video: un: s.rogers

[america]

[ The video flicks on, blurs for a moment, then comes into focus on a rather handsome-looking man in his late 20's with a fairly scruffy looking beard and long-ish hair swept back. He's still got something of a boyish look to him even if his eyes have the kind of depth to them that expresses that he's seen some shit.

Some might recognize him from past battles, the wave-drops, the riots, or most recently: the torture room. Some might have seen him walking through the city of Olympia while on Royal Guard duty. And some might recognize him because of the shield he carries. It's kind of hard to miss.

He clears his throat and begins to speak. ]

I'm sure I've likely seen a lot of you at the recent coalition meeting - [ There's a mild expression on Steve's face, something very nearly unreadable - but he's very obviously not happy about it. ] - if not before that.

[ There's a pause. ]

And that's actually what I'm here to speak to you about. My name is Steve. I don't make a lot of network posts - [ This being his first, actually. ] - but I wanted to reach out to anyone who feels angry, frustrated and helpless from the kidnappings and everything that happened after. I want to start up a kind of self-defense class. A training club, if you will.

Sure, it might not change the future possibility of something like this happening again, but maybe it'll help some of you feel just a little more in-control of the situation. If anything, it's a good way to vent some of the frustration out. [ He shrugs a shoulder. ] I've found it helps me.

I've got a fair amount of experience in hand-to-hand combat myself but I could always use a little more practice. Anyone's welcome to join me. Anyone who can teach me a couple of things would be great too.

[ He figures having a couple of volunteer teachers alongside him would be beneficial for everyone involved. ]

I'd like to use this post to gauge interest and maybe set something up for the weekend. I'm usually training then, anyway.

Thanks for watching this.

[ Steve moves in to hit 'stop' on the recording, and with that the message ends and the screen goes black. Clear, simple, to the point - that's Cap. ]

Comments

video, un: cherylbombshell

[sweetwater]

Steve! You are looking like the very ideal of a strapping young man. [ Cheryl why are you like this? ]

Consider me intrigued by the idea of self-defense classes. A girl like me can never be too careful.

[america]

[ There's a soft laugh - of embarrassment? Bashfulness? ]

Thanks, Cheryl.

[ He's glad to see that she seems to be all right. The kidnapped got the short end of the stick, but the rescuers had their own trials too. ]

I'll take your intrigue as a 'yes' that you'll be at the first session?

[sweetwater]

[ she tilts her head to one side, as though she's weighing the pros and cons. ] You'll be the teacher, right? I won't show up to find someone else in your place?

[america]

[ Steve nods, mouth quirked in amusement. ]

I'll be there, don't worry.

[sweetwater]

[ she smiles brightly. ] Then I'll be there, too.

[america]

[ Steve is (hilariously) innocent and dense enough that this entire exchange doesn't seem too suspicious. Or rife with thirst.

He nods. ]

Good. I'll count you in then.

[sweetwater]

[ oh Steve. bless you. ]

Should I bring anything?

[america]

Just yourself.

[ And because he's been telling others: ]

A good pair of runners and comfortable clothes won't hurt either.

[sweetwater]

I can do that. [ she flashes him a smile. ] At home, i was captain of the River Vixens. I'm no stranger to hard work.

[america]

Good to hear.

Though I'll have to admit I've never heard of the River Vixens before.

[ Should he have? ]

[sweetwater]

[ wow get it together, Steve! ]

It's my high school's cheerleading squad. [ well - ] Was, anyway, before Riverdale turned to stardust.

[america]

[ lISTEN OK -- ]

Okay. So you'll have some strength and gymnastics ability. [ Assuming cheerleaders do the same stuff they do in those John Hughes high school movies. ] Not a bad start.

[ His expression turns sympathetic in response to her last comment, though he says nothing. It's never going to be easy, trying to get over this Storm destroying millions of worlds in an instant. ]

[sweetwater]

[ she nods. ] I'm the best. Stardust or not.

[ but why linger on the tragic end of everything they've ever known? she raises an eyebrow at him. ]

What were you like in high school?

[america]

[ Steve laughs. ]

Not cool in the least. The uncoolest, in fact.

[sweetwater]

[ she rolls her eyes. seems like a lie, tbh. ] You? The All-American Adonis? I find that hard to believe.

[america]

Well, I wasn't always like this. I had ... something of a late growth spurt.

[ Which is a long story in and of itself. ]

[sweetwater]

[ that she'll accept. ] It's a John Hughes tragedy to peak in high school, anyway.

[america]

I actually know who John Hughes is.

[ ... is something he blurts out before he can stop himself.

Even in this day and age, Steve Rogers is still an awkward weirdo around Very Cool Girls - even girls who can technically be his daughter. ]

[sweetwater]

[ she laughs, but from the way her face lights up it's easy to see she's pleased. maybe even a little relieved. ]

Finally, someone who speaks my language. [ no one ever understands Cheryl's references! ]

[america]

Well, don't expect too much.

[ Steve can't help but chuckle too; her laughter is infectious. ]

I hadn't finished catching up on a lot of pop culture before we got here. Still know nothing about those little phone emotions.

[ Emotes? Emo-somethings? ]

[sweetwater]

Emojis! [ she beams. ] You seem like you catch on quickly. You just need a little help.

[america]

Emojis. [ That's right. With the funny word-that-isn't-actually-a-word.

He'd never remember it otherwise. ]

Maybe. I could help you learn how to defend yourself, and maybe you could teach me a thing or two about emojis.

[sweetwater]

[ oh Steve. you really are an old man in a young man's body. ]

You have yourself a deal.