brooklyn_boy | DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

Hey, it's Steve Rogers. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

[She moves to stand next to him, arms crossed, and bumps his shoulder with her. At least as close as she comes to his shoulder.]

So you feel better for hearing my take on things?

[He nudges back lightly.]

I don't know, Nat.

I can't help but feel like I'm being selfish here. When I first got here I woulda done anything to go home and finish the work that needed to be done.

Now I'm grasping at every single excuse to stay.

Guess the thing to ask yourself is why you're doing that.

[There is something about that admission that feels a little sad. Like proof that the world and knowledge of what's to come has worn down Steve Rogers. The man who was always willing to use his body as a shield, having second thoughts.

She rests her head on his shoulder then, an uncommon display of affection. And sympathy. With all Natasha remembers... she knows her timeline has a Captain America. It's hard to tell this one he needs to suck it up and go back to face it.]

You've lost a lot. I can't blame you if you don't want to lose this too.

[Steve swings an arm around her shoulders and pulls her in. The comfort and affection is appreciated.]

Going back means never seeing you again. [She's dead back home. Steve loses her forever.]

Never seeing The Vision or Kitty. Or Bucky...

[His head falls back and he exhales hard.]

I'm tired of losing people. I'm so tired of loving someone only to give them up...

You see people if you go back. They're different people than if you stay. I don't know that it's better or worse that way...

[For the moment, she accepts the closeness. It won't last, but he needs it. Maybe she needs it a little too.]

You already know your own answer, though. No one's ever changed your mind if you didn't want it changed.

Calling me stubborn?

[He lets her go and offers an exhausted smile.]

I guess you're right, though. I just hope that I can live with it, afterwards...