Normally I'd argue to defend New York's honour, but... well, you're right. I still like it, though. And believe it or not, it was worse before. No Environmental Protection Agency back in my day.
[ it's still mostly banter, but now his expression's gone thoughtful as he looks at her over the edge of his drink, contemplating. she might be joking, but bucky recognises that strain to the laugh, the way it's ever so slightly forced when it's about this particular topic. edging too close to home, stepping on that raw wound. and so he asks the thing, even if he has a pretty good idea that she, like him, struggles to accept help: ]
Speaking of. I've— been meaning to ask. You up for any more backup on that front?
[ the widows aren't technically his problem, but the winter soldier conditioning is. the fact that it was still alive and well and in use was a fucking nightmare. the only thing stopping him from just muscling his way into the mission right from the start was that he and yelena didn't really know each other that well yet. ]
no subject
[ it's still mostly banter, but now his expression's gone thoughtful as he looks at her over the edge of his drink, contemplating. she might be joking, but bucky recognises that strain to the laugh, the way it's ever so slightly forced when it's about this particular topic. edging too close to home, stepping on that raw wound. and so he asks the thing, even if he has a pretty good idea that she, like him, struggles to accept help: ]
Speaking of. I've— been meaning to ask. You up for any more backup on that front?
[ the widows aren't technically his problem, but the winter soldier conditioning is. the fact that it was still alive and well and in use was a fucking nightmare. the only thing stopping him from just muscling his way into the mission right from the start was that he and yelena didn't really know each other that well yet. ]