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

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow's quick to shake his head. "I didn't do it myself, I'm not that talented. I paid an artist to carve it out of clay, and then my buddy Ixis Naugus turned it into magic crystals. It's kinda his thing."

He scratches at the surface with a claw. "It's indestructible. That's what he says. Can't melt, can't be cracked. I thought it sounded like exactly what you need. Don't take any maintenance, don't gotta worry it's gonna fail you when you need it."

His floating hands hover in a circle around the perimeter of the shield without touching the surface. "I talked to a couple'a paladins about the shape. I said I gave you a buckler once and you already had the instincts to slam with it. They said it'd be best to stick with a round shield. Lightweight and aerodynamic. Plus, you can throw a round shield." He laughs self-consciously and adds, "But I don't know nothin' about that. Never really used a shield myself. You're gonna have to find someone else to train you in the finer points."

[juststeverogers]

"Still!"

Steve isn't about to let you be too modest here Harrow. This means an awful lot to him, and he's going to be grateful for it. He holds the shield up with his right arm, marveling at the details and the ease with which he can pick it up. It looks like it would be unbearably heavy but it just isn't. Though he's sure to change his mind on that when his noodle arms give out anyway.

"Thank you! I love it, Harrow." His face splits into a huge smile and he gives his furry friend another hug.

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow gladly returns that hug. "It was the least I could do... You've been such a good friend to me here. And, hey." He leans back from the hug to get a better look at The Steve way down there, and with a doggy smile says, "Next time I wind up stuck in your body I'll have a bitchin' crystal shield to protect me."

Then with a sweep of his arm he motions to the grill. "Now show me how to celebrate Independence Day. Cook me a dog, Steve!"

[juststeverogers]

"Okay."

Steve nods with a confident smile and turns toward the grill. Harrow has done a stand up job of bringing most anything they could need with him. Not that Steve is surprised at all. If anyone has done their research on how to celebrate American anything, it's Harrowheart.

"Hop on the grill."

That isn't to say Steve is above a joke or two. Though he manages to keep his expression in check. What? Harrow said to cook him a dog!

[westfallcorndog]

Harrow laughs like a barking dog at Steve's terrible joke. Forgetting his own strength he shoves his friend playfully. "You little jerk! This is my first Independence Day slash Steve's Birthday, and you're gonna deny me my American hot dog for bad jokes."

To prove how much he refuses to comply with being grilled he heavily flops down onto the stoop with a doggy groan and sits, massive handpaws on his tiny knees. How can one creature be so top-heavy without constantly falling over?...

"Tell me about Independence Day while you make my hotdog, wiener slave." Suspicious choice of words there, but it's said and he's rolling with it. "You got freedom from England, right? Does that mean you and Viatorus should be mortal enemies, like elves and trolls?"

[juststeverogers]

"Woah!"

Steve topples right over, landing with his butt in the dirt and a giggle already bubbling up as he curls over on his side and laughs. He can't suppress the grin he's got when he sits up again, blonde hair all over the place. It's been a long time since he laughed this genuinely. Harrow really is making this the best birthday ever.

"I'm a punk, not a jerk." He corrects as he scrambles to get back to his feet. Hearing his own nickname for Bucky out of Harrow's mouth somehow makes the smile even wider. It feels...like he's home, sitting with the giant wolf man.

"Well, that was hundreds of years ago. By my time, we're Allies with England. Nothing mends old ties like a common enemy and economic benefits of cooperation." Steve looks over the grill a few times, then glances back at Harrow. "You realize I've never actually used one of these things? We just boiled everything back in the day."