[ 001 ] ★ [ Video ]

[latenightfondue]

[ A solemn looking man with a serious expression appears on the screen, an impressive fountain in the distance behind him, and the sounds of rushing water carrying over the feed. He's wearing a white turtleneck jumper with a suede coat, brown hair looking flat and dark circles ring his eyes. ]

There goes the search for Cap. [ He sounds defeated, which rarely happens, but he says it with a sarcastic tone, masking the weight he carries with him for so far failing to find Steve in the wreckage.

He fiddles around with the device as he looks directly at it, now, rather than at the surroundings around him. ] So, anyone out there gonna fill me in on what the hell's goin' on 'round here or do I gotta figure it out for myself?

Comments

Private

[latenightfondue]

No room at the inn? It's a good thing I don't take offence easily. [ Slightly more seriously now. ] So, uh, how's that all go about working here?

Private

[punchedhitler]

I didn't think you'd be comfortable where Bucky and I live, we don't have room service.

You mean renting a room? Just like back ho-

You've never rented anything before, have you?

Private

[latenightfondue]

No service? How d'you even survive?

[ He pauses to think about it, but it doesn't take very long. ] Nah, never needed to. Go where the work is, and usually all'a that stuff's taken care of.

Suddenly not loving the outlook here.

Private

[punchedhitler]

There's a diner down the street. Once Bucky tried to cook.

[SIGH]

We'll find you a place.

Private

[latenightfondue]

Y'mean you actually let that idiot loose near the dangerous stuff? You're a braver me than me.

You're a pal. Need something big enough to move in, a bachelor pad.

Private

[punchedhitler]

How big?

Private

[latenightfondue]

Big enough to tinker in or I'll be off to the funny farm. Hate having nothing to do with the old hands. Guess there's a budget, though, huh?

Private

[punchedhitler]

We can't have that. We'll find you a corner or something.

[Or Maybe Steve can talk to Tony]

Private

[latenightfondue]

Not sure a corner's gonna cut it, but I'll take what I can get.

Private

[punchedhitler]

I know a few people who might be able to help you out at least with space.

I mean, you don't plan on blowing anything up, right?

Private

[latenightfondue]

[ Sheepishly, even for him. ] No one ever plans to blow things up, Cap, these things just sort'a happen sometimes. Can't be helped.

[ There's a pause. ] Okay, you got me, no blowing things up. Definitely no plans for that.

Private

[punchedhitler]

That's what people keep telling me, anyway.

We'll get you lab space. I'm not keen on you going crazy.

Private

[latenightfondue]

I ever tell you you're my favourite? 'Cause you should know that you are.

Private

[punchedhitler]

Just keep that in mind, will you?

Private

[latenightfondue]

Sure, Cap, whatever you say.

Hey, so, how long you been here exactly?

Private

[punchedhitler]

Six months or so. Bucky's been here a couple.

Private

[latenightfondue]

[ Distractedly. ] No, not getting this place at all. And you sure this ain't some place you go after taking a long dive into a pool with no water? 'Cause I'm still not convinced.

Private

[punchedhitler]

What would you have been doing that you would be here, if it was?

Private

[latenightfondue]

[ Awkward. ] Y'know me, always playing around in dangerous waters.

Private

[punchedhitler]

Would those waters be frozen?

[Hrrrrm]

Private

[latenightfondue]

...Y'know, don't you?

Private

[punchedhitler]

Come on. The search for Cap?

Private

[latenightfondue]

Ah. [ Damn, he heard. ] Super hearing.

Okay, you got me, but it ain't as bad as it sounds. Not unless you know something I don't. Do you? 'Course you don't. See, this is why I avoid getting invested in people.

Private

[punchedhitler]

You of all people should know.

[Pause]

It's okay, Howard.

Private

[latenightfondue]

[ No, it's really not. ]

Sure it is, buddy, sure it is.