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[stevegrogers]

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[stevegrogers]

Do you ever consider a different career path? Maybe one with less payback opportunities?

[murdocksboy]

Are you of all people really asking me that question?

[stevegrogers]

Okay, but I'm a soldier. Being in dangerous situations is what I'm tasked for. It's different, thank you. And besides, someone has to fuss. I've got plenty who fuss over me. Call it, circling it back around.

[murdocksboy]

I appreciate the concern, honestly I do. And I acknowledge that what we do isn't the same. But I really can take care of myself. I've been doing it for a long time.

[stevegrogers]

You know self defence, don't you? Do the others in your office know it? Uh - Froggy and Karen, isn't it?

[murdocksboy]

I, uh. Yeah, I know self-defense. I don't think Foggy and Karen do, though.

You don't think they're in danger just because they work with me, do you?

[stevegrogers]

I feel like there's a story there.

I wish I could say no but you involve yourself in dangerous things.

[murdocksboy]

You could say that. Not one I'm comfortable sharing over text, though.

I'll talk to them. It's not a bad idea, the two of them getting a few lessons.

[stevegrogers]

But you'd tell me in person?
I could show them a thing or two.
Might could even show you something.

[murdocksboy]

Promise me you'll teach Foggy and Karen how to defend themselves and I'll tell you whatever you want to know. But yeah, in person.

Wouldn't turn down a lesson or two for myself, either.

[stevegrogers]

I promise. You have my word. They'll be able to defend themselves in no time. Anything I want to know?

I'd love that. You know how to kickbox, don't you?

[murdocksboy]

Nothing specific, there's just a lot of shit going on in Hell's Kitchen right now. I want to know they're safe. And they'll take it better from you than from me.

Kind of. I wasn't really taught any one style, more a combination of things. But my dad was a boxer, so there's a lot of that in what I know.

[stevegrogers]

I can break it gently. Probably. Do you guys need any help with what's going on? I can talk to the others if so.

I'm interested in seeing. Buck taught me back in the day how to. So, it's kinda street style I guess you could say.

[murdocksboy]

They'll be so thrilled to meet you, I doubt it'll be hard to convince them. We okay, though. I don't really think it's necessary to bring in the big guns.

Well, if you don't mind coming down to the Kitchen, I work out at Fogwell's. I can get you in after hours and we can swap tips.

[stevegrogers]

They aren't some of the ones upset by the Avengers actions? We've gotten some backlash on that front. If that ever changes, let me know, okay?

After hours. Fancy. If you're trying to impress me, it's working.

I can do that. How's tomorrow night for you?

[murdocksboy]

I think in the long run, keeping us from being destroyed by alien invaders gives you quite a bit of leeway. Although maybe not enough to invite you into the neighborhood en masse just yet.

Well, it's not that impressive, just my dad's old gym. I practically grew up there.

Yeah, tomorrow sound great. Sevenish?

[stevegrogers]

Would I get some heckling? Or worse? I'll keep that in mind.

Your dad - was he good? My own pops was in the army. I always wanted to follow into his footsteps. At least, in that regard.

Sounds perfect. We'll see what you're made of.

[murdocksboy]

Oh yeah, definitely heckling. Even worse, maybe even ignored.

He was great. They always said he could take a punch like nobody else, and nobody could keep him down. I always loved to listen to his fights.

Just remember that I'm plain old flesh and blood.

[stevegrogers]

Ignoring! There's hardly anything worse.

I wonder if they have any of his fights archived. I'll have to check.

I have a feeling you have some unexpected moves there.

[murdocksboy]

Look for Battlin' Jack Murdock. You might not find anything, though. He wasn't big time, you know? Local stuff, just purses that paid enough to get by on.

Who me? Not sure what kind of special moves you expect from a blind lawyer, but I'll give it my best.

[stevegrogers]

Now there's a name. I'm pretty sure if there is anything Tony could find it.

You're the son of a boxer. I'm sure he taught you something.

[murdocksboy]

Let me know if he does?

Dad never wanted me to fight. He taught me a lot, but not that.

[stevegrogers]

Of course. I know it'd mean a lot to you.

I wish I had some things of my mom's. I miss her constantly.

Completely understandable. It's really dangerous but I can show you a few pointers. My mom and Bucky never wanted me in any kind of scrapes. I never listened and ended up here. At least, back in the day mine were more minor things. A lot more international now.

[murdocksboy]

Thanks. It really would. He was pretty much all I had.

Has to be a hell of a lot harder for you, though. I'm sorry.

A lot of things changed for me after Dad died. Some of them I'll tell you about tomorrow night. They're kind of relevant to what we're going to be doing. And I think there's something to be said for not listening. Sometimes the people who care about us mean well, but they don't understand that there are things you do because you can't not do them.

[stevegrogers]

I'm sure he would be real proud of you. You really help people who otherwise wouldn't have anyone.

I think loss is always hard. I just wish she could have enjoyed an easier life. This time period has everything! It's unbelievable how easy, well, everything is. Did you know there is a fridge that will talk to you and tell you when you've run out of something? It blew my mind.

I'm intrigued, I've got to say. Exactly. There are some things, some people you just have to stand up for even if it's rougher for you. Some of us just have fire in our veins, least, that's what my ma used to always say.