Appointments Post

[widows_kiss]

[DATE] | [VOICE / ACTION / WRITTEN]


~ STANDING APPOINTMENTS ~
Daily:
Early morning run
CH5 Avengers Breakfast
Training Session at the Battle Dome

Other:
Friday: 8AM Coffee Date with Pepper

Comments

[widows_kiss]

It's hardly the least. [Natasha directs a smile at her glass, crooked and fond before glancing up at the woman.]

I wish it were as easy as that, honestly. Even if it weren't the tangle that it is, I've never been very good at just... spilling.

[handing]

[They could probably spend most of the evening arguing over what either of them feels they owe the other, or how they want to help. But that seems pointless, so Pepper instead thinks about what it means to share someone's personal secrets with someone else.]

I don't know how good at it anyone can be. I think it comes down to trusting someone enough to let them in. And that probably just starts with being honest.

[widows_kiss]

[Natasha gives a laugh at that, soft and subdued.]

Well, then you've possibly found the most helpless case possible.

[handing]

[Pepper's silent for a long moment after that. It's simple, what Natasha's said, but there are also a lot of admissions among the words.]

Do you want to change that?

[widows_kiss]

Some days. [That much is honest, at least.]

[handing]

[Some days--but maybe not this one. Pepper won't push too far, especially not when Natasha's being so generous, but she does give a gentle reminder.]

Well, like I said. The offer is open.

[In case Natasha does decide to attempt that change, instead of just wishing for it.

Pepper moves the pan from the stove into the oven to finish cooking before a thought occurs to her.] You know, I just realized I didn't ask about your food preferences. This is just what I had planned to cook tonight.

[widows_kiss]

[Natasha's smile, when it comes, holds a hint of wistful sadness, her gaze diverting for a moment at Pepper's open offer.] I do appreciate it, Pepper. More than I can say. I don't... discuss things easily with many people. There's a few exceptions but... Thank you. For offering it.

[She gives a soft laugh, staring down at the glass she held, her fingers tightening a bit.] Maybe if I can ever make enough sense of it to know where to start, I'll take you up on that.

[She wished she could now, what with her thoughts and emotions all jumbled up chaotically inside of her. She didn't make a habit of wanting what she couldn't have. Or mourning what could have been. And now she was caught between both. She hadn't been kidding when she'd said it was complicated.

Natasha smiles when Pepper pauses, then makes an excuse about dinner.] Whatever you're making is fine with me. I'm not picky, Pepper. Do whatever you like. I'm the guest here, after all.

[handing]

[Pepper hesitates, debating for a moment whether or not she should add more. Just the idea that sometimes, there is no right place to start. But Natasha knows the offer is there, and in that moment looks so strangely sad, Pepper thinks better of it.]

Which means that as the host, I’m supposed to keep your likes and dislikes in mind. Or just as importantly, your potential food allergies. [With an allergy of her own, Pepper’s aware of the hassle that can be involved. She doesn’t want to accidentally send Natasha into anaphylactic shock.]

But if you’re fine with steak and vegetables, it shouldn’t be too much longer. Is medium a good temperature for you?

[widows_kiss]

I'm fine with steak and vegetables. As far as I know, I don't have any food allergies. At least not that I've ever discovered. [She's glad for the change in topics, glancing back up at the other woman with a faint smile.] Medium is perfect.