brooklyn_boy | DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

[Another bitter laugh.]

I made a joke about awkward double dates before....

[He looks back at his phone.]

Think I should give him more time?

[Natasha's not sure there's a good answer to that question.]

Depends what you want to say.

[Maybe not the double date. Not yet.]

Do you need more time?

I don't know.

I don't like us fighting. But I don't know if I am who he wants me to be.

[That's an interesting reversal.]

Who do you think he want you to be?

Someone who can let go?

[He shrugs a shoulder weakly.]

I don't know, Nat. I just know I messed things up real bad before. I don't want to make things worse.

I don't think he expects you to be anyone other than you are, Steve. [They all know that's doomed.] Anymore than you actually want him to be someone he's not.

Your friendship wasn't all about the past in the 30s. You had a future then. You can have a future now.

Yeah. [He smiles at her a little.] Yeah. You're right.

[He fiddles with his communicator.]

Besides. I got Bucky for all the old stuff. I can...learn who Winter is. You like him so that's a pretty strong endorsement.

[In some ways, Natasha has to wonder if that isn't part of the problem. Having the other Bucky, the one who was more like the old one, created certain expectations...

The problem with those expectations has already been litigated though; no need to bring it back up.]

I think you'll like him too.

Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure I will.

[He shoots off a text before he second-guesses it. From there he sets the phone down.]

Best I can do is try. I'm trying to stop that whole 'Waiting too long' thing. Working so far...

Should I ask what you sent?

[Probably only so far she should stick her nose in these boys' business.]

Just that I was sorry. And if he wanted to talk I'm here.

[He finally sips his tepid coffee.]

It's the best place we can start.

Probably.

[Natasha finishes her coffee and sets the cup aside, fingers holding the rim lightly for a moment before she lets go.]

It might take some time, but I think he'll appreciate the apology.

He does regret what he said.

[Steve nods.]

I do, too. Buck and I were talking about how...maybe we need to do what they need. Not what we think they need.

It sounds so easy.

The trick is figuring out the difference.

Yeah. Well. Have to have some sort of challenge, right?

[He nudges her with his foot.]

Really. How are you two doing? Buc- Winter gushed about you. It's sweet.

I have a hard time picturing him gushing about anything.

[But she smiles a little at the description, small and crooked.]

He hasn't been back all that long. I think he's going to transfer to Vanquish, though. We never really lived together before. That was a mistake.

[Steve laughs a little.]

I don't blame you. Bucky is moving to the Bishop too. No reason to spend time apart when you get a second chance.

I offered to officiate the wedding.

[He's teasing but only a little ]

Kind of you, but I'm not sure either of us is really the marrying type.

[Mostly amused by the offer.]

Ha! You know who said the same thing?

Good to know we're on the same page.

[He huffs a small laugh.]

Think about it at least. Parties are always fun.

I didn't say we couldn't have a party. Just probably not one for us.

[Steve smiles, benign, and shrugs.]

Maybe Wanda and Vision then. What can I say? We had one wedding that went pretty well for me. Some more would be even better.

Now that, I'd like to see. Wanda would be cute in a wedding dress.

[And since it won't be happening at home.]

I'll see if I can convince her. We were talking while she was drugged and it's not like she's not interested.

[He laughs a little.]

Looks like all of us are paired off. Just need to get Loki and Thor a partner.

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