Network/Text

[wearingthestars]

Some of us at the hospital have been thinking that it would be good to get a general medical background from people, so we're better prepared in case of...well anything, really. Things like blood type, allergies, any known conditions or family history. But also, given we come from so many different places, there could be anatomical differences that may be important to know.

If you want to answer here you're welcome to, or myself and/or Lauri-Ell would be happy to meet with you in person.

I promise, we'll do our best to ensure this information stays private and is only used in case of emergency, but of course it's entirely voluntary. We understand if anyone would prefer not to.

And if anyone needs help with anything please don't hesitate to ask or drop by.

Private to: Soldier

How's your head today, any better?
I hope you've been taking care of yourself out there. Sometimes I wish you weren't so stubborn.
I might have some news to cheer you up. Are you busy?

-B (...obviously)

Comments

[wearingthestars]

[Billy laughed. Not at the idea of Soldier being 'normal' but of himself being a roll model for whatever 'normal' was supposed to be. He was fairly certain he was not it. Still, he smiled and assured-] You're fine the way you are.

Really?? [Billy looked surprised and pleased. Did they have something 'nerdy' in common? Soldier had 'nerdy' interests??] Did you get to read the Lord of the Rings yet? It's like a bajillion years long, but I could conjure it if you wanted? And Jules Verne? Oh my god, you're a total closet nerd, I love it. I never would have guessed!

[sinistral]

Perhaps. [He'd leave it at that, because it was a tricky slope on whose edge he teetered.]

Really. [He shook his head though.] I haven't. I think it came out after I was— drafted. But I liked Jules Verne, I liked thinking about technology and the future and all the wonders it would bring. [He looked down at his hands, flexed the left. The future and technology hadn't been as kind to him.]

[wearingthestars]

[Billy shifted a little closer and reached over, broadcasting his intensions before laying a hand over that metal one with an understanding smile. He offered a small squeeze.]

We didn't do so great with the wonders, huh? [He tried to lighten the mood a little.] No flying cars or anything.

[sinistral]

[The Soldier nodded, a small motion, and allowed Billy to touch. The squeeze barely registered to the pressure sensors but still, he could feel it. And he could return it.]

Didn't do so bad either. A lot of people did a lot of good things. Can't judge it all by HYDRA. [The lack of flying cars was a little disappointing but shook things considered, he could make that small concession.] Went to see one, night before I— night before...

[He grimaced, shaking his head. It took him a minute to finish the thought.] ...Night before I shipped out.

[wearingthestars]

Yeah? [Billy showed cautious interest after that grimace. He was always curious to learn more about Soldier's happier memories, but it seemed like delicate ground to tread.] A flying car, or-?? [His head tilted with poorly suppressed interest.] Way back then?

[sinistral]

Expo... World Expo. The future. Tomorrow. 1943, Howard Stark. Promised a flying car. [He shook his head, trying to shake off the impending headache that came from remembering. Billy always seemed so happy to know—]

Didn't fly proper. Jus' floated a few seconds. [He didn't notice some of the accent creeping back into his voice.] Thought it was great, me an'... me an'—

[He shook his head eventually.] S'gone. Can't remember it.

[wearingthestars]

[The World Expo. Billy looked eager to hear for more reasons than one now. It must have been amazing.]

It actually flew?? I mean, I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering everything Tony's done, but- that's so cool!

[Billy could hazard a pretty good guess as to who might have been with him, but he just smiled gently, reassuring-] It's okay. Don't push yourself. It's sounds nice though. I'm glad you got to have some fun before...you know...all the war and everything... [Not an especially 'fun' time, historically.] You okay? [He nodded towards Soldier's head with a concerned look.]

[sinistral]

It floated. [Was that flying? Technically no, but also not technically no. Did kind of count?

But Billy seemed to tamp down on some of his own excitement, for which the Soldier felt simultaneously guilty and relieved. The oldest memories seemed the hardest sometimes, and other times they came as easy as breathing. He didn't know why.] Dancing. Went dancing after.

[With whom? He couldn't remember.]

Just a headache. [Billy would likely have something to say, or so the Soldier thought.] It'll pass.

[wearingthestars]

[It was close enough. And impressive either way.

Billy smiled softly, head tilting in faint surprise.] Do you still know how? [His expression suggested dancing wasn't something Billy felt overly confident about, but he was intrigued by what it must have been like for Soldier. A whole other style.]

Let me help? I can show you the massage? Or if you're up to trying- I can do it for you, we can keep chatting?

[sinistral]

[Very impressive. And considering that they still didn't have flying cars, very much ahead of its time.

He shook his head to the question. He didn't know if he knew; would muscle memory take over for what the brain lacked? Unlikely that he would ever choose to dance, so it didn't really matter.] Don't know.

I— [He hesitated, but Billy meant only to help. He could trust.] Let me get more comfortable. And move my weapons away, just in case.

[wearingthestars]

I dance at parties and stuff, but I don't think it's anything like what you would have done back then.

[Billy tried not to look too eager, nodding and sitting up a little straighter.]

We can stop any time. I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with.

[sinistral]

I don't know.

[Maybe the dancing didn't matter so much as the want to dance. The Soldier didn't want.

He did nod though, and stood to remove his tactical jacket, folding it and placing it near his small stash of supplies. With it he stored his firearm and the combat knives from their various sheaths. It left him in a shirt whose left sleeve had been roughly cut away (by one of those combat knives in fact). And while he couldn't disarm himself any further, he was probably the safest he could be when he sat back down next to Billy.] I am ready to try.

[wearingthestars]

[Billy watched patiently, mentally running through what he'd learned, briefly touching his own temples to remind himself of the starting pressure.

He offered a smile, and shifted onto his knees so he'd be better able to reach.]

Is it better if you can see me?

[To start with he shuffled a little closer, not reaching to touch Soldier yet. He reached to his own temples to demonstrate where he'd be touching.] It'll just be along here. Is that all right?

[sinistral]

Is it better for you if I'm not so tall? [Not that he could shrink, but he could sit on the ground if it made Billy's job easier. They'd trained his punches earlier; surely his arms were a little tired.

He nodded, then winced; the headache had potential to get worse.] I trust you to touch me.

[wearingthestars]

More comfortable for both of us. [Billy nodded.] It'll let you relax easier.

[Once Soldier was seated, Billy shifted a little closer still and reached to touch his face. He smiled, watching for any signs of distress, pressure light as he started to massage in small circles.]

You're okay. [He flushed then, not sure if he was doing too much reassuring. He spoke softly, trying to make it as relaxing an environment as he could.] It's really small movements, and you wanna be gentle. You can build up pressure if you need to, but start light.

[sinistral]

Relax, he says. Easy, he says. [But his voice remained mostly light, poking fun at himself. Or trying to, anyway.]

I don't know how good I am at being gentle. [Physically and otherwise. But physically he did have to deal with restraining his own strength, especially with the left hand. Letting Billy try to soothe away the pain instead felt... nice. He allowed his eyes to close, telling himself that he trusted Billy.] But this is... good.

[wearingthestars]

[Billy breathed a soft laugh through his nose.] Well, maybe this'll help with that, mm?

You're good with me. [He offered, which said plenty to Billy. But he understood Soldier's meaning.] But if it gives you trouble, I'm happy to help out whenever. [He grinned at that small praise, and more so at the trust he showed in closing his eyes.] I think professionals might have some soothing music on, or like...empowering mantras to offer.

[sinistral]

Maybe. [Truth be told, it was already helping.]

You're an exception. [He grimaced. And it was definitely a grimace and not a pout. Fearsome assassins didn't pout.] If this leads to inspirational chanting, I'm going to save myself the trouble and jump off a cliff.

[wearingthestars]

[Billy laughed softly.No chanting. Promise. How's the pressure? [He tucked a few strand of Soldier's hair back behind his ear so he could see better.]

[sinistral]

Holding you to that.

[The Soldier was not cut out for meditation, or anything of the sort. Positive self reflection still remained a challenge.]

Your hands are helping. It doesn't feel as sharp.

[wearingthestars]

Good. Try and relax. Are you comfortable like this? You can lay down if you want? Might even be able to sleep if I do it right.

[sinistral]

It's almost like you want me defenseless.

[It wasn't that at all, and they both knew his grumbling wasn't serious. Relaxing for the Soldier was as hard as running a marathon for a normal person.

He did shift though, laying down close to Billy. Hopefully it wouldn't lead to Billy's own discomfort.]

Is this what you meant?

[wearingthestars]

Yup. Running the long con. [Billy played along with a teasing smile.]

Mm, yeah that works. As long as you're comfy. Do you want a pillow? Or you can lay your head here if you want. [Billy patted his lap.] Whatever feels best.

[sinistral]

I knew it.

[He hesitated for a long moment, considering the options Billy presented. One was more comfortable to him, probably obviously so. But Billy trusted him, and the Soldier demonstrated so little in trust of anything or anyone. He could try; to that end, he shifted until his head nudged up against Billy's legs.]

Do not let yourself become too uncomfortable. I worked you hard today.

Snort

[wearingthestars]

I'm fine. [Billy assured with an amused look, trying not to scare Soldier away with any sort of over reaction to the displayed trust. Still, it's clear it means a lot, and Billy's gentle as he continues. ]

Just try to relax. And we can stop any time. [Billy offered the reminder before slipping into a comfortable silence. ]