Video | Both Courts

[starspangled]

Looks like we're getting the new arrivals again. My name's Steve Rogers, sorry I missed the feast. I should probably start by telling you that it doesn't matter which court drafted you into this war, and that it's not some shard inside of you that makes you important. But I think a lot of us already know that.

Another thing that I've learned is that you can get so focused on this world, you start to lose touch with the little things that you love about your own.

[The subject that he's about to bring up is also full of jubilation and heartbreak, love and victory and loss. And in some cases, betrayal.

He's looking at you, Dodgers.]

For me it's baseball. Does anyone else play? Because I couldn't help but notice that there's plenty of field around here. Maybe in the spring we could find a couple of bats, or even just toss a ball around for a little R and R.

See, the thing I love about baseball is that both sides get a fair shot. Everyone on the team wears the same uniform, from the manager to the rookie, and it's not over until the last out. It's for everyone, doesn't matter if you're a little bit smaller than the other players. If you can swing a bat or throw a ball, you might just make the hall of fame. It's about hope.

Plus it's a heck of a lot more fun than fighting.

[He gives a slightly sheepish smile when he's done, because Captain America waxing poetic about America's pastime, where's his handful of apple pie.]

So I guess all I really wanted to say is don't forget where you came from. You can even share what you miss about it, if you want. I'm not really much of a hunter, so I've got the time.

Comments

[starspangled]

[A fellow New Yorker, a student. Steve's liking him more and more.]

What're you studying? [He gives him a little smile.] It's fine. That's exactly the sort of thing I was talking about. Hold on to that.

[dragonring]

I'm David Stutler, your local physics nerd. [Awkward wave goes here. But he's also smiling back, liking how supportive Steve is.] I will, trust me. I'm not very good at sports, though, sorry I can't help there.

[starspangled]

It's okay. I spent most of my life being a spectator.

I have a friend who's into that sort of thing. Probably the smartest guy I know.

[And definitely the greenest.]

[dragonring]

Really? Because you look like the kind of guy who practices lots of sports.

[Steve looks huge and muscular and Dave wouldn't want to get punched by him any time soon.]

Oh yeah? Then I won't have to worry about boring you with my nerdy babbling if you're used to it. But hey, that speech you just gave? Those were pretty smart words too, you know.

[starspangled]

I didn't always look like this. Not before I joined the Army.

[And got pumped full of serum. Details.]

You don't, not that I think being smart's something you should ever worry about. And thanks. I just hoped they helped.

[dragonring]

The-- ah. Sorry for the assumption.

[But those are the interesting details! Ah well. Dave makes a pause before answering, wondering how to approach this without killing the positive mood Steve set with his post.]

Yeah, they sure did. I... I know you talked about things being for everyone but it wasn't so much like that when I was in school. Being smart was something to be worried about, so... yes, your words were more welcome than you can imagine.

[starspangled]

[Steve frowns at that, reading between the lines.]

I'm sorry that happened to you. And I understand, I do. I had a lot of run-ins with bullies myself as a kid.

[If they weren't bullying him, they were bullying someone else within earshot. Either way, it ended with Steve picking himself up off the ground.]

I know we just met, but I hope you'll tell me if anyone tries that here.

[dragonring]

Really? [His eyebrows raise, he can't help the surprise. Even if Steve told him he used to be different before the army, it's hard to imagine.] Wow, I can only imagine their faces when they see the new you.

[There's a long pause after that, not believing what he's hearing. He swallows before smiling widely - this has really touched him.]

I-- I've been doing fine so far, but-- wow, I don't know what to say. Thanks, dude, seriously. I think I'm a little better at taking care of myself now, but this still means a lot to me, you have no idea.

[starspangled]

[Steve huffs a soft breath of a laugh at that. Yeah, he bets some of those guys really would be surprised. He hopes their grandsons are nicer guys than they were.]

It's the least I could do for a fellow New Yorker.