[network] @captsteverogers; [Video] Coldness Bites Bone Deep [open] Night 148

[bottledblond]

I can't remember the last time I was this cold.

[Its not fair to say that he's afraid. He isn't. Worried? That he'll give you. Steve is illuminated only by the screen. He's huddled under his coat in a room with no furniture. The whole house is empty and while that isn't likely always a problem, tonight it's bitterly cold.]

Actually that's not quite true. The last time I was this cold was the winter of 1928. Ma was really sick and we ran out of coal for the furnace. I had to crawl into bed with her. I think that was the only time in my whole life that I was pleased she had a fever.

[His lips tremble from his shivering but he still smiles. Only Steve Rogers could smile through something so depressing.]

i hope everyone is keeping warm tonight. Body heat helps if you're lucky enough to be with someone. Think warm thoughts and stay safe.

Comments

[bottledblond]

Don't really think anyone is from mine either. The point isn't so much what the war is. We all have the same basic experiences.

[devoutish]

And you really want to sit around talking about them with us?

[bottledblond]

[Sam said it helped. And Steve does think it helps. But saying that will likely just make Solomons tell him there are more pressing matters. And there are.]

The nights are just long. I probably should busy myself catching up on the network from the last hundred and some days.

[devoutish]

But you'd rather not, is that right?

[bottledblond]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm not sure it's helping.

[devoutish]

Must be strange, all these strangers recognizing you. But not to worry, I like you better this time around.

[bottledblond]

I feel as if I'm disappointing people.

[Not that he can help it. ]

Do you think I'm so different?

[He really was curious. The other version of him had had a relationship with Peggy. It came out often on the public posts. Steve felt like he was prying so he stopped watching. ]

[devoutish]

No, you're not so different. I'm sure you're the same sort of man. But you were entrenched here before, and it made you think your word was law. You haven't gotten to that point yet now, and it makes me like you better.

[bottledblond]

You mean that I was bossy?

Mm. I can see that. It's different leading people when you know who the enemy is. As far as I can tell, there's nothing to suggest that there's a single knowable enemy yet.

This is like HYDRA all over again. I'm just a soldier Solomons. I can lead if I have to. I just want everyone to be safe.

[devoutish]

You didn't give orders, but you assumed everyone would follow your lead. It wasn't baseless. Many people did want you as their leader. But I don't want you leading me, mate, so if you're looking for a break there you've got it with me.

[He pauses, then adds:]

You fought against this HYDRA, yeah?

[bottledblond]

HYDRA? My entire career.

[devoutish]

Mm. And how is this like HYDRA?

[bottledblond]

My relationship to it. I hadn't asked to take lead then either. Someone had to do it and no one else was.

Who else leads? I should know who to offer my help to.

[devoutish]

I think you're missing my point here, mate.