he who hesitates is toast

He blinks at Tony, but takes a couple of berries - and then blinks again at what he says, and ruthlessly quashes any flicker of hope.

"Okay," Bucky says. "I'm listening."

He pays close attention as Tony launches into a detailed explanation, describing everything with a series of wild gestures that occasionally threaten to overset the basket of raspberries until Vision gently takes it away from him and sets it back on the table. Tony calls up screen after screen of theoretical data, circuit and neuron mapping, and simulated events and results. Bucky absorbs as much of it as he can, which isn't anywhere near all of it. He's not a scientist. Vision, on the other hand, occasionally puts in questions or adds to the explanation being given for Tony to confirm or deny.

Eventually Tony winds down and looks at him, half expectant and half fearful. Bucky considers everything he's been told and realizes what the other man isn't asking.

"So the next step is to apply it," he murmurs. "Right? To change my brain."