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[blackhourglass]

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[blackhourglass]

[She laughs, and nods. Gathering another set of shots for them she raises him a glass in toast.]

Here's to being a part of the 'I tried to kill Stark and was stopped club.'

[Still grinning, she takes back the shot. It's not really one of the prouder moments in her life, but it's brought her so much joy on the backside of it. It's brought her family, and a method of giving back for all the damage she wrought in her earlier life.

She'll drink to that. ]

I may have saved his life a few times since then, so I think we're even by now- both of them.

[quick_sass]

[He takes the shot she prepares and taps his glass against hers before throwing it back with a smile.]

More specifically, tried to kill Stark and was stopped by Barton. It's an interesting club.

[Still, he is amused to think that Natasha has saved Stark. How strange to do.]

I suppose for you, you now have your own free will.

[blackhourglass]

You have your free will too. Wait, you'll get your turn to save him one day too. You'll save all of us probably. You're good at what you do.

[She issued a soft smile and leaned back into the couch, closing her eyes for a little bit. This was relaxing and nice. It'd been a while since she'd relaxed around someone. ]

You know, you're pretty nice to hang out with.

[quick_sass]

[He is not sure he is very good at what he does yet, not compared to the rest of them. But... He smiles.]

I think I am very good at some of what I do. There are not many people who complain. But I will get better at other things too. Like relaxing.

[blackhourglass]

[Seeing him in action, she might have cause to exclaim differently. Honestly, she thinks he's a bit of a marvel, but that's her. Every person has their own opinion of themself and it hardly ever matches that of those around them.

Turning toward him, she reaches out and takes her fingers to his shoulder. she's a wonder at the art of massage. a few rolls of her thumb and forefinger near the right nerves, and hopefully he can feel the tension in that part of his muscle releasing. It might come back, but it's a temporary solution-- a brief respite from the stressors of everyday life.]

We all get better with time. How does that feel? If you turn your back toward me, I will do the rest. I'm pretty good at it.

[quick_sass]

[Tension lived in all of his muscles, like his body was always poised for flight. Perhaps it was. He does at least have the presence of mind to be embarrassed when he groans just a little at even the briefest bit of massage. It was a wonder. Of course he's immediately turning his back toward her.]


It is good. I was not expecting to need it.

[blackhourglass]

[Nat knows that what she does will feel good. She's done it for many over time, and she only gets better with more practice. Taking her time now that she's got his entire back, she fumbles through her mind for neutral topics to talk about.

They'd discussed lots of little things. Getting to know someone was always a lesson.]

So, tell me now that you have the freedom to do so, where would you like to visit? If you could go anywhere in the world. Do you know of a place?

[quick_sass]

[Where would he like to visit? Pietro tries to keep his back from getting too tense while she works so it does the most good.]

I do not think I care so much about the wheres to go. I can see all the places I wish. I just want the chance to share the beautiful ones with someone. That matters more I think. Good places to visit with someone to share the moment with.

[blackhourglass]

[Wherever tension rises, Nat's fingers slowly move over. She works the heels of her palms along the sides of his spine in slow deliberate circles, moving carefully so that she can pull out knots of deep strain within. When she reaches his shoulders again, she gently pushes into several pressure points formulated to help him relax before she fingers out the knots along each shoulder.

Quiet for a few moments while she contemplates his answer, and her own in response. Nat thinks his is the best answer she's ever heard to that question, and it's one that she'd enjoy-- not that it's an option most open or viable to her.]

I have been many lovely places, but I think you have the right idea. It would be really great to see them with someone. Usually I tuck myself away on an island and watch things from where I am, by myself. I enjoy some drinks, the beach, read, but it would have been better if I had someone. You give me something to think about.

[quick_sass]

[They really are magic fingers, and Pietro feels like he's melting under them. No wonder people told Natasha what she wanted to hear. She was magic in so many ways.]

When you are alone, maybe you do not see everything. And you have to remember it alone. Memories are better when they are shared.

[And maybe that is an opinion that comes from him being a twin.]

[blackhourglass]

[It had taken years of training to become versed in all that she did, and she merely put her skills to use where she could. This time it was for a friend and she was more than happy to enjoy the results as she felt his muscles finally begin to relax beneath her fingers. The flats of her thumbs rolled beneath his shoulder blades, pushing with enough strength not to tickle, but to relax and once more she moved down his back-- this time further from his spine. ]

There we go. You're beginning to relax. Finally. I do not have people to come with me. It's not so easy for me to find someone I'd be willing to take a vacation with. I may not see everything, that's very true. I use it to relax, unwind the best I can before getting back to work.

sorry for delay i have been ill

[quick_sass]

[Yes, he was beginning to relax, wasn't he? He hasn't felt so relaxed for many years. It is nice, to just leave his body in the hands of another. And yes, his muscles are relaxing some under her ministrations. So of course he is not moving away.]

I am shocked that Stark has not dragged you to vacation. Though I suppose you would end up working by watching him instead of the world.

never a problem. Glad you're feeling better <3

[blackhourglass]

[It feels nice to be able to help Pietro relax, to feel useful for someone. Nat did a lot of work, but it wasn't often that she did much in her personal life. This had been an interesting evening and one that helped her relax as well.

Eventually, after she was certain that his muscles were well worked, she leaned back again and sighed with a job well done.]

Stark. Please. I think he'd be the last person I'd ever go on a real vacation with. He's so uptight and always wound up. He'd make it more stressful than anything else. I'd want someone I could snuggle in a bed with too. I've never wanted that with him.

I know it rarely is for people, but apologizing is in my blood

[quick_sass]

[Yes, qualifying trips worth snuggling up during is a good metric. So since she is done he turns around, leans back against the arm of the couch, and considers.]

Why not Rogers? He seems like a Teddy Bear. I could snuggle up to those muscles, given half the chance.

[He would rather be the one snuggled if it was muscles like Nat's though. Strong and lean and good for wrapping around things. Downside of being built like Rogers is that he clearly can't wrap around people as easily. Clearly.]

Same here. I've been doing it cause I had a medical procedure. You weren't the only one out

[blackhourglass]

[There's a gentle smile on Nat's face when she turns to face him. Steve might be trustworthy enough for Nat to be able to relax into his arms, but he's so clearly in her friendzone that he doesn't fit the category of a person she'd take on a vacation.

Not that they couldn't have a great time, but they'd be staying in separate rooms. Her heart's desire is to secretly find someone to stay with, to really relax with. Someone she could lay in a bath with. It's not a thing she's ever let herself have, but it's a quiet longing. ]

He is a gentle soul, but he's very much a good friend. I think our hugs now and then are alright. Too much would be awkward for us. I think our conversations would be nice, but he's not my pick for a travel destination.

so fair. i hope it went well, the procedure

[quick_sass]

[That is a fair point, one Pietro nods along with. The man seems serious, and perhaps their conversations would get serious in the wrong way. And Steve is so noble perhaps he could not relax right too.]

Alright then. I shall have to volunteer to escort you.

oh, it was a blast. lol. Yes, everything was good with this one. thx.

[blackhourglass]

[Natasha's brows lift in surprise. This was not something she'd expected after all their discussion. She clearly felt that he was not interested in anything that might end up intimate in any manner. She thought for a moment, and tipped her head.]

You do know I was hoping to have someone who is willing to stay in my bed with me, and take baths with me as well. I know it might seem forward of me, but I have to ask if you'd be interested still knowing that. I mean, that's why I know that Steve wouldn't be a great fit. I need someone I can trust and relax around, but also someone who can be with me, maybe not sexually if it doesn't happen; but certainly in an intimate fashion.

i'm glad. i had two, one not fun, and the other pair fine. so yay, better together!

[quick_sass]

[Interested still knowing that? He smiles, a bit of mischief in his eyes.]

What man could complain over such potential offers? If, of course, they should be properly worthy of them. If nothing else, you know I do not mind sharing spaces. Being alone is boring, and uncomfortable. I have lived most of my life used to there being someone confident and strong next to me. Especially a strong and confident woman. It would be wrong to see the world without being at the side of one.

i had two at the same time. One was not fun at all. My next one is in 2 weeks. fingers crossd

[blackhourglass]

[There's a smile that answers his, and mirth in her own eyes. She likes his honesty and it's very true. He has lived his life in the company of a very strong and powerful woman. Nat doesn't know Wanda well, but it's not taken long to realize the unique sense of power she displays.

The strength is also inherent in the way they've had to survive for so long-- something Natasha understands herself from living in the barrens of Russia. The dank and dirty streets were often her home as she worked undercover. Nothing was ever free, and the things they've talked about have given her such an appreciation for pietro, opening her to him in a way she'd never have been previously. ]

Then I dare say we should take a venture together. Let me see what I can set up. What does your schedule look like.

[Leaning forward, she pours them both a couple of shots to celebrate their travels. It is certainly worth toasting to. She's thinking something with crystal waters, where they can get away but also find activities to do at the same time.]

i'll cross mine too in case it helps

[quick_sass]

[His sister was strong before her powers came to be. Their mother was strong too. But their own strength had been solidified in their time in the orphanage, and fighting for their country. Not that they achieved much.]

My schedule is flexible enough, emergencies not withstanding. I have to keep practicing my English of course. And Rogers says I should learn more about how to fight well without speed. But I think the best teacher for that is already in front of me. His strength based style would not suit me, right?

[Her fluidity is more in line with what his body could do. Which is a proposition for another time. For now he takes the offered shot and throws it back happily.]

appreciate it.

[blackhourglass]

That's what Natasha thought about most when it came to their strength. The strength they had to survive the way they did before they'd been taken and given powers. She figured they were taken, or maybe they'd volunteered. Natasha hadn't been completely privy to a complete explanation of the whole experience yet. They could swap further horror stories later if they so decided.

Nodding, Natasha smiled. "I will be happy to help with your English and any other language you wish to learn. That's easy enough to do. I think that talking between us is easy." After taking her shot, she moved around and leaned up against him. If he's going to be holding her in the days to come, she might as well learn to become comfortable in with his touch.

"I think you'd do well in fighting. A little speed never hurt anyone in a fight, and if you add technique to it, it will make you an even more formidable foe. My schedule is open for the next few weeks as well, emergencies aside of course. I guess that means we should put something together. I know we both have fair skin, but I was thinking tropical might suit us. No cold weather."

[quick_sass]

It was so much more complicated than just 'taken' or 'volunteered'. Fooled was the most accurate statement, and from there, escape had not been possible. But horror stories weren't the point of the evening. Perhaps it would not be the point for a while.

"Languages are nice to learn," he admits. "They are... freeing. Yes. That is the word I want. They make me feel free. Like borders are just lines that do not divide us. I would be happy for lessons."

Just as he is happy to stretch an arm around her shoulders. Because yes, it should be comfortable, to be touching. There is nothing wrong with such things. Comfort in friends and other people should be celebrated when the world is, as it clearly is, a scary place.

"Speed is good, but sometimes you run into people that can almost keep up. They should be handled with skill as well. So I must learn skill. So I would be happy to take what lessons I will be offered. The way I was taught before was mostly 'run at it very fast and knock it over'."

Clearly Hydra had not wanted to put effort into making him actually dangerous. And lessons mattered a lot less than the other thing. Adjustment was a lesson all its own. Like thinking about trips.

"My skin is only so fair right now because so much time spent in bunkers when I was held. I tan up very nice. Though I would indeed prefer to avoid cold right now. It was cold, when Sokovia was in the sky."

And that chill would not leave him soon.

[blackhourglass]

They'd both lived and shared enough of the horror. It was far more about life and living now, wasn't it. Nat was absolutely excited to be thinking about this vacation that seemed to be on the horizon for the both of them. She can't even recall having looked forward to one like this, perhaps because she'd never shared one before. It would be different for her.

"You can pick the language, and I will be happy to give lessons while we are about. It's best to immerse yourself in it. I will simply teach while we are out and about. I think that's how I tended to pick them up easiest." There were a few she was forced to learn in the classroom, but most of all Natasha learned by talking, living and immersing herself in a culture for a while. It was how she picked up every inflection she needed, and learned the way people of that language truly spoke so that she could impersonate anyone if needed.

Squaring and redirecting herself so that she fit into his arms, Natasha sighed softly. She couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed being held by someone. Maybe now and then by Clint, but their relationship was completely different. They could never develop, no matter what because of his family. She never let herself relax completely like she did now.

"I think we'll find plenty of time to practice our fighting skills. I train often, and work out even more than that. You're always welcome."

Humming over the thoughts of where they could go, Natasha leaned forward and brought over her laptop from the coffee table in front of them and opened it up. "Let's see now, how about somewhere like the Maldives or would you rather stay closer to home and do somewhere like the Caribbean?"

[quick_sass]

"I have always wanted to learn to speak French. Of all the places I have been the French have been most disdainful of my attempts at their language, and I wish to be better."

Just so he can enjoy running there for lunch better when he's in Europe. Which would be useful in his opinion. And no doubt someone like Natasha would speak it well. Maybe she could even help with his accent. Just like he was trying to help her relax by wrapping his arms fully around her.

"Maldives I think. I do not think either is very 'close to home' for me."

[blackhourglass]

"French, we can do that. I do love the way the language rolls off the tongue. It might take a while for you to get the hang of it, but I think that we can get you speaking it in no time. It is certainly easier to learn than English." It wasn't the hardest of the languages she's had to learn, but the rules were never hard and fast and there were always exceptions. That's why she liked languages like German, French and Spanish, they had far less exclusions and exceptions. If there was and ie, it was pretty much always pronounced the same.

Turning into him further, Natasha laid her head against his chest and allowed herself the luxury of listening to the rhythm of his heart. It was completely uncharacteristic and yet.. it was soothing. She didn't feel the weight of the world hovering over her as she laid here. She sighed against his chest and smiled.

"This is nice. I don't know when I have ever let myself do this with someone." Trust was difficult, but she trusted Pietro not to go blabbing, or to take advantage of the fact that she'd lowered her walls. She enjoyed being a little soft at times, but they were rarely times that anyone got to see.

"I was thinking that would be ideal too. They have all these wonderful huts and resorts out over the water, and private beaches. It's breathtaking. I haven't stayed there, merely flown in a few times."