The Thrill Is Gone

When the original Avengers took a leave of absence and passed the torch to Captain America so that he could lead a new team, Cap had a serious case of cabin fever. So he pursued an option that seemed perfect for his skills and experience:

Eventually, though, Cap was able to complete his letter and send it off to SHIELD. Though it seemed that SHIELD was taking a "don't call us, we'll call you" approach, which led to confusion:

To grasping at straws:

To downright obsession:

And when it seemed like Cap was going to get his wish (though it would turn out to be a set-up by the Swordsman), look who's all but doing cartwheels:

Finally, it was Fury who sought out Cap, in order to tackle "Them". And at the wrap-up, Cap at last had his foot in SHIELD's door:

So now that Cap has his cake and can eat it, too--i.e., still fighting alongside the Avengers as well as going on missions with SHIELD--you'd think he'd be happy as a lark, right? Right?

I HOPE THAT SHIELD AGENT KICKS HIM WHERE IT HURTS.

(And Fury finally does.)