001 | video

[wontdoanyless]

[This is the first time that Steve is making a video like this to everyone, but he has used this feature when talking to others on this network at least. So, he doesn't look too awkward as he talks into it.]

Know that this is a bit late, but wanted to thank the people who gave me these items for Christmas. [He shows a rather famous red, white and blue circular shield and a Captain America costume that was used during the USO tours.]

It's real thoughtful of you. [He smiles a little, completely honest in his words.] However, the outfit is a bit too uh- big for me. Couldn't get it on without drowning in it, to be honest. So I'm wondering if anyone wants it, don't have much of a use for it myself and I wouldn't want it to go to waste.

[He looks down at the shield for a moment, feeling somewhat attached to it despite himself.] I'm keepin' the shield though, never know when something like this could come in handy...

[ooc: Feel free to fourth wall him or point out that those are Captain America stuff. Tony has already spilled the beans about it.]

Comments

[wontdoanyless]

Maybe. But to be honest, I prefer clothes that aren't as showy. I like going around with simple colors and design. [He just doesn't want to attract too much attention.]

I really appreciate that they gave me a gift though, they definitely didn't have to. And the shield works great so far, not too heavy despite its size.

[humility]

Does it have...some kind of meaning? The outfit and the shield.

[wontdoanyless]

They're in the colors of my country, but I don't think they hold any other meaning besides that. There is a war going back home though, so these items could show support in some way. [Although he's not really too sure about that reasoning. Seems odd that they would get involved.]

[humility]

...That's terrible. About the war. [thoughtful pause] ...But...I suppose that makes this gift even more kind. I think whoever gave it to you, wants to encourage you. To not give up hope.

[wontdoanyless]

War should always be avoided when possible. But there are folks out there that need to be stopped.

[That's a nice thought though, and a shield is something nice to see. Better than getting a gun in Steve's opinion.] Could also be a reminder. To keep on protecting those that need it.

[humility]

Is that what your war is about? Stopping someone?

[wontdoanyless]

Several someones. An alliance of countries called the Axis Powers. [And apparently another group called HYDRA? Dr. Erskine mentioned it to him, but it was the first time he heard of the group.]

[humility]

...I've never seen conflict on that kind of scale. I'm not sure I can imagine how devastating it is. These 'someones'...what are their goals that need stopping?

[wontdoanyless]

Think it's better if people didn't see conflict on this level. [But it happens, Steve knows that. The first World War didn't even end not too long ago.] They wanna dominate other countries and push their rule without any care for others. One particular group plans on exterminating a whole race.

[Of course, that's just what his government been telling people. And there's propaganda everywhere.]

[humility]

I. I don't know what to say. Except...that that is definitely something that needs to be fought against. I hope your side succeeds as quickly as possible.

[she seems to be somberly chewing something over for a moment]

It's not that I'm a stranger to war, but it usually only fought between a handful of individuals, not...whole countries of people marching into battle. I can only hope...the casualties remain as low as possible. [her tone suggests that she knows that that's unlikely, but...]

[wontdoanyless]

Even if it's small scale, it's still something difficult. But I hope so as well, just gonna try my best to help out there too. [He hopes that Bucky is okay too. His best friend out in the battlefield and Steve feels that he should be there as well.]

[humility]

Sometimes it just takes the right person to turn the tide. What part do you want to play?

[wontdoanyless]

I'm planning on joining as a soldier. A lot of guys are risking their lives out there, so I wanna do the same. [There are definitely other jobs he could have done that are important, but Steve just wants to do this.] Maybe I can help protect them and have their back.

[humility]

It sounds like...you'd make an excellent soldier. Hearing that, anyone should be happy to fight side-by-side with you.

[wontdoanyless]

[He's a little embarrassed by the compliment, it's not too often that someone really believes that he can do it. Steve's met a few people like that here, but it still surprises him from time to time.]

Thank you, ma'am. Don't think it's anything more than what a normal soldier would do, but I'll try not to let you or anyone down.

[humility]

[she laughs quietly, though not unkindly]

And it's exactly that kind of...mm. Outlook that one needs. I may not know how war works differently in your world than from my own experience, but I do know that believing in the ones around you, and believing you'll be there for them, makes an incredible difference.