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

[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."

[elevator_attendant]

"As am I, Mr. Rogers."

[He bows his head, and like magic, his hat stays on top. Strangely, for all the layers of clothes he's wearing, Theo seems unfazed by the hot weather. But he will sit next to Steve, out of respect more than anything else.]

"I appreciate the concern. However, I cannot sit by and do nothing about the homesickness you're facing. I would like to help, if that's okay."

[juststeverogers]

"Was that a pun?" The sitting by comment, he means. He does look much more relaxed with Theo sitting next to him though. Steve gets tired of having to look up to people all the time. Not to say he isn't used to it but. It can get more than a little tiring.

"Wha? Oh. Don't worry about it Theo. It's really not that big of a deal." The founding of a nation based on freedom and equality, not a big deal? Or his birthday that happens to coincide such a historic day? Probably the latter, and he's just being polite about the former. Probably definitely.

"I don't want you to worry on my account."

[elevator_attendant]

"Ah no, my sister seems to have a fondness for those. If my comment sounded like one, I do apologize." [It seems like Theo will do whatever he can to make Steve comfortable, placing both hands in his lap calmly, sitting there in a relaxed state..]

"I already had plans for you before this meeting. And, I must admit, that birthdays are an important thing to celebrate, from what my research indicates." [It seems like the velvet room resident has no idea how his comments can be seen as creepy or foreboding. But, he has a smile on his face, so that means good things, right?]

"Nonsense. I merely wish to give you a nice present."

[juststeverogers]

"Your research? Don't you have a birthday? You've gotta surely." Steve props his chin in one hand, held up by leaning it on his knee as he talks to Theo. "Have you ever had a celebration or something like that for yours?" It's always strange talking to people from other worlds. Learning new customs and traditions is always interesting.

"If...I mean..for me?" Steve sits up straight again. "Are you sure? I mean, thanks. A whole lot, even."

[elevator_attendant]

"I would have to ask my master about it. Most celebrations are not for myself, but for other people and traditions. It never bothered me to think about my own birthday." [Those silly Velvet Room people and their mysterious ways. But to be fair, what purpose does an attendant have in needing to know what day they were born when the task at hand is to store Personas?]

"Of course. The gift is not here, however, if you don't mind the small walk elsewhere."

[juststeverogers]

"Well, if you don't have one, you can always share mine. Let's go!"

Steve scrambles to get to his feet, a lot more enthusiasm suddenly in his steps. The idea of doing something nice for a friend is more than enough to pull him from his nostalgia and homesickness. And Theo has always been super nice to Steve. He wants to do his very best for the attendant.

"I'll have to get you a gift too while we're out then."

[elevator_attendant]

"I guess I can't dissuade you from such a thought."

[No matter how many humans he meets in the Nexus, people never seem to stop surprising Theo. No wonder Igor and other residents of the Velvet Room, like his sisters, are intrigued by the behaviors of man.]

"Take your time to think about it. No rush at all." [And he continues walking through the Nexus, past the assorted shops and stands to a small alley where a long door sits. He approaches it confidently and without concern.]

"Ah, here we are."

[juststeverogers]

Truth be told, Steve passes right by the door that catches Theo's attention without so much as a glance. In fact, he seems a little confused as to why Theo has stopped, turning to look where the other is pointing. At first his gaze slides right by again, but this time he catches hismelf doing it and makes a concentrated effort to look at where Theo is reaching out.

Sure enough, there is indeed a door. Impossible to miss really with it's regal colors and polished knob. Steve gawks, mouth dropping open slightly.

"Was that always here?" He definitely didn't see it a moment ago. If Theo hadn't stopped he would have kept right on walking.

[elevator_attendant]

"In a way, yes. This is a door to somewhere special, so it only appears at the right times. Or to the right people."

[His gloved hand is resting on the door-handle, an unnecessary gesture to draw out the suspense. Finally, the door creaks open to reveal a large room, colored in all sorts of different shades of blue. A faint piano music plays, but no instrument can be seen. In fact, the room just contains a few chairs and tables, covered in velvet blue.]

"I guess I should explain, but this is my home."

[juststeverogers]

"I'm definitely nothing special so that explains a lot."

He supposes Theo must mean magical when he says special and Steve is about a diametrically opposed to magic as is possible to be. He nearly made himself pass out trying to use a wand meant for children learning. Whoops. He needs to be careful about that kind of thing.

"It's very blue. I hope you like the color." It's eerie how monochrome everything is, coupled by the faint sense of strangeness permeating through the air. Steve can't help but to look around. He's never seen anything like this before and it shows on his face.

"It's nice though. Really fancy."

[elevator_attendant]

"Nonsense. You are special in your own rights, Mr. Rogers."

[Theo's definition of special could be anything, ranging form magical to those with unique gifts. He might not know the history of superheroes, but perhaps he can tell who has the gift to do great things.]

[He quietly shuts the door behind them once Steve is inside the Velvet Room, laughing a little at his comment.] "Yes, the color is very welcoming. I suppose blue is much better than something less welcoming, like pink for example." [And with a wave of his hand, Theo starts gesturing Steve towards the middle of the room, where a large table sits, lit with candles.]

"Come, come. We've kept your friends waiting and I'm sure they're ready to surprise you."

[juststeverogers]

"A room full of pink. That....certainly would be warm?"

Blue is still seen as a girl's color while pink more masculine in Steve's time, though the tendency was shifting at about the time he left his world. His assumption is that a room full of pink would be too loud, too bright. He could see that. It makes a certain amount of sense to him.

"Surprise me with what?" Steve looks around, but the room certainly seems empty. He hadn't told anyone it was his birthday today so he doubts anyone would be looking for him. Though Harrow did ask him about the 4th of July because of Independence Day. Still he obediently follows Theo to the table.

[elevator_attendant]

"Please do not give my master ideas. He seems to like the idea of picking things for his own personal amusement or to see how I'll react."

[Theo can't image wearing a pink uniform, and quite frankly, might object. If he'd even be allowed to do that. His attention is quickly changed back to the task at hand, and sadly, it involves a little bit of magic. Hopefully it doesn't break Steve's brain.]

"With a celebration, of course." [He walks over to the table, which has a lone lit candelabra on it, and takes a corner of the blue tablecloth in one hand.] "Some of your friends insisted on doing something nice for you."

[Tact and fair warnings do not exist in the mind of velvet room attendants, as Theo yanks the tablecloth up. The candelabra doesn't move, but the table has changed drastically. A similar blue tablecloth is back on the table, but now three very familiar pokemon sit on the nearby chairs. A cake has also magically appeared out of nowhere.]

[Don't worry, Steve, he'll give you time to let it sink in.]

[juststeverogers]

"A cele--whaaaaaaaaat is..."

Steve's mouth drops open and he's quite frankly lost for words for a solid minute. He's kept an eye out for his Poke-friends along the edges of the Wilds by his apartment but hadn't seen much of them since they had overrun the Nexus. Now and again he'd been able to feed them but he'd nearly thought they'd forgotten all about him. When Steve does snap back to reality he laughs outright, a huge grin spreading across his face.

"You guys..!" He looks back at Theo and there's such gratitude in his expression. "I wasn't aware you knew these guys. They're real swell. Oh man...I didn't know where you all had gone off to.." Steve walks round the table and gives each of the Pokemon a head pat in greeting. A fluffy fur ruffle for Growlithe, a few gentle pats for Shieldon, and a slow and deliberate pat for the Rufflet. If it will let him he gives it a pit of pet on its head feathers. Theo will have to forgive him if he seems a bit choked up when he looks back the attendant's way.

"I don't know how you managed this Theo, but thank you so much..."

[elevator_attendant]

[Pokemon may be naturally hesitant to interact with others, but they don't forgot people who show them kindness. Especially those who've seen less love than others. So, when the pettings commence, everyone responds in a different way.

Growlithe is all up in Steve's personal space, nose nudging against nearby appendages, his tongue out in excitement. Shieldon takes the attention well, by cooing in happiness, content with keeping himself near Steve's feet.

As for Rufflet, the stubborn bird, is the most reformed of his friends. He leans in close, allowing Steve to brush his fingertips against brisk white feathers. It's very clear that the bird's health has improved since February, perhaps in part by Steve's kindness.]

"It was no trouble at all." [Theo has a clear smile on his face, as he steps aside, allowing the Pokemon to be near the birthday boy. In fact, he's already taken up a silver knife, cutting a piece of cake for Steve. Who needs to blow out the candles and make a wish when one of the best gifts has already been given.]

"Mr. Rogers, I must ask...Do you see yourself as a leader?"

[juststeverogers]

There's cake? how did Steve not notice this before? So much of this place seems surreal. Things Steve doesn't see until after double and triple checking his surroundings. At this time though, he can't hardly complain. He's busy giving affection to his poke-friends. Steve's eyes are wet when he thanks Theo with as much sincerity as he can muster. And it's quite a lot, coming from Steve.

"I don't know if you guys can eat cake, but I'll make sure you get something too." He murmurs to the pokemon as he takes a seat again.

"A leader? I..don't think so. Rather, I've never had the chance to try, I guess. I don't mind following orders but I do what's right, first and foremost."

[elevator_attendant]

[You can't have a good birthday party without cake. Or at least, that's what Theo has been told. No matter. He's already serving up a piece to Steve, then turns away to grab some cute pellet-like snacks for the pokemon. Into a bowl they go and onto the floor to prevent Pokemon from interfering with cake time. It doesn't stop the adorable creatures from looking at Steve, or brushing up against his legs gently.]

"Would you give it a try if someone asked?" [He's clearly hinting at something, as he stands across from Steve, not taking a seat or even moving from his spot.]

[juststeverogers]

Every time one of the creatures brushes up against Steve he reaches down to give it a pat or a pet. He can't keep the fond smile off of his face at seeing his small friends again. That doesn't mean he's not paying attention to Theo, however. especially considering his friend seems to be pushing Steve for an answer. He's not sure why the subject has come to this, but it's clearly important to the other.

"I wouldn't be opposed. So long as I knew what I was doing, that is. Kind of hard to lead folks when you've got no idea what to do either."

[elevator_attendant]

[The Pokemon are completely cool with this, cooing and showing copious amounts of affection, while snacking on their bits of poke'food. Theo, to be fair, doesn't care if Steve pays full attention to him; he understands how overwhelming all of this is and how it might take some time for things to settle down.]

"What about them?"

[He gestures down to the Pokemon, who chirp and pause to stare up at Steve happily.]

"Do you feel like you could lead new companions on great adventures? Perhaps a new perspective can open you up to exciting and life-changing things."

[juststeverogers]

"These guys?"

Steve glances down at the Pokemon again before turning his gaze back to Theo fully. He takes a moment to think about it, only the barest hints of concern on his face.

"Well, I've got the space for them at my apartment, and it's close to the Wilds. But I"m not sure what kinds of adventure you mean. I travel around the Nexus, sure, but I'm hardly going on adventures. If they need a home I'd be happy to give them one."

[elevator_attendant]

"Yes. These three have gotten quite attached to you, it seems. Would it not be a grand ideal to have additional company while living here in the Nexus?"

[He isn't coming off as forceful, merely kind and open to the possibilities. Theo wants what could be best for Steve, after all, since the young hero has caught his interest.]

"I believe I can offer you a solution to that problem. The first one at least. As for the opportunity for adventure, have you ever wanted to see new places? To break away from your everyday life to do something unique?"