I really love the idea that, on some level, it ABSOLUTELY IS payback. Steve is kind of a troll, we’ve seen that, so play that out in Bucky’s recovery. Steve is trying to help him remember, maybe having him eat specific foods or go places, do specific things, and then one day, for no obvious reason, Bucky walks straight up to Steve first thing in the morning and punches him.
Sam: “Man, what the hell?!”
Bucky: “I hate mock apple.” *walks away*
Steve: *grinning* “He remembers!”
Sam: *still confused* “He ate like half of that special pie you made yesterday.”
Steve: “Yeah, he always did, for my ma.”
Sam: “…you are an asshole.”And after that there are these moment where Steve and Bucky will be out and about, and suddenly Bucky will remember something he did or said and “Payback” is what Steve mouths to him as soon as he sees recognition on his face.
The Winter Soldier remembers Bucky Barnes through a series of the world’s longest running in jokes, call backs, and pranks.
