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]

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.