sleep-deprived trash

***

It's so important to me that it was Bucky that said "I love you (buddy)" to Sam.

Because this is a man that was born and raised in a completely different time, in a period when it was unnatural, and frowned upon, to wear your heart on your sleeve and share your emotions with the people you cared about. It wasn't even considered that a man would tell another man that they cared about them, let alone tell your friend that you love them.

And, on top of all of that, Bucky has had such a struggle with his feelings and his emotions because of everything he has been through. We've seen him repress his feelings time and time again, and we've seen him close himself off so that he can't be hurt. He didn’t even tell Steve that he loved him, so this is HUGE for his character development. I'm so happy.

But he's healing, and it's so beautiful to see. He's healing because Sam helped him to. Bucky says that Sam gives people something to aspire to be, and that's what Bucky has been doing. He aspired to be like Sam. And Bucky inspires Sam right back. It's the most beautiful partnership.

It was never going to be Sam Wilson, whose love language is banter, that said those three words. It was always going to be Bucky, and I can't believe it's canon that he said those words to Sam in an actual MCU movie.

ANTHONY MACKIE as CAPTAIN AMERICA/SAM WILSON

now:

Alfred: I got you a new phone, just like you asked. Its name is Jason. Try not to let it die.