OOM: post-Slenderman

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

It's obvious, from the moment they step out of the cave, that the oppressive evil that had held the bar captive is gone. The night is clear, with only a few wisps of clouds to drift over the waning moon; there are nocturnal but benign creatures stirring in the woods; but more than that, it just feels different, lighter and sweeter in every sense. Magical. A good magic, white magic.

Steve keeps an arm around Bucky as they walk, though he suspects Bucky will be better soon. All he has to do is breathe.

Comments

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Tomorrow," Steve says, apologetic. "I want to let Orpheus know everything's okay first."

[nerves_of_ice]

He nods.




"Tomorrow it is, then."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"I can speak to him and come back."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles, a little.






"Remember when we were kids, telling each other ghost stories in the dark after lights-out?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Yeah," Steve says, not sure what that has to do with this.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Of course we never really believed them, or so we all said, but it didn't matter."

His smile grows.

"Because we both knew we'd have each other's back if anything came after us. And that was enough."

A beat.

"I'm not going to say no, don't come back. But it's okay, either way."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve nods and closes the file. "How about I come back and say good night after I've checked in with him? Just to see how you are.

"And you know where to find us if you need me, right?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Right," Bucky confirms.

Another beat, and a wry grin.

"Who knows, by the time you get back, I might even have finally gotten the last of the chocolate out of my boots."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve chuckles and gives Bucky's head an affectionate rub.

"See you later, punk."

[nerves_of_ice]

He laughs, and claps Steve on the shoulder.

"Count on it."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve leaves with a laugh.



He comes back hours later--longer than he planned, but he's feeling quite loose and easy as a result--and when Bucky doesn't answer his (admittedly soft) knock, uses his key to peek inside.

Bucky's rifle is once again hung on the bedpost, and his newly-polished boots are arranged by the closet. Bucky himself is asleep. All seems to be well.

Steve watches him sleep for a moment, then quietly closes the door, making certain it locks behind him.