[ which is why it's a great thing he doesn't have to. thank you for saving him that ego destruction, natasha. this is how he knows she's a real friend.

as they walk inside, she'll notice the same thing everyone else does - that the house looks clean but a little messy, with way too many photos on the walls than there should be. she probably wouldn't be able to tell that the photos have all been traded out with images of him and the people he's met here, but hey, that's some introspection for another time. ]

Obviously. [ he agrees with a grin in return. and then she's sitting up on the counter and he busies himself with the food and it feels...too familiar. too easy. so much so that sam has a brief second where it hits him that he shouldn't be allowed to feel like this. not when she's gone.

but that brief second passes quickly, and he's back to work again, shaking his head. ]

I had my time in Thorne and all I can say is that no one in that kitchen knew what they were doing. Plus, I'm not made for that whole 'political mindgames' vibe. I'll leave that to you to topple, thanks.