what do.

[actively]

I think it's about time you took a step in another direction. Perhaps — just a thought — in order to better evaluate your choices? It's just — I don't think you've thoroughly processed what it is you're doing here.

Consider it. That's all I'm suggesting. I'd rather this not end in, ...well — the way it normally does.

Comments

[debts]

[ Natasha's mouth pitches, half-smile, half-not. ]

That doesn't sound optimistic.

[actively]

[ That noise? It might have been considered a laugh once if it didn't sound so tired. ]

You'll have to forgive me when I say optimism isn't necessarily a key factor in regards to my every day living, Agent Romanoff.

[debts]

Observation, not criticism, [ she explains, even if it's neither there in terms of needing to be said.

A pause, then a joke (partly, at least): ]

What's up, doc?

[actively]

[ Okay, so, there's something of a smile in there somewhere. Even if it is brief. ]

You're familiar with the term "quit while you're ahead". [ It sounds like a question, but unlike a conversation with Tony he isn't unsure that she knows the answer. ]

To some, it's exactly that — It's ...more of an unfortunate observation than it is, say, a course of action.

[debts]

[ Natasha hums. It's not a particularly notable thing, apart from the fact it happens at all. ]

Knowing your limits sounds better than quitting outright. [ She quirks a brow. ] Though we know how the ladies upstairs feel about it.

[actively]

[ This laugh, well, it sounds nervous. ] Only too well. [ He purses his lips, tapping the side of his glasses into his index finger idly. ] This isn't something a person should do recreationally. I'm not — I can't really say that I do well with strings.

[debts]

Nobody does, [ she allows, maybe because it doesn't cost her anything to give it. ] But I wouldn't say you're doing as terribly as you think.

[ Which comes out sounding like observation rather than some kind of heartfelt reassurance. ]

[actively]

Thanks. [ Bruce finds an interest in something — Anything, at this point. Sliding his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he moves on to the next distraction. ] I think.

[ He glances up, however, at the sight of Natasha still within his vicinity. ] Do we — Make the attempts to cope? Pretend that we're — that everything's fine?

[ He pauses. ] Is that what you do?

[debts]

[ Her smile shutters carefully, not quite kind but soft around the edges. ]

Sometimes. Other times, making the attempt is better than not trying at all. [ A beat, then she shrugs, her expression a little wry — it sounds like something from a fortune cookie, and she's aware of it. ]

It's easier than you think.

[actively]

If I could find it in myself to hold you to that without some kind of permanent repercussion, I can assure you that I would.

[ He shakes his head, adjusting the lenses on his nose. ] I appreciate that, Natasha. [ He isn't without sincerity now. ] Thank you.

[debts]

[ If his sincerity makes her uncomfortable — and there's reasons for and against — it doesn't show on her face.

A pause, and Natasha reaches into her pocket. She pulls out a single penny, clutched between index and middle. She offers it to him with a small quirk to her mouth. ]

You can think of it as collateral.