[Console: Video]

[leaptopudding]

[The feed kicks on to an empty chair. The video is streaming, but there's no sign of Makoto anywhere. She may or may not be sitting on the floor, out of view.]

Alright, real talk.

I have something super important to ask you all, so listen up.

[She actually sounds pretty serious here too.]

How uh... How many of you know baseball?

[Home is far away and out of reach, so she's on the hunt for common ground.]

Comments

[leaptopudding]

[Her expression softens, though there's still a hint of a frown. She's not scared at all, but rather worried for him.]

Did you want the serum or..?

[Did he want any of this?]

[starspangled]

I volunteered for it.

[Granted, he would've volunteered for just about anything if it gave him a shot at the Army.]

Still, it was pretty surprising.

[leaptopudding]

Huh.

[It's a surprise to her, but she doesn't know his story more than what he's said. Makoto assumes he must of willingly signed up for being frozen, along with the serum. She really can't understand it.]

Well, if you were okay with it I guess... I mean. Are you happy with that choice?

[starspangled]

[If Steve looks caught off guard, it's because no one's ever really asked him that. Is he happy? It made him healthy, made him strong. It made him a hero.

And at times it's made him feel lonely, a man out of time, his time. But if he knew everything that he knows now, would he have chosen anything else?]

Yeah, I'm happy with it - it made me taller.

[leaptopudding]

[At his pause, Makoto worries that she's said too much. It wouldn't be the first time that she's done so. But then, he speaks and she lets go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. She shoots him a small, reassuring smile.]

I'm glad. If you're happy, I'm happy. I mean, you're a good guy from what I can tell, and good people deserve to have things work out for them.

[A beat.]

Man, maybe that's what I need. I'm a shorty.

[She's kidding. Mostly.]

[starspangled]

Don't worry about it. I bet you're just fine the way you are.

[leaptopudding]

[That... actually means a lot.]

Thanks Steve. For hanging out and being a good guy. It means a lot.