I'm not sure if "impressive" is the right word, but let's just say it's not the sort of thing most people would survive.
[ Better words for it might have been "reckless," "self-sacrificial," "suicidal" — the list could go on. But Steve made the only choice that had really been available to him in that moment.
What he's doing now? He technically does have a choice. But he's sat by and let the military do whatever they want with tech that didn't even come from this world for too long.
The trip to Jaskier's office is a fruitful one, even if being stared at by a flock of birds in unison had been a little unnerving. Nonetheless, they sort out what needs to be done and eventually Jaskier produces a map for him, one that he delivers directly to his (and Sam's) room in the Sarstina.
Oh, and there's two birds also. ]
... So they'll just stick by me? Is there anything I have to do to get them to do their thing?
[ Even as Steve asks the question, his attention is mainly focused on the map. ]
Either way, this is perfect and gives me exactly what I need. [ He closes the distance between them to give Jaskier a solid clap on the shoulder. ] Thanks for your help, it's going to make a real difference.
[ He knows Jaskier keeps busy, but he still went out of his way. That means a lot. ]
[Gods, he must wonder if Steve knows how casually sexy he is, saying things like that.
Anyway, yes, there is a mission, and he has a job to do. A job which, despite Jaskier's flippancy about most topics, is one he takes very seriously. The birds alight on Jaskier's shoulder, then hop down over the map as they make their way across the table.]
They will. As long as you retain your ability to speak, they'll do what you wish to the best of their abilities. Though, if I'm honest, it does help to keep your commands short and sweet. They're only birds, after all.
[Unfortunate he cannot imbue his own genius to each of his creatures.
Jaskier stumbles forward from the clap. That. Oh. Ignore his heart fluttering, anyway -- Steve just has that energy about him. It's like receiving a compliment after years of your father neglecting your every success... not that he knows what that's like, or anything.] I'm honoured to help you. I just hope it goes well. The less advantage we can give Marlo for her future conquests, the better.
[ So verbal commands, as simple as possible to ensure a better chance of success. That makes sense. Even then, it's impressive what the birds are capable of, and Steve can only assume that came about via a lot of practice on Jaskier's part. ]
Exactly. I know that they're probably going to find a way to rebuild and redevelop whatever tech they want to use, but... well, it's better than nothing.
[ And quite a few Summoned have stepped up to help on top of that. ]
Thanks again, Jaskier. [ Steve nods firmly. ] With any luck, I'll see you on the other side — and I'll owe you a drink.
[ And even more than that, but he gets the feeling Jaskier would deny anything else. ]
It's far better than nothing. Every step we can push them back is our chance to get ahead.
[Unfortunately, it isn't every Summoned's priority to keep this technology out of Marlo's hand, but there's nothing they can do about that. They can only do what is possible for them. And though he's only seen Steve in one true fight, blast the odds, he believe he can do this.
It's why he's offering what he can. Hoping Steve finds the people in the field he knows will help him with this job.
Jaskier rises up to give him a quick hug around his shoulders, if it's accepted. Not for reasons of feeling up his arms or pecs (which would usually be the case), but because he's honestly worried for him. He doesn't know him as well as Geralt, isn't sure what he can or can get out of. Their friendship is a surface-level one for the most part; only because Jaskier understands Steve has much more in common with people like Dean and Geralt than himself.
Still. He can recognize a good heart. One that they need around.] I'll take you up on that. So make sure you come back in one piece, Steve.
[ Steve nods firmly at that sentiment. Jaskier's right, and that's a mantra that Steve's lived by for as long as he can remember. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Saving one life is better than saving none, even if others are lost. Even if it's impossible to save everyone.
He isn't expecting the hug, though, especially when it comes across as so genuine — with Jaskier's arms wrapping tight around him as he briefly squeezes. Like some sort of good luck farewell before he heads out.
Steve returns the hug, but doesn't hold it for long before he draws back, studying Jaskier's face for a few seconds as he shakes his head. ]
Worried about me? You don't need to be. I'll come back in one piece, promise. [ He knocks his fist against his own chest, and after thanking Jaskier for his help one more time, takes his leave. ]
no subject
[ Better words for it might have been "reckless," "self-sacrificial," "suicidal" — the list could go on. But Steve made the only choice that had really been available to him in that moment.
What he's doing now? He technically does have a choice. But he's sat by and let the military do whatever they want with tech that didn't even come from this world for too long.
The trip to Jaskier's office is a fruitful one, even if being stared at by a flock of birds in unison had been a little unnerving. Nonetheless, they sort out what needs to be done and eventually Jaskier produces a map for him, one that he delivers directly to his (and Sam's) room in the Sarstina.
Oh, and there's two birds also. ]
... So they'll just stick by me? Is there anything I have to do to get them to do their thing?
[ Even as Steve asks the question, his attention is mainly focused on the map. ]
Either way, this is perfect and gives me exactly what I need. [ He closes the distance between them to give Jaskier a solid clap on the shoulder. ] Thanks for your help, it's going to make a real difference.
[ He knows Jaskier keeps busy, but he still went out of his way. That means a lot. ]
no subject
Anyway, yes, there is a mission, and he has a job to do. A job which, despite Jaskier's flippancy about most topics, is one he takes very seriously. The birds alight on Jaskier's shoulder, then hop down over the map as they make their way across the table.]
They will. As long as you retain your ability to speak, they'll do what you wish to the best of their abilities. Though, if I'm honest, it does help to keep your commands short and sweet. They're only birds, after all.
[Unfortunate he cannot imbue his own genius to each of his creatures.
Jaskier stumbles forward from the clap. That. Oh. Ignore his heart fluttering, anyway -- Steve just has that energy about him. It's like receiving a compliment after years of your father neglecting your every success... not that he knows what that's like, or anything.] I'm honoured to help you. I just hope it goes well. The less advantage we can give Marlo for her future conquests, the better.
no subject
Exactly. I know that they're probably going to find a way to rebuild and redevelop whatever tech they want to use, but... well, it's better than nothing.
[ And quite a few Summoned have stepped up to help on top of that. ]
Thanks again, Jaskier. [ Steve nods firmly. ] With any luck, I'll see you on the other side — and I'll owe you a drink.
[ And even more than that, but he gets the feeling Jaskier would deny anything else. ]
🎀?
[Unfortunately, it isn't every Summoned's priority to keep this technology out of Marlo's hand, but there's nothing they can do about that. They can only do what is possible for them. And though he's only seen Steve in one true fight, blast the odds, he believe he can do this.
It's why he's offering what he can. Hoping Steve finds the people in the field he knows will help him with this job.
Jaskier rises up to give him a quick hug around his shoulders, if it's accepted. Not for reasons of feeling up his arms or pecs (which would usually be the case), but because he's honestly worried for him. He doesn't know him as well as Geralt, isn't sure what he can or can get out of. Their friendship is a surface-level one for the most part; only because Jaskier understands Steve has much more in common with people like Dean and Geralt than himself.
Still. He can recognize a good heart. One that they need around.] I'll take you up on that. So make sure you come back in one piece, Steve.
🎀!
He isn't expecting the hug, though, especially when it comes across as so genuine — with Jaskier's arms wrapping tight around him as he briefly squeezes. Like some sort of good luck farewell before he heads out.
Steve returns the hug, but doesn't hold it for long before he draws back, studying Jaskier's face for a few seconds as he shakes his head. ]
Worried about me? You don't need to be. I'll come back in one piece, promise. [ He knocks his fist against his own chest, and after thanking Jaskier for his help one more time, takes his leave. ]