“You’ve got so much crammed down your throat, I don’t know how people even enjoy themselves.” He was glad Rick shared his views, although he wasn’t surprised. Steve knew he and the Colonel had more in common then blond hair and blues eyes. He was tempted to ask how’d he’d been, but no one fared well after the gala. “I’m guessing you’re not dressing up for that carnival.”
“Hey… ‘least we don’t got any brats to put up with.” And that counted double, even triple, for Babysitter Rick Flag Jr. There had been a small sense of wonder when Rick first approached Steve at the gala–as haughty as Rick had come off, respect was there. Soldier to soldier. Now, that small ignorant idolization had been puffed out. He had so much on his mind, but he didn’t take it out on anyone except for himself. Per usual. “I’d rather step on a landmine. Honestly.” The Colonel still thought he was hilarious, deep down, and forced himself to chew off the corner of a very dry brownie.
“When I was a kid, Halloween was not this big a deal.” Steve brushed the fake cobweb off his shirt, shifting so his seat kept him away from the decorations on the table.
“Holidays attract a big fuss.” Rick had to agree, no longer the sentimental type when it came to such celebrations. Ever since Flag left the first world to spend years overseas, the public’s egocentric mindset grew more difficult to face and stomach. “It’s exhausting.”
“I don’t meant to pry. And I second that, Gotham’s got more trouble then every other city put together.” Growing up, he’d heard stories about how Gotham was even more of a dangerous place to live then his own New York. Seeing the place with his own two eyes confirmed the rumors. Flag had definitely encountered more of the seedy lowlifes then Steve. If he’d be assigned here back in his army days, he wasn’t sure he’d be handling things so well. “I’m sure the Joker and his gang love every new arrival. I just wish I could do more to help. You guys are up against a new kind of army.”
Rick breathed out a deep laugh towards such sentiment, “Tell me about it.” Once again, he hoped the bitterness didn’t carry through his words. In all honesty the very idea of Gotham city could instantly exhaust Richard. Had he not been so tied up and attached to those he worked beside, becoming stationed anywhere else in the world would be a welcomed change, but Rick always had his duty. He’d made an agreement and he would give nothing but a Flag’s best for the cause. “Did you really come all this way to help… or was it this cities protections” or lack thereof, “that drew you here?” The Colonel asked, curious. “Every enemy may look different, wear a mask, but war is war… and I am built to dominate opposition.” He spoke as a commanding officer who didn’t require powers or invulnerability to save the day.
“The place they’d be sending me isn’t big on jumpsuits.” Steve was pretty confident that he’d be held on The Raft, where the others had been detained. The man’s honesty was strangely refreshing while blunt and jarring. It wasn’t malicious - it was a simple fact. He smiled when the man thanked him, and offered a hand once Rick had finished his introduction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Colonel. I must also thank you for your service. Special Ops? You must have a heck of a lot going in Gotham between people like me and the villains running around.” He could tell by the way Rick carried himself he a storied past. The art of war had become more complicated, along with everything else in the world.
Rick peeked down at the hand offered, surprised, but didn’t hesitate to take hold of it in turn. The shake was firm but also friendly. This was Captain America, Rick was well aware of the mans strength so there was no need to test merits. It was refreshing to find Rogers capable of taking of small taunt. Anyone else might have thrown a tantrum, picked a fight, but this proved that Steve had a sense of maturity equal to the Colonels. One he could respect. “Pleasure’s all mine.” He replied, only to be conversational. A small chuckle escaped Rick, behind closed lips that angled in a lopsided grin, “Too much going in Gotham.” Rick could only hope he didn’t sound as bitter toward this fact as he felt. The Colonel remained vague. In all honestly, he wasn’t aware of how far Task Force X would reach into the Registration Act or the man hunt. He didn’t want any part of it… “The new arrivals have caused a stir, but… people around here find it entertaining.”
“I don’t think these kinds of suits are for me.” Steve fiddled with his tie, his eyes wandering around the room. It was a large risk being here with his team, and Steve couldn’t help but suspect at any moment the event would go sour. He gripped a glass of champagne that was unable to do anything for his nerves. Wayne’s endorsement of the DA seemed heartfelt; he didn’t trust he man himself. Not yet - it’d be foolish to trust anyone on their words.
“There are a number of folk who would rather see you in something more orange… with shackles.” The Colonel boldly replied, making uniform steps to the former Avengers side. It didn’t take a genius to notice Rogers was nervous… and he should be, though tonight Flag wasn’t the man he should worry about. Rick actually sympathized with the rebel. To suggest his good intention, the soldier revealed a smile and didn’t face this stranger outright but aligned their shoulders instead. Both arms tucked at his back, he impulsively set a trained gaze over the crowd, “Thank you for your service to our country, Captain.“ The words held weight, empathy a common civilian was unable to express as it wasn’t filled with regret or dread, but an austere sense of pride. “I am Colonel Rick Flag. United States Marine RECON.” Or Special Ops, in layman’s terms.
