[console | video] then we do it again (pre-hurricane)

[edgeoftheknife]

[Hi there, Keeliai. Remember this guy? It's been a while.

He's sitting in what looks like a cafe out in the city. For those who don't remember him from his previous stay, he's beautiful, with striking eyes that unfortunately have some pretty dark circles under them. He looks like he hasn't slept well in ages. He's wearing a three-piece suit and cradling a cup of something in his hands--lid on, because his hands shake.

He's... seen better days.

When he speaks, he's got a pronounced Irish accent.]

Right, I... I'm back. Surprise. [He smiles and his face lights up for a moment before the smile slips.]

I don't know how many of the people I knew are left. I know... I know we're missing some. [Studiously going to avoid mentioning Anton, thank you very much.] If you're still around and we were friends, or... talked, maybe drop me a line? And hello to all the newcomers. I know I've spoken with a few of you.

I'm back at the shelter, so. I mean, Brigid and Sonja are doing the real work, the paperwork and all that. I couldn't keep paperwork straight these days if I tried.

[The thought trails off. He looks a bit lost.]

If anyone happens to spot a talking skeleton, let me know, will you? He's got another punch coming if he shows his face again. And... if anyone happens to spot a tall, skinny redhead with an accent like mine, please tell him I'm looking for him.

Comments

[edgeoftheknife]

That's possible. Swiss cheese memory, and all.

[Oh dear. Pepper's grin is infectious. He smiles back, and when he speaks again it's obvious that he's teasing.]

So you're a super hero and a police officer and you're, what? Twelve?

[lasergrenades]

Excuse you, I'm nineteen. [She crosses her arms in mock offense.] And I'm helping run the force on top of working for it, just so you know.

[Pepper can't help but laugh quietly, and it's vaguely wistful.]

I've been told since I was twelve that I wasn't supposed to go after the bad guys, and if I'd listened to my dad and the rest of his FBI friends then I wouldn't have ended up taking on supervillains and saving the world. I get that I'm young, and I know that you're teasing, that's fine, but it's like no one takes me seriously until I'm wearing armor.

[edgeoftheknife]

[This time instead of merely pausing in his weaving he stop altogether. Erskine sets the shuttle down and turns on his bench to face Pepper, smiling gently rather than grinning now.]

If it helps, I don't think I've ever even seen your armor, and I take you seriously. I know I can't speak for everyone else, but....

[He shrugs]

You know the worst about me, and you're still here. You're smart and passionate and you care about people who probably don't deserve it. I don't need to see your armor to believe that you've saved the world.

[lasergrenades]

[Pepper looks a little bemused for a moment, and then flattered. She smiles, and it's smaller and more vulnerable than usual.]

Thanks, Erskine. Really.

[Then her smile turns just a shade wry, and she tilts her head to the side.]

Also, it's not about deserve. I've seen what giving people a second chance can do. Giving up on them isn't an option.

[And just like that, she's decided that she won't give up on Erskine, either. She hadn't quite known when she came here, but now... despite everything he's done, he needs help, and not hatred. Pepper has learned she can be angry and still care, and she does.]

[edgeoftheknife]

Any time, love.

[He turns back to the loom instead of facing Pepper now, though he doesn't pick the shuttle back up. Just stares down at the machine with a faint, almost sad smile.]

That's a good way to look at things. Not very many people feel the same way, you know.