revivalproject | Network/Text

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Network/Text

Some of us at the hospital have been thinking that it would be good to get a general medical background from people, so we're better prepared in case of...well anything, really. Things like blood type, allergies, any known conditions or family history. But also, given we come from so many different places, there could be anatomical differences that may be important to know.

If you want to answer here you're welcome to, or myself and/or Lauri-Ell would be happy to meet with you in person.

I promise, we'll do our best to ensure this information stays private and is only used in case of emergency, but of course it's entirely voluntary. We understand if anyone would prefer not to.

And if anyone needs help with anything please don't hesitate to ask or drop by.

Private to: Soldier

How's your head today, any better?
I hope you've been taking care of yourself out there. Sometimes I wish you weren't so stubborn.
I might have some news to cheer you up. Are you busy?

-B (...obviously)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good.

[Simple praise called out when Billy did something particularly well, or corrected his stance on his own without the Soldier's prompting. He yielded to the kick, giving up ground as Billy pressed the attack.

He grinned fiercely when his back hit the wall.]

Finish it, but beware: a wall at my back can be just as much an advantage for me as for you.

[The praise made Billy grin, and he tried not to let it distract him. He'd fallen prey to that more than a few times, and found himself flat on his back for getting lost in those feelings of pride.]

Every where's an advantage for you.

[He smiled despite the teasing, enjoying himself, even as his short won advantage seemed to be failing. Soldier countered him, and Billy tried to think on his feet, a bright flash lighting up from his hands as a sort of improvised flash bang (minus the bang).]

Perhaps.

[The element of surprise served Billy well and the Soldier felt his own surge of pride at his student's ingenuity. He halted his attack, stalling in something akin to a normal person's reaction time and giving Billy the chance to press his advantage.]

[He attempted to take control of the 'knife', twisting Soldier's wrist to turn it away. With practice he had to think less about the steps of the move, but despite Soldier's obvious strength advantage he was still having trouble applying the proper amount of force. Billy likely couldn't hurt Soldier if he tried, but he couldn't help but hold himself back.]

Harder.

[He pushed back against Billy's hold on his wrist.] Commit to it. You won't hurt me. Show me you can do this.

[He knew Billy could, if he'd let himself. But Billy was gentle and good natured in practically every aspect of his life; asking him to overcome that wasn't easy.]

[The struggle was plain on his features, but Billy tried with a determined nod. It was a sharp movement, obviously forcing himself to apply that strength before he could talk himself out of it. He winced as though it was his own wrist he was apply the pressure to, eyes darting up to Soldier's quickly to make sure he was all right, but holding firm.]

Like this?

Good. [Emphatic praise, as the Soldier allowed Billy to twist the faux knife from his fingers.] I'm proud of you. Now don't move away, but take a moment to look at how we are. I'm bigger than you, and stronger. You've had the advantage of surprise, but by now I realize you're not going to be an easy pushover. Tell me three things you could do next to neutralize me.

[Depending on the answer, he might even teach Billy a fourth.]

[Three things... Looking up at Soldier and their position, Billy's mind briefly went blank, feeling just how easily the other could turn things around if he wanted. But he wasn't as powerless as he might have felt, brow furrowed as he mentally ran through a few different scenarios.]

I could...use the knife.

[Billy seemed less than confident in that answer though, and not exactly comfortable with it either, and he quickly tried another.]

Hit to the side of the knee while you're still focused on the knife. Hopefully hard enough to take you down for long enough to get away or take control?

Or...the eyes? If I could jab right it would take your focus or maybe take you out all together. But it opens me up to being countered.

[He waited, patient and still, while Billy analyzed the situation. He had no worries of injury from Billy, trusted him completely. Hopefully that calm would help his companion to learn.]

You could. But it's not a weapon you're comfortable with, and your attacker may focus more on getting it back than on what else you might be doing.

[Still, a good answer. And Billy already clearly moved on to other options.]

The knee is good. It's one of my favorite targets, especially if you need an opponent to potentially stay put without killing him. Eyes are trickier: a better target to take someone out of the fight, but harder to hit and leaves you more open. Good though, you're recognizing viable alternatives. But can you tell me what big thing you're forgetting?

[Even just in dealing with theory Billy struggled with the idea of a situation where he might be forced to kill someone, always trying to find the solution that did the least lasting harm, though if he were ever truly forced to fight for his life he might find himself glad to his options.

He hesitated, flushing as a rather vulnerable area did spring to mind, but he doubted it was the one Soldier meant. Though did assassins really care about respecting the not below the belt rule?

Maybe he was approaching it from the wrong angle. He shook his head apologetically.]

What is it?

Your magic.

[Not that a lot of their training has focused on magic, because the Soldier couldn't teach anything of value in that regard. But he could help Billy develop the physical piece to complementary his magical skill.]

Don't forget what is second nature to you, just because you've learned something new. You've surprised me; you could end it quickly and either move on to the next threat or regroup with an ally.

[He gave a bashful laugh at over looking the obvious. Billy got so focused on the physical, it's almost as though he viewed the magic as cheating. Or maybe he was just scared of being caught without it again.

He nodded thoughtfully, and gave a teasing wave of his fingers, lifting Soldier a few inches off the ground.]

I still wouldn't win if you were really trying, would I? Even with the magic.

[But he did feel a bit more sure about his chances with a standard human.]

[Magic still came as something of a surprise, especially when used on him. Billy never did anything to cause harm — had used his magic to help the Soldier — but he still had a hard time wrapping his mind around it sometimes. Feeling his feet leave the floor felt strange but just like Billy trusted him, he knew it wouldn't lead to true harm.]

You might not, [he had to be honest.] Not if I was determined. Or under orders.

[Not as impossible a situation as one could think, considering what Beck had accomplished.]

But I'm proud of your progress.

[Given Soldier's past and recent events, Billy was sure to keep any magic performed without permission light, not wanting to abuse the trust he'd earned. He spun Soldier in a slow circle before setting him back on his feet with a playful smile.]

Thank you. I mean...I dunno how I'll do if it's real danger yet, but...I'm really grateful for everything you've taught me. Even if you do go easy on me.

[He flashed a teasing smile.]

You owe me an answer by the way. I haven't forgotten.

[Feet back on the ground, the Soldier rolled his shoulders, dispelling any lingering tension. It certainly wasn't the first time he'd been airborne but the sensation that still strange. Seeing Billy smile like that made it all worth it though.]

Do I need to be harder on you? [He could, if Billy wanted more of a challenge.] I can, but I don't want to overwhelm you.

[He cocked an eyebrow, considering. For him it was a downright sassy expression.] Do I?

I mean...I have fought like...Doctor Doom, and helped save the world a few times.

[Billy tried to pull off an overconfident, braggy sort of smirk, but quickly laughed, too bashful to really make it convincing.] By which I mean, I didn't technically die, and I was present, so...maybe a smidge harder. I can probably take it.

[That look made Billy's grin grow, and he nodded pointedly.] Mm hmm. I'm kind of like your doctor, you know? But mostly, as your friend, seriously- how's your head?

Doctor what now?

[Seriously, who even? But Bucky didn't doubt his companion's skills, at least related to his talents. The physical fighting piece just needed some training.]

You didn't technically die, huh?

[Clearly the best answer was to start leading Billy out of the room, right? Right.]

You know how I feel about doctors. [His nonchalant shrug probably didn't fool Billy.] I'm in control.

Doom. Metal mask. Super dramatic. [Billy vaguely tried to mime the man.] I get the feeling the villains in your world are a little less flamboyant.

I disappeared from existence for a few minutes, but that one wasn't my fault.

[Billy followed after Soldier, a knowing look on his face as he continued to dodge the question.]

Even Billy shaped doctors? [His expression got a little more serious then.] I know you are. But that doesn't mean you don't hurt.

Wouldn't know. I tried to stay away from all that. [Since escaping HYDRA he'd been mostly successful too. It wasn't easy, and probably wasn't what most people would call a good life, but he was free.]

Should I even ask, or is the explanation only going to confuse me?

[Magic was just weird.

Totally side eying Billy as they left the building though.]

Prefer Billy shaped friends. [Grumble grumble. But look, the f-word!] Can't stop that part just by wishing. Doesn't matter.

Super confusing. But I guess that's par for the course with me, huh? [Billy laughed and shook his head. Definitely a confusing story, and one that required a lot of backstory. Though that one was more of a time travel weirdness than a magic weirdness for once.

He brightened at hearing Soldier call him his friend, and then gave him a pointed look. Remember who he was talking to, after all. But he understood.]

It matters. You matter. I know it won't fix everything, but I've been trying to study up on non-medicinal headache treatments. There's a like...temple massage that's supposed to help, if you'd be more comfortable with that?

[He offers a hopeful smile. He's obviously been working hard to try and help Soldier without upsetting him.]

Oh, and I didn't tell you my news yet. That might help some too!

Not in a bad way. [Billy's type of confusing was practically a breath of fresh air next to everything lately. Not that his life had been easy either, but that he can go through so much weirdness and still want to bother with the Soldier felt like a novelty sometimes.

And sometimes Billy made it hard, like with his continued attempts to help instead of giving up on the Soldier. He didn't know how to tell Billy that it was likely a waste of his time, that there were better people to befriend. People who had more to contribute to a friendship or to the greater society than an assassin who lately showed just how much he could be controlled.]

I'm not going to some temple for a massage. [Not what Billy meant but that wasn't the point, and deliberate stubbornness was familiar to them both.] The headaches aren't all migraines, and they do pass. They're just worse when there's something that's maybe related to a memory but maybe not and my brain can't find the gap, never mind cross it.

[He led Billy toward his latest camp. He still tried to be frugal with his survival but he hadn't yet discarded the clothing given for disguise on their last trip; the outfit lay folded to the side, some of the fabric carefully detached from the trimming. The cloth was of a good quality and the leather supple; with a little work the Soldier believed he could alter it enough for sleepwear, at the very least.]

Do you intend to make me guess, or are you just teasing me?

[Billy felt like this was some cosmic retribution for what he'd put his friends through during his disassociate depression. The frustration of wanting to help, being able to help even, but being rejected at almost every turn. He'd spent so long looking for that possible solution, even practiced on himself. Which felt a more than a little foolish now, since he should have known better after so much pushing. And if he kept at it he might drive Soldier away, so Billy forced himself to drop it, though he didn't look very happy about it.

He glanced at the clothing, a hopeful feeling growing at seeing something added to Soldier's limited supplies. He resisted the urge to offer to magic up a selection of clothing for him, smiling softly at the question.]

...I wanted to be sure, but I've been watching the network status for a bit now, and I'm pretty sure Beck is gone. Tracking spell didn't find a trace either, so I don't think it's a trick.

I am... not comfortable. With being touched. [He offered up the confession haltingly, after seeing Billy's expression. His friend, who cared. Billy tried, more than most. He recognized the Soldier's struggles more than most. He put thought and effort into his suggestion; the Soldier felt embarrassed at not even hearing him out.] But tell me more about what you want to try.

[Honestly Billy should make the suggestion eventually, or the Soldier should ask; anything he came up with would likely be less revealing than what the Argii had supplied. But he didn't dwell long upon it after Billy's bombshell.]

Are you sure? [As sure as Billy could be of course, that's clearly why he brought it up.] I... don't know what to say.

I know. [Billy acknowledged, and he offered an apologetic smile. He knew Soldier all ready made a lot of concession to his personal comfort when it came to Billy. He needed to respect his boundaries.] I don't have to, if you don't want. And it's something you can do to yourself too, I thought that would...be ideal for you. S'how I practiced.

[The suggestion would certainly come up as the weather started to change. Or perhaps Soldier would simply find himself suddenly gifted with a selection of clothing so neither of them had to trip over the offering stage.

He nodded quickly, a tentatively hopeful look on his face.]

As sure as I can be. I'll keep an eye out still, but...it might be one less thing you have to look over your shoulder for. Maybe I can start to drop a few of the protection spells.

I will consider it, if you think it will help. [Probably as close as he could get to agreeing. Was he pushing himself too much? Possibly. But at least Billy tried to understand more than most how broken the Soldier felt in this place, even more than back in the Fleet.

And he had made it through the last winter on his own. Of course, he discovered that he had been on the planet for the entire thing, having been sent somewhere else by the Agrii. But still, for the parts where he was present, he'd managed his own food and shelter to avoid taking resources others needed.

Even so, new clothing for sleeping would be nice.]

You don't have to waste your magic on me. [A familiar statement; the Soldier never won but he still said it every time.] But it would be...a relief, for him to be gone.

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