twelve tests | dictated

[valuedstrength]

[He's been putting this off as long as he can for a lot of reasons. When Steve wakes up the morning back at the castle, heads back to the apartment where there's still no sign of Jo or the dogs, he knows he has to stop making excuses for how he keeps missing her. A quick check at the castle for a nameplate confirms what he already knows. She's gone. He has to deal with that.]

... Jo Harvelle's left the castle. If you know her, you know we're worse off without her. She was.. She is a great woman who cares about all of us. I feel really fortunate that I got a chance to know her. I'm sure you do too.

[There's a long pause.] I'm going to take care of the Gallery in her place. If you're involved in that, I'd appreciate it if you contact me and we'll work something out.

[Filtered to anyone who knew Pepper Potts and Tony Stark]

I noticed they're gone too so I thought I'd say something in case you're waiting to hear from them. ... I don't have as much to say about that as I'd like. We didn't know each other for very long, but they're good people. I hope they're happy together back at home.

Comments

[valuedstrength]

[He really shouldn't be surprised someone is stopping by to check in after that message yet he was. Steve had been prepared to field questions, concerns, etc. over the journal, but not so much in person. Since he wouldn't dream of turning her away, he'll have to see how this goes.

After the initial shock passes, he shakes his head, trying hard to seem fine; like it's any other day in the castle.]

... No. I'm... I don't need anything.

[msattentionspan]

[Faith lifted her chin, a crooked smile nearly making it to her features.]

Good, 'cause I didn't really bring anything. [Still, she doesn't wait for him to ask, because she's not sure she needs to be invited. She just walks past him and glances around.]

You got any food?

[valuedstrength]

[He turns and watches her go for a moment before deciding it's better just to go along with this. Steve shuts the door and walks in after Faith.]

Plenty. Can I make you something?

[msattentionspan]

Yeah. I mean, if you don't mind. [She won't say so, but she's pretty much always starving.]

[valuedstrength]

I don't mind. [It's a welcome distraction. Excuse him while he heads for the stove.]

What are you in the mood for? Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Macaroni and Cheese? The sandwich is probably faster.

[msattentionspan]

[Don't say both. Don't say both.]

Yeah, that's good. I mean, whatever you have time for.

[valuedstrength]

[He'll be working on some grilled cheese sandwiches then.] Take a seat. I'll try to have these done for you as soon as I can.

[msattentionspan]

Alright. [She doesn't take a seat though, instead she moves to the kitchen to sit on the counter and watch him.]

Lotta people talk to you today?