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[ Continued from here ]
Pepper showed me pictures.
And that's why I said it was presumptuous. But I guess in a way, it's kinda flattering, right? The fans only see us in clips out on the field and in interviews, so they must think we work really well together if they think we'd get married.
Thanks for telling me. I don't know if they wouldn't have taken my reaction the wrong way if someone informed me of any this with a camera in my face.
Pepper showed me pictures.
And that's why I said it was presumptuous. But I guess in a way, it's kinda flattering, right? The fans only see us in clips out on the field and in interviews, so they must think we work really well together if they think we'd get married.
Thanks for telling me. I don't know if they wouldn't have taken my reaction the wrong way if someone informed me of any this with a camera in my face.
You should come by one day. I'll give you the proper tour.
I had a hard time leaving the house after the news broke out about my breakup with Pepper last month. You know a surprising number of people speculated it was because of you? Still think it's kinda flattering, Cap?
I probably should've told you about that too. But don't worry about it. It'll blow over soon enough.
I had a hard time leaving the house after the news broke out about my breakup with Pepper last month. You know a surprising number of people speculated it was because of you? Still think it's kinda flattering, Cap?
I probably should've told you about that too. But don't worry about it. It'll blow over soon enough.
[ Cont from here ]
[ Erik on the other hand, really doesn't think of this as such a disaster. After all, Hank could have attacked anyone else. He hadn't, it was only Erik. He just didn't know his strength, that's all.
The only problem is now that Erik's gotta go to the hospital. But he doesn't want Hank to feel bad about any of this in the morning, so he squeezes Charles' hand but keeps cool. There's no need to make Hank feel any worse, and no need to alarm the kids. ]
I'm relaxed, Charles.
[ Being on the open road is actually making him feel better. He's still hoping he miraculously heals before he has to get checked in. ]
[ Erik on the other hand, really doesn't think of this as such a disaster. After all, Hank could have attacked anyone else. He hadn't, it was only Erik. He just didn't know his strength, that's all.
The only problem is now that Erik's gotta go to the hospital. But he doesn't want Hank to feel bad about any of this in the morning, so he squeezes Charles' hand but keeps cool. There's no need to make Hank feel any worse, and no need to alarm the kids. ]
I'm relaxed, Charles.
[ Being on the open road is actually making him feel better. He's still hoping he miraculously heals before he has to get checked in. ]
( he takes in another deep breath, glancing over at erik and though he still looks as pale as a bloody ghost, charles can at least feel that he's calm which helps him to remain calm as well. )
Don't worry about, Hank. Raven and Moira will explain everything to him once he's awake and we'll be back at the house again soon.
( he lifts erik's hand up to his lips and presses a kiss to it, murmuring that everything will be fine. except when they get to the hospital, it's not really great. because erik will have to be admitted. charles uses his telepathy in order to be able to stay with him the entire while that he's getting looked at. he'll be needing stitches, a blood transfusion, a whole handful of medicine in him and plenty of bed rest. )
Don't worry about, Hank. Raven and Moira will explain everything to him once he's awake and we'll be back at the house again soon.
( he lifts erik's hand up to his lips and presses a kiss to it, murmuring that everything will be fine. except when they get to the hospital, it's not really great. because erik will have to be admitted. charles uses his telepathy in order to be able to stay with him the entire while that he's getting looked at. he'll be needing stitches, a blood transfusion, a whole handful of medicine in him and plenty of bed rest. )
[ Cont from here ]
I just think that maybe you oughta be spending time with the girl whose birthday it is, who's gonna leave soon, who you're planning on spending the night with, instead of watching old movies with me.
You really wanna do this rather than go celebrate with her?
[ He's totally offended on her behalf. And also he definitely, definitely doesn't wanna hear about their sex life. ]
I just think that maybe you oughta be spending time with the girl whose birthday it is, who's gonna leave soon, who you're planning on spending the night with, instead of watching old movies with me.
You really wanna do this rather than go celebrate with her?
[ He's totally offended on her behalf. And also he definitely, definitely doesn't wanna hear about their sex life. ]
( god. not this again. is nagging a feature on this guy or something? where does he go to tone that down a little? ) Already told you, Cap. We're spending time after the party's over. I don't need to be there while she blows the candles off her cake. We're not in that kind of a relationship. Besides, sexy kitty's got about a hundred friends at this shindig. ( he'll pop some popcorn into his mouth and chews on it, giving steve the stink eye for being extra judgy. )
So, yeah. I really wanna do this. ( or is steve gonna have a problem with that too? he turns his attention to the movie playing on the screen. ) Plus, young Goldblum here is kinda hot. He's got that sexy, smoldering look to him. I kinda dig it.
So, yeah. I really wanna do this. ( or is steve gonna have a problem with that too? he turns his attention to the movie playing on the screen. ) Plus, young Goldblum here is kinda hot. He's got that sexy, smoldering look to him. I kinda dig it.
[ Cont from here ]
Like I said, only if you want. But I'm limiting us to two drinks.
[ He did bring a bottle. ]
Or a lunch break in between, at least. Don't need a repeat of last night.
Like I said, only if you want. But I'm limiting us to two drinks.
[ He did bring a bottle. ]
Or a lunch break in between, at least. Don't need a repeat of last night.
Edited 2022-09-17 03:56 (UTC)
[ Cont from here ]
Buck, I'm downstairs, and I don't wanna talk about this unless I'v got a fresh bowl of pho in front of me.
Buck, I'm downstairs, and I don't wanna talk about this unless I'v got a fresh bowl of pho in front of me.
Edited 2022-09-17 03:56 (UTC)
( bucky sighs. he's just stopped in the middle of the stairwell anyway. )
( have a wave, once he catches sight of you, steve. )
yeah yeah( have a wave, once he catches sight of you, steve. )
Edited 2022-09-17 04:07 (UTC)
[ Cont from here ]
[ Steve shakes his head. ]
Don't you dare. I love you, Tony Stark. And I'm going to help you through this.
[ He gathers Tony up for a brief kiss, not wanting to impose too much on him, not wanting to take too much of his limited energy. He's already burning the candle at both ends, Steve doesn't need to add another wick.
It's then that the doctor comes in and says that Tony's good to go, but the whole thing is that they can't really do anything for him. They can run tests, they can keep him overnight, he can stay in a hospital bed. But they can't heal him, and if he wants to go home, then he wants to go home.
Someone hands him forms, and he fills them out so Tony can get released. Then he calls them an uber just to get them to the jet. ]
Bruce's ETA is three hours. Shuri's is five. Anything else you wanna do before that?
[ Steve shakes his head. ]
Don't you dare. I love you, Tony Stark. And I'm going to help you through this.
[ He gathers Tony up for a brief kiss, not wanting to impose too much on him, not wanting to take too much of his limited energy. He's already burning the candle at both ends, Steve doesn't need to add another wick.
It's then that the doctor comes in and says that Tony's good to go, but the whole thing is that they can't really do anything for him. They can run tests, they can keep him overnight, he can stay in a hospital bed. But they can't heal him, and if he wants to go home, then he wants to go home.
Someone hands him forms, and he fills them out so Tony can get released. Then he calls them an uber just to get them to the jet. ]
Bruce's ETA is three hours. Shuri's is five. Anything else you wanna do before that?
[Maybe he would have figured out a way out of this mess. Like he always does. Relying on himself because there's nobody else. He's supposed to have learned better, and maybe it's a little comically late for this lesson but... in that moment he's never been more grateful. Grateful for Steve. That they chose each other and kept running towards one another. Even with snags like this.]
I love you, Steve Rogers. [Answering quietly, because he needs to. Because Steve needs to know. Despite the lack of strength in his voice, worn out at this point, there's a depth there that's only ever solely been reserved for Steve ever since they decided to start this all that time ago. But it's his murmur of gratitude that gets eaten up by that soft kiss, and he feels like he's just hanging on to Steve in that moment. Allowing himself to lean on that strength.
He tries to keep level, when the doctor comes in. Tries not to snark with yeah I know. There's nothing they can do, he knows. He does. He just nods and gives them affirmatives. It's not their fault. And he'll fix it without them. They're limited, but the only thing that's limited right now is Tony's time.
While Steve is busy filling out forms, and the nurse removes his IV, he steps off to the adjoining bathroom, tries to clean up a little. Pulls on a zip-up, splashes water on his face. Tries to put on that brave face he'd been wearing basically all his life no matter what it threw at him. Once they're outside, he links his arm in Steve's, though, head resting at his shoulder. They'll have to wait for the others to arrive. That's fine. Gives him time to work on the foundation.
But until then...
He glances at Steve, grin tired but real.] How about a cup of coffee? Box of pastries? [A little midday date. Some of his best memories in moments like those.]
I love you, Steve Rogers. [Answering quietly, because he needs to. Because Steve needs to know. Despite the lack of strength in his voice, worn out at this point, there's a depth there that's only ever solely been reserved for Steve ever since they decided to start this all that time ago. But it's his murmur of gratitude that gets eaten up by that soft kiss, and he feels like he's just hanging on to Steve in that moment. Allowing himself to lean on that strength.
He tries to keep level, when the doctor comes in. Tries not to snark with yeah I know. There's nothing they can do, he knows. He does. He just nods and gives them affirmatives. It's not their fault. And he'll fix it without them. They're limited, but the only thing that's limited right now is Tony's time.
While Steve is busy filling out forms, and the nurse removes his IV, he steps off to the adjoining bathroom, tries to clean up a little. Pulls on a zip-up, splashes water on his face. Tries to put on that brave face he'd been wearing basically all his life no matter what it threw at him. Once they're outside, he links his arm in Steve's, though, head resting at his shoulder. They'll have to wait for the others to arrive. That's fine. Gives him time to work on the foundation.
But until then...
He glances at Steve, grin tired but real.] How about a cup of coffee? Box of pastries? [A little midday date. Some of his best memories in moments like those.]
[ Cont from here ]
I don't have all my things unpacked because I have so few of them, it's easier to live out of the suitcase. I'll put them in a drawer if it makes you feel better.
[ He makes his way over to Charles, and then sits by him, after he puts out his cigarette. ]
I'm not leaving you. I'm just having doubts about my efficacy.
I don't have all my things unpacked because I have so few of them, it's easier to live out of the suitcase. I'll put them in a drawer if it makes you feel better.
[ He makes his way over to Charles, and then sits by him, after he puts out his cigarette. ]
I'm not leaving you. I'm just having doubts about my efficacy.
( he wants to support what erik wants to do, so long as it's not involving more acts of revenge and violence. charles doesn't want to hold him back if this isn't the right fit for him. he is aware that erik's never really stayed put in one place, and maybe it's because it's in his nature to travel. maybe he's a wanderer at heart. charles, on the other hand, even if he's not bound to this wheelchair, has no desire to go anywhere else. he enjoys teaching the kids, helping them, guiding them. his dream is to turn this entire place into a proper campus someday for both mutants and humans alike. )
Is there something more you wish to do?
Is there something more you wish to do?
[ Cont from here ]
I did have red and gold yarn, so I made a striped one for you. If you want, I can add tassels.
I like to support the local community. And I'm not gonna stop going to craft fairs. It's not like you make me go to concerts.
I did have red and gold yarn, so I made a striped one for you. If you want, I can add tassels.
I like to support the local community. And I'm not gonna stop going to craft fairs. It's not like you make me go to concerts.
Sure. Let's go with the tassels.
By concerts, do you mean like a nightclub? I haven't been to one in ages. I don't like the crowds. A little claustrophobic. Panic inducing. Look, I'm all for supporting small, independent businesses. ( he did buy a bunch of things at the fair and had those delivered as gifts to random people. ) I'm happy to go with you to more of these little craft fairs, but probably not every weekend.
You ever been on a cruise?
By concerts, do you mean like a nightclub? I haven't been to one in ages. I don't like the crowds. A little claustrophobic. Panic inducing. Look, I'm all for supporting small, independent businesses. ( he did buy a bunch of things at the fair and had those delivered as gifts to random people. ) I'm happy to go with you to more of these little craft fairs, but probably not every weekend.
You ever been on a cruise?
[ from here ]
If you send me a suit I'll have to abandon the car on the freeway. And I don't wanna alarm anybody.
How are you holding up?
If you send me a suit I'll have to abandon the car on the freeway. And I don't wanna alarm anybody.
How are you holding up?
We'll just get it later.
[He breathes out a long, low noise. Over audio he definitely sounds less cohesive and put together as he had over text.] I'll survive. Fever's still not at lethal levels. I'll lie until you get here and say it's gone down. I have nothing more to throw up but the rest of me hasn't gotten the message yet. I assume it will eventually. How are you holding up in your traffic?
[He breathes out a long, low noise. Over audio he definitely sounds less cohesive and put together as he had over text.] I'll survive. Fever's still not at lethal levels. I'll lie until you get here and say it's gone down. I have nothing more to throw up but the rest of me hasn't gotten the message yet. I assume it will eventually. How are you holding up in your traffic?
[I left the timeline to be a bit vague and will take your lead!]
Diana wraps her dark red pashmina closer around her shoulders. The skies look different in New York. Then again, the skies look different no matter where one stood in the world, be it Paris, Themyscira, or Gotham. Still, when the rain pours down, she stops and turns her face up, closing her eyes as busy New Yorkers rush around her.
What would Steve think of this modern world?
It's not the first time such a thought had crossed her mind and she knows it won't be the last. The pilot that she had given her heart to would have been fascinated by all the technology that had come forward in the last several decades. Whenever she comes across the latest technology in flight, she could practically hear his excited voice echo within her.
She takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. He would not have wanted her to linger too much on the ghosts of the past.
Diana wraps her dark red pashmina closer around her shoulders. The skies look different in New York. Then again, the skies look different no matter where one stood in the world, be it Paris, Themyscira, or Gotham. Still, when the rain pours down, she stops and turns her face up, closing her eyes as busy New Yorkers rush around her.
What would Steve think of this modern world?
It's not the first time such a thought had crossed her mind and she knows it won't be the last. The pilot that she had given her heart to would have been fascinated by all the technology that had come forward in the last several decades. Whenever she comes across the latest technology in flight, she could practically hear his excited voice echo within her.
She takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. He would not have wanted her to linger too much on the ghosts of the past.
It's then that the portal opens up right in front of Diana, and a man wearing a brilliant blue uniform swings a shield at a large creature that appears to care very little about how much it destroys around itself. "Get back!" he yells. "Need you to evacuate--" he starts to order at the nearest beat cop, but gets pulled up by the unidentified random monster, and tries to break out of its grip.
It seems to be exceedingly strong, but Steve manages to get out, though he loses his cowl on the way.
From the looks of it, he's been fighting this thing alone for a bit of time, that, or this is just one of several things he's been fighting today. He looks a bit worn around the edges, but also looks like he refuses to surrender. And though he gets a lot of good hits in, it does appear to be that the creature's got Steve on the ropes, because he's trying to manage civilian casualties at the same time.
It seems to be exceedingly strong, but Steve manages to get out, though he loses his cowl on the way.
From the looks of it, he's been fighting this thing alone for a bit of time, that, or this is just one of several things he's been fighting today. He looks a bit worn around the edges, but also looks like he refuses to surrender. And though he gets a lot of good hits in, it does appear to be that the creature's got Steve on the ropes, because he's trying to manage civilian casualties at the same time.
Are these things in any way related?
1. Kidnapping is bad.
2. No, I haven't. Is it a lot? Is it twitter?
1. Kidnapping is bad.
2. No, I haven't. Is it a lot? Is it twitter?
I just finished hanging out with a bunch of seven year olds for the past three hours and had to read the Little Mermaid five times while putting Christopher to bed. Kid was on a sugar high. Please, tell me all about your bad date. I might be desperate for adult conversation.
[ From here ]
[ Steve gives Tony a text stating that pizza's upstairs and sets up in the ridiculously large eat-in kitchen. He's poured them both water, but he's also started up a pot of coffee for Tony, too, knowing that he'll probably drink the whole carafe.
With messy hair and still in his workout clothes, it's clear that Steve's just been working up a sweat and hasn't had time to take a shower, but they're about to go to the workshop and get dirty after this, so he doesn't see the point.
He opens up all the packages and grabs himself a plate and some of the spices from the cabinet, setting them all up nicely before helping himself to a slice. ]
[ Steve gives Tony a text stating that pizza's upstairs and sets up in the ridiculously large eat-in kitchen. He's poured them both water, but he's also started up a pot of coffee for Tony, too, knowing that he'll probably drink the whole carafe.
With messy hair and still in his workout clothes, it's clear that Steve's just been working up a sweat and hasn't had time to take a shower, but they're about to go to the workshop and get dirty after this, so he doesn't see the point.
He opens up all the packages and grabs himself a plate and some of the spices from the cabinet, setting them all up nicely before helping himself to a slice. ]
Tony takes his time. The man loves a good entrance even if there’s no one there with flashing cameras and applause signs. Steve doesn’t care if he struts. Tony does it for himself
“Please tell you at least washed your hands before you touched everything.” Tony has gotten better with his OCD, but only just.
“Please tell you at least washed your hands before you touched everything.” Tony has gotten better with his OCD, but only just.
[ from here ]
The next day, Steve wakes up in the morning and eats his breakfast. He's not sure whether or not he should make breakfast for Bucky, but he's always up for making extra and eating the leftovers, so there's plenty on his table.
He just wants to know how things got here, to be honest. Why they don't see eye to eye anymore. It seems so sudden, and it makes him feel terrible. It makes him feel just a little bit more alone.
The next day, Steve wakes up in the morning and eats his breakfast. He's not sure whether or not he should make breakfast for Bucky, but he's always up for making extra and eating the leftovers, so there's plenty on his table.
He just wants to know how things got here, to be honest. Why they don't see eye to eye anymore. It seems so sudden, and it makes him feel terrible. It makes him feel just a little bit more alone.
He takes to the rooftops when the conversation ends, walking aimlessly for a bit until he finds one with an outdoor lounge set up, unoccupied for the night. Leaving it in the moment, he circles back later, crashing for a couple hours before the rising sun rouses him. Steve's gone through hell for him, since he woke from the ice. So why can't he just suck it up? He'd managed during the war, hadn't he? When everyone stopped listening to him, only ever seemed to hear Steve.
Then again, liquor at least still worked, then. And. Now it doesn't. God. He needs a drink. And it's only 5 am.
Bucky wanders some more, along the streets, trying to find some comfort in the familiarity of the roads, but all of it just seems to settle uncomfortably in his chest with the rest. When he reaches the apartment again, it's nearly 8 am. Maybe Steve's already finished breakfast and gone out for the day. Maybe they don't have to face things while Bucky still isn't sure what to say.
The second the door is open, he already knows Steve's still at the dining table in the kitchen.
"'m back," he mumbles needlessly, his entrance obviously informing Steve of the fact.
Then again, liquor at least still worked, then. And. Now it doesn't. God. He needs a drink. And it's only 5 am.
Bucky wanders some more, along the streets, trying to find some comfort in the familiarity of the roads, but all of it just seems to settle uncomfortably in his chest with the rest. When he reaches the apartment again, it's nearly 8 am. Maybe Steve's already finished breakfast and gone out for the day. Maybe they don't have to face things while Bucky still isn't sure what to say.
The second the door is open, he already knows Steve's still at the dining table in the kitchen.
"'m back," he mumbles needlessly, his entrance obviously informing Steve of the fact.
[ from here ]
[ Steve has no idea Tony's going through these thoughts right now. He just hopes Tony's not annoyed that he's with this baby, that he's happy with this baby, and he might want something that Tony's not ready to give him. But he doesn't know how much more he has to communicate that it's okay, if Tony's never ready. It's okay, if they just get to visit their friends' children, and be the doting uncles.
But then he gets that text and he flushes just a little bit pink. ]
Miss me that much, huh?
Well I don't wanna type things out like that in front of the baby. But sure. When we get home, we can do all of it.
[ And then - oh no. Oh no, the baby cries and he definitely can smell that it's time for a diaper change. ]
Officer, wait--!
[ He rushes off to get someone to get Katherine to hand him her diaper bag through the door so that he can actually go into the nearest establishment with a bathroom and a changing station. Which is where everything goes to shit, pun intended, because she can't reach the door handle and so Steve just asks the nearest mother for help picking out emergency supplies, proceeds to drop his credit card on the floor, and then has to go find another bathroom, the nearest of which only has a changing station in the womens room, for which there is a line. ]
This is going to sound ridiculous, but I need FRIDAY to send me a video on how to change a diaper.
[ Steve has no idea Tony's going through these thoughts right now. He just hopes Tony's not annoyed that he's with this baby, that he's happy with this baby, and he might want something that Tony's not ready to give him. But he doesn't know how much more he has to communicate that it's okay, if Tony's never ready. It's okay, if they just get to visit their friends' children, and be the doting uncles.
But then he gets that text and he flushes just a little bit pink. ]
Miss me that much, huh?
Well I don't wanna type things out like that in front of the baby. But sure. When we get home, we can do all of it.
[ And then - oh no. Oh no, the baby cries and he definitely can smell that it's time for a diaper change. ]
Officer, wait--!
[ He rushes off to get someone to get Katherine to hand him her diaper bag through the door so that he can actually go into the nearest establishment with a bathroom and a changing station. Which is where everything goes to shit, pun intended, because she can't reach the door handle and so Steve just asks the nearest mother for help picking out emergency supplies, proceeds to drop his credit card on the floor, and then has to go find another bathroom, the nearest of which only has a changing station in the womens room, for which there is a line. ]
This is going to sound ridiculous, but I need FRIDAY to send me a video on how to change a diaper.
Always.
Also I don't think babies can read but maybe I'm wrong.
[Teasing as always. Not that he minds. It wasn't really an effort to get Steve to participate while he has an armful of child.
It's weird, too, being on the outskirts of this whole interaction. Watching through other people's viewfinders and security feeds. Something's going wrong, obviously, and if this goes on for that much longer he really might just disregard Steve's wish to not embarrass Katherine because- seriously- what if she does need medical attention? He can't imagine what's wrong with her but he at least knows he feels very sorry for her.
He tries to follow Steve's movements as he finally leaves the area- the baby seems unhappy- and he loses him for a bit. But then finally when he gets that request he chuckles a little to himself.]
Seems like FRIDAY's really doing the heavy lifting today.
[But it's nice to be able to count on her immediate guidance for things like this. Which is, quite literally, immediate, because the second he asks, she sends a link to Steve's phone.]
Let me know how that goes. I'd ask if you want me to come over there and physically help but I think I'd actually only get in the way.
Also I don't think babies can read but maybe I'm wrong.
[Teasing as always. Not that he minds. It wasn't really an effort to get Steve to participate while he has an armful of child.
It's weird, too, being on the outskirts of this whole interaction. Watching through other people's viewfinders and security feeds. Something's going wrong, obviously, and if this goes on for that much longer he really might just disregard Steve's wish to not embarrass Katherine because- seriously- what if she does need medical attention? He can't imagine what's wrong with her but he at least knows he feels very sorry for her.
He tries to follow Steve's movements as he finally leaves the area- the baby seems unhappy- and he loses him for a bit. But then finally when he gets that request he chuckles a little to himself.]
Seems like FRIDAY's really doing the heavy lifting today.
[But it's nice to be able to count on her immediate guidance for things like this. Which is, quite literally, immediate, because the second he asks, she sends a link to Steve's phone.]
Let me know how that goes. I'd ask if you want me to come over there and physically help but I think I'd actually only get in the way.
[ Steve blinks awake and finds himself on a shore, of exactly where, he doesn't know. His memory comes in bits and pieces like a dream, and like a dream, it's hard to focus on any one thought. The more he chases those memories, the further away they fade.
He picks himself up, sopping wet, and though he has no recollection of things in general, he knows for sure these aren't the clothes he went to sleep in. Clad in blue, he's somehow got a few coins in a pocket, and a pack full of random things like a bowl, a flask, and what looks like a suspiciously specific fifty feet of hempen rope.
The coin, at least, should buy him enough that he needs to get by, provided that he can drag himself into a town. From the sound of it, he's not too far off from one, so he shakes his head and starts wandering towards where he hears voices, only to find that they're coming towards him.
Not a town then, but maybe just a band of travelers. ]
Excuse me!
[ He calls, making his way over at a brisk but human speed. ]
Hi, I think I'm lost.
He picks himself up, sopping wet, and though he has no recollection of things in general, he knows for sure these aren't the clothes he went to sleep in. Clad in blue, he's somehow got a few coins in a pocket, and a pack full of random things like a bowl, a flask, and what looks like a suspiciously specific fifty feet of hempen rope.
The coin, at least, should buy him enough that he needs to get by, provided that he can drag himself into a town. From the sound of it, he's not too far off from one, so he shakes his head and starts wandering towards where he hears voices, only to find that they're coming towards him.
Not a town then, but maybe just a band of travelers. ]
Excuse me!
[ He calls, making his way over at a brisk but human speed. ]
Hi, I think I'm lost.
Steve's not even sure how this started, but he's standing in Jessica's hallway with a bouquet of flowers in his hands - and chocolates, too, because he said he would. The neighbor she'd mentioned had come out as he was waiting, and given him an earful about her.
He's not sure how to politely shake her off.
It's been five minutes and he can't get a word in edge-wise. "Ma'am--" he keeps trying, only to be met with a tirade.
He's not sure how to politely shake her off.
It's been five minutes and he can't get a word in edge-wise. "Ma'am--" he keeps trying, only to be met with a tirade.
If Steve's not sure how this happened, well, Jessica is even more baffled about it, and this is unknown territory for her. It could also be a fluke, so she decided not to overthink too much and just go with the flow. At least, she enjoyed their talks and his company was welcomed.
Ruefully, she will also give her damn neighbor some credit for the strong pair of lungs she possessed., because even with her door closed and a relative distance away Jessica could still hear her and the rants of what a horrible, awful person she was and being a manager, whatever the hell that even meant.
And she will admit she was just tempted to leave Steve and deal with her, it was also amusing that her neighbor either hadn't recognized him or did and that's why the rant is even happening to begin with.
In the end, her door was opened, and glared at her neighbor that had no qualms about glaring back at her. "Really? You are now going to harass anyone that comes to see me." She took hold of Steve's arm and tugged, not as strong as she could achieve, to lead him into her apartment. "Go back to your place, Patrice."
She slammed her door closed and could still hear her ranting from the other side, which was more or less typical sometimes.
Ruefully, she will also give her damn neighbor some credit for the strong pair of lungs she possessed., because even with her door closed and a relative distance away Jessica could still hear her and the rants of what a horrible, awful person she was and being a manager, whatever the hell that even meant.
And she will admit she was just tempted to leave Steve and deal with her, it was also amusing that her neighbor either hadn't recognized him or did and that's why the rant is even happening to begin with.
In the end, her door was opened, and glared at her neighbor that had no qualms about glaring back at her. "Really? You are now going to harass anyone that comes to see me." She took hold of Steve's arm and tugged, not as strong as she could achieve, to lead him into her apartment. "Go back to your place, Patrice."
She slammed her door closed and could still hear her ranting from the other side, which was more or less typical sometimes.
[ Steve's outside waiting at TJ's apartment, standing outside ten minutes before they're scheduled to meet. Even though it's just coffee, he's definitely overthought things, because he's got a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He really hadn't known how to dress, so he's in a button-up and slacks, with his trademark leather jacket.
He is definitely still overthinking things by nine, and nearly texts to cancel. Somehow, fighting evil supervillains seems second nature, but going on a first date is pulling knots in his stomach.
This is why he's single. ]
He is definitely still overthinking things by nine, and nearly texts to cancel. Somehow, fighting evil supervillains seems second nature, but going on a first date is pulling knots in his stomach.
This is why he's single. ]
[TJ hasn't been on an actual date in -- he doesn't remember how long. Random hookups and FWB situations have been his norm most of his life. He's had a handful of relationships, none of which had ended well, especially with Sean Reeves.
Normally that's all fine, but he's making efforts to turn his life around. He'd left DC to put distance between himself and the rest of his family because their dysfunction is awful on a good day, and when it's not a good day it leaves him dialing one of his dealers. None of which live in New York City. The fact that in the few weeks he's been here, he hasn't tried finding one -- well. He's trying. And Steve is the first guy he's found himself truly interested in, even if it scares the shit out of him.
That Steve'd agreed to a date is shocking. TJ spends an hour on his hair and clothes, and just lands in button down navy shirt and a pair of jeans, a light jacket on top of that. There's a little worry in the back of his head that being out in public with Steve is going to land them both in unflattering headlines, but...so far since the move he hasn't made the papers at all. Twitter a couple of times, with random paparazzi pictures. But it could be a lot worse.
He isn't expecting Steve to be standing there with flowers, and it catches him off guard, leaves him actually speechless for a minute before he steps aside to let him in.]
Hi.
Normally that's all fine, but he's making efforts to turn his life around. He'd left DC to put distance between himself and the rest of his family because their dysfunction is awful on a good day, and when it's not a good day it leaves him dialing one of his dealers. None of which live in New York City. The fact that in the few weeks he's been here, he hasn't tried finding one -- well. He's trying. And Steve is the first guy he's found himself truly interested in, even if it scares the shit out of him.
That Steve'd agreed to a date is shocking. TJ spends an hour on his hair and clothes, and just lands in button down navy shirt and a pair of jeans, a light jacket on top of that. There's a little worry in the back of his head that being out in public with Steve is going to land them both in unflattering headlines, but...so far since the move he hasn't made the papers at all. Twitter a couple of times, with random paparazzi pictures. But it could be a lot worse.
He isn't expecting Steve to be standing there with flowers, and it catches him off guard, leaves him actually speechless for a minute before he steps aside to let him in.]
Hi.
Edited (omg word issues) 2023-05-06 02:11 (UTC)
They usually get up to their own things anyway, neither the keeper of the other, even if they still regularly set aside time for each other, but the past few weeks, there have been chunks of time during the day where Bucky can't be reached at all. When he's accessible again, any explanation is skipped over for another subject to shift away any importance to it. Besides, it's better to live in the moment than linger on what's already in the past, right?
It's after one such disappearance when Steve gets a text back several hours later, but rather than reply about what he wants for lunch — which it's too late now for anyway, being closer to dinner time now — it seems to hint at what Bucky's been up to, even if it doesn't quite explain why he's been awol for hours at a time.
It's after one such disappearance when Steve gets a text back several hours later, but rather than reply about what he wants for lunch — which it's too late now for anyway, being closer to dinner time now — it seems to hint at what Bucky's been up to, even if it doesn't quite explain why he's been awol for hours at a time.
I think I found a new therapist I likeSteve worries for Buck sometimes, especially when he doesn't text back, but he's figured he's done enough being a mother duck and will let him make his own decisions, even if Steve doesn't necessarily agree with them. He tries to unclench, really, he does, but it's just difficult.
Bucky's been his friend for a century. And he'd always been the strong one, the one with his whole life together and with Steve under his wing.
But every single time Steve does anything, he isn't sure if he's moving them backwards, if any of this is working.
Every time he gets a text after a period of silence, his heart jumps into his throat.
Okay, good. That's great. Did you just come from an appointment?
Bucky's been his friend for a century. And he'd always been the strong one, the one with his whole life together and with Steve under his wing.
But every single time Steve does anything, he isn't sure if he's moving them backwards, if any of this is working.
Every time he gets a text after a period of silence, his heart jumps into his throat.
Okay, good. That's great. Did you just come from an appointment?
So, the fake dating thing is really convenient for Steve, because he already likes Bucky and for some reason the whole internet thought they were an item anyway, and so everything's fine and dandy.
Except that it isn't and Steve's been trying to figure out the right color tie to wear to this stupid date before he realizes that they're going to the zoo and so why the hell is he putting on a tie in the first place? He tries on athletic wear which he deems too casual, and then eventually settles for a button-up and slacks.
Which happens to be what he was wearing earlier today, before he changed all his clothes, but just in different colors.
Okay. Wow.
There's a lot to unpack here but he decides to do absolutely none of it as he picks out flowers at the local bodega, greeting the bodega cat, and asking it for a little advice. While scratching its chin, he asks: "Do you think roses are too much? Yeah, too much."
He checks out with his bouquet, and then makes his way to Bucky's place.
Except that it isn't and Steve's been trying to figure out the right color tie to wear to this stupid date before he realizes that they're going to the zoo and so why the hell is he putting on a tie in the first place? He tries on athletic wear which he deems too casual, and then eventually settles for a button-up and slacks.
Which happens to be what he was wearing earlier today, before he changed all his clothes, but just in different colors.
Okay. Wow.
There's a lot to unpack here but he decides to do absolutely none of it as he picks out flowers at the local bodega, greeting the bodega cat, and asking it for a little advice. While scratching its chin, he asks: "Do you think roses are too much? Yeah, too much."
He checks out with his bouquet, and then makes his way to Bucky's place.
Bucky hadn't quite gotten used to the amount of hair he had cut off, but at least it'd had a good few weeks to grow in further and he slicked it back with gel trying to go a little bit for the James Dean sort of look even thought it wasn't really long enough for it. He had on a pair of light wash denim jeans, a plane white t-shirt and his riders jacket, forgoing the gloves this time since well, he wasn't taking his bike anyways.
"How do I look Alpine? Because I'm pretty sure they're going to paparazzi photos showing up out of this?"
The cat doesn't answer but instead just looks at him from her comfortable spot on the bed.
"Well aren't you a help," he protests before looking in the mirror again and deciding this is the best he can do with what he's working with. He's not really sure why he cares so much except he seems to, and he can't shake why that is.
When Steve knocks he pulls the door open and looks at him with a grin. "Shit, am I under dressed? You look nice."
"How do I look Alpine? Because I'm pretty sure they're going to paparazzi photos showing up out of this?"
The cat doesn't answer but instead just looks at him from her comfortable spot on the bed.
"Well aren't you a help," he protests before looking in the mirror again and deciding this is the best he can do with what he's working with. He's not really sure why he cares so much except he seems to, and he can't shake why that is.
When Steve knocks he pulls the door open and looks at him with a grin. "Shit, am I under dressed? You look nice."
[ from here ]
Great, after the honeymoon I'll make us a nice big spread and I'll post it.
I really think whatever speech he comes up with will be beautiful. And maybe a little bit embarrassing for you. Or it would, if you had any shame. But if I have him send it to Nat, I think she'll tell him the same thing.
Great, after the honeymoon I'll make us a nice big spread and I'll post it.
I really think whatever speech he comes up with will be beautiful. And maybe a little bit embarrassing for you. Or it would, if you had any shame. But if I have him send it to Nat, I think she'll tell him the same thing.
You know, sometimes I think you try and bait me into making sex jokes. So I should get a reward when I refrain.
I hope his plan isn't to try and make me find some shame. The room will get uncomfortable a lot sooner than I do.
I hope his plan isn't to try and make me find some shame. The room will get uncomfortable a lot sooner than I do.
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