text.

[abide]

[ So maybe he sort of doesn't mean to send this as a mass text to the crew. Honestly, he doesn't know who he would have sent it to (if he'd been a bit more sober), but it's supposed to be a time of "year" where there's cheer and spirit, most of which everyone seems to be lacking these days. Also, because of certain complications regarding people he knows as well as the problem with the serum, he might have also gotten into more of the space booze than he should have a few hours ago. ]

I know it's been a rough couple of weeks for all of us, but if you need company or someone to talk to, maybe even a drink... You can find me in a tent a few down from medical.

I think it's important we try to stick together a little longer. [ Uh, yeah... At least it isn't a video of a huge, rallying speech this time. ] Stay safe.

Comments

[abide]

Yeah. I still owe you, so the offer's open.

[ He means for her birthday (and everything else), but doesn't think to clarify. ]

[curiousnotmalicious]

Excellent. I've missed seeing you and there's nothing like sharing a drink with someone around the holidays.

[abide]

Me too. [ A pause, and: ] Got any plans for the rest of it?

[curiousnotmalicious]

Negative. Were I at home I'd go to Dyker Heights and look at the Christmas lights. Ever see the decorations there?

[ A brief pause. ]

Anyway, here there's practically nothing to do. Unless you wouldn't mind having someone hang out around you...?

[abide]

Once or twice. [ He suddenly misses home with an abrupt tightness in his chest, and he's glad Dutch changes the subject quickly enough. ] I wouldn't mind seeing you. There's plenty in this bottle for both of us.

text to action.

[curiousnotmalicious]

It just so happens that I wouldn't mind seeing you, either! I'll be down there soon.

[ If this were a more normal situation and Dutch was visiting a friend at home, she'd bring cookies or something with her, but all she has are a few uncooked nettles and those won't even be edible until she prepares them, so Dutch sets out empty-handed to Steve's tent. She arrives with a smile on her face, though, and pokes her head inside. ]

Merry Christmas. Is it Christmas? I have a hard time telling what day it is these days.

[abide]

[ At least seeing Dutch makes him feel slightly better than a few other things, and he forces himself to leave the seat he's in to stand when she shows up. Steve's just a touch unsteady, but it's nothing she wouldn't immediately notice unless he moved around more than he is. He's smiling though, something careful and sweet. He didn't realize seeing her would leave him feeling this happy. ]

I think so. You can come in. [ A shrug, not really minding too much if they're a day or so off, and once she does, he offers her the bottle he'd been holding onto. ] Merry Christmas, Dutch. [ It's too bad they wouldn't be in New York to celebrate it though. ]

[curiousnotmalicious]

[ It really is a relief seeing Steve alive and smiling, so when Dutch steps inside she's grinning from ear to ear. It's the best Christmas present she could have received. Missed birthdays are forgotten. This is all she needs. ]

Merry Christmas! [ She grabs the bottle and takes a drink from it, raising her eyebrows. ] Oh, that's not too bad.

[ Space booze never fails to amaze her. Back on the Moira, back when there was still a bar, she used to experiment with the alcohol of other worlds. There would be drinks similar to vodka and tequila and whiskey that weren't quite those things that would mystify her. It was always worth experimenting.

She looks Steve in the eye, still smiling, and after a pause hands him back his bottle. ]

What do you want for Christmas, Steve?