Soldat is one of those who stayed behind in the world. Most of the time, they're at the outlying farm, where they spend a few days at a time tending the field, feeding goats (and not-goats) and chickens (and not-chickens) and the one dog and cat that got portalled in more on accident than anything else, and putting the old farmhouse back together to make it more liveable. They never did repair their lantern despite the increased understanding of how, preferring to let their headmates all remain. They mostly get along, these days.
But twice a week they're back in town for a full day, checking on people, exchanging books at the library, and making food for everyone to collect in the Invincible should they want it. Most of it will keep in a freezer or in a big pot on low simmer on the stove, or gets delivered to doors and porches of any others remaining. They can't manage without people; being out on the farm alone, or even just with Misty, makes the paranoia and nightmares and internal bickering worse.
So they visit. Regularly. And beg for social interaction.
II. New Year's Eve - Invincible
Today is a day when they're in town, because they remember the calendar, too. They bake up some warm pies for Rosinante's little party, though they don't expect very many people to show up, and their fluffy sheepdog gets the scraps from it as they bake. (The cat stayed back at the farmhouse, getting by on the bits of wildlife starting to sneak in via portal or spirit-animals still hiding out from the light, plus plenty of home-made kitty kibble.)
Then night falls and spirits pour into town and Soldat-- Soldat is delighted. They greet any spirit who wants one with, of all things, a hug, and singing greetings and excitement in their own language. They're a little rusty, as it's been a long time since they've had any need to use it, but their voice is still good and their memory still impeccable.
While they've been content, working and helping and checking in with people, this is the happiest Soldat has looked since the sun started to return. "They're still here," they tell anyone who asks, smiling. "We're not alone yet."
III. Sunrise
Soldat stares after the last departing spirits, rather than watching the sun as it comes up, but they're still outside, bundled up against the cold, hands in their coat pockets, dog at their feet huddled close to share warmth.
"It was nice," they say quietly, maybe to themselves. "Seeing them again. Even if they're not our friends, exactly, it's still nice." Then they turn a little to whoever came up to see them in the dawn's light, and say, "Oh. I have a Christmas gift for you. Didn't come to town then, but the snow was too thick, so. I have it now, if you want it."
They pause, and add, "No, it's not another funny hat. Though I did consider it." A reminder of last year's early Christmas gifts which were in fact all silly, but still very warm, hats.
Bucky/Soldat | MCU | OTA
Soldat is one of those who stayed behind in the world. Most of the time, they're at the outlying farm, where they spend a few days at a time tending the field, feeding goats (and not-goats) and chickens (and not-chickens) and the one dog and cat that got portalled in more on accident than anything else, and putting the old farmhouse back together to make it more liveable. They never did repair their lantern despite the increased understanding of how, preferring to let their headmates all remain. They mostly get along, these days.
But twice a week they're back in town for a full day, checking on people, exchanging books at the library, and making food for everyone to collect in the Invincible should they want it. Most of it will keep in a freezer or in a big pot on low simmer on the stove, or gets delivered to doors and porches of any others remaining. They can't manage without people; being out on the farm alone, or even just with Misty, makes the paranoia and nightmares and internal bickering worse.
So they visit. Regularly. And beg for social interaction.
II. New Year's Eve - Invincible
Today is a day when they're in town, because they remember the calendar, too. They bake up some warm pies for Rosinante's little party, though they don't expect very many people to show up, and their fluffy sheepdog gets the scraps from it as they bake. (The cat stayed back at the farmhouse, getting by on the bits of wildlife starting to sneak in via portal or spirit-animals still hiding out from the light, plus plenty of home-made kitty kibble.)
Then night falls and spirits pour into town and Soldat-- Soldat is delighted. They greet any spirit who wants one with, of all things, a hug, and singing greetings and excitement in their own language. They're a little rusty, as it's been a long time since they've had any need to use it, but their voice is still good and their memory still impeccable.
While they've been content, working and helping and checking in with people, this is the happiest Soldat has looked since the sun started to return. "They're still here," they tell anyone who asks, smiling. "We're not alone yet."
III. Sunrise
Soldat stares after the last departing spirits, rather than watching the sun as it comes up, but they're still outside, bundled up against the cold, hands in their coat pockets, dog at their feet huddled close to share warmth.
"It was nice," they say quietly, maybe to themselves. "Seeing them again. Even if they're not our friends, exactly, it's still nice." Then they turn a little to whoever came up to see them in the dawn's light, and say, "Oh. I have a Christmas gift for you. Didn't come to town then, but the snow was too thick, so. I have it now, if you want it."
They pause, and add, "No, it's not another funny hat. Though I did consider it." A reminder of last year's early Christmas gifts which were in fact all silly, but still very warm, hats.