DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

[brooklyn_boy]

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

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

Hopefully. He doesn't get enough of it.

[She returns the hug, giving him a quick squeeze before backing down.]

He took it well. I think—he seemed more interested in comforting me.

[It doesn't really strike her that's how it should work in this situation. She'd been ready to comfort him.

She's had to comfort others about it. Starting with Clint.]

You look tired too.

[brooklyn_boy]

Yeah. Well, my conversation with Wanda happened after telling Bucky I was leaving.

After losing someone the third time it starts not going down as well.

[outstandingbalance]

That one of the reasons you're staying? [She wouldn't blame him if it were. How could she?] What about him? He planning to stay?

[brooklyn_boy]

It's a big one.

[His shoulders slump.]

That's a real foolish way of making a choice, isn't it?

[outstandingbalance]

At this point? I don't think I could say that. I think... if your feelings are trying to tell you something, maybe you should listen to them.

[They've both spent a lot of time unhappy. A lot of time not letting go to the to some things and maybe not reaching for the right ones.]

But who am I to say.

[brooklyn_boy]

You're probably the best one to say, honestly.

[He smirks up at her and shrugs a shoulder in feigned indifference.]

Besides, everyone I could ask are staying here. Not really getting an unbiased opinion...

[outstandingbalance]

[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?

[brooklyn_boy]

[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.

[outstandingbalance]

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.

[brooklyn_boy]

[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...

[outstandingbalance]

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.

[brooklyn_boy]

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...

[outstandingbalance]

You better. There's only the one alternative.

[brooklyn_boy]

That so?

You threatening me, Romanoff?

[outstandingbalance]

Not even. [She smiles at him, gentle.] I'm glad I'll get to see you around. I'd have missed you.

[brooklyn_boy]

Yeah. I'd miss you too, Nat.

Thanks. For everything. It means a lot to have you on my side.