On mun reading up, or working on it...

[a_survivor]

Now this is more like it. No doing things - like research - halfway and expecting them to work out. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't, and you were lucky, but it is much better when you're not relying on luck alone.

And no, you definitely shouldn't be getting as emotionally involved. Yes, I'm standing pretty much where you expected me to, even against worse trials than you thought there would be, but that's how it goes.

Now get going on the rest of the work you need to do, you can continue catching up tomorrow. All in good order.

Comments

[natalia_romanova]

Planning?

My, James, structure looks good on you.

[a_survivor]

There are some situations that even I consider in need of remedy, that way.

*slight liptwitch* Or maybe you just like novelty?

[natalia_romanova]

Ever the stategist.

With you when isn't life a novelty?

[a_survivor]

Mmm.

I may have to get back to you on that.

[natalia_romanova]

You do that. I'll just beamused.

[a_survivor]

*tiny smile playing on his lips* Then it'll be my pleasure. To amuse you.

[natalia_romanova]

[That smile will be the death of her one day, and it's completely contagious]

One of the many, many things you're good at.

[a_survivor]

*oh so innocent look* Compliments... am I in trouble?

[natalia_romanova]

James, I'm offended.

[her turn to smirk]

You've known me long enough to know its always trouble when I'm involved.

And now I am up to date, and if you are... jetpacking gorilla?!

[a_survivor]

Mm. Just the way I like it.

So how do I make up for it?

Yes, but it was just the one jetpacking gorilla, that pesky Red Ghost, and still owe you breakfast.

[natalia_romanova]

You like trouble? How could I guess? Oh yes, that would be your taste in women and weapons, only the best and most dangerous of both.

I'm sure we can come up with something, dinner in Paris? It would be nice to go out without the sound of gunfire once in a while.

And I WAS ready to take it, too. What've you got against pancakes, anyway?

[a_survivor]

Lucky for me, the very best of the former has a liking for me, too. *and there is not a hint of anything but sincerity in that, too, he completely means it*

Ah. *eyes crinkling slightly... he's been catching up on SOME stuff* As you wish.

*he also doesn't mention that the way things are going, the chestnuts might be in blossom by the time they get a chance for that dinner in Paris, but that'll be even better, right?*

After 70 years you still need to ask? Waffles are obviously superior breakfast foods.

[natalia_romanova]

Now you flatter me, I like it, you may continue.

What I wish, is just you, the situation and setting are more or less just window dressing.

[And he might even get the tinest kiss right at the corner of that smirking mouth. Given their track record, dates sometimes take decades to arrange.]

Right. So long as you don't make me search for blini, I think we're good.

[a_survivor]

*he's certainly hoping not this time. There is work to do, true, but with some focus, they can get the next crisis in hand before it really becomes world-threatening, and then they can sneak out. Just for one night...

For now, he draws her closer - with his right arm - to actually grin down at her face* Well then. I'm right here.

*beat*

Just how extensive should the complimenting get, then? Or should I work on details?

I'd settle for mimosa.

[natalia_romanova]

[There is always work to do, but they always manage some how. Such is life for people in their lines of work.

Have a waist slid right into that embrace oh so snugly and a raised brow.]

You know how detail oriented I am.

Oh, there will be. This, too. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2760/4496242064_aef8e20946_z.jpg

[a_survivor]

*it truly is, their life... and at the same time, he isn't going to try for any other*

Mmm. *let's make it a full embrace, then, and a smile, and he leans in just a little bit*

Completely.

Awww! Lovely!

[natalia_romanova]

[There's no other way she'd have it. Theirs was a strange and fantastical relationship, but it was the only true thing she'd given herself to in her life.]

I hope that's not too demanding for you.

[And a matching slide of arms around his neck, check and mate, James]

(he insisted... Also, for the account for the clone, I'm totes stealing some icons ;) )

[a_survivor]

*he's smiling - with his eyes - after the kiss*

You are perfect. Right from the start, and ever after.

*annnd another kiss. As his hands move to around her waist - so he can pick her up, raising her above his head to spin around with her*

(he's such a softy! And I have icons if you want me to send some! Of him and them)

[natalia_romanova]

[He's not the only one smiling, she's practically purring for goodness sake.]

Perfect? Oh that's a good one, but in some ways I suppose... I was crafted to be maybe.

[James you are ridiculously romantic sometimes, when the bullets aren't flying and there are no gun totting jet packing gorillas around. Nat laughed and wriggled a bit to be put down.]

(Ooh that would be awesome! I was thinking of cutting my own from the comics >.>)

[a_survivor]

Mmm. I would say that they gave you the tools to use - but the mind to use them was there before they ever touched you. *carefully setting her down, and once again wrapping arms around her*

There are people who can't handle the kind of things they did. There are people who can, but after that can be only tools, unable to operate without supervision. You are... something else entirely.

*soft-soft smile* You took what they did to you and turned it into your own dangerous beauty. *her very own. Nobody can quite match it. This kind of perfection.*

[cap_a]

You've always had more than luck behind you. You've had more determination than anyone else I've ever been privileged to know.

And that counts for a great deal.

[a_survivor]

And I've had some of the best friends anyone ever could ask for, too. It's difficult not to be determined when one has this much trust to uphold. *said with a bit of a smile. He is grateful, truly and deeply*

[cap_a]

And you earned every bit of it.

[a_survivor]

*dammit, Steve, how do you do that? Except Bucky doesn't mind in the slightest - just ducks his head with slight smile* Thanks.

And now I will just have to do it again.

[cap_a]

You always do.

And if you need my assistance... you know you only need to ask, and I'll be there.

[a_survivor]

Thanks, I... I know.

*beat*

You mean you don't have your hands full? I'm sure we'll all find a way to fix that.

[cap_a]

My player tells me that I have plenty on my plate, but I can always make time for you, my friend.

[a_survivor]

... man, this will be a complicated mess. Which just - won't be a first.

[cap_a]

*smile* We always manage to get through them somehow, though.

[a_survivor]

*lips twitch, but then deadpan* Oh yeah. That's why we got all that training, isn't it?