Merry Christmas!

[juststeverogers]

It took an awful lot of work to track down everyone and get their gifts in order, but Steve's going to be running around the Nexus giving out presents to all of his friends. Or inviting them over to his apartment. Whatever works for them!




((Stealing verity's setup--please go to the top level for your character and begin commenting as you like. Feel free to make Steve work to find you, he's got gifts for you all!))

Comments

[rogueinladysclothing]

"A week? That's all?" Despite her desire to stay away from everyone, she's not doing very well with the one person who she seems to be okay with. "How will we survive on that? We can't go back outside - it's not safe. No one out there can be trusted."

The panic is stating to rose again. The birds outside the windows are circling. The air inside is too cold. There's only enough food for a week and this place is horrible for a defensive home. Why must all this be happening now? Why couldn't she be home? Surely things would be better if she were there. If she were home, she could protect him better.

[juststeverogers]

"Don't worry, I've got contacts for supplies. Leave it to me." He gives Amelia the surest smile he can muster. "Trusting them won't be a problem either. If I suspect anything, i'll make them sample the food first before I pay."

Steve moves past Amelia to turn up the thermostat, since she seems to be cold. He keeps his apartment rather warm, but a few degrees more won't hurt.

"Why don't you keep guard on the couch? I'll stay over by the window and scout from there. Between the two of us, we should have warning if anything's coming." He's not sure if playing along is the best thing to do. But he can't force Amelia to do anything--she's stronger than he is. And he doesn't want her to run. She's safer here.

Narrative wall of text inc

[rogueinladysclothing]

The next few days are another blur for Amelia. She paces the apartment often, sleeps as infrequently as Steve will allow, and eats only when prompted. She even goes so far as to make them a sleep schedule to make sure someone is always standing guard over the apartment. Although he's never able to get her to answer the question of why she's acting the way she is, Steve gets the impression this is one of those bad things that people in the Nexus are always talking about.

With each passing day, though, Amelia gets a little bit better. Her attention isn't always focused on the dangers she believes are all around, she sleeps just a few minutes longer, hesitates before not agreeing to do something that would take her focus off her worries. Finally, one afternoon after one of his "scheduled" naps, Steve wakes to find Amelia out cold on the couch in front of the door. Rather than pester her about it, he drapes a blanket over her and lets her sleep it off. The little extra time to himself means he can get in a shower without her nagging about him taking too long, anyway. When she doesn't wake during that time, he lets her sleep through the rest of the day, hoping that this signals an end to her paranoia.

When Amelia wakes in the middle of the night, it takes longer than she wants to admit to figure out where she is. As the realization settles in, she relaxes for the first time in over a week. This place isn't home, but it's truly safe. Having slept for so long, she takes the time to use her stealth skills quietly move about and clean up a bit. Nothing noisy, but small chores that can be done silently are all taken care of before she settles in to wait out the night. Her curiosity and boredom will have her peeking through his old sketchbook by the moonlight at some point, which in turn will make her both happy to see her friends and flabbergasted to see herself among the sketches.

The following morning, Steve wakes to the sound of breakfast being made. On the table are some fruits he's sure weren't in the apartment the day before, some toast, and two mugs. In the kitchen, Amelia is finishing up making eggs and sausage, as well as a pot of coffee. It's not much, but it's the best she can do to make up for ruining Christmas.

:D!

[juststeverogers]

Steve hasn't been able to get a full night's sleep in days, not with Amelia waking him on the nose every scheduled shift. He's startled to see the sun already up, and that there isn't the now familiar sound of pacing and muttering coming from the other side of the apartment.

Steve sees to his hygienic needs before padding quietly to the kitchen, trying in vain to push his hair back in order.

"...Are you feeling alright Amelia?" He'll thank her shortly, but her health is the most important thing.

Glad you enjoyed it! :D

[rogueinladysclothing]

She doesn't look up at him - the eggs would burn if she did. It may look like she's hiding, but it's not that. Really. Yes it is.

"I'm feeling like myself again, if that's what you're asking." It's the best non-answer she can give right now. "My sleep schedule is completely fucked, though." A small sigh escapes her as she portions the eggs and sausage onto two plates. After setting aside the skillet, she motions toward the table and brings the plates over, then the coffee a moment later.

"Sorry I ruined your Christmas," she says softly as she sits down at the table. "It wasn't my intention to do so." She's going to keep her eyes down as much as possible as she pours then each a cup of coffee - it's all she can do to hide her face since her hair is always pinned up.

[juststeverogers]

"That's good to hear." No need to focus on it if she doesn't want to. The fact that he's managed to help her calm down is good news enough. She didn't hurt herself. She ate and slept. She'll get better as things go on.

Steve's sure of it. So he sets a small box down on the table and pushes it her way.

"Merry Christmas, Amelia."

[rogueinladysclothing]

After everything she just put him through, the last thing Amelia expects is to receive the Christmas present Steve mentioned when she and Verity brought him his presents. But there's that small wrapped box again. And given the way he's pushed it toward her, it seems rude to not accept it.

The pot of coffee is carefully set aside before she takes the box and opens it carefully, gasping softly when she finds the oil and the tea inside. "Steve, I... I didn't expect... I mean, certainly not after... But this..." Despite her inability to find the proper words, she looks up at him and smiles brightly. "Thank you. For everything. Really."

[juststeverogers]

"I had the oil scented especially for you." He figured she liked flowers form her hairpin, so it's rose and wildflowers, with a hint of some kind of meadow grass. Ravari did a good job with it--that much he does know.

"The tea is just...it's something I saw you drinking before. I hope it's the right kind." He shrugs. "I didn't want to give it to you until you felt better. Merry Christmas."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"That's very kind of you." Part of her wants to say 'sweet,' but it wouldn't feel right if she did. Carefully, she opens the bottle of oil and wafts the fragrance toward herself. It's light and subtle - and it reminds her vaguely of home. "This will be perfect for oiling my leathers. Thank you."

She sets aside the oil and then picks up the tea, opening up the container and taking in the light floral scent. It's a combination of rose and lavender, which, although an odd combination, is Amelia's favorite. A slight blush comes to her cheeks when she looks up at him again. "I can't believe you remembered the tea I like. I only remember ordering it once when we went to the Harp together." Because she doesn't think it's memorable when others watch her make her own tea when she visits them, apparently.

[juststeverogers]

"Don't give me all the credit on that one. I described it to the elderly gentleman and his nephew who work in the tea shop, and they were the ones who came up with the blend. All I did was pay for it." He laughs a bit to deflect the compliment as much as he can.

"But I'll be sure to stop by again and let him know it was the right selection."

[rogueinladysclothing]

He's allowed things to slide for her this morning, so she'll do the same in return. No need to get him too flustered. "Perhaps you'd show me this place some day? If the tea is as delicious as it smells, I'll be stopping by quite often to pick up more." She winks and sets aside her gifts to take a sip of her coffee. It's still not great, but she honestly doesn't mind that part.