[England is courteous enough not to contact Peggy too early in the morning, but it's still most certainly morning when he sends her a video message, posture straight but expression a little nervous despite his best efforts.]
Good morning. Of course, I'm sure you're aware that it seems to be Christmas here in Norfinbury. [He frowns a little.] Not a Christmas I'd wish on anyone, but regardless, I thought— well, I thought it would be nice to message you.
[He clears his throat and tries to muster up some more composure.] Merry Christmas. Please, do tell me if there's ever anything I can do for you.
[Peggy has spent the morning in Steve's arms, dancing and just enjoying each other's company, soaking it all up in the surprisingly agreeable morning. Then, she'd gotten her tablet, and saw a message from Arthur.
The message makes her smile, and she replies with a video, giving him a lot at how she made an effort today, her hair done as much as could be, her lipstick on.]
Good morning, Arthur. Merry Christmas to you too - it's nice to hear from you. How have you been?
[A hint of a smile appears on England's face when he sees Peggy. She looks lovely, of course, and he can see the effort she's put into her appearance today; not that he would think she looked bad otherwise, of course.]
I've been... [Well. Actually, the past few days have been more stressful than usual, considering the Joker thing. England's expression falls a little before he manages a wry answer.] Well, I'm alive. Can't complain, I suppose.
And you? You're all right, I hope? [He would hope so, since she answered his message, but after the incident with Beckett, England can't help the strain of genuine worry that creeps into his question.]
Have you found your friends back since the reshuffle?
[It's been quite a mess for a lot of people, after all. A lot of people separated and struggling to find their way back. Everyone should be with loved one on Christmas day.]
I'm fine. I'm with Steve, and I'm learning more about this place every single day, and I'm getting better at dealing with everything it's dishing out. Things could be a lot, lot worse.
[England's expression falls into a bit of a grimace at her question.] ...not exactly. America is downtown, and he— he got rather caught up in that Joker business.
[Which explains his evasive answer just a moment ago. But he's quick to continue talking so that she doesn't worry too much for either of them, the strain in his face lightening as he presses on.] He's all right, though. And so are you! Which is excellent to hear. Though not surprising, of course; I had faith you would adjust.
Oh - that was dreary. I'm glad he's okay, though. I hope you two find your way back to one another soon. Are you alone? I wouldn't recommend that. If you are, maybe Steve and I could find you, do a bit of travelling together. [Peggy gives Arthur a soft smile, guessing that he's not really willing to go exploring his own feelings right now. Or ever. A true Brit.
She wants to offer her ear and shoulder if he does ever feel like talking, but she doesn't want Arthur to feel uncomfortable.]
It's still a very, very strange experience, to be here. I'm still not quite sure how it all panned out that I'm here, and - Steve is here.
[The idea of spending time with Peggy and Steve (though mostly Peggy, admittedly) brings that tentative smile back to his face. He's very good at being alone by this point in his long life, but it is very kind of her to consider his loneliness and offer her company.]
It's all right. I'm with Ginger. But I'm sure she'd be happy to have the extra company, if it ever so happens that we're near one another.
[He wouldn't want them to go out of their way, as busy as Steve always is around this place. If it's convenient, though, he'd be happy to meet up with them.
There's interest in his eyes as he continues.] I take it there's some complicated history there. [It's just a remark; dry understatement, as would be expected of a true Brit. He'd like to know what's going on between her and Steve, but he's not going to pressure her to explain.]
[Peggy tries to compose herself. She's not over the past few days, the past week overall, a nightmare after the other, overwhelming.]
I'm okay. Dehydrated, exhausted, and hungry, but all right. Seems like the sickness has receded.
[Looking over to where Steve sits, Peggy curls herself around her tablet some more, looking down at it as she records her message.]
Steve still doesn't remember me. Have you and your friend found each other again? You must have, it's been a while. I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch much.
[England wanted to do his best to hide some of his own burden, but it doesn't feel right when Peggy seems so exposed. He switches to video, and though the symptoms have subsided, their toll is clear in his sickly pale skin and the dark bags beneath his eyes. Still, he looks at his tablet resolutely, with definite concern in his expression.]
I'm so sorry. About Steve. I know there's very little I could possibly do to ease such a burden, but— if there's anything at all, I'll do it.
[He tries to imagine a world where America died and then woke up missing all of his memories of England, and his heart aches at the thought of what Peggy is going through. He can't help but avert his gaze a little — embarrassment, perhaps? — when Peggy inquires after America.] And don't you worry about that. We've all been busy. I found America about a fortnight ago, so there's no need to fret.
[Peggy gives a soft smile to the camera when Arthur appears on the screen, resisting reaching out and brushing her fingers against the tablet. It's good, to see people, alive and still a little green at the gills, but. Doing better. They've all been separated for days, and the feeling of loss is staying with her.]
Oh, no, there's nothing to be done. [She tries to keep a cheerful tone, but the undercurrent of anxiety underneath is quite audible.] I'm sure it will be okay. He just needs some time.
[The colour rising on Arthur's cheeks makes Peggy smile a little more, a little bigger.] I'm glad. I'm glad you're both alive, and hopefully on the mend after the last few days. It's been difficult, but at least, looks like the worst is past us now.
Where are you, in town? We've been in the hospital for days, and I imagine we should be moving soon.
[It's later in the evening when he contacts Peggy, but he expects she'll be awake.]
Ms. Carter? It's John... I've just spoken with @username. He let me know about Captain Rogers. I'm so sorry.
Can you tell me where you are? I have to deliver some food to the people searching Kesara's tunnel, but I'd really like to come meet up with you after that, if it's all right.
[Peggy hasn't been sleeping very much. The cough that's been plaguing her for days seems to get worse with every passing moment, even if it's not the reason why she only very reluctantly closes her eyes to try and sleep.
She doesn't want to see Steve's dying, all over again. In three different ways.
Still, Doctor Watson's voice is reassuring. Reminding her that some people are still alive. She's not too pleased that Sgt Barnes felt the need to force someone to...take care of her, but she appreciates that he cares. That they both do.]
Thank you, Doctor. [Her voice is raspy, raw from underuse and her cough.]
I'm in the ice tunnels. I've been spending most nights in the hospital. I'm all right.
[She'd offer for him to join her for a cuppa, but Steve had been the one carrying the tea. As it is, she feels like she should maybe try to get to Sgt Barnes - even if he doesn't want her to - but the idea of Dr Watson's company is also a nice one.]
Halfway would be good. I'm dropping off food, so we'll need to resupply again at the school. How are you on rations? Could meet around the school area.
Also, don't stay in the hospital for too many nights in a row. Cabin fever, yeah?
[Peggy won't admit it, especially not to a doctor, but she's not been eating much. She keeps on telling herself rationing is necessary anyway, but it's a lie; she's just not been hungry. No appetite when all she could think of was death, death, more death. It'd been this way at the beginning of the war, too.
Still, she might not have been eating much, but she'd still been eating, and Steve had most of the extra rations. She's running low.]
The school sounds good, I do need more food.
And I've been alternating, between the hospital and the pharmacy. I've just found it hard to...move on.
[Peggy doesn't want to have hope anymore. He came back once, and he wasn't the man she knew and loved. What if he comes back again, and it's even worse? What if he doesn't come back?
It's a stupid question to ask, she knows what John will say. Reassurances. Nobody can know if Steve will come back.]
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timeasmymeasure
@SceptredIsle; video; morning 104
Date: 2016-04-08 11:28 pm (UTC)Good morning. Of course, I'm sure you're aware that it seems to be Christmas here in Norfinbury. [He frowns a little.] Not a Christmas I'd wish on anyone, but regardless, I thought— well, I thought it would be nice to message you.
[He clears his throat and tries to muster up some more composure.] Merry Christmas. Please, do tell me if there's ever anything I can do for you.
no subject
Date: 2016-04-13 07:43 pm (UTC)The message makes her smile, and she replies with a video, giving him a lot at how she made an effort today, her hair done as much as could be, her lipstick on.]
Good morning, Arthur. Merry Christmas to you too - it's nice to hear from you. How have you been?
no subject
Date: 2016-04-23 05:27 pm (UTC)I've been... [Well. Actually, the past few days have been more stressful than usual, considering the Joker thing. England's expression falls a little before he manages a wry answer.] Well, I'm alive. Can't complain, I suppose.
And you? You're all right, I hope? [He would hope so, since she answered his message, but after the incident with Beckett, England can't help the strain of genuine worry that creeps into his question.]
no subject
Date: 2016-04-24 05:49 pm (UTC)[It's been quite a mess for a lot of people, after all. A lot of people separated and struggling to find their way back. Everyone should be with loved one on Christmas day.]
I'm fine. I'm with Steve, and I'm learning more about this place every single day, and I'm getting better at dealing with everything it's dishing out. Things could be a lot, lot worse.
no subject
Date: 2016-05-03 02:55 am (UTC)[Which explains his evasive answer just a moment ago. But he's quick to continue talking so that she doesn't worry too much for either of them, the strain in his face lightening as he presses on.] He's all right, though. And so are you! Which is excellent to hear. Though not surprising, of course; I had faith you would adjust.
no subject
Date: 2016-05-03 12:53 pm (UTC)She wants to offer her ear and shoulder if he does ever feel like talking, but she doesn't want Arthur to feel uncomfortable.]
It's still a very, very strange experience, to be here. I'm still not quite sure how it all panned out that I'm here, and - Steve is here.
no subject
Date: 2016-05-10 12:13 am (UTC)It's all right. I'm with Ginger. But I'm sure she'd be happy to have the extra company, if it ever so happens that we're near one another.
[He wouldn't want them to go out of their way, as busy as Steve always is around this place. If it's convenient, though, he'd be happy to meet up with them.
There's interest in his eyes as he continues.] I take it there's some complicated history there. [It's just a remark; dry understatement, as would be expected of a true Brit. He'd like to know what's going on between her and Steve, but he's not going to pressure her to explain.]
@SceptredIsle; voice; day 130
Date: 2016-06-23 10:15 pm (UTC)Good morning. I— I wanted to ask how you were doing. It's— I know...
[Well. He'd seen that whole thing about Steve, just a bit too late to be of any help.]
...the past week or so has been horrid. So— if you could inform me as to your status, I would appreciate it. And let me know if you need anything.
@besame; video
Date: 2016-06-24 11:43 am (UTC)[Peggy tries to compose herself. She's not over the past few days, the past week overall, a nightmare after the other, overwhelming.]
I'm okay. Dehydrated, exhausted, and hungry, but all right. Seems like the sickness has receded.
[Looking over to where Steve sits, Peggy curls herself around her tablet some more, looking down at it as she records her message.]
Steve still doesn't remember me. Have you and your friend found each other again? You must have, it's been a while. I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch much.
video
Date: 2016-06-29 02:40 pm (UTC)I'm so sorry. About Steve. I know there's very little I could possibly do to ease such a burden, but— if there's anything at all, I'll do it.
[He tries to imagine a world where America died and then woke up missing all of his memories of England, and his heart aches at the thought of what Peggy is going through. He can't help but avert his gaze a little — embarrassment, perhaps? — when Peggy inquires after America.] And don't you worry about that. We've all been busy. I found America about a fortnight ago, so there's no need to fret.
no subject
Date: 2016-06-30 08:52 pm (UTC)Oh, no, there's nothing to be done. [She tries to keep a cheerful tone, but the undercurrent of anxiety underneath is quite audible.] I'm sure it will be okay. He just needs some time.
[The colour rising on Arthur's cheeks makes Peggy smile a little more, a little bigger.] I'm glad. I'm glad you're both alive, and hopefully on the mend after the last few days. It's been difficult, but at least, looks like the worst is past us now.
Where are you, in town? We've been in the hospital for days, and I imagine we should be moving soon.
@jwatson; audio; Day 135
Date: 2016-07-11 01:29 am (UTC)Ms. Carter? It's John... I've just spoken with @username. He let me know about Captain Rogers. I'm so sorry.
Can you tell me where you are? I have to deliver some food to the people searching Kesara's tunnel, but I'd really like to come meet up with you after that, if it's all right.
Re: @jwatson; audio; Day 135
Date: 2016-07-15 09:12 am (UTC)@besame; video
Date: 2016-07-17 11:08 am (UTC)She doesn't want to see Steve's dying, all over again. In three different ways.
Still, Doctor Watson's voice is reassuring. Reminding her that some people are still alive. She's not too pleased that Sgt Barnes felt the need to force someone to...take care of her, but she appreciates that he cares. That they both do.]
Thank you, Doctor. [Her voice is raspy, raw from underuse and her cough.]
I'm in the ice tunnels. I've been spending most nights in the hospital. I'm all right.
[She'd offer for him to join her for a cuppa, but Steve had been the one carrying the tea. As it is, she feels like she should maybe try to get to Sgt Barnes - even if he doesn't want her to - but the idea of Dr Watson's company is also a nice one.]
I don't mind meeting you halfway, if you wish?
no subject
Date: 2016-07-20 02:15 am (UTC)Also, don't stay in the hospital for too many nights in a row. Cabin fever, yeah?
no subject
Date: 2016-07-20 10:45 am (UTC)Still, she might not have been eating much, but she'd still been eating, and Steve had most of the extra rations. She's running low.]
The school sounds good, I do need more food.
And I've been alternating, between the hospital and the pharmacy. I've just found it hard to...move on.
[Yeah. That.]
no subject
Date: 2016-07-22 01:07 am (UTC)I understand. Might help to move north for a spell. Stretch your legs a little more. When he comes back, we can pop right down to him again.
[And it's a 'when' in John's mind, not an 'if.']
no subject
Date: 2016-07-22 09:31 am (UTC)[Peggy doesn't want to have hope anymore. He came back once, and he wasn't the man she knew and loved. What if he comes back again, and it's even worse? What if he doesn't come back?
It's a stupid question to ask, she knows what John will say. Reassurances. Nobody can know if Steve will come back.]