[ [ He hasn’t had his ears scratched in months, holy shit. He angles into Steve’s mouth with a purr, gentle on the teeth. ]
"Missed you, doll," he rumbles, feeling it stronger than he ever has, "Howler ain’t the same without you leaving your shit everywhere."
[ Negotiations weren’t the same either—though that was probably an improvement considering Steve was the least personable, most suspicious outlaw in five galaxies.
Bucky loves him, anyway. ]
"How are those droids coming along? Don’t tell me they’re not done yet—I might take off again outta spite."
[ Dum Dum can wait, but Bucky doesn’t like thinking about Steve on this dusty hellhole without a functioning medic droid. It gives him furballs just thinking about it. ]
[ he's also not used to the purring yet. never will be over the thrill it brings him, especially when practically fed to him. he closes his eyes for a second, enjoying the intimacy of it. it's like a proper breath of fresh air.
but it doesn't last because, apparently, no matter how long it's been, bucky's gotta be a smart ass about something. he flicks his arm in answer and jerks his thumb towards the back of the ship. ]
"Dum Dum's doing some grunt repairs right now. Fixing the air conditioning unit so it doesn't smell something awful every time it comes on."
[ he doesn't mention the medical droid. steve's been busy too, thank you very much. ]
"Leaving my shit everywhere, is that how it is? I'd like to remind you who just kicked their boots anywhere," he chided, but it's far from a serious reprimand. "Don't you dare take off on me again. I need at least a week of Bucky time."
