OOM: Nick Fury

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

There are few things that make Steve's courage falter, but sitting outside Nick Fury's office, waiting for his assistant to let him in, makes Steve remember waiting outside Sister Mary Carmen's office while Bucky was scolded inside for whatever fight they'd gotten into this time. You'd think a fella would get used to something that happened at least twice a month, wouldn't you?

Steve amuses himself with naming all the presidents in the portraits that line the walls (still hard to believe that Ronald Reagan the actor was ever Ronald Reagan the president, but that's the modern world for you) when he notices that Fury's assistant is watching him. She glances away as quickly as he notices.

Hm.

He shrugs it off. Ever since the Chitauri invasion and all that's followed, Steve is recognized every day. At least he's not giving his address on national television. (Tony.)

He takes out his sketchbook to pass the time drawing. That's much better than twiddling his thumbs.

Comments

[the_man]

Fury's assistant glances at one of the screens on her desk, and then looks back at Steve.

"The Director will see you now, Captain. Go ahead in." She smiles brightly and gestures at the door to the inner office.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Thank you," says Steve, tucking his sketchbook back in his jacket, and he goes into Fury's office.

"Director Fury. Thanks for seeing me."

[the_man]

Fury looks up from the tablet in his hands, which he then locks and sets aside. He shuffles a few folders out of the way and appears to give Steve his full attention.

"Of course. Have a seat."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve sits in the indicated chair and folds his hands together.

Yup, still feeling like a schoolboy in trouble.

"I want to join SHIELD."

[the_man]

Fury leans back in his chair. He gives Steve the eye for a minute or two before replying.

"I'm not exactly in a position to tell you 'no'. Our roster could still use some shoring up. And I won't deny it'd be a coup for us to have you join. But I'm still gonna ask you why."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve back gets a little straighter.

"I love the Avengers. They're wonderful people and it's my privilege to know them. But we're not called upon very often, no matter what the need.

"And frankly, sir, I didn't enjoy being a publicity stunt the last time around.

"My job--my calling--is to help people, and that would be far better served with SHIELD than waiting around for the next supervillain to seek out the Avengers."

[the_man]

"Okay. There's definitely less call for publicity in my line of work. You want to sign on as an active field agent?"

He crosses his arms. "Or did you have something else in mind?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Active field agent sounds perfect. I never was too good beyond a desk."

[the_man]

"Then let me be the first to welcome you to S.H.I.E.L.D, Captain Rogers. And the first to give you some paperwork."

He pulls another tablet out of his desk, this one thin and clear, and obviously company issue. He makes a few selections, and then offers it to Steve. On the screen is indeed, paperwork. All the information that S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to know about new agents.

"Fill that out, take it down to Records. They'll give you some more forms for the Quartermaster. And then I want you to sign up for basic training. I've got a suspicion you're gonna test out of basic combat just fine, but we might still be able to teach you a thing or two. This way you can learn how we work from the inside."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve nods and picks up the tablet. "No problem.

"Is the fact that I was born in 1918 going to cause any problems with the records?"

[the_man]

"Not if they know what's good for them. We have stranger things than you on record.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve chuckles. "Can't wait to learn about those.

"I am planning to move to Washington from Brooklyn. When would be the best time to do that?"

[the_man]

"Whenever you like. If you plan to keep your Brooklyn apartment, let Records know. They can set up someone to collect mail, water plants for you, that sort of thing. Will you be bunking with us in Washington?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"No, I was hoping to find a place with my boyfriend."

[the_man]

"Congratulations, more forms for you to fill out. Let Records know the details when you have it figured out. They'll also give you the official policies, especially for classified information."

He leans forward, one hand on the desk.

"Working for S.H.I.E.L.D. means you're going to have to keep secrets from people. Even the Avengers, though that will likely be on a case by case basis. If you have a problem with it, come to me."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve smiles to himself. "I will. I'm not used to keeping secrets from him, but if it has to be done, it has to be done.

"The Avengers--we don't gossip much. The team doesn't even seem to like to ask for help when they need it."

[the_man]

Fury gives him a flat look. "It comes with the territory of thinking you have something to prove."

Which Steve knows nothing about, of course.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Of course.

"I can't imagine," Steve says--with the expression, as his ma would say, as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.

[the_man]

"Yeah. That's what I figured. Anything else, before I send you off to perplex the support staff?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Not at the moment, sir."

He adds, "Do you have any for me?"

[the_man]

"Get settled and run through the training, and I'll have plenty for you to do. For now, no."

Fury stands and offers him a hand to shake.

"Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve stands and shakes his hand. "Thank you, sir."

He picks up the tablet. "I suppose Records will get this back to you when they're finished with it?"

[the_man]

"It's one of theirs. I have plenty more," he says, dry.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Understood. Thank you again, sir."

He leaves Fury's office to find a place to fill out the forms.

[the_man]

When he's gone, Fury turns his chair to face the window. He leans one elbow on the arm of the chair, and rests his chin on his fist, deep in thought.