The Man Out Of Time

Steve Rogers, reporting for duty. Also answer to "Cap", "Steve", and regrettably "Spangles". Doing my best to preserve peace. Don't be intimidated, I'm only half this size on this inside.(Closed RP Blog for Marvel Collective)

[historicalfirearms]

Colour Photographs of the Attack on Pearl Harbour

The vivid colour photographs above were taken from various sources, many of them are stills from colour footage while others are kodachrome photographs.  They show the thick black choking smoke and the raging fires which took hold of ships and shore installations.   

The photographs show the hangers of the US Naval Air Station at Wheeler Field ablaze with wrecked aircraft strewn across the runway and the flames from USS Arizona with the desperate efforts of sailors to quell fires and escape stricken vessels.  

Sources:

Images One - Six Source

Images Seven - Nine Source

Image Ten Source

[marvelgifs]

[timelessxsoldier]

Save The Last Dance || Steve and Natasha

[onceupxnadecember]

  Not only could she not allow her mind to linger on his latter comment, she wouldn’t. Already this ‘relationship’ had moved on from something so simple to something even she found herself at a loss as to what to label it as, all in the shortest space of time. All too easily Natasha could see herself becoming wrapped up in Steve, using him as her way out. Her reason to block out the world, and not only was it not fair on him, it wasn’t fair on her. There had once been a time in her life when she had been told to become attached to any one individual was a weakness. A weakness that could and would be used against her. How true those words rang now. " Seemed you could use the distraction as much as I could, and out of everybody here, you’re one of the few people I can trust." It was a small truth, but a truth none the less, and whilst she had never before seen herself confiding in Steve, allowing him to see the real Natasha, it was about time she let somebody else in, somebody that she didn’t feel indebted to.But then again, with how cruel the world could be, she held no doubt things would change.

As the silence settled once more, it wasn’t so much uncomfortable as it was soothing. The sound of traffic passing by far beneath their feet filtered up and became no more than a distant hum, and it was almost too easy to forget where they were. Amidst the city, the turmoil that had become her home, his home. With each minute that ticked by, she found herself inching closer until she was curled into his side, her arm looped through his as her hand sought out his, and by extension her fingers threaded their way between his. That comfort, the warmth of another human body next to her was something she had been unaware she needed, something she had subconsciously yearned for,for quite some time.  " If somebody had told me a week ago, or even a day ago, that I would find myself here, with you of all people…." Her head fell forwards,a few curls falling to frame her face as her shoulders lifted and fell with one short laugh which soon transformed into a sigh.  " You, Steve Rogers…. May be the very person I’ve needed to walk their way into my life, and I wasn’t even aware of it…." Her finger began drawing absent patterns across his knee before she paused and became hyper aware of what she had just said. Just as she had inched closer, she drew back, almost recoiling, and her arms wrapped around her middle as if she were trying to hold herself together. Within a matter of seconds the assassin was on her feet and began to slowly walk the perimeter of the rooftop, her gaze focused anywhere but on him, her own words ringing in her ears.

[timelessxsoldier]

Their proximity no longer bothered the Captain, instead, leaning into the affection and warmth that Natasha so willingly offered. She'd always had a strong personality, and Steve always had a problem speaking with women. It's not that he found them intimidating - more like he never knew what they wanted or what was right. With Natasha, he was confident that if she didn't like something, she would tell him right then and there. 

If he was still thinking logically as a member of the team, he'd call this a breakthrough. To work together as a cohesive group of heroes, Steve was set on vulnerabilities being understood and members knowing each other on a more personal level - though this isn't what he had in mind. But those thoughts hadn't crossed his mind any longer. This wasn't the Captain and Black Widow discussing mission tactics - it was Steve and Natasha sharing a moment worth a thousand words. 

So naturally, her words hit him hard, seeing the vulnerability flash across her eyes in the process. He didn't even have time to process the information before she was putting as much distance between them as she could. Steve was aware of some aspects of her past, and even more acquainted with the walls she put up to the rest of the team. But even that didn't prepare him for the way she reacted, avoiding his eyes at all costs. 

Thinking on his toes, and mostly on impulse, he rose up to his feet, following after her. Normally, he'd give her time to cool off, perhaps think things though. But everything inside of Steve screamed to go after her, to care for her and not miss this opportunity to make this right. He'd spoken of his devotion to her and this was his chance to back words up with actions, because damn it - Natasha was worth it. 

Following her, Steve placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, turning her around, wanting to catch a glimpse at the face she hid so adamantly from him. 

"Natasha" he uttered so soft, almost drowned out by the chaos of the city below them. But they were impossibly close and he couldn't help but to choke out the rest, capturing the moment as if it was just the two of them in all of New York, because for the first time in /years/, Steve let his mindset shift from caring about the welfare of millions of people, to just /one/. 

"You don't have to let me in" He assured her, fingers tracing along her jaw, slipping down to caress her neck, "But i'm here for you regardless. You don't have to give more than you have to offer" because sometimes the sentiment was too much to spare - too much to risk, especially in this line of work. 

[timelessxsoldier]

The Same Old Song | Steve and Tony

[timelessxsoldier]

the-phoenix-metaphor:

For a moment it seemed as if the blond would ignore him, so caught up in the crackling music. Steve had that weird look about him that he adopted the times Tony would spot him thinking back on ‘the good ‘ol days’. Not so much an expression as the presence he gave off, like all the sad old man memories were tangibly swimming around him there on the couch. It always had a way of setting the genius a little off, for whatever reason.

When he did finally acknowledge Tony and his words, the brunet had moved across the room to make himself a drink at the minibar off to the far wall. Maybe he hadn’t guessed right on the elevator up, but it wasn’t as if he really needed the excuse to drink— just gave his habit a better light. 

Tony gave a short laugh, shaking his head as he made his way back to the love seat, plopping himself down comfortably, slanting himself the lean into the armrest, legs kicking up and crossing at the seat’s other end. The billionaire made it a point to look as care free as possible while in the Captain’s presence. He didn’t think he’d ever seen the man fully relaxed around him— most likely his own fault— and liked to add a little contrast to the room.

"I wasn’t really into vintage, as a kid. I grew up on Tron, Star Trek, The Terminator, Robocop. It was all about getting there. The 80’s both loved and feared the evolving technology." He hummed thoughtfully, taking a sip of his drink.

"So no, i didn’t really bother with a record player." Tony finished, giving a short shrug, scanning over said record player with a critical eye once more. "Might have more luck now a days, actually. Those old things are a little back in the fad. Look at you, Cap. So out, you’re in. Might get crowded by disenfranchised teenagers looking for the new Joy Devision vinyl if you try stepping into a record shop." Jesus did he sound old saying that.

The newfound silence was uncomfortable, and for a moment, Steve wanted to reach for another record. But the way Tony was so cautious around him was a little off-putting. Things started to become a little more bearable the moment the genius had a drink in his hand. Turning to actually face him as he spoke, Steve's expression fell a little. 

He should've expected Tony's attitude towards the relic. In a way, his tensions were eased, because at least there were familiarity in his actions. Steve was warned early on - by Pepper of course - not to compare Tony and Howard, and yet he found so many similarities that struck him so prominently. Like the playful banter that Tony was so set on doing so often in their interactions. Howard was the same in that sense, never really meaning any harm, just having that attributed to his personality. They were both confident, brilliant young men - just a little rough around the edges when it came to actually talking with someone about something potentially important. 

And sure, Steve didn't spend his free time trying to analyze the reason for anyone's actions, but if there was one thing he knew, it was the resemblance of that family. And perhaps Howard's influence on his life has hit him more now that he was gone, but he couldn't be sure, not when Tony was so similar. 

So instead of fighting with him or arguing the historical significance of a record player, Steve simply nodded, not fighting what could potentially be a civil conversation with a colleague that he'd yet to be on good terms with. 

"So what did you listen to music on?" He asked, actually putting on a thoughtful expression, the inflection in his voice actually seeming interested in the advances in technology as well as Tony's preferences in music players. A lot of the things he learned were starting to melt together, so Steve couldn't quite remember the development of cassettes or cd's, "Well that explains why it was so easy to find one. Next thing you know, you'll be tellin' me suspenders are back in style" and back in his day, suspenders actually had a purpose - holding up pants. He was sure that if people wore them now, it would just be as a fashion or trend. 

[timelessxsoldier]

The Same Old Song | Steve and Tony

[the-phoenix-metaphor]

  It hadn't been a long session down in the lab that day, Tony feeling stirred with an odd kind of restlessness he'd get every now and then that not even tinkering could help. Pep had once told him it was a basic human need to go out and get some human interaction every now and then, and bots and AI's 'didn't count'. Well he didn't want to believe that so he chose not to, deciding he'd just give his legs a good stretch and maybe grab a bit before gravitating down to his workshop once more.

It was by pure chance he'd chosen that commons room floor on his elevator ride through the tower. That sort of thing was a bit of a gamble for Tony now, with the litter of other heroes taking up residence. He never knew who would be at what floor and in what mood. Sure he could ask JARVIS, but it had become almost a game for him, rewarding himself with a drink whenever he guessed right.

Today however, Tony predicted the floor would be cleared, allowing him some time to kick back with a sandwich and possibly some trash television. What he hadn't predicted was the crooning sandy melody to drift it's way around him as the elevator doors slid open, causing the genius to pause. For a moment he considered taking his chances with a different floor, but curiosity got the better of him. Tony waited a few moments longer before stepping out into the spacious room, sights zeroing in on the record player in a heartbeat, and the reclined super solider in the next.

It was no secret that Tony enjoyed getting after the Captain for his golden oldie sensibilities whenever the chance arose, but this... it almost felt like a trap. It was too easy.

"Wow." He began, walking himself further into the scene, leaning a hip against the love seat just to the right of the couch Steve had claimed for himself. "That's, uh... That's sure something... Should i even ask where you dug that thing up from?"

[timelessxsoldier]

The intrusion was hardly noticed, the Captain still captivated by the sounds of the sounds from his past. Not that it felt like that long ago, but he was more than capable of realizing that over seventy years had passed, and there was virtually no one who could relate to the sentiment he held for the little things that made him so nostalgic. 

True, he did hear the click of the elevator shifting to this floor, but he didn't worry himself with the details of who it might be. It obviously wasn't a threat, considering their strategy would probably be more intricate than simply taking the elevator to a supposed floor. There were dozens of floors to choose from - this one didn't hold any special significance. Though after a moment of his mind being torn away by the record coming to a halt, the crackling from the needle still present even after the song faded out. 

Steve snapped out of his trance, looking up to meet with Tony's gaze. His words were a little mocking in nature, though Steve tried his best to attribute that to the genius's overall personality, "Thrift store tucked away in Brooklyn" and of course he would go back to his rots - back to the place that had once been so familiar - now he could barely salvage the pieces of his past in the streets he used to roam so often. 

He shouldn't have been surprised by the other's dismay for the old artifact. Even in the forties, Tony's father wasn't content with the technology present in those days - always striving to create something better, more useful. Steve, on the other hand, was more than content with what he had, and what he could afford, though money quickly became more than just a luxury after his military rank skyrocketed. 

"Don't tell me you never had a record player growing up" Because despite the supposed ignorance of the Captain, he did his research, and he was almost positive that record players were still ever-present in the years that Tony Stark was growing up. Steve even dared to let a smile perk up on his lips, deciding to take this as a friendly conversation for the moment, rather than another dispute that they seemed to have more often than not. 

[timelessxsoldier]

Take Your Best Shot || Steve and Clint

[timelessxsoldier]

thewinglesshawk:

Clint had never made the best team player. People liked to get in the way. When you threw something different at them they just panicked, and had this horrible tendancy to fuck everything over. It’s because the archer had seen enough people get in the wrong place at the wrong time. Actually the first one they tried to partner him with had ended up with an arrow in the shoulder.  That is at least until he met Natasha.  She was the only one he’d work with. At least in the run of things. Sure he’d helped with the mess in New York…but that had been a matter of redemption. A matter of revenge. How disappointing that he didn’t get to put an arrow through the jackass’s eye socket. It kind of bothered him still… a lot. Needless to say though, Clint didn’t work well with just anyone. So living here was troublesome at best. Living here was probably…the worst idea for him. He knew that in the long run something somewhere was bound to go wrong. The archer was, however, thankful for Stark’s insight into his needs. The archery range was a godsend. He’d have to thank the man later.  When Clint was in the zone he was in the zone. Even if he knew someone had come into the training floor, he was far too concentrated.  It was an art form. Nock the arrow to the string, draw, breathe… settle and release. He was intent, movements fluid and so natural it was like he’d been born with the bow in his hand. The muscles up his back and across his shoulder flexed, Fingers eased to allow the string to roll off and he followed through the shot, not lowering the bow until he’d heard the arrow strike the target.  Finally he chose to acknowledge the speaker.  " I’d get disqualified," He stated plainly. Clint was well above the level of Olympic shooter. They may not have a reason to disqualify him… but after a few golds … they’d find one.  " Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to anyone else…" He pursed his lips, " What do you need Rogers?"  He didn’t exactly mean it to come off as stiffly as it did… but the words were blunt and unemotional. His expression never changed, but something did. He was irritated. There were a great number of reasons of course… but the foremost was what he knew about Steve and Natasha. It would take a blind fool not to see something there.  He tried to split his arrows up, two per target… but the second shot proved that he’d gone from playing around to much more serious when a loud crack echoed down the range and he muttered a colorful curse under his breath as he looked at the arrow which had split the one already centered in the bullseye. 

Steve wasn't exactly surprised at the silence he was met with. His greeting was a little unorthodox, though he highly doubted that Clint didn't hear him coming - his training was way better than that. No - it was the concentration in his eyes that excused the lack of acknowledgment. Carefully, Steve stepped back to watch the way the marksman kept the bow positioned until he was sure the arrow pierced the target. 

When he was finally addressed, Steve chose to keep silent, eyes still focused in on the task at hand. Within the few moments that the Captain's presence was made known, an aura of discontent filled the room, Clint's demeanor shifting to something a little more harsh. Now, it took more than a bad mood to keep Steve away, but this was intense - and for a minute, he wondered if this encounter was even worth it. 

"Was gunna come down here to train" He supplied, straightening up his shoulders a bit, "But you reminded me that I needed a little target practice after that last mission" 

And not that anyone was perfect, but the last time Steve was out, he'd missed an important shot - close range too. That was the worst part. He knew full well that Clint or Tony could have made that shot from farther away. Eventually someone took the target out, but there was still a sense of guilt that overcame him over the failure - and although no one had mentioned the incident, he was sure the others were thinking it. 

He figured even if Clint moved his training elsewhere, this would at least be an attempt at trying to get on good terms with the guy. After all, he had to do it for the team's sake - to get everyone to work together. Though creating a cohesive team seemed to be easier said than done, especially when there was nothing but revenge for SHIELD holding them together. In a way, that was the best sort of fuel for a group like the Avengers - but it still complicated things. There was a fight for leadership - not chain of command - and Steve saw it as more of a rebellious force than a team. 

Even the team aside, he knew he needed to do this - to level with Clint. Because the recent events that had taken place had practically forced him this way, and he could tell the nature of his relationship with Natasha was tearing at the team dynamic, especially when it came to the case of her long time partner - Clint Barton. 

[timelessxsoldier]

Save The Last Dance || Steve and Natasha

[onceupxnadecember]

  His hesitance rolled off of him in waves. That much she was all too aware of, and for the shortest time she couldn’t help but wonder if it was due to something she had done. But all such thoughts were quelled the moment she felt his hand slip around hers. It was such a simple gesture, and one that shouldn’t have affected her as much as it did, but by now she was already allowing her heart to rule her head. The time for logical thinking had long passed, and now she was giving in to what she needed most.

" Cheery?" Her head inclined as a smirk began to filter across her face " You must have me confused with somebody else, Rogers." she quipped, her smirk transforming into that of a softer smile. Before they were to set off to her undisclosed location, there was just one thing she had to do which had been nagging in the back of her mind since she had been afforded the luxury of getting lost in her own thoughts.

Carefully and without a word, she took a step forwards until his back came to rest against the wall behind him. Her hand held firmly in his guided his arm to wrap around her middle and his hand to rest at the small of her back before her own moved to loop up around his neck. Her fingers toyed with his hair so immaculately cut and styled as her gaze locked on his ” I’m starting to ask myself what it takes to get you to relax….. I should have hoped by now you would have realised the last thing I’m going to do is give you a reason to not trust me.”

Before he could so much as answer, her weight was lifted onto the balls of her feet, her body curving against the broad expanse of his chest as she tilted her chin up and pressed her lips to his. It started off as no more than a gentle brush at first, until one hand slipped to the nape of his neck; fingers curling around into his skin as her teeth pulled gently over his bottom lip. It was quite unlike anything that had happened between them,up until this point. It was passionate almost, drawn out and even Natasha couldn’t help but note the spike in her heart rate. It wasn’t new, but it wasn’t expected. She allowed the kiss to linger for a few further seconds, her tongue tracing along his bottom lip before she stood flat on her foot once more and took a careful step back.

" Follow me" her voice fell from her lips barely above a whisper as her hand reached around to find his and she began leading him back through the tower once more. Slipping into the elevator she hit the button that would take them as high as possible before a little effort on both their parts was required.

" The only thing that I ask….is that you tell nobody about this….what I’m about to show you……" There was a pause, hesitance perhaps? "There are certain things that need to be kept strictly between myself and whoever I choose to let in" She looked back over her shoulder as she exited the elevator and skipped up the small flight of stairs and out onto the flat roof at the very top of the tower.

The view, to put it quite simply, was breath taking. From here they were perfectly level with the horizon. The city below them no more than a low hum of activity, and within no more than a few seconds it had already dulled down to something she barely acknowledged. This was her get away. This was were she came to escape everything. The only difference was now she was letting somebody else in with her.

Sitting on the roofs inner ledge, she looked out across the city. The sun slowly beginning to dip in the sky as once again she looked over at Steve and motioned for him to join her.

" There’s something oddly life affirming about being up here…." She held her hand out for his, waiting for that same comfort to find her again, much like it seemed to still his own worries " There are times when life itself can become a little daunting…times when I find myself truly thinking of leaving everything and everyone behind. Disappearing out there into the world. I’ve done it before I could do it again….But then I sit out here, and so many things begin to fall into place. I realise how inconsequential my worries are. How petty they can be, and this, being up here….it’s like finding yourself again. It offers a little perspective within the grand scheme of things that you never knew you needed…besides." She stopped, looked to him and then back out across the city as the sky began to give way to a myriad of colours. Deep oranges and pinks stretching on into luscious purples as the last of evenings light began to fade

" Have you ever seen anything quite as beautiful as all of this…..it’s as if a whole other side to the city comes out just as we’re leaving it for another day."

Perhaps it didn’t seem like much. But to Natasha this was her safe haven, and if she were to find that Steve could benefit from it too? Then it was a job well done in her eyes, for in that moment there was nothing she wanted more than to let him in and show that she trusted him.

After all, he had given her no reason to not, and that was refreshing. It was different to a vast majority of the people in her life, and it was something she had craved on an unconscious level for far too long.

[timelessxsoldier]

This day started out with two people that were barely friends. Comrades at the very least - reliant on each other for only the basics of survival in battle. But the mission wasn't present here. Just two people faced with situations they'd rarely had to encounter - ones that civilians saw every day. There was a certain hesitance associated with their behavior, and Steve kept his guard up, even after they'd both revealed much more than perhaps they'd meant to. 

His firm stance and tightened nerves were defense mechanisms, shielding himself from the hurt and rejection that he harbored with every fiber of his being. He'd give Natasha his trust, and she had returned the sentiment, leaving the feelings of both comfort and vulnerability lay out in the open, lingering between them incessantly, craving to be recognized. But that tension dissipated almost as quickly as it began to manifest, because despite the bravery that the Captain was so often noted for, he was the one cowering as Natasha moved forward and pressed their lips together. It was soft at first, but it soon developed into something much deeper, not only physically, but emotionally.

The reaction it drew from Steve was unlike any other he'd exhibited before, actually caught off guard by the action being as intense as it was. He let her fingers toy absently with his hair because his hand dared to do the same, red locks being pushed through his calloused fingers, signaling that maybe this was all it took to get him to relax - to unwind perhaps more than he'd let himself in a long time.

Muscles relaxing after the kiss, he didn't dare say a word as he followed Natasha, trusting her blindly. Her request to not tell anyone was more than enough assurance that this would be something private and something utterly all her own - and that she was sharing with Steve something that she'd kept to herself.

When they found themselves on the roof, Steve was quick to follow Natasha to the edge. Her words were both insightful and deep, and Steve clung onto every one like just her speaking was sustaining him. With each word, it was like she was giving him breath, and he dared to breath all of the air she was willing to give. In a way, he felt almost selfish, to be taking this much, and not giving. But the moment he was given the chance, he would share just about anything she wanted to know - he was sure of it now.

"The city has always been beautiful this time of day" Because the sun was setting, and darkness started to pull over the colors that receded into the night, "But I can't say it's the most beautiful thing i've seen" Steve turned slightly towards Natasha, hand slipping over her knee as they sat on the edge.

"I guess being up here is more of a wake up call for me" he gave a half shrug, starting to open up a little, "Kinda puts things into perspective. Makes me remember how small I am." Steve started to say, though he let their eyes meet briefly as he continued, "But also that the people who /feel/ the smallest seem to make the biggest difference" 

Hesitating a moment, Steve waited until the sky was a little darker, the lights of the city starting to shine bright as the watched, "I'm glad you shared this with me." He said after a long silence, smile perking up on his lips. 

[timelessxsoldier]

► Steve Rogers + Natasha Romanoff | IRIS

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[october-seance]

[timelessxsoldier]

Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters

The McGuire Sisters - Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Headcanon:

Steve caught his mother - Sarah - humming it to him several times when he'd come down with yet another illness in his teenage years. Only a few years after it came out, Sarah passed away. Steve had this song played at her funeral. 

[timelessxsoldier]

Open Starter

It wasn't often that Steve spoke of his time before he was frozen. He'd actually learned rather quickly that mentioning the 'good old days' in any capacity was apparently an open invitation to be ridiculed by others. Now perhaps that was a little bit of an exaggeration. Though, based on the events thus far - particularly any incident that involved Steve's supposed inability to handle the technological advances throughout the seventy years he missed. 

That, of course, was the result of some people being terribly misinformed. Even those who claimed to be his biggest fans overlooked that perhaps he was able to adapt. After all, one of the biggest personal feats he'd accomplished was being able to learn and grow even through different surroundings, even a different body and mentality than before. He was thrust into a world that he didn't know much about, and adapted because he had to. The same thing happened upon his arrival to the twenty-first century. 

Though he didn't expect for most people to understand. It's not like he had shared life experience with many of the people he was surrounded with. His visits with Peggy were often filled with good conversation and bitter-sweet moments where her mind would falter. And speaking with Sam was nice, having someone who related to their military training - but it was difficult all the same. 

So when Steve decided to go to an old antique shop and purchase a record player, he was taking a chance. Though the bigger risk was when he set it up in one of the common rooms of the tower. It wasn't a usual occurrence for Steve to openly share things like this, but perhaps he needed that comfort - and in the back of his mind, there was hope that perhaps someone would come an join him. At this point, any company was welcome. 

The crackle of the needle hitting the record player was familiar and soothing, and the music that started to play helped Steve to sink into the sofa, his tense muscles relaxing into something a little more comfortable than he'd let himself be in a while. He hummed along to the tune, cherishing one of his favorite songs, not daring to sing along, though the words danced on the tip of his tongue. 

"Ah, kiss me once, then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again It's been a long time Haven't felt like this my dear Since I can't remember when It's been a long, long time You'll never know how many dreams I dreamed about you Or just how empty they all seemed without you So kiss me once then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again It's been a long, long time"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG1L9wxYbs0

[timelessxsoldier]

Take Your Best Shot || Steve and Clint

As much as Steve tended to be team oriented, he understood that some members didn't want to be here. 

The city was in the middle of a crisis, not to mention SHIELD had practically disbanded. So truthfully, they didn't have to come - not really. And although Steve didn't always pick up on the little things, there was an aura of discontent that filled Stark tower even more than the last time they were assembled. 

Some members had other obligations and allegiances - to SHIELD mostly. And working through the corruption and infiltration was difficult enough, especially with every secret they'd ever kept being streamed on the internet. H'ed captured a little bit of insight, courtesy of Natasha - though her secrets were well reserved for specific times. 

That being said, his relationship with other team members were shaky at best, and he was sure there was some speculation about the nature of his relationship with Agent Romanoff. As far as he could tell, the others tended to be indifferent, keeping to themselves. Though there were a few exceptions. Steve spent his time attempting to make plan, strategies really, for a more effective way to be a team - one that may bring out a little more trust in the people that were supposed to be working together. 

But their team seemed to be less than cohesive, and the Captain was quick to blow off steam. Everyone around seemed to have strong personalities, and sometimes, it wasn't worth arguing - not really. And although his time with Natasha was savored, he didn't want to put yet another thing on her - because as much as she kept a strong face on, he had a feeling that her patience with him would soon wear thin. And perhaps that was pessimistic, but with all that had been happening, it surely wouldn't surprise him. 

Frustrated with the way his thoughts were getting the best of him, Steve made his way to the gym close to the ground floor of the tower, seeking out something - anything that would relieve his nerves. Surely there would be punching bags, though he'd learned fairly quick that those wouldn't withstand his strength for more than a few minutes. 

So he found himself standing on the hard floor, met with someone who looked equally as frustrated. And maybe it was just the way he channeled his concentration - though, Steve was hesitant to disturb him. 

"Training for the Olympics?" he asked, taking his best shot at something that may be humorous. Hell, any conversation was appreciated. 

[a-joyfuljourney]

Apple Pie » On a Sweet Sugar Rush

[timelessxsoldier]

Save The Last Dance || Steve and Natasha

[onceupxnadecember]

  The night chill in the air as they exited the restaurant had Natasha loosely folding her arms across her chest as the flats of her palms rubbed back and forth across the exposed skin of admittedly quite well toned arms; skin currently adorned with little bumps as her body fought to fight off the cold. In a way it was almost humorous, given her upbringing and the harsh Russian winters, New York of all places would give her cause to shiver. 

" If I’m to tell you what I have in mind, it won’t be a surprise now, will it?" Her arm slipped between his and his side as her hand moved to seek out his; the warmth the warmth that radiated from his palm pressed to hers offering the simplest of comforts. " I think we’ve done enough walking for tonight…" she nodded before stepping to the side of the road to hail a cab, before quickly slipping inside only to pull Steve after her, a light bubble of laughter falling from her lips. " That hideous monstrosity belonging to Tony Stark, please" she told the driver before leaning bag against her seat, turning to look up at Steve " I’m willing to go as far as saying this has been the best night I’ve had in a long time" she spoked softly as her hand tightened in his just for a moment, before a comfortable silence descended. 

With the driver paid and the cab well on its way down the street, Natasha lead the way back into the tower, the same silence seeming to follow them into the building, though she felt no need to fill it. A great number of words had been shared between the two as the night went on, and in that moment she was more than happy to simply remain in his presence. Stopping the elevator at his floor, she moved to press a light kiss to his cheek before gently ushering him out ” Get changed into something more comfortable, I’ll see you in…. 15 minutes?” she cock her head to the side and shot him a soft smile as the doors slid shut.

Once upon her own floor, Natasha couldn’t help but laugh, a smile cracked from ear to ear as she flicked the stereo on, as she elegantly danced her way across the living area and into her bedroom. She wasn’t one for such antics when around others, but behind closed doors was another matter entirely. 

Humming along as she got changed into a t-shirt and a pair of sweats, she tied her hair into a loose bun at the base of her neck before slipping on a pair of shoes and moving back out and over to the elevator. Punching the button she waited, her foot tapping almost impatiently before she hopped in and hit the button to Steves floor. It could have been said that in that moment she resembled a young woman very much in love with life itself than a deadly assassin all too aware of how dark and twisted the world truly was, and if somebody were to point out such a fact? Well how could she possibly deny it. 

Knocking on Steves door, she waited; shoulder propped against the door frame as her fingers continued to tap out the same rhythm  on her side to the music she had been listening to only moment before. 

" 15 minutes as promised" she declared as he pulled the door open an she met his gaze with a smile

[timelessxsoldier]

The kiss that was pressed to his cheek was much more endearing than he could have asked for. Not that he could ever ask more from Natasha than she was already sharing. Opening up was not something either of them intended on doing when they woke up this morning, and yet, here they were, hearts on their sleeves like children. 

It was probably reckless. In fact, Steve couldn't even imagine what SHIELD would have to say about the whole thing, given that they were not only teammates on the Avengers Initiative, but also on a Strike team together on occasion. This century had a skewed reality of Captain America though. They seemed to think he was a lawful abiding citizen of America, when in all seriousness, he was there to embody the principles that the United States stood for, and if doing what was right was unlawful, then thats exactly what he was going to do. 

All of that aside, he slipped back into his room, loosening his tie with a long overdue sigh. This night had taken so much out of him already. But it was a good exhaustion, one that he craved more of. It wasn't often that he was able to actually have a conversation that wasn't about something detrimental. 

He moved to his closet once he'd folded up his uniform on the bed, picking out a tshirt and a pair of sweatpants, something he would normally go out in to run. Still, he wasn't sure what Natasha had planned for the evening, and they had already gotten past the formality of dinner, so he decided this attire would suit the occasion, given the time it was nearing. 

That nervous feeling started to erupt in his stomach again, and suddenly he felt so small. His apprehension was interrupted by a knock on the door. Straightening his posture out a little, there was tenseness present in his shoulder and jaw now more than anytime during their date. 

Steve stopped at the sight of Natasha, the door being left half open. If he thought she was beautiful at dinner, then he clearly didn't think how she'd look in her own element, one that embodied who she was, "Well you're cheery" He managed to respond, giving a little smile to the other, "So, whats the plan? You gunna  beat me up like this afternoon?" Steve joked, grabbing her hand and lacing them together affectionately, finding that the tightness in his stomach dissipated the more he was with her. 

[yourworkhasbeenagift-blog1]

stuck in my own head || bucky & steve

[yourworkhasbeenagift-blog1]

  Anger was the easiest to relay. It was easier to mask the pain, the confusion, the guilt and the grief with anger. Because that emotion didn’t hurt. It was frustrating, trying to get the memories back. He felt like a stranger in his own body. Larger events… he had better chances at remembering. Favorite foods, places… colors. Small things… Had Bucky grasping at straws. There were days that he ended up staying in his room all day until forced out by Steve for fear of being asked a question he wouldn’t know. Steve… he was willing to admit but even sometimes it got to be too much. He hated it.

And that tended to make him erratic which was why the brunet tried to keep himself occupied, try and keep his thoughts away from spiraling. Because it was anyone’s best guess which emotion would be the one to surface. 

His eyes flicked to Steve’s as he moved, one knife twirling around his fingers with ease. There was something… relaxing about it. Which truly was shit because deadly weapons shouldn’t make someone relaxed or happy. It was the weight and balance, the slight chill of metal against his palm…. 

"Does anyone in this Tower actually have a normal sleeping schedule?" Bucky frowned, shaking his head. "I’ll correct myself. I’m sorry I disturbed you. Which don’t argue because you wouldn’t have come out here if you hadn’t heard anything." His eyes followed Steve’s movements, the corner of his mouth hitching as the knife barely caught the edge of the target, face quickly going neutral once more. He set two of his knives on the table once again, holding one up. "They’re balanced to throw. " He murmured, holding it out on a finger, showing. 

"You aren’t… throwing it exactly. It’s… follow through. It’s not just your arm but… body and everything that goes into it. That more so applies to fighting with a knife but throwing doesn’t hurt either. You’re over thinking it. " Bucky hesitated before taking Steve’s hand in his, eyes flicking to the other and positioning the knife the right way. "You can throw a huge shield, hit three targets and have it come back. This is one target and no return. " He held up his own knife, flipping it once before throwing it slightly slower than normal though the knife still sank all the way through the target straight in the center. 

[timelessxsoldier]

Steve cocked an eyebrow in interest at his friends words, nearly rolling his eyes at the comment, "You're living in a tower full of superheroes and you expect anything about us to be normal?" he asked with a little spark of defiance to his voice, the kind he only exhibited when Bucky was around. Challenging him was one of his favorite past times, and hopefully that would strengthen their bond to the way it used to be. Steve could already feel it get stronger by the day. Hell, he knew the day that Bucky wanted to share a floor with Steve that the trust they shared never really went away - that in itself was encouraging. 

His thoughts were interrupted by Bucky's hand on his own, quickly taking the inititative to position him correctly. Steve, of course, had no objections to this, other than his pride hurting a little after another comment at his expense, "The physics of a nearly weightless vibranium shield is way different than a knife, Buck" He murmured, deciding that this meant he had something to prove. 

It was always some sort of challenge with Steve, and although he attempted to decrease his erratic behavior, having Bucky around was only making him revert back to what he was most comfortable with. So it was only logical to keep the knife the way his friend positioned it, and push his body into the motion in an attempt to mimick how Bucky had thrown it so flawlessly. 

In the end, it hit the target, though not in the middle. Still, it was better than before, but not enough for Steve to give up. 

"How about we make a wager?" He let a smile creep up on his features, turning to Bucky as he grabbed another knife, "I hit that target, and you gotta shine my shoes" Steve was kidding, of course, but the familiar banter was displayed in the hopes that it would resonate with Bucky on some level. 

[yourworkhasbeenagift-blog1]

stuck in my own head || bucky & steve

[timelessxsoldier]

yourworkhasbeenagift:

He was hardly aware of the other’s presence, lingering in the doorway, at least until he spoke. His hand stopped mere millimeters from the bag before the brunet spun, hitting the bag with his elbow, turning to lash out with his foot. Every move coordinated. Every move in perfect balance. Though while the moves were in harmony, Bucky was not. He felt he was going crazy. Maybe he was. He wanted nothing more than to actually kick the stupid thing across the room, but didn’t want to make a mess or worry Steve more. Glancing to the other, James sighed and shook his head. “No…. not that specific one. I tend to do that to all of them. Call it item specific rage.” He murmured, pulling away to walk across the gym, hand passing smoothly over a table containing an assortment of knives.

There was no pause except as he pulled his hand away, three were gone, the assassin idly throwing them across the room with the calmness one would throw a frisbee to a pet. Bucky chewed on his lip as he moved to retrieve the knives sunk into a target, shaking his head. “I woke you, didn’t I? I’m sorry.. I couldn’t sleep and knew if I kept turning in bed you’d hear…..” 

Guilt washed through him, brushing a few strands from his face that had escaped from the tie. He was well aware that Steve didn’t sleep as well. And especially as he wasn’t always in the tower, running odd things here and there… he didn’t need to be worrying about the half unhinged assassin living on his floor. “I… I can do down to the main one, let you sleep. ” He muttered, looking away. 

It should have been the rage that caught his eye first - the one emotion that his friend showed freely rather than harboring it away. But Steve could always see past the surface. There was a hurting, broken man before his eyes, covering up his pain with a few punches and cocky remarks. It would never fool him, and in a way, he was sure that Bucky knew that Steve could see right through him. 

Some of his memories were still distant, or at least, from what he'd managed to pick up from their time together. But that didn't stop Steve from seeing the man he always knew beneath all of the emotions that surfaced from scars of the past. 

Steve didn't flinch at the knives, staying still, gaze following each knife as they flew through the air. After the display, Bucky seemed a little more at ease, the aggression transferred from the tips of his fingers to the knife and then to the target. He watched as his friend started to regain his composure, but before he could say anything, Bucky started to stammer on - he was always too concerned about Steve's well-being. 

Shaking his head, Steve approached his friend, "Can't wake someone who wasn't sleeping" He assured Bucky, but of course, he was sure he'd need more convincing. Grabbing a knife, the Captain steadied his hands and threw one at the target, just hitting the edge. Alright, so it wasnt his tool of choice, but he couldnt be good at everything.

"No, you're fine, Buck" He reached over to grab another knife off the table, features softening, "I could use someone to keep me company" Steve smiled, handing Bucky another knife, "Mind showing me how you got that shot? I think im a little rusty" 

And maybe it was unwise to do so, but anything that could get some familiarity between them was a good thing. In a way, even past his stubborn nature, Steve couldn't help but to miss when Bucky could show /him/ things. 

[this-is-my-world-not-yoursxx]