cuddlr.

[shield]

✓ <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#2EB82E;">✓</span> ✕ <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

Comments

[chernyy]

✓

I could make another joke about a fossil but I'll let that opportunity go just for you.

[shield]

✓

So thoughtful.

[ NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT. Why isn't she within hugging distance? ]

If I'd known you were here, I would've looked for you sooner.

[chernyy]

[ Because old spy habits die hard.

Plus, he just answered her next question. ]

I was here when you previously were. Kinda surprised to see you back so soon.

[ And with no memory, too. Interesting. And disturbing. ]

[shield]

Yeah, I've gotten that before. The city reps must have a soft spot for me.

[ JOKES. The best way to avoid thinking about how weird it is that so many people seem to know him — really know him, not just the version of him preserved in history books and museums. ]

[chernyy]

Maybe. Apparently I've been here before, too.

[shield]

Does this weird feeling wear off?

[chernyy]

Yeah. Once you start doing your own thing and stop focusing on what your "previous self" did before you.

[ Adding: ]

Got any dates yet?

[shield]

I'm still waiting on that to happen. It's strange feeling like you should be living up to an expectation of your own self.

[ There's no way to answer this that doesn't result in at least some light teasing, is there? ]

One. Possibly. Settling in takes time. [ EXCUSES. ]

[chernyy]

Excuses, excuses.

[ Yeah, she's just going to call you out on it. ]

[shield]

I know a lot's changed since the forties but I'm pretty sure you still need a job if you want to afford going on dates.

How's YOUR quota doing?

[chernyy]

Are you telling me Steve Rogers can't find a job???

My quota is being being met pretty regularly.

[ Not to brag or anything... ]

[shield]

I can find a job just fine. I just haven't had a normal one in a long time and I'm still figuring out what kind of job I'm looking for.

Show off. [ Call out for call out. ]

[chernyy]

I hear male strippers make a lot of money. Might want to look into it. Your stage name could be "Old Glory".

I prefer the term "over-achiever".

[shield]

I'm not much of a dancer.

Maybe you just haven't been challenging yourself.

[chernyy]

Dat booty tho.

[ She HAD to, okay? He should be used to this from her by now. ]

Challenging enough. I have a boyfriend.

[shield]

I don't have to be a stripper to put it to work. I still have that quota.

[ She's a terrible influence. Also, it's much easier to be clever when she's not there in person to see how deep his blush is just from hitting send. ]

You do? Nat, that's great! Pretty sure it invalidates your quota from any FAIR comparison, but it's great.

[chernyy]

That's the spirit.

[ She knew she'd get ya eventually, Rogers. ]

Enhances it tbh. But thanks. I'm pretty sure you two would get along.

[shield]

Disqualifies. You can't compare relationship stats when us poor singles have to be actively searching. You've got it narrowed down to one person, that's an unfair advantage.

If he's got the Natasha Romanoff endorsement then I don't doubt it.

[chernyy]

Guess you better start shaking that booty, then.

[ A pause before she smiles a little more. ]

Yeah, he's pretty special.

[shield]

I'm more than a piece of meat, you know.

He must be. You sound happy. [ Not that it's easy to tell over text, but still. ]

[chernyy]

You're apple pie, too, right?

[ Okay, she'll stop now. Maybe. ]

Don't go telling anyone. Tony will never let me hear the end of it.

[shield]

I'm starting to feel objectified, is what.

[ Beefcakes have feelings too. ]

I'll never tell.

[chernyy]

Alright, alright. Don't go getting all misty-eyed on me. That's what you old-timers would say, right?

[ She loves you Steve, really. ]

Thanks.
I'm still available for hand holding. As long as you don't get fresh.

[shield]

I'm sure that's what they say in the movies.

[ Sorry Nat, he's not giving you anymore old-timey turns of phrase to use against him. ]

I've never been accused of being fresh [ that he knows of... ] so you can rest easy.

[chernyy]

[ She can always find more ;) ]

Do you want to meet him?