don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.

[manwithaplan]

Much like Thanksgiving, Christmas was not a day that Steve particularly looked forward to back in D.C., with so little living family to call his own. There was Peggy, but the holidays were when her family visited, and he didn't want to intrude. Which is not to say that he spent Christmas completely alone -- he always found something to do with himself. For the most part, he volunteered. This year, he knows, is not the first that he has celebrated with friends since he was found in the ice. But it feels that way, the recent memory of those two years back home so strong and fresh in his mind. It makes him appreciate this year's holiday that much more.

He and Lucy have been out since morning, visiting friends and family all over the city. The novelty of going places as a couple has yet to wear off for him, and he is beginning to suspect that it never will. He's very much alright with that. He has, however, been especially anxious to return to Ocean View. Her gift, he tells Lucy, is waiting back at his place.

He had hoped to at least make it through the door before the surprise was ruined, but that was wishful thinking. He barely has the key through the lock when the barking begins. He turns back to Lucy, trying not to grin, trying to look innocent even though the jig is up. "There's someone I want you to meet," Steve says, and he pushes the door open.

Comments

[radicalize]

Though it may not be a direct, specific answer, in all fairness, neither was her question, and Lucy doesn't think it's reading too far between the lines to assume what he means. In that moment, any number of thoughts run through her head, only about half of them coherent, possible responses. It's soon, for one, the two of them only having been dating for a few months. They'd be living in the same building as her brother and her ex-boyfriend. As with most things in life, there are all sorts of reasons not to do it. She's been through far too much, though, lost far too much, to be held back by notions like that. It only leads to a lot of regrets to do so. Teeth pressing to her lower lip through a smile, she nods, looking up at him. "Yeah," she says. "Okay. Yes."