apocalypsehowcomm | Log: February Catch-All

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Log: February Catch-All

Who: Steve Rogers & OTA!
When: Throughout February, depending on your event of choice
Where: Around ADI, the apartments, and Gloucester
Summary: February catch-all, including the fact that Steve's lost certain memories in Dogtown, been negatively affected by using Mjolnir again, and is available for some more specific shenanigans (Love Potion No. 9, Bumble Gum, Grave Matters fire). Or tag in with whatever you like, even if I don't mention it!
Warnings: Possible negative health effects from Mjolnir, investigating arson, emotional manipulation via chocolate, the bug candies at Bumble Gum (will note anything else in specific threads)

Frustration: Around ADI and the apartments
Tony is gone. He's vanished without a trace, without a word, and Steve wants to hold out hope that he's on some kind of personal (or even not-so-personal) mission. That he's following a lead, that he's gone underground. That he'll pop up and say something flippant over anyone's having worried, and that will be that.

That he's not gone, forever, all over again. That Steve hasn't lost him a second time.

But the days pass with no word, with no signal from his tracker. No Tony.

It doesn't stop Steve from doggedly looking for him. What else has he got to do in his spare time, right? He spends most free evenings combing the town, stopping into any shop that looks like it might interest Tony Stark in the least: mostly electronics, but some of the higher-end clothing shops and out-of-the-way bookshops as well. The longer Tony's been missing, the more frustrated he gets.

And it's not the only thing bothering him right now.

You might find him on his lunch break in ADI staring at an old compass with a black-and-white photo pasted inside. It's on the table in front of him while he eats a sandwich, frowning at it. He keeps fiddling with it in his pocket while he walks the halls, taking it out and then putting it away again. It comes out again at home sometimes, too; he'll leave it on a table and walk away, only to come back and pick it up and shove it frustratedly back into his pocket a few minutes later.

He doesn't know who she is. She's inside his compass, and he doesn't know why.

After he helps Winter with the pyramid, he has an off couple of days. That's all he can call it: off. It's this weird sense of deja vu, like, he's in his old body again, with achy joints and shitty blood pressure and stupid back pain. He's not sick, he's just… sore. Tired. Grouchy if you catch him at the wrong time or call him out on the way he rubs at his knuckles, his wrists, or teeters just a little when he stands up too fast.

Curiosity: Around ADI and Gloucester
There's plenty else going on to keep him occupied when he's not worrying about Tony or mysterious pictures that may or may not have been planted inside his personal things. His room isn't affected by the strange malaise that seems to be going around, but he does make several trips to Bumble Gum, first out of curiosity, then later to get samples with Cortana. He probably visits a time or two after that, browsing the strange confections, picking up a few more in case extra samples — or evidence — is needed later.

He's not a huge sweets guy, but he does like chocolate — enough to peer curiously at the boxes that appear in the break room before Valentine's Day, like he's trying to discern which is safest to try. If anyone else walks into the room, he glances up, almost like a deer in the headlights, and grins a little lopsidedly. "There're a lot of choices."

And when Grave Matters' workshop burns down, he wonders if it has anything to do with the way certain bars had a tendency to catch on fire a few months ago. If you happen to be wondering about the fire's origin, too, you might find him skulking around the premises.

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A completely fair reaction. Rue's teasing is maybe a little blunt, but there's no hurt or ill intent in their words. At this point, they simply have to laugh at how ridiculous it is. To be specifically brought in to help with ADI's mission, but then still be made to feel so starkly different from the rest. Truly, they have the funds to attempt to stop the apocalypse but they can't buy a few pieces of more inclusive furniture?

But Rue perks up at the offer, not able to hide the delight that shines in their dark eyes.

"Would you terribly mind? I wouldn't want to steal you away from during your break. I know how hard all of you in security work. I have heard what a difficult, demanding job it is." A small beat before: "But I would be grateful for the company, if you wouldn't mind a touch of air."

It's not exactly the same, but Steve has definitely encountered furniture that was not designed for someone as large (or as small) as him, so he can at least begin to guess at how awful it must be to have it happen all the time.

"No, not at all," he says, pushing back from the table already, shoving the compass into his pocket and grabbing the last bit of his sandwich. It's certainly something he can eat while walking, and there's really only about two bites left. "I think walking is supposed to be good for digestion, so really, you're doing me the favor."

He grins and gestures for Rue to lead the way, though Steve will keep pace, rather than trailing behind, because otherwise it's a little awkward. "Honestly, I think it's probably dangerous to say, but it's been a little slower than usual this month. Not that things aren't happening, but they're just... not anything we can deal with all at once."

Rue is more than happy to lead the way, for once not too careful of their pace since they doubt Steve will have trouble keeping up.

"Now that you mention it, it has been quite, ah, normal as of late. We haven't been conscripted into any wars, haven't been tasked with sorting through cursed artifacts, there hasn't been a single case of arson across the city... It has been rather lovely, hasn't it?"

Once they make it through the maze of hallways and offices to the front doors, Rue turns to smile over at the man. "Have you been busy otherwise this past month?"

"It has," Steve admits, though of course, it also means he's a bit on edge, just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

As though losing a friend earlier in the month hadn't been in. He hates to even consider it, but he doesn't think it was.

"A bit," he says - "There's still always something. I get that we need to be investigating everything, but it is harder to find a single thread when you're looking in ten different directions. Maybe that's the point." An effective enemy certainly knows how to keep you too fragmented to consolidate, after all. "What about you?"

Though they haven't been in Gloucester long enough to truly feel that edge that comes with waiting for the other shoe to drop, even Rue can tell that something is off in the quietness of late. There's just this unnerving curl to everything, a feeling well hidden beneath all of the easy days at work and the relaxing afternoons back at the apartment.

And now that Steve has brought it up, Rue makes the connection to why it's been so off.

"I see how difficult that must be. I truly wouldn't even know where to begin, or how to go back if I hit a dead end. The work you do is amazing. I hope you know how grateful we are for it. As for myself, I have been quite busy. Putting together this season's turning festival with Lady Graves between shifts here and tailoring clothing in the evenings, it has been a lot! But I've been enjoying it. It's almost felt like a routine as of late."

Steve can't help but smile at the clearly heartfelt compliment, though he shakes his head. "Honestly, if I didn't have something to do, I'd be going crazy," he admits. "Better chasing leads in all directions, even if it's frustrating, than sitting around alone with my thoughts - that's even more dangerous."

Although he's definitely curious: "Mercy Graves, you mean? I had heard something - it's soon, right? I'd like to go."

There's certainly something there, something in his words, that draws the owlbear's unblinking gaze over to him. Rue can certainly relate to keeping busy to beat off of the crushing loneliness they once were swallowed up by, but to think that even Steve would be running from some darker, unpleasant thoughts...

Oh, it wounds them to even think of it.

"Yes! That would be my dearest Mercy. And it is, very soon. You simply must come. It's free and available to anyone, ADI or otherwise. There'll be plenty of food and games, music, competition, just about everything. And considering how rambunctious some of the younger folk are, I could certainly use your level-headedness amongst the crowd for my own sanity."

Steve is, admittedly, very good at putting on a front of "okay" while dealing with things quietly and on his own.

But he's much happier to focus on the upcoming event, because, "That sure sounds like something. Although I don't know that I'm as level-headed as you think," he adds, laughing a little. "But I'll do my best to behave."

He is, after all, probably not the same kind of rambunctious as Rue's concerned about.

"Actually, I - do you..." He rubs the back of his neck, almost embarrassed. "I'm maybe trying to plan a little party. Really little. For next month. I could use some advice. If that's something you might have to spare, after helping set up something so big."

Because the thing he wants to do is certainly not even remotely on the same level as a huge public festival.

Rue has faith that Steve has a much better chance of not pulling off Leo and Donnie level of stunts than he thinks, he's just being humble.

"Well, on that end, I should warn you to be on your best behavior! If I see you dipping a whole arm into the chocolate fountain, I'm certain to be quite cross with you."

Their face warms with the tease, but the moment the invitation to help plan a party comes, there's just no hiding the delight that alights in their eyes.

"Oh! I'd be so happy to! Please, such events are such a joy for me to help plan. Whatever your vision is, I'd love to help make it a reality. Tell me everything!"

He grins at the idea of a chocolate fountain - that honestly sounds kind of amazing. "Just my hand, then. I promise."

But he's even more pleased to hear Rue's response to his request, which he knows was a little out of nowhere, but they'd certainly seemed to have this kind of thing in hand, even though he can imagine what he's thinking barely really requires much help. Still, he'd like to get it right.

"Just - something small," he reiterates. "Dinner with a couple of friends, really. I have a friend whose birthday is coming up. I was gonna maybe... learn how to make something? I'm not sure I trust most places around here to cater," he adds, with a little helpless laugh. "And get a few people together. Does that sound silly?"

"I will compromise only as much as a finger! That's my final offer."

As much as Rue loves the younger folk that they've been spending so much time with recently, it's kind of nice to have such an easy going conversation with another adult.

"Not at all! Dinner with friends sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening. Especially with a meal you've lovingly prepared yourself. That adds such a special touch to any event. I have a feeling your friend will enjoy it quite a great deal. Though learning to cook is quite a task, I'm sure you are up for the challenge."

Steve hums, as though he needs to consider the offer. "One finger," he finally agrees, but there's a smile quirking the edge of his lips, even as he tries to school his face into something straighter.

It's hard, though, when he's clearly relieved that Rue will help. "Something easy," he promises. "I can work an oven. Maybe a casserole?" That just requires putting things into a dish and said dish into the oven. He thinks. "But I wouldn't wanna make anyone else put in the work when it's my idea. It's for Winter," he adds, because obviously if he's asking for help, it's not a secret. "I don't think he'd care much about things like decorations or party games, but I just want him to have a good night. It's been a... really long time since I've been able to do something for his birthday."

Like, a century, practically.

Even for Rue, a century isn't a small amount of time.

"A casserole sounds lovely." It's better than Rue can cook, that's for certain. "Would you like me to pick up a cake? Tell me what colors he likes, what flavors he most enjoys, and I can order something beautiful. And while I won't pick up any of the usual bright, bold decorations people seem so fond of here, perhaps something soft and light to draw the eye during the party. Maybe some bouquets? Tulips are in season."

"Uh... black," Steve laughs, but okay. "Blue," he hazards. "Darker blue. Maybe some white or gold? If you have a bakery you trust." He knows at least some of the places around Gloucester make less-than-desirable options to sell, but he does trust Rue. "And chocolate. He loves chocolate. That should be pretty easy to order."

He seems to relax inch by inch, as Rue just keeps suggesting things that would clearly work well. "Tulips sound nice. I - oh. I want to invite Cortana, but she doesn't eat. So maybe a nice bouquet or arrangement for her place setting, instead? I don't want her to just sit there with a big empty space in front of her while everyone else is eating."

"Perfect! That sounds simple enough." And trust them, Rue has only been in Gloucester the last few months, but they've already rated all of the bakeries in town, just for occasions like this.

"And I think that's a lovely idea for Cortana. It wouldn't do to have a guest feeling left out. We can make sure she is seated near Winter as well, so that she's always a part of the natural flow of conversation."

Rue, you are a true hero.

"Oh - yeah. Yeah, that'd be great. I think they'd both like that. You're a real tactical genius, I swear. Has this always been your strong suit?"

Oh, it's such a kind compliment. It's impossible to see the gentle blush beneath their feathers, but Rue's expression looks absolutely pleased.

"You're most kind, Steve. I suppose it has been, for as long as can remember. My former - ah, teacher, taught me everything they knew." Even so many years later, it's difficult to see the fey who was their former keeper as anything but a master instead of a caring parent, but saying so opens the doors for questions they would prefer not to answer. "And I took their knowledge and ran with it. I found planning events to be a true joy."

"Well, the world could use more people like you. You're really good at spotting what will make people's lives better, and going for it. And if there's ever anything I can do for you - " He wishes he could offer more, something specific, but sometimes an IOU can come in handy, too, he supposes. "Just ask. I mean it."

Again, Rue preens beneath the man's incredible words, truly touched to be seen in such a way.

"You are far too good, my dear friend." And if that is just a touch of trembling emotion in Rue's otherwise level tone, they will just ignore it until it subsides. "Truly, I have been so lucky to meet so many amazing individuals in this realm, and you have taken such a special place in my heart. I value your friendship. Know that if I need something, I shall ask, but I expect the exact same of you."

"Hey, if a guy can't compliment his friend for helping him with something really important, then what can he do?" Steve asks with a smile.

Says the guy who's terrible at taking compliments, but it doesn't mean they aren't nice, or that he doesn't think they should be given.

And, "Good. I know there's not a whole lot I can do around here, but I'll do anything I can. And probably try a whole bunch that I can't," he adds, with a little self-conscious laugh, but he also actually means it.

"Do not put such doubts upon yourself, Steve! I am certain when we begin our crafting club, I shall find out all of the incredible things you are capable of doing!"

Which may not be quite as significant as, say, saving the world, but perhaps it will be nice to be known for other talents.

"Pray, I must thank you for again for such a lovely walk. If you are keen, we should plan for another one soon. It's much nicer than being stuck in my office all lunch or strolling on my own."

Steve laughs a little, ducking his head. He is not particularly great at taking compliments, but he can certainly recognize when he should just shut up and accept them. (Although hell might be freezing over right now, Rue.)

"Thanks," he says, then glances back up with a smile. "And I'd like that. We should do it regularly. I'm usually around." Sure, things come up, but that's the nature of the job. Except for those times, he's generally stationed at ADI. "This's been nice." And it's helped take his mind off his problems, at least for a little while. He appreciates that, too. "Where's your office? I can swing by in a few days, see if you're free."

(It is a victory Rue shall never forget!)

"I'm over on the HR side of the second floor, my office is impossible to miss." Mostly due to the ridiculous number of flowers and decorating that Rue has put into their space. "Please drop by anytime, I'll always be delighted to see you."

"Impossible to miss," Steve murmurs. "That sounds like something I definitely need to see."

He steps back a little, and offers Rue a(n admittedly sloppy, playful little) salute. "I'll make sure to stop by."

For now, he probably should get back to work, and keep his mind occupied.

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Log: February Catch-All

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