video; un: sg.rogers

[livingsymbol]

[He's out of practice. Steve is quiet for a second as he starts the transmission, bracing himself.]

My name is Steve Rogers. In my world, I'm also known as Captain America. Some of you might know me, but that's not what I want to talk about.

[Well, not about his work specifically. He does wants to talk about work.]

We're all here for different reasons and I'm not going to pry into anyone's business, but I think there are some of us who are used to defending people in our home worlds and if you are, I'd like to work with you. If you're from a world like mine, then this city is quieter than others. But that doesn't mean we don't need to look out for it. The wildlife and technical problems still need attention. I know I'm asking you for more time on top of the work we're already doing with the Perimeter Guard and official positions, but I'd like to make that extra effort. A lot of you are probably better suited to organizing this than I am. If you have projects going, I want to join you. I want us to share those ideas and work together to help the city.

[His posture gets subtly more stern, with his chin raising and his shoulders straight. This part may not just be a general appeal for teamwork.]

It's easy to overlook some problems when most of the big issues are under control. We get by well enough. It's a nice place. I'm not going to let anything put this place in danger. I'm going to be on guard, to make sure nothing gets out of hand. I'm sure this doesn't apply to everyone, but if you're interested in a little community service, maybe we can do that together. Thanks for listening.

Comments

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki stares, mouth agape, before he clams it shut, chuckling weakly. ]

Oh, come now. I'm hardly Avengers material.

[livingsymbol]

You don't know unless you try. I think if you gave it a good shot you could do a lot more than you think you could.

Take a chance.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki appreciates the offer, but . . . he doesn't know. The changes he's made — good or not, they're his and he holds a certain amount of pride to them. ]

It'll just be another place where I don't fit in. I don't . . . think like the Avengers. Like good people.

[livingsymbol]

You're never going to fit in if you keep pulling away from everyone. Eventually, you have to decide to step forward, not go back.

You can be part of this. What you do as you can still count.

[dothelokimotion]

Your friends won't be happy with this.

[ There's no way Stark and the others will agree. Still . . . he hasn't said no, crossing his arms and running his fingers over his clothes. ]

I will think about it. At any rate, since we are taking Asgard's remains to Earth . . . it's something I should consider.

[livingsymbol]

I'll deal with that. It's on me.

[If there's a price, Steve is the one to pay it.]

You don't have to decide right away. But I want you to know that it's there.

[dothelokimotion]

. . . Do you want me to be there?

[livingsymbol]

I'd like that, if it made you happy.

[dothelokimotion]

I don't know if it will.

[ But he shrugs. ]

Perhaps a smaller probationary status would be better.

[livingsymbol]

A probation would be just fine. You might decide you like it.

[ This is why nobody likes arguing with Steve. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ His lips twitch. ]

I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[livingsymbol]

Why don't we give it a chance first? You can tell me later what you decide.

[ Brace yourself, Loki. You're already in. ]

[dothelokimotion]

Fine. But you have to break the bad news to them.

[livingsymbol]

You say that like I have doubts.

[dothelokimotion]

[ His expression melts into something warm and fond. ]

I know you don't.

[livingsymbol]

You're welcome to join us, Loki. We're going to make this work, right?

[This is his step forward in a lot of ways.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki has never forgotten that he does love Steve, even when he has doubts, uncertainties. He has never stepped back, never given up and it heartens him to know Steve is the same. ]

We will.

[livingsymbol]

[There are always doubts and Steve is aware of that no matter how determined he is. He's relieved to see Loki relax and echo his sentiment.]

I know it's hard to change, but if we're here, we should take the chance. While we're here, we can do things our way.

[dothelokimotion]

[ He can't help a slight tease. ]

You just want me in your club.

[livingsymbol]

I want you on my side. Without question, it's what I want.

[ Loki might tease, but Steve will always answer that one honestly. ]

It's a nice club.

[dothelokimotion]

[ There's a sliver of warmth trailing down his spine at that. There's nothing quite as heady for Loki as being wanted. He'll never get used to it. ]

I'll see how it goes.

[livingsymbol]

All right. I'll let you test it out.

[ Even that much consideration is a victory for Steve. He's come a long way. Thor would be proud, but of course Steve doesn't say that. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ He smiles, pleased that he hasn't been pushed too hard. Loki still doesn't see himself as heroic material . . . but he hasn't really done anything particularly villainous in well . . . years now. ]

You still have to break the bad news.

[livingsymbol]

I'll take full responsibility for it. And I'm sure it will be fine.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki is less sure, but has full faith in Steve steam-rolling people over. ]

Are there any other new contenders?