[Open with some closed prompts] Where have all the good men gone?

[livingsymbol]

who: Steve Rogers and anyone else!
what: Various bonding type things
when: General March catch-all
where: Different locations, pick your favorite!
warnings: Nothing yet. Will update as needed?



I. Training exercises [OPEN]

[For any members of the Perimeter Guard hanging around the compound when they aren't on jobs or for those who just frequent the local gyms and need some extra exercise, Steve can be found at both, either very early or late when there aren't as many spectators, running through his routines. It's mostly for his own mental health, although during the midday he offers to do self-defense and combat training or take jogs with people who just want some company. If there are people he's spoken to before that have expressed some interest, he'll probably drag them into a session or two.]

So how do you feel about obstacle courses? We could race.

II. Shield toss beyond the city fences [OPEN]

[Of course Steve Rogers is exploring out alone in the dangerous open wilderness. Of course he's out of his Guard uniform and wearing the navy blue issued to him by SHIELD before he ended up in Quarantine. And of course he's poked his nose right into the middle of a nest of lizard-like creatures each the size of very large dogs, which look none too happy about the human's arrival. This normally wouldn't be too much of a problem, but Steve has somehow managed to find them in a sea of tall grass where they are hunting and the pack is far greater in number than even a super-soldier can handle alone. He's left stranded on a tall rock surrounded by very tall, angry versions of Komodo dragons that are slinking around below, trying to figure out how to reach their dinner. If he tries to attack, he'll most likely lose his one defense and possibly a limb trying to retrieve it. He might make a run for it, but without knowing where all the lizards are, his chances are pretty bad. If anyone happens to pass by or overhead, at least he has their attention.]

This is probably when I should call for help. But it'd be pretty bad for a Search and Rescue member to need rescued. How about it, boys? How smart are you, exactly?

[He may just make a run for it.]

III. Aftermath from his walk in the wilds [OPEN]

[Within the city limits on a few evenings Steve is found limping down the streets. He's probably on his way to buy a burger or some easy food from one of the familiar places he goes to after a hard day out. He has definitely been thrown around and is sporting some interesting scratches and bruises, which mostly means he'll take his meals outside so he doesn't bother other patrons. But he could stand to clean up.

If he happens to run into someone literally by not watching where he's going or if someone gives him and his battered style funny looks he'll stop and give them a polite nod.]

Sorry. I hope I'm not disturbing you.

[It's a zombie Cap cosplay!]

[Closed to MCU!Bucky] Tracking down an old friend (again)

[Steve did try to behave and respect Bucky's privacy. He's been trying to give the man some space and not crowd him, but when his Bucky mentioned that James Barnes of the other world knew who Pierce was and had a history with him, he had to find him. So he starts tracking, asking people around the city if they've seen a guy that looks like Bucky around, and hunting through the city is thankfully not as hard as tracking a man across an entire country, so eventually, with painstaking effort, Steve does catch up. He approaches him in a secluded spot away from everyone else, dropping down before Bucky can bolt.]

I was hoping that you'd call me. Or leave a message at least.

[Closed to Hiccup] Baking can be an adventure too

[As promised, Steve comes to visit Hiccup with a bag of cake making supplies. He might be a bit late considering it's a few days after their talk about his birthday, but Steve is still there and still keeping his promise. He contacts Hiccup and makes sure he's home and then heads over, knocking on the room door of the first floor where the young man and dragon are staying.]

Ready to tackle the oven?

[Closed to Pierce] Tea with enemies

[He's not happy with his own decision to meet with Pierce, but he also hadn't been entirely happy to meet with Loki the first time he did it. This choice is Steve's attempt at keeping an open mind and giving even the worst possible figure in his mind a chance to prove that he's not just out for destruction the way Steve wants to assume he is. It goes against everything Steve believes of him, but at least at this point he doesn't think Pierce will make any hostile moves. Not yet.

So he shows up as planned at the diner, nodding once he finds Pierce even if the motion is slightly stiff.]

After you.

[Because he's going to make Pierce go in first.]

[Closed to Tony Stark] Is this a serious talk?

[Tony did invite him to visit and see his work, so Steve, out of the blue, decides he's going to do that. He also wants to visit JARVIS and Dum-E, so it's not entirely a professional visit, but since Tony seems to be caught up in his own business most of the time, it's up to Steve to bridge the gap. He shows up at the workshop doorstep, greeting JARVIS and asking if Tony is around. And then, of course, making conversation.]

Are you making sure he remembers to eat? He was looking a little thin before.

[You're welcome, Stark.]

Comments

[livingsymbol]

[ The lizards stay hidden in the tall grass, but a rustle around them or behind them gives away their presence as individuals creep around the intruders. They don't dare come close to the unpredictable power, but they are still alert, waiting for their opening.

Steve looks more relieved as the danger passes and Loki turns his attention to healing him. It's a strange feeling, one Steve doesn't have to feel often. He looks confused at first as the pain passes so quickly and his injuries knit together. Then he puts his hand against Loki's arm. ]

I'm all right. Thank you, Loki. I'll be okay now.

[ Steve is starting to realize just how important this is to Loki. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki gives him a critical look. Steve wouldn't lie to him, but he's a soldier. And Loki knows how soldiers think. How Asgardians think. Loki is an aberration, not one to shoulder pain unless he has to or if he thought it made him look weak. He lacks a heart of steel. His hands pull away finally, feeling a little . . . weak-hearted. ]

Of course.

[livingsymbol]

[Steve smiles, putting an arm over Loki's shoulders and leaning in. If the god was planning on letting Steve play tough, he missed his chance. Steve switches directions and uses Loki for support.]

I'm sorry I scared you. I just didn't want them to go after you.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki looks startled before he keeps his arm around Steve, giving him a warm squeeze. ]

I would have been fine.

[livingsymbol]

Mm. I know that. You're a god.

[Steve doesn't pull away.]

But I couldn't just let them go after you. Not when I could stop it.

[dothelokimotion]

Ah, Steve.

[ He leans closer. ]

You're too good to me.

[livingsymbol]

I can't let you get hurt because of me. What sort of man would that make me?

[ Steve runs his fingers lightly through Loki's hair. ]

Thanks for coming to help. I know it wasn't how you planned on spending the day.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki purrs at the touch. ]

Not at all. A good fight is worth attending.

[livingsymbol]

Does that mean you'll finish the run with me?

[ Loki should have probably seen that one coming. Steve is never one to back down from a fight. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ He rolls his eyes, but doesn't seem all that fussed. And he's still a little tense from those lizards, so the decision was easily made. ]

Why not?

[livingsymbol]

[While Loki rolls his eyes, Steve looks pleased to have him agree to come along.]

Let's go then. Better keep the blades out just in case.

[He acts as thought he wasn't just knocked down and nearly sent to the hospital, leading the way back through a path in the grass.]

Why were you way out here anyway?

[dothelokimotion]

I make trips here when I need samples for Gramarye. I do it sparingly though.

[ His first trip into the wild got him mauled and every since then, he's been careful. ]

[livingsymbol]

Not a fan of the wilderness? That's a shame.

[ Steve is probably too comfortable with the danger. He leads the way, pushing through the grass and scouting a little ahead of Loki so he doesn't walk him into trouble, calling back to talk. ]

It's nice out here. Good scenery. Bucky and I found a waterfall.

[dothelokimotion]

I wouldn't say that. Thor and I used to make frequent trips when we were younger.

[ He shrugs loosely, feigning nonchalance. ]

Then he had new friends to take.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve looks back at Loki over his shoulder, curiosity drawing him to the eyes of the seemingly-cam face of his boyfriend. It's the words rather than the tone that get him. ]

Do you want to come with me? I can show you the spot. It's beautiful.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki smiles, some of the passiveness leaving his face as he squeezes Steve's arm. ]

I would love to. Lead the way.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve enjoys a good vigorous day out, including all the danger it entails, but bringing Loki along for a nice walk? That's really priceless. He's pretty sure that not many people from Loki's own world have gotten this honor. He slows enough to take the god's hand, smiling as he leads him to a clear path. ]

I think you'll like it. Getting to the top is a hard climb, but it's worth the view.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki can't help but smile at Steve's look. ]

It can't be too hard with the both of us there.

[livingsymbol]

As long as you don't mind a challenge.

[ Even between the two of them, the trip is dangerous. Maybe that's part of why Steve likes it. It's his pilgrimage to a place of completion, where he feels accomplished and can enjoy the beauty along with the sense of victory. ]

I'm glad you came out here. It's not a fancy party, but I like spending time with you.

[dothelokimotion]

I have never minded a challenge.

[ Loki hates being bored and generally throws himself into whatever can keep him occupied. Loki elbows Steve lightly for his "fancy party" remark. ]

I do enjoy a variety of things.

[livingsymbol]

[ The elbow to his ribs is received with a huff from the blond, who grins over at him and pushes back with a shoulder. ]

I've noticed. You've got more experience than most of us. Bet you've seen plenty of water before too. You sure this isn't too boring for you?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Steve asks this often. Sometimes, Loki wonders how Steve pictures his experiences. His years. There is a lot Loki has seen. Plenty he wished he hadn't. His mind had been opened up by titans and monsters. He can appreciate simplicity. At times. ]

You are far too concerned about my investment. I am here, aren't I?

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve for once laughs. It's an easy, comfortable sound. ]

I'm teasing. You've seen so much. You can make anything you want, but you chose to come to me. You really are amazing, you know that?

[dothelokimotion]

[ His expression softens as he reaches over to cup Steve's face. He could have left. Maybe he should have, back then. And yet. ]

You chose me too.

[livingsymbol]

Of course I did.

[Only Steve Rogers would say that like it was an obvious choice to make.]

And you came here. You've proven what you really think and I don't have any regrets.