（ ＶＩＤＥＯ ｜ ＡＣＴＩＯＮ ）

[uprightness]

Who: steve rogers + you.
Broadcast: yep
Action: on the starstruck if you're so inclined
When: current

[ there's no need to address the last few weeks. others have done it, offering drinks and comforting words or just a down to business attitude. steve would have normally gone for the latter but today is an exception.

there are boxes scattered around the starstruck's cargo bay and it seems he is slowly unwrapping them all and unpacking a collection of decorations. they're not strictly christmas decorations but one must make do with what one is given.

and speaking of which - ]

I know the last few weeks have been difficult but I also know we're approaching the holidays. Those can be a little rough around here.

[ but look at him gesturing to those boxes ]

I thought we might start making it a little easier. I got these at the Kayanni system a couple of months ago. If you want to take a box for your ship, you're more than welcome to.

[ lord knows they have too much tinsel. ]

and if there's anything else you need help with - you know where I live.

[ oh look, it's a smile. apparently those do happen, still. ]

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

Always prepared?

[Because he's a little bit of a boy scout, even if he's not a boy scout.]

So tell me what you had in mind for a tree. Fake tree.

[uprightness]

Funny as always.

[ har har. ]

Think about it like an artistic concept. we'll make shelves, different lengths to make it seem like a silhouette of a tree. we'll put on the lights and some decorations. it won't be the same but it'll be a start.

[outstandingbalance]

Careful, Steve. We'll make a hipster of you yet.

[She smiles, looking into her coffee.]

So what does Peggy think of the decorations?

[uprightness]

I think as long as I don't overdo it, she might let me get away with it this time.

[ she let him get away with it last time, too but the decorations back then were handmade and simple. they didn't include tinsel and snowflakes. he needs to make sure it all doesn't get gaudy as peggy would say. ]

it's our second Christmas together, I think that's what I'm celebrating, really.

[ he smiles a bit. ]

speaking of which, I need a favor.

[outstandingbalance]

That's a good thing to celebrate. Isn't that really what most people are celebrating around the holidays, anyway? The people they're with for them?

[She returns the smile, but there's a mix of suspicion and curiosity behind the warm expression when she says:]

Why? What do you need?

[uprightness]

Last year I managed to get it away from her but I don't think I'll have the same luck twice.

[ he reaches into one of the boxes, one that's marked TINSEL and produces a small wooden box wrapped in deep crimson paper and hands it to her. ]

I need you to take this with you and hide this until Christmas.

[outstandingbalance]

[She takes the box, tapping the side lightly with one finger.]

You trust me not to look inside?

[As though Natasha would be dissuaded from looking by a little wrapping paper.]

[uprightness]

Are you really that curious?

[ he shakes his head. ]

Careful with it, though. It's fragile. If you drop it, I'll end up having to think of another Christmas gift.

[ well, okay then. ]

I got her four tea cups last year. She liked them. It took me a year to try and complete the set but I found an old tea pot and some coasters and I painted them so now they match.

[outstandingbalance]

Have you ever known me to drop something?

[She doesn't shake it. Does that settle your nerves, Steve?]

It's a thoughtful gift. I'm sure she'll like it.

[uprightness]

[ good god but it does. ]

I keep thinking of practical things. she wouldn't want anything she can't put to use. it's why I never really bring her flowers.

[ in many ways, nothing traditional. ]

[outstandingbalance]

Some girls just aren't the type for flowers.

[Natasha isn't one of those girls either, usually. She might occasionally make exceptions, but on a case by case basis.]

It's too easy. And who wants to watch them die?

[uprightness]

What if you dry them. Spray them with perfume, keep them in your locker?

[ the number of practical diy ideas this man has. ]

you know what, I might just do it, anyway. it's not a bad idea.

[outstandingbalance]

That depends. Is this for me or Peggy?

[Lightly, very clearly teasing. She doesn't have illusions about who this is for.]

I think at that point, it gets to be a keepsake.

[uprightness]

What if it's for both of you?

[ he nudges her shoulder with his. ]

I already have a gift for you but it might be a nice addition, in case you wouldn't like what I've picked.

[outstandingbalance]

You don't have to get me anything. I don't need anything.

[She already managed to sleep through her birthday. Why not try to make it two for two.]

[uprightness]

Well, I already got it months ago so I'm sorry I have to tell you, Romanoff.

[ or actually, he's not sorry at all. ]

But you really don't have a choice.

[outstandingbalance]

You are still a terrible liar.

[She smiles a little anyway.]

Now I'll have to find something for you too. You really want to put me through that?