[network] @username; text; night 164 [open]

[advanced]

[It's all over.

He's almost glad that he has John and his grief to focus on right now, because otherwise his paranoia would be burning a hole through his head. His username is out there, linked with his real name, linked even with photographs. They're public, anyone can see them, so many people already have. He has to do something about this, stop people from coming after him. Not that he doesn't deserve their anger, or their revenge, but it will just lead to more people getting hurt.

There's only one thing to do.

He can feel fear twisting in his gut as he picks up the tablet and sends out probably one of the shortest messages that's been broadcast.]

My name is Bucky Barnes. I'm not safe to be around. Stay away from me.

Comments

[advanced]

Those aren't the only choices. I want your help in controlling myself, I'm going to accept it, but I don't want you shielding me from facing the consequences of what I've done.

[definingfuture]

No one's shielding you from what you've done. We're shielding you from being an idiot. And what you haven't done. That's also an option.

And I'm not really the one you'd need to negotiate the terms of that with.

[advanced]

Are you not?

[He sounds a bleak, tired.]

I thought you were the leader of this group.

[definingfuture]

Technically speaking, but I just handle the laundry.

[He leads in order to achieve what the boss wants.]

It gets easier. In case you were wondering.

[advanced]

[He snorts, bitter and dry.]

What makes you so sure?

[definingfuture]

Because I've been there. I've got a pretty good record for crazy things happening and being the center of it, so I know that even when you get sucked down to the bottom of the mess, you can claw your way out of it.

There's a way to fix things as long as you're alive. Sometimes it sucks, but at least it means you still have a chance to help others.

[advanced]

I'm trying.

[He's not going to give up. If there's one thing he knows how to do, it's survive. He's survived the Soldier, he'll survive this.]

I don't think you're in any position to lecture me on staying alive right now.

[definingfuture]

You're doing good.

It's not a lecture. It's advice. Next time, be careful about how you word things, because other people are unpredictable. You have the chance to fix your life, so do it.

And I was only dead for one day, man. You people act like it's never happened before. Ask Natasha about the time the Avengers all died. That was a fun ride.

[advanced]

It's never happened for me.

[He's never died, and he's not exactly used to people he knows dying either.]

Don't let it happen again.

[definingfuture]

You're lucky. It's part of the risks of the job. Eventually it gets everyone.

[A little more serious for a moment, but then he shrugs it off.]

Can't help it. That's what we do.

[advanced]

You can help it, you can fight it. Don't just accept it.

[He sounds pretty annoyed, what is that bullshit, Tony?]

[definingfuture]

[He laughs a little at that. Just a chuckle.]

I'm still here now.

[advanced]

[There's a faint huff that might almost be a chuckle in return, before he just hangs up.

Sorry, Tony.]

[definingfuture]

[Wow. Iron Man just has to have the last word, so he leaves Bucky a message:]

You are so rude.