[ Steve points his fork warningly at Bruce, but he's smiling. ]
Be nice to your fellow American. [ They need to stick together, right? ]
My secretary's British. [ He brings up Etta with fondness. ] She's a real sweetheart. [ Probably why her surname is Candy. Returning to her is like coming home to his mom. She's more like family than someone who works for him. ] I trust her completely.
[ Your turn to share, Bruce. ] You got anyone like that in your life?
[ They do need to stick together. For more reasons than just being affiliated randomly by nationality and the woman they care about. They're both only human, and a vigilante's skillset isn't too far from a spy's. ]
[ And that's another nice, subtle prod, if Bruce wasn't aware Steve knew nothing about him he would have suspected that as a deliberate jab towards Alfred, and kept violence at the ready. ]
I did have some colleagues. But I've retired now, I'd like to spend time with my children.
[ Ah, children. Steve has no experience of those. ]
You've got kids. [ There's a flicker of jealousy in his voice, though not because he desires having children at the moment, but because it reminds him of all those things he listed to Diana of what people did when there were no wars to fight. Get married, make babies, grow old together... What did any of that feel like? Steve had no idea. ]
Got any pictures? [ He always liked seeing pictures, liked seeing the way a soldier's face lit up talking about them, even if it hurt knowing they probably wouldn't ever see them again. ]
[ Let's break down the situation here. Before Richie trails off, it sounds like he's actually asking Steve whether he can see the clown. Steve has eyes. They didn't blow up with the plane he sacrificed himself in. He wants to unsee it, more than anything. ]
Hard to miss, don'tcha think? [ He's still recovering from Richie screaming bloody murder in his ears, but he won't hold it against him. ]
Easy... [ He says gently when Richie chokes, giving him a look to slow down, but the words seem to fall on deaf ears. He won't even stand still, silently watching Richie pace. Then the laughter starts and this hardly seems like a laughing matter. It reminds him a lot of his own manic laughter during his last memories from home, after taking control of the German plane full of deadly gas. It was as though he'd simply made noise to fill the silence because when there was silence, you had no choice to think about how fucking terrified you were. ]
It bites? [ Of course it bites with those teeth and-- shit, down he goes. He's about to reach down with his hand to help pull him up, but out comes his little... performance. Probably not the right word for it, but there's definitely something theatrical about him. ]
I give that an eight out of ten. [ He grades Richie as though they're in theatre class once he's done. Steve is somewhat of a performer himself thanks to his work in espionage, so it's practically the closest thing to a review from an expert. ] Your accent needs some work. [ He's been around a lot of British people, okay? Despite the quip, he takes everything Richie has said seriously, finally reaching down to pull him up. ]
Why would they keep that thing alive... [ Steve wonders aloud, a frown denting his forehead as he stares at the clown one last time before focusing on Richie again. ]
We should go. [ And he doesn't just mean move on and keep looking for Diana. He wants to leave the entire area, for Richie's sake. ] And you're not coming back to look at that thing ever again. [ Does that sound like an order? It's an order. ] Let's go. [ He tugs on Richie's elbow. ]
((YES let's continue, thank you for indulging me so much!! I saw you got your app in by the skin of your teeth...I'm crossing fingers for the both of us!))
[Bless his stars, Steve's got a grade for him. Richie gives a dizzy giggle.]
The point is the piss take, my friend. [Let's argue semantics, why not? That's a damn sight better than any of the tunes Richie could be singing right now.] I've got about nine hundred and ninety nine more, baby. You got any requests?
[When Steve nabs him by the arm Richie hasn't got the pride or the leg strength to fight it. He leans heavy on the man as he rises, blood rushing from his head in a heavy whoosh that has him slinging an arm around the shoulders of that slick bomber jacket.] You don't get it.
[How could he possibly? Sure the shitheel was hard to miss, but only when it wasn't planning on missing you, and oh it bites, buddy, it does more than that. Richie's free hanging hand is suddenly gripping tight in the fur of Steve's lapel. His eyes are finally focused on him, pupils like specks even in the dim lights.] If you ever come down here and you see that case empty — if people start seeing things, shit that scared them outta movies or just the world gone wacky, or they hear voices coming out the drainpipes — you call me first. If I'm missing, then...don't forget about this. Write it down. [Jeelzy Christmas, he's sweating like a sinner in church. Richie wipes his brow and can't help casting a frantic glance back to the case. He doesn't catch it moving, no saucy wink, no balloons rising out the back. No messages painted over the glass.] It has a funny way of fucking with your head.
[But Steve is right. They need to leave. Richie never wants to come back. The air seems thicker here and the silence is like cotton being stuffed into his ears. They walk, and the further they get the better he starts to feel. Chills recede and thrills subside with six yards, seven yards, ten to twelve to twenty. It almost becomes funny for real.
You come across something that shakes your faith, that's bigger than anything you've met and has the power and awe you heard preached about in church. Not of this world. Not right. Festering for millions of years unchallenged and you're pushed up against it, thinking your nine hundred dollar suit and Calvin Klein skivvies had been something important, something denoting class, and suddenly you realize you ain't shit. You're just a monkey in spun cotton and you can and you will die.
Then the storm hits, and these Orbiter types peer on in close. "Lookit that one, Joe! Joe, grab the net!" And they scoop up that big old bad thing that made you quake in your boots, and they stick it in a fish bowl.
Richie's laughing under his breath again. This time it seems like something normal.]
Kinda crazy, huh? The things these aliens can do. Why don't you tell me a story, Captain Trevor? I've been yakking a lot and I'm kinda tired.
[(The heebie jeebies still cling as long as they can, leafy vine feelers brushing over the men's heads as they push out of the jungle. It's easy to imagine it watching them go, calling out in that cheerful jeer that bypasses your ears to buzz in the back of your head.
Pleasure's been all mine, Stevie! You come back any time, you hear? We'll talk about them trenches, boy, we'll talk about all that gas!
[ Steve has one request: stop holding on so tightly to his jacket. It's vintage, you know. ]
Alright, alright. [ He pats Richie's chest in a gesture to calm down, returning his gaze firmly to show he's not taking everything Richie is saying lightly. He believes him. He'll remember. ] You'll be the first person I call. Now keep walking.
[ From how dehydrated Richie looks (probably all the sweating), their next stop is the kitchen area for water. Steve fills up a glass of water for him (Richie could have done it himself but Steve is a gentleman like that), holding out the glass for him to take.
Steve's got stories, but a lot of them don't have happy endings. They're about good men who died fighting for peace, or families in a small village they saved who hours later got gassed to death...
These aren't things he can talk about with a proper drink in his hand. Maybe another time. For now, he'll think of a story that's more mysterious than depressing. ]
I woke up on an island full of women once. [ He gives Richie a look as though to say, no, it's not that kind of story. ] Not as satisfying as it sounds. The island itself was beautiful - [ as were the women, though strong is the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of the Amazons ] - but they all wanted to kill me... [ Except... ]
[ Did Steve know coffee can be served over ice cream? No.
Does Steve want coffee served over ice cream? No.
But he looks at how Diana's face is lit up at the mere mention of the drink (or is it called dessert?) monstrosity and it's like looking at her watch snowfall for the first time all over again. ]
That... sounds like sacrilege, but sure. [ Why not? ] Lead the way.
[ He's stopped holding her hand but he is walking close enough to her to be brushing arms with her. He's also looking at her more than he's looking where he's going. ] I can't believe how insane this is... I thought I'd never see you again. [ His voice sounds uncharacteristically timid when he says that. ]
( if she's aware of the fact that Steve's attention is more focused on her than usual, Diana does not mention. as warmed as she is by his presence, there are plenty of things she does not remember that he does, and those would add layers of intricacy that she currently doesn't realize. she waves a hand dismissively at his announcement of sacrilege — it's coffee, Steve. calm down, it is not that serious, and ice cream makes everything better. )
You will love it, ( she assures him in the husky tone that is distinctly hers. Diana is pleased to have something to show him for a change. for much of their relationship, it has been the other way around, and it is nice to be able to share something new to the man who has helped her to learn so much. she leads toward the kitchen and the cafeteria, and while the dining area will be full the kitchen was generally quite empty. empty enough for her to concoct their treat for them, once they get there. )
Why would you not see me again? ( she's puzzled, and gives him a glance that says it as clearly as her words. the last thing she can remember is their battle ending, successfully at that. in the midst of it, perhaps he may have doubted, but after it was over? perhaps he meant the bleak destruction of the storm washing over them. ) The storm is frightening to witness, I know. But I am here. And so are the rest of our company, they are resting as you were. ( she rests a hand on his arm and offers him a smile in comfort. ) They will wake in time. Just as you did.
[ Steve thought it was pretty self-explanatory as to why he thought he'd never see Diana again, but he answers her question nonetheless. It's hardly a comfortable subject, but it needs to be discussed. ]
I accepted death was coming. [ And with that, he accepted saying goodbye to Diana would be his final goodbye. His words don't necessarily sound like he's talking about his sacrifice. To Diana, it might sound like he's talking about the storm - which would make anyone think they were about to die by how devastating it looked - before he was whisked away to safety. ] You have to accept that when you're fighting a war. You gotta be prepared to die for what you believe in.
[ Steve has to ask, now they're relatively alone in the kitchen: ] How much of what I last said to you did you hear?
[ At the time he'd known her hearing had been affected by fighting Ares, the way she kept touching her ears and looking confused, but he's starting to think maybe she hadn't heard of any of it. Could it be a blessing if she didn't feel the same way? Steve isn't so sure he's brave enough to say the words again knowing death wasn't around the corner like the last time. It was easier - at least for Steve - to spill your feelings when you knew it was your last chance to do it. ]
[ Steve nods at the name he's given and keeps walking. In silence.
(Well, John did tell him to shut up. He probably wasn't expecting him to do it so soon, though...) ]
...I'm guessing you'd rather I didn't take your advice so early. [ Still amused by the grumpy Brit, he stops to hold out his hand to shake. ] Steve Trevor.
[ Once they start walking again - unless John completely ignored that handshake - Steve asks: ] Not a fan of hiking?
[ Most people would not be giggling after battling a sea serpent. He has to admire her upbeat attitude, smiling at her. ]
They're lucky to have you. [ He still looks around for any signs of the monster coming back as he rows. ] Are they awake? [ Or asleep in the stasis unit, is what he's asking. ]
Royal? [ That gets a raised brow from Steve. Was he sharing a boat with royalty? ]
I've been warned. [ Warned by the woman who he feared the most would be put back asleep. He looks pensive at the thought of it. ] You're right. I should prepare for the worst.
[ All excitement leaves Steve's face when Jon mentions an attack. Steve wants to know more. ] Who made the attack?
[ He didn't know about a disease outbreak either, wondering how fatal the disease was, how many died, but he'd rather not bombard Jon with too many questions. ]
I can try to the best of my ability... and it sounds like you had no control when you were sent down in these things. This time you do. [ He tries to put a positive spin on it for Jon, that it won't be like the first time. ]
[In the heat of the moment, names and terms faded away, outweighed by the promise he made to help this world and these people. As far as he knows, it wasn't the Storm. That elusive threat remained unseen and unknown, only that they were to defeat it.]
The Natha sent us away while they outran the enemy. [Which was the best he could offer.] There wasn't any mention of them after that. We heard from the Natha again after we reached Olympia.
[He didn't mind the questions, questions took his mind off of the question of piloting. Though Steve made a good point.]
[ Steve examines the controls, looking for anything that resembles what he's worked with before inside a plane. ]
I'm gonna push some buttons and hope for the best. [ Probably not the answer Jon was hoping for, but Steve is hardly an expert. He just has a lot of enthusiasm for what they're doing. Hopefully some of that will rub off on Jon. ]
Steve Trevor, by the way. [ He finally introduces himself, waiting for a name in return before answering the following question: ] How long have you been awake?
[ no one she's met here has heard of the quad or even the j. it's ridiculous, to her. (it's -- a little more than just annoying, but dutch doesn't look too closely at the fact that it makes her wonder if her life's even been real at times. so many people here are from earth and even if their worlds are different, at least they recognise some things.
no one's recognised anything about dutch's life.) ]
Planetary system called the Quad. A dwarf planet and its three moons. Situated in the J star cluster.
I was close. [ He jokes as though his guess was anywhere near her answer. ] Far from Earth, then? [ Otherwise he would have known of its existence, surely? ]
Any wars there? [ He's curious to know whether there's a planet out there that doesn't know the concept of war, but it seems highly unlikely. ]
[ So it's clever, then. Any intelligent being wanting to kill them would destroy the vessel they're in first, leaving them defenceless. Now they have to protect the boat as well as themselves. ] I hope you can swim.
[ He thinks about what he's seen from the man so far in terms of abilities and what else he could be capable of. ] So you can read its mind but you can't manipulate its thoughts?
I do not need to breathe. Do not concern yourself with me should we go overboard. [Also he's in full armor, so he'd sink like a rock anyway. It'd be a pain to walk the sea floor back to shore, but it's manageable.
Justice's eyes sharpen at the suggestion of manipulation, and if he weren't busy trying to ward the beast off from getting too close, he might glare.] I would never tamper with a creature's thoughts.
[ Steve catches the pebble like the showoff he is. Richie's use of the word "cool" reminds him of something he recently learnt from talking to another refugee. ]
Did you know, there are people who use the word 'cool' to describe something amazing? [ He'd sounded like such a grandpa when he found out, and he still does. He waves his hand through the air as he draws out the word: ] Cool. [ Thus making him the most uncool person on this planet.
He hasn't seen monsters or spaceships or even something as basic as a smartphone up until now, but he did meet a woman with extraordinary gifts on a paradise island and he's glad that happened before he came here, not just for the sappiest of reasons to do with Diana making him feel things he's never felt before, but because it was almost an introduction to how much craziness he would encounter further down the line. Everything happens for a reason, right? Maybe he was always destined for more than being a spy on Earth.
He raises an eyebrow when Richie calls him Stevie. Richie and Stevie. They sound like a comedy duo. The Richie and Stevie Show. He doesn't say that out loud because Richie would definitely make that into a thing. ]
I give you my friendship, and you can't put a price on that. [ There's a degree of humor to his words, but also total seriousness. He absolutely has Richie's back...
Except for if (when) he meets Diana and completely embarrasses himself. Then Steve doesn't know him. ]
And how are you handling being here? [ They haven't been awake very long, but long enough to see a variety of phenomenons. ]
Richie rolls his eyes and gives him a bit of elbow.] Can't stand a show off.
[Good thing Steve's got a few failings to make up for being picture fucking perfect. His guilelessness with the times is one of them. Richie's smile turns tight, trying not to laugh.] Oh baby. We gotta get you a dictionary. Learn you some real jive talk, son, or you're gonna sound stiffer than a vicar's collar talking to the kids.
Mind you, I'm behind the curve too. Still strange to think there's some sixty-odd years sitting between us, but... [Richie trails off, leaning back on the palm of his left hand. His foot taps thoughtfully.] Guess we should think of it as opportunities. We're getting sneak peaks at stuff that wasn't coming our way for another half a century. That has to count for something.
[He'd like it better without all the hocus pocus swirled into the mix.
It's a good thing you kept mum, Steve, but there's no promising such a notion won't gestate in his trash compactor of a head on its own. I bet there's a load of folks that would pay good money to see that show.]
Yet you're selling it pretty cheap regardless, unless you plan on cashing in on more than my rotten scotch. [He feels odd. Something about the way Steve says it. It's a lot like how Bill or Ben might have. Mike.
They barely know each other, really, yet the ease of camaraderie between himself and Steve is something solid to hang onto in a sea of shit. And even so? Richie knows better than to start assuming it'll last. It's fun and chucks right now, and he'd been mighty kind dragging him out of stasis when he was lost to hysterics, but things happen. People settle, people drift. That's the way of grown folks. He'll gobble up the attention while it lasts, but should winds start a-blowing he wouldn't be shocked to find a few letters and phone calls is the best he'd get.
It's never personal, don't get him wrong. And they're both in crisis, don't people cling a little harder when they're uprooted? It's just caution. There's no shortage of people who know Richie's a hoot, call him around when there's good times to be had, but when it's the wee hours of the morning and the party had seeped out the cracks in the floor, he's always stumped for who he could call.
Don't take it too serious until it needs to be. He'd hate to be burden.]
Hoo boy, what a question. [Richie's suddenly more interested in the fire than shooting his pal tricksy grins.] I've had better vacations. I'm looking forward to a hot bath and a home with walls. How about you?
[ Steve has never heard her doubt herself like this, though it makes sense. She's never had experience with transportation like this, let alone been in control of it, though he has seen her practically fly through the air without needing anything. ]
I've seen you do some remarkable things, achieve the impossible. This? You can do this. [ He gestures to what it's front of them, space in all its intimidating glory. ] You're looking at No Man's Land right now. [ At least, that's what he wants her to imagine. It's what he's picturing to get himself through this. ] Nothing can stop you from crossing it. This ship will get us to to the other side. As long as you stay relaxed, there's a slim chance anything bad will happen. And if something does, we'll handle it. [ Together. ]
I believe in you. [ Oh, this man. He's all about his beliefs. They are what drives him. ] So trust me when I say you were the best person I could have chose.
( Steve is a living representation of all the strange new things Diana had found herself immersed in since leaving the nest of her mother's island. he has been there to shepherd from the start, though there had been months where she had been forced to find her own way. it had been isolating, even with finding Bruce. there's something about his conviction that stirs a flutter in her chest, a feeling that she is not wholly used to... though it's far from the first time Steve made her feel this way.
she breathes out, before nodding with a half smile. it's hard to let go of the nerves, let them dissolve into afterthought, but he was right. he wouldn't have asked for her help if he did not believe she could do it, that the ship would be safe in both of their hands. it's new, not impossible. and the promise that whatever might loom ahead could be faced together is easily what convinces her. they've faced worse than this and managed to come out the other side. she can share his faith.
she presses a quick touch to his hand, hers over his, an unspoken word of thanks. ) All right. I trust you. ( always has, and even though occasionally he's frustrated and confused and surprised her, so far she's never come to regret it. ) This time I will follow you. ( she'd taken the lead in Vale, yet she was not too proud to be unwilling to fall back. she was happy to be his partner in this, and follow what he needed. she needed to live up to that faith of his, after all. )
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for bruce
[ Steve points his fork warningly at Bruce, but he's smiling. ]
Be nice to your fellow American. [ They need to stick together, right? ]
My secretary's British. [ He brings up Etta with fondness. ] She's a real sweetheart. [ Probably why her surname is Candy. Returning to her is like coming home to his mom. She's more like family than someone who works for him. ] I trust her completely.
[ Your turn to share, Bruce. ] You got anyone like that in your life?
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He didn't say please.
[ They do need to stick together. For more reasons than just being affiliated randomly by nationality and the woman they care about. They're both only human, and a vigilante's skillset isn't too far from a spy's. ]
[ And that's another nice, subtle prod, if Bruce wasn't aware Steve knew nothing about him he would have suspected that as a deliberate jab towards Alfred, and kept violence at the ready. ]
I did have some colleagues. But I've retired now, I'd like to spend time with my children.
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You've got kids. [ There's a flicker of jealousy in his voice, though not because he desires having children at the moment, but because it reminds him of all those things he listed to Diana of what people did when there were no wars to fight. Get married, make babies, grow old together... What did any of that feel like? Steve had no idea. ]
Got any pictures? [ He always liked seeing pictures, liked seeing the way a soldier's face lit up talking about them, even if it hurt knowing they probably wouldn't ever see them again. ]
What's it like? [ He asks after a moment. ]
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for richie
[ Let's break down the situation here. Before Richie trails off, it sounds like he's actually asking Steve whether he can see the clown. Steve has eyes. They didn't blow up with the plane he sacrificed himself in. He wants to unsee it, more than anything. ]
Hard to miss, don'tcha think? [ He's still recovering from Richie screaming bloody murder in his ears, but he won't hold it against him. ]
Easy... [ He says gently when Richie chokes, giving him a look to slow down, but the words seem to fall on deaf ears. He won't even stand still, silently watching Richie pace. Then the laughter starts and this hardly seems like a laughing matter. It reminds him a lot of his own manic laughter during his last memories from home, after taking control of the German plane full of deadly gas. It was as though he'd simply made noise to fill the silence because when there was silence, you had no choice to think about how fucking terrified you were. ]
It bites? [ Of course it bites with those teeth and-- shit, down he goes. He's about to reach down with his hand to help pull him up, but out comes his little... performance. Probably not the right word for it, but there's definitely something theatrical about him. ]
I give that an eight out of ten. [ He grades Richie as though they're in theatre class once he's done. Steve is somewhat of a performer himself thanks to his work in espionage, so it's practically the closest thing to a review from an expert. ] Your accent needs some work. [ He's been around a lot of British people, okay? Despite the quip, he takes everything Richie has said seriously, finally reaching down to pull him up. ]
Why would they keep that thing alive... [ Steve wonders aloud, a frown denting his forehead as he stares at the clown one last time before focusing on Richie again. ]
We should go. [ And he doesn't just mean move on and keep looking for Diana. He wants to leave the entire area, for Richie's sake. ] And you're not coming back to look at that thing ever again. [ Does that sound like an order? It's an order. ] Let's go. [ He tugs on Richie's elbow. ]
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[Bless his stars, Steve's got a grade for him. Richie gives a dizzy giggle.]
The point is the piss take, my friend. [Let's argue semantics, why not? That's a damn sight better than any of the tunes Richie could be singing right now.] I've got about nine hundred and ninety nine more, baby. You got any requests?
[When Steve nabs him by the arm Richie hasn't got the pride or the leg strength to fight it. He leans heavy on the man as he rises, blood rushing from his head in a heavy whoosh that has him slinging an arm around the shoulders of that slick bomber jacket.] You don't get it.
[How could he possibly? Sure the shitheel was hard to miss, but only when it wasn't planning on missing you, and oh it bites, buddy, it does more than that. Richie's free hanging hand is suddenly gripping tight in the fur of Steve's lapel. His eyes are finally focused on him, pupils like specks even in the dim lights.] If you ever come down here and you see that case empty — if people start seeing things, shit that scared them outta movies or just the world gone wacky, or they hear voices coming out the drainpipes — you call me first. If I'm missing, then...don't forget about this. Write it down. [Jeelzy Christmas, he's sweating like a sinner in church. Richie wipes his brow and can't help casting a frantic glance back to the case. He doesn't catch it moving, no saucy wink, no balloons rising out the back. No messages painted over the glass.] It has a funny way of fucking with your head.
[But Steve is right. They need to leave. Richie never wants to come back. The air seems thicker here and the silence is like cotton being stuffed into his ears. They walk, and the further they get the better he starts to feel. Chills recede and thrills subside with six yards, seven yards, ten to twelve to twenty. It almost becomes funny for real.
You come across something that shakes your faith, that's bigger than anything you've met and has the power and awe you heard preached about in church. Not of this world. Not right. Festering for millions of years unchallenged and you're pushed up against it, thinking your nine hundred dollar suit and Calvin Klein skivvies had been something important, something denoting class, and suddenly you realize you ain't shit. You're just a monkey in spun cotton and you can and you will die.
Then the storm hits, and these Orbiter types peer on in close. "Lookit that one, Joe! Joe, grab the net!" And they scoop up that big old bad thing that made you quake in your boots, and they stick it in a fish bowl.
Richie's laughing under his breath again. This time it seems like something normal.]
Kinda crazy, huh? The things these aliens can do. Why don't you tell me a story, Captain Trevor? I've been yakking a lot and I'm kinda tired.
[(The heebie jeebies still cling as long as they can, leafy vine feelers brushing over the men's heads as they push out of the jungle. It's easy to imagine it watching them go, calling out in that cheerful jeer that bypasses your ears to buzz in the back of your head.
Pleasure's been all mine, Stevie! You come back any time, you hear? We'll talk about them trenches, boy, we'll talk about all that gas!
Easy to imagine...)]
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Alright, alright. [ He pats Richie's chest in a gesture to calm down, returning his gaze firmly to show he's not taking everything Richie is saying lightly. He believes him. He'll remember. ] You'll be the first person I call. Now keep walking.
[ From how dehydrated Richie looks (probably all the sweating), their next stop is the kitchen area for water. Steve fills up a glass of water for him (Richie could have done it himself but Steve is a gentleman like that), holding out the glass for him to take.
Steve's got stories, but a lot of them don't have happy endings. They're about good men who died fighting for peace, or families in a small village they saved who hours later got gassed to death...
These aren't things he can talk about with a proper drink in his hand. Maybe another time. For now, he'll think of a story that's more mysterious than depressing. ]
I woke up on an island full of women once. [ He gives Richie a look as though to say, no, it's not that kind of story. ] Not as satisfying as it sounds. The island itself was beautiful - [ as were the women, though strong is the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of the Amazons ] - but they all wanted to kill me... [ Except... ]
Except for Diana.
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I wrote steve ROGERS in another tag, are you proud of me
i'm beginning to wonder if this isn't Freudian slippage, you sure you're playing the steve you want?
for diana
[ Did Steve know coffee can be served over ice cream? No.
Does Steve want coffee served over ice cream? No.
But he looks at how Diana's face is lit up at the mere mention of the drink (or is it called dessert?) monstrosity and it's like looking at her watch snowfall for the first time all over again. ]
That... sounds like sacrilege, but sure. [ Why not? ] Lead the way.
[ He's stopped holding her hand but he is walking close enough to her to be brushing arms with her. He's also looking at her more than he's looking where he's going. ] I can't believe how insane this is... I thought I'd never see you again. [ His voice sounds uncharacteristically timid when he says that. ]
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You will love it, ( she assures him in the husky tone that is distinctly hers. Diana is pleased to have something to show him for a change. for much of their relationship, it has been the other way around, and it is nice to be able to share something new to the man who has helped her to learn so much. she leads toward the kitchen and the cafeteria, and while the dining area will be full the kitchen was generally quite empty. empty enough for her to concoct their treat for them, once they get there. )
Why would you not see me again? ( she's puzzled, and gives him a glance that says it as clearly as her words. the last thing she can remember is their battle ending, successfully at that. in the midst of it, perhaps he may have doubted, but after it was over? perhaps he meant the bleak destruction of the storm washing over them. ) The storm is frightening to witness, I know. But I am here. And so are the rest of our company, they are resting as you were. ( she rests a hand on his arm and offers him a smile in comfort. ) They will wake in time. Just as you did.
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I accepted death was coming. [ And with that, he accepted saying goodbye to Diana would be his final goodbye. His words don't necessarily sound like he's talking about his sacrifice. To Diana, it might sound like he's talking about the storm - which would make anyone think they were about to die by how devastating it looked - before he was whisked away to safety. ] You have to accept that when you're fighting a war. You gotta be prepared to die for what you believe in.
[ Steve has to ask, now they're relatively alone in the kitchen: ] How much of what I last said to you did you hear?
[ At the time he'd known her hearing had been affected by fighting Ares, the way she kept touching her ears and looking confused, but he's starting to think maybe she hadn't heard of any of it. Could it be a blessing if she didn't feel the same way? Steve isn't so sure he's brave enough to say the words again knowing death wasn't around the corner like the last time. It was easier - at least for Steve - to spill your feelings when you knew it was your last chance to do it. ]
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for john
[ Steve nods at the name he's given and keeps walking. In silence.
(Well, John did tell him to shut up. He probably wasn't expecting him to do it so soon, though...) ]
...I'm guessing you'd rather I didn't take your advice so early. [ Still amused by the grumpy Brit, he stops to hold out his hand to shake. ] Steve Trevor.
[ Once they start walking again - unless John completely ignored that handshake - Steve asks: ] Not a fan of hiking?
for lucy
[ Most people would not be giggling after battling a sea serpent. He has to admire her upbeat attitude, smiling at her. ]
They're lucky to have you. [ He still looks around for any signs of the monster coming back as he rows. ] Are they awake? [ Or asleep in the stasis unit, is what he's asking. ]
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My royal brother Edmund was awake a time, but then-
[She pauses, and sighs.]
You will find them most easily put back asleep, sir. Those you love. Guard your heart well.
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I've been warned. [ Warned by the woman who he feared the most would be put back asleep. He looks pensive at the thought of it. ] You're right. I should prepare for the worst.
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for jon
[ All excitement leaves Steve's face when Jon mentions an attack. Steve wants to know more. ] Who made the attack?
[ He didn't know about a disease outbreak either, wondering how fatal the disease was, how many died, but he'd rather not bombard Jon with too many questions. ]
I can try to the best of my ability... and it sounds like you had no control when you were sent down in these things. This time you do. [ He tries to put a positive spin on it for Jon, that it won't be like the first time. ]
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[In the heat of the moment, names and terms faded away, outweighed by the promise he made to help this world and these people. As far as he knows, it wasn't the Storm. That elusive threat remained unseen and unknown, only that they were to defeat it.]
The Natha sent us away while they outran the enemy. [Which was the best he could offer.] There wasn't any mention of them after that. We heard from the Natha again after we reached Olympia.
[He didn't mind the questions, questions took his mind off of the question of piloting. Though Steve made a good point.]
All right. So how do we start it?
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I'm gonna push some buttons and hope for the best. [ Probably not the answer Jon was hoping for, but Steve is hardly an expert. He just has a lot of enthusiasm for what they're doing. Hopefully some of that will rub off on Jon. ]
Steve Trevor, by the way. [ He finally introduces himself, waiting for a name in return before answering the following question: ] How long have you been awake?
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Sorry this is so late
for dutch
Yeah.
[ He's met some different people back home but he never thought he'd be meeting someone not from Earth one day. ]
I can't even guess where you're from. [ Well, he could make a guess, but he doesn't want to embarrass himself. ]
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If you tried, you'd only get it wrong.
[ no one she's met here has heard of the quad or even the j. it's ridiculous, to her. (it's -- a little more than just annoying, but dutch doesn't look too closely at the fact that it makes her wonder if her life's even been real at times. so many people here are from earth and even if their worlds are different, at least they recognise some things.
no one's recognised anything about dutch's life.) ]
Planetary system called the Quad. A dwarf planet and its three moons. Situated in the J star cluster.
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Any wars there? [ He's curious to know whether there's a planet out there that doesn't know the concept of war, but it seems highly unlikely. ]
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for justice
[ That's hardly good news. ] You're kidding.
[ So it's clever, then. Any intelligent being wanting to kill them would destroy the vessel they're in first, leaving them defenceless. Now they have to protect the boat as well as themselves. ] I hope you can swim.
[ He thinks about what he's seen from the man so far in terms of abilities and what else he could be capable of. ] So you can read its mind but you can't manipulate its thoughts?
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Justice's eyes sharpen at the suggestion of manipulation, and if he weren't busy trying to ward the beast off from getting too close, he might glare.] I would never tamper with a creature's thoughts.
[He can. He just won't.]
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for richie
[ Steve catches the pebble like the showoff he is. Richie's use of the word "cool" reminds him of something he recently learnt from talking to another refugee. ]
Did you know, there are people who use the word 'cool' to describe something amazing? [ He'd sounded like such a grandpa when he found out, and he still does. He waves his hand through the air as he draws out the word: ] Cool. [ Thus making him the most uncool person on this planet.
He hasn't seen monsters or spaceships or even something as basic as a smartphone up until now, but he did meet a woman with extraordinary gifts on a paradise island and he's glad that happened before he came here, not just for the sappiest of reasons to do with Diana making him feel things he's never felt before, but because it was almost an introduction to how much craziness he would encounter further down the line. Everything happens for a reason, right? Maybe he was always destined for more than being a spy on Earth.
He raises an eyebrow when Richie calls him Stevie. Richie and Stevie. They sound like a comedy duo. The Richie and Stevie Show. He doesn't say that out loud because Richie would definitely make that into a thing. ]
I give you my friendship, and you can't put a price on that. [ There's a degree of humor to his words, but also total seriousness. He absolutely has Richie's back...
Except for if (when) he meets Diana and completely embarrasses himself. Then Steve doesn't know him. ]
And how are you handling being here? [ They haven't been awake very long, but long enough to see a variety of phenomenons. ]
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Richie rolls his eyes and gives him a bit of elbow.] Can't stand a show off.
[Good thing Steve's got a few failings to make up for being picture fucking perfect. His guilelessness with the times is one of them. Richie's smile turns tight, trying not to laugh.] Oh baby. We gotta get you a dictionary. Learn you some real jive talk, son, or you're gonna sound stiffer than a vicar's collar talking to the kids.
Mind you, I'm behind the curve too. Still strange to think there's some sixty-odd years sitting between us, but... [Richie trails off, leaning back on the palm of his left hand. His foot taps thoughtfully.] Guess we should think of it as opportunities. We're getting sneak peaks at stuff that wasn't coming our way for another half a century. That has to count for something.
[He'd like it better without all the hocus pocus swirled into the mix.
It's a good thing you kept mum, Steve, but there's no promising such a notion won't gestate in his trash compactor of a head on its own. I bet there's a load of folks that would pay good money to see that show.]
Yet you're selling it pretty cheap regardless, unless you plan on cashing in on more than my rotten scotch. [He feels odd. Something about the way Steve says it. It's a lot like how Bill or Ben might have. Mike.
They barely know each other, really, yet the ease of camaraderie between himself and Steve is something solid to hang onto in a sea of shit. And even so? Richie knows better than to start assuming it'll last. It's fun and chucks right now, and he'd been mighty kind dragging him out of stasis when he was lost to hysterics, but things happen. People settle, people drift. That's the way of grown folks. He'll gobble up the attention while it lasts, but should winds start a-blowing he wouldn't be shocked to find a few letters and phone calls is the best he'd get.
It's never personal, don't get him wrong. And they're both in crisis, don't people cling a little harder when they're uprooted? It's just caution. There's no shortage of people who know Richie's a hoot, call him around when there's good times to be had, but when it's the wee hours of the morning and the party had seeped out the cracks in the floor, he's always stumped for who he could call.
Don't take it too serious until it needs to be. He'd hate to be burden.]
Hoo boy, what a question. [Richie's suddenly more interested in the fire than shooting his pal tricksy grins.] I've had better vacations. I'm looking forward to a hot bath and a home with walls. How about you?
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for diana
[ Steve has never heard her doubt herself like this, though it makes sense. She's never had experience with transportation like this, let alone been in control of it, though he has seen her practically fly through the air without needing anything. ]
I've seen you do some remarkable things, achieve the impossible. This? You can do this. [ He gestures to what it's front of them, space in all its intimidating glory. ] You're looking at No Man's Land right now. [ At least, that's what he wants her to imagine. It's what he's picturing to get himself through this. ] Nothing can stop you from crossing it. This ship will get us to to the other side. As long as you stay relaxed, there's a slim chance anything bad will happen. And if something does, we'll handle it. [ Together. ]
I believe in you. [ Oh, this man. He's all about his beliefs. They are what drives him. ] So trust me when I say you were the best person I could have chose.
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she breathes out, before nodding with a half smile. it's hard to let go of the nerves, let them dissolve into afterthought, but he was right. he wouldn't have asked for her help if he did not believe she could do it, that the ship would be safe in both of their hands. it's new, not impossible. and the promise that whatever might loom ahead could be faced together is easily what convinces her. they've faced worse than this and managed to come out the other side. she can share his faith.
she presses a quick touch to his hand, hers over his, an unspoken word of thanks. ) All right. I trust you. ( always has, and even though occasionally he's frustrated and confused and surprised her, so far she's never come to regret it. ) This time I will follow you. ( she'd taken the lead in Vale, yet she was not too proud to be unwilling to fall back. she was happy to be his partner in this, and follow what he needed. she needed to live up to that faith of his, after all. )