MASK OR MENACE IC CONTACT

[selfequipped]

"Hey, it's Kate. Leave a message."

Comments

[selfimage]

You want me to start theorizing as to the reason he has his style of beard?

[selfequipped]

Sounds like you've already started. I'm just asking you to share with the class.

[selfimage]

One conclusion in jest does not a whole theory make! Perhaps he merely can't shave and can only trim. I'd hate to see the rest of him.

[selfequipped]

Come on, he's not that unattractive. He has a good brow.

[selfimage]

I'm betting on a back full of hair. A majestic, well woven carpet, if we want to be kind.

voice mail

[gevurah]

Hey, it's Kate. [ There's a measured pause before she continues. ] I'd like to ask you something, when you've got the time.

call back

[selfequipped]

[The phone is, in fact, ringing!]

[gevurah]

[ Banana phone. ]

Hello?

[selfequipped]

Hey, Kate, it's Kate. You had something to ask?

[gevurah]

Hi, Ka... Hey.

[ How many times are they going to say their names. ]

I do, if it's not too random.

[selfequipped]

I think his back is probably hair free.

Thanks to waxing.

[selfequipped]

Well, I'd like to keep in touch. [Especially since she looked out for Billy. In Kate's book, Kate is good people. Which could be a mildly egotistical statement.]

What is it?

[gevurah]

The man in the blue costume with the shield... who is he supposed to be?

[ The name read Bucky Barnes. It sounded a lot like Bucky Barnes... vocally anyway. There was something about this man she couldn't put a finger on and she wants to clear it up. Perhaps she's hoping for something that isn't there.

She's been pretending old friends returning without their memories doesn't bother her. It doesn't hurt at all.

It's starting to prickle. ]

[selfequipped]

I can't answer in depth, because a lot of his story is his to tell. [And for once, Kate thinks it should be up to Bucky to tell his own story. Not anyone else. People have been toying with him for so long.]

But his name is Bucky Barnes. Confusing with the whole Captain America ensemble, but he said I could address him by name, so that's what we'll do.

[gevurah]

[ How much should she reveal? She would ask Bucky, but after the intitial mess with Matt she's more than hesitant to approach him. ]

Captain America. I think I've heard the name before.

[selfequipped]

It's surreal to explain who Captain America is, but he's a hero back home. World War II hero. He fought with a group called the Invaders. Bucky was one of them. He took up the mantle ... [After. After Cap died. But Kate's from beyond that. It's weird to think that Bucky doesn't know Cap is all right.]

Why are you curious?

[gevurah]

Soldier's curiosity.

[ It's a half-truth. ]

I think I've met him before, but not him. Steve Rogers.

[ It wasn't Kate and Bucky's Steve, but she doesn't really know the details. ]

[selfequipped]

It doesn't surprise me that you have. He seems like the type of guy who would turn up here.

[gevurah]

For a little while. We only spoke once or twice.

[selfequipped]

Anyway, Bucky's a good guy. He's no Cap, but I'm glad to have him here. He helped us a lot in a situation like this before.

[gevurah]

Sounded like he wanted to make waves.

[ It surprises her a little, but this Bucky is clearly older. ]

[selfequipped]

It's kind of what we do.

[She sounds amused ... and proud. After all, Kate had created her own waves.]

[gevurah]

[ But does Bucky have a plan? Probably not.

Maybe it's not the same Bucky. ]

Superheroes, huh.

[selfimage]

Ugh. Imagining the face of his esthetician.

[selfequipped]

It's a fine tradition of causing problems when they need to be caused.