Picking Up The Pieces

[vincent_amora]

So... that was it. He wasn't an Avenger anymore. Vincent felt very uncertain, about almost everything. He'd already spoken to Bruce, and consulted with his academic advisor about temporarily scaling back his course-load. He had an appointment with Stark at the end of the week to discuss his position there. Audhild was going to be well-educated and provided for. He'd even worked out a grocery list for the next few weeks and fully cleaned the apartment.

He'd done everything he could think of, he'd been so intent on putting this off.

He picks up the phone and dials a number that he'd resolved not to for some time.

"Hello... Roxanne."

Comments

[avengingwarbird]

"After the Kreenapping, all I had was regret and darkness," Roxie said. "I didn't think I'd ever smile or be happy again. Joe is changing that. He's bringing that light back into my life again. Things aren't so heavy when he's around and - I'm sorry, I know you really don't want to hear this," she said, cutting herself off. "I appreciate that offer Vincent, but at the same time, I don't think it's fair for you to sit around and wait for me. I don't know where life is going to go, and I'd hate for you to miss out on something amazing when you're waiting for me. I mean, you know. As long as you don't decide that something amazing is Lena."

[vincent_amora]

His jaw tightens again. "I said I wouldn't just wait around; just that if we're ever both single, I'd still be willing to give things a chance." Pain starts to give way to annoyance, just a little. He wears it like a comfortable old blanket.

However, the annoyance cuts off quickly as he's surprised by her next comment. "Lena?" He blinks. "I... I haven't seen her in months. It might make me sound like a bad friend, but she's hardly even crossed my mind... What makes you think of her? I told you, what was going on with her before we got together was just... casual. Benefits, I believe is the prevailing term."

[avengingwarbird]

"I just wanted to be clear and make sure we were on the same page," Roxie calmly replied. "I apologize if I misunderstood." She shook her head and took a sip of her drink. "Well, considering she was the last person you were with practically right before we got together..." Roxie said. "Besides, that was really meant to be more of an off-handed comment, not something serious." Although Roxie really didn't like Lena. Still. It was Vincent's life now, and he could do whatever - and whomever - he pleased.

[vincent_amora]

He's quiet for a long moment, and manages to work on his crepe a bit more. The break in the conversation's pace had cast off some of the absolutely brutal pain, for the moment. He gathers his thoughts while he finishes eating, and eventually gently pushes his plate away from him.

He opens and shuts his mouth once, then again. Finally, he just shakes his head and reaches for his wallet, leaving cash and a generous tip for the food. "No... I don't have anything else." That statement in itself rings through his head like a tower's bell. "Goodbye Roxanne. I sincerely hope he makes you happy." He gets up, bowing his head gently, and starts walking out.