[OOM: Howard Stark]

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

London, 1943

Downtime is both precious and rare when you're in an elite military force. Steve spends it at Milliways when he can, and at the pub that's become their local when he wants to stay in London.

(Which he often does, despite the air raids and curfews. He's come to love this dark, sprawling city. It's not New York, but it'll do until it's time to go home.)

So Steve is having a drink and smiling at the singing. Another thing to like about the English--no matter what, they keep on singing.

Comments

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Be honest, though--would you really want a CO who was soft on you? Having Col. Philips's approval is nice to have 'cause it's so hard to get."

[thefirststark]

"If I have to have a CO, he'll do.

"But don't forget that I don't really count as military. Technically, I didn't ask for a CO." Technically, the owner and CEO of Stark Aviation thinks he IS a CO.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"True. The rules are different for you."

[thefirststark]

"Something I think Philips resents. He really does want one set of rules for everyone." Including commandos in bright costumes.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Long-time military," says Steve with a shrug. "As long as we keep getting the job done, he can't really complain, can he? Well, he can...but he'll mean it less and less."

[thefirststark]

"I wonder what he'll do after the war. I can't imagine the brass letting him serve much longer." MacArthur won't offer his famous statement about old soldiers for some time to come, but Howard will agree with it based on everything he'll see with Philips.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Teach at one of the academies, maybe."

[thefirststark]

"Maybe. I'm sure he won't be happy in the business world." He's met a few retired generals who like the desk and the secretary. Philips would probably hate both.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Or he could get a farm somewhere and live out his life terrifying his ranch hands."

[thefirststark]

Howard cracks up at that. "Captain, I would pay almost as much to see that as to see him and Patton sparring."

Not far off, Mavis and her friend seem to be ending their chat.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve beams and finishes his drink.

He nods to the girls. "I think your date is about to rejoin us. Should I move on so you can get back to it?"

[thefirststark]

"Thanks. I'll see you back at the base. Enjoy the evening." Howard waves at Mavis, and readies his usual sort of charm once more.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"See you. Have a good night. Ma'am," he adds, standing when Miss Gregg rejoins them, and stays in the pub just long enough to hear the end of one more song.