bakerstreet | green with envy.

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[warning] trigger warning

green with envy.

JEALOUSY

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Everyone feels jealous at one point or another, whether it's justified or not. What's important is how we deal with it... do we discuss it, fight about it, or plan epic revenge to carry out?

- Post with your character's name/series in the subject as well as any preferences.

- Others go to RNG and roll from 1-10, then respond!

- Play it out!

1 → wandering eye.

You think your lover has been looking at other's a little too often or flirting too much in your company. You can't keep quiet any longer about it.

2 → simple life

Your friend, family, or lover has always had it so much easier and you can't help but feel a little put off.

3 → don't you forget about me

Your friend or lover has found someone new they want to spend almost all their time with and you can't help but feel a little cheated.

4 → cheated

Forget just a sneaking suspicion. You've caught your lover in the act of cheating and it's driving you nuts. You have to confront them about it.

5 → for the glory

You did all the work, or at least you feel like you did, so why do they always get all the praise?

6 → moved on

You broke up or had a falling out with someone close to you and it's killing you to see how they've seemed to let go and you're stuck standing in place.

7 → because i want you

You're jealous of any attention they get because you're secretly in love with them. Time to make it known!

8 → always the favourite

Everyone always praises them or they were clearly the favourite child or just more popular with friends. You can't help but hate it.

9 → more experience

they're more experienced, either in the bedroom or in the office. Any activity, they outshine you. Who wouldn't feel a little inferior?

10 → your choice!

Didn't see something listed? Use your own idea!

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[Jealousy never looks good on anyone, and that's what Steve keeps telling himself.

He also tries not to sulk in the corner while Bruce is clearly deeply engaged in some important equation, or formula, or something impressively scientific. Though he can't help but wonder what it would be like to have that kind of intelligence.

He just isn't feeling useful right now, when soldiering isn't needed.]

[ The lab is always a distraction for Bruce; spending countless hours poring over notes and results, compiling data for the sheer pleasure of it, because he derives satisfaction and a sense of peace that comes with the amount of effort from it. Part of why he loves it in the first place, part of why he deliberately distances himself at times, as opposed to engaging everyone for conversation. He's seen first hand just how difficult it can be at times to maintain a sense of composure.

When Steve walks in, he barely notices, a pencil in one hand, idly tapping over paper (because it's been so long, and he misses the feel of it), attention on the screen to his left as he pores over equations for a missing link; the nth time of the day and Bruce could be accurate if he wanted to, but right now that doesn't matter. It's not until he turns back to the paper that he catches the familiar sight of the man's clothing and he looks up, eyes slightly wide with the realization that he's simply ignored him. ]

Captain. [ They might be done with the battle for now, but he hasn't quite forgotten how to address him. Setting the pencil down, he leans back against the chair, posture forgotten in favor of conversation he doesn't have to actively seek out. ] What can I do for you?

[Steve has the decency to look a bit sheepish. It's not anyone's fault when they're given a gift to work with. He's glad, really, that Banner elects to use his mind to continue helping everyone. He admires the other man.]

I'm not exactly sure if this is the kind of thing you have time for, I know you're busy. [But Steve is quite frankly too embarrassed to go to anyone else, and he thinks that Bruce is a likable guy, that hopefully won't judge him harshly. In terms of smarts, there is a little above average, and then there seems to be those people like Bruce and Tony. Do they know everything?]

I'm having a little trouble with this phone. [He sets the brand new, SHIELD issued piece of technological hassle on the table.]

[ Most people would laugh at Steve for this, and all things considered, maybe they should. It's the norm now to know how to use such things and his obliviousness would be mocked given how old he is, but Bruce enjoys it. At his core, beyond the obvious polite exterior, he's a teacher, the byproduct of far too many years in research, and moments like these he can't help but reach out and simply give the man what he's asking for. ] Doesn't mean I can't make time for a friend, [ He says warmly, reaching for the handheld device.

It's identical to his own, as SHIELD had given them out earlier in the day to simplify matters overall, and while Bruce had caught on quickly enough, he couldn't fault the Captain. Most people might mock him, Tony including, for electing to put his strengths to something like this, but at this point, he doesn't see the flaws in the question. Rationally speaking, it was to be expected and Bruce gestures over to the stool in front of him, motioning for Steve to take a seat. ]

They're complicated at first glance, but you're an intelligent man, Captain. You'll manage. Have you used a similar one before?

[Steve slides onto the stool, just because he's used to the longer limbs and muscles now, doesn't mean there aren't still moments when he feels like a small man again.]

I got the basic make of it, yes. [He can answer a call, and he can read a text, but his attempts at anything else have been somewhat poor in the execution.]

Is it true that these will signal where we are? [None of the Avengers had reason to like the idea that SHIELD could track their movements exactly, but in all honestly, that was probably the case all along. Steve just didn't want to make it easy for them.]

We'll work on that if you'd like. [ As far as he was concerned, answering texts and calls were about all he needed a phone for, at least the issued one; Tony had been more than generous enough to offer Bruce an entirely novel one of his own creation that he far preferred in private.

He's quiet for a while longer, going through Steve's own phone, distaste at his words quite evident. He was right, no one did enjoy having themselves tracked, Bruce least of all, knowing they actually had kept tabs on him before this went down. ] Unfortunately. [ The distaste is evident as he says the word, glancing up towards the other man. ] Easier to come find us again when they need us. [ Though it's not like the other agents of SHIELD were as capable as them, if he could be allowed a moment of pride. ]

Just hope there's no future alien invasion, and we'll be fine. [ Forcing himself to brush past the feelings of irritation, he points the phone back in Steve's direction. ] We can start by sending a text if you'd like. I noticed you've read yours, but never replied.

That'd be swell. [And unlike some that might say that with a jaded twist, Steve just honestly means it. An old fashioned smile curls at the corners of his mouth.]

Not the aliens, I mean. Undoing the tracking- [Steve makes a motion to the phone.] thing.

[Reluctantly picking the phone back up, he sighs before he nods.] Improved dexterity and hand coordination, but that doesn't seem to stop my thumbs from hitting three of these tiny buttons at a time.

Swell. [ He really does forget every so often, that Steve isn't from the present century, when the man uses slang that's so outdated Bruce has to do a double take. While he doesn't say anything this time, he does raise his eyebrows slightly, the barest indication that the man has said something he's caught off guard by. ]

The tracking signal?

[ Bruce shakes his head in the negative. He and Tony, at one point, had tried to dismantle it, mostly for their own sakes and need for privacy, but the process had failed spectacularly. ] We've tried to disable it, but Fury's managed to outdo both myself and Stark, [ Clarifying with a slight roll of his eyes, he gestures back at the device. ] tricked out the thing with the intention of trolling us.

[ Though he doesn't realize the phrasing might be confusing, Bruce rattles on, pausing only to fish out his own phone as a comparison. ] Yeah. I don't fault you though. Trick is to use your tips, rather than the entire thumb. Makes you slower, but less likely to accidentally turn on your ring tones.

[It might be petty, but it's almost nice to hear that the combined efforts of Bruce and Tony still couldn't accomplish something. Steve feels a twinge of guilt immediately for even thinking that.]

Oh, right. [He understands what was said, even if the words make little to no sense.

With Bruce's advice in mind, Steve attempts to answer one of the texts on his phone. His concentration is almost comical, as he attempts to spell things out fully and with proper grammar.]

[ Oh. He notes the mistake regardless, when Steve is quieter than usual and Bruce realizes he may have gone off tangent with his words. ]

It's nothing you need to worry about. We'll figure it out eventually. [ And by figure, he means Tony. Something Bruce intended on working on, but Tony was the tinkerer and gadget man; Bruce just did the research and forwarded to him. He learned his lesson last time about taking the lead and this was no exception.

Leaning forward, the amusement on his face at Steve doesn't disappear; it's the same sight he's seen back in India teaching some of the men how to adjust with the slight influx of technology they'd gain. The concentration justified, but still amusing nevertheless, and as Bruce looks down to catch the screen, the text earns a stifled round of laughter. ]

You might wanna take it easy there, Cap. It's not going to explode if you stop concentrating.

I'm not so sure about that, Dr. Banner. This is something SHIELD has given away, it could do anything. [Steve's sense of humor is a subtle thing, and sometimes easy to miss. Banner's help has done a great deal to restore it back to normal though.]

This one is from Thor, he wants to meet up for a 'night of glorious celebration'. [Yes, Thor does seem to be a better texter than Steve. It's embarrassing.]

I think he's brought friends with him.

[ He does note the sense of humor, though it it takes him a while, awkward as the situation is. Bruce is unaccustomed to holding a conversation that lasts more than five minutes and this one is already moving past that, allowing him to warm up to the other man tentatively. ]

Somehow I get the feeling you're worth more to SHIELD alive, rather than dead. [ Glancing back up at him, he raises an eyebrow, acknowledging the Steve's words. ]

Did he say what sort of friends? I think Tony might have encouraged him.

[Steve's smiles grows a little more.] I'm starting to realize that, yes.

[It takes him a little longer to go back through the texts he's already been sent by Thor. 'CAPTAIN OF AMERICA THIS B THOR ODINSON'

'a gathering is 2 take place!'

'join us for much feasting!']

I think he sent a picture, it looked like more Asgardians.

[ Watching Steve go through the texts from Thor has Bruce stifling a round of laughter. He figured Thor would seem far too excitable about the novel technology, eager as the god was to explore Earth - Midgard he had to remember, when it came to talking to Thor directly - but the curiosity that comes with being out of his element. Thor takes it in stride, and he notes now, that despite the years of disadvantage, Steve does as well. It's a position that at times, Bruce wonders if he'd be able to handle it as effectively as these two men have, the amount of patience and enthusiasm the others seem to carry despite being significantly behind men like him and Tony. ]

I suppose the better question is, do you want to go? [ If it was Tony, Bruce would have overwhelmingly said no, knowing what the man was capable of, but Thor seemed honest enough not to resort to any cheap tricks. ]

[There was something honest and simple about Thor's reactions to everything. When he was angry, he was angry and when he was glad he was unashamed to be glad. That was the kind of man Steve instinctively respected. It was easy to smile with fondness while looking at the texts.]

It's been quite a while since I've done a night on the town. How about you, doctor Banner? Are you in?

[He asks without any kind of pressure. Aware that the most likely answer will be a negative. Though Steve isn't just asking out of politeness either, he would like them all to be friends. Real friends.]

[ It was the same sort of respect that Bruce had for Thor as well; a man so in control of his emotions that he could only hope to reach that same level. Much like it was with Steve as well, for being so adjusted and in his own skin despite the numerous disadvantages.

Which is why Bruce finds his good ease faltering that moment, sobering up at the question asked. Everything about Bruce means he should say no, and he wants to say no, because group outings were never his cup of tea in the first place, populated and noisy as they were, when only the slightest thing could trigger him. He had much better control over The Other Guy, but it changed nothing with his own palpable anxieties in the first place.

Brushing a hand through his hair, he's slow to reply, hesitance obvious in his tone. ] I'm not so sure I'd fit in. [ For all of his isolation over the past few years, these were the first group of men to loo at him, without judgement or hatred of what he had done and what he was capable of. ] Food and company I can handle, but -- do you want me to come?

[Cap levels a glance at Banner.] I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you around.

[It could be dangerous, a city full of people and a twitchy scientist with a secret. Perhaps before the battle Steve wouldn't have thought it worth the risk to civilian lives. However, he hadn't known then, that the Hulk could be an ally as much as he could be a wrath of destruction.

Point being, Banner and the Hulk are a part of his squad now. The Avengers might not be many, but Steve is going to look out for them with everything.

That also means trusting his men to know their own limits, and letting them trust themselves.]

They'll get loud, but they're friendly. We could use a little more friendly.

[ Smiling, he pulled off his glasses, cleaning them at the edge of his shirt.

To say yes to something that would easily pose a threat to Bruce still had him anxious. It would have been simple to just pull away, withdraw from the rest of crowd like he was prone to do around unfamiliar territory, his own social awkwardness over the past year now even more pronounced.

Tony and the others, for all his own inabilities at fitting in, had realized he was reliable teammate and to disapprove of that now, when they had put their faith in him would mean Bruce would never be able to fully come out of the corner he had forced himself into. Sure he had control over the other guy, but to have control over himself was something he rarely allowed given his own lack of self confidence since the accident.

Finishing off the attempt at cleaning his glasses, he slowly puts them on, returning the same glance. It's easy to see his own anxieties at admitting such a thing, written across his face as he hesitates. ]

I think I can work with friendly. [ He offers a tentative smile and a slight nod. ] Think you can manage a text back to Thor and letting him know?

[The acceptance earns another slow and sincere smile from Steve.]

I'll give it a try. [Remembering Banner's advice, he is able to get this text out with only a minimal amount of frustration. Before long, Steve will be texting like a natural.]

...alright, I know where we're going to meet them. Anytime we want to show up seems okay by Thor.

[They don't have to stay long if Bruce starts feeling uncomfortable. Steve is just proud of the other man for choosing to do this. He understands how facing an evening of society can be more intimidating than defending the world, after all.]

[ He watches Steve return the text with a sense of pride; it had been so long since anyone had sought him out as a mentor that Bruce couldn't help but feel like that on its own was a momentous occasion, trivial as the matter was. ]

I look forward to it then. [ Anxious as he was to try to fit in, he wouldn't give this up for someone who had gone out of his way to try and seek his own assistance. The least Bruce could do in return was to work with him. ]

I figure this is one area you're more comfortable with than I am.

[ A small concession of his own faults as he laughs softly. Not that Bruce minds, but he'd rather make the evening more comfortable for the pair of them. ]

I think you might be surprised, but the truth is, I was never much for easygoing company and drinks.

[You don't get to be this old on years alone.] That was all going to change, after the war, but-

[Steve rolls his shoulders a little in a simple shrug. Pocketing the phone, he stands up from the seat he'd settled in.] I owe a dance to someone. It's about time that I fulfilled that promise.

[ Owes someone a dance. Though Bruce is fixated on Steve’s movements, his own thoughts carry back to Betsy, and the promises they could have fulfilled if he hadn’t chosen to run and avoid his own damages. He’s convinced now they’ll never make it together, what with how vulnerable he is in the first place, and that pessimism overrides near everything else.

Moving to stand as well, he gives a sobering nod before heading towards the door. ] You’re not the only one Cap, if it’s any reassurance there as well.

[ He couldn’t miss the irony of the situation, how despite near 70 years apart, the two of them still had enough similarities together, social interaction affected easily by their personality and the way they settled in; Bruce withdrawn because of his fears, Betsy lost to him because he couldn’t control himself, and Steve, bullied and then missing out on the girl he cared for because of a greater cause he couldn’t deny. ]

We can manage now, at least.

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green with envy.

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