Insta-rec: Steve, Bucky and the politics of being a newsie

[newredshoes]

The Dud by nimmieamee (7500 words)
Oh man oh man oh man. Incredible narrative voice, really rich and engrossing world-building and atmosphere, a total period piece. A neat take on how Bucky and Steve get to be friends as kids, as well as a good look at what it means to be a chronically ill child in the '20s with the eugenics movement going on in the background.

“You don’t want me to pay you?” Bucky hazarded.
“No,” said Steve. He continued to stare at his knees. Thinking. Evidently he and Bucky were not square, not even after Bucky had saved his life.
“Well, you’re welcome,” Bucky muttered, after a minute.
“I gave you a paper,” Steve clarified.
“You can’t give somebody a paper instead of thanking them!” Bucky said.
“Sure I can,” said Steve. “Just did. Can take care of my own problems anyway. But thanks, if it means that much to you.”