observe, analyze. calculate. the methodical / THERAPEUTIC process by which the doctor formulates his most cardinal hypothesis. but information is so seemingly limited on the ghost of a man, the figure of EXHAUSTION that currently resides across from him. the one they call bucky, though bruce knows only that he is a soldier… that he is noticeably prone to a familiar solemn restraint in group settings… && that he is of great IMPORTANCE to rogers.
he’s also acutely aware that they share a common denominator. so debilitating on the brain, the external facade; even now. they are INCENDIARY grenades, timed devices always in standby mode, encompassed by a wave of casualties, sitting ducks. in short, they are weapons. && the label, POIGNANT aspersions that neither will ever be able to entirely disallow. ( not in this life. ) the damnation of duplicity, real life reincarnations of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde…
except their alter-egos are not at all representatives of FICTION. not another tale to disturb. no, theirs is a sinking, maddening lack of control, a loss of agency. a vile desperation, demented, entrenched within the vein. VESSELS thick with determination, pitted against the sleepless struggle, a force that cannot be defied. sense of perception mutilated, pulled in opposing directions, NEVER entirely ridding of one or the other. maddening, indeed. the uncertainty. the desire to elude oneself, the crippling fear of actions that have yet to be committed. actions that will be committed, in due time. by them.
chase the nightmare’s end to no avail. the CREATURE has snuffed out every remaining particle, any glimmer of light that might have dwelled prior. ( he guarantees he has witnessed darker. )
❝ TRY me, kid. ❞