[network] @captsteverogers; It's not exactly Best Buy [open] - Day 153

[bottledblond]

[Though he's learned to make personal calls, there's just something exciting about actually finding something he thinks is useful and Steve dives right into the network. Tony had mentioned needed electronics and, well, Steve thinks he's found some. There's one machine here that looks like it still has power. Someone ought to tell him that this is not exactly news.]

Tony, is something like this what you were looking for?

[Steve holds the tablet towards a machine that dispenses SD cards. He's not sure what they are or what it does, but he's gotten himself a black one and tries to show it off as well. He just wants to be helpful.]

It's at Mallard River Market.

Comments

@IAmLegend; video;

[definingfuture]

Um, yeah, anything like that.

[This is surprisingly public. Tony once again finds he doesn't know this Steve's habits. It's a weird feeling.]

Thank you.

Uh. Are... you okay?

[bottledblond]

Great. I'll leave this here for you but it looks like you can get another. You just push a few buttons.

[He keeps his smile. He doesn't know how off putting that might be.]

I'm fine. [Not really a lie. He just spent the night in a house with holes in it. That was pretty bad actually.] How's the rest of the team?

[definingfuture]

[Okay, he's really getting worried here.]

Everyone is fine. We all checked in.

[Including Bucky, even though Tony doesn't call him by name. He wants to reassure Steve that they are okay.]

Are you sure you're all right?

[He sounds gently concerned.]

[bottledblond]

[Why is Tony concerned about anyone other than himself? Okay that's not fair. Steve heard about Rhodey. And he'd seen Tony care about people in the past. ]

What do you want me to say? None of us are really fine but we're all making due. I'm better off then a lot of people right now. [Meaning that he's alive. Not everyone has survived the last few days.] So I guess, yeah. I'm doing just fine, considering everything else.

[He just sort of wishes he had stayed with Steph and Zach. That was his last warm night.]

[definingfuture]

[He winces a little at that response, but holds his ground.]

I just want you to tell me the truth. We didn't... Last time the conversation didn't end well, and I admit that it was partially my fault, but I wanted to make sure you were doing all right.

[Guilty conscience.]

[bottledblond]

That's kind of how we do it, right? We don't have a lot of good conversations. They always just-- I know you'd be here for me if I needed it and I hope you know the opposite is true.

But I'm doing good. All my fingers and toes are attached. Skin isn't blackening. I've found shelter before the doors lock us in. I have food and water.

[He holds up a few bags of chips. It's all junk food but it's still food.]

Not going to lie. You're throwing me for a loop here. I just wanted you to know I found something you might be able to use, we don't-- We don't have to have a conversation, Tony. I just seem to make you made or upset every time we do.

[They aren't really having a whole lot of luck with that.]

[definingfuture]

It really isn't. Or at least it wasn't.

[And it bothers him a lot that this is apparently the default routine between Steve and Tony in another world. They've had their moments, but never anything lasting. It's never been that distant and cold, even when they were fighting.]

No, it's not your fault. Really. I want us to be able to talk.

[bottledblond]

[Steve wants to be able to talk too. It's why he keeps up the communication. It's why he keeps calling.]

We can talk. I'm... I keep trying not to sever the lines of communication. You just-- I think-- what we need to do is stop expecting the other guy to act a specific way. I'm not your Captain. Or the Captain that use to be here. And you're not the Stark that I recently... Uh... Had some words with.

[Good way to put a near fight to the death right?]

I'm just a person like every other person here. We all need to work together and I'm ready and willing to step up and do what needs to be done.

[Steve thought he was pretty good with being alone. He gave up the shield. He gave up his title. He gave up the Avengers-- So now he's just Steve again. Just a kid from Brooklyn. But being alone is getting really tough, really quickly]

If you think of anything else you need me to do, just call. Always got this thing on me.

[definingfuture]

But you're not. I'm telling you, you aren't the same as the rest of us. Maybe that's all just image, but it's a hard impression to break.

And, okay, maybe I'm not exactly the same either. I agree with you that we need to work together. I still don't agree with all of your decisions, but I get it. Trust me. There are things I haven't said before that I should have.

[He grows more serious.]

We don't have to keep everything this professional. We're not just working together because we have to tolerate each other to go home. Maybe that's the way you guys did things before, but it's going to make this harder here. We're all part of a team. If you want me to rely on you, I need to know that you'll rely on me too. I'm not just calling in when I need something.

[bottledblond]

[For the record, he's pretty touched. He also is sort of sad to let Tony down like this.]

What I am-- What I was helped along to be-- Uh it's not working here. Strength, speed-- I'm kind of embarrassed to say this but I'm getting winded after a few minutes of walking around outside so-- Yeah. Yeah I'm just like everyone el--

[Oh and there's that cough again. The sick, wet, heavy cough. He's been doing so good keeping it from everyone but Clint. And Clint hadn't asked.]

Sorry. At least the asthma hasn't kicked in..?

I hear what you're saying, though. And I-- I'm real touched, Tony. I'm not saying I need someone looking out for me, but it's nice to know I do here.

[definingfuture]

[Tony frowns, getting serious again. He knows what it all means even before Steve starts explaining, and if his expression is critical, it is the type of judgment that comes from someone who is tackling a particularly difficult problem.]

You shouldn't keep things like that to yourself. We're all off our game here. That makes working together and communicating even more important.

[Yes, he's giving Steve a teamwork talk. The same one he'd give to younger heroes that haven't learned to depend on the rest of the team yet.]

You don't have to play tough. Especially if you're getting sick.

[bottledblond]

[Steve is king at playing tough without anything to back it up so he's not going to say anything. This is a guy that knew he outnumbered and outgunned and going to lose but still fought his own battles. He can fight sickness too!]

I haven't been sick in years.

Pretty sure there's nothing you can do anyway. I'm going to bunk down at a building across the way for the night. Are you guys still headed in this direction?

[definingfuture]

You're trapped in a town that specifically pulled us out of our homes and deactivated every advantage that we have. You can get sick.

[Don't you wave him off, mister. He's not going to let Steve get out of this.]

We're heading South. Ish. Clint... saw some things and we got turned around. There's something I want to check out, but I'll get back to you after that.

[bottledblond]

How about this? I'll tell Doctor Watson and see if there's anything to be concerned about.

I'm going to still make for the school. Moving has been really slow with this cold. Whatever you're checking out, be careful.

[definingfuture]

Talking to Watson would be a good idea.

[As he says that, Tony's expression shifts minutely. He usually calls Watson John because that's the name the man introduced himself with and Tony is usually the more personal type. Steve called him Doctor Watson.

Damn.]

We're still close by. We can meet you after we run- after we look at something. We'll wait and rendezvous with you.

[bottledblond]

[Steve does not like the way you word things, Tony.]

If this weather keeps up, I should make it to the school in about two days.

Maybe three.

So. Uh. Good luck with your thibg. I'll bring you this card.

[definingfuture]

[It's fine. What could possibly happen?]

Thanks. We'll keep in touch. Just let me know when you're close and we'll pick a building.

And keep warm!