An All American Birthday Abroad [Open Thread, backdated to July 4th]

[juststeverogers]

There were no fireworks, no parades, no flags waving when Steve was out in the Nexus. Why would there be? It's a day like any other here. One more summer day of decidedly nice, if not a bit warm, weather and people strolling about living their lives as though nothing were different.

It should be special, though. A birth of a nation. His home. The same home that for all he knows is still caught up in a terrible war. He wonders if the parade still went by his old apartment. If Missus Johanessan upstairs is wondering where he is when she bakes that swell cobbler of hers and tries to invite him up for dinner like she always does on his birthday.

Even if he was home, it wouldn't be the same. He'd be alone. Wouldn't be worth going out to the dance halls, or down to the pier by himself.He'd probably be doing what he is now. Sitting on the steps out front of the apartment complex with his sketchbook in his lap, idly drawing memories.

He's drawing the parade he remembers today, trying to remember what it would be like if he were home on this holiday.

Comments

[rogueinladysclothing]

Even when she's in the worst of ways, Amelia lives for any excuse to forget herself and look after others. It's because of this pattern of thought that she takes a little more initiative today when she wanders out into the Nexus during the early morning hours. It's Steve's birthday, after all, and that demands she set aside her issues and focus on making her friend's day instead.

After running a few errands to a candy store and Steve's favorite art supply store, she escapes to a quiet corner of a coffee shop around midday and pulls out her phone to track down her friend.

Hey, are you free right now? I have something for you.

[juststeverogers]

Steve's busy capturing the joy on a little girl's face, missing a front tooth and waving a sparkler around, when his phone goes off. He's been sketching for most of the morning, lost in the memories of his home and everything he's left behind by living here in the Nexus.

He sets his mechanical pencil aside (lovely invention, he likes how precise they are, even if he prefers to shade with a regular pencil) and grabs for his phone.

I'm at home. Would you like to meet me here? I have iced tea.

[rogueinladysclothing]

That sounds lovely. I'll be there in 15 minutes.

True to her word, Amelia arrives at Steve's apartment when she says she will, dressed in her usual manner (but in lighter weight fabrics given the heat outside) minus the visible weapons. Hanging over her shoulder is one of those fancy soft lunchbox sized coolers, colored in the manner of the American flag. She thinks it might be a little much, but the sales woman had been insistent that it was the best thing for the holiday. And given Steve's love for his country, who was Amelia to argue?

Knocking on the door, she calls out brightly, "Steve? It's Amelia. I have something I'm certain you'll like..."

[juststeverogers]

Steve had retreated inside after noon had settled, the heat becoming too much for his constitution to deal with comfortably. He wanted to be able to take a walk later in the day so staying out of the sun now was for the best. He opens the door after a moment or two, giving Amelia a soft smile.

"Come on in, it's not as though it's locked."

Not that he's sure that would stop her if she was intent on getting inside. He spies the cooler right away, tilting his head to the side slightly. How could he not, really.

"What's that?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"It's for you." She smiles brightly and offers the cooler to him as she walks over. "It's got milk chocolate fudge, taffies, and something called... "M and M's" in it. Oh, and something to make sure it all stayed cool and solid as I brought it over."

If he hasn't taken it from her yet, she's going to push it into his hands excitedly. This whole giving presents thing is wonderful. "I wasn't sure about the colors for the cooler, but considering your choice of favorite colors and the holiday and that it's your birthday... Well, I hope it's not too much." A beat. "And I have something else that's not candy for you, too, but it'll require a trip out after we have some of that iced tea you offered." Another, slightly nervous smile for him.

"Happy Birthday, Steve." She hesitates for a moment and then asks, "That is the right greeting for a birthday on Earth, right?" So many different customs and so little time to make sure she knows them all before she opens her mouth.

[juststeverogers]

Steve gapes like a fish for several long moments before the cooler is pushed into his hands. Candies from his home, an acknowledgement of the holiday and his birthday? He hadn't expected any of that truthfully so this has him completely stunned. He absently takes a step back so Amelia can come in and get out of the oppressive heat. Inside the apartment it is properly cool. Air conditioning is a wonderful invention.

"Amelia..thank you." When Steve finally manages to find his voice, it's quiet and full of emotion. He set the cooler down on the ktichen counter before pulling a couple of glasses from the cubboard and filling them with the sun tea he'd made the day before and stuck in his fridge. It's something for him to focus on so he doesn't get overly emotional about her kind gestures. "Here. There's sweeteners if you need it."

[rogueinladysclothing]

It's hard for her to tell if it was what she got him that went too far or if it was the gesture itself. As it is, she hopes he'll still be open to receiving the second half of his present later, because that one's even better.

"You're welcome, Steve." She smiles softly at him and then accepts the glass of ice tea with a nod. "And thank you for the tea - no need for sweetener for mine. It's perfect as is on this warm Summer day."

With another nod, she motions toward his couch and takes a seat, smiling all the while. "I also feel like I should apologize while I'm here - it's been a while since I last stopped by. How have you been? Work is going well I hope?"

[juststeverogers]

Steve swirls the tea in his glass and sips at it slowly while he considers Amelia's words. The apology makes him shake his head.

"Really, it's alright. Between the strange magic going on in the Nexus and work, I've kept myself pretty busy. Plus I haven't been real swell company for a bit now. Homesick, I guess."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"That I can understand." Both the homesick feeling and not being good company, but she won't be specific about it. "I hope all the candies are all right? I remembered some of your favorites from Christmas, but I wanted to bring something else festive from your home to you, too. That's why the M and M candies are red, white, and blue." Might've taken a little persuasion, a raise in price, and a little magic to get them in those color, but it was totally worth it.

She waits a moment before she asks, "Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? If not, can I convince you to come out with me for a bit? I have one more gift for you today, but it requires going out to get it." She tilts her head slightly at him and smiles, the corner of her lip trying hard to pull up into a smirk. "I'll bribe you with a meal, if that helps.'

[elevator_attendant]

[What's this? No one should be this sad, especially people that Theo has met before, even if it was a long time ago. The sketch Steve drew for him months ago still hangs in the Velvet Room's walls, much to the Demon Painter's dismay at his own work being overshadowed by Steve's artistic skill. Theo can't help but approach the young man as he's drawing, compelled to speak up once he's reached a suitable stopping point.]

"Good day to you, Mr. Rogers. I hope all is well for you on this fine day."

[juststeverogers]

There's a face Steve hasn't seen in a long time. It draws a small smile from the thin man's face when he looks up and recognizes the voice calling out to him. He sets his pencil aside and pushes himself up form the steps and takes a few moments to brush any dirt or dust from his hands before he trots down the steps to greet Theo properly.

"It's been a while Theo." He gives the other a small wave when he gets to the bottom of the stairs. "You're a bit far from the Plaza, good to see you though." There isn't the usual energy to his voice, though it is still as warm and friendly as ever.

"Ah...yeah, things are...are fine." He looks back to his sketchbook before meeting Theo's gaze again. "It's a holiday back where I'm from. Missing home a bit, is all."

[elevator_attendant]

"It is good to see you as well, friend. Even with the shifting of the tides, our paths cross again."

[One may not even know that he's referring the change in the Nexus, all for the better, as the sharply-dressed attendant merely smiles to Steve. He notices the change in the boy's attitude, but won't mention it, the answers will come naturally from the source.]

"I must say, your art skills grow better by the day. My companion saw your sketch from a while ago and was actually very impressed." [He does take a moment to glance at the drawing, before his calm eyes rest on Steve once more.] "That can be a difficult thing to lose sight of. However, sometimes the answer isn't always the same or where you expect to look for it."

[juststeverogers]

"Well, it is how I make a living here." Steve admits quietly with a chuckle, modest about his art even though he pays his rent with it. He'd love to have been able to say that about home....ah, he's thinking about Brooklyn again.

He needs to stop. It's only going to make the ache in his chest worse.

"How have you been?"

[elevator_attendant]

"And a fine choice for a profession, if I might add."

[The topic of art seems to be bringing out a good side in Theodore's attitude, not like he wasn't positive or inquisitive before. As if on cue, he removes a blue business card from his pocket and offers it to Steve. The card has finely written cursive text in a silver ink: Velvet Room Gallery.]

"Very busy. My master is planning on opening a business here in the Nexus, so I've been assisting him. I think you might like it, given the theme our establishment will be based on."

[juststeverogers]

"A Gallery? That sounds awful nice Theo." Steve turns the card over in his fingers, smiling down at the script on it.

"I'd be happy to check it out once it opens."

He trots back up the steps and places the business card between the next two clean pages of his sketchbook before snapping it shut. That way he's sure not to lose it. Not that he thinks he will anyway, but it's best to always be prepared.

"Is that what's kept you out of the Nexus?"

[elevator_attendant]

"I figured it would be something that you would enjoy. Given your love for art, it would be a mistake for me to not invite you."

[Theo's eyes can't help but rest on the sketchbook, before he quickly puts his attention back on Steve. He can't help but smile at the question]

"On the contrary, it's the reason we've been in the Nexus more than usual. Establishing a connection in a place where multiple worlds intertwine has proven to be a challenge. My master was finally able to rest once that task was complete."

[juststeverogers]

"Fair enough. Either way, I"m happy to see you again." Steve chuckles just a bit, heading back down to the lowest step that is still in the shade and sitting on it. He studies Theo in his ever well dressed state and waves him over.

"Aren't you hot in that? Feel free to have a sit for a minute, cool down."

[westfallcorndog]

Birthdays? Harrow doesn't know anything about that. But America? Okay, we can't exactly call him an expert at that either, but he's learning! For better or worse he's an Ameriboo, and of course that means he's texting Steve today.

Steve guess what today is?
AMERICA DAY!
I read that you have to have a hot dog on July 4 so I am coming over.

[juststeverogers]

Steve glances at his phone when the text comes through. The mechanical pencil slips from his fingers and skitters down one of the stone steps.

"...Oh, Harrow..." He can't hide the wide smile on his face. Of course Harrow would know about July 4th. He's even using little fireworks icons. Steve has to wipe his eyes quickly before he swipes a reply back.

We can have a barbecue. I can't wait!

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow only texts back the word Soon. with an accompanying dog emoji, deeply cryptic person that he is. Fortunately, Steve doesn't have to wait and wonder long. Within half an hour Harrow arrives in his worgen form looking sufficiently festive: He's gotten himself an American flag baseball cap designed to fit on his large head with room for his ears, shorts for the summer weather, and some ridiculous tank top with a cartoon drawing of a dachshund in a hotdog bun with the caption 'HOT DOG' going across the stomach. Under one of his bulky arms he's carrying a tiny portable grill, and in the other a large red cooler, presumably full of drinks and ice.

He smiles when he sees his pal, then shrugs his shoulders to draw some attention to the things he's brought. "Can we do this right here? On the sidewalk?" he asks in his deep and doggy voice.

[juststeverogers]

Steve can't help the chuckle he gives when he spots his currently-fuzzy friend approaching. Harrow always manages to have the most interesting clothes Steve has ever seen, and today is no exception. They even fit his worgen body! Which only looks funnier, all things considered. He gets to his feet and trots down the steps with a wave once Harrow is close enough.

"Isn't it hotter with all that fur?" Steve is warm just looking at him. "Oh! Yeah, we can. Happy 4th of July Harrow." The expression brings a warm smile to Steve's face. The homesickness he'd been feeling is forgotten about, at least for the moment.

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow smiles at the holiday well-wishing, baring his big dog teeth in the process. Then he looks down at his hairy arms with a laugh and a shake of his head that causes his fluffy ears to wobble.

"Hot? I don't even notice it. But if you're hot, I could always cool you down a little. I learned a couple'a tricks from that Reynard guy." He winks, but... Honestly, Harrow, should you be joking about that after how all of that went down?

Regardless, he's moving past it. He sets down the grill and opens it to reveal bags of hotdog buns and wieners. Quite a few, actually! More than two people could probably eat on their own, but then again he is a worgen right now.

"Do you know how hard it was to carry those hotdogs here without eating any?" he asks with a laugh. Using his footpaw he kicks open the top to the cooler to reveal that there are beers and sodas poking out of the top of a solid chunk of ice.

[juststeverogers]

"Don't you? Augh, man I am jealous right now. I'm dyin' out here." Steve retreats back to the lowest step that is still technically shaded and takes a seat. He's content to watch Harrow work for a moment or two. The summer heat is oppressive and Steve's asthma does not like it one bit.

"I can imagine. Thanks for coming over to celebrate. It...means a lot to me."

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow's ears perk up when he catches Steve's tone of voice. The guy's not lying, it really does mean a lot to him, doesn't it? Sweet Steve... Harrow leans down and with utmost gentleness reaches out to pull Steve into a fuzzy embrace. It's all too easy to lift his pal off his feet; the hard part is not accidentally crushing him or drowning him in neck fur. And, conscious that it's a hot day, he does his best to radiate a little cold to keep Steve from overheating in the hug.

He tries to crane his neck to get a look at Steve while he pins him to his chest that rumbles as he speaks. "You know I'm happy to be here for you."

Then Steve is set down, free to stand on his own two feet again. "Would you like to tell me what the fourth is like where you come from? How do you celebrate it?"

[juststeverogers]

The cool radiating off of Harrow makes Steve sigh in relief, hugging Harrow back as tight as he can. It is still a rather weak hug for what Harrow is used to, he's sure, but darn it Steve's doing his best here with his little twig arms. He has never ever been mroe grateful that Harrow can do this ice magic stuff than right now. It feels so much better than being outside has been in general.

"And I appreciate it more than you know." Steve insists, chuckling slightly as his feet dangle off of the ground. He'd be embarrassed but really this is just how Harrow is and Steve has gotten pretty sued to it over the year he's been stuck here.

"I thought you'd have researched it already." Steve teases back, but nods. "There's a parade that used to come right by my apartment, and lots of fireworks. Folks putting out their nice flags. And then for supper the lady upstairs would always bake me something. A cake, or even better a pie because it's my birthday. And then if we could manage it, we'd go down to the pier and watch the fireworks. Me an' Buck." He sounds so happy talking about it. Happy memories of his home and his loved ones.

"The barbecues are traditional though."