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

[wipedclean]

[He blinks, a little startled by what is, to him, a complete change of subject.

Friends? No, he didn't make any friends. A few people spoke to him, and he responded, but he wouldn't call any of them friends.

But he's not sure how to vocalize all that, so he tilts his head, shrugs his one working shoulder, and shakes his head.]

No.

[starspangled]

[Bucky, that wasn't a subject.

But the listen here is small talk. How many years has Hydra kept him from thinking for himself, even speaking? They sent him out all but muzzled on missions. Steve watches him struggle to express himself, and he can only hope that it gets easier with time.]

I'm sure you will. It's just a little soon right now.

[wipedclean]

[Sure it was. Just because it only happened in his head doesn't mean it wasn't.

He sighs, a short huff of mild frustration. Friends aren't exactly a priority. At least not in his book.

More to the point, though...]

Where are we going?

[starspangled]

[Friends often equal allies, and when you're Steve Rogers who has a lot of brave but stupid ideas, you need people like that in your life.

Speaking of.]

Remember the girl I told you about? Ariadne? She has a manor in these woods.

[wipedclean]

[He remembers Steve talking about her, yes, but he still doesn't remember her.

But the fact that Steve has an ally with holdings in these woods is... promising. So he nods.]

Which way?

[starspangled]

[Steve pauses, sighing as he looks up at the trees; turns to survey the ones in the other direction. Normally, he has a really sharp memory when it comes to this sort of thing.

But all these woods look alike.]

It's this way.

[Well, at least he sounds confident.]

Buck, I can't stay there for long.

[wipedclean]

[His brow furrows, not just at Steve's hesitation in which way to go, but his comment.]

Why not?

[Why are they even going there if they can't stay there for long?]

[starspangled]

[Steve can't stay. But he'll feel better knowing that Bucky knows of a place other than the castle, with someone he trusts.]

I don't know how I feel about staying there for long. She could get in trouble for harboring a Seelie.

[But he sees the confusion on Bucky's face and is quick to amend.]

I'll try to lay low. Maybe she'll make it back soon.

[wipedclean]

[He nods slowly, not completely satisfied with the answer, but it's enough. For now.

They'll have to figure something out.]

Okay.