Calligraphy

“Every word you say is important,” Peter tells Natasha. “There’s no bullshit with you. Me, I’m always babbling about something or another. You know what they say, Peter Parker just can’t shut up. My facehole is awash with the English language. My mouth spews diction like—”
“Peter.”
“You see what I mean?” he asks. “I just . . . I feel like nothing I say matters.”
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It’s been seven months since the Blip.
They’re handling the aftermath about as well as can be expected. Peter’s still a high school senior, even though it's been five years since he was supposed to graduate. Clint drinks to forget that Natasha died on Vormir every time except the last. Tony isn’t taking calls from anyone, not even Peter. Thor is trying to track down Loki, who’s wreaking havoc in Amsterdam. Steve’s grappling with the realization that, as much as he doesn’t belong in the present, he doesn’t belong in the past either.
Natasha knows that words can’t do a damn thing to fix the damage of a war. But this team is the found family she never thought she’d get. Like hell if she’s going to let that fade away without a fight.
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Sequel to Hot Chocolate / Revised 1/17/21