[Something about the way Natasha spoke reminds Finn of a storyteller. It's not the first time he's thought that about her, but it may be the first time he's realized it consciously. Each word left her mouth imbued with a careful sort of meaning (or sometimes, the notable absence of meaning) that came together in the end to paint the picture of who she was.
Natasha; tough as nails but without the arrogance, good humored but not too flashy, thoughtful but never too personal. Each piece of her that Finn could see was muted by another, buttoning her up into the person she felt comfortable showing the rest of the world.
Was this person she was letting him see now still that Natasha? Finn leans on his hand, watching her keenly as she speaks. It's as if he's waiting for the answer to leap out at him at any moment.]
Well, the Nettle you are now is pretty cool. [No answers yet, but Finn is smiling anyway. Not just smiling, grinning.] But maybe the next version of you will get a better nickname.
[Natasha smiles at that comment, significantly less open. If anything, her expression closes somewhat. It's not hostility. If anything, there's a little bit of fondness in it, something almost indulgent.
But also a little sad.]
I've had a lot of nicknames. Natasha suits me just fine. Suppose I can let Nettle stick around for a while.
[She shrugs, not letting the expression stick long.]
[ The shift of expression is almost imperceptible; subtleties sanded off by the headset connection and Finn's own youth and experience. Still, he does notice something. Around the eyes, maybe? Finn feels his own expression tightening in his efforts to place it.
Was she... okay?
Finn opens his mouth to ask exactly that, clearly tentative, when a new voice makes shouts across the connection. Finn jumps as if he'd just received an electric shock. ]
Finn! [ The voice shouts; Natasha might recognize it as Felix. ] Let's hurry it up!
[ Scrambling anxiously, Finn is already gathering up his things. He casts an apologetic look to Natasha, whatever he'd been about to ask gone from his mind. ]
I'm coming! [ He frowns, guilt obvious. It's not just because he's making a quick exit, either. ] Ugh, sorry Nettle. I gotta go. See you tomorrow?
sob when you see the typos when you reread. oh well!
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Natasha; tough as nails but without the arrogance, good humored but not too flashy, thoughtful but never too personal. Each piece of her that Finn could see was muted by another, buttoning her up into the person she felt comfortable showing the rest of the world.
Was this person she was letting him see now still that Natasha? Finn leans on his hand, watching her keenly as she speaks. It's as if he's waiting for the answer to leap out at him at any moment.]
Well, the Nettle you are now is pretty cool. [No answers yet, but Finn is smiling anyway. Not just smiling, grinning.] But maybe the next version of you will get a better nickname.
no subject
But also a little sad.]
I've had a lot of nicknames. Natasha suits me just fine. Suppose I can let Nettle stick around for a while.
[She shrugs, not letting the expression stick long.]
You'll have to tell me if I earn a new one.
no subject
Was she... okay?
Finn opens his mouth to ask exactly that, clearly tentative, when a new voice makes shouts across the connection. Finn jumps as if he'd just received an electric shock. ]
Finn! [ The voice shouts; Natasha might recognize it as Felix. ] Let's hurry it up!
[ Scrambling anxiously, Finn is already gathering up his things. He casts an apologetic look to Natasha, whatever he'd been about to ask gone from his mind. ]
I'm coming! [ He frowns, guilt obvious. It's not just because he's making a quick exit, either. ] Ugh, sorry Nettle. I gotta go. See you tomorrow?
sob when you see the typos when you reread. oh well!
[She ought to get some dinner and settle in for the night. They're going to be working again tomorrow.]
Take care of yourself. I expect to see you in one piece at the end of this.
THE CURSE
Right back atcha, Nettle.