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Soldat did not cease to exist. The other had expected Soldat would disappear, fade with the loss of the words Hydra used to control him. The other one had hoped for that. Yet, Soldat is still here, free. There are no more handlers, no more missions. There is only Soldat, and the other.
“Hey Robo-cop, how’s it hanging?” The mechanic asks, barely glancing up from where he perches elbow deep in some machine. Soldat stares at him, running a threat assessment. Questions are often punished, but the others interactions with Tony Stark, designation Ironman, indicated he values curiosity.
“Query not understood.” He admits, and watches as the muscles in the mechanics back tense, and then slowly relax. “Soldat requests further information on the nature of the query.” Slowly the mechanic moves, setting his tools down, and turning intelligent eyes on Soldat.
“The query is intended to assess your current emotional state.” The mechanic says, and Soldat can see as his eyes dart around taking in Soldat’s stance. “I’d also like to know what it is you’d prefer to be called?” Soldat nods.
“A query for the asset’s status. Asset is currently operational, no sign of decreased function. Sustenance intake has been adequate. Query for the asset’s title, Winter Soldier, or Soldat.” Soldat rattles off, the mechanic doesn’t blink. “Current mission; none.” He tags on, even though the mechanic hadn’t asked.
“Well, nice to meet you, Soldat.” The mechanic says, holding out a hand. “I’m Tony Stark, you can call me Tony.” There’s a pause, before Soldat takes his hand, and shakes once. “You probably already know who I am though.”
“You are Anthony Edward Stark, son of Howard and Maria Stark. Potential asset to Hydra, redacted. Current threat to Hydra, member of the Avengers, Ironman. The other calls you Tony. Captain has called you asshole.” Tony snorts a laugh at that, and Soldat feels his lips twitch. “You are the Mechanic; you fix Soldat’s arm.”
“Right.” Tony nods for a moment. “Well, how can I help you, Soldat?”
“Query unclear.” Soldat repeats. “Soldat is functioning, no help is required.” Soldat can’t remember the last time anyone offered to help. It’s possible no one ever has.
“I meant; do you want anything?” The mechanic explains. “Snacks? A drink? Something to blow up?”
“Water?” Soldat offers. Soldat is here, there are no more handlers, no more missions. There is Tony, and Tony smiles at him.
“You heard the man.” He says, and a robot rolls out of the corner to get a cup. As the sink turns on the elevator doors slide open.
“Stark, have you seen Bucky?” Steve calls out, and Soldat steps into the shadows, face twisting into a scowl.
“Nah, haven’t seen Bucky all day.” Tony calls back sending a wink Soldat’s way. Steve scowls.
“I’ve been looking for him for an hour,” He says, frustration clear in his voice. Soldat tenses, preparing for Tony to tell the soldier his location. Tony shrugs, gesturing to the suit in front of him.
“I’ve been down here, don’t know what to tell you,” Tony says, and Soldat feels a warmth in his chest that he can’t identify.
“Ugh, fine.” Steve storms out of the room, and Tony turns to him the moment the elevator doors shut behind the angry soldier.
“Hope that was okay, seemed like you didn’t want to talk,” Tony offers. “I can call him back if I read that wrong.” Soldat shakes his head.
“Soldat would like to stay here.” He says, and it’s the first request he can remember making. The clawed robot rolls up to him, a nearly empty glass of water in its claw, and a trail of water on the floor behind him.
“Of course,” Tony agrees. “Stay as long as you like.”
Soldat knew that wasn’t possible, the other was already impatient to get back to the front. But he’d stay for a while.
“Thank you,” he told the robot, taking the glass of water. The bot beeped, and spun around, and that warm feeling in his chest returns.