cxpt is an archive

[cxptisgone]

☆ –– ❝ my job is to make tomorrow’s world better. always has been. once, long ago, i asked bucky what purpose captain america served outside of combat. it was a foolish question. there’ll always be something to fight for. and i’ll always be a SOLDIER. ❞

616 & mcu based steve rogers ind. priv. & highly selective loved by kc //  ©

[cxptisgone]

☆ –– ❝ my job is to make tomorrow’s world better. always has been. once, long ago, i asked bucky what purpose captain america served outside of combat. it was a foolish question. there’ll always be something to fight for. and i’ll always be a SOLDIER. ❞

616 & mcu based steve rogers ind. priv. & highly selective loved by kc //  ©

[cxptisanarchive]

private, mutuals only 616 & mcu based steve rogers for mobile users: guidelines ▿ bio ▿ site map

we’ve moved! if you haven’t noticed already this blog is now an archive. if you want to join the fun you can find me at the above link. <33 i know most of you have already found us there but just in case you’ve been wondering where we went i decided it was as good a time as ever to reboot the blog. the focus is still on 616 but i do have a mcu verse for those who prefer it or who just aren’t comfortable with the comics.

[cxptisanarchive]

private, mutuals only 616 & mcu based steve rogers for mobile users: guidelines ▿ bio ▿ site map

we’ve moved! if you haven’t noticed already this blog is now an archive. if you want to join the fun you can find me at the above link. <33 i know most of you have already found us there but just in case you’ve been wondering where we went i decided it was as good a time as ever to reboot the blog. the focus is still on 616 but i do have a mcu verse for those who prefer it or who just aren’t comfortable with the comics.

[cxptisanarchive]

private, mutuals only 616 & mcu based steve rogers for mobile users: guidelines ▿ bio ▿ site map

we’ve moved! if you haven’t noticed already this blog is now an archive. if you want to join the fun you can find me at the above link. <33 i know most of you have already found us there but just in case you’ve been wondering where we went i decided it was as good a time as ever to reboot the blog. the focus is still on 616 but i do have a mcu verse for those who prefer it or who just aren’t comfortable with the comics.

[cxptisanarchive]

spinsaweb.

“I’m gonna say a little of both. I know it’s something big and scary.”

Groaning, he should've known the kid would run in without even realising what he was running into. "That's simplifying things. There are three different monsters in three different parts of the city and you've stumbled upon the largest one. We can't get close enough to figure out what it is."

[cxptisanarchive]

pepperpxtts.

This gala had been truly challenging, mostly because it’s been Pepper’s premiere when it comes to presenting and striving for her own project. In overall, she’s been planning and implementing a plenty of events but usually, it’s been in collaboration with someone else. And even though this experience had its positives, how the night continued, Pepper felt significantly exhausted. “I owe you this one.” She smiled and looked over her shoulder to meet with Steve’s eyes. “Shield’s designers have a style, actually.” She said, trailing a pad of her index finger over the edge of the wooden desk. “Or was it you?” A curiosity peeked through her tone when she took a spot on the sofa.

“T-shirt will be amazing, thank you.” Her response was filled with a joy. “It’s been years since I had a sleepover. And I hope I don’t disturb. We could order in I don’t feel like sleeping yet if it’s okay?”

ᴄᴏɴᴛ'ᴅ - @cxpt

"That might have been me," he sheepishly confessed, offering her a smile. As an artist he used to draw lots of things back during the war. In the present he didn't really draw all that much. Except when it came to his shield. Stark had threatened to design a new, more technologically advanced one for him but he'd told him that his current one was more than capable. Now, SHIELD wanted him to design something and of course he couldn't tell them no. Though again he did point out that he was more than capable of using the one he had. "And you don't owe me anything," Steve added, moving towards his room to grab a shirt. Normally, he would've used the time to work out before crashing sometime near dawn. But with Pepper there he knew he'd have to alternate his usual plans. The last thing he wanted was for Pepper to find out about his insomnia.

"It'll be fine, I promise," he calls back, grabbing a shirt and some sweats for Pepper before returning to the living room. Food didn't sound all that bad. Especially as he didn't really eat much at the gala. "You want any thing in particular? Not sure what all is open this time of night."

[cxptisanarchive]

“eventually… you just move on.” [from selene.]

Moveon. It wasn't how he wanted to think about things. Of course, he knewthat eventually he'd have to move on. Staying around while everyonehe cared for, while those he loved grew old and died wasn't somethinghe could handle. But moving on? Steve hadn't even thought about thatbut now that Selene had brought it up it was going to be something hewouldn't ever be able to forget.

"Isthat what you've done? Moved on?"

@immuto

[cxptisanarchive]

on-a-wing-and-a-prayer.

“Believe it, Rogers.” Peggy shoots back and adds a saucy wink to punctuate her sass. She’d never seen him turn this sort of color before and it was definitely something she could get used to, especially if complimenting him this way got it out of him. To her, this would at least be repayment for all the times he made her weak in the knees during the war. 

“What would you say to me kissing you in every alley you were ever beat up in? Just to make better memories for those spots?” But only if he wanted to, of course. Happy memories were in their futures regardless, she knew. Even if they couldn’t be together while he worked with the Army and the SSR. They’d make it work somehow and take their time in the meantime. Once he did get settled, she couldn’t wait to show him off to Angie first and ask her about eating him up with spoon. She’d probably die from the emotional overload! And then constantly dote on Steve once she got somewhat used to him. The Jarvises would be happy to meet the man who their dear friend Peggy thought so highly of and Edwin especially would see firsthand that devotion they had to each other. Howard would be very tempted to run experiments on Steve for a brief moment but be more concerned about his old friend. No matter the case, she was just happy to be with him.

"Yes, ma'am," was all he could say before he started to laugh in earnest. He'd never seen Peggy act like this before and while it had caught him off-guard, it also had him feeling happier than he had been since they found him in the ice. It wouldn't always be that way and he knew that eventually he'd have to deal with the loss of his best friend tonight he was having fun and enjoying himself. Not something he thought he would be after the war. At least he had Peggy. Steve knew with her by his side he'd figure out how to handle everything else that was thrown his way.

The laughter stopped and shock quickly etched itself into his features. While he knew there were far too many alleys where he'd been beaten up, the last thing he wanted was to drag Peggy to them. "Peg," he started to say, uncertain even how to finish it. It was more than he could think about in that moment. Though, he honestly could appreciate the gesture. "I appreciate it but it's not necessary," he finally told her, hoping she understood. The last thing he wanted was to upset her but going back to all those spots wasn't going to help him. If anything they would remind him of what had been lost. Instead, he'd rather just enjoy their time together, really get to know each other and figure out where their lives would take them. Steve knew he needed to get off the base and he needed to figure out what he'd be doing for work. The military would probably want to keep him close but without a war to fight he needed to find some sort of purpose in the world. He also knew there would be new people to meet and he wanted to find out just what Howard was up to. First, though, he needed to make it through this night. The rest would fall into place with time.

[cxptisanarchive]

saraqxeen.

HUNTING.  The  way  he  placed  precise  enunciation  on  the  word  shot  a  chill  up  her  spine.  As  if  him  &&  a  group  of  3  of  his  C L O S E S T  friends  decided  to  pick  up  their  R I F L E S  &&  go  shooting.  It  was  DEER  SEASON  within  the  vigilante  world  &&  APPARENTLY  everything  was  on  the  table.  But  that  wasn’t  the  most  T R O U B L I N G  piece  of  the  sentence  that  still  clung  to  the  air.  What  bothered  her  the  most,  what  TRULY  dug  beneath  every  layer  of  thickened  skin  that  she  had,  was  the  W A Y  he  said  communicated.  It  was  as  if  the  person  she  met  M O N T H S  prior  was  no  longer  in  existence  —  as  if  he’d  been  REPLACED  by  a  version  of  himself  that  was  hardened  to  the  world.  One  more  layer  of  calloused  skin  that  placed  itself  over  the  semi-soft  flesh  he’d  let  become  exposed  the  first  time  around.  She  liked  that  about  him.  His  willingness  to  accept  that  there  was  still  G O O D  in  the  world.  That  people  were  still  GOOD,  even  if  it  had  become  a  rare  occurrence.  His  belief  —  his  morals  —  is  what  made  STEVE  ROGERS  who  he  personified  himself  as.  CAPTAIN  AMERICA.  The  brave,  the  bold,  the  almighty.  But  it  wasn’t  her  place  to  call  that  into  question  —  things  happened,  people  changed.  She  understood  that  better  than  anybody,  but  the  nagging  feeling  rooted  deep  within  the  pit  of  her  stomach  refused  to  settle.

Lungs  took  in  air,  forcing  the  fire  to  quiet  if  only  temporarily  before  she  let  her  eyes  meet  his  gaze.  It  WASN’T  hard  —  she  anticipated  ice.  When  a  person’s  demeanor  changed,  she  noticed,  the  look  in  their  eyes  got  hard.  A  defense  mechanism  built  to  ward  off  trouble  before  it  approached.  Useful,  supposedly,  but  not  ENTIRELY  practical.  But  again,  she  thought,  THAT  WASN’T  THE  POINT  nor  was  it  resolving  the  ENTIRE  R E A S O N  she  found  herself  wound  so  tightly  in  a  mess.  A  thought  to  revisit  at  a  later  date,  however.

“  Yeah,  you’re  making  that  P R E T T Y  clear  with  your  choice  of  WEAPON  still  pointed  at  me.  ”  Sarcasm.  A  fluid  language  known  to  her  —  a  defense  mechanism  that  came  into  play  when  she  was  N E R V O U S.  &&  then,  as  if  she  were  trying  to  backtrack  her  own  thoughts,  she  began  with  an  explanation  worthy  of  more  time  than  she  was  allotted.  “  SOMETHING  like  that.  ”  Almost  ALWAYS  something  like  that.  “  He  doesn’t  think  with  his  HEAD.  He’s  emotional  through  &&  through.  Which  calls  for  A  LOT  of  mistakes.  The  man  you  saw  butchered  on  the  news  last  week?  Sloppy,  unprofessional.  Someone’s  F I R S T  hit  —  arguably  a  bad  one.  That  was  HIM.  ”  Pause.  “  HOW  MUCH  does  your  group  know?  ”

Before he never would've done a lot of the things he'd done while on the run. Even in those early days, when he'd been hiding out in Gotham and then Star City he still clung to the ideals that had made him the man he'd once been. It was easy to run, to hide, and to allow the world to think that he'd died that day in DC. Maybe a part of him would've continued to be that way if he hadn't decided enough was enough. Running wasn't helping, it wasn't doing anyone any good and while his friends back home knew he'd survived, no one else did. Natasha and Sam had been his lifeline, they'd given him intel when they could afford to meet and they'd reminded him of just what he was fighting for. But Sara — she'd always been different and Steve knew that. She'd always reminded him of who he was, who'd he'd been before all of this and standing there he knew she could tell the difference in him. Gone was the man he'd been and in its place was someone who was willing to take down HYDRA once and for all. It was a drastic change and he knew that. If Sara's reaction was anything to go by it had to have been a drastic change from the last time they'd seen each other. But it was a necessary change. Especially as he felt like he was getting closer and closer to bring HYDRA down once and for all.

Another thought came to him as they stood there. Sara had never been one to actually stop him from doing something. If anything she reminded him of the good that he could do in the world. But from what he could tell they both had changed, they both weren't the people they'd been when they initially met. He couldn't help but wonder if she would stop him or if she would actually offer to help. A part of him knew that if Sara did try to stop him that things would end up getting ugly. Steve didn't want things to get to that point. Sara was a friend, an ally, and someone he might need to call on for help once he finally got where he needed to be. Coming to blows would destroy all of that and he couldn't afford that. Neither of them could afford that if they were both going after the same group.

"You, of all people, should know you can't be too careful," he pointed out, placing the shield back over his back. It was something he'd actually forgotten about until that moment and he offered Sara a sheepish grin. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was going to attack. Or that he was going to hurt her. That wasn't his intentions at all. But he did need to know what it was she was doing there and how the two of them could end up working together. If they could actually work together. "I heard about that body and the amateurish way he was killed. The men I used to work with aren't like that. They'd want to not drag attention to themselves." Which meant this wasn't the remnants of STRIKE. So who the hell was it? Sam and Natasha hadn't told him about anything like that. If he could've gotten word to them he would. Except he couldn't. Which meant the two of them would have to work together. "It's just me. I haven't spoken to the others in a few weeks so I don't know what they know."

[cxptisanarchive]

lesfleursfortes.

Despite how much she had pushed for him to accept it, she was a bit surprised when he admitted she was right.  Her eyes widened for a moment before she sighed softly.  “I am kind of a genius, Steve.  I am known to be right more often than not,” she pointed out, her tone lighter than before as she smiled softly at him.  She would continue fighting with him if it meant he would realize that there was more to life than his mission.  “I understand why you’re afraid, okay?  This life…  It’s not easy.  It’s messy, and it’s dangerous, but I’m already living it.  Don’t you see that?  I put myself in danger every night with the Arrow.  I’m already at risk, but that’s my choice.  I know what I’m getting into with that, and I know what I would be getting into with you.  I want to help, Steve.  Not just because you need someone behind the scenes, but because I’m scared about not knowing where you are or what’s going on with you.  At least if you keep me in the loop, I’ll be able to continue helping you and I won’t be pulling my hair out worrying about you,” she admitted, looking down as she bit the inside of her cheek.  “Bullshit!” she shot back.  “You are too good of a man to think that you don’t deserve happiness, regardless of what you’re doing with your life.  What happens when Hydra’s finally taken out, hm?  What will become of you when there’s no one left to fight?  Who will you be when your mission’s over and you’ve closed yourself off from the rest this world has to offer you?” she asked, trying to break through his stubbornness.  “I would be a huge asset, Steve.  Let me help you.  Even if it’s from here, and the only contact we have is through an encrypted sat phone.  Just let me do what I do best to help you with your mission,” she requested.  In an ideal world, he’d let her come with him, but she knew this was not an ideal world.  A shaky, sad laugh escaped her at his words, her head bowing as she replied, “I lost the fight to try to stop that from happening a long time ago.”  When he kissed her, she was surprised, assuming that her feelings weren’t reciprocated.  Her hand cupped his strong jaw, her body pressing against his as she kissed him back earnestly.  If he wouldn’t let her go with him, and she only had a short amount of time left with him, she wanted to make the most of it.

His mouth opened to argue, to point out that she wasn't the first one to call themselves a genius and to remind her that didn't mean she was constantly right. But what good would it do? What good would any of it do? He'd tried to tell her to leave, to stay behind so she wouldn't get hurt and each time he'd been met with a resounding no. There wasn't much more he could do without literally tying her to a chair before he left for the evening. And something told him if he tried something like that she'd tear into him worse than when Bucky used to before the war. "No, it's not easy and being around me you could end up getting hurt or worse. And I can't, Felicity. There's too much blood on my hands already and I won't add yours to it," Steve tried to explain, sighing in frustration. She couldn't know what she was getting into with him. What little time he'd spent in Star City he knew it was nothing like the hell he'd dealt with in DC. He also knew that HYDRA wouldn't hesitate to find any connections to him and use them, squeeze them for information and then do away with them. Felicity didn't deserve that. He was so used to being on his own, used to putting everyone first that all of this was natural to him. Unfortunately, it wasn't to her and he knew he'd never be able to keep her away. "I'm a soldier, Felicity. I'll always be a soldier and we both know there will always be a war to fight somewhere," he explained, offering a sad smile in return. Her spirit reminded him so much of Peggy and he knew that she would be giving him the same damn lecture. Maybe he didn't have to be a soldier all his life but it was something he'd embraced. And it was something she'd have to embrace, too. Her offer, though, was tempting. Even though he was used to working on his own he knew it could be helpful to have someone with her skills behind the scenes. It just went against everything that he was. "Can you promise me our communications will be encrypted?" Stark had always made certain their communications couldn't be hacked and while he was certain Felicity could do something similar, he couldn't count on it. Nor could he count on his ability to fight his feelings. He knew all of this was wrong, knew that kissing Felicity could end up with things being worse than what they were and yet — he wouldn't regret this. He couldn't. Just like he couldn't take her with him. "You're not coming with me," he muttered, resting their foreheads together. "But I won't turn down your help as long as you promise me you'll be safe."

[cxptisanarchive]

siiilvertcngue.

“Such hostility. One would think that the old flames have died out a bit after all those years.” No, he couldn’t help himself but mock Steve his a little bit. “You know what the problem with you Midgardians is? You never listen. Because, if you would have listened, I did emphasize that we act as friends. Ah, but how could you ever be friends with somebody who openly attacked your beloved homeland? Long live America, isn’t is right, Cap?” 

"If you hadn't noticed we're at war. I think niceties went out the window, don't you?" It had been far too long since he'd dealt with Loki and a part of him had hoped New York would've been the last time. He'd heard about the problems in London and while he'd been unable to help, he couldn't help but think that Loki had been involved somehow. Thor had promised them otherwise, but all of that aside, Steve had honestly hoped to never see him again. Unfortunately with Thanos they needed all the help they could get. Even if said help was a former enemy. "Do you see the uniform? A lot has changed since the last time you decided to take over the world."

[cxptisanarchive]

theimperiusrex.

Surface men sure liked to worry a lot. They were always worried abut this thing or that thing and Namor found that tiresome. Jumping into battle was fun, watching men fall beneath his fists was a great pleasure. He especially liked flying some of the enemy upwards into the sky and releasing them to crash into the ground. He heard Steve’s shield smash into more men behind him, he had noticed how Steve seemed to hover. It was perplexing. He felt he would never understand these people.

“You must learn to what is it you surfacers say? ‘cut loose’. Enjoy this battle Captain. I know that I will.”

His fist breaks the nose of another solider. He grins back at Steve. War was fun, he didn’t have to hold back his strength here.

Hearing that from Namor was the last thing he expected. Of course he knew how to cut loose and enjoy the impending battle. It was probably one of the few things he did know. But his priority was keeping the men underneath of him safe. And of course, keeping Namor from getting into too much trouble. The last thing he needed was for the Prince of Atlantis to get hurt or worse and for his country to decide to declare war against them. It was the worst possible scenario and one Steve had hoped to avoid. But watching him run into battle, knowing he could handle himself, he had to remind himself they were both soldiers and they were both fighting in the same war.

"I am enjoying this," he called out, moving to take out a group that seemed to be going for them. As strange as it was he always enjoyed going into battle. But as a leader he always had to worry about those he worked with. Death came with war but he tried to avoid it as much as possible.

His shield returned from where he'd tossed it to take out the group of men. It hadn't escaped his attention that he'd heard sounds of broken bones. This was war. This was what they did.

[cxptisanarchive]

"i wasn't aware charles had a student with those sort of powers." he'd worked with his fair share of mutants of the years and had even gone so far as to take two of them onto his team. and what few times he'd been to the school he hadn't heard of any of the kids having the ability to tell the future. not even charles had that sort of power. but jean — he'd never spent a lot of time around her so he had no idea what she was like. "and you can't blame me for not knowing when we haven't worked together that much," he added, hoping that she could help given their current situation. steve didn't blame her for snapping at him; the situation was rife with tension and everyone was on edge, himself included. and they needed everyone to stay calm if they were going to come out of this successful. "then we're both on the same page. we need your help and not the two of us at each other's throats."

@firefated from here

[cxptisanarchive]

[ SMS: CARTER, S ] i would hope this is you, sharon [ SMS: CARTER, S ] otherwise you've just led me into a trap

[ SMS: CARTER, S ] yes, i have the package [ SMS: CARTER, S ] and yes i know what you mean

[ SMS: CARTER, S ] same place as always? if i can get back into the country i will [ SMS: CARTER, S ] i promise

@agentxiii from here

[cxptisanarchive]

cellobowsandarrows.

An elbow landed in someone’s face, Kate wasn’t even sure who it was, or if she had hit them before but they were still standing, that meant they were getting hit. It was a split second choice to deliver a kick to someone else’s face, at least they dropped to the floor pretty quickly, a second elbow to the face made the other drop and offered her some personal space.

It was the silence after a fight that always got her, the bodies on the floor, the fact she was speckled with someone’s blood. “Aww come on this is dry clean only.” She complained, because it didn’t feel right that the room was just so fucking quiet now. Stepping over one of the men, she was reaching for the plastic zip ties that she kept in her quiver, it might have been weaker, but it was easier than carrying around masses of handcuffs.

Sure, her fighting style was less tricky than Clints, why use a trick shot when you can elbow them in the face and know that you’re going to put them down. She favoured practicality over showing off, even if you know, sometimes she did like to show off, just not in life or death situations.

Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her face with one hand, stepping over the second person to cuff them. “You want to turn them over to the police or SHIELD?” Well, what he thought was going to decide how they deal with the rest of the crap here, did it become a crime scene or a cover up?  

Fists and elbows were flying, bones were breaking and he knew that some of the blood that was flying about came from the men they were trying to take down. He had to give them credit; they weren't going down without a fight. But he also knew that eventually they would be going down. Neither of them were going to let them get away with whatever it was they had started. And if that meant a few broken bones, if that meant spilling some blood so be it. That was the price that came with being the people they were.

After a few moments an eerily silence settled over the room and for a moment he wondered if something had happened to him. He was still on his feet, there were bodies on the ground and looking for Bishop, Steve found her still on her feet, too. Of course, she had some blood on her uniform and of course he was amused by her reaction, but again that came with the territory. "I'm sure you can charge it back to SHIELD," he pointed out, putting his hand out to take some of the zip ties she carried with her. He wasn't about to let her handle the men. Unconscious or not, it would be better if they both did it. It would also be faster; something he was certain she knew all about.

Just like he was certain that her skills were better suited for this mission. While he did appreciate having Barton on the team, sometimes his skills just didn't fit the missions he was sometimes asked to go on. Bishop — she wasn't afraid to use her fists and he actually appreciated that. Not that Barton didn't use his, but he'd noticed that sometimes the archer enjoyed showing the others just how damn good he was. And in a mission like this it wouldn't work.

"We'll turn them over to SHIELD and let them decide." In his opinion the local authorities could've handled it. But something about it felt off and he'd rather let SHIELD figure it all out and let them decide where they needed to go. The last thing he wanted was for them to berate him for doing what he thought was right. "Though we should probably tell the others that we've got them so they can work on letting the civilians back in."

[cxptisanarchive]

emeraldhellfire.

Counterpart? Lorna’s eyes squinted in confusion, and she leaned forward just a little bit more – almost appearing as if she hadn’t heard him and closer proximity would make what he was saying clear. Not from this universe? Yeah, leaning in hadn’t helped at all. She’d known mutants that could tamper with time and space, but actually meeting someone (let alone Captain America) from another universe? Nope, that wasn’t something she’d crossed off her bucket list yet.

“You’re…” The words came slowly, focused attention to each syllable because she was sure she’d heard him wrong. “Not from this universe?” In the grand scheme of things though, it didn’t really matter if this guy was from Pluto, Mars, or the Jersey Shore. All that mattered was he was here, he might be able to help, and he was willing to try. “One day after this is all over, remind me to ask you about that…” Right now though? Right now they had business to handle, and home addresses, cell phone numbers, and Twitter handles could wait until mutants were no longer being weaponized into killing machines.

His statement about Sentinel Services stopped her cold for a second, her eyes wandering his face to see if he was remotely kidding. “Yeah, they exist. Have for a while. They’ve been locking up mutants for walking the wrong way down the street for years now. Lock ‘em up. Throw away keys. Or worse. Turn them over to TRASK industries so they can play Frankestein’s monster.” Did that mean there was a place out there were it didn’t exist? Where mutants weren’t constantly living in fear of winding up inside a cell never to see the light of day again? Maybe she did need to hear more about this alternate universe after all.

“But yes. We thought it was TRASK at first, because they’re know to…” How to put it nicely? “Experiment. They had a Hound program a few years ago, where they amplified mutant powers, drugged them up so they couldn’t even think straight, and sent them after their loved ones. You can see how they’d be a natural suspect.” An idea hit her just as she finished speaking, one that she couldn’t believe they hadn’t thought about before now.

Not TRASK. They wouldn’t want that much bad publicity, that much government oversight that a screw-up like that would bring. But someone that used to work for them? A disgruntled ex-employee with a grudge? Now that was a different story entirely. “But maybe someone that worked for them? A doctor maybe? Someone that might know the ins and outs of a program like that.”

But how they were getting information on mutants? “Rumor had it that Charles Xavier could use Cerebo to find mutants, but no one has heard from him, the X-men, or the Brotherhood since…fuck…2013. Right after the 7/15 incident in Dallas.”  Could someone else have harnessed or created a power like that? Scary thought. “So I don’t know how they’re finding them. Maybe prison records? Maybe being sold out by family or friends?”

Steve was right about one thing; she didn’t want a war. Lorna wasn’t afraid of fighting for what she believed in, dying for what she believed in, but there were innocents that would suffer and die as well. “We have a base in Atlanta, and a mutant that can find just about anything that’s out there on the web. If you’ll come with me, we can get started. Look. I’m not asking for miracles; we just need more hands on deck than we have.”

Judging by the look on the other's face, he couldn't help but think that maybe it had been the wrong thing to say. During his time in this universe they'd told him to avoid telling anyone  that he technically wasn't the Steve Rogers currently on the run for not signing the Accords. At first it had been easy for him to embrace the lie but the more time went on the harder it became. And when it came  time for him to actually track down his counterpart, Steve had decided enough was enough. They hadn't put him on their enemy list. Yet. But something told him that once they got wind of him helping mutants they just might and then life would get a bit difficult. It was all worth it, of course. Especially if he could help change minds about mutants.

"No, I'm not," he confirmed, offering an odd sort of smile. Most people looked at him strangely and then pointed out that they didn't believe him. But this one was different and he couldn't help but think that maybe she actually believed him. If they actually hd more time he'd try to explain things. Unfortunately, the situation meant they had to focus on something other than the fact he wasn't from this particular universe. "And if I remember I'll remind you about all of this." If they actually survived. Steve had seen in his own universe what happened when people were afraid and the last thing he wanted was for this to happen in this one. Unfortunately, it seemed as if another war was brewing on the horizon and being the soldier he was he wanted to help them however he could; even if it meant putting himself at odds with the organisation that had given him a new purpose.

First, he needed to know what he was up against. Sentinel Services was a rumour in his universe and one that most of them never wanted to believe was true. It seemed in this one the rumours actually existed and if they were really were what he'd heard they needed to be stopped. He was living proof of what could come from turning human beings into weapons. With mutants? It wasn't something he wanted to think about. Steve had seen what the mutants could do, he'd seen and felt them used against him, and he couldn't even fathom what civilians would think about having them turned against them. "Never heard of TRASK but that doesn't mean it never existed in my universe. But there were plenty of people who loved to turn mutants into weapons." It made him sick to think of things like that but then again the US government had turned him into one. Why would it surprise him that someone else thought it would be a good idea, too?

"Government programs don't like that much publicity. It doesn't give them the plausible deniability they prefer." Though, he could understand why. The experiments aside, they seemed like the most likely suspect. Taking mutants from the streets, locking them up, experimenting on them — it sent up so many red flags that he would've thought the same thing. But the longer he thought about it the less likely it seemed. This was something else, this was someone else and it had him wondering if HYDRA or even AIM had decided to put boots on the ground. It wouldn't surprise him but Steve had thought maybe he'd left all of that behind when he'd accidentally ran through the portal.

But what if it wasn't a familiar foe? What if it was someone completely new? Anyone could be a suspect and it meant the pool had just increased tenfold. And there was no way of telling who could be an ally and who was most likely looking for more mutants to take. What he needed was a way of organising the information in such a way where he could scan through it to look for signs of trouble. Talking meant too many questions popping up in his head and no way of filtering them all out. "It could be anyone who had knowledge of the program. We should probably look at those who were closest to either the research or the end product. They would be the ones looking to either recreate it or make it better." Scientists tended to be strange like that, after all.

Closing his eyes, he'd met Charles only a handful of times. As odd as it sounded he worked with Magneto more than he had with the professor. But it hurt to find out that no one had heard from him. "Charles is a stubborn mutant. I'm sure he found a way of surviving," he explained, trying to think of all the mutants he'd met from before. Steve didn't think any of them had that sort of power but that was his universe. For all he knew someone here did. Or worse they'd created one that could have that power. "It could be that or they could have found a way of creating a mutant who can find others through their powers. Has anyone who's been kidnapped escaped?" They could be the only ones who could enlighten them on what was going on. But if not? It would make things difficult but not impossible. Nothing was impossible.

"I can't promise anything either. But I an offer up an extra pair of hands." And given the fact he'd worked with mutants in the past, he hoped that it would help him here in this universe. The fact she was willing to take him to their base said a lot. Once they got there they would either accept him or they'd attack him. A part of him hoped they would accept him. The fact that his counterpart was on the run and he was willing to help should say something. But Steve knew that being on the run changed so many things and one of the things was an ability to trust. He wasn't asking for them to trust him immediately. But if they were going to prevent war they needed to trust each other on some level.