• CLOSED •

[carmesi]

Who: marvels 𖥔˖
When: december
Where: horizon
What: a lil get-together in the jolliest season
Warnings: tba


✦ THE CITY

( winter comes down strong on this side of the horizon, particularly in the new york sector. the streets and buildings are white from the snow, a gentle yet constant flurry making sure that no corner remains untouched by it. all that is fine and good, for there is the rockefeller center showcasing its christmas tree, just like how the residents of new york would remember it. somewhat. it's a little undone at the seams, but sure—go ahead, complain to the blind guy for his not-perfect rendition.

the ice-skating rink is available for use, empty, and sparkling reflections from the lights on the tree above. different bodegas and diners are open, for those wanting to escape the chill for a moment; however, it might just be easier to head straight towards the apartment itself, after walking down the different sidewalks to reach the wooden door leading inside. careful with the slushy snow on the pavement, even if it might be nice to stay outside for a bit, enjoying the snow fall. )

✦ THE APARTMENT

( entering the apartment building, there are many stairs that can be walked to reach the different levels: seven floors total, including the basement and roof. for those more religiously inclined, this time of year, they are welcome to head down to the chapel (or maybe the treasure is stored there?). the first floor is made available, as well, for those who might be interested in what matt's life is like (his office, a courtroom), though it might be more appealing to head into the billiards room for a game or two.

there are other floors of interest that guests are welcome to explore at their leisure, but the invitation is specifically for floor 5 (sorry that the elevator is s l o w, might even get stuck momentarily, oops), which will open up directly onto the cozy loft apartment, adapted for the occasion, along with some decorations to contrast the dark, snowy night outside. everyone is expected to just makes themselves at home: there's a kitchen on one end, for those who want to indulge in 'cooking', a table set, a fireplace by the living room area, drinks of all sorts, and some snacks on the coffee table.

the set of stairs in the loft leads, of course, to a small board game area; a shelf containing games and puzzles for those wanting to indulge. additionally, another set of stairs have been made available for others (sam) to go up directly onto the roof to do some grilling for the turkey, or whatever other meats and vegetables might be necessary.

it is important to note that, at any given time, a small puppy will be following people at random, acting a little spoiled at times, or trying to find a warm spot (read: lap) to sleep on. mary is allowed to nose about the entirety of the apartment, as well as heading out into the snow; just don't forget her out there! )

Comments

[falcony]

[ that's part of the appeal, isn't it? that they both know this version of new york doesn't actually exist. that they both can still wish for it, long for it. there's a part of sam that remembers how long it's been since he's been in the city, how much longer than that it's been since he was in new york around christmas. still, he feels like he can live in this. he can be in this. even if it's just an image.

steve is a large reason - a kind of center piece among the rest. were sam here by himself, he'd talk himself out of just spending time here. he'd convince himself it wasn't worth the time, that there wasn't anything he needed out of this idealized version of new york. he was never a new yorker, never quite made it passed that tourist title, never quite understood the city at its heart, but steve? steve was built for this city. steve was this city. and here, standing under the rockafeller tree and wrapped up in his stupidly handsome peacoat, sam gets it.

could spend plenty of time here, even if it was god damn cold.

he wraps his hands around his own cup, huffs a laugh that sends the steam billowing out. ]

More like the finesse only applies when I can feel my god damn toes. [ he shudders, though part of that is just for effect, because he is still laughing a bit to himself. ] Don't let me stop you, though. I'm perfectly happy to watch you skate around in circles.

[assembles]

[ Steve doesn't suppress his laugh at Sam's complaints about the cold. While he realizes that his enhancements mean that temperature dips don't bother him that much, he still can't help but think that it can't be that bad. Then again, Sam's from a place that doesn't usually get very cold, and on top of that, he's been living in Cadens for years. ]

Is that some judgment I detect, Wilson?

[ The question is meant as a tease, and while Steve could go strap on a pair of skates and dance over the ice as a way to make some kind of point, he doesn't see the need for it. He doesn't have anything to prove, and besides, he'd rather spend this time with Sam.

It's not that often that they get to just enjoy some time together like this. ]

What would you prefer, then? [ He leans to the side, bumping his shoulder against Sam's. ] We can go for a walk if you think that'll help warm you up... or head inside somewhere.

[ It's Rockefeller Center, after all. There's bound to be a nice cafe or dessert bar where they could find a table and enjoy the sights in relative warmth. Even if Wanda hasn't constructed that part of it, Steve's sure he can fill in the blanks. ]

[falcony]

[ yeah yeah, laugh all you want. sam shoots steve a look that seems to say as much, but it's all teasing. sam is cold, yes, but it's not really that bad. it probably has a lot to do with the horizon, the mind space that wanda's crafted here- it fits the image. this idyllic new york. ]

Oh, it's more than just some. And I'm... gonna regret it, aren't I? You'll put on those skates and end up some kind of Michelle Kwan. Actually- I take that back. You don't get to go skating.

[ sam fails in hold back the grin by the end, glancing over just in time to see as steve leans to the side, bumps his shoulder. he takes a long breath, eyes back out across the skating rink, making a big to-do about thinking. ]

My choice, huh? [ he takes another sip of his hot chocolate, considers for a few more moments. he notices the other bodies around, most likely ghost images more to fill a space than to be anyone in particular. sam doesn't plan on trying to inception wanda while they're here, but his eyes do fall on a few couples milling about, christmas date written all over them. it is...nice. warm, in a way that this hot chocolate doesn't quite break through. so sam breaks out into a grin and bumps his shoulder back to steve's. ] Alright, Brooklyn. How about that walk? Show me around your home town.

[assembles]

[ Steve had already made up his mind that he wasn't going to bother skating if Sam didn't come along, but the insistence that he didn't get to go because he would be too perfect at it does earn a charmed smile out of him. While he's not sure he's on that level, he does know that his enhancements give him a leg up that others might not have, and maybe that gets exhausting sometimes.

Even though he knows that Sam's really just pulling his leg.

While it takes a little while for Sam to decide, once he does he seems pretty definitive about it. ]

Well, in that case, you're right. We'll need to get out of here and head to Brooklyn if you want to see my hometown.

[ Normally that would mean having to hop on the subway for a good while, but Steve doesn't see the need for that when their entire environment will mold to their whims. So he starts to walk, leading them away from the skating rink and the twinkling tree.

And just like that, as they turn a corner they find themselves in an entirely different neighborhood. More than that, though, it appears that they've somehow traveled back in time. It's Brooklyn, but the Brooklyn he knew when he was a kid, when he still considered it his "hometown." Everything from the buildings to the cars to the clothing the ghost people are wearing as they walk to and fro paints a picture of a different era.

Steve stops short, as he hadn't fully realized what he was doing until he happened. His brow creases, but he's also in some sort of quiet awe. The snow is still blanketed over everything, too. ]

... Huh. Probably not exactly what you had in mind, but...

[ It would be nice, to show Sam all the old haunts as he remembers them. ]

[falcony]

[ oh, it absolutely gets exhausting. exhausting enough that maybe steve just needs to spoil sam a little for putting up with him, you know? do that extra lap, perform that little bit. but steve gives sam a little time to decide and sam takes the time, really thinks about it all.

he knows what it is to be homesick. maybe not separated by decades, not like steve had (has) always been since sam's known him. but he also knows that they're uniquely situated now. in this moment. in this horizon. in this time.

sam never managed to bring steve back to his actual home. no matter how much they talked about it, the timing never worked - it was only here, with the both of them in abraxas, that they were able to sit on that very porch. to experience a version, maybe, but it was still his version. so what better way than to spend Christmas with their family, with their people, but also... steve. steve is home, here. and maybe that selfish little bit of sam wants to see that part of steve, too. ]

Lead the way.

[ sam smiles, and it's flirty but it's also genuinely warm. and yes, normally it would mean a long subway ride or even an overly expensive taxi. but steve does start walking, and sam falls into step next to him. though it doesn't go for long, considering it's what...ten steps? fifteen? before they're not only in a different neighborhood, they're in a different era. and yeah, okay, sam's seen the movies. he liked band of brothers just as much as the next guy. but this is- this is different.

he pauses, hands in his pockets, watching the city - still blanketed in snow, still decorated for the holiday, still Brooklyn, but unlike anything he's ever seen. ]

Nah. [ sam says after a moment, a little awed, a little impressed, and also, in a way, expected. he steps in up to steve's side, nudges him again with his elbow. ] King of New York, right? Let's see it.

[assembles]

[ While Steve has considered doing this before in the Horizon, seeing how it grants him the opportunity to return to a place that doesn't actually exist anymore, something has always given him pause. He hasn't ever stopped to think about what it was, exactly, but now that they're walking these streets (slowly, carefully, so they don't sleep on the icy sidewalks), he has the time to reflect.

Maybe it's that it feels wrong to "return" when it's just some mirroring of his faulty memory. What if he's filling in the blanks wrong? It's not like he can recall every corner of every street in perfect detail, especially now that so many years have passed. Would it be tarnishing the memory, to even try?

On top of that, he knows what a future version of him does. He still doesn't like the thought of it. This feels like maybe he's giving into that kind of feeling.

Still, now that they're here...

It's nice. And it doesn't matter if all the details aren't perfect. ]

Not sure if there's anything in particular you want to see. [ Steve glances to Sam as they walk, his steps slow but sure. ] Prospect Park might be good. It'll look nice, covered in snow.

[ And as they walk, he decides why not, as he searches for Sam's hand at his side and takes it, gripping lightly. ]

[falcony]

[ sam knows what he means - that weird feeling that these trips to the horizon leave. the very option that they could create anything they wanted, from memory, while knowing it would never be real. sam, from the beginning, knew how dangerous it could be - why, to this very day, his home remains empty unless there are actual summoned to inhabit it. the longer they spend away from what they miss most, the more this could haunt them.

but that’s also why sam doesn’t ask to meet steve’s family, why - even now - he asks to see steve’s home. how he saw it. it’s less about where they go, now, and more about sam getting to see the part of steve that is steve. the one bucky knew. the one who choose to take the serum.

( it’s been years, now, but sam still remembers it - the way buck had laughed, hollowly, you used to wear newspapers in your shoes. )

or - rather - the parts of that life that steve wants to share. ]

Your old haunts. [ sam says, eyes still on the world around them - curious, interested, excited even. ] The places you miss, the places you’d want to share with someone. Well- with me. [ sam grins at that, shooting steve a self-satisfied wiggle of his eyebrow.

it’s timed almost perfectly - just as steve reaches out for sam’s hand, and sam easily slips his fingers in steve’s and squeezes. holds onto it as they walk. ]

You live around here before everything? [ he asks after a moment, stepping in a little closer to steve’s side. ] You’ve seen where I grew up, it’s only fair.

cw: mentions of period-typical homophobia

[assembles]

[ There's a strange, unbidden thought that hits Steve now that they're here. If this was really the Brooklyn of his past, there's no way the two of them could just walk like this, hand-in-hand. There are so many examples of how, despite everything, the world has improved in the time that he was in the ice. He didn't need to be there — as himself, or as Captain America — to shepherd that along.

It's why the idea of him deciding to return to the 50's for a life he'd long-ago set aside still leaves him uneasy, his stomach twisting and turning at the thought.

But it's different, being here with Sam, in some facsimile of the place. In a way, it's better. ]

Oh, is that where you want to start? [ He cracks a smile, finding the request quaint. Sweet, even. ] My apartment?

[ Of course, he knows exactly where to take them for that. He could still make the walk with his eyes closed, and so as they reach the end of the block he turns the corner. ]

I'll warn you right now, it's not much to write home about.

[ So it goes, growing up in the middle of the Great Depression. ]

[falcony]

[ sam can't read steve's mind, despite the side-jokes and years worth of seamless teamwork. sam can take pretty obvious guesses, knows what to look for when it comes to subtle shifts in the things steve thinks he's hiding that he really isn't, and the rest is guesswork and communication. the rest is steve rogers, who sam knows well, but not perfectly. not completely.

but he sees these things, these brief moments is stillness that fill steve. the pause, the thoughts, the weight of something else that floods him.

it might be a second, it might be less. but sam sees it, tries to see any resemblance of it in the moments after. steve cracks a smile instead, flirty, pulled back out of it all, and sam... decides, then, which route to take. ]

Yeah, I think that's where I want to start. [ he cracks a smile right back, though his goes a few inches further, just a bit farther. he knows that isn't what steve is saying, but sam decides to push it a little further that way anyway.

maybe it's the time period, making him feel rebellious. maybe he gets a sense of something that steve is picking up on, or maybe, maybe it's just sam being inherently stubborn. knowing where they are, knowing what it might be if this were real life, and choosing to ignore it.

he steps a little closer, right in steve's space, and tilts his face up into steve's with that grin. ] Why? You wanna wine and dine me first? [ and then, knowing the joke has landed, sam steps away from steve - doesn't let go of his hand, squeezes it actually, but then lets steve go back to leading them down the road and around the corner and sam follows, close, content with his hand in steve's as they walk.

the comment makes sam's smile turn... more genuine. softer. ]

You can't scare me off that easily, Rogers. Pretty sure I'm here for the long haul.

[assembles]

[ There's a boldness to what Sam does in that moment that definitely feels purposeful to where they are, even if it's only a recreation from Steve's memories. Even in Cadens, they weren't the sort of people who would engage in public affection all that much, reserving those moments for when they were in their room together at the Sarstina. And in reality, they're still in private here, but Steve can tell that Sam is doing it for a reason, that he's making a point.

That he's happy to be with him, even when it's not convenient.

Steve shoots back a grin of his own, soaking in the feeling of Sam so up close in his personal space. It doesn't last long, but their hands remaining clasped feels like a consolation prize all the same.

And soon they'll be at his place. ]

I mean, I could. But to be honest, I wasn't going to any fancy places back then. I wouldn't know where to take you.

[ He knows all the places to get a cheap but delicious meal, but that doesn't really count as wining and dining, does it? Besides, it seems like Sam is more interested in seeing where he lived than anything else.

The brownstone they approach doesn't stand out in any way, and it's seen better days, but Steve feels oddly at ease seeing it now; nostalgia is a strange feeling, especially when it's for a time and place that doesn't really exist in this way anymore.

He gestures toward the few stairs that lead up to the building's front door. ]

There it is. Home sweet home.

[falcony]

[ he is definitely making a point - about this place, maybe. about who they are and who they have grown to be. it might even be about more than their quiet nights spent together, or the morning runs, or the partnership that sam had - at one point - lost, and now has again.

sam is making a point about what this is. about what he likes about it, and how happy it makes him. how happy steve makes him.

steve grins, and it's exactly what sam wants to see - a little bit of that weight falling away, a little bit more of the cocky kid that sam can usually draw out of him. ]

Nah- not important. From what you told me about the food back then, I think I'd rather make it myself.

[ and yes, steve is right. while sam is genuinely curious about all of this, his eyes wandering even as they walk, he does want to see what steve considered home. wants to see what he thinks of, when he has those nostalgic moments, when he yearns for something else.

the brownstone is somehow exactly what sam has always imagined, and nothing like it all. he's seen pictures of it, of course - archival photographs that were on display in all the various captain america exhibits. but this one is different, not just in the marks and scratches and aged stairs, not just in the details that make it so much more real, but in the way that steve genuinely relaxes at sam's side.

steve gestures to the stairs, and sam's brows lift just for a moment before he stars up the stairs, making it to the concrete landing and seeing one door at the end of the hall. ]

You grew up here too, right? Befor you enlisted?