N O M A D

“It’s definitely an answer. I’ve clung tho it for years now. Sometimes it’s the best we can do.”

“You ever think about getting away from all this?” Rikki suddenly suggested, words tumbling from her mouth before she had a chance to decide not to say them.

“Adopting a cat. One more thing that gets me a bit closer to leading a somewhat normal life. Not that I expected it, but I’m rolling with it. How about you?”

“Seriously? A cat? I would’ve pegged you for a dog guy, but guess you learn something new every day,” Rikki’s light teasing disguised her genuine joy at hearing about something good happening in Bucky’s life. But that joy was quickly squashed as he turned the question around on her.

“Who, me? Oh, uh-- not much. Just-- you know, chilllin’.”

“I’ve never been a huge talker. And most people don’t want to listen to me right now– and I don’t blame them.”

“I know we don’t really know each other, but if there’s anything I can do to help--”

“I do my best to be optimistic. My sarcasm and life experience do their best to squash that all down. So.. it’s nice when I find someone else who’s willing to be the positive one, even just for a minute.”

“Glad I could help,” a slight grin tugged at the edges of the younger woman’s lips, “I’m Rikki by the way.”

“That’s a good reason to start, but it’s not always sustainable.”

“What keeps you going? If you uh, if you don’t mind me asking. Why do you do what you do?”

“Before we keep talking hypotheticals, I’m getting the vibe that you’re asking for a personal reason. Is there somewhere in the multiverse you’re trying to go?”

“Well, uh--” her brow furrowed in thought as she debated being entirely honest, “--home actually.”

“Hmm,” Felicia pursed her lips. “I find it easier to just move on.”

“Heck, at the rate shit keeps going wrong it’s more likely ‘moving on’ will just mean dwelling on something new.”

“I can tell. It’s fine. Most people waste breath on things they shouldn’t. I’m Yelena.”

Rikki’s mouth snapped shut in embarrassment before nodding sheepishly, “I’m Barnes-- er- Rikki Barnes.”

“You’re a little young to sound so jaded.”

"At the risk of sounding even more jaded, a life like this ages you, I guess.”

“Yeah, just that we’re moving on to the next thing. Problem. Whatever it is. Seems a bit more straightforward.”

Rikki shook her head, disappointed and utterly drained, “God, what I wouldn’t give for a nap right now.”

“I usually love to see the bright side in messed up situations.” Nadia said, replacing fucked with messed up. She had never been big on swearing. “Thank you, Rikki. People keep saying that to me. I’m surprised.”

“Why are you surprised? You’re a good person, Nadia. People tend to want to wish you well.”

MJ had an instagram. It wasn’t her name and it didn’t have her face. A few artistic shots and some of Peter filled it, but that was it. Minimal. It definitely wasn’t a place where Michelle would post about the end of the world. “It’s an attention thing. Doesn’t make much sense.”

“Right. Exactly,” Rikki nodded, “And not to sound like my grandpa or anything, but the media isn’t exactly helping either.”

“That’s the general mood. Fresh starts and what not. It’s the spirit of Krakoa.”

“You know, I’m not so sure the old me would’ve been so forgiving. I’m not sure this me is either. But I guess I’m just trying something new too.”

“I’d show you why, but it’s kind of loud and neither of us need that right now. You can fill in the blanks.” Lana waved a hand. “Pseudo grandpa? I don’t think I want to ask.”

“He’s kinda like my grandpa. He was best friends and partners with my actual grandpa, you know, in my universe,” Rikki slowly trailed off, “But you didn’t want to hear about that...”

“Hopefully optimist? Yeah, no.”  Kate snorted. “Not my thing. I’m, surprisingly, the more levelheaded one in my makeshift family / duo. I’ve never needed to be optimistic. Life always seemed too unpredictable to hope it’s going to turn out well.”

“God, where were you a year ago? I needed you back then,” Rikki joked, playfully punching Kate in the leg with one still gloved hand.

“As your hostess, I hope your stay wasn’t too unpleasant.”

“I know you’re screwing with me, and I really don’t appreciate it. I think unpleasant was a bit of an understatement.”

“Not technically? I can open it, but someone could probably walk behind me.”

Rikki’s hopeful tone faded ever so slightly, “You haven’t tried that before, have you?”