fossilised | For Steve

[Oh no, Steve is absolutely throwing himself on that landmine. He's already trying to come up with how to phrase it so if Bucky gets mad at anyone he gets mad at Steve.

The last question gives him pause, though. It's true, he was curious. Deeply curious. He wanted to make sure he didn't say or do anything that hit bad memories for Bucky, but it was a bit like walking blindfolded through a minefield. Sure Steve had a lot of training and experience doing just that, but the danger remained the same.

He was okay catching that blast himself, but he didn't want to make Bucky go through that. So he asks, quietly and gently as possible,]

Just... what happened, I guess. I don't think there's anything that could make it a dealbreaker for me, but I don't want to like... make popcorn for a movie night and have him start thinkin' it's gunfire.

[If she knew that he plans on throwing himself on the grenade to protect her, she might well ask him to marry her there and then and forget Bucky altogether. Men this sweet just don't exist outside of the movies.

But all joviality dies out pretty quick. There's a deep grief in her eyes, not just for what happened, but an echo of the months she spent thinking he might never come back home again. Missing in action; those horrible words that had been all she had to cling to for so long.]

Even I don't know all of it, some bits are classified and most of it he just won't talk about. But I know that he was out on a mission with a few others and they were ambushed, most were killed, and a few were captured. He spent four months as a prisoner in an extremist camp. I know they tortured him, but I don't know any details, and I only know that because of the medical records when he was flown back Stateside.

[She goes silent for a moment, hands gripping the coffee mug a bit too hard.]

I know he escaped by cutting his own hand off at the wrist, and he still managed to help get the other two survivors out, but the surgeons had to take the rest of it because it got infected. He has memory issues sometimes, and... yeah, he can get triggered by loud noises, crowds. Sometimes he's fine, and sometimes something really small sets him off. He got a bunch of medals and a discharge, it's not something he's coped with very well.

[Her voice is a bit husky now, but she's keeping her composure as she looks at him fiercely.]

He's a hero to me, even if he's a bit broken, and that's why I had to make sure you weren't going to hurt him. It's a lot to deal with, I know, so just... if it's too much, I don't blame you, but let him down gently.

[Steve's face remains concerned and worried while he listens. Again, he thinks that Bucky is so resiliant, considering what he went through. What they know of what they went through.

He smiles a little at Rebecca's last comment, taking a sip of the last of his coffee that's left.]

Did he say how we met? I volunteer to teach art classes at the rec center. He was in the Emotional Wellness and Therapy Through the Arts class. I knew what I was getting into when I asked him out. Not a lot scares me, and I don't think anything about him ever could.

[Steve is already deeply smitten, here.]

[She's pretty surprised that he's so calm about it, so assured. This isn't light stuff and she even has trouble dealing with it sometimes, and she's a family member. But she thinks he's sincere, she really hopes that he is for Bucky's sake.]

Yeah, he told me. I had him round for dinner last night and I'm picking him up in about an hour to go and fetch his support dog, and all he could talk about was you.

[Steve absolutely goes a little red at that, stupidly pleased to hear it. He's pretty sure Natasha would say the same to Bucky - assuming she wasn't asking invasive questions about a theoretical sex life.

Well, okay, she probably wouldn't be that crass to Bucky. Natasha is very good at reading people, she only pushes buttons if that's her intention to do so, and she knows how far she can push Steve out of his comfort zone before real damage is caused and is careful to keep on the better side of that line.]

I'd say to say hello for me but I guess if you want to keep this a secret you can't exactly pass that on. I'll have to pick up some dog treats on my way home from work today so I can be prepared for the extra guest on our date.

[Another thing Steve is clearly stupidly pleased over. Who doesn't like dogs?]

[Becca finishes up the last of her cake and stands up, leaning over to give him a quick peck on the cheek. So sue her, she thinks her brother might have landed a jackpot winner here.]

Don't make me regret helping you out, or you really won't like our next conversation.

[She grins suddenly.]

Good luck tomorrow, okay? If you need any advice, my number's on the napkin.

If I screw up I don't think anything you can do to me will be as bad as knowing I hurt him, but I'll deserve it as well.

[He holds up the napkin to show he got it and pockets it - he left his cellphone in his desk but he's going to add her number and send a "This is Steve's number" text as soon as he gets back to it. He stands as well, grabbing any leftover trays or cups to clean the table for them both.]

Thanks for the tips. Truly. Have fun with the dog. I can't wait to meet it myself. Do you need me to walk you to your car or bus stop...?

No, I've got it, you go back to work. My car's parked near your apartment building, I'm just going to walk around there and pick Bucky up. Goodbye, Steve, I hope this isn't the last time we meet.

[She gives him one last smile and then darts out of the little store and down the street, leaving Steve to head back to work alone.]

[ooc: I thought I'd leave it open for you in case you wanted him to see Nat before the date or just skip to the date or whatever <3]

[OOC: Ahahaha yes okay Nat help the hot mess express. Okay let me know if this is good!]

[Steve does indeed head back to work, saving Becca's phone number and sending her a 'This is Steve's cellphone number!' when he gets a chance as well, so she doesn't get a text or call from him out of the blue and wonder who it is. He mostly manages to focus for the rest of the day aside from one or two key space out moments, and of course it comes out then with some needling that he's got a date coming up and so he gets told cheerfully to start his weekend early.

He's got to get dog treats, but he's already got enough pancake making stuff to feed a small army and had his little 'studio' area set up since, well, the day after making plans with Bucky.

What he does need though is clothes. Steve takes care of what he has, but he also tends to not throw things out until they literally are falling apart at the seams. Even then, he's got a sewing kit for patching things up. So he hits the gym early, showers, then texts Natasha that he's free earlier for their shopping trip. Just some nicer jeans and a nice t shirt that 'doesn't show off all that cleavage, a guy will get the wrong idea' -- thanks, Tony. Steve can't help it if the shirts even if tight do technically still fit and haven't fallen apart yet. And like maybe some nice soap or something for a shower tomorrow morning before said date?? He's not sure and he's kind of low-key panicking the more he thinks about it.

Okay so it's mainly for Nat to keep him from freaking out as he paces his little apartment while he waits for her and triple checks the placement of his desk and art supplies and the like.]

[Nat thinks this is adorable. She doesn't really get the nerves over a date; but then, she's always been stunning and self confident, and she's been with Clint forever even if they both drag their heels about commitment. She knows Steve as one of the most genuinely amazing people, that rare blend of honest and kind without being preachy, and she really hopes this works out for him.

He deserves it.

She's come straight from rehearsal, she's currently working with the New York Ballet, and so she's in tight leggings and a loose top with her red hair up in a bun. She doesn't bother to knock, only comes right in and grins at him.]

If it isn't Don Juan in the flesh!

[She glances mischievously up at the ceiling.]

Do you think he's up there now?

[Steve is alternating between red with excitement and wondering at potential and white with fear and a little green at the edges with nerves. He's at the third when Natasha comes in, because of course if anyone has a key she does.]

I don't think so. He's getting his service dog today and I think they're still out taking care of that. His sister is with him. Or they got back before I did and it's a very quiet dog.

Oh good, I was wondering if you'd just developed a really weird snacking habit.

[She flicks the bag of dog treats on the counter, before coming to look him up and down.]

Are you ready? We're going to beautify you today. Hair, clothes, the works. Have you thought about what you're going to serve as well as pancakes? What you're going to do while he models and you draw - because let me tell you, that can get boring. Maybe... a movie? Music? Tell me you have some game plan already. You've already bought protection, right? Do you need new bedsheets?

Natasha!

[Aaaaand we are back to red!]

We haven't even kissed yet. It's a first date.

[Not that he would say no, or that he doesn't want to, but, uh. Yeah. It's a first date and Steve is still pretty old fashioned and is just trying to make sure Bucky sees him as someone trustworthy and comfortable to be around.]

I have some music and - uh. Talking? I figured? Is that too boring? We still don't know each other that well though, so...

[Steve runs a hand through his hair, leaving it sticking out every which way as this is approximately the twentieth time he's done it in the last thirty minutes.]

[She's not at all apologetic, just raising an eyebrow in his red faced direction.]

Maybe nothing will happen, but it's always better to be prepared. Wouldn't it suck if things just went that way and you realised that you didn't have lube or that your bedsheets were those faded ones you've had since forever?

[It's the motto with which she's lived her life... always over prepare because it's better to have too much than too little. It's how she got herself through ballet school and out of Russia to the States.]

Talking's okay, but you need the options. Geez, we've got way more work to do than I ever imagined. Let's start at the top, Steve, food. Pancakes and... what?

[Ugh okay yes now he's looking at his bedsheets and don't get him wrong they're comfy but he's second guessing everything now.]

Breakfast stuff. Some extra eggs, just in case. Bacon. Fruit and jams and I made some whipped cream to go with the pancakes, I looked up a bunch of different recipes. Coffee, juice, milk, uh...

I guess a full breakfast theme is cute, that passes. Next, supplies for the possibility of sex... I'm talking about nice sheets, lubricant, condoms, and sexy boxers.

[She's willing to bet that he has none of this stuff.]

Pen and paper, Steve, we need a list of things to get and do.

[Why would Steve have any of that, really? Though he prefers boxer-briefs - a place for everything and everything in its place and all.

Also because of that one frat party where Thor told him he had a great ass and should wear tighter pants. Steve is very thankful it was just the two of them that night.

He grabs a pen and paper and starts taking notes.]

I guess you're right. Always better to be prepared.

Good, glad you see it my way.

[She directs him to write down all of the things she's said so far.]

New shirt, jeans, and a haircut. Nice deodorant, some shower gel to make you smell good before, and I think you'll be good to go.

[Her smile softens and she comes around the kitchen island to put a hand on his arm.]

It's going to go great, how could anyone not love you?

[Steve hugs Natasha back, tight enough to project his insecurity even if he HAD been doing a good job hiding it.

Natasha's probably his oldest and best friend that's anywhere near close to where he is now. Of course, there's Peggy - childhood friend type and all - but she lives an ocean away now and is dealing with her own divorce and love triangle between the sweet waitress Angie and the apparently sexy but probably crazy Dottie who is strangely great with Peggy's daughter though.]

I just... I don't want to screw this up. I've never felt so attracted to someone like this before, Nat. Also we live in the same building so if it bombs this is going to be super awkward.

Try not to think like that, this isn't something super serious, it's a first date.

[Despite her words, she hugs him back just as tight. She knows that he's an all or nothing kind of guy, the sort that she used to tease back in school who'd fall for someone and already be doodling wedding plans by lunch.]

Just get to know him better, let him get to know you. Trust me, Steve, nobody who gets to know you doesn't love you... even Tony loves you in his own, weird, messed up sort of way.

[Steve steps back finally, making a bit of a face at the 'even Tony loves you' comment, though he's got that fond smile coming back out again.]

Thanks, Nat. Alright, lets get these errands started before I second guess everything.

[He shoves the shopping list in his back pocket along with phone, wallet, and keys.]

Oh... he, uh. [Steve pauses, gives a little grin, and blushes a bit.] When he put his number into my phone he listed his name as "Buck Me". That was before I asked him out, too.

[She snorts, clearly amused at the idea that poor Steve will have to look at that joke name every time he wants to send a text now.]

God, he sounds like just as much of a dork as you... and you really still had doubts that he was into you? Straight guys don't put a number like that into another guy's phone, you doofus.

[She shakes her head and moves towards the door, just as the sound of people coming up the stairs starts up, Bucky and Becca's voices easily heard along with the quiet clatter of dog claws.]

Becca, give me some of the damn food. I can carry something, I'm not completely incapable.

I never said you were. I just couldn't get to the gym today, so this is my workout, quit being selfish and wanting me not to work out. Just keep Yasha out from under my feet.

Becca. [Bucky sounds more annoyed now.] Just give me the stuff, you didn't have to follow me up here, I can handle it, so--

[Their voices fade as they head upstairs, Nat shamelessly with her ear pushed up against the door.]

That's him, right? We should go out and say hi.

[Steve does not protest that Natasha had called him literally right after Bucky had done that and then come over, so he actually didn’t see it until much later that night.

He COULD change Bucky’s name in his phone. He hasn’t, though. It gives him a little thrill every time he looks at it, so sue him.

Hearing the commotion outside the door and through the hallway, Steve tries to picture Natasha meeting Bucky and his sister. Of Bucky’s sister meeting Natasha. Of the potential new dog in the mix. It may be too many people for Bucky.

If they run into them in the hall, though - they can always just say hi and bye. They were, genuinely, just heading out anyway.

Steve gives Natasha a very serious look.]

Behave yourself.

[Please, please, no explicit comments. Even if Bucky seems like a major flirt as well - Steve couldn’t take it. He opens the door to head out to the stairwell. If they manage to run into Bucky and Becca, well, they’ll say hi. If not, Steve is seeing Bucky tomorrow. No pressure, really. Breathe.]

[Oh, Steve. Natasha gives him a truly gleeful look that should have him running for the hills and immediately heads out before he can change his mind. She might not be related to Steve, and she's not about to give Bucky the shovel talk, but she is as protective over Steve as Becca is over Bucky and wants to make sure that he's pinning his heart on someone worth it.

She can be scary when she wants to be. Clint sometimes jokes that being a ballet dancer is just her cover, and she's really a spy or KGB agent sent here to infiltrate them all. That usually leads to Natasha emphasising her Russian accent and talking about the 'motherland' and 'comrades' all night.

Bucky and Becca are halfway up the next staircase and might not have noticed Steve, except for Yasha, the new dog, a large and beautiful German Shepherd. She's well trained, as a service animal should be, and so she wants to get the scent and lay of everyone in the building. She tugs on her leash enough to make Bucky stumble back down the stairs and nearly fall in a heap at Steve's feet, only just managing to keep his footing.]

Oh.

[Goddamnit, Barnes, why is he always looking like an idiot when he comes across Steve?]

Uh, hi. And hi to you too, ma'am, I mean-- miss, I mean--

[Natasha interrupts with a smile on her face.]

Actually, just Natasha will do.

[Steve’s hardly better than Bucky there.

Seeing him stumble he moves forward to assist, though Bucky catches himself and it means Steve is just now standing much closer to him than is strictly necessary for a conversation really and he’s got that sort of breathless smile of a person who is noticing absolutely nothing else in the world save for the person right in front of him.]

Hi.

[A second later of course he remembers, right, Natasha is here. Natasha who could possibly ignore Steve’s plea to behave herself, and with a new dog and Bucky’s sister around.

This could be very, very bad. Steve, quick, get ahold of the situation.]

Natasha - she’s the friend I’m always talking about. My former roommate too. She just came over to help me on a couple errands that needed doing. … Cute dog.

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