brooklyn_boy | DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

Maybe it wasn't. I'm not asking you not to trust him. Either of you.

[Steve watches her closely, frowning. But he knows when a fight is lost.]

Fine. Alright.

[Does he? Does he really? Honestly, Natasha's a little surprised he gave up.]

But you're not happy about it.

[After fighting with Winter, he's just not interested in arguing with another close friend. Not to mention he still needs to tell Loki about Bucky and that could be complicated as well. Yeah, having Bucky is amazing but he can't just have Bucky.]

No. No, of course not. Loki has been a real friend to me. No one sees him as anything other than a villain but he's grown.

He died for Thor and I just...

I think he deserves a second chance. That's all.

What do you think a second chance looks like in this case, Steve?

[It's an honest question. She's not against second chances. But there's a difference between giving someone a chance to live their life and improve themselves and making friends.]

Talking to him? Getting to know who he really is? Giving him the chance for a fresh start?

I don't need you two braiding hair. Just talk to him?

I have talked to him, Steve.

[Do you really think Natasha hasn't been keeping tabs?]

My impression at this point is that the disinterest is mutual.

[Not that she'd speak for Loki. Who can say what's going on in his head? But he certainly hasn't exuded warmth or a strong impulse to challenge her opinion of him, such as it is.]

He likes to assume people will disappoint him and never looks to change that idea.

[Not Nat's fault. Loki and he have talked about it.]

I dunno, Nat. I wish better for him. If Thor leaves he's got no one. He feels like he deserves no one.

He reminds me a lot of someone I used to know real well....

I hope he gets better than that. I really do.

Well. For now he's got me too.

[He tilts his head with a shrug.]

Maybe we could go for drinks? All of us? Just to talk.

Just who's included in this us?

Who do you need?

Me and Buck?

Just not sure who you had in mind.

I don't have a problem drinking with you and Barnes.

And Lok?

If you want to all get drinks, I'll get drinks with the three of you.

[Though she's not sure what Steve thinks he's going to get out of this.]

Maybe ask Loki what he wants.

I intend to. But thanks. For at least being open to it, Nat.

[He finishes his coffee and pushes it away.]

Maybe we can mend all sorts of bridges. Maybe.

Maybe. [She'll leave it at that. Considering her purpose in the first place, Natasha's in no position to warn someone off of trying to build bridges; but considering some of her past experience with Steve and Tony there's a part of him that wants to tell him to be careful.] We can leave that conversation for another time.

[He shows his palms accepting that answer. He's honestly too drained to fight in any meaningful way.

He looks at his phone and lets out a small sigh, seeing no response.]

When you get back, tell Winter I mean it when I say I'm sorry?

I'll let him know. Promise.

[He rubs a hand over his face and forces a smile.]

Thanks, Nat. For everything.

I'll...let us both get back to our Barnes'.

I'll see you later. Maybe for that drink?

[With whomever they end up having a drink with.]

Sounds good. See ya around, Nat.

DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

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Wrap?

Seems good.

Wrap!