IC Voicemail, Driftfleet:

[tothefly]

[There is no recording, just a few clicks and a beep.]

[Leave any IC voice messages or texts for Natasha here.]

Comments

[tothefly]

Only when we try to be.

You want me to get mad at you, I can. But what's the point, really? You aren't the one who set all of this up.

[He's seen her when her patience runs out. It doesn't happen frequently. A few months back, in her office on the Windrose, it had. But since then...well, she should have expected those memories to stir more than a few things up. This isn't patience, it's practicality.]

[redactions]

[ He shakes his head, expression wry. ]

Sometimes I wish you'd just yell.

[ Sighing, ]

Still want pie? Different reason now, promise.

[tothefly]

Yeah, well. Sometimes I wish you'd just tell me what's bothering you, but I think we both know better.

[An echo of that wryness in her voice. It isn't easy for either one of them, but god knows they're trying.]

I won't say no to a decent apple pie, even if it's a bribe. Won't even ask what it is you're selling. Promise.

[Course, she might wonder a little.]

[redactions]

[ He smiles at her, at the joke too, a little shy, and holds it out. ]

Friends?

[tothefly]

[Think you're in the wrong business for that, she thinks, suddenly reminded of Steve. An almost involuntary smile curls her lips, a quiet huff of laughter as she reaches for the bag, fingers brushing his.]

I'm not really good at that. But I guess I can give it a shot.

[redactions]

[ The smile warms. ]

Neither do I. Only ever had one.