Well, we'll make sure you live a really long time then! And . . . and after you're gone I . . . I guess I'll get to know Alexiel. I mean, at least I'll know it's still you, in some ways . . .


[The smile he offered was crooked as he bent to press his forehead to Setsuna's. Steve left it there while he thought over the kid's question, giving a soft huff of laughter. Who hadn't he lost?]


Everyone kid. I've lost everyone at some point. But I . . . I had a brother once. Not by blood, but he was as much my brother as he could be despite that. Or maybe because of it? Anyway, his name was Bucky. Er, James I guess actually. James Buchanan Barnes, but everyone called him Bucky. We'd know each other practically forever, lived a few houses apart, not that it ever mattered. We were always together, you know? Which house we were in made no difference. He was my best friend. He was everything, you know? Especially after my ma died . . .


[Steve would never mind talking about Bucky, but it did hurt. His eyes prickled with unshed tears, but he didn't want to cry all over poor Setsuna, especially when the kid shoved him for the little joke. It startled a laugh out of him and gave him an excuse to be sillier. Steve started to tickle the boy, eyes gleaming with laughter.]


Really big jerk huh? Lets see how big a jerk I can be! When's the last time you met the Tickle Monster?