sixwordstories | (no subject)

"Open and find out Steve-o." Bucky says with a grin on his face, Steve should know he gets him the same thing every year, a new sketch book and pencils.

[Clark only smiles humbly and gestures as if to insist on Steve opening the package. Inside the wrapping was a photo album that bore a collection of old photographs and newspaper clippings he managed to find of Captain America, the Howling Commandos, Peggy Carter, and other things depicting the era of the second World War -- having a job in journalism tended to come in handy when you finally decided do some sleuthing.]

What do you think? It's your birthday gift.

[Steve opens the box and looks at the photos some of which he thought were still classified or lose. He lets his fingers run over the group shot of himself with the Commandos, He looks up at Clark beaming.]

Clark this is.....amazing how did you find some of these?

[Steve rolls his eyes and opens the package grinning as he pulls out the pad and pencils.]

Aw Buck...you always know when I'm running out.

[Clark has lost Steve to the past for a brief moment as he goes through some of the photos, and so he remains silent to let the man of time remember.]

Perks of being a reporter. I'm glad you like it, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't sure if it would be too much.

[Steve's grin widens and he shakes his head.]

No not at all.....I thought some of these had been lost...you really have a talent for this Clark.

[An idea comes to him and he steps closer.]

In fact how would you like your first scoop. I haven't given an interview since coming out of the ice.....the Daily Planet would be the first to hear about the Battle of New York from the leader of the Avengers.

[His eyebrow goes up almost suspiciously.]

Are you sure, Steve? I hear the Daily Bugle's been trying to strike a deal with you ever since you woke up.

[That, of course, is not a no; There's no way he's going to let the opportunity pass him up.]

[Steve snorts and shakes his head.]

Clark have you seen their coverage of Spiderman....anyone who treats a fellow hero like that isn't going to get anything from me. No I want the Daily Planet to have first crack at this. It's one of the few papers I know of that still treats news the way it should be not the tabloid stuff the tv seems to lean on.

[ Bucky just grins brightly at Steve.]

Why change what works, and I am just going to keep getting what makes you smile.

[Steve laughs warmly and reaches over to hug his best friend.]

And what makes me laugh because you know me better than anyone Buck.

[ Buck grins and hugs Steve back giving him a squeeze. ] You wanna head over to Coney Island ride a couple of rides and watch the fireworks birthday boy?

I have and it's debasing really. [He's suddenly beaming, grinning and chuckling softly.] Relax, Steve, I was only kidding. It'd be an honor to write a scoop on you.

Not to mention Lois will be incredibly jealousy I got this story and not her.

[Steve laughs and shakes his head.]

I know but still it really cheeses me off. Just the same I trust you more than anyone else, you'll do the story right And it will be good press for Superman too, I plan to give him my seal of approval.

Yeah, well, I don't know about that. A lot of folks are still mad about my part in nearly leveling Smallville, not to mention the world engines in Metropolis and the Indian Ocean

...Which neither I was responsible for. Hmm, on second thought, I guess I could use your backing.

It was no worse then what happened to New York Clark you just did what you could with what you had. I can teach you a few tricks if you like.

[Steve smiles.]

Two American icons banding together.

I suppose not.

[Kal rubs the back of his neck.]

Yeah sure, I'd like that.

Wouldn't be my birthday or the fourth without Coney Island...lets go. Hot dogs on me.

You're getting there Clark You are young yet, get a few years on you and soon you'll be a real icon. It's not always easy though and you have to remember you can't save everyone.

That's just the thing, Steve. I don't want to be an icon, I just want to protect those who need protecting. You know, fight the good fight.

You're not payin' for anything Steve-o, it's your birthday.

[Steve mock sighs then smiles.]

Alright Buck I'm not going to fight you on that.

That's a good thing to want Clark the problem is the people you save are going to talk they already have. Doesn't matter if you w you want to or not you are becoming an icon to them. You can either embrace it or fight it and believe me the second option is hard and could damage you.

I suppose you're right. Sounds kind of silly when I really think about it. Can't fight and ignore peoples opinions, not really.

Good, because you wouldn't win. [ he laughs tossing a metal arm around Steve and flagging down a cab to get them there.]

[Steve hugs Buck and smiles as they head for the cab.]

I know I wouldn't you are as stubborn as me. It's why you're my best friend.