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[punchedhitler]

[A standard message comes on, with the same tinny recording of someone who hasn't set up their voicemail]

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Beep!




[ooc: THIS POST IS NOW DEFUNCT. Kindly use the one above!]

Comments

[latenightfondue]

Bother me? [ He looks as if he wants to laugh at the idea. ] You'd never be bothering me, Cap.

[punchedhitler]

I think you're being generous, Howard.

[He just smiles a little, though]

Everything all right, though?

[latenightfondue]

Nah, I've always got time for you.

[ He means it, thinks if anyone is bothering anyone, it would be the other way around. But he isn't one to show his insecurities. ]

Sure, why wouldn't they be?

[ But there is something bugging him. Well, two things. ]

[punchedhitler]

Well, usually people knock when they want to see me, but you were kind of just hovering around the door.

[latenightfondue]

Ah.

[ So he noticed that? ]

Was gonna build up to it, would'a got there in the end.

[punchedhitler]

[He's smarter than people give him credit for]

What did you need to build up to?

[latenightfondue]

[ He opens his mouth, goes to start and say something, but then stops, hesitates, and goes for something else instead. ]

The head guy at City Solutions, Tony Stark, y'know him, right?

[punchedhitler]

[He nods]

Sure, I know Tony.

[latenightfondue]

There something strange going on there with him you know anything about?

[ Look how subtle he is. ]

[punchedhitler]

[OH MAN WHY

Steve is starting to fluster]

Well he hired me, that's pretty...strange....?

[latenightfondue]

You're Captain America, pal, 'course he hired you. Who wouldn't?

[ He chuckles at that because, Steve, really. ]

But it's weird we got the same last name, right? And we're into the same things.

[ And they look so much alike, he holds himself back from adding, forehead creasing. Maybe he should have started with the other topic. ]

[punchedhitler]

Maybe you're cousins.

[OH GOD HE'S LYING.]

[latenightfondue]

[ He stops, then, an odd sort of look on his face, hand on Steve's arm to turn him towards him.

Is he going to catch him out on the lie? ]

So y'think we're related? I mean it's possible.

[punchedhitler]

Have you asked Tony?

[latenightfondue]

See, that's what Bucky said I should do, and don't get me wrong, it ain't like I've not tried to. But it's kinda an awkward topic to bring into things.

[ But he smiles now. ]

Thought I'd check with you first, 'cause, I mean, if y'know something you're the last person who's gonna lie about it.

[punchedhitler]

[Steve's face. OH GOD WHY.]

....you really should talk to him.

[latenightfondue]

If you think it's the best to do, I'll pay the guy a visit. And how bad could it be, discovering a long-lost cousin?

[ He stops at the coffee shop, gets his wallet ready, because everyone needs coffee. That topic seems to have come and gone. ]

Been meaning to talk to you about something else, anyway, might wanna show me this spot you've got for somewhere quiet.

[ Poor Steve, everyone knows it's bad when Howard stops to consider privacy on sensitive topics. ]

[punchedhitler]

[Oh thank go-

Wait.

Steve nodes and gets his coffee, and walks him to an isolated spot in Xanadu]

What's up, buddy?

[latenightfondue]

[ One hand keeps a firm hold on his own coffee, the other rests awkwardly on Steve's back, and he guides them to the bench nearby. ]

Been wondering for a while, now, and I ain't been sure how to put this, so I'm gonna throw it out there. What's life without the risks, huh?

[ It's cruel, in its way, but he doesn't know so much as he's guessing, and he knows if he puts it out there then Steve's reaction won't lie. ]

I know about you and Bucky Boy, Steve.

[punchedhitler]

[Steve takes a moment, to mostly look away into the distance.]

What do you know?

[latenightfondue]

[ He checks around them even though there's no one within hearing distance, lowers his voice as if even he knows it's a sensitive subject. ]

You guys ain't just friends, are you?

[punchedhitler]

[It takes a long moment.]

Is it that obvious?

[latenightfondue]

You know me, pal, I ain't exactly one to notice what y'might consider important things, but I've had my suspicions for a while.

[punchedhitler]

[He nods.]

Do you want-

What does that mean to you?

[Freddy is from a time where it's okay, but Howard isn't.]

[latenightfondue]

[ He takes a moment to watch him, see the panic there. ]

Y'mean do I see you any different to how I did before?