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

[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.