[ That does calm him down visibly, and after sparing a moment to worry about Steve, he settles on smiling faintly. ]
To understand a little more on what he's been through and what you can do to help? I'm pretty sure we could find something in the library for that. Probably online, too, but I'll have to do a bit of research to vet any sources from the internet first.
Kinda wanna kiss the person that invented Copic markers.
[Even if he's only bought, like. Two. Because they're insanely expensive. He still feels a little guilty about the expenditure, honestly, even if he's put them to good use.]
Other than that it's... getting caught up, mostly. I've spent most of my time with my nose in a book.
They seem pretty great, yeah. I'm no artist, but my sister kind of is, and she loves those things.
[ Sam brightens. This he could definitely help out with more. ]
I hope you're not just reading stuff though. Some of the newer things you definitely have to learn about through experience. Like for example, the food.
Oh trust me, I've discovered Netflix and Thai food. In that order.
[So, so many marathons. Documentaries are his newest favourite thing.]
And I've been doing a lot of cooking, actually-- [he can't quite bring himself to go out for meals on a regular basis yet, it's so weird that that's a thing.] and while there've been a few disasters [which he and Bucky ate stoically regardless] it's been... interesting.
Sounds like you should take me on an Odyssey one of these days.
[A food odyssey. Only the best kind. His expression softens when Sam mentions his mother, and then the recipes. He's touched by the offer, because at least when and where he's from sharing, you know, family cuisine is sort of a Big Deal and more than one recipe has been taken to the grave. Steve still can't perfectly replicate whatever his Ma used to put in her stew.]
Food trip! [ And Sam's face comes alive because Sam's a foodie at heart. ] It'll be great, I know all these great places around here. When we're both free, we should see how many we can visit in a day.
[ And of course that smile gentles at the look on Steve's face, though he still puffs up proudly. ]
Chicken and waffles might still be a little ambitious since no one likes getting splattered in hot oil, but baked mac and cheese is a classic.
Oh-- I don't know about that, I don't have a big appetite.
[Honestly, he's still adjusting to the amount of food people have in the future. It feels weird to eat a meal when you're still mostly full from the last one. And he has to have some care with what he eats, too. Weak stomach.]
Well, I'm all ears. Or you could-- [um] Come over? If you want. And show me.
Well, I could always just pick one thing from each place that's a must try and bring those over as takeout. And leftovers are always great.
[ He's already taking note of what he'd possibly get for this that won't be too weird for Steve. Steamed dumplings from that Chinese place, maybe beef teriyaki for Japanese?
But he perks up at the invitation. ]
I can do that. Anything in particular you want to try out and learn?
It's a Southern thing, and a sweet-savory kind of combo.
If you're free now, I can pick up a few things from the grocery and come on over to show you how to make it. I'll even bring my waffle iron with me, unless you happen to have one over there somehow.
[ He blinks, a little confused by that before realization dawns on his face. Gently: ]
That's okay. We can always just keep some for him to try out when he gets back. And that's no dealbreaker for me. I mean, you and me are buddies, too, right?
[Are we? He almost asks, even opens his mouth to say it. His jaw clicks shut after a moment. Steve's spent most of his life with only one friend to his name, he knows damn well he's not... good at friendship, but. He likes Sam, he really does. He can't say that about a lot of other people.
So instead he just ducks his head in a bit of a nod.]
I-- yeah. Guess we are. I'll... see you in a while, then?
[ Don't think he didn't notice that hesitation, Steve. Sam does have to wonder what exactly he was about to say, but the moment passes. Nodding back, he grins. ]
I'll be over in about 20 minutes, half an hour tops. See you soon!
[ And when the message is over, he gets to work raiding his kitchen for stuff he can bring over. ]
fine he'll use video;
It's nothing bad. I was just-- wondering. If you had any recommendations on things I could. Read. To... help. Him.
[If the stuttered, halting speech didn't give it away, asking for help is really hard for him.]
sorry sam's just lazy and prefers video forever orz
To understand a little more on what he's been through and what you can do to help? I'm pretty sure we could find something in the library for that. Probably online, too, but I'll have to do a bit of research to vet any sources from the internet first.
gosh sam. gosh.
I'd really appreciate that, Sam.
[MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. And now--]
How've you been?
stop judging him, steve!!
[ Now that that particular crisis has been resolved, and Steve's relaxing a little, Sam's expression turns warmer now, less careful. ]
Pretty good. Things have been busier than usual lately at work, but I guess that's a good thing. July's still as adorable as ever. What about you?
he will judge what he wants!!
[Even if he's only bought, like. Two. Because they're insanely expensive. He still feels a little guilty about the expenditure, honestly, even if he's put them to good use.]
Other than that it's... getting caught up, mostly. I've spent most of my time with my nose in a book.
no subject
[ Sam brightens. This he could definitely help out with more. ]
I hope you're not just reading stuff though. Some of the newer things you definitely have to learn about through experience. Like for example, the food.
no subject
Oh trust me, I've discovered Netflix and Thai food. In that order.
[So, so many marathons. Documentaries are his newest favourite thing.]
And I've been doing a lot of cooking, actually-- [he can't quite bring himself to go out for meals on a regular basis yet, it's so weird that that's a thing.] and while there've been a few disasters [which he and Bucky ate stoically regardless] it's been... interesting.
no subject
[ Basically all the food. If Steve would let him, Sam would take him on a food tour one of these days.
Sam chuckles. He's all too aware of how learning how to cook goes, especially when you're a young guy just starting out. ]
I can give you a couple of my mom's recipes to try if you want, stuff that she started me out on when I was younger. They're tasty, but simple.
no subject
Sounds like you should take me on an Odyssey one of these days.
[A food odyssey. Only the best kind. His expression softens when Sam mentions his mother, and then the recipes. He's touched by the offer, because at least when and where he's from sharing, you know, family cuisine is sort of a Big Deal and more than one recipe has been taken to the grave. Steve still can't perfectly replicate whatever his Ma used to put in her stew.]
And-- yeah, actually. I'd really appreciate that.
no subject
[ And of course that smile gentles at the look on Steve's face, though he still puffs up proudly. ]
Chicken and waffles might still be a little ambitious since no one likes getting splattered in hot oil, but baked mac and cheese is a classic.
no subject
[Honestly, he's still adjusting to the amount of food people have in the future. It feels weird to eat a meal when you're still mostly full from the last one. And he has to have some care with what he eats, too. Weak stomach.]
Well, I'm all ears. Or you could-- [um] Come over? If you want. And show me.
no subject
[ He's already taking note of what he'd possibly get for this that won't be too weird for Steve. Steamed dumplings from that Chinese place, maybe beef teriyaki for Japanese?
But he perks up at the invitation. ]
I can do that. Anything in particular you want to try out and learn?
no subject
[weird?]
Intriguing.
no subject
If you're free now, I can pick up a few things from the grocery and come on over to show you how to make it. I'll even bring my waffle iron with me, unless you happen to have one over there somehow.
no subject
[A beat.]
Bucky's not here-- in case that's. A dealbreaker or something.
[He still thinks of Sam as being Bucky's Pal specifically, so. You know.]
no subject
[ He blinks, a little confused by that before realization dawns on his face. Gently: ]
That's okay. We can always just keep some for him to try out when he gets back. And that's no dealbreaker for me. I mean, you and me are buddies, too, right?
no subject
So instead he just ducks his head in a bit of a nod.]
I-- yeah. Guess we are. I'll... see you in a while, then?
no subject
I'll be over in about 20 minutes, half an hour tops. See you soon!
[ And when the message is over, he gets to work raiding his kitchen for stuff he can bring over. ]