patriotically: (DXFzo34)

[personal profile] patriotically 2018-06-25 07:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ prince james... bucky is much taller now, standing proudly to the right of his father. his hair is long and well-tended beneath a delicate circlet inlaid with fine jewels, and his fine robes compliment a robust figure, clearly the result of arduous formal training. he's a man, now. they both are, though bucky was never so waiflike as steve was in danger of being.

but that smile is as bright and almost impolitic as ever.
he'd recognize it anywhere.

steve stops himself just in time from biting down on his lip, the gesture of someone shy or anxious he hasn't known in a long time, moving instead to moisten it as he returns the smile warmly, politely, to his friend and to the king.

it is his turn to kneel. he's almost dizzy with the weight of this dream he's bled for, finally come true.

he hears the words —
]

Sir Steven, Knight of the Realm. Rise and serve.

[ he stands slowly, bows once more to the king.

his eyes lock with bucky's for just a moment too long before he turns and walks to the banquet table, trembling.

he thinks for all the world his armor cannot contain him, he will go everywhere at once, and is infinitely glad a squire is there to help him out of his various plates before he makes for his seat.
]