fold-out chairs. As usual, he's got long sleeves on, to keep the metal arm from being too obvious, though it's not entirely hidden, considering his hand's visible. Still, he figures it'll draw fewer questions if it's not totally out in the open. The beer in his hand is pretty much for show-- after all, it can't get him drunk, and it doesn't even taste all that great. Still, he takes a sip of it and people watches, wallflowering at his own birthday party. ]

[Kenzi's still exploring the town she supposedly lives in. There's cute, little shops, overly-friendly people, a legit post office, aaaand... this place. She doesn't get any familiar vibes from it like she does with some of the other locations she's been in, but she thinks she spots a friendly face over by the pinball machine. He's surrounded by a bunch of people and it's dark, so she can't quite tell if it's him for sure.

She decides to get closer and investigate. Toooootally stealthy. Blending in so it doesn't look weird and stupid if it's not the person she thinks it is. She's already starting to have doubts when she gets closer and sees the actual shape of the guy. Definitely not Jefferson.

But there's something... about... that face...]

BUCKY! Что, черт возьми?!

[Awh man. He's in trooooooooooooouble.]

[ It's generally not a good thing when somebody comes at him shouting angrily in Russian, and the second he hears the exclamation, Bucky's on alert, body language subtly defensive as he turns to look at the source and-- ]

Kenzi?

[ Wait, how does he know her name's Kenzi? And how does she know... ]

что ты здесь делаешь?

[ Okay, stupid question. Obviously his cousin (wait, cousin?) should be here. It's his birthday. His birthday... which he didn't invite her to. And why does it feel so right to just default into angry Russian back at her? ]

Edited 2017-03-10 22:38 (UTC)

Luck? Intuition? Obviously not because you invited me or anything!

[If she sounds bitter, it's because she is! Kenzi marches right up to Bucky and gets all up in his face, which is very high up ever since they hit their teens, but it doesn't stop her from putting her hands on her hips and glaring at him like she's done for years!]

Are you freakin' kidding me right now? You don't invite your own cousin to your birthday party? Are you seriously still that mad at me?

[He didn't even come see her after her accident! How long is he gonna hold a grudge?]

[ Her height-- or lack thereof-- doesn't mean anything to Bucky. He knows well enough from his real memories that small Russian women are a force to be reckoned with. See: Natasha. He holds his ground, looking baffled for a brief moment, when she makes a reference to him being angry about something. ]

Why would I--

[ He shuts his mouth as the answer comes to him, supplied by memories he didn't have moments ago. Steeling his jaw, Bucky looks around the rink, though he's not quite sure who, exactly, he's searching for.

In a flat, exasperated deadpan: ] Tell me you didn't bring him.

[ He doesn't even know who the 'him' in question is. Her husband, yes, but beyond that? He can't conjure up a name or a face, just an almost overwhelming sense of dread and apprehension that he has to force back down. ]

[Wow, of all the possible responses he could have given, that was probably the MOST rude. Kenzi rolls her eyes and resists the urge to punch him right in the left tit.]

I didn't bring him.

[But that sparkly ring on her finger, glinting in the terrible lighting of the roller rink, says they're still together whether Bucky likes it or not.]

First of all, he's the nicest guy ever. The age gap isn't even a thing, so I don't get why all of you are freaking. [All of you meaning the family. Because that's what Bucky is! Family. It's all fitting together so well, it's all so clear in her head. Things are starting to stick and make sense.]

Second of all, you can't just ditch your fave cousin for eloping. I never miss your b-day.

[And now she's totally pouting at the thought of almost missing this one! Shit... she didn't even get him a present this year! Memory loss is a decent enough excuse, but she still feels shitty for forgetting her fam.]

[ That's a relief. He exhales a little, some of that sudden tension draining away. With that potential threat out of the way, it's easier for Bucky to slip back into the role he's supposed to play here: somebody a whole lot more carefree than he really is. ]

I don't want to get into it. [ Just leave it at that. No more talk of the unnamed husband that he definitely doesn't approve of, even though he's not sure why-- besides an apparent age gap. ]

Look. We threw this together at the last minute. There wasn't any time to send out invitations.

[ It was all word of mouth! So please don't be upset, fake-cousin. ]

[Yeah, Bucky, you exhale all that tension and pretend to be carefree. Kenzi's just going to make the least intimidating face ever in your general direction, pull her arm back, and PUNCH YOU RIGHT IN THE TIT-- oh god her hand. Shake it off, Kenz, shake it off. Don't let him know his stupidly hard bod just bruised your entire hand because you are still the tough one that sat on him and made him eat dirt despite his stupid growth spurt!]

You could have called! I have a phone. I have a door, you could have knocked on that. Just... just show up and be like "Hey, Kenz, I haven't talked to you since your accident and your brain has been all messed up but just a reminder, it's my Bday soon." But ya didn't!

[She is so offended, Bucky. Hence the boob-punch.]

[ Bucky glances down and watches as her hand, balled up into a dainty and unintimidating fist, connects with his left pec. To be honest, the ring on her finger makes more of an impact than anything else, so though he doesn't budge even slightly from the punch, he does furrow his brow and direct a mildly disapproving frown at her.

That part of him that really feels like he's her cousin does feel a small thrill of vindication for all those times she did manage to knock him down when they were kids. Intellectually, he knows it never actually happened, but he can't help but wonder if this is what it felt like with his sisters-- his real family, who he does remember (and has for a while, in a scattered, disjointed way), though the memories feel so distant and faraway. Seventy years as a brainwashed weapon will do that to a person.

It's a bittersweet feeling, one he wants to push away and cling to at the same time. It's what motivates him to roll his eyes in mock exasperation and pull her, this stranger who's also family, into a hug, the kind he'd kill to give to Becca or any of his other sisters, all dead now.

Don't mind the odd burst of affection, Kenzi. ]

Guess I had my head up my ass. Sorry, cuz.

Edited 2017-03-11 17:03 (UTC)

[OH! Oh, that's a hug. For a second, she thought he was gonna get her in a headlock and mess up her hair for that punch. Hugs are better. She prefers hugs. Her arms wrap tightly around his waist and she gives him a squeeze like she hasn't seen him in forever.

Which... no, never mind, that's ridiculous. It just feels like forever because she bumped her head real hard and everything's still scrambled.]

You better be sorry. Don't wanna have to kick your ass in front of all your friends at your own party.

[She smiles up at him before pulling away and reaches up to smoosh his face between both of her hands.]

You are so scruffy, holy crap, you never heard of a razor? Your beard is almost bushier than Aunt Ludmilla's.

[ Bucky huffs out a laugh. ] You'd only win 'cause you fight dirty.

[ Does she? Or is he just saying that to tease her? He's not so sure either way, but it doesn't much matter, because soon enough, she's got her hands on his face. It's a good thing she's supposed to be family, or he'd be startled right about now. ]

You don't like it? I think it makes me look tough. [ He's kidding, of course. It's the muscles and the robot arm that make him look tough. In any case... now he's going to muss up her hair with a quick scrub of his hand. ]

UGH! Bucky, I swear to Vidal Sassoon, I am a grown-ass woman, you can't mess with the hair anymore!

[He's right, though. She does fight dirty. Messing her hair up was a good strategy, she's dangerous. Now she's harmless, hands flying to her head to try and salvage this mess while she scowls at her much, MUCH bigger cousin.]

You're not tough, you're a punk!

[ He holds his hands up in surrender, letting out an affectionate scoff. ] You're right. When you put it that way. [ You truly are a grown-ass woman, Kenzi.

'You're not tough, you're a punk!' It's a familiar remark, tugs at his memory in a way that makes him pretty sure somebody said the same thing to him before, back in Brooklyn. Maybe his sisters. Maybe Steve. Maybe some other pal of his. A touch of sadness bleeds into his smile, causing it to falter, but only for a moment. ]

Only to you. [ ANYWAY. He nods at the rink. ] You remember how to skate?

[She's always right! Even when she's wrong. Just let her have this, you huge jerk.

She probably would have caught the change in his expression if she wasn't so busy fixing her hair. She does, however, catch the nod to the rink, following his gaze before staring wide-eyed at the skaters. HAHAHAHA no.]

I'm graceful as all fuck, but you aren't gonna catch me dead in roller skates, slowly circling around to the dulcet tunes of vanilla ice. I'm here for the claw machine and to demolish people at space invaders and that is it.

[Wait. She forgot one important part.]

... And your birthday, obvi. How old are you now? Fifty? Seventy-one? A MILLION?

[ SURE, KENZI. He totally believes you. That's why he lets that excuse slide. It's definitely not because he doesn't want her to challenge his... nonexistent rollerskating skills. ]

So, is my birthday present gonna come from the claw machine? [ He jests! Bucky has no need for stuffed animals, since he's a little old for all that. Speaking of: ]

Is 31 really that old to you? [ It's a perfectly youthful age! Unlike... 100. But it's not like he's really 100 years old, since he spent most of the past 70 years frozen. ] Just wait 'til it's your turn.

Not gonna lie to you, Buckaroo, that is totally where your present is coming from. And like, not even a thing I win from the claw machine, just whatever I can grab when I reach my thin, flexible arms up in there and swipe. Sidenote, please check on me later in case I get stuck.

[She snorts, shaking her head.] Nah. I guess not. Another decade and you'll be something verging on distinguished and experienced and aged to perfection...

[She... she might not be talking about Bucky anymore. God, is she sighing? She totally sighed. Like a full on dreamy sigh. This is pathetic.]

Please, you and I both know I'll be lucky to make it past 25.

[Nyx is as sure as an amnesiac can be that he's never stepped into this place in his life. Something about it made him want to turn back around and go back into actual sunlight, instead of the dancemosphere the roller rink is desperately trying to build. Maybe he's not much for dancing, or maybe he prefers a quieter establishment?

Still, he's been in the hospital for who knew how long, missed at least one of the meetings he vaguely recalls going to, and kinda feels obligated to catch up on how Bucky's been doing since the last (?) time he saw him. Especially on the guy's birthday. (A word that doesn't seem to hold much weight in his head, but he's certain that's the amnesia part kicking him in the ass. It has to be.)

So here he is, walking in a bit late. It had finally cleared up outside, so despite the lingering chill in the air, Nyx had left his coat home and he's a little grateful for it with how warm it seems inside. He spots Bucky and makes his way over, smirking to see him looking just as out of place as Nyx feels.]

Looks like you're having a great day.

[ It's strange to feel this sense of camaraderie with a man he doesn't really know outside of memories of a life he never really lived, and yet, Bucky can't help but perk up a bit when he sees Nyx approach. It's hard to shake that bond, however false it is, that comes from serving in the same war (Which war? Not the one he actually fought in...) and attending the same veterans' group.

He huffs out a short laugh, a wry smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. ] Is it that obvious? [ He glances down at the bottle in his hand, mostly empty now, and starts picking at the label. ] Apparently, roller skating isn't like riding a bike. You do forget how to do it.

[ It's a convenient excuse, right? ]

[Nyx snorts at that, glancing out at the skaters on the floor.]

Honestly can't say if I've ever tried or not. Doesn't seem like fun, riding around in such a small circle. Give me a good obstacle course any day of the week.

[It's nice to feel this comfortable around someone else. Nyx has had an itch ever since he got out of the hospital that he just couldn't get rid of, though he just can't explain what's bothering him. The people are nice enough, anyway. He's been given every opportunity to get back on his feet after the accident. Even so, he's grateful to have brothers here. This could have gone over a lot worse if he didn't.]

How many times did you fall on your ass before you gave up?

[ Bucky lifts his brow, his smirk betraying the amusing mental image he's got in his head before he even speaks. ] An obstacle course with or without rollerskates?

[ Nyx's question draws a chuckle out of him, and Bucky shakes his head. ] Zero. [ After a beat, he admits: ] But only because I managed to grab the railing every time.

[ Gotta love those super soldier reflexes. He takes a sip of his beer, even if it's all for show. ] So. You missed the last meeting... Everything okay? [ Like he doesn't know that there's been another rash of 'accidents' and troubling memory loss. Like there's anything real about the meetings, no matter how authentic they feel. It's strange, he finds, how much harder it is to keep the act up around his fellow soldiers. Makes him think of Dugan and Morita and the rest of the Howlies, how it would've torn him up if he had to deceive them. ]

[Nyx grins and his answer is in the amused shake of his head without having to say a word. Given proper challenge and incentive? He would absolutely strap wheels to his feet and try to run an obstacle course.

Try being the operative word.

His humor dies quickly, however, at Bucky's question. There's so much he's still missing. Even the meetings are just a blur. He knows they've happened and that's about it. He thinks.

He hooks a chair with his foot and pulls it out enough to have a seat.]

They told me I was in an accident. Head trauma. Among other things.

[He lifts his left arm pointedly. He still has very limited mobility, and he could no longer tell what part of the numbness was the prescription they gave him and what part was dead nerves. He was supposed to get the bandages changed in a couple days. He was afraid to see what it looked like now. Bad, if the rest of his scars were any indication.]

Saw Steve while I was in the hospital.

[ Allison is a good skater; she's not amazing, by any means, but she can stay upright and move forward and backward and isn't that all you need, really? Being good at it doesn't make it any less tiring, though, and Allison rolls her way towards the nearest table, sitting down on it a little ways away from Bucky.

There's a song in the background, a repetitive dance beat Allison's come to learn usually makes up the vast majority of the popular music from the 90s, and something about how all she wants is another baby, and Allison spares a nonjudgmental quizzical glance skyward before she notices Bucky sitting on the edge of the table. She leans down to glance at him, recognizing him as one of her neighbors — one of the ones that lives with Steve. And then it hits her — this is his birthday party and she has no idea who he is, but Steve invited her anyway. She scoots a little closer. ] Bucky, right?

[ She holds out a hand. ] I'm Allison. I was a student of Steve's when I was in high school.

[ Just imagine how the music sounds to Bucky, who's only had two years to try to catch up on everything he missed over the past... seven decades. In fact, he's been trying to make out the lyrics to some of these songs in an attempt to work out what they're about.

So, while it doesn't escape him that he's no longer alone at the table, he's still looking up at some of the speakers, brow somewhat furrowed, as he takes in the song. Is it about a woman trying to get pregnant? Or is she looking for another sweetheart? There's some predatory imagery going on either way...

At the sound of his name, he pulls his focus away from the music, looking over at the girl. She has an open, friendly face that puts him somewhat at ease, and he accepts the offered hand, giving it a quick shake. ]

That's me. Nice to meet you. [ He quirks a little smile at her. ] Were you good at his class? I'm not exactly an artist, myself.

[ FAR. FROM. IT. ]

Edited 2017-03-11 05:04 (UTC)

[ He's handsome when he smiles. But she's too busy demurring at his question to really dwell on it, her smile suddenly turning a little shy. ] Not really. Art's not really my thing.

[ There's more to it, something she's not saying which probably has a lot to do with the signs hanging up in here and all over town. She's liked art, wanted to be good at it once. But her parents always had other plans for her.

She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, and then looks at him a little slyly. ] Really? You did better than I did.

[ Bucky stares at her for a beat and then, just as it hits him, he laughs, shaking his head a little. That's right: Steve's got copies of his 'art' in the classroom. Bucky may not have any memory of drawing them, but they look just like the things he used to slap together whenever he tagged along to his pal's art classes back when they were younger. ]

My work's that memorable, huh? [ 'Memorable.' That's a nice way of putting it. ] So, what is your thing?

[ She laughs, shaking her head — she's clearly thinking the same thing he is, that 'memorable' isn't how they should probably put it. ] Archery, mostly. Hunting, too, mostly smaller game.

[ Look, he tried, okay? Sort of. It's just that some people've got it, and others don't. Bucky's definitely in the latter category. He wonders if Allison really is, or if she just thinks she's no good. It's kinda hard to believe she'd be any worse than him. ]

You don't meet a lot of archers these days. [ But there's a little tug at the corner of his mouth, a smile he's suppressing as he thinks about Clint. Well, less Clint and more the strange absurdity of his weapon of choice, all things considered. But the guy was effective; he made it work for him.

But now, onto some potentially dangerous territory. He figures, despite the cameras everywhere, the music here is loud enough that they can talk a little more freely than he otherwise would. Not that Bucky has any plans to let on about his real life, but... He's sure his next question wouldn't go over well if, say, the sheriff was around. ] So, you go into the woods here much? Find any interesting game?

Edited 2017-03-16 02:49 (UTC)

[ She hesitates — it's a visible reaction, like she has to stop herself from answering at first, and her glance around is anything but inconspicuous. Those cameras are everywhere, but she comes to the same conclusion: the music is loud, and the general question is vague enough. There's probably nothing to worry about. ]

I haven't had a chance yet. My best friend showed up and she was really sick. So I've been more worried about her than anything. I'd like to head out there at some point though, maybe when it's a little warmer.

[ Pause. She looks at him, like she's trying to get him to understand the meaning behind what she's about to say next. ] See what I can find.

[ Of course it was her idea to have this party. Like she'd do anything less than let Bucky and Steve forget their technical ages; she'd even offered to take care of the cake, although for her that really meant nothing more than getting the candles for it and hoarding them so neither the birthday boy or his best friend could remove about 70 of them. Screw that. They're not taking this away from her.

She's a little ways away from the festivities in the rink, setting up on a table. There's a couple pitchers of beer and soda with red Solo cups nearby, but Natasha's unconcerned with them, too busy perfecting the Funfetti masterpiece at her fingertips.

98, 99...

100. She sticks the last candle on the cake and steps back, folding her arms, satisfied. ] Perfect.

Edited 2017-03-11 04:41 (UTC)

You sure? I think you might have missed one.

[Kenzi is just side-eyeing the cake and the INSANE amount of candles on top, trying not to make a face because she know Nat could kick her ass--

... She knows Nat? Bucky's friend. Of course. Her and Steve. It's vague and it's hazy, but it's there.]

This is just arson waiting to happen.

[ Natasha blinks, and there's that brief moment of 'who are you' crossing across her face before recognition settles in and Natasha smirks a little, turning her attention back to the cake. She leans forward, messes with a couple of the candles. ]

The rink has an extinguisher.

[ She stands back up. ] I double checked.

Oh, awesome, so you're prepared for the building to go up in flames. That's... reassuring.

[The sarcasm is strong with this one.]

Not gonna lie, I'm kinda hoping he singes his eyebrows off because that would actually be hilarious.

I was a girl scout.

[ She has a merit badge in sniper rifles and exsanguination and everything. Natasha turns to Kenzi just a little, arms crossed. ]

What were you two arguing about?

[Kenzi honestly can't remember one way or the other to tell if Nat's making a joke or being serious. The image of a tiny, red-headed girl scout staring people down until they bought her out of cookies is pretty believable considering who she's talking to.

Kenzi shrugs, mimicking Natasha's crossed arms while trying to look casual.]

Cousin stuff. The usual. He's still pissed that I ran off and got hitched without telling anyone. Didn't even come see me when I was in the hospital. He's just a jerk!

[No he's not. Bucky's the sweetest, most amazing family member Kenzi has. Honestly, he's probably the only member of her family that she actually likes!

... As far as she knows.]

But it's his party, I can't crash it too hard. I mean if It does crash and burn, that last part's on you.

Edited 2017-03-20 14:44 (UTC)

[ Natasha pauses, but it's only for a second. She remembers now, although she doesn't remember who Kenzi's married to — just Bucky's upset at it, and she tsks lightly. Both at herself for believing the memory for even a second and at Kenzi, for both eloping and also accusing her of burning the party to the ground. ]

It'd take a lot more fire than this to burn this place to the ground, [ She says, somewhat seriously. Although if Kenzi asks her to elaborate, she won't. Even without the reminders posted everywhere, it's not a memory Natasha particularly cares for. ] I think it'll be fine. He worries about you, you know. Even if he couldn't find the time to visit.

[Haha.... ha... Nat, you're terrifying when you're serious. Kenzi drops her arms back to her sides and takes a veeeeery subtle step back.

And then she ROLLS HER EYES!]

Well, maybe he should stop worrying. I'm not a kid anymore and I can take care of myself.

[Her slight pout turns to something a little more hopeful when she zeroes in on what Nat said about not finding the time.]

Pleaaaaaaaaaase tell me he's dating someone. How have you not hooked him up yet? OH! Nat, oh my god, we should team up and find him a regulation hottie that's got a weirdly specific thing for scruffy, emo, grease monkeys!

[ Kenzi's movement isn't unnoticed by Natasha, but she doesn't react to it at all outwardly, though she makes a note of it otherwise. Instead, she hums a little, gaze scanning the party before dead stopping on Bucky sitting with a fairly attractive brunette. Her eyebrow raises, and she gently prods Kenzi with her elbow, briefly uncrossing her arms to do so, and she nods towards the pair with a soft smirk. ]

Looks like he's already doing the work for us.

[Kenzi follows Nat's nod to her cousin and the very blurry, but probably incredibly beautiful close up ... girl? He's with? Okay, so Kenzi really needs glasses, but like hell is she going to admit that. Instead, she leans over and determines that, YES! IT IS A GIRL!

Regulation hottie: check.

Weirdly specific thing for scruffy, emo grease monkeys: TBD but it looks promising.

Kenzi grabs Nat's arm, bouncing up and down excitedly while letting out a high pitched,]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwh! I thought he'd die single, surrounded by stray raccoons in a public park wearing a garbage bag for a poncho!

[That is a... weirdly specific scenario, Kenzi.]

Edited 2017-03-22 23:10 (UTC)

[ Bucky may have been reluctant to agree to this silly little party before, but as it turns out: he's having a surprisingly good time. Not that he'll tell Natasha. She seems to enjoy it a little too much whenever people admit she's right.

Is it bad luck if he sees his cake before the candles are lit? He doesn't know. What he knows, as he approaches Natasha, is that's a suspicious amount of candles. She didn't really...

His eyes scan the cake, doing a quick count of the candles.

She did.

Looking from the cake to Natasha, Bucky deadpans: ] Really?

[ Steve's sort of hovering nearby while continuously taking in the atmosphere of bowling shoe smell and the flashing lights that highlight the skaters in a circuit of varying degrees of grace around the rink, but he overhears the question and steps over to come up alongside Bucky. His mouth opens slightly and then closes to smother the hint of a grin. He knows he's looking at his own future here — he's not sure any degree of complication between him and Natasha could stop her — but as long as Bucky's the one taking the brunt, well— ]

Think you can blow 'em all out at once?

[ He nods unnecessarily to the candles, brow furrowed in his clear sincerity. ]

Edited 2017-03-16 21:15 (UTC)

[ She glances up at Steve as he approaches, but just beacuse it's complicated doesn't mean she has to act like it is. They're still friends, and she'll hold onto that as long as she can. Her eyebrows raise a little at his commentary, and she hums a little in feigned thought, raising her hand to her chin. ]

I don't know, they say your lung capacity diminishes with age.

[ Bucky probably regrets whatever moment lead to his best friend and his former student meeting every second of his life. ]

[ He stares at the candles for a moment longer, but between Steve and Natasha's comments, he can't help but let out a laugh. It's a little quiet, but it's genuine, nothing forced or bittersweet about it. God, how long's it been since he's had a moment like this? He looks at Steve, his smile-- something carefree and probably nostalgic-- still lingering on his face. ]

Yeah, laugh it up, pal. You're next.

[ He shifts his gaze to Natasha. Their history's marked with violence, some of it he'd like to forget, so it's still a pleasant surprise, he supposes, the way she gives him as much crap as she does Steve. She doesn't have to do it, and he wouldn't blame her if she kept him at a distance, but the fact that she doesn't...

It makes him feel more human.

Not that he's gonna go and be a sap all over his own birthday party. ]

One hundred candles... [ He huffs, his voice teasing: ] I bet you hear the words 'you shouldn't have' a lot.

[ For his part, Steve's yet to be made aware of that particular connection, so he couldn't say one way or another. Maybe a part of him wishes he were in a position to say he's happy that his best girl and his best friend give a damn about each other apart from him, but the feeling's still there even if he can't say the words.

The sap might be a little catching. ]

Yeah, mostly from me, [ he graciously answers on Natasha's behalf. The truth, though, is that he wouldn't really know what to do with any kind of friendship that didn't give him a hard time, keep him on his toes and honest, something none of them have ever shied from. He's glad it still goes both ways between him and Bucky, even if it's been hard fought for. ]

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HAPPY CENTENNIAL, BUCKY BARNES [open to all]

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