RL-Proof that Nick Fury has a heart

[the_right_push]

[Fury lightly tapped a finger on his desk as he stared at the open files on his screens. Specifically the files pertaining to Steve Roger's plane going down and the unsuccessful attempts at locating him. He'd read the files many times through the past few years, especially with the advancement of the Frostbite project, but they read differently now. Having spoken with Captain Rogers and now knowing the man - not just the file - he could read between the lines. Howard Stark's desperate search even after all hope was lost. The pieces of Peggy and Steve's call that had been left out of the report. The enormous loss felt by everyone involved.

It made him even more determined to find that plane, and the man inside. Given Steve's anatomy it was entirely feasible that he could still be alive, in stasis under the ice. If that was the case he would bring back Captain America - something no one thought was possible.

Well... almost no one.

His mind drifted to Agent Coulson. The man had an almost unhealthy obsession with Cap, though it wasn't completely unfounded. He knew how desperately he had wanted the most recent plane they'd unearthed to be the one. Steve's loss had to be felt even stronger now that he knew the man personally.

He closed the files, the screens falling dark as he leaned over and pulled open the lowest desk drawer. He tapped his earpiece]

Agent Coulson. My office.

[He pulled two glasses from the drawer and set them on his desk as he waited for the man to arrive]

Comments

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Yeah. One event. [He echoes lowly. Really, the thing with Captain Rogers was... well, awful really. Which was why he was holding out a lot of hope that they'd find him. What state they found him in, well...]

The worst part, I think, was knowing that it was coming.

[the_right_push]

[He pulls a bottle of scotch out of the drawer, opening it and pouring some into the glasses]

I agree. Knowing it happens is one thing, but speaking to the man as it does is an entirely different story.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

[Coulson watches the glasses fill like it's absolutely fascinating. He does lift his gaze when Fury speaks once more.]

It made it a lot more real than just the file, yes.

There was a girl, a few weeks back, on the network, who wanted to organize an effort to save him -- not knowing what actually happened, just that history lost track of him after a mission. I told her it couldn't be done.

[He's got some guilt, man. For withholding what he knew. Even if it was the way things had to be.]

[the_right_push]

[He sighs, finishing his pour and setting the bottle down. He doesn't even bother to replace the cap, having a feeling that more than one drink will be in order tonight. He has his own guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. Heavier than it should. There's nothing that could have been done on anyone's end... but that did little to alleviate anything.]

It's easier to remove yourself from words and pictures in a file - something that's already happened. It's impossible to reverse past events, all we can do is reconcile them in the present.

[He picks up his glass, tilting it and watching the liquid swirling along the bottom for a moment.]

I promised him we would find him. I intend to keep that promise.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

[Coulson won't argue with a drink. Nope. In fact, he takes the glass and looks at it for a moment. He glances up at Fury.]

I suppose there's that. I never expected to witness it happen. History seems a lot less distant now.

[But he knows Fury is right. There's nothing they could do. He just hopes that when they find him there's... something to be done besides just give him a proper burial.]

Good. I think Captain Rogers deserves it.

[the_right_push]

[He nods slowly.]

There are a great many things we never would have witnessed if not for this community. In many ways it's both a blessing and a curse. Though I'm inclined to feel it's more the latter.

[He takes a sip of the alcohol, looking up at Coulson with a small smirk]

Like I told you, Coulson. We'll find your favorite action figure.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Maybe so. It's here now though. No forgetting that.

[He won't argue about the curse designation. Nope, it certainly can be. He sips at his own drink, glancing back up at the eye-patched man.]

I appreciate it, sir.

[the_right_push]

This is true. And I'm still working on turning that fact to our advantage.

[He gives him a nod, downing the rest of his drink and setting the glass down. He leans back in his seat and sighs softly]

I must say that things have certainly gotten a lot more interesting around here even without the community.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Interesting is a good word for it. Things are picking up. It's like the moon's gone full or something. [Brings out all the Norse gods, killer mechanical suits, serum-modified men.]

[the_right_push]

Brings all sorts of people out of the woodwork, doesn't it? [He quirks an eyebrow, smirking at the man]

[notmyfirstrodeo]

That it does. [A shake of his head.] It's pretty impressive. Almost.

Makes me wonder if this is a trend.

[the_right_push]

I'd be concerned if it were. We've almost got more than we can handle as it is.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Almost. But we can handle it, sir. And we'll handle whatever else we have to, too. [He hopes. Or die trying anyway.]

[the_right_push]

[The corners of his lips quirk in a slight smile]

Thank you for that vote of confidence, Coulson. Now if we can only pass some of that enthusiasm on to everyone else. [cough cough Natasha and Barton]