Checking in (set after Halloween event)

[juststeverogers]

In the aftermath of the Nightmare incident in the Nexus, Steve knew the most important thing in the immediate was making sure people were okay. Hell, he'd spent most of his time tending to Amelia's wounds such that by the time he was finished most of the cafe had cleared out. He's glad the rogue got the care she needed but he hasn't seen her since.

In fact, he's not seen most of them since. He waited a bit to see if he'd spot familiar faces in the Nexus, but with things quiet he takes matters into his own hands and sends out a message to several of his friends.

Hey, it's Steve.

I know you were involved in the mess during the Halloween party and I really want to make sure you're alright. I'm sorry I haven't reached out sooner. I wanted to make sure you got the time and care you needed after everything that happened. The coordinates to my apartment are listed at the end of this message.

Please let me know you're okay.

Comments

[juststeverogers]

"Settle down, Buck. He's a friend of Adia's." Steve doesn't appear to chastise the bird, but he doesn't really need to look to know Bucky's sulking. He's always been wary of new people, especially around Adia.

The bird looks toward the kitchen and Steve's voice, then to Adia again. Excuse you both? No one okayed this with him. What if he's dangerous? His feathers ruffle in obvious displeasure.

Steve finally comes out with a tray of drinks and carefully sets all three of them down on the coffee table.

"Help yourselves, there's plenty to go around. I'll join in just a second." He's gotta dice up one of those fresh fruits for pokemon treats. Hopefully that'll soothe any bruised egos.

[chiron_survivor]

"It's okay, Bucky," Adia coos, soothing down his ruffled feathers. When Steve enters with the coffee, she takes leave of both bird and man to start fixing herself a plate. Caspar joins her after another moment, taking a little less. The food does look good to him in a rustic sort of way, but he only needs to eat so much. He joins Adia on the couch and sets his plate on the table.

Bucky immediately hops over and wedges himself between the two.

"Excuse me," Caspar says coolly, and Bucky fixes him an unblinking stare. This time, Caspar stares back unrepentantly.

Adia looks at the two of them, then sighs. "Caspar... Caspar, honey. Don't stare back, it's rude."

"But --"

"He just needs a little time to warm up to you."

The Cylon frowns, but does as he's told. Bucky sits a little taller and chirrups proudly to himself. Take that, stranger!

[juststeverogers]

"At ease, Bucky. You'll get your treats."

Steve shoots the Braviary a warning look as he comes out of the kitchenette with three bowls of diced up fruit. He sets Sarah and Ethels down first and puts Bucky's in his usual spot, but that means away from the couch.

"Let them eat, Bucky. Come on." Sometimes he doesn't know what gets into the bird's head. It's sweet that he's protective of Adia but that's no excuse to be rude. He'll get his own food once all three of the Pokemon have theirs. It's more than Adia and Caspar are eating. Some of everything, in fact.

"They'll get used to you." He assures Caspar.

[chiron_survivor]

Bucky eyes Steve, then the bowl of fruit. On the one hand, he does not want to leave Adia's side. On the other hand, that fruit looks awfully tasty...

Reluctantly, he hops off the couch and heads for his usual spot. Caspar does not hesitate to fill the vacuum, scooting closer to Adia, and oooh, Bucky doesn't like that. He picks out a bit of apple and crushes it deliberately in the corner of his sharp beak, all the while glaring at this presumptuous stranger with one of his bright eyes.

"Bucky was wary of me at first, too," Adia says, echoing Steve's sentiment. She has a better idea of what Bucky might be thinking, but she'll keep that to herself. Only now is it occurring to her why Caspar's wary stares when they're out and about in the Nexus feel so familiar.

"It's all right." And indeed, once Sarah has snarfed up her goodies, she returns to Caspar, happy to sit by his feet. He smells nice and perhaps he'll accidentally drop a bit of that bacon thing that he's picking at. Ethel looks curious, too, but she'll finish her fruit at a more sedate pace, like she does most everything.

With that settled, Adia begins to eat herself, clearly enjoying her meal. Caspar uses the lull in conversation to give Steve a more thorough look. They've only just met, but this man strongly reminds him of Captain Agathon, which doesn't necessarily win him any favors, but at least keeps him from being blatantly on guard. "How long have you had pokémon? Are they native to your world?"

[juststeverogers]

"Wouldn't let me touch him for nearly a month. He's been through a lot. He was real injured when I found him."

As much as he loves all three of the mons dearly, Steve really wanted that little Rufflet to let him help. It was small and hurt and weak but it had fight in it. Steve knew how it felt. He still does. Neither one of them is weak anymore.

Caspar's half right. Steve is a Captain. Just not the sort he's thinking of. He finishes off his piece of toast before he answers. Careful to wipe his hands off on a napkin before he picks up his mug to take a sip of coffee.

"They're not. A whole stampede of them came through the Nexus not quite a year ago. These three ended up stranded here so I took them in. They're intelligent and capable of understanding us. I'm not sure if all varieties are, but these three certainly can. I've been working with a specialist from their world off and on to train them. She says it's the best way for them to have a fulfilling and healthy life."

[chiron_survivor]

That's news to Adia. She knew Bucky had been injured, but did it really take that long for Steve to gain his trust? It makes what she has with the large bird even more special. She smiles over at the braviary, who is still giving Caspar the stink eye but at least is eating his fruit less ominously.

It's the air of confidence combined with an easy-going nature that reminds Caspar most of the other Captain. That and the fact that Steve is buff as hell. Adia said that he was a superhero or something like that? "They're interesting," he remarks quietly, finally forking a piece of food. Sarah follows it with her eyes, which catches his attention and a brief smile. "Pretty sure you're not allowed," he tells her, reaching down with his free hand to pet her.

"Everything's delicious," Adia says, now that she's had a chance to sample a few things. "How have you been, Steve? I'm sorry I didn't ask you that in my text. It was good of you to check up me."

[juststeverogers]

"Sarah..." No she's not allowed people food and she knows it. Steve can't reach her to pull her off of Caspar but the guy seems pleased enough to give her a pet and that's fine. So long as she doesn't start trying to climb up on him.

Steve's already through one of the pancakes when Adia speaks up. He's quick to carefully wipe off his mouth and wash his food down with a swallow of coffee so he can answer properly.

"I never got taken, so I'm fine. I'm sorry I couldn't get you all back sooner." He shakes his head. "I can't punch my way into fixing magic."

[chiron_survivor]

Sarah sits up and looks at Steve with wide, innocent eyes. Her, steal food? Never. She leans into Caspar's leg, her tail thumping on the floor, as he scratches behind her ears.

"I'm glad you were safe, but Steve... it's okay. It was something that had to be fixed from within." Her reassurance is a stark contrast to the sudden tension in Caspar's shoulders. He's taken that bite of food, finally, and now forced to chew and swallow it, he can't add in his own two cents, a sarcastic quip or two to hide the way his hands shake at the thought of Adia trapped in that Nightmare, suffering the pain he had caused her all over again.

Finished with her fruit, Ethel plods over to join Sarah at Caspar's feet. Adia places a hand on his and squeezes.

"Can you tell me what happened after we all disappeared? And then I can do the same for you. I don't know everything that happened, but I feel like I know better than most."

[juststeverogers]

"I don't know how much I can tell. I spent most of the time afterwards hunting down the giant man-spider that stole Micolash's cage in the first place. Only to find out when we got our hands on the slimy...thief. That he'd dropped the cage and it had vanished into the Nightmare too."

Steve shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable he was able to do so little when so many of his friends were in danger. He casts a glance at Ethel and Sarah, even back at Bucky before he shakes his head. What would he have told them if Adia hadn't been okay?

"By the time we got back from the hunt there was a ritual happening and before I knew it people were dropping back into the cafe. Literally."

[chiron_survivor]

"A man-spider?" Despite knowing that Micolash's cage had been removed against his will, this is the first time she's hearing about the thief himself. "Any idea why he did that?"

"Any idea where he is now?" Caspar asks ominously. He's set aside his plate, what little appetite he had gone now as he hears more unpleasant details of the night in question. How very much he would like someone to punish for what happened to Adia. But then Sarah whines a little and Ethel makes a comforting rumble. It's enough to soften the hard lines of his face, and he goes back to petting them while Adia shares her side of the story, the part he's already heard.

"April told me about that. Several magic-users were trying to open a portal to rescue us. We were all trapped in our own personal Nightmares, at first. For me and Ghost, it was a spaceship on lockdown. It brought back bad memories for me." She glances sidelong at Caspar and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. "There was a creature on the ship with us -- dangerous, but in a lot of pain. We helped it, and that's what let us escape into a... a village of some sort. I think this part of the Nightmare was entirely from Micolash's mind. I, um... I ran into Viatorus. He had found the cage. He's the one who put it back on Micolash's head and ended the Nightmare."

Caspar looks up at her. "You're not going to tell him about the --"

"That's not my story to tell," Adia interrupts with a quick shake of her head. She knows that Caspar wants her to have the glory of freeing the worgen from his feral curse, of giving Viatorus the chance to resume his quest with the cage, but she knows how upsetting those events were to Harrowheart. It's up to him whether he wants to share that with Steve or not.

[juststeverogers]

"Considering the way the guy acted when we caught up with him? Probably just for the laughs. I've fought his type before. There doesn't have to be a reason. Just causing trouble is enough for them."

At least Loki had the decency to not be hiding behind an anti-violence field. Not that Steve had gotten a good hit on the god back during the fight but his allies had and that was good enough for him. This guy though. Gracious Patches. What a load of bull. Steve still simmers beneath his skin thinking about the way he smiled and placated them while his friends were stuck inside another dimension and suffering. A very sharp blue eyed stare is sent Caspar's way. "He got away. The AV field made it near impossible to keep ahold of him."

Steve ends up pushing away his plate when Adia talks. He can't really keep eating when he's listening to Adia talk of her and Ghost being lost on a ship. But wait, "Just Ghost? What about Blaze?" She's alright isn't she? They're never apart. Ever. He's glad to hear Viatorus was able to help those stuck in the nightmare, but this all just sounds awful.

[chiron_survivor]

"That's terrible," she murmurs. No way she's empathizing with an attitude like that. Patches has officially been added to her (very short) list of people that she Does Not Like.

Caspar, whose list is far, far longer, meets Steve's gaze unflinchingly. But even after this brief amount of time, he's determined this man's type: an earnest do-gooder, protector of the weak, who always strives to do the right thing. It's a type that would annoy him in other circumstances, but at least he knows that Steve did the best he could to bring the man-spider to justice. He nods brusquely and says, "Let's hope that next time he's not so lucky." Patches better watch his gross, hairy spider back.

Adia also sets aside her plate, but only so that she can pick up her cup of coffee. Talking about the events of the Nightmare doesn't seem to cause her any distress, although she does frown a bit when Steve mentions Blaze. "They were in separate Nightmares. It was hard on Ghost... I'm sure it was hard on Blaze, too. But I saw her after we were freed, and she seemed to be doing okay. She was more concerned about me." She takes a sip of coffee, suddenly feeling quite guilty. So many people worrying about her when she likely needed it the least.

[juststeverogers]

"No...Oh God, Ghost must have been beside himself. They've never been separated for as long as Blaze has been around, you know? I'll have to make sure they're both okay. That he's okay..."

Steve drops his head and shakes it. Blaze he feels would handle it better than Ghost. She's a fighter. She's got power. Ghost isn't made for combat. The little bit must have been so scared.

"Thanks for letting me know what happened. I...I wish I'd been able to do more."

[chiron_survivor]

"It was hard for him," she agrees. "But he was so brave. You would've been so proud of him, Steve. He had to unlock all the security measures on the ship and keep the creature distracted so that I could cure it. All without Blaze to protect him. Just me."

Caspar looks at her, then switches her grip on his hand so he's the one who can comfort her. "You kept him from getting dragged into the vents," he reminds her. "You were the one who had to touch that monster's hands. Twice. A third time and it would've --"

"It wasn't a monster," she gently reminds him, although she's holding onto his hand rather tightly. She returns her attention to Steve. "The Nightmare dredged up some bad memories for me. I was... I was in a bad way, for a little while there. But Ghost talked me through it. He reminded me that I wasn't alone. I wouldn't have wished that Nightmare on anyone, but I'm glad that we were together to face it."

She gives Steve a soft smile. "You sound like me. When we left the Nightmare, I wanted to help anyone who was injured, but I was too exhausted. But you're helping now by checking up on your friends. I have a feeling most of the others are worse off than I am."

[juststeverogers]

Steve nods, his own emotions buried for now underneath a desire not to make Adia feel bad about upsetting him. He wanted to know what was going on and she's definitely helped in that regard. When she and Caspar leave he'll be messaging Blaze again. Checking in.

Making sure they're both safe and sound as is possible to be in her world.

"I don't want to see my friends hurt, that's all. I'm supposed to be protecting people. That's my job."

[chiron_survivor]

It works, a little. Still, she wishes that she had more definitive news about her robot friends. But, wait...

"You saw them recently, didn't you?" she asks Caspar. "How did they seem?"

Caspar shrugs, a little taken aback by the question. "They seemed fine to me, but it's not like I have another reference point."

"Neither of us have been in the Nexus much," she says apologetically. She finishes off her coffee and adds gently, "I know it's not easy advice to take, but don't be too hard on yourself, Steve. You did the best you could at the time." And as capable as Steve is now of handling dangerous situations, she's glad that he wasn't trapped in the Nightmare, too. She still remembers how helpless she felt when he was injured during the Khan invasion.

"Is there anything else you needed to know? I think I've told you everything I can. There's a lot that's still a mystery to me."

[juststeverogers]

"I'm just glad the two of you are alright." Obviously Caspar hadn't been in the Nightmare with Adia, but he's gone through quite a lot on his own before being reunited with the woman he loves. Steve's happy they have each other again. Especially after the nightmare took Adia.

He shakes his head. Adia's told him everything she knows and she's alright. Steve can't really ask for more, there.

"Feel free to take as much of the food back with you as you like. For the others, maybe if not yourselves. I kind of went a bit overboard cooking."

[chiron_survivor]

Caspar lifts his brows a little at this, but otherwise says nothing. Steve obviously doesn't know the whole story -- or maybe he does and he's just that good of a person to treat him kindly, anyway.

"We're doing very well, Steve. I promise." If she can get him to worry about one fewer person who was trapped in the Nightmare, she'll be grateful. She's being sincere, though. There's no hiding the soft, loving look she gives Caspar before letting go of his hand so she can gather up their dirty dishes. "And thank you so much for the food, so long as you're sure? Please keep the fruit, though. I don't want to upset our friends by taking it away."

She smiles at the three pokémon, Sarah especially who seems the most hopeful about getting seconds.

[juststeverogers]

Oh Caspar, no matter how bad you might have been once Steve firmly believes in redemption and second chances. He has to, with the people he calls allies and keeps as his closest friends. He's not excluded from that and Steve will treat him with the respect he deserves unless Caspar betrays that trust.

"I can see that." His smile is soft and genuine. Happy to see Adia happy and nothing more. "I'm plenty sure, although..." He glances over at the Growlithe too and laughs just a little bit. "Alright, you three. I want you to give Adia and Caspar your best 'thank you's for the treats."

Yes, all of you.

[chiron_survivor]

It is a character trait Caspar doesn't witness often, that's for sure. Perhaps the Nexus is different from his world in that respect, as well.

Sarah and Ethel have absolutely no problem thanking their guests; Sarah does a happy wiggle while sitting in place, while Ethel smiles and wags her stubby tail. Bucky, however, takes a good long moment before hopping over. "Brave," he says to Adia, then sniffs and turns his head away from Caspar.

"Bucky," Adia says with a hint of disapproval. "Caspar picked the fruit, too."

Bucky turns his head just enough so that he can look Caspar in the eye. Adia quickly motions for Caspar not to stare at him, for gods' sake. The Cylon lowers his gaze and tries to hold back a smirk.

"...ary," the braviary mutters before hopping away to his preferred roost. There, he thanked him. Jerk.

[juststeverogers]

"There we go. Not so bad, was it?"

Steve gives Bucky a warm pat, letting the bird know that he's done right by Steve. Sarah and Ethel both get loving pats too as he's on his feet moving to help clean and package up the food for Adia and Caspar to take back home with them. Save for the fruit, which stays out on the table where Adia had set it down.

"The holidays are coming up here. I'll see you around then, right?"

[chiron_survivor]

Adia takes the time to give another piece of fruit to each pokémon while Caspar gets their coats. She considers having Caspar offer Bucky his piece, but thinks better of it. The AV field may be intact, but she'd rather not risk Caspar's fingers over a gesture of goodwill. So with a murmur of approval to Bucky for at least trying, she gives him a slice of apple and another gentle ruffle of his neck feathers.

"Of course," she tells Steve. "We'll be celebrating Winter Solstice back home, but I'll make sure to see friends. I have presents to deliver." She grins, excited to finally be repaying her friends' generosity. She gives Steve a warm hug once his hands are free. "It was good seeing you."

Caspar hangs back, his coat already on. He holds out Adia's for her to slip into. "Thanks for looking out for her," he tells Steve. As much as do-gooders irritate his nerves from a philosophical perspective, he's glad that Adia has a friend like that in her life.

[juststeverogers]

"I'll have to get my Christmas shopping done soon."

Steve agrees. Growing up they never had any money for the kinds of gifts the people Steve loved deserved. He'll be damned if he's not going to make up for it now that he's able to. He returns Adia's hug and nods to Caspar when he shows back up with Adia's coat. "Good to see you too, Adia. Always."

He turns his gaze to the Cylon then. Nods once.

"More than my job, she's a friend. I'm happy to look out for her and you too, now. Stay safe until I see you both again."

[chiron_survivor]

"Me too," Adia agrees. "We're off to the Shopping District, actually. I've handmade a few presents, but it's impossible to pass up the convenience."

It also helps to have a boyfriend that for whatever reason has good credit in the Nexus.

Caspar doesn't know what to do with this pledge to look out for him. He doesn't need some superhero's help, he's a Cylon, thank you very much, but to express displeasure would be rude, and he doesn't want to be rude in front of Adia. "Thanks," he replies, not quite meeting Steve's gaze. "I'll keep her safe."

"He does a wonderful job of it, too." Adia gives her boyfriend's hand a squeeze, assuaging his bruised ego. "We'll see you later, Steve. Thanks for everything." And then she gently shepherds Caspar out the door. Too bad Bucky doesn't like him -- for a pokémon and a Cylon, they have an awful lot in common.