Chapter 567 - Doctor Rogers (2/2)
”Steve. Just Steve,” The blonde man chuckled, ”I am not entering another war without even knowing the time I'm in. I've seen plenty of soldiers driven by belief and not knowledge. I was one of them, until I got the opportunity to look at things from a higher position. Monsters, enhanced humans... Director, this organization may as well be the cause of war in the near future so take care of the place before it actually happens.” Steve smiled and pointed at one of the agents, ”Son, lead me out of here.”
Before the agent could comply, he looked at Nick who nodded without giving much thought. The S.H.I.E.L.D already had enough manpower to keep an eye on the captain and keep other agent organizations away. Not to mention that Captain barely held trust to an unknown organization and only showed a decorum of respect out of the information he had received. ”By the way? What's this Sin stuff you were talking about? Leather bondage?” Captain looked back and inquired with a curious expression, ”I almost got stuck in one of 'those' clubs if you know what I mean,” the man clicked his tongue, making Nick sigh and suggest the captain, ”Let the agent stay with you. He can help you familiarise with the—”
”No need for that,” Steve shook his head, ”Let me get the groove back myself. Been a long time since I took a walk. What did you say, seven decades?”
”A little more,” Nick stated as Steve nodded, ”Right... yeah, I'll get stuff done myself.”
With that said, Captain was led by the agent and instantly, Steve's attention was attracted by the street full of people! Full! Everyone busy, vehicles filling the roads, tall, gigantic buildings with animations on their surfaces, and yet everything gave him a sense of order and peace. ”Woah...” Steve muttered under his breath as the short-haired agent looked at Steve Rogers with a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt. However, the amus.e.m.e.nt soon turned into annoyance as Steve stopped for the umpteenth time. At a stall, to be precise. With a wide smile, Steve greeted the young seller, ”Hello there. Um, I would like lunch.” Steve waited for the man to process his words before the stall owner rolled his eyes, ”Three Special Roofy Tacos coming right up! That'll by 7, pal.” The young man began preparing as the agent walked up and took out his wallet only for Steve to shake his head. ”Say, you seem awfully... tired. Do you want my help? In exchange for... lunch.” The seller took a deep breath and gazed at the agent, ”He on drugs, bro? I need cash for food, bro! No jokes, man! My family's— Whatever! Just take your 'lunch' and pay up.”
”Listen to him, Captain. You—”
”Son,” Steve leaned forward, his expression completely serious. ”I just came out of a war and I know the look when I see another stuck in a war. Let me—”
Without allowing Steve to finish, the young seller gritted his teeth and took out a handgun from his back, shouting, ”Hey! I said stay out of it! I don't need anyone's help! Just leave me be!” His expression vicious while the Agent's hands already trailed behind his belt, slowly reaching out for his own weapon when suddenly, Steve reached out for the gun in the boy's hand with am amazing flick of his wrist and took it from his hand, throwing it towards the agent before punching the man squarely in his face, sending him flying back and blooded. But it wasn't over. By grabbing the young man's arms, Steve pulled the boy back up and smiled. ”What's your name?”
”Paul!” The boy instantly stuttered, blood leaking from his nose, ”I am Steve,” Captain continued, ”And I want to help you. I have nothing else to do. And by helping you, I have a selfish motivation to learn more. Say, why don't we help each other out?” Steve grinned, ”I promise, I'll help your family. See that guy,” pointing at the agent, Steve chuckled, ”I want to leave his protection. And his annoying mocking stare. You are more genuine, Paul.”
Gulping, Paul finally nodded slowly as Steve let go of the boy, ”And one lunch, please. Wait, lunch is now called Tacos?” He inquired with a frown as Paul hurriedly prepared the meal and looked at Steve weirdly. ”See?” Gazing back at the agent, Steve smiled with a casual expression, ”I am well without your... 'lead' so, please leave me alone.” Hearing him, the agent spoke up. ”Captain, no offense. But if you are going to entangle with what seems like street gangs, I can't let you—”
”I am not entangling with anything.” Steve gave his back to the agent, ”I am helping Paul and find my own life here. I don't require someone's planned life for the remainder of my life... I am no longer a soldier. So, leave. This is the last time I am asking.”
As the agent thought for a minute before taking out a communicator and contacting his superiors, Steve looked at Paul while he handed Steve a disposal with three tacos, ”Is there a place to workout? I haven't moved in a long time... feel a little numb?”
”A gym? Yeah, we got one at our place. But... you will help me, right? There will be guns involved,” Paul stated, making Steve chuckle, ”Oh, I know. Now... how do we eat this?” Steve inquired, making Paul's expression bleak. Suddenly, Paul looked behind Steve's shoulders and pulled a confused expression. ”Hey, man, where's your pal?”
”Pal?” Looking behind, Steve muttered, ”Oh, you mean the Agent? I don't know. Maybe he left for good. I hardly doubt it though... some people are just too stubborn. Anyway, talk to me. What's going on with your family?”
”Cartel's up our asses, that's what going on!” Paul mumbled, ”And your pal just stole my gun...”
”Alright... I didn't understand a single thing. Is something shoved up your ass? Don't you need to see a doctor?” Steve munched on the taco while Paul took a deep breath, ”Ugh... maybe this is my last f.u.c.k up after all. Damn, horoscopes really got accurate these times...”