[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

[ecks]

you are not keeping him away from you.
you are not letting him keep away from you.
this is a bad plan.

[jumpthegun]

Ecks, he not going to hurt me again.

[ecks]

I am not going to hurt Duster again
but you would not trust me with Duster

[jumpthegun]

This is different. He's helping me and we're friends. You're not friends with Duster.

[ecks]

[In reply, she sends an image of a page from her book of rules, which reads:]

Friends
-A friend is somebody you like and you want to spend time with and care about.
-Friends make each other happy.
-A friend should not deliberately hurt a friend, or not care if they hurt them.

[jumpthegun]

[Ecks, you're making this difficult.]

He didn't mean to hurt me, Ecks. Not really. It was just a misunderstanding.

[ecks]

Bucky Barnes and I agreed that when we cannot control ourselves and are going to hurt people we will stop being around people. I know that it is different because he has people coming that can stop him, but he hurt you and you and he are not following the rule to stop him from hurting you again.

[jumpthegun]

There are exceptions to rules sometimes, Ecks. There have to be.

cw ableist language

[ecks]

[This just in: Ecks is also talking with the other person involved, and he just let Ecks know exactly how bad it is.]

he crippled you
that is the exception
because he crippled you and you will die alone
he agreed
he and I agreed and he did not follow the rule and now he has done this

cw ableist language

[jumpthegun]

[And there we are. Damn it.]

I am not a cripple. I can walk. [For short distances, slowly, in great pain, and with the aid of a cane and a wall or other furniture.]

He's helping me a little bit, but I can walk.

cw ableist language

[ecks]

but you cannot run

i do not believe you
you lied and did not say how badly you were injured
you are saying you are not crippled but i think you are still lying

cw ableist language

[jumpthegun]

It's my own bloody business how injured I am or am not. You're not a doctor, Ecks, and neither is he. I appreciate you concern, but I'll make do and figure something out. I don't need you and everyone else hounding me about something I'm already taking care of.

cw ableist language

[ecks]

[As deeply frustrated as she is with him, she can sort of see his point. She cannot help him from where she is. It is too late to prevent the injuries, and even if she disagrees with his choice of companion, he must have someone to help him now. Still....]

do not lie to me again
I know that people here are liars
but I want you to not be one of the liars
I want to trust the things you say

cw ableist language

[jumpthegun]

[John's own frustration is intense. With himself, with Bucky, with her. He just wants people to stop talking about his leg. He'd cut the damn thing off if it wouldn't be incredibly counterproductive. Going back to this, going back to the pity and everyone trying to accommodate 'poor, broken Dr. Watson,' drives him made. It makes him feel even weaker and more vulnerable.]

Ecks, I don't want people worrying about me. You've got enough things to worry about. Don't add me to the list. I'm not like Dr. House or others here. I know how to handle it when I get into a tight spot. And I'm not going to lie to you about important things.

cw ableist language

[ecks]

friends care when their friends are hurt

Define important things.

[jumpthegun]

[Well, she's not wrong.]

When it's nothing to do with me and my problems.

[ecks]

Incorrect.

[jumpthegun]

You asked me to define it, Ecks. That's my opinion on the definition.

[ecks]

your opinion is incorrect

[jumpthegun]

[A petulant 'well, that's your opinion!' rises up in John's head, but he dismisses it as unhelpful.]

Maybe. I could still manage on my own. I just want to keep an eye on him.