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[uprightness]

Who: steve rogers & open
Broadcast: yes, for a change.
Action: aboard the starstruck, if you're so inclined.
When: current.

[ it seems to be a once-in-a-six-months-thing, Steve Rogers addressing the network like this. it's always when there's something official to say, business to attend to.

he doesn't seem too good at communicating anything else through these. at least he did away with the uniform. this post sees him in a simple black t-shirt and jeans.

and not all too cheerful, big surprise. ]

If you have any official business or need anything from the Starstruck, take it up with me for the time being. I know most of us stocked on things at the planet but if there's anything that you need, just send a word over, we'll see what we can do.

[ that's it for this subject. no, he doesn't want to explain why he's stepping up to the active role of a ship captain, thank you very much.

in fact, he almost looks awkward in light of the next matter: ]

I don't suppose anyone has any spare bags of sand? I could use a bit.

[ he doesn't explain that odd request, either. ]

Comments

[brainiest]

[ It's always so nostalgic, seeing Steve, and something soft settles on her chest as she replies. ]

I could bring you some sand? How much is a bag, exactly?

[uprightness]

[ hermione, you're heaven-sent. ]

how are you, Hermione?

[ manners, first. ]

Just about to fill an average punching bag. I'll take whatever you can spare.

[ and, almost shyly: ]

I got some books to give you in return.

[edwinjarvis]

[Jarvis of course is visiting, as he usually does. But he stops short of removing his jacket when he notices Steve in the corridor, looking none too pleased with his life; Jarvis may not be the most observant on a mission, but he certainly is well-versed in reading the Starstruck and its crew. Moods have already been strained recently, after all.]

... Miss Carter has fallen into one of these sleeps, hasn't she?

[brainiest]

I'm fine, thank you.

[ It's clear that she's a little tired, but that doesn't matter. She's perky! ]

I can probably transfigure some sand, so it's just a matter of getting something to turn into sand. Dirt would work, I suppose...

[ And, then - ]

You don't have to give me anything in return! [ But look how excited she is about BOOKS!! ]

[ladybro]

...Prepping for a hurricane, Captain?

[ she can't call him anything but. it's ingrained. instinct. ]

[uprightness]

[ he has a few boxes in his arms, carrying them as if they weigh nothing. lord knows what he's going to do with all of these. his shoulders slump at the question, he nods. ]

Last night.

[ he gestures towards the kitchen, walk with him. ]

I'll take her place until she wakes up. I'll keep you posted.

[ he smiles a bit as he places his cargo on the counter. ]

Can I offer you anything, for a change?

[ what, the man always has a sandwich or iced tea for him. ]

[uprightness]

Maybe something from the garden. I have a lot and I haven't planted anything new yet.

[ she's such a gift, hermione, speaking of doing such incredible things with such ease, sharing her talents with the world. ]

I actually thought of you when I picked them. I got as many as I could. Id like your opinion.

[uprightness]

[ there's a grimace at the moniker but well, he can't very well go ahead and announce that he went and shaken off the title, can he? ]

if it does, we'd all be thankful to the guy who built a fort.

[ and: ]

You can call me Steve.

[ it's a request, really. please call me steve. ]

[brainiest]

That would work perfectly! As long as I have equal amount of dirt for whatever sand you need.

[ Magic has rules, Steve! But now she's pink. ]

I'd be happy to come and have a look at them, then. That would be lovely.

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[outstandingbalance]

Everything okay over there? [She won't ask too specifically, but if Steve's in charge it stands to reason something's happened with Peggy. She's still in the director, so she's not gone—but Natasha figures this would be a little different if it were that extreme.]

[ladybro]

...Really? [ steve? ] Uhm. Are you sure about that?

[ she has never called him steve. not ever. not her world's captain america. ]

[uprightness]

[ it's been a few rough hours but in their wake, when it's Hermione, steve finds it in himself to smile. it's small but it's there and it's genuine. ]

Come over when you have the time, have some tea. We could deal with the - transfiguration [ such an intriguing concept! ], afterwards.

[uprightness]

It's my name.

[ he reminds her but not without something akin of a smile. ]

'm pretty sure, yeah. How are you, Kate?

[brainiest]

Just let me know when you're not busy helping with the ship. I'm not doing anything important right now.

[ Just brewing and reading and not sleeping. ]

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[uprightness]

We'll get there, yeah.

[ he gives her a look. apparently, it's not something he wants to address openly, not like this. he runs a hand over his chin and shakes his head. ]

how are things on your end?

[uprightness]

Neither am I.

[ and she looks like she might need company and steve knows he needs some. it seems that the timing, however unfavorable, works just fine for them. ]

I'll meet you in the cargo bay. Just send me a word when you get here.

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[outstandingbalance]

Well, I don't need sand bags, so... not too exciting, really.

[Oh, Steve. Natasha reads into that answer. It says very clearly that, no, everything is not okay.

There's hope for improvement, though.

It more or less confirms Natasha's suspicions.]

Want some company?

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[uprightness]

Wish I didn't, either.

[ lord, it wasn't the wisest of reactions. peggy would throttle him if she wakes up and her punching bag is still in pieces.

but it serves a purpose, gives him one more thing to busy himself with. he relaxes a bit when her question comes and nods. ]

Could be nice, if you have time.

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[outstandingbalance]

Would you look at that. My schedule suddenly cleared up.

[She says it dryly, as though subtly making fun of the idea she wouldn't make time for him.]

When should I be over?

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[uprightness]

[ he scoffs but it quickly turns to laughter. it's easier with Nat, she'd seen him through far worse with her dry humor and her constant support. steve takes a deep breath, settles himself into the moment and offers: ]

give me twenty, I'll have coffee ready for you.

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[outstandingbalance]

Twenty sounds good. I'll be there.

[She doesn't even hesitate to be there for him if he's low. At this point, it's just what they do.]

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[uprightness]

you know, these aren't half bad?

[ he has a box of cookies from the planet and two cups of coffee when she arrives. he's busy arranging a few on a plate, taking a bite off one. he smiles, nudges a cup in her direction. ]

It's not an oreo but it's close enough.

[ ever the old fashioned gentleman, he pulls a chair for her. ]

how are you?

[ how are you really? it's no secret it's not having the best of days but it's harder to tell with natasha. steve always asks, he knows that most times, she'd tell him the truth one way or another. ]

[brainiest]

Perfect.

[ Hermione is more than ready to go and make herself useful, and she's quick to grab her things and make her way over to the ship. As promised, she messages Steve as soon as she docks, grabbing her bag and getting ready to head out. ]

[outstandingbalance]

[She takes the seat he offers her, even if she suspects he's mostly trying to keep her from sitting on the counter.

She takes a cookie and tries dipping it in her coffee, thoughtful.]

There's been a lot the last couple months. [That to put it mildly. Her brows draw together a little, and she considers what he wants to know and what she wants to say. Never the same thing.] But it's had some ups to go with the downs.

[Which is as much as she can hope for.]

Something on your mind?

[ladybro]

It's just -- strange. I can't ever imagine calling you -- sorry, him -- by anything other than that.

[ it's a respect thing. kate doesn't get this way about a lot of protocols, but this one is inevitable. ]